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Homoeopathic Recorder.
BI-MONTHLY.
VOLUME VII.
189a.
PUBLISHED BY
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INDEX TO VOL. VII.
A Case of Chronic Poisoning by |
Copper-Zinc, 204.
A Sensational Case, 53.
A Verification of Arnica Radix, 56.
About Wearing Earrings, 58.
Acidum Succinicum, 122.
American Institute, 115.
Antiseptic Surgery, 273.
Apocynum Can., 241.
Apocynum for bad Effects of Whis-
ky and Tobacco, 81.
Arnica Radix, 56.
Arsenicum I6d., 159.
Avena Sativa, 74.
Bacillinum, 117, 259, 260, 263.
Bacillinum, A Partial Proving of,
260.
Bacillinum : Its Curative Power on
Different Diseases, 263.
Baryta Carb. in Nocturnal Emis-
sions, 165.
Beyond the Rockies, 107.
Blatta Orientalis, 157.
Cactus Grandiflora. 23.
Canabis Indica, 134.
Cancer and Arsenic, 24.
Carbuncle, 174.
Columbian Fair, 114, 198.
Correspondenzblat der Horn., 153.
Congratulations, 112
Cuprum Ars , 133.
Curative Effects of TuberculinVim,
117.
Cyclamen, 230.
Dr. Hale on Strychnia, Sabal and
Phytolacca, 49.
Dr. Yaeger's Latest Investigations,
147.
Dr. Wesselhceft Throws Down the
Gauntlet, 254.
Earrings, 58.
Electro-Therapeutists, The National
Society of, 271.
Empire State Transactions, 103.
Epilepsy and Rano Bufo, 151.
Eye Film, 73.
Eyes (Ipecac), 63.
Ferrutn phos., 78, 218.
Gathering Figs from Thistles, 97.
Gelsemium, 231, 232.
Genus Epidermicus, 155, 198.
Gone Glimmering, 273.
Haematemesis (Ipecac), 65.
Hematuria (Ipecac), 68.
Haemorrhages of the Uterus (Ipe-
cac), 67. *
Hay Fever, A New Remedy, 122.
Helmuth's Poems (Jones), 51.
Heloderma Hor., 150.
Homoeopathic Bibliography (Dr. S.
A. Jones), 199.
Homoeopathic "News," 123, 143,
145.
Homoeopathy in Southern India, 41.
Homoeopathy Triumphant, 124.
Hydrastis, 132.
Hydrastis Can. in Impetiginous Ec-
zema, 205.
Hydrophobia, 55.
Hypericum Perfoliatum, 169.
In Memoriam, 237.
Iodine as an Antidote to Snake
Bites, 293.
Iodine in Snake Bites, 270.
In Corrx>re Sano, 1.
Iodine in Snake Bites, 194.
Ipecacuanha, 60, 125, 147.
Ipecacuanha, in Intermittent Fever,
147.
Iritis Metrica, 154.
Kali bich., 105.
Kali Mur., 77.
Kali Phos., 229.
Lachesis in Blood Poisoning, 109,
158.
Magnesia phos., 131.
Mercurins, A Mode of Administer-
ing, 220.
Mezereum, 41.
Modern Therapeutics, 206.
Mullein Oil, 133, 230.
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
A Practical Treatise on Diseases
of the Skin, 185.
A Primer of Materia Medica, 139.
A New Pronouncing Dictionary
of Medicine, 235.
Alaskana, 279.
Boenninghausen Checking List,
237, 277.
Cosmetics, 44.
Diseases of the Eye, 186.
Essentials of Bacteriology, 45.
Essentials of Diagnosis, 236.
Essentials of Med. Electricity, 93.
Essentials of Nervous Diseases
and Insanity, 88.
Essentials of Physics, 93.
First Liues in Midwifery, 93.
Genito-Urinary and Venereal Dis-
eases, 279.
Homoeopathic Bibliography, 182,
199.
Hygienic Treatment of Consump-
tion, 108.
Incurable Diseases of Beast and
Fowl, 184.
King's Eclectic Obstetrics, 238.
Materia Medica and Therapeutics,
281.
New Cure for Consumption, 89.
Obstetrics, 28 1.
Obstetrics, The Science and Art
of, 188.
Ophthalmic Diseases and Thera-
peutics, 276.
Pocket Medical Dictionary, 45.
Pocket Medical Formula, 83.
Pocket Pharmacy, 187.
Specific Diagnosis, 92.
Schiller's Works, 277.
Specific Medicine, 91.
Suggestions to Patients, 185.
The Horn. Therap. of Haemor-
rhoids, 141.
The Principles of Medicine, 278.
The Sides of the Body, 280.
With the Pousse Cafe, 51, 86.
Year Book, 94.
Pambotano, 173.
Paronychia and Nitric Acid, 69.
Passiflora, 21, 75, 124.
Phytolacca Berries, 8, 50.
Pine Pitch Ointment, 159.
Practical Hints, 203.
Pyrogenium, A Proving, 196.
Rano Bufo, 151.
Sabal Serrulata, 10.
Saw Palmetto, 10, 40, 42, 49, 79, 133,
208, 228, 238, 266.
Sepia, 207.
Sepia Cases, 26
Skookum Chuck, 50, 159.
Smallpox, The Treatment of, 209.
Snake Bites, 193, 270.
Stammerers, 231.
Statistics Mass. Hosp. for Insane,
57.
St. Louis College, 114.
Strychnia Sulphate, 1.
Strychnine, 160.
Symphytum, 82.
Syzigium, 230.
Taenia, 167.
Tarantula Cub. in carbuncle, 174.
Tattoo marks, 231.
Tellurium, 104.
The Law, 42.
Therapeutics of Strychnine, 160.
Thlaspi Bursa Past oris, 12.
Tuberculinum, 117, 260.
Tuberculinum Heathii, 259.
VETERINARY DEPARTMENT.
Anomalies in Milk, 176.
Anthrax Fever, 83.
Aphthse (Lambs), 176.
Black Tongue (Cattle), 179.
Bloody Urine (Horse), 179.
Blue milk, 85.
Books, Veterinary, 135.
.Cases from Practice, 136.
Cat, 138,
Catarrh, (Stallion), 83.
Colic (Mare), 83.
Cow, 138.
Diarrhosa (Pigs), 234.
Diarrhcea (Colt), 83.
Diarrhoea (Birds), 233.
Dog, 138.
Epizooty (Lambsl, 84.
Erysipelas (Calf), 83.
Erysipelas (Cow), 177
EssenueSulph., 86.
Eyes, Inflamation, 84, 180.
High Potencies, 181.
I. H. A., Discussion, 275.
Induration of Seminal Duct, 43.
Lame Shoulder (Horse), 43.
Lockjaw (Horse), 84.
Mama (Hogs), 179.
Milk, 83, 176.
Ox, 84.
Petechial Fever, 178.
Prolapsus (Hog), 181.
Proof of the Pudding. 86.
Retained Placenta, 43.
Roup, 134.
Sore Eyes (Horse), 44.
Spongia and Canaries, 181.
Success with Homoeopathic Reme-
dies, 232.
Tuberculosis in Cattle, 136.
Veterinary Books, 133.
Visum Album, 130.
Way down East, 17.
Who Are the Quacks? 217.
Homeopathic Recorder.
Vol. VII. Philadelphia and Lancaster, Jan., 1892. No. 1 .
"IN CORPORE SANO."
On the ninth of September last the present writer found him-
self on the wrong side of a toxic dose of Strychnia sulphate: he
was outside and it was inside ! His subsequent experience reveals
some features of the action of Strychnia that he has not found
recorded in any work accessible to him, and therefore this report
— which is made with a shuddering horror at recalling the event.
The dose was taken hurriedly just before going out to make
some afternoon visits, and after riding three blocks he was at a
patient's door. Just as he had mounted a stoop of three steps a
vertiginous waft seemed to go over him; it was as if that on
which he stood had for a moment sank under him. The door
opened and he entered readily enough. Suddenly, whilst talk-
ing to the patient, he felt a difficulty in speaking; he was con-
scious of being obliged to make an effort to articulate, and the
obstacle seemed to be a rigidity of the lower jaw. This was soon
followed by a difficulty in walking, as he found on attempting to
resume his seat. Putting all these unusual phenomena together
he said to himself, there is some mistake about that dose of
Strychnia. Ordering the patient to continue the last medicine,
he left the house; and it required quite an effort to get out of the
room without staggering. On walking to the buggy his legs felt
as if the flexor tendons were contracted; extension was incom-
plete and difficult. My companion, my son, drove rapidly to my
office, and on getting out of the vehicle, it became evident that I
could not walk without his assistance. I could flex my legs well
enough but extension was extremely difficult. He had to assist
me up the stairs, and a wearisome journey I found it.
One glance at my desk told the whole story with startling
plainness. Instead of the 4X trituration, I had taken the 2x,
and it had about fifteen minutes the start of any antidote.
Sending my son for some Tannic acid, I opened a volume on
Materia Medica to refresh my memory for the ensuing perform-
THE H0MCE0PATH1C RECORDER.
■x. Opening the book, I attempted to sit down on a stool for
: purpose of reading. Over went stool and I, my body as
id as a frozen fish, and my head striking both the window sill
i the floor in the fall. By an effort I got to a sofa near by,
d my sole desire jnst then was for a Tannic acid cocktail
aight. When that drug came, and two drachms of it had been
t into a little water, it was with difficulty that I managed to
allow it. Then I told my son what had happened, and sent
n for my friend Professor H. Before he arrived my speech
d become very much embarrassed The fault was in the
idity of the masseter muscles when I opened my mouth. By
nly closing my jaws I could speak with much less effort,
>ugh I observed that I was obliged to utter each word delib-
itely. (By this token I would recommend the drug in large
>es for politicians who are given to making precipitate prom-
s before election.)
3efore the doctor arrived I essayed to change my position on
: sofa, when, Oop! I was jerked as if a Leyden jar had been
charged in me. I felt an instantaneous pang in the sacral
;ion, and my legs were suddenly flexed for a second. I soon
rued a new aggravation from motion for Nux vomica, and my
sntion was wholly engaged in keeping myself motionless.
e doctor took his bearings, and having learned that I had
:en the Tannic acid, he whipped out a hypodermic syringe
1 prepared to give me an injection of Chloral. I have always
i that grand desideratum, "apuffickly reliabulsetuvbowils,"
Josh Billings says, and while waiting for the doctor's syringe
occurred to me, thinking of the Tannic acid I had taken,
%ai a picnic my rectum will have to-morrow morning! The
night of the rectal surprise and discomfiture started me off on
at should have been a good laugh, but Oop! a terrible pang
;he sacrum, and that cramp and contraction of the legs. The
:tor asked what was the matter, and on my telling him, the
iculous thought started another laugh, with the same results,
was not a good time for laughing, and that has always been a
d day in my life.
A'hen the needle entered my forearm the involuntary jerk of
my extremities occasioned another Oop! with a more painful
ral pang and a severer cramp of the legs.
:t was not long before I found that motion was not necessary
induce the painful clonic spasm; the mere thought of motion
■duced the explosion. The sensation at the moment of the
plosion which produced the clonic spasm was peculiar; it
med, almost, as if something had exploded in the sacral region,
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 3
which jerked up the legs and then locked me wholly in stony
rigidity. It was painful, but it was brief, and it had in it some-
thing more terrible than mere pain. It filled me with a peculiar
fear ; a fear of the body rather than the mind, if the reader can
conceive of that difference. I grew to dread these * ' explosions, * '
and to this day as I recall them the horror is fresh upon me. Of
a truth, if I could poison the Devil, I would not do it with
Strychnia — even he is not mean enough to be treated in that way.
The clonic spasms increasing in frequency and severity, and
now invading also the abdominal muscles, the doctor refilled his
syringe and injected my other arm. My muscles had a marble-
like hardness even when there was no spasm ; my pulse was
tense and hard, and I was feeling cold. A proposition to remove
me to an easier sofa in my reception room filled me with intense
dread of the unavoidable motion, and I begged them to desist ;
but it was needful that I should be moved and covered to guard
against the fall of temperature. It was nicely accomplished,
but hardly \yas I ' ' fixed ' ' than a mere flexure of one hand
brought on a terrible clonic spasm, and the rigidity was slowly
creeping up the muscles of my body; if it got high enough, and
lasted !
By this time it was very evident to me that the expenditure of
force in the clonic spasms was quietly stealing my strength —
where was the vigor of an hour before ? I felt that I must take
deeper inspirations, attempted to do so, and Oop ! That wouldn't
do; evidently I must get along with as shallow an inspiration as
possible. I did so, and soon found that air-hunger which led
Grauvogl to class Nux vomica amongst the Carbo-nitrogenoid
remedies. (Just observe the shallow respiration of the first
chronic Nux patient that you meet.) This privation of air
appeared to add to my increasing weakness ,and I felt that I was
not competent for many more severe spasms. But I was fortu-
nately nearing the time when the poison would have spent its
force; and we soon found that the clonic spasms were decreasing
in severity and that the intervals were lengthening.
It was now half past eight o'clock, and the doctor left me to
get his delayed evening meal. I was feeling exceedingly tired,
in fact, prostrated, and I sent for some brandy, and drank at
once at least four ounces. Very soon my pulse showed a marked
gain in force and fulness, and better still, every feeling of rigidity*
left me. I could breathe deeply, and I was filled with a most
delicious feeling of rest. Food was brought me and I attempted
to eat; but on opening my jaws to their utmost for a good bite,
Oop ! — not a severe spasm, but enough to postpone any farther
THE HOAKEOPATHIC RECORDER.
avor to masticate. Half an hour later I ate, had a good
ce, and reviewed the situation,
le thing was certain, I had broken the record in Strychnia
mings. Of all proceeding, it is recorded that trismus is
d to occur only at the very end of the poisonings. In my
it was first, a quasi vertigo, then the stiffening of the masseter
les. Taylor, notedly, has ruled out Strychnia as a remedy
stanus 4>ecause in it the masseters are first affected, and as
■everse is said by him to occur in a Strychnia poisoning, he
;s that fact the differentiating feature between tetanus and
chnia poisoning. His position is untenable, for in physiolo-
I experiments one positive event is not outweighed by any
ber of negative; so this corrigendum may at once be noted in
:oxicologies.
ofessor H. had gone strictly "according to Hoyle" in
inistering the hypodermic injections of Chloral, but I verily
ve that bad I to go through the experience again I would
er trust copious doses of brandy. It must be observed that
Zhloral did not seem to shorten the duration of the active
ming in my case. An antidote should not only mitigate the
rity, but also curtail the duration of the toxic action ; and
all the more certainly if it be the physiological antagonist to
joison.
areover, it was the weakness of my heart that had led me to
for the brandy. If, then, the CA/cra/was powerful enough
roduce that, it should have been potent enough to have shor-
d the duration of the poisoning — and this it had not done.
sense of utter relaxation that so quickly followed the taking
le brandy should also be borne in mind in estimating its
e as an antidote for Strychnia. In Strychnia poisoning the
t has extra labor to perform in consequence of the highly
;ased blood -pressure, and this fact will give the Chloral an
on ted energy.
the reader has not the courage to trust the brandy alone in
i a case, I would most urgently beseech him to supplement
Chloral with brandy ; he then has two efficacious agents,
the latter will guard and reinforce the overtaxed heart,
be poisoning was followed by a night of refreshing sleep — in
every fibre in my body was clamoring for rest — I did not
from the position in which I fell asleep. But I awakened
zr and sorer than Rip Van Winkle ; and my forearms were
■ned with a pair of Chloral bracelets that gave me much
:ring. They were swollen, hot and threatened to end in
esses. More than this, my abdominal muscles were so lame
THE HOMCEOPA TH1C RECORDER. 5
and sore that a vigorous sneeze would seemingly have blown me
to pieces. Have you ever given Nux vomica in a case of cough
where the patient said it hurt his belly so to cough ? If not,
you cannot begin that salutary practice any too soon.
The rectal picnic, the thought of which had occasioned such
unseasonable merriment, did not occur. In fact, the mixing of
Strychnia with Tannic acid was good " scientific* ' practice, for
the acid was an antidote to the Strychnia, and the Strychnia was
a corrigens for the Tannic acid; why did I not think of this
before, instead of behind as I did ?
It was a full week before I got around again. The soreness of
the muscles gradually subsided, and I regained strength, and
again put on the cart collar of practice.
One friend in this life has never failed me — tobacco. Death
has plunged me into the depths, and every book has lost its
power to charm ; and then the solitary pipe has calmed, and
brought patience and resignation. But after this poisoning I
noticed an unwonted sensitiveness of the heart to its depressing
effect. After a few puffs I became conscious of having a heart 4
I seemed to feel it rising and falling in my chest, and with this a
vague, very vague, sense of impending dissolution — as if some
dumb nervous system said, The heart zvill stop. Soon after these
cardiac symptoms supervened I observed now and then a peculiar
uncertainly in my locomotion, as if I were reeling. I have
tested myself on the street by standing with my feet close to-
gether and my eyes shut to see if I would fall; and in my office
I tested my reflexes; but always with pleasingly negative results.
Still I had to curtail my smoking, and was generally suspecting
some impending danger that I could not define. They were
miserable days.
On the evening of the twenty-first day after the poisoning, I
had undressed and lain down, when I began to feel very strange.
I was filled with apprehensiveness ; something terrible was about
to happen ; my heart would stop. I examined my pulse ; it was
going as quietly as a child's. Oh, what was that ! I sprang up
in a curious fright — that old fright, or fear, of the body, not the
mind. Again and again, at irregular intervals, that indescribable
sensation occurred, and that strange fear deepened into an awful
anxiety. It seemed as if waves of tremor began at the periphery
of the nervous system in radii, and these waves converged towards
the heart, increasing in intensity as they grew near the heart,
and when they all met, which they did rapidly, it was with a
shock like an explosion ; and with this culmination a most terri-
ble feeling that death was imminent. For a time I dared not lie
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6 r^ff HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER,
down as these frightful sensations were worse and more frequent
in that position. At length, by a supreme effort of the will, I
laid down and slept.
The next morning my usual matutinal stool was followed in
two hours by a profuse and most peculiar diarrhoea. It was a
mushy evacuation, and of a color that I cannot describe. There
was only one movement, but it emptied me.
For several nights the strange converging tremors continued
to annoy and alarm me, but they were by no means so severe as
on their first occurrence ; and on one occasion they were followed
by a diarrhoea which was not so profuse nor of the peculiar color
of the first attack. Gradually the tremors faded away, and with
their disappearance I have acquired my usual tolerance of tobacco,
and am to-day in my usual health.
For a few days before the first diarrhceic movement my stomach
had been extremely acid ; unusually so, and I who say it am a
gouty man and acquainted with such conditions sufficiently to
measure their intensity. I am led to couple this hyper-acidity
with those curious converging tremors. Had an insoluble tannate
of Strychnia been dissolved by the Hydochloric acid> and were
those tremors with their quasi- explosion-feature Strychnia effects?
Was that strange diarrhoea a Strychnia catharsis, sweeping out
some of the liberated poison ? Had the Tannate of Strychnia been
locked up in the liver, to be set free by the acid discharged from
the stomach into the intestines, and thence continued to the liver
by the biliary circulation ? That an elimination was going on
is apparent from the fact that with each diarrhceic discharge
the tremor sensations decreased, and that with the final complete
elimination of something in me they completely disappeared.
I believe that these final phenomena of my Strychnia poison-
ing took place in the ganglionic nervous system, and there I
locate that fear of the body, not the mind.
When those terrible tremor sensations were at their worst, I
think my condition was akin to that of a man with the
"horrors," and for a similar condition, from alcoholic abuse, I
should look to Nux vomica with well-grounded confidence.
Remembering my unwonted sensitiveness to tobacco, I shall bear
in mind Nux vomica for the pernicious effects of that herb upon
the heart.
But I am the most deeply impressed by the "explosive"
character of the subjective symptoms of this poisoning. This
peculiar symptomatic feature is one for which we have by no
means too many remedies, and yet it is a symptom that is becom-
ing more and more frequent as a component of nervous diseases.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 7
Let the locality of the explosion, or "shock," be where it may,
the rationale of its causation is doubtless the same in all, and
this will give a singular value to the drugs occasioning it.
Its salient features as a symptom are its rapid culmination,
the " explosion, " the singular alarm, the growing unrest, and
then another " explosion,* ' and so on. While the " explosion "
is not rhythmical in its return it is still wavelike in its recession
and its recurrence.
If this description is vague, it is because of the cfifficulty of
describing the sensation; and though vividly remembering it, I
cannot depict it in words more plainly than I have endeavored
to do. If the horror attending it could be depicted it would
find its counterpart in the severest forms of hypochondriasis.
I find that I have written, " It seemed as if waves of tremor
began at the pepriphery of the nervous system in radii.' ' I must
qualify this assertion: I did not feel these " waves of tremor ' } in
the arms or legs; they were confined solely to the trunk. Per-
haps, too, it would be nearer correct to say that their point of
convergence was the solar plexus. The sort of "shock" that
attended their culmination brought with it the fear that the
heart would stop, and this made it feel as if the total phenomena
focussed in the heart. However, that this r61e was enacted in
the sphere of the ganglionic nervous system, is, I think indubit-
able, for I found no symptoms that I could refer to the cerebro-
spinal system. It would appear, then, that one law governs all
nerve cells. In the spinal cord, Strychnia overcharges the
multipolar cells with force and they discharge themselves at
irregular intervals, giving the tetanic spasm in the muscles; in
the ganglionic cells the same overcharging occurs, and the dis-
charges at irregular intervals. This feature, the irregular yet
quasi-rhythmic occurrence of the phenomena, is the point that
the therapeutist should bear in mind as the " keynote."
I have forgotten to mention that at the period when I became
conscious of the cardiac disturbance from smoking tobacco, the
heart itself felt sore. I say the heart itself because the soreness
was felt in the territory occupied by the heart. It was not an
ache; it was a soreness. If it had set in immediately after the
first active poisoning, it might be ascribed to the over- work of
the heart occasioned by the increased arterial blood -pressure.
Occurring when it did, I cannot attempt to explain it; I shall
remember it for use when I meet its counterpart in disease.
I make this statement some eleven weeks after the initial
poisoning, and purely from memory. I am aware that the lapse
of time since the events took place deteriorates the quality of the
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER.
idence ; but the occurrence left such a horror in my mind that
xtuld not sooner bring myself to reenact the drama, even in
;mory. Still, not a day has passed that I have not thought of
e various features of the experience — and I cannot yet look at
e Stool on which I had my first Strychnia spasm without a
udder. All is indelibly impressed on my memory, and so
ridly, that the only effort of which I am conscious in making
s record is that I have striven to avoid the superlative in
itement.
As I said in the beginning of this paper, my experience reveals
me features not found recorded in any work accessible to me.
careful examination of the numerous cases of Strychnia poison-
% compiled in Allen's Encyclopaedia gives no evidence of the
culiar action of Strychnia upon what I must persist in calling
e ganglionic system ; and it is with a pause that I stand sur-
tmded by such a cloud of witnesses — alone. I am sustained,
vertheless, by the vivid consciousness of what I endured, and
lich I have under- rather than overstated. I can wait for that
rroboration which time never fails to bring the truth.
As near ds can be estimated, I took at least five-eighths of a
am of well-triturated crude Strychnia sulphate, and followed
is in about fifteen minutes with two drachms of Tannic acid in
lution. If I am correct in ascribing the secondary phenomena
in which my case is unique — to the subsequent chemolysis of
e Strychnia tannale, that may explain why my experience
mds alone.
I wonder if the fear of death is constitutional ; and I trust that
lave the right to ask the question. In my little life I have
:ed death by shipwreck, in battle, and from poison, and, with
unclouded intellect in each instance, I had no thought of
ir. I mention it humbly, not vaultingly ; and of all the
srcies vouchsafed me I hold this chief: It is emancipation from
:raven fear that impugns the Infinite Wisdom which orders all
ings well.
S. A. J.
November 30, 1891.
PHYTOLACCA BERRIES.
[ have used this as an anti-fat remedy for several years, and
ow that it is good, having proved it upon myself. My
mdfather was a great ale and beer drinker, and of course had
'ery large corporation — big belly. He used to tell me that
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 9
grandfather would never be dead as long as I was alive, mean-
ing that I would grow like him. This used to scare me as a
j child, but judge of my annoyance, as I grew to manhood, and
found the prediction becoming true, and in late years I was very
much troubled about it. In studying Phytolacca, I saw the
i statement about birds, and began trying it, and always with
much benefit. My own corporation is entirely gone. I can
stand up straight and look down my body and see everything.
I used one drop of tincture made from berries picked from a tree
in my garden. Equal berries to their weight of Alcohol. The
berry juice with only enough Alcohol to prevent their fermen-
tation is the best; then one drop doses night and morning are
enough. While I was taking these drops I felt as light and
springing as a bouncing ball. Could run and jump with any
boy. I am now fifty-eight years old, and took my Saturday
half holidays in the cricket field, playing that manly and
scientific game.
I have used it on others, and ajl with benefit. Some very fat
women have been made comfortable. I have used it, medicat-
ing No. 35 pellets with this tincture which dyes them pink, and
all have spoken highly of the Pink pill. By actual measurement
their fat (adipose) has been reduced by inches. It was easier to
keep track by measure than by weight. In a few cases they
have said they gained in weight, while they grew less in bulk,
but all confessed to the elasticity they felt.
Stiffness of the shoulders, difficulty in getting coats on and off
and difficulty to get hands up to head — it has done some splendid
cures.
I have one case in hand now of a chronic paralytic- rheumatism
of the thighs I am trying it upon; it has done great good already,
and I have a hope it will cure with the hot iron rubbed over the
I stiff cords daily.
Another use I am making of the Phytolacca root it may be
worth while to mention. In mastitis and cervicitis I am using
an ointment. I boil ^the Phytolacca root in petrolina, (this is
stronger and stiffer than any form of vaselin I can get) equal
quantities, and let it gradually simmer for six hours then strain.
It reduces the hardness, suppresses the inflammation, and cures
in a short time, and prevents suppuration.
I write this to answer your question in Recorder, November
15, 1 89 1, "Is there any Virtue in Phytolacca Berries ? " I answer
in the above.
Robert Boocock, M. D.
Flatbush, L. /., N. Y.
THE HOM(EOPATHIC RECORDER.
\. PARTIAL PROVING OF SABUL SERRULATA —
SAW PALMETTO BERRIES.
I began taking ten drops of the tincture three times daily,
mtil after six days was compelled to reduce the quantity to five
hops, for six days more ; then two drops night and morning,
or six days ; then ten drops for three days. I have not seen
hat the change of quantity has made any difference in my feei-
ng. If anything the drawing upwards of testicles has not
een so difficult to bear.
I took ten drops on my tongue from the neck of a vial, count-
ug that that touched my tongue on drop; or, I would place my
nger on the vial mouth and then it on my tongue, counting that
/hich wet my finger one drop. The sensation to my tongue
pas of something hot or burning, and leaving a feeling as if
calded for a half hour afterwards; this made my tongue very
ore.
The next concious sensation was as if something was tighten-
ng my brain, not a pain but a dull feeling as of presure or com-
■ression, which would last two or three hours and then gradually
.isappear. During its existence I had no desire to work, and did
.ot like to be disturbed; and yet, when compelled to move or at-
end to business, it did not in any way incapacitate me. I was
ble to do all and think as usual.
But I noticed a feeling of fulness in my nostrils and ears,
mounting to severe pressure, and leading me to pick my nose
-ften, but could get nothing but dry crumbs ; my ears the same
—nothing but very dry wax which would crumble into dust.
['here were very frequent, sharp stick-like pains inward from my
ars, so much so as to give me. some little alarm ; it was soon
■ver, but acute while it lasted. Some loss of hearing ; the voices
f people seem a long way off, and have some little difficulty of
atching all that is said. As I cannot afford to lose my hearing,
am afraid to go on.
Then, without any change in my diet, I have had these last
ive days an acute gastritis ; the intense heat and burning has
>een fearful. If I had swallowed Sulphuric acid it could not
Lave been more intense. So bad was it that I had to stop the
ating of meat, vegetables and pudding, and confine myself to
iread and milk, aDd take a few doses of Robiniajd, which has
aade me better.
I noticed some return of haemorrhoids, with dryness of stool, and
iressure from within outwards. Stools dark, almost black, but
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 1 1
as I have been a pile subject for many years, I do not place much
reliance on these symptoms, only the dark color of the discharge.
The urine is more in quantity. My specific gravity was ioio
before beginning Sabul ; it has increased in quantity from 2 or
3 ounces at each passage to 3 or 5 ounces, but do not have to
urinate so often, and can now hold my water for 6 or 7 hours,
when there is any need to do so, without any bad feeling follow-
ing, whereas, before I had to pass it every 2 to 3 hours at the
longest; and the specific gravity has gone up gradually to 1025.
It is clear when passed, but soon becomes clouded, and forms a
thick lime-like deposit. When Nitric acid is added it dissolves
this white substance, and causes little red crystals, which I
take to be uric acid, but on boiling there is no change, and the
red uric acid crystals are not dissolved, but they are not seen
before Nitric acid is added to the urine. The urine has an acid
reaction, as tested by litmus paper.
It does reduce the size of . the prostate glands, and causes very
strong and firm erection of the penis, which, when gratified, the
spermatic fluid feels thick and flows slowly, but produces a hot
feeling along the cord; the hardness of penis continues to the
end, and does not falter or faint before his work is done. The
feeling of desire for an embrace does not come with all the erec-
tions, and is not an irresistible feeling, for there are many erec-
tions which may awake you from sleep; but a feeling of weakness,
or a too tired feeling will prevail, and no pain or flow will follow.
The testicles will be tightl}'' drawn up, and this, tight drawing-
upward feeling is one of the most prominent and constant, feel-
ings, amounting to pain. This feeling is the most like the feeling
of an over- distended bladder, and, like that, it produces a spas-
modic contraction at the neck of the bladder, so that at any
attempt to pass water it comes slowly and you have to strain in
order to empty the bladder. I am sure if this medicine were
taken in larger doses it would produce strangury, and possibly
cystitis. I think it reduces the size of testicles, but am not sure,
as I had no need to watch them before.
I have not tried it upon any females, as yet. I want to find
one, if possible, with congested or neuralgic ovaries and small
mammary glands. I have had one such case, but not since I
have had my mind to this valuable addition. I think it will fill
a link between Cantharisis and Can. sat. Such as it is I send it.
Robert Boocock, M. D.
Flatbush, L. I. f N. X, Dec. ^, 'pi.
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1 2 r^re HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
THLAPSI BURSA PASTORIS.
Bursa Pastoris — Shepherd's Purse.
Some time since, the publication, in the Recorder, of a paper
upon this little- used drug, from the pen of Dr. Dudgeon led me
to look up its empirical history. I found it of sufficient interest
to merit publication, and I purposed the writing of a paper,
which I c6uld have emphasized by reporting a case of chronic
hsematuria that was speedily and permanently cured by this
agent alone. Instead, I quietly pocketed my fee — I got only one
bite at the patient, as it was a consultation case — and let my
purpose slumber in the Limbo of things-proposed- to-be-done.
To-night I have been reading Dr. Burnett's little treatise on
Diseases of the Liver, and his book has brought my forgotten
purpose freshly to mind. He says, on page 165, " As I have had
a good deal of clinical experience of (sic) Bursa pastoris \ tending
to show that it is a remedy specifically affecting the womb as
Chelidonium does the liver, I determined to test tor the appropri-
atum uteri, as I conceive Paracelsus or Rademacher might have
done. ' ' The subsequent report of this case — which you had better
read for yourself — seems to satisfy the Doctor that he is correct
in his view. I hope it is not invidious to say that I find nothing
in the empirical history of Bursa pastoris to reconcile me to his
logic. However, the said empirical history shall now be forth-
coming to speak for itself.
According to L,ittre, the Thlaspi of Pliny is the Thlaspi bursa
pastoris of L,innaeus, and the great compiler of Natural History
says: "The seed carries off bile and pituitous secretions, by
vomit and by alvine evacuation. It is used also for sciatica, in
the form of an injection; this treatment being persevered in until
it has induced a discharge of blood. It acts also as an emmena-
gogue, but it is fatal to the foetus."
Here, indeed, is a hint of its action upon the uterus ; but it
was previously shown that injections per annum induce a dis-
charge of blood, so that all that is established is its haemor-
rhage-producing quality.
We will now follow the history of the drug from the Sixteenth
century to the present. And as not every reader of the Re-
corder has seen a Sixteenth century Materia Medica, the pub-
lishers must allow us to present a brief chapter from one as a
specimen.
How leisurely those old fellows did everything, even to the
writing of a title-page, as this will witness :
THE HOMCEOPATHIt RECORDER. 13
11 A NIEVVE HERBALL, or Historie of Plantes : wherein is
contayned the whole discourse and perfect description of all
sortes of Herbes and Plantes : their diuers & sundry kindes :
their straunge Figures, Fashions, and Shapes : their Names,
Natures, Operations, and Uertues : and that not onely of those
whiche are growyng in this our Countrie of Englande* but of all
others also of forrayne Realmes, commonly used in Physicke.
First set foorth in the Doutche or Almaigne tongue, by that
learned D. Rembert Dodoens, Physition to the Emperour : And
now first thanslated out of French into English, by Henry Lyte
Esquyer.
At London by me Gerard Dewes, dwelling in Pawles Church-
yarde at the signe of the Swanne. 1578/ '
Would that the reader could look over my shoulder at the
illustrated folio title-page and see its glories. Apollo, ^Escula-
pius, Gentius, Arthemesia, Mithridates, and Lysimachus, adorn
the top corners, and the margins. At the bottom is the Garden ,
of the Hesperides, and Hercules, club in hand, " knocking the
stuffin' " out of a dragon in order to get in : the inducement,
apparently, being three women inside, who, judging by appear-
ances, forgot to dress on that special occasion. But Mithridates
has his eye on the whole performance, and from his perch at one
corner can easily brain Hercules with his sceptre at the first sign
of misbehavior.
In an out-of-the-way nook is the monogram S A, and below
on separate corners are the letters P B; evidently the designer
and the engraver snatching at such immortality as a printed
page could insure — and three hundred years after they are dust
their sign remains ! Where are they ? Not in English soil, for
the printers colophon says: " Imprinted at Antwerpe, by me
Henry IyOe Booke-printer, and are to be solde at London in
Povvels Churchyarde, by Gerard Dewes." O thou that wast
Henry Loe, if thy sleep is as sweet as thy work is honest, of a
surety thou art blessed !
The " Physition to the Emperour " treats a remedy thus :
OFSHEPHERDSPURSE.
Chap. IV.
The Description.
Bursa Pastoris hath round, tough, and pliable braunches, of a
foote long : with long leaues, depely cut or iagged, like ye
leaues of Seneuy, but much smaller. The lloures are white &
grow alongst by the stalkes, in place whereof whan they are gone
there riseth small flatte Coddes, or triangled pouches, wherein
14 THE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER.
the seede is conteyned, whiche is small and blacke. The roote
is long, white, and single.
The Place.
Sheepeherds pouche groweth in streates and wayes, & in
rough, stonie, and untitled places.
The Time.
It floureth most commonly in June and July,
The Names.
This herbe hath neither Greeke nor Latine name giuen to him
of the Ancient writers, but the later writers, haue called it in
Latine Pastoria bursa, Pera & Bursa pastoris: in English Shep-
herds purse, Scrippe, or Pouche: and of some Casseweede: in
French Labouret, or Bourse de bergers; in high Douch Deschet-
kraui, and Hirten sechel: in base Almaigne Teskens or Borsekens
cruyt.
The Nature.
It is hoate and dry in the third degree.
The Vertues.
The decoction of Shepherdes purse dronken, stoppeth the
laske, the bloudy flixe, the spitting and p****** of bloud,
womens termes, and all other fluxe of bloud, howsoeuer it be
taken: for whiche it is so excellent, that some write of it, saying,
that it will stanche bloud if it be but only holden in the hand,
or carried about the body."
According to Pliny " it carries off bile and pituitous secretions
by alvine evacuations," and by Dodoens' day it has been found
good to stop the laske [diarrhoea]: an example of empirical
Homoeopathy, by the way. We also learned from Pliny that
njecttons of it per anum induce a flow of blood, and here we
have Dodoens declaring that it will stop "the bloudy flixe:"
Homoeopathy again. While Pliny declares it an emmenagogue,
Dodoens asserts its power to stop "womens termes" — that is
when they are immoderate: one gives its physiological action
and the other its therapautical effect, and Homoeopathy is uncon-
sciously demonstrated. Dodoens' testimony emphasizes its anti-
haemorrhagic qualities.
An industrious compiler of the next century, who writes
purely as a therapeutist, greatly enlarges the sphere of this
remedy. William L,angham, "Practitioner in Physicke," pub-
lished his first edition in 1579, and the second in 1633, and he
enables us to see what a rapid enlargement of use the drug had
in fifty-four years. He studied brevity, and gleaned from every
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 15
avilable source, and his article gives some peculiar glimpses of
medical practice two hundred and fifty years ago.
Bursa pastoris.
1. Bloud to staunch, hold the hands full of it; nose-bleeding,
foinde it about thy neck and hold thereof in thy hand, and also
vse it in thy meats, and . apply vinegar and water to the secret
parts. 2. Spitting bloud, seethe it with Planten, and Knot-
grasse in raine water, and streine it and drink thereof with
Sugar, at morne, noone, and euen. 3. Bloud to stop, apply the
juice with powder of Antimonium, or dip an Elderne pith in the
juice, and cast on powder of Sinnach, and put it in. 4. Chafing
in the flanks, wash or bath with the decoction thereof, or of
Planten, or Horsetaile, or Knotgrasse. [Plenty of choice.]
5. Feuer hot, stamp one handfull with as much Smallach, and
as much Frankincense as a wall nut, and as much Bay salt-, and
apply it to the wrists two houres before the fit. 6. Nose bleed-
ing, apply the juice with Bol armoniake to the temples with the
white of an egge. 7. Or mix pouder of Bursa pastoris with the
juice thereof, powder of Camphire, and Nettleseeds, and make
little tents thereof, and put them in, or put in powder of the
flower, rynd, and kernels of a Pomegranate with the juice of
Bursa pastoris. 8. Teeth ach, stamp a good handfull and apply
it to the soles of thy feet. 9. For one that is new bursten, seethe
Bursa pastoris, Mugwort, Ribwort, Polypody ana, one handfull
in a pottle of strong Ale to a quart, then streine it, and drink
three spoonfulls fasting warme daily. 10. Bloud to stop, hold
thy hands full of it, and looke to the sunne, and be not straight
girded. 11. Flowers to stop, put in a pessarie of the juice, and
goats doung. .12. Urine fluxe, use it in thy meats. 13. Bloudy
fluxe, drinke the juice, or bake cakes of wheat flowre with the
juice of it and of Yerrow and Planten ana like much in the
embers, and eat them hote, and drinke the juice of them with
Red wine warme three dayes: pioued. 14. Teeth ach grind it
with Sage and Mints ana like much, and put it in a linen bag,
and hold it to thy teeth, and shut thy mouth while one may say
three Pater nosters, then open thy mouth, and let out the glutt
and do so as often as need is. 15. Bloudy flux, drinke it with
Red wine, or milke, or drinke the juice with twise so much Red
wine when thou goest to bed, to heale the flix speedily. 16.
The decoction thereof drunk, stoppeth the laska, the bloudy
flixe, spitting bloud, p****** bloud, the flowers, and all other
issues of bloud, most excellently well howsoeuer it be taken,
but especially with Red wine or Planten water. 17. Stampe it
with vinegar and fresh Swines grease, to quench all heat of the
1
1 6 7 HE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER.
body, as shingles, &c. 18. The juice alone doth heale a new
wound, and stoppeth blond. 19. Nothing is better to stop the
flowers, than to make a fomentation or moyst bath thereof, and
to sit ouer it close, aud to drinke of the same clarified in Red wine.
[This advice will be "clarified" by a little reflection.] 20.
Seethe the dried herbe in Red wine, or raine water wherein hot
Steele hath beene often quenched, and drink it to all kindes of
fluxes both white and red, the termes and all other gnawings of
the bowels. 21. Nose bleeding, put in the juice with a tent,
and the like into wounds warme. 22. Eares running, put in the
juice. 23. Use it in plasters for the sores of the head. 24.
Drink the juice for straightnesse of breath, the strangury, to
stop reume, and prouoke vrine. 25. Drink it with wine against
venemous bitings. 26. Seeth it in wine and hony to cure
wounds. 27. It helpeth ach of the eares. 28. It preuenteth
the fitts of the Feuers being one houre before the fitt. 29. It
cureth creeping and running sores, fistulaes, spitting of bloud
and matter, the holy fire, swellings and hardnesse, shingles,
heat of the stomake, new wounds, hot apostumes, and reumatike
sores, and ulcers of the eares, and all kindes of fluxes."
William Langnam had exhausted the literature of his day as
thoroughly as he has his modern reader, and yet the chief
features of its action remain as outlined by Dodoens. The anti-
hasmorrhagic influence is still the most prominent; and, as might
be expected, an anti -inflammatory action is noted. The stran-
gury, and the ' ' urine flux ' ' are new features, and are the earliest
hints of its renal relationship — a sphere which is greatly enlarged
by Dr. Dudgeon's observations.
Succeeding writers have not been able to add to Langham's
gatherings ; indeed, Salmon, who is virtually the last of the
herbalists, retrenches Langham's voluminous list. The only
new application that is to be found is reported by Tournefort
from Tabernaemontanus. "One ounce of the juice of the fresh
plant, or two ounces' of the decoction of the dried herb, will cure
a p***#* f blood, or a gonorrhoea. Cures hematuria and
gonorrhoea without fail."
That it is peculiarly appropriate to the uterus does not appear
from the evidence of the old writers, and one of these, William
Coles, ascribes it particularly to the nose because, he says, most
of the hEemorrhages are from that organ.
In modern times Dr. Dudgeon's paper is by all means the most
significant, and beside its use as an anti- has morr hag ic he calls
attention to its efficacy in conditions wherein there is a deposit of
uric acid in the urine.
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 17
«
In an old man with vesical haemorrhage, very profuse, the
tincture of Bursa pastoris rendered the urine perfectly clear in a
few days ; but on ceasing to use it on account of the resulting
constipation, the trouble returned. In this case the Professor of
Surgery (old school) of the University of Michigan, had diagnos-
ticated a fungous growth in the bladder, which he proposed to
remove by an operation. The case came from him to me because
some of the patient's friends wanted him to try what Homoeopathy
could do. Both he and I found out what it could not do, and
yet the result was instructive.
The case of chronic haematuria was that of a middle-aged man,*
and in it the effect of the tincture, long continued, was all that
could be desired.
In the third volume of the British Journal of Homoeopathy ', p.
63, the reader will find the following note, which is here repub-
lished because that magazine is not accessible to all the readers
•of the Recorder :
"Dr. Lange has observed the greatest benefit to follow the
•administration of the decoction of the whole of this plant ( Thlaspi
Jnirsa pastoris) in cases of passive haemorrhage generally, and
especially in too frequent and too copious menstruation, when
this occurs in persons of a relaxed constitution. After it had
been given during two or three menstrual periods, it entirely
cured the disposition to excessive discharge in subsequent ones."
It is a good remedy to bear in mind for the extremity in which
it, and, by an inscrutable law, only it, can do the work required.
Reasoning from the amount of uric, acid observed by Dr. Dud-
geon, one would place this drug amongst the carbo-nitrogenoid
remedies — to adopt Xjrauvogl's apt pathological classification.
In such patients there is a sluggish circulation and venous con-
gestion ; hence the haemorrhages are passive. A lesser degree of
this venous congestion gives rise to the "pituitous secretions"
noted by Pliny. If it has any special " affinities' ' they appear
to be for renal haemorrhage in the male, and passive uterine men-
orrhagia ; if this constitutes it an appropriatum uteri, then so be
it. O. A— J •
Ann Arbor, 16th December, 1891.
'WAY DOWN EAST.
The " Transactions of the twenty-fifth annual meeting of the
Maine Homoeopathic Medical Society ' ' is to hand, and from its
pages we make the following selections.
'«•-.
w&u-
18
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
#•'.
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L.'» "J
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From President Perkin's address: "It is taken for granted
that each member of this Society is firmly grounded in the faith,
knowledge and practice of Homoeopathy as promulgated by its
founder and his coadjutors. While every physician may claim
for himself or herself the right to select the potency believed to
be required in any given case, the same privilege should be ac-
corded by that one to another. If one can cure with mother
tinctures, he has an inalienable right so to do; if another can
and does cure with an attenuated dilution it is equally his right,
not only to do it, but to proclaim it, and no person is privileged
' to censure or ridicule the one or the other."
Kali carb., L,yc. Calc, Phos. and Ptelea tri. — The fol-
lowing pointers are taken from the paper by Dr. C. M. Foss, of
Dexter, Me., and the discussion that ensued :
"Kali Carbonicum. — Catarrh. Tough mucus in back part
of throat, difficult to hawk up. Constant hemming. Feels as
if something must come up. The irritation is constant. This
last symptom occurred in a case of long standing, and was relieved
at once by Kali carbonicum 6x."
" Cough from tickling in throat and bronchi, hard to start any
expectoration with gagging ; what does start often has to be
swallowed again. Can feel the tough mucus move up and
down. I have cured a number of cases of bronchitis this spring
with the above symptoms. 1 '
"Ina case of pneumonia, with the right lung hepatized, with
amelioration by lying on that side, cough aggravated after mid-
night, Kali carbonicum acted quickly. I have found that Kali
carbonicum has an amelioration by lying on right painful side,
similar to Bryonia"
" In one case, with pain and tenderness over the liver after a
blow upon that part, having an amelioration by lying on the
painful part, Kali carbonicum 3X relieved after Bryonia and Arnica
failed." * * *
" In capillary bronchitis in children, with sibilant rattle over
both lungs, but with the rattle more over the right, with diffi-
culty of getting anything up, Kali carbonicum helped after tartar
emetic failed.' '
" I have cured withjthis remedy, a number of cases of cough
with spasmodic and suffocative spells. After coughing awhile
they could start a little tightly-adhering mucus from the tubes.' *
"The arms and hands go to sleep easily. A lady aged 62,
awakes every night after midnight with arms and hands so
numb that she cannot move them for awhile; fingers feel as if \
asleep until morning. Kali carbonicum 6x cured." ;
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 19
" Lycopodium. Cough aggravated night and morning, and
by lying on the right side, also, on alternate days."
" A lady of 28 years presented a case of neglected pneumonia,
with hepatization of the right lung. There was scanty expec-
toration, salty tasting. The pulse was 125 and temperature
103^°. She had night sweats. The cough was aggravated in
the afternoon and always on alternate days. Aggravation by
lying on the right side.. This patient had been sick for five
weeks, and the attending physician had pronounced the case one
of consumption. I gave the patient Lycopodium 200th, no other
remedy or potency, with the result of a perfect and speedy
recovery."
Lycopodium is one of the best remedies for vertigo dependent
upon gastric troubles. The patient eats but little before feeling
full. There is a hot feeling at stomach. The patient is irritable.
In men that are overworked mentally. Bowels full of gas, with
colicky pains in the bowels more to the right side. Constipation.
Palpitation of the heart after eating.
Catarrh of the stomach of years standing. The following is
the 'case of a man, aged 45 ; after eating a little he felt very full;
always felt worse in the afternoon. Eating relieved all distress
for awhile. He was very irritable. The bowels were consti-
pated. There were colicky pains in bowels in the afternoon.
Stools were mixed with mucus at times. He had catarrh in
the head, which became better as stomach grew worse. Lycopo-
dium 30 cured.
In chronic liver troubles, with yellowish look of the face, and
feeling at stomach, as if hot water was in it, with irritability
(one patient told me that he had a desire to kill some one and
wanted to swear all the time), Lycopodium 6x helped at once.
* %& ^^ si* ^^ ^^
^% *^^ ^* ^^* ^^
"Lycopodium cured for me a case of chronic rheumatism of the
hands, of years* standing, in a lady aged 65 years. The pains
were aggravated at night."
" Rheumatism relieved by motion. In a bad case of sciatica
of the right side in a man aged 58, sometimes he would awake at
night with a violent twitching of right leg, with pains streaming
from hip to foot. Lycopodium 30th cured the case after a number
of remedies had failed."
"Two cases of eruption of red itching pimples on the neck
were cured with Lycopodium, one with the 6th the other with
200th."
41 Calcarea phosphorica. Vertigo with constipation of old
people."
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7WB HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
"Headache of pale girls or those that have much mental
work, with rheumatic pains in arms and legs. The above symp-
toms I have cured many times with Calcarea phosphorica. In one
case of chlor,otic headache Cyclamen 3X cured after Calcaiea phos-
phorica failed.' '
"Empty, sinking sensation in stomach extending into the
bowels. (In Chelidonium the sinking increases to hard pain in
stomach.) Eating relieves this distress. I have cured a number
of cases where this was the keynote. 1 '
" Diarrhoea in emaciated children. Diarrhoea with headache.
In chlorosis of girls near puberty it is one of the best remedies.
In troubles of scrofulous children Calcarea phosphorica stands at
the front. 1 '
" Ptelea trifoliata. Sharp, cutting pain, cutting in the region
of the liver, better by lying on the painful side. A lady aged
40, of a bilious temperament, suffered from violent pain in stom-
ach and through the liver, with tenderness of parts and bitter
vomiting. She would awake at night with violent pain, which
was ameliorated by lying on the painful parts. Bryonia relieved
her, but the patient got worse, the liver became swollen and very
painful. Ptelea 2x cured the case promptly.' *
DISCUSSION.
Dr. G. A. Clark: "There is no doubt that Lycopodium is a
good remedy in chronic rheumatism. It relieves a good many
cases. I have often found it useful. With the rheumatic symp-
toms there will be found many of the symptoms of Lycopodium^ as
those of the stomach, liver, etc. I haven't found it of much use
in acute attacks. It is very useful in those cases where there is
stiffness and cracking, or creaking, or rubbing in the joints, from
the deposit of lithates in the joints."
Dr. S. E. Sylvester: "My idea of the use of Lycopodium in
rheumatism is the same as Dr. Clark's. It will be found useful
in those cases where there is evidently a deposit in the joints. I
remember a charity case, the first case I had. The knee joint
wag affected. It was stiff, creaked on motion, and the ligaments
were stiff and drawn. The patient was not a believer in Homoe-
opathy, but his joints were limbered up by the use of Lycopodium
6x. This remedy I do not use low, usually the 6th to the 12th
and always in trituration."
Dr. E. F. Vose: "I will relate an interesting case in which
Lycopodium was used .with good results. An old gentleman
came to me from Gorham. He complained of pain at the base
of the spine, running to the hip. He had been under the care
of Dr. Weeks, of Portland, who had him go to the Maine Gen-
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
21
eral Hospital for treatment, but he kept growing worse and
worse. The pain was worse on lying down and better on stand-
ing. His physician diagnosed a tumor in the abdomen. The
pain was greatly aggravated by pressure. In spite of all treat-
ment at the hospital he grew worse and worse for over a year,
and finally it was pronounced a hopeless case. An operation
was not advised as he could not stand it ; it was uncurable. Dr.
Dana and others saw the case in the hospital and agreed with
Dr. Weeks in regard to it. The case finally came into my hands.
He had not been able to lie down for over two years; had to be
supported in slings standing all the time. He was extremely
dropsical, the legs being enormously swollen. It is the way of
people to send for a Homoeopath last, when the case is pro-
nounced hopeless. I made a careful examination but found it
difficult to do so. A year before the attack he had met with an
accident, and had his ribs broken. I decided that there had
been an injury to the spine as the cause of his sufferings. His
urine was frothy ; he was constipated ; and there was much gas
in his bowels.' I gave him Lycopodium 12th and persisted in it.
For the first three months there seemed to be no change in any
way, but after that there was a gradual improvement; in a year
he was well, and now, after five years, he is still well."
Dr. D. C. Perkins: "I have under treatment now a young
lady who is troubled with spinal irritation. She has been
attending the Normal School at Gorham. Her symptoms were
much aggravated by so much going up and down stairs as she
had to do. I gave her Lycopodium and she is doing well under
it"
Dr. W. S. Howe: " I will give a case in which Lycopodium
did well. It was of a lady aged 71. She had been treated
some months by two different Allopathic physicians She was
troubled with constant nausea and diarrhoea, with much gurgling
in the bowels She could not take any food or medicine at first.
The urine deposited a thick sediment which was not affected by
heat or Nitric acid. She could not lie down. If she tried it
she had a pain running from the heart to the hip and foot. The
urine was suppressed, so that the catheter had to be used. Under
the use of Lycopodium she improved rapidly, the pains and other
symptoms went away and she could lie down comfortably."
Dr. Sylvester: "In prescribing this remedy we should use the
triturations only. The first trituration requires a long time in
making it, as the substance is so hard and difficult to break up.
I think the sixth trituration is the most useful form for prescrib-
ing. If the first trituration is made right the others will be
it~
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22
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
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easier to make and will give good results. The tincture is not
good because it is impossible to get the properties of the drug
into it."
Passiflora.
Passiflora literature is enriched by the following from Dr. A.
I. Harvey, of Newport, Maine:
"Passiflora incatnata. In bringing this remedy to the notice
of the profession, I do not wish to be understood as recommend-
ing it for any particular condition, by virtue of its similarity
from the proving, for I have none ; nor do I know that it has
ever been thoroughly proven. I offer it, therefore, as an empir-
ical remedy until it shall be proved, and its exact sphere of action
determined.
"Passiflora, in my experience, has been particularly useful in
cases of insomnia of purely nervous origin, especially in cases of
debilitating disease which develop a decided neurasthenia, and
in which sleeplessness is a marked and very troublesome symptom.
" It does no good where the inability to sleep is due to pain or
distress of any kind ; but in cases where we find that the nervous
erethism is not controlled by the action of coffee, opium, sulphur,
or other apparently indicated remedy. Passiflora is in its place
as a succedaneum for Morphia or other sedatives. The dose
varies from ten drops to one dram of the tincture, according to
the age of the patient. I do not hesitate in the case of an adult,
to give dram doses of the tincture every hour until the patient
sleeps, and have seen it act in the happiest manner in restoring
the rhythm of the heart's action, when that organ has been de-
ranged in its movements by the combined effects of exhaustion
and loss of sleep.
"Passiflora has also given me much aid in a case of morphine
habit of six years' standing, which I cured wholly and entirely
by the use of this remedy. It is recommended in the above
mentioned doses, for delirium tremens, trismus, tetanus and
kindred diseases of the nervous system, repeated every hour or
half-hour until relief is obtained. The remedy leaves no after
effects, is incapable of creating an appetite, and so far as my
observation extends, it is perfectly harmless even in large doses,
often lepeated.
DISCUSSION.
Dr. S. E. Sylvester : " I have for some time known Passiflora
to be a good remedy to induce sleep. I would like to ask Dr.
Harvey what he considers the modus operandi of the drug. How
does it act ? The doses he uses it in are large for Homoeopathic
7HB HOMCEOPA THlC RECORDER.
23
practice, or to get its Homoeopathic action. Above a certain
size of dose medicines act Allopathically. You get what is
called the physological action. The doses become poisonous in
their nature and action. In these teaspoonful doses of the tincture
there would be considerable alcohol. We know that whisky in
small and repeated doses will induce sleep. The amount of alco-
hol in the large doses of Passiflora may possibly have had such
an effect."
Dr. Harvey: " The remedy was not advanced as a Homoeo-
pathic remedy, nor were the effects produced claimed to be in ac-
cordance with the Homoeopathic law. As for a possible sleep
produced by the alcohol in the remedy I will give a case. An
old gentleman of seventy- eight years was attacked by la grippe
and was greatly troubled by inability to sleep. He had taken a
good deal of whisky in small doses, partly in the hope of getting
sleep from it. But no relief came till he was given the Passiflora
incamata, when he was very soon able to sleep.' '
Cactus Grandiflora.
Dr. Solon Abbott, of Biddeford, Me., contributed the follow-
ing :
44 Mrs. D., aged sixty-two, has for several years suffered from
valvular disease of the heart, with all the attendant symptoms.
The disease had made but slow progress, the swelling of the
legs extending only a little above the knees. In January, 1890,
she had an attack of la grippe, causing a marked aggravation
of the heart trouble.
1 * The body became bloated to quite a degree, the urine was
scanty, and the breath very short. The death of the patient
was almost hourly expected, but she began to improve and
remained comfortable for several months. The dropsy remained,
though somewhat improved. In December she took a slight
cold, and all the symptoms returffed with renewed force. The
body was very badly bloated and the hands and face swollen.
It seemed that the end was fast approaching. The urine was
scanty and high colored, breath short, the heart laboring very
hard, and the patient unable to make the slightest exertion.
The pulse was slow and intermittent. There was no pain.
Various remedies had been tried, principally digitalis, but no
benefit resulted. The patient was now put upon Cactus grandi-
Jtora y 2x, though none of the prominent symptoms of the drug
were present. Improvement began almost immediately, urine
became free, in fact very profuse, the patient passing more than
a gallon daily. The dropsy soon disappeared entirely, except
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7HB HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
•
on occasional swelling of the ankles, and has so remained ever
since. She reports herself as feeling better now than at any
time for the last five years.' '
discussion.
Dr. M. S. Briry : " A lady applied for treatment for rheuma-
tism. She had had hemorrhages from the lungs, and, on ex-
amination, I found valvular disease of the heart, with hyper-
trophy. The heart beat very hard. There was general dropsy.
In this case Cactus grandiflora and other remedies did no good
at all. The urine was very scanty and dark. I gave Apocynum
cannabinum with improvement which continued for three years.
In another similar case with dropsy Apocynum cannabinum
worked well."
Dr. F. A. Gushee : "In a case of angina pectoris, while
Aconite gave only slight relief, Cactus grandiflora 30 proved
successful. The characteristic leading to its use was a sensation
as though a swarm of hornets were going from the pectoral region
to the head."
Experience.
In the discussion following a paper, Dr. F. A. Gushee, of .
Appleton, Me., said : "A dose of Bryonia, if the right remedy,
will be felt by the patient, even if placed upon a tongue foul with
tobacco. I used to try to keep my patients from using tobacco,
but don't try so much now, especially the old who have used it
for years. The medicines produce their effects readily even under
such conditions. The potentized drug serves me better if applied
strictly Homceopathically than all the adjuvants ever could.
The following cases will show this. The first case I have spoken
of at a previous meeting. It was a case of hemorrhage resulting
from [extracting a tooth. All the mechanical means and styptic
appliances were used without avail from 6 P. M. to 4 A. M. If we
say that mental effect is what performs our cures why did it not
do so iu this case ? The 200th potency of Crocus sativa was ad-
ministered after simply rinsing the mouth out and the hemor-
rhage immediately stopped. There could be no moral effect.
The second^case was that of a little girl who was suffering a
hemorrhage from the nose. The same remedy was given with
good effect.' '
Cancer and Arsenic.
Dr. A. K. P. Harvey contributed the following :
" During the last week of October, 1890, I was summoned on
a professional visit to Mr. W , a retired cotton manufacturer,
THE HOMCEOPA TH1C RECORDER. 25
then staying at summer residence at Old Orchard, suffering from
epithelioma of the conjunctiva and surrounding tissues.
"I found my patient, aged sixty-nine, a naturally strong,
hardy old gentlemen, but much prostrated and broken-down
from severe and long continued suffering.
1 ' The ulcer had started at the outer canthus of the left eye,
and extended downward and backward as far as the zygoma,
welj down upon the cheek, and upward deeply beneath the
orbital arch.
" It had been under almost constant treatment for six years by
no less than four cancer specialists in Boston and elsewhere, and
lastly the patient submitted to two operations in the Maine Gen-
eral Hospital which, like all former treatment, had only aggra-
vated the difficulty and depleted the sufferer.
"I assure you the prospect was anything but encouraging.
An aged, broken-down and discouraged patient, a malignarft
ulcer, aggravated by repeated * drawings/ cauterizings and
cuttings, presented a most uninviting case to say the least.
" After carefully reviewing the history of the case knd fully
considering its present features, I concluded that the only treat-
ment which offered any encouragement whatever to my patient,
lay in the now well-known 'Mitchell's Method.' But consid-
ering the fact that I had a ' secondary sore ' to deal with, and
a case presenting the other and many adverse features found in
this one, I freely admit that I commenced my work with ' fear
and trembling.'
" Treatment was begun November 1, Mr. W going to Lew-
iston where I could give him constant and persdhal attention.
"The ulcer was dressed twice daily, by first cleansing thor-
oughly with carbolized linseed oil, then applying the 2x trituration
of Arsenicum album by dusting over the exposed portion of the
ulcer, while that portion situated beneath the lid and orbital
arch was first treated to a solution of the remedy, followed by
the application of the powder, the whole protected by a sublimate
gauze dressing and covered with borated cotton held in place by
adhesive plaster.
M I will not fatigue you with a recital of the details of the tedious
work of keeping up the treatment, but will briefly state that
after three or four weeks the sore commenced to heal with little
or no slough, and gradually closed up after three months of con-
stant and untiring attention, leaving an indurated mas's above
the cicatrix. This cicatrix broke down in two weeks, taking a
portion of the induration with it, but healing more rapidly than
the first, cicatrization, being complete in four weeks. At this
time the 3X trituration was substituted for the 2x trituration.
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26
7MB HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
"A portion of indurated tissue still remaining, I predicted
another breaking down, which occurred in three weeks, destroy-
ing still more of the mass and rapidly healing. The 3X tritura-
tion proved much more painful in its application than the 2x,
but the healing was advanced by its use.
"The sore again opened in three weeks, the patient having
gone to his home in Wayne Village. I was at this time fortunate
in securing the assistance of Dr. F. L. Chenery, of Wayne, who
faithfully carried out the detail of the treatment, myself visiting
the case weekly.
"The sloughing on this occasion was rapid and extensive, in-
cluding all the diseased tissue external to the conjunctiva. It
healed rapidly, smoothly, and I have every reason to believe,
permanently.
"There is still a minute spot beneath the lid that will probably
require a little attention later, but there is every evidence of a
brilliant victory, where at first appeared to be a hopeless battle.
A report of this case would not be complete without mentioning
the general condition of the patient. He has slept well since
the first week of treatment, his appetite returned, he has gained
in flesh, and at the present time weighs more than ever before in
his life.
" In closing, permit me to say that if ever a treatment was put
to a severe test it was ' Mitchell's Method' in its application
to this most trying case. And to its distinguished author —
under whose tuition I had the privilege to graduate — belongs
the honor of having given the most brilliant of an heretofore
intractable dise^e, ever presented to the notice of the medical
profession.' '
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SEPIA CASES.
By Dr. Kunkel-Kiel.
From the Allg. Horn. Zeitung, September, 1891. Translated for The Ho-
meopathic Recorder.
There is no remedy in our Materia Medica which I have found
so often indicated, in my practice of many years, than Septa. I
shall give a series of clinical cases which will document the wide
range of this remedy, and I intend to conclude with a succinct
picture of its sphere of action. Whether Septa sufficed in each
case to complete the cure or whether other remedies were called
for to accomplish it, is of no moment. In the majority of chronic
THE HOMCEOPAtHIC RECORDER. 27
cases, in the long run, we will not be able to achieve our purpose
with one remedy. If I may judge of others by my own experi-
ence, then the communication of clinical cases is one of the best
means to introduce the beginner into the Materia Medica, and
we older physicians ought to feel in duty bound to contribute our
mite in the interest of our younger colleagues, and this to a. far
greater extent than has been done heretofore.
Case i. Mr. K., merchant, set. 27, was in good health up to
the year 1887; suffers since then with asthma, "which might
have been brought about through bodily over- exertion." At
first an attack would come on only once a year, but since Septem-
ber, 1889 (to January 26, 1890), four attacks have occurred
with progressive intensity. They commence in the morning on
awakening, which occurs between 2 and 3 o'clock (he is awakened
by the asthma). When an attack is threatened night sweats pre-
cede, and sometimes he gets into a profuse perspiration on the
day previous, while taking a long walk. Easily perspires on walk-
zng. Coughs sometimes, which is always accompanied by diffi-
cult breathing. Sometimes passes blood with stools. Sleeps
always on the right side; feels better on moderate walking than
while sitting. Fogs occasion distress, ' * he feels them on the
chest.' ' After the attack, has a voracious appetite. The mother
of the patient was demented, the father has stomach troubles.
Prescribed: Sepia 30th, eight powders, one to be taken every
seventh evening.
March 25th : A severe aggravation occurred, followed by im-
provement in every direction. The general condition is quite
good, feels also in good spirits on awakening. Copious mucous
expectorations in the morning, which are at times easier ; then
again, more difficult. Asthma, as well as impeded breathing
during the day better. He received eight powders of Sepia, and
was requested to call again after the powders were taken, if not
altogether relieved. He did not come again.
Case. 2: Mrs. K. aet. 40 years, states that she was treated for
urticaria in 1885, with success. (I was sorry not to be able to
find her record in my journal.) On January 19, 1889, she con-
sulted me about a ringworm on her right upper arm, which
occasioned itching and burning at times. General condition poor.
Iyoss of* appetite ; great prostration, bad taste in the mouth on
awakening in the morning, with great drowsiness. After getting
up and completing her toilet she gradually "feels herself again."
Perspires easily ; profuse sweating at the arm-pit. Experiences
chilliness before the menses set in, etc. Prescription : Sepia 30th,
six powders, one every seventh evening.
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28
7YZ£ HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER.
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March 7th : Considerable improvement of the general condi-
tion ; appetite somewhat better ; eruption diminishing. After
taking six more powders the eczema disappeared. General con-
dition normal. Only Homoeopathy can furnish proof that the
most diverse forms of skin diseases may proceed from a common
source ;" and that, consequently, a division in accordance with
these forms is an artificial system. That in effect our, if I may-
say so, organic mode of contemplation, may be applied to all
pathological forms ; and that, therefore, the whole system of
special Pathology is logically untenable. We must, however,
not lose sight of the, fact that it will be very difficult for the
beginner to strip himself of the fetters of this system, and that
this can only be accomplished gradually. For we still read from
time to time of specific remedies for this or that form of disease.
Case 3. Mrs. B., set. 35, consulted me on April 19, 1888.
Some time ago she was operated upon for neuralgic pains, and
"by mistake a resection of the left lower jaw" had been made*
(Most likely .the cause of the pains had been looked for in a
morbid growth.) While she is free from these pains now, she
has been troubled since last summer with pains in her ankle,
and generally in all extremities, drawing now here, then there.
The pains in the ankle are increased by prolonged walking,*
also by lying quietly in bed, while yet the warmth of the bed is
agreeable. She is subject to profuse perspiration for two weeks
at a time, day and night. Sultry air cannot be borne; sitting for
a long time is also tedious ; flying heat in the face; much fluor
albus ; feels fatigued and drowsy on awaking in the morning.
Prescribed: Sepia 30th, six powders, one. to be taken every sev-
enth evening. July nth: Decided improvement in every direc-
tion. Medicine continued. Did not again see patient until
September 9th. Found her troubled with tearing in all extremi-
ties, also in the chest and back, aggravated on getting warm in
bed, also during an impending storm and rain. Feet have been
cold from infancy; sweating in summer. Prescribed: Sulphur
30th, six powders, one every seventh evening. I had occasion
* As is well known, Sepia has aggravation in repose and amelioration by
motion. But this is only the case when the affection is of a purely neu-
ralgic character. In sciatica, which is often cured by Sepia t there is aggra-
vation in repose, especially after walking, and better on continued exercise
(the reverse of Causticum). In this instance the long-continued ailment
occasioned a congested condition and consequent swelling. Pressure and
movement, therefore, necessarily increased the pains. Question is whether
in Sepia headaches a similar coudition supervenes? In above case moving
during the pains aggravated the condition,' while the whole morbid consti-
tution demanded moving about.
T» •
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER ' 29
to see patient frequently during first half of 1890, while treating
her children, and witnessed her complete recovery.
Case 4. Mr. S., painter, aet. 25, has been suffering for a year
from impeded breathing, in consequence of a draught, as is sup-
posed. It is particularly noticeable on awaking in the morning,
passing away in the course of the day. This spring his condi-
tion became so much worse that he was confined to his bed for
three weeks. Symptoms : Thirst; feels best towards evening.
Easily fatigued. Sleepiness (on awaking) during morning and
forenoon. Functions normal. At times has stitches in left hypo-
chonder; heart-beat regular. Impulse strong : Prescribed: Natrum
mur. 30th six powders, one every seventh evening. August 28th:
Had several attacks ot asthma, each in the morning. Debility
about the same. Drowsiness better. Prescribed : Sepia 30th,
six powders, one every seventh evening. October 15th: Some-
what relieved, but no increase of strength. December .25th:
Amelioration continues, feels stronger, general condition good,
functions normal; medicine continued. January 5th, 1886: Of
late experiences in right hypochonder and in the middle of
sternum, but feels stronger. Violent tearing pain in right ear,
ameliorated by the warmth of the bed. Cannot bear a draught,
as it renews pains in sternum. Feels dejected in wet weather.
Had epistaxis several times. Feels quite well now on awaking
in the morning. Prescribed: Calcar. card. 30th, six powders,
one to be taken every seventh evening. February 17th: At
times has still some pains in sternum, especially when exposed
to cold air. Pressure in fight hypochonder ceased. In the last
two weeks has had at times for half an hour violent palpitation of
the heart. Continue same medicine.
April 9th: Feels quite well, but there still remains great sen-
sitiveness to draught and moist air. Prescribed : Sulphur 30th,
six powders, one every seventh evening.
Did not see patient again until November! 10th. Felt very
well all summer. Took cold this week, has coryza, a cough, the
latter especially at night, has to lie high, cold feet. Prescribed :
Sulphur 30th, same as last. Have not seen the patient since then.
Repeated examination of his chest disclosed no morbid condi-
tion. On account of the still continuing sensitiveness to draughts
and moisture, while under the influence of Calcar I selected
Sulphur. The deep and lasting effects of our remedies on the
human organism is manifested among others especially by
imparting immunity against former injurious influences, such as
that of weather, etc., and as Calcarea had not removed the sensi-
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THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
tiveness against cold and wet weather another remedy had to be
substituted.
Case 5. Mr. D., clerk, aet. 27, consulted me on May 18, 1890.
Had impure connection three weeks ago. Is now troubled with
small pointed condylomata on point of glans penis. General
condition good, but feels at times very feeble. Urine turbid, smells
strong. Prescribed : Acid, phosph. 30th, six powders, one every
seventh evening. July 1 : The condylomata have increased
in size ; once in a while stitches and burning in them, feels
drowsy, tired on awakening in the morning. Perspires easily on
moderate exercise, feels better on undergoing moderate exetdse
than while sitting still. Prescribed : Sepia 30th. August 15th :
General condition better. Condylomata smaller ; sleepiness in the
morning not quite gone. October 3 : Condylomata have disap-
peared ; urine only smells bad after a cold ; the sleepiness in the
morning is gone. I gave him three more powders with the direc-
tion to take one every two weeks, and to call again in case even
a trace of the former complaint was experienced ; he never came
back.
Case 6. Mrs. K., a robust woman aet. 28, brunette, consulted
me on August n, 1890. She is feverish ; often has palpitation
of the heart without cause ; falls into a syncope when moving in
the mornings, highly debilitated, dispirited, lachrymose, sleepiness
xiuring the day, but not every day ; at times she can sleep the
whole day; shivering; sometimes has pains in shoulder and knee.
The limbs fail to support at times on account of weakness of the
knees ; thirst ; also tightness in the phest during the last few
days. Could not bear Quinine. Prescribed : Natrum mur. 30th,
eight powders, mornings and evenings the fourth part of a solu-
tion of a powder in water.
September 20th : The fever left her after the second powder;
she then took, as directed, one powder every seventh evening.
September j8th : The fever returned. Chill began in the feet, and
from there spread over the whole body. Drawing and jerking during
chill, so that she ' 'scarcely could stay in bed, then terrible heat,"
and violent pains in both hypochonders, with drawing up to the
shoulder. Paroxysms from 12 M. till 9 P. M. Perspiration after
the heat. The pains in left hypochonder do not leave even in
the apyrexia; pain increased on taking deep breath. Some palpi-
tation of the heart during paroxysm; has the peculiarity of hav-
ing thirst during chill (not during the heat) and after perspira-
tion. Prescribed : Sulphur 30th, six powders, one every second
day.
October 3d : Patient called herself; three days ago she took the
•
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
3i
last medicine. Fever left her entirely after the first day. But,
now, another picture. I gleaned the following antecedents :
Patient had suffered a great deal of headache when a child; in the
forehead while sitting in school \ as also during gymnastic exercises;
also, in the morning when awaking, at times accompanied by
vomiting. Sultry air and fat food always disagreed with her; later
on she was inclined to congestion of the head, and cutting pains in
the abdomen for one day before and on the first day after menses;
perspiration, especially in the armpit, between the scapultz and at
the vulva. At present has palpitation of the heart on awaking,
and on sitting gets cold feet and heat in the head. A few doses
of Sepia 30th set her to rights within a few weeks, and I satisfied
myself by repeated visits of her entire recovery.
I mentioned above that her having thirst duting chill was
peculiar; this symptom is peculiar to Sepia but not to Sulphur,
which has, according to Boenninghausen, thirstlessness during
chill or thirst, succeeding to heat. Did the Sepia sickness of the
patient perhaps assert itself? if so the exhibition of both reme-
dies was justified. For we find the symptom " chill, ascending
from the feet upwards," under Sulphur; but not under Sepia.
Case 7. Henry F. afflicted for over a year, with frontal head-
ache in the morning on awaking, and on sitting in school. Has
also helminthiasis'. The mother is also troubled with headache.
Prescribed : Sepia 200 (L,ehrmann) one dose.
May 2d : Has had headache only three times. Prescribed :
Placebo. Did not see patient again until August 19, 1891, or for
over two and a half years ; again afflicted with headache for three
weeks, especially while at school, more frequently during the first
hour, and sometimes on awaking. Appetite good, but fat food is
repugnant. Helminthiasis is no longer observed. . Prescribed :
Sepia 200th. Cases like the preceding have come up in great
numbers. In a majority heredity could be shown, even though
the Sepia sickness was demonstrated in another form. In such
cases my advice is to use high potencies, but more especially
with children, and in cases where morbid products have not yet
been formed. Their action is decidedly more lasting than that
of the lower potencies.
Case 8. H. (wife of a shoemaker), set. 22, passed through a
pneumonia while a child; otherwise was never sick. Consulted
me on July 7, 1890, and I learned the following : Was attacked
by fever'five days after her confinement, which occurred at end
of November^last ; the fever still persists. It will often come on
for two weeks in succession, every day, and then stay away for
one or two weeks. The fever commences in the forenoon ; at
-
32
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
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first there is chill for several hoars, accompanied by intense
thirst ; succeded, if she stays in bed, by headache and perspira-
tion ; if she gets up there is little heat and no perspiration.
During dry heat and following perspiration the thirst continues.
In the apyrexia the following conditions are present : Diarrhoea,
sound, painless sleep ; on awakening feels drowsy, unrefreshed ;
dry tongue, which is at times sore. Rye bread, fats and sour
things are distasteful ; feels best in the open air, in sultry,
stormy weather she feels tired and exhausted ; cannot bear pro-
tracted sitting. Quinine was taken without benefit. Prescribed :
Sepia 30th, ten powders, each one to be taken in water during
two days.
August 27 : The fever was weakened at once; only traces of
it were observed, so on 23d and 24th of August slight chill in
the evening, without thirst, and then some little heat in the
cheeks. Menses are suppressed ; considerable fluor albus. She
still feels better in the open air. Fat food is still repugnant.
Feels poorly during forenoon; great weakness in the limbs; feels
better towards evening. Mental condition satisfactory. Pre-
scribed : Natrum mur* 30th and Sepia 30th in alternation, one
powder to be taken every fourth evening.
October 14th : No trace of fever left, but weakness in the legs
and pain in the legs while walking. Is easily fatigued. Stiffness
of the limbs on rising in the morning out of bed, or from sitting ;
sleeps on left side because sleeping on right side is uncomfortable;
East wind is disagreeable. Prescribed : Causticum 30th, six pow-
ders, one every seventh evening. She was dismissed with the
request to call again if above symptoms persisted. She never
called.
The choice of Sepia corresponds rather to the fever symptoms
than to those of the apyrexia. The complex of symptoms of the
latter are nothing but the expression of the constitutional disease
which lay at the bottom of the whole, and the fever symptoms
are but another manifestation of the same cause. The continua-
tion of the gastric symptoms showed that Sepia alone was not
sufficient, and not until Natrum mur. was given in addition did
these symptoms cease. Feeling better towards evening indicated
Natrum mur., while Sepia generally has amelioration in the
afternoon and aggravation in the morning, forenoon and evening.
With the exception of sleepiness, aggravation in the evening ,
occurs but seldom in Natrum mur. The simultaneous use of
both remedies is not incompatible with true science, provided
that sufficient indications are manifested for both. We have a
*Natrurn mur. has as much as Sepia aggravation from fat food.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
33
series of remedies which supplement each other in their effects in
the individual, and for the simple reasons that "two sicknesses"
may take possession at the same time of an individual. A sup-
plementation in its true sense does therefore not obtain, but each
remedy covers a territory peculiar to itself. Both of these rem-
edies, Sepia and Natrum mur., have spheres of action which are
far enough apart indeed, inasmuch as Sepia is an anti-psoricum,
and Natrum mut. an anti-malarial remedy, but both of these
affections may be found simultaneously in one and the same indi-
vidual. There are no two other remedies which I give more
frequently in alternation than Sepia and Nat? um mur.
Case 9. J., attorney's clerk, set. 22, consulted me on May 7,
1890. Has been afflicted for a number of years with an herpetic
eruption on the backs of both hands. Subject to profuse perspira-
tion following slight exertion. Prescribed : Sepia 200th (Lehr-
mann) three powders; dissolve each powder in water and take
mornings and evenings the fourth part of the solution. After
taking the powders cease medicine.
March 2 2d : Considerable amelioration; proneness to perspira-
tion lessened; on May 7th barely a trace remains. Sac. lac. for
several weeks. No remedy has proved more successful in my
hands against chronic eruptions of the skin of back of the hand
than Sepia, and in addition Sulphur or Calcarea is needed in but
few cases.
Case 10. Mrs. D., farmer's wife, set. 43, robust woman, con-
sulted me on November 6, 1889. Had suffered a good deal
formerly with nervous headache, especially in the commence-
ment of the menses. These ceased several weeks ago, and since
then she suffers with a violent burning of the skin, which ap-
pears suddenly here and there, especially on the scalp and on
the vulva. An eczema has formed there which never wholly dis-
appears. Was troubled with diarrhoea all of last summer. Al-
ways felt better on moving around than when sitting. She
received six powders of Sepia 30th, one to he taken every even-
ing. Did not call again until August 15, 1890. Felt first rate
during the time; the burning and the eczema had been entirely
relieved. Now she is troubled with an eczema of the face, neck
and back, violent burning coming on suddenly, morning diar-
rhoea, dry skin; has often fluor albus and some headache; better
by moving about. Fat meat she cannot bear, but can eat bacon.
Received six more powders of Sepia 30th, and soon ceased treat-
ment as her troubles had ceased. The alternation of differing
manifestations of disease is nothing new to us Homoeopaths.
The old school takes such occurrences easy by simply dubbing
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THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
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each a new disease. The sufferance of bacon, in this instance,
and intolerance of fat meat, is one of the many variations fre-
quently found in nature.
Case ii. Miss G., aet. 17, consulted me on July 2, 1890. Two
years ago, she said, she was afflicted with anaemia, and since
then had not been in good health. She complains of erratic
pains in the right chest, now here, now there ; the pains appear
while sitting still. Flying heat in the face, nocturnal sweats,
cough evenings, after retiring and on awaking; has also head-
ache on awaking in the morning. Functions regular, as well as
the menses ; cannot bear close air in the room. Examination
revealed extensive pleuritic exudation in right chest in the linea
axillaris and surroundings. Prescribed: Septa 3 cent, mornings
and evenings, and in addition Sepia 30th every seventh evening.
September 3d. Considerable improvement of general condi-
tion; no headache of late; the erratic pains in the chest have
ceased; feels equally well in the room as in the open air. Still
has flushes of heat, menses ceased twelve weeks ago; pleuritic
exudation reduced to a small remnant. Continued the remedy.
December 5th : A slight relapse ; pains same as before ; stitches
in the right chest ; cannot lie on the right side at night. Under
these circumstances I was forced to the conclusion that Septa was
not sufficient in this case, and so gave Sulphur 3d, mornings and
evenings. On February 27, 1891, I received word that patient
had been entirely well, until fehe caught a fresh cold, when the
chest pains returned, but were on the left side now, stitches in
the ribs and toward the shoulders, cough at night and night
sweats. Sulphur 3d removed these symptoms in a few days.
The father of the patient received Sulphur from me formerly,
with good results.
The relationship between Sulphur and Sepia is very apparent.
How often have I experienced that of two children one needed
Sulphur^ and the other Sepia in similar ailments. The wander-
ing gout-like pains are a prominent symptom of Sepia. These
may show themselves from time to time for years ere a pleuritic
exudation supervenes. It would therefore be folly* to connect
them with the exudation or with the * ' inflammation* ' Jn any
manner. It is a totally false view to regard the symptoms of a
disease nolens volens as depending on an existing anatomical
lesion, as if the latter had dropped down from heaven, and its
presence had occasioned the whole symptom complex. The
most prominent factor is the constitutional disease. This pro-
duces the sickness and the symptoms. As a matter of course,
epidemic diseases or those occasioned by colds are not included
w
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 35
in this class. And as to the pleurisy, it is within my experience,
more often the result of a constitutional disease than the conse-
quence of a cold, habitual pleurisies are at least as frequent as
habitual pneumonias ; both are generally symptoms of the
* ' psora;' ' the former is however much more dangerous in frequent
repetitions than the pneumonia. If old and experienced physi-
cians maintain that Homoeopathy can not prevail much against
pleurisy, it may be explained thus : That this affection always
has been considered to be an acute disease, and for this reason
the amnesis anamnesis is often ignored ; in fact individualization
is not sufficiently practiced. If any one should miss in this case
a fuller description of the extent of the exudation, I would but
state, that, given the right mdfdicine, it matters little whether it
is a few inches more or less (as little as if in fever a few degrees,
more or less are stated) I never took the trouble to accurately
measure its extent.
Cask 12. MrS. J., set. 31, well nourished, brunette, was suc-
cessfully treated by me with Sepia three years before, for fluor
albus. She now seeks relief, August 20, 1 890, for an abdominal
•catarrh, which has persisted for over a year. It begins with the
dawn of day, and is preceded by pain in the bowels. Suffers
sometimes with a nervous headache, especially after mental ex-
citement. On awaking feels drowsy and low spirited ; feels
better on moving than while sitting still. Aggravation by
sultry condition of the air and before commencement of menses.
Prescribed : Sepia 30th, six powders, one every seventh evening.
On January 20, 1891, she came again. The diarrhoea, which
liad long ceased, had reappeared a few days ago ; has headache,
one-sided, stitches in the temples, now in the right then in the
left. The diarrhoea comes on in the morning at 4 and then at 9:30
•o'clock; then ceases during the day. Gave again Sepia 30th in
same way as before. She did not call again until yesterday,
August 29th, with selfsame complaint. .Headache slight, diar-
rhoea; lasting from 4 A. M. till noon; it then ceases. Dismissed
her with the same remedy, and the direction to call again when
the medicine is used up. I shall then give her the same remedy
in a higher potency and at longer intervals.
Case 13. A daughter of carpenter B., aet. 16, consulted me on
August 9, 1891. Was formerly in very good health. She suffered,
as she thought, from poisoning of the blood ; this was occasioned
by a wound in the right hand, and for which it had been incised
■several times. About ten or twelve days ago rapidly diminish-
ing sight of the left eye occurred. Examination of the eye with
the eye-mirror disclosed no anomaly, but small spots were said
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to have formed, but these the writer sought for in vain. Dropping
in Atropin solution gave no result, I must add that gray threads
obscured the field of vision. Though sight rapidly diminished
there was neither photophobia nor vertigo. As to the constitution
of the patient little could be said. All functions were normal;
patient was troubled with sleepiness during daytime while sit-
ting; sitting could hardly be tolerated; there was much desire
for fresh air; very little exertion readily produced copious perspi-
ration. Treatment: Sepia 3d cent, in water, a teaspoonful every
three hours. August 15: Sight improved; the threads before the
eye5 gone; continued the medicine twice a day. September 2d:
Vision restored, excepting a slight haze when looking at a great
distance. As no further improvement could be expected from
Sepia, gave Ruta 6 cent. ; have not heard of the case since. Far-
rington recommends Sepia for asthenopia.
Case 14. Miss D., set. 25, consulted me on November 13,
1886. She had suffered for two years from eczema on the backs
of both hands, extending up to the elbows; experiences flying
heat on both exterior ears, horripilation. Prescribed: Sepia 6th
cent., one powder to be taken every seventh day. Did not call
again until September 16, 1890. The eczeftna, long since cured,
returned about five weeks before that date. Same prescription.
August 10, 1891. Patient was recently confined, and the eczema,
which had rapidly vanished before, returned.
Cases like the last one come before us physicians every day.
If this patient had not so prematurely discontinued her visits I
would have given her higher potencies of the same remedy at
longer intervals. I have potentized myself a large number of
remedies to the 40th and 50th potency, and have seen very good
results from the administration of three successive higher poten-
cies.
An old rule says, " Don't give a second dose until the first has
ceased to act." This rule is much easier made than followed.
In the present case, at what time had that remedy ceased to act ?
After the single symptoms had been cured ? or, more properly,
when the whole morbid condition had been done away with ?
But how can we tell? There is no other way than to leave it to
the tact and experience of the physician. Whenever organic
disturbances are present double caution is called for. Such a
condition may still prevail after all symptoms that troubled the
patient have vanished. In such cases it is a good plan to grad-
ually descend in the scale of potencies.
Cask 15. Carpenter G., set. 22, consulted me January 27, 1890.
He Went through an inunction (of Mercurial ointment) cure, for
,):'•
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 37
an attack of Lues, some fifteen months before. Previous to this
was quite healthy. Lately he noticed a swelling of the cervical
glands. Complains of scratching in the throat, which is some-
what reddened ; there are but few granulations and no ulcera-
tions. In the morning, after a good night's rest, feels always
but of sorts, is sleepy, with pain in the head and flickering before
the eyes. After slight exertion is bathed in perspiration, but
feels best when taking moderate exercise. All foods agree ex-
cepting fat. Functions tolerably normal. Presciibed Sepia 30th
cent., six powders, one to be taken every seventh evening.
March 1 : General condition better on every point, as also the
local trouble. Scratching in throat almost gone ; on awakening
in the morning feels much brighter than formerly. Has twice
had epistaxis, blood dark (has bled repeatedly before this attack
of Lues); for seven days he had red spots on the body, without
itching ; these are now gone. The swelling of cervical glands
almost gone.
April 1 2th : Feels first-rate ; had no more of these spots. On
getting up in the morning feels stiff in the fingers ; much
mucus in the throat. At times bitter taste, small vesicles on the
tongue, bad smelling urine. In consideration of the preceding
inunction cure I prescribed Nitric acid 30th six powders, one to
be taken every seventh day.
May 24th : Has still much mucus in mouth and throat, urine
smells bad, and is turbid ; sleepiness especially after awaking,
feels limp and dejected. Gave Phosphoric acid 30th, six powders,
one every seventh evening.
July 5 : Feels first-rate, urine normal, vesicles on tongue gone,
very little mucus. Five or six days ago had a total loss of
appetite, with bad taste in mouth. Gave Pulsatilla in alteration
with Phosphoric acid, which speedily completed the cure. Patient
could not describe the exact symptoms of secondary syphilis
which preceded the inunction cure. It seems very probable
that, in doubt as to a proper diagnosis, they put him, "for pre-
caution's sake," through an inunction cure. This was a case of
hydrargyriosis, and not of syphilis.
However, I wish to emphasize that the symptoms preceding
the infection determined my selection of Sepia. In the majority
of cases of syphilis as well as of hydrargyriosis we have to select
the remedy corresponding to the totality or to the general con-
stitution. Mercury will be found to be but rarely indicated,
sometimes, of a fact, as antidote to the Quicksilver used before,
but then only in high potency snd where the presenting symp-
toms indicate it.
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7WB HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
Case 16. Taylor F. consulted me on October 12, 1888. Has
formerly had gonorrhoea and chancre, which had been cured on
Homoeopathic medications. Has been troubled for the last seven
weeks with headache in the forehead, which sets in some time after
dinner, at other times towards 60*010012, accompanied by vertigo.
Is filled up after eating very little; sleepy during the days; lays
on his back, while asleep, without a pillow. Urine clear as water
with a very bad smell, ' at times becoming turbid on standing*
Great lassitude in the legs. Last night the gonorrhoea came
back. Strenuously maintains that there is no recent infection.
Gave Acidum phos. 10th, six powders, one to be taken every
seventh evening.
Patient did not come back until April 25, 1889; he says he felt
quite, well during that time, but lately experiences great weak-
ness in his legs, which he feels less on moderate exercise than
while sitting; in the morning feels unrefreshed and sleepy. Urine
clear like water. Gave Sepia 30th, every seventh evening one
dose.
May 29th : Decided improvement in every direction, but not
entirely well. Sepia continued. January 9th: He called again.
About the same time he noticed that fogs had a bad influence on
his condition; again Sepia 30th, and on September 2d one dose
of Sepia 200th. His mental condition was still dejected. He
finally called again in March, 1891. He added to preceding
symptoms that the weakness in his legs was less felt when
stretched out on his back. This symptom is not found in Sepia
but in Natrum mur. I prescribed the latter to be taken in alter-
nation with Sepia. At last the desired result was attained; his
mental state became as cheerful as ever; the man was cured.
Case 17. R., laborer, set. 31 years, consulted me on January
3, 1890. As a child, had "a sort of dropsy.' ' Since February
22d he has been under medical treatment, suffering, so said his
doctor, from kidney trouble. Has oedema of the lower extrem-
ities; urine contains much albumen. For a long time, and long
before he was taken sick, has suffered from headache, with which
he often awakens in the morning, and which sometimes passes
away during the day. His stomach is in good order; can eat
anything. Light labor agrees better than sitting. Very feeble.
Prescribed Sepia 3d, morning and evening, and in addition one
dose Sepia 30th every seventh evening. January 27th : Consid-
erably better; headache is less; feels stronger; the oedema in the
lower limbs is gone. Sepia continued. February 17th: Feels
well, but headache will come on for a few days from time to
time. Worse in wet weather. Urine clear as water, with not a
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 39
trace of albumen. Sulphur 30th made no change; the feet were
swelled at times (oedema ?) ; tearing headache ; wanders from
place to place. Gave Zincum 30th, one dose every seventh
evening. May 3d : Better ; only traces of headache left ; urine
more yellowish. Received six more powders of Zincum with
direction to call in case he should be ailing again. Have not seen
him since. I gave Sepia 3d on account of the oft-stated reason,
i, e. , to concentrate, so to say, its action on a particular organ —
the kidneys.
Case 18. Mr. K., house carpenter, aet. 36, robust, was always
healthy, consulted me because of a left-sided sciatica which
troubled him since last fall, with but few interruptions, all
winter ; the pain is situated in the left instep. The drawing
pain is here, then there, changing location rapidly. Aggravation
immediately on retiring and on lying in bed, compelling him to
get up and walk several times at night. To sit still is unbear-
able, least of all after ceasing from work. Perspiration on the
least exertion. Feels sleepy and fatigued on awakening in the
morning. Prescribed: Septa 3 cent., mornings and evenings.
May 8th: Improvement sets in on the second day, yet he still
feels the painful parts. Prescribed: Sepia 30th, six powders, one
to be taken every seventh evening.
October 5th: Patient came again. The same old story. Think-
ing he was cured he ceased to come after the pains desisted. But
eight days ago the old trouble came backjMn a slight measure, it
is true, but with increasing intensity. Prescribed: Sepia 30th
again. The indications for this remedy were precisely the same.
The differentiation between it and Sulphur is that with the latter
pains increase from the warmth of the feather bed, while with
Sepia the quiet repose brings on an aggravation.
Cask 19. D., mariner, aet. 46, unmarried, consulted me on
March 6, 1891. From his 18th year he has been troubled at
times with sciatica of the left side; also painless swelling of in-
guinal glands. Could not tell when the swelling first existed.
He states that he had connection in November of last year, and
since then there was no exposure to infection. His sciatica came
on with every cold; is always better from continued motion; has
now contracted a fresh cold. Prone to profuse perspiration, which
explains the frequent colds. On awakening in the morning feels
dull, dejected, nausea, dull headache,; no diminution of
strength; stiffness on getting up from a seat. Thunderstorms
makejhim uncomfortable. An inspection disclosed an indurated
chancre on left side of gland. Prescribed: Sepia 30th, six pow-
ders, one each seventh evening.
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7ZK HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
March 26th: General condition decidedly better; chancre soft,
with tendency to heal. Medicine continued. On April 14th he
presented himself cured. According to my conviction this was
not a case of syphilis, but of chancre ona " psoric ,, diathesis.
No further symptoms of syphilis became apparent. I would yet
remark that some time after the action of Sepia was established
painless pustules came out on the hairy scalp. Why did I not
give Mercury ? Because there was no indication for it. The
remedy, which was constitutionally indicated, also made away
with the later acquired local disease.
Case 20. Miss R., a robust girl, aet. 19, always subject to
headaches. On April 26th she consulted me on account of a cir-
cumscribed cellular induration on the left lower thigh of the size
of the palm of a hand, which persisted for some time. It was
painless and resisted massage treatment. Accompanying it she
had flying heat of the face, fluor albus and cutting abdominal
pains preceding the menses. Remarkably dry skin; sultry air is
the more depressing as she cannot perspire. Aversion to fat food,
which cannot be digested; longing for sour things. Her father is
afflicted with haemorrhoids. Prescribed: Sepia 30th, six powders,
one every seventh evening:
May 25th : The induration softer, general condition better, her
ill humor worse ; she is changeable, at times cheerful as if noth-
ing ailed her. Short breath, sleepiness in forenoon, feet are
swollen ; but no oedema in the evenings. Prescribed : Natrum
mur. 30th in alternation with Sepia, one powder every fourth
evening.
July 17th : The induration disappeared long ago. She now
complains of violent fleeting pains in left chest, sometimes for
twenty- four hours at a time ; cannot lie on left side, especially
when pains are bad ; vertigo ; fog before the eyes ; cannot bear
wind ; very easily frightened ; apprehensive during a thunder-
storm, goes to bed then : night sweats while sleeping. Pre-
scribed : Phosphor. 30th in alternation with Sepia 30th. August
30th : All the described conditions have been cured. The rest
need not be considered, but I will state that Graphites 30th com-
pleted the cure, but that remedy had to be repeated in May, 1891.
CORRESPONDENCE.
Messrs. Boericke & Tafei*.
Dear Sirs : Please to send me another bottle of Tincture of the
Saw Palmetto. I gave the small remnant left in my last bottle to a
1
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THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 41
gentleman in the canton of Grauhiinden, and he writes to me that
this remedy has cured him of an old urinary ailment consequent
upon a chronic affection of the prostate gland ; but he wants to
keep the remedy on hand at any price.
I will remit amount when renewing my subscription for the
Recorder.
Yours truly,
H. BrtJcker, M. D.
Basle, Nov. 14, rSpi.
HOMOEOPATHY IN SOUTHERN INDIA.
Messrs. Boericke & Tafei,.
Gentlemen: You will perhaps be interested to hear that Ho-
moeopathy is beginning to be known and appreciated in this part
of South India, even in the face of Allopathy, patronized by
government, and that myself and a few other friends are trying
all means in our power for the dissemination and promotion of
the cause of Homoeopathy. The system is doing considerable
good here among the suffering sick. As we are working single-
handed, assistance for the supply of medicine and medical books
is sorely needed. As I want to subscribe next year for a suita-
ble Homoeopathic journal, containing only clinical cases, suc-
cessfully treated by Homoeopathy, will you kindly send me speci-
men copies of any such journals, and also a copy of your book
catalogue, price list of medicines, etc. , and oblige,
Yours truly,
Bharawaj Seva Rau,
Homoeopathic Practitioner.
Mangalore {Madras Pres.) y India, Nov. /, 18 pi.
MEZEREUM.
For the Homceopathic Recorder.
Mezereum 3X. has cured a case of salt rheum in a young man
17 years of age who has been afflicted ever since he can remem-
ber. It never troubled him in summer, but as soon as the cold
weather came in the fall his face, neck, hands and forearm
would break out and continue to be sore until the warm weather
came again — in spite of the best treatment of the old school
medicines.
H. B. Esmond, M. D.
Houlton, Maine.
/
42
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
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Messrs. Boericke & Tafei,.
Gentlemen : Enclosed please find two dollars, for which please
have the kindness to send me a bottle of Sabal Serrul. (Saw Pal-
metto), as prepared by you. While in Arizona, over a year ago,
I sent to you for a sample of Saw Palmetto, which I had then
never used. The bottle you then sent me I prescribed and used
with very good satisfaction. Since my return to Ogden I have
obtained two bottles from other sources, and the results have been
very unsatisfactory; the medicine not only giving no favorable
results, but actually producing injury to the stomach; vomiting,
with extensive gastric irritation following. The medicine has
not the same appearance; it is green in water and very nauseating
to taste.
If you have any literature relative to the article please send me
something by which I may learn more of its physiological effects.
I have forgotten the amount I sent before; if that which I send
is not sufficient I will correct when I receive statement. Please
send by express at once and oblige,
Yours very truly,
O. B. Adams, M. D.
Ogden y Utahy November 30, 1891.
THE LAW.
There is a law higher, broader, more readily acknowledged by
all than similia similibus.
1. Every living thing strengthens (invigorates, corroborates)
itself against disturbing influences. If the disturbing attack is
not too powerful, the living one ma}' perfectly react or even rise
to higher vitality ; e. g. f growth by exercise. Immunity against
disease caused by continued exposure, by once suffering the
disease or a similar, and by Homoeopathic prophylaxis, also by
occasional or even frequent hardening against cold, heat, alcohol,
tobacco, tea, coffee, etc.
2. The general truth extends to or includes Homoeopathic and*
Idiopathic medication.
3. Experience suggests, proves, tnat the law extends in d*ugs
to the attenuated (spiritualized (?) potentized, etherialized,
hyper-etherialized) disturber.
Does every substance have its specific force or forces as real as
the magnetic, the crystalizing, the vital- formative of the seed or
ovum ?
N. B. — Almost every scientific physician, rightly approached,
acknowledges, yes, affirms, the great law stated in the begin-
ning, which includes and necessitated the similia similibus.
J. P. Hunting.
Alfred Centre \ N. K, Nov. 18 } 18 91.
n
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 43
VETERINARY DEPARTMENT.
Lameness of the Shoulder. — A Jewish business man
brought his lean old gelding, the left shoulder of which was
lame, which showed itself in the following singular manner :
While the point of his withers seemed to be depressed, he
dragged his foreleg, with evident pain and with much difficulty,
in an outward semicircle forward, and limps with a marked
raising and lowering of his head. The shoulder showed no un-
usual warmth or swelling. No particular cause could be ascer-
tained, the owner stating that only a slight lameness was ob-
served the day before. Evidently an overstretching of the
muscles surrounding the shoulder had taken place, and I had to
prognosticate a tardy recovery. A strict obedience to my direc-
tions I enjoined as indispensable to a cure. I prescribed Arnica
3d twice a day, 5 drops on some soft bread, and dilute tincture
of Arnica root to be rubbed all over the shoulder blade four
times a day. I held out no prospect of improvement under two
weeks. I was very much astonished, on passing the owner's
premises a few days later, to see the horse hitched up, and began
to expostulate with the man for disobeying my orders, when he
assured me that the horse was no longer lame, a fact of which I
then convinced myself.
A similar complaint of the right shoulder, but so severe that
the one-year-old foal hopped about on three legs, was also cured,
soon after, by Arnica similarly applied, but it took six weeks to
effect a cure. — Dr. Boehme, of Surdny, in Pop. Horn. Ztg., Vol.
VII., No. 10.
***
Retained Placenta. — A mare was troubled with a retained
placenta, succeeding an otherwise normal birth, but a few doses of
Apis 3 soon remedied the matter and the mare made a quick recov-
ery. This same mare had been similarly troubled in the preceding
foaling, and an old school colleague laboriously exfoliated the
placenta, resulting in a dangerous and tedious attack of sickness,
and remarking, at the time, that in such cases internal medica-
tion was of no avail. Hence my great satisfaction at above
result. — Ibid.
***
Induration of the Seminal Ducts. — Nonius, a 5-year-old
stallion, was castrated on April 20th. Soon after the opera-
tion the bag and sheath became very much swollen, but a suitable
diet and much motion soon brought it to termination alter sup-
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■7WK HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER.
puration had set in, so that within two weeks the gelding could
be hitched up. About May 15th his appetite seemed to be im-
paired, and at times a painful drawing up of left hind leg was
observed, and he commenced going lame. An examination dis-
closed a high-grade thickening and inflammation of the seminal
ducts of the left side, a slight pressure occasioning much pain.
The castration wounds nearly closed, secreted very little of a
yellowish serous fluid. An inunction with 10 grains of Mercur.
sol. 2x in about 2 ounces of glycerine twice a day, speedily cured
the swelling, lameness and pains within a week, so that by May
25th the horse could be worked again.
Mercury effected an almost complete resolution of the thickened
seminal ducts and membranes. Very likely the inward use of
this remedy would have produced the same result, but it is
problematical if in so short a time. — Dr. Bcehme, of Surdny,
in Pop. Horn. Ztg., Vol. VII., No. 10.
***
Sore Eyes. — A fifteen-year-old stallion showed symptoms of
a rheumatic inflammation of both eyes on June 9th. The horse
seemed dejected, let his head hang, had profuse lachrymation,
with great photophobia and pains; tried to keep eyelids shut to
prevent their examination. The cornea was as if covered with
a grayish haze; the white of the eye, especially in the corners,
was injected. Received twice a day a dose of Murcur. sol. H. 3d,
with short rations, but in spite of that the patient evinced a ter-
rible itching in the eye and tried to rub it constantly, no matter
how shortly tied, against some hard substance, and this for eight
days. This intolerable itching pointed to Sulphuris tinctura, the
3d potency of which speedily gave relief after the second dose,
and the whole trouble was cured within a week after and stayed
cured. — Dr. Bozhme, of Surdny, Pop. Horn. Ztg. y Vol. VII. , No.
10.
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BOOK NOTICES.
Cosmetics. A treatise for Physicians and Pharmacists. By
Dr. Heinrich Paschkis, Docent at the University of Vienna.
New York, 1891. William Wood & Co. 210 pp. 8vo.
Paper, $1.50.
A book that, perhaps, fills a long felt want. At any rate it
gives a most full description of all sorts of external applications
f
\
THE HOMCEOPA TH1C RECORDER. 45
for all sorts of purposes — for the skin, hair, nails; teeth, etc..
1 . Its ample and well- filled pages contain enough recipes for cos-
I . metics, washes, etc., to fit out a whole world of proprietary,
articles. Taken as a whole, the book is not only of considerable
i value, but is also quite interesting to the lover of odd things.
Pocket Medical Dictionary for the use of Students of Medi-
icine, containing Ten Thousand Words, including all the
Essential Terms used in Medicine and the Allied Sciences.
By Ch. Gatchell, M. D., Professor in the University of Mich-
igan. Chicago, 1 891. 303 pages, flexible morocco, $2.00.
This handsome little book is a duplicate, so far as size, paper
and binding are concerned, of the author's well-known "Key-
notes " It is small enough to slip into the breast pocket of a
coat, yet contains. ten thousand words with definitions. An ap-
pendix of seven pages of " chill and fever temperature,' *
" metric system of weights and measures," and on poisons and
their antidotes, complete the book. While abridged dictionaries
like this will not take the place of the unabridged sort, never-
theless where the two are in a library the smaller one will be
referred to much oftener than the larger one. These small med-
ical dictionaries are a very great convenience. For instance, a
learned gentleman writes "ulaemorrhagia," and the reader, per-
haps, doesn't catch the meaning ; then is the time that the little
dictionary comes in handy to pick up without trouble, and read
" bleeding of the gums." There are several words in Dr.
Gatchell's book whose definition might be improved. They all
belong in the same category.. Here is a speciinen : " Sui*phonai*.
Diethyl sulphon — dimethyl — methan. A hypnotic." Now it
seems to us that a better definition would be, " A proprietory
remedy ; composition unknown."
Essentials of Bacteriology : Being a Concise and Systematic
Introduction to the Study of Micro-organisms for the use of
Students and Practitioners. By M. V. Ball, M. D. With
seventy-seven illustrations, some in colors. W. B. Saunders,
1891. 159 pages, i2mo., cloth, $1.00.
If any one wants to read up on our small inhabitants, the
"bacteria," which is Englished Greek for " little staff," this
neat little volume will afford them an opportunity. The author,
Dr. Ball, was Resident of the German Hospital, Philadelphia,
and Assistant in Microscophy at the Niagara University of
Buffalo. If these little "rods" are the cause of all our physical
ills then, certainly, the study of them ranks the highest of any
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7H» HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
branch of the medical art, but are they? One mortal, we wot of,
doesn't believe they are the cause of anything but are solely
effects — as much so as the maggots in a dead horse. There is at
least one good that may result from all the study of the minutiae
of nature, namely, a respect for the small things in the general
make up and, sequentially, an acknowledgment of the power
and propriety of the Homoeopathic dosage. If disease finds its
beginning in the atom (the atom is that peculiar thing in matter
which, when divided, ceases to be) why is it not common sense
to fight it with its like as to size — drug atoms or, in other words,
the potentized drug ?
We have received a copy of Postmaster General Wanamaker's
annual report. It is a very interesting report, as pub. doc's go,
and contains many most sensible suggestions to the public.
Among these is the advantages of private houses having letter
boxes at their doors. If each house had a box the saving in time
of delivery of the mail would be very great, besides saving the in-
mates of the house a trip to the front door every time the carrier
delivers a circular. Get a front- door letter box.
The American Homaopathist has come out as a semi-monthly
of twenty-four pages. The principal purpose of the change " is
to bring the current medical news to the busy doctor a fortnight
earlier than formerly/ ' Dr. Frank Kraft, Cleveland, Ohio, con-
tinues editor, and no doubt will give the semi-monthly the same
distinctive spice that flavored the monthly.
The U. S. Department of Agriculture has published a pam-
phlet, by Dr. E. M. Hale, author of the famous * 'New Remedies,"
etc., on "Ilex Cassine, The Aboriginal North American Tea:
Its History, Distribution and Use Among the Native North
American Indians."
Among the pamphlets received is a handsome one, "Addresses
and Essays," by G. Frank Lydston, M. D. It consists of seven
papers on various medical topics.
We acknowledge receipt of "The Physician's Visiting List" for
1892, published by P. Blackiston, Son & Co., Philadelphia.
"All Around the Year," a calendar from I^ee & Shepherd, is
perhaps the most delicately artistic of the '92 crop.
Homoeopathic Recorder.
PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY
BOERICKE & TAFEL,
lOll Arch Street, Philadelphia, F»a.
9 North Queen Street, Lancaster, F»a.
SUBSCRIPTION, $1.00 PER ANNUM.
Address communications, books, etc., for the Editor to E. P. Anshutz, P. 0. Box on, Phila*
delphia. Pa.
V
According to our usual custom we inclose in all of the num-
bers of this issue of the Recorder subscription blanks or, rather,
the binder does it for us. These blanks are not "bills" but
mere conveniences to subscribers and those who may subscribe.
This explanation is made to forestall those who having paid
their subscription for this year may otherwise write and ask
" What is meant by this bill ?"
Another* large edition of the Recorder goes out this month.
Now, gentle reader, and non-subscriber, to whom a copy may
be sent, you have no need to " refuse " the copy sent you, or to
write the publishers: "I never subscribed for the journal."
They know this without being told and have sent you the copy
in the hopes that you may become a subscriber. If you do not
chose to send in a dollar and? be put on the regular list why, no
harm has been done. Take the copy as a complimentary one or,
if you will not even do this, why, then " refuse." It may not
be amiss here to state that the journal's subscription list is
growing at a most satisfactory rate. The subscription price per
year is $1.00. The journal is published six times a year — on
the 15th of January, March, and so on. Address subscriptions
to the publishers, Boericke & Tafel, 1011 Arch St., Philadelphia,
Pa.
Dr. D. N. Ray writes: "I am glad to see the article on
Blatta orienatlis in the September Recorder. But there is a
slight mistake on page 196, tenth line. 'Abnormal condition
of the blood, it is efficacious ' should read ' less efficacious.' "
The last number of the Recorder contained a paper on
Sabul serralata, by Dr. W. S. Millins, taken from the American
Homoeopathy in which an error, made by the Homeopathy was
copied by the ReCoiTder. On page 262 of the latter journal,
17th line from the bottom of the page, it reads: "Reports
decided increase in glandular enlargement, and renewed sexual
activity." The correct reading is, "Reports decided decrease ,"
etc., which is quite another thing.
r?.%
o, "
48
7MS HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
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PERSONALS.
Dr. H. Whitworth has removed from Grand Rapids, Mich., to Dodge
City, Kan.
H. P. Holmes has removed from Douglas Block to Boyd's New Theatre,
Omaha.
Dr. H. H. Crippen, late assistant surgeon to the New York Opththaltnic
Hospital, and of the Good Samaritan Hospital, has removed to Salt Lake
City, Utah, where he will devote attention to the eye and ear.
Dr. Isaac Van Dusen has removed from 1543 to 1621 Vine street, Phila-
delphia.
Dr. Geo. W. Winterburn, at one time editor of American Homotopath-
ist, and author of Value of Vaccination, has taken the editorial chair of
the Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pcedriatics.
Dr. Rufus Choate has removed from Rockville, M<L, to 3667 O street,
Washington, D. C.
Dr. Geo. M. Ockford has removed from Lexington, Ky., to Ridgewood,
N.J.
Dr. Chas. M. Thomas, of Philadelphia, announces that he will hereafter
relinquish the practice of general surgery, and will devote his entire atten-
tion to the diseases of the eye and ear.
Dr. Geo. H. Quay, 106 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, O., will hereafter devote
himself to the medical and surgical diseases of the nose and throat.
About this time of the year publishers begin to stir up the delinquent
subscriber. Please catch the hint and save some one the trouble and ex-
pense of writing out and sending a bill.
A graduate of the Hahnemann College, of Philadelphia, with European
experience, desires position as assistant, with view to partnership, or
eventually purchasing practice. Address, etc., A. B., care of Boericke &
Tafel, ion Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Run through the New Condensed Catalogue up front in this journal. It
will be handy when looking for books on special topics.
Some people say the grip is the devil.
FOR SALE. A space like this, and in this place. Price is three dollars.
The cash must be sent with the copy. It will be handy if you want to buy
or sell. Address the publishers of the RECORDER.
The Homoeopathic Envoy is supplied to physicians at about cost of print-
ing and paper. It is a good and a cheap missionary. The price of a hundred
copies mailed to as many addresses is very low. For terms, address E. P.
Anshutz, P. O. Box 921, Philadelphia, Pa. (Its columns are open to short
Homoeopathic sermons. )
When Dr. Bradford's new Bibliography is out there will be a rummag-
ing to hunt the forgotten worthies.
When you change your address please notify the RECORDER, and the
new address will be published in this place. It keeps your quiescent
friends informed of your whereabouts, and makes things generally more
sociable.
The fresh and ripe Sabal serrulata berries are about the size of olives
and of something the same color; the dried berries are black. You should
get the tincture made from the ripe, not the dried, berries, to obtain the
best results. •
Pretty busy ?" asked Dr.
of
, of his patient, an undertaker,
with "grip." "Y-e-s," was the reply, with professional solemnity, "yes,
very." "Many Homoeopathic certificates?" Reluctantly, " No; very few."
If pokeberry anti-fat tablets will do what is claimed for them by so many»
the fat man ought to give a sigh of profound satisfaction.
THE
Homeopathic Recorder.
Vol. VII. Philadelphia and Lancaster, Mar., 1892. No. 2.
DR. HALE ON STRYCHNIA, SABAL AND PHYTO-
LACCA.
Editor Homoeopathic Recorder:
In the January issue of the Recorder. I read with great
pleasure Dr. S A. Jones' unique experience with Strychnia. It
is a valuable contribution to our knowledge of that drug. I, too,
had a graphic experience with Strychnia^ which I would not care
to repeat. I took, by mistake, about one-fifth of a grain of the
Valerianate of strychnia. I passed through nearly the same
experience as did Dr. Jones, during the first hour. It affected
my legs first. I had the same waves of vertigo, the same trismus,
but did not get as far as the clonic spasms, but I think I pre-
vented them by adopting the following treatment:
First. I went to a quiet, dark room, laid down in bed, covered
up warm and kept quiet.
Second. I took 15 drops of the Tincture of Calabar bean. At
the end of an hour I felt so well that I tried to rise and walk,
but felt a return of the same symptoms, when I took ten drops
more, laid down and went to sleep, waking in two hours, without
any return of the Strychnia symptoms.
A word about Sabal serrulata. During one of my winters in
Florida, five years ago, I found out a good many curious facts
about the effects of the berries. An old hunter asserted that
they make a very intoxicating champagne. He made it in a
rude way, in a barrel, adding a little molasses. It is a well-
known fact that the " razor back M hogs of Florida, get quickly
fat during the season of the ripe berries, and I was assured that
they are violently libidinous at such times. It was then that I
first heard of the use of the berries for hoarseness, cough and
bronchitis. Simply eating the ripe berries acts in a curative
manner, but the expressed oil, mixed with molasses candy, is
much used. I ascertained that a drug firm in Savannah, Ga., made
5o
THE HOM(EOPA THIC RECORDER.
1/
a saccharated oil. I procured some, and used it successfully in
coughs, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and other diseases of the respira-
tory passages. I observed that thin, emaciated patients rapidly
gained weight under its use. Four years ago I wrote the first
paper on Sabal. It was published in the Medical Era.
As to the discoverer of the " anti-fat " qualities of Phytolacca
berries, I can certainly claim priority, for in nay first edition of
"New Remedies, M published in 1858, I mentioned the observa-
tion that " birds who eat the berries become emaciated,' ' and I
then suggested that it be used for obesity. I also pointed out
the similarity of Phytolacca to Iodide of potassa, and stated that
the chemical analysis of the ashes of the plant showed a large
percentage of pure Potash. I now use an inspissated extract of the
juice of the berries, in doses of one or two grains three times a
day, successfully.
E. M. Hale, M. D.
Chicago, Feb. <5, iSp2.
P. S. — Sabal (Saw palmetto) is one of the drugs selected by the
Bureau of Materia Medica of the American Institute, for investi-
gation. Anything of value relating to the pathogenetic or
clinical history of the drug, if sent to me, will be very thankfully
received. H.
SKOOKUM CHUCK.
We have many remedies brought to our notice in a empirical
way, which soon lose their prominence, first because we have no
provings, and second having no provings, clinical study is not
close enough. When Skookum chuck was first written up, I began
to use and watch its effects, that it might be possible to find its
proper niche in practice. The following two cases will, I think,
give an idea of the cases in which it may always be depended
upon :
Case No. 1. A married woman of 40 years of age. History
and present condition show a lithaemic diathesis. For years has
never been free from eczematous troubles. At times suffers
much from rheumatism, not infrequently, rheumatism disap-
pears to be immediately followed by hordeoli upon eyelids.
Has been treated long and faithfully by Allopaths, and now for
some years by our own school. Prescribed Skookum 3X — one
powder every 4 hours. Improvement was soon evident. Per-
sisted in this treatment for three months, and now for two years
patient has been perfectly well.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 5 1
Case No. 2. Patient, married woman of about 26 years, comes
to me with urine, sp. grav. 1.030, marked uric acid deposits,
flashed face upon a yellowish background — so often seen in
lithaemic cases. Much difficulty of digestion. Great dryness
of skin, especially of scalp, with great trouble from falling out
of hair — in short a thoroughly lithaemic case. Skookum chuck 3X
every four hours. Satisfactory improvement. Has feared head
will become entirely bald. Now no loss of hair, and a loss of
the heated, congested feeling of face and head. In fact, a satis-
factory recovery now of some weeks standing. These cases
briefly stated ought to be of interest, in that they show it to be
probable that we will find the sphere of action of Skookum to be
in lithaemic cases, and for the treatment of these cases we have
but a few clearly defined reliable remedies.
B. F. Bailey, M. D.
Lincoln , Neb., Feb. ij y 1892.
DR. HELMUTH'S POEMS.
With the Pousse CafS, being a collection of post-prandial verses.
By Wm. Todd Helmuth, M. D. Philadelphia: Boericke & Tafel.
1892.
Medicine is not disdained by the Muses, as the Regimen Sani-
tatis Salemum in its two hundred and forty editions amply testi-
fieth. This poem hath such an antiquity that its authorship is
as vague as that of the Iliad! " It represents;* ' says Daremberg,
44 a poetical cycle which first appears in the middle of the eleventh
century, and terminates with the beginning of the fifteenth, and
leaves no possibility of determining either the date or the origin
of its successive interpolations, or any ability to decipher its first
•common foundation, since all verses which appear in the Salernian
writings prior to the edition of Arnaldus de Villa Nova, are
written in an impersonal style, and without name of either
author or of work. Every one seems to have had a share in its
production; and it is no one's work in particular, or rather it is
the faithful echo of universal common sense in matters of
hygiene.' ' Dr. Ordronaux accepts the first line of the poem as
evidence of its composite authorship.
Anglorutn regi scribit Schola tola Salerni.
And how strangely syphilis and the spirit moved Hieronymus
Fracastorius in the sixteenth century while he sang his sinister
hymn to Venus — or was it rather a penitential psalm ? Speaking
of psalms reminds us that this very poem was Englished in 1686
52
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
by Nahum Tate, who, with Brady, translated the psalms that
our ancesters piously sang through their noses — as the unfor-
tunate syphilitic of those times could not — for want of that organ.
Later came Garth with his Dispensary — which envious critics
declared he didn't write. A century after brought Darwin with
his Botanic Garden: to some of which Miss Seward laid claim,
but, unlike Goldsmith's beggar, did not have her claim allowed.
Of singing doctors who really wore the robe have we not Gold-
smith ? We stick to his doctorate, although Garrick did advise
him to prescribe only for his enemies — good advice that to any
" Regular !" And there is Akenside, and Armstrong, and
Smollet, and Holmes; no; he isn't a doctor; " he only thinks he
is." Let him pass for a Balaam, who, lacking an ass, made one
of himself.
Here we are at Helmuth's door, and alas ! we cannot ring the bell
and hand him the laurel — he would laugh in our face and beckon
us away. Even if, in that " after-dinner condition " which he
advises, we had such a design, his motto — valeat quantum valere
potest — is objurgatory thereof. He has, as Walt Whitman once
told a Boston poet, the "little tinkle," but the lyre is far out of
his reach: and our telling him this is superfluous. But we write
it for the heathen who know not the shrine.
This little book will fare well in such "an after dinner condi-
tion" as is suggested by the design on its front cover. The
glasses delineated are suspiciously indicative of Schlitz' beer
and champagne; at least two of them; the largest of them puzzles
the writer, who can speak of only the liquids with which he is
familiar, [N. B.— This is sarkastikul, as the late A. Ward used
to remark, and I emphasize the declaration lest the thirsty ones
should get envious of a Michigan practice.] But be that third
glass for whatsoever purpose it may, it isn't there for nothing,
and we may be sure that it did its duty on occasion. In that
mellow mood when no man can believe in Original Sin, and
when, in the words of a Lord Chancellor of England, "hell is
abolished, with costs," it is impossible to say if a rhymester's
spavined Pegasus hath a limp in her pace; and if should one
"see double "it is not easy to declare which horse is to blame.
Then, then is the time to read " With the Pousse CafeV'
But there is yet a tenderer occasion, if, indeed, one can see the
book through the tears, which are unrebuked because we are
alone with the book and the dead. It has been the writer's ill-
fortune to hear only one of these twenty- three poems read by its
author. That was twenty years ago; not the poem of that title,
but the hard fact—" O Time, you Thief! " Of those who then
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 53
listened to the jingling rhymes, how many have gone over to the
majority! As we read this little book, suddenly its pages faded,
and face after face pictured itself in memory. One face that
beamed on that occasion as only it could beam, went from us
only the other day. Dowling they called him who wore it; and
he is gone, prematurely worn out, * ' expended in the service, ' '
as we phrased it in the army.
And this rhymer who sings with the pousse cafi was graduated
in 1853; nearly forty years agol Art snow- headed, old friend;
art spectacled; art thick of hearing; art using the CEdipusian
* l three legs;' ' art longing for ' * the old familiar faces;' ' art listen-
ing for the voice ?
O younger brood, who soon must take our places,
We see our shadows lengthening day by day,
And one by one the old familiar faces
No longer greet us with the pousse cafe*
It matters not how many new friends greet us,
How fresh the wit, how fit the festive lay,
When we remember those who used to meet us
To cheer the rhymer with the pousse cafe.
O mother dear, what is the old, old story
That used to win us from our fondest play ?
Will some one tell it to us graybeards hoary
When next we gather with the pousse cafe?
It is a tale all radiant with pleasance —
" There are no tears there, it is always day,
And all our lost ones are gathered in His presence ! "
So let them tell it with the pousse cafe.
—5. A. /.
A SENSATIONAL CASE.
Editor of Homoeopathic Recorder.
I have a very strange case, upon which I desire information,
and therefore take the liberty of sending a report to you, hoping
that you will publish it in the Recorder, so that it will have
the very widest circulation, and that I may thereby be able to
get some light upon what I conceive to be a most extraordinary
case.
Mrs. B , age 49. About eight years ago a pain suddenly
struck the patient in the back of the left hand, and within five
minutes a round tumor, half an inch in diameter formed and
burst, or, as the patient expressed it, "exploded," the blood
54
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
flying as water would from a sudden break in an overdistended
wate piper, leaving a lacerated wound one-fourth of an inch in
length, from which blood flowed as from an ordinary incised
wound, but with much more force, until the patient fainted.
This is only a sample of what has occurred, more than a hundred
times during the last eight years. These tumors have been from
half an inch to three inches in diameter. The patient avers
that one was larger than half of a large orange, and that when
it " exploded* ' the blood was showered over the carpet for more
than six feet around her.
Fifty or more of the these blood tumors have been on the left
hand and forearm. Others on the right hand and arm, on the
lower extremities, on the abdomen and vulva, in the mouth,
under the tongue, within the oesophagus, stomach, vagina and
uterus, and always attended by intense pain, which continues
until the tumor bursts, which has always been within ten minutes,
sometimes within three or four minutes. There is one scar three
inches long, extending across the left fore-arm near the elbow.
Another two inches, and ranging from that down to a quarter
of an inch. The left hand and arm are almost covered with scars,
nearly all of which are at right angles with the larger veins and
arteries, and many of them are directly over large blood vessels,
but no veins and no arteries of any considerable size have been
ruptured.
The vessels forming the tumors seem to be the capilaries
within and immediately beneath the skin, which is always
broken entirely through, and the edges of the wound widely
parted. The blood is usually more arterial than venous in
appearance. Those wounds unite as readily as do ordinary
incised wounds in healthy persons.
The entire skin and visible portions of mucous membranes
appear pale and bloodless.
The haemorrhage comes on at irregular intervals of a few days,
weeks, or months.
The patient is still menstruating regularly, and there is no
apparent connection between this and the appearance or formation
of these blood tumors. When they form in the oesophagus or
stomach, the blood is sometimes vomited up. At other times it
passes per rectum: when in the vagina or uterus it rushes off in a
flood.
The case has been in the hands of many physicians, and, as a
matter of fact, has had much and varied treatment.
When I first saw the case I found unmistakable evidence of
endocarditis, and as I think, disease of the semi-lunar valves of
THE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER. 55
the right side of the heart, with an aneurism of considerable
size midway under the right clavicle, evidence of which has
since disappeared.
The patient is five feet five inches high, well formed, and
weighs about 125 pounds She has had three attacks of hemi-
plegia preceded by sudden, sharp pain in the right side of the
head, followed immediately by almost total blindness, and almost
complete parralysis of the left hand and arm, foot and leg. This
condition, however, has not lasted long, usuallv growing better
from day to day, week to week; and ending within a few weeks,
or a few months at most.
In the meantime she has had two attacks of anasarca, both of
which readily yielded to treatment. Now I think that I know
the cause of the dropsy and the paralysis, but I do not know the
cause of these blood tumors followed, as they are, by the haemor-
rhage. Therefore, I respectfully and earnestly appeal to the
profession for inforniation appertaining to this novel case, and
will be thankful for any response by any member of the profession
either privately, or through the press.
Respectfully
Santa Cruz, CaL M. S. McMahan, M. D.
Editors of Homoeopathic Recorder :
On page 191, September number, 1891, Medical Advance \ a
lady traveler says that persons bitten by a rabid dog, an extract
prepared from the liver of the same dog has frequently proved
successful. It is her belief in the universal existence of this law.
Boericke & Tafel, in 1873, published a book, Ophidians, by
Higgins. On page 227 is a description of the uses of serpent
gall. I see no reason why the gall of the rabid dog might not
be useful in hydrophobia. If a dog is surely known to be rabid,
if the gall can be secured and prepared with sugar of milk or
alcohol, the 3d cent, might be used on puppies to ascertain its
effects ; the 3.0th cent, might be used in hopeless cases of hydro-
phobia. It might effect a cure.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Thomas Young.
411 Twentieth Street, Columbus, Ohio.
Editors op Homceopathic Recorder :
A society has been formed in New York, known as the New
York Homceopathic Materia Medica Society, with a large mem-
bership, including a majority of the prominent Homoeopathic
practitioners of this city.
56
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
The chief object of this Society is the collection and preser-
vation of all verified symptoms from every Homoeopathic period-
ical published in the world, and from members of the Society.
It is the intention, of the Society to publish a complete report
of these verified symptoms each month, giving due credit to all
sources of information.
A few periodicals have already been donated to the Society
for the above purpose, and we would respectfully solicit a dona-
tion of the Homceopathic Recorder for the year 1892.
Fraternally yours,
Charges Ver Nooy, M. D.
New York, Jan. 75, 1892.
A VERIFICATION OF ARNICA (RADIX).
Occasion was afforded me recently to confirm a rather odd
symptom of Arnica. I had been vainly endeavoring for a week
or more to relieve a very obstinate facial neuralgia (left sided),
in a lady who had suffered from an obscure spinal affection for
many years, and was more or less subject to these attacks. The
face was swollen, dark red, and very painful to touch. The
pupils were- dilated, and there was a bitter taste in the mouth ;
cold nose ; was very excitable, and worse at night, so that she
had been able to get but little sleep.
Everything that seemed at all indicated (electricity included),
had been tried and had failed. The suffering was gradually
growing worse, and finally a hypodermic of morphia was given,
to give the patient a respite from the pain, and an opportunity
for rest.
The following evening when about to leave, she exclaimed,
' * Just feel how cold my nose is /' ' Instantly that symptom from
Hering's Materia Medica cards flashed across my mind — cold
nose — Arnica! I immediately gave Arnica radix (following
Hering's suggestion here, also), tincture in water, without, I
must confess, expecting any great results.
Next morning the patient declared she had "slept all night,"
and was "so thankful M I had given her that " Opium." So
immediate and complete was the relief that it was with difficulty
that I convinced her she had not had an opiate. The neuralgia
has not returned, and the swelling and soreness disappeared in
a few days.
Thinking this symptom might be of use to some other strug-
gling Medico, I submit this experience with it to The Recorder.
Liixian A. Dei,i<, M.D.
Kenosha , Wisconsin.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
57
GENERAL STATISTICS OF THE FIVE MASSACHU-
SETTS HOSPITALS FOR THE INSANE, FOR THE
YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1891.
The following statistics of the work of the Massachusetts
Asylums for the Insane have been carefully compiled from the
official reports of the several hospitals. They tell a story that,
for the welfare of humanity, should be heard in every legislative
hall in the country. For the benefit of readers who may not
know the various hospitals named — the Recorder's public
being a rather extended one — it may be stated here that at the
Westborough Asylum the patients are under. Homoeopathic
treatment, while at the other four the regular treatment prevails.
In view of these figures, and also of similar figure from Middle-
town, Iona, and Fergus Falls, where the insane receive Homoe-
opathic treatment, it may well be asked, not in a controversial
or partizan spirit, but in the name of humanity, why should
the insane in these other hospitals be deprived of the benefits of
the superior treatment? This is a question for every citizen to
ponder.
Here are the figures —
Worcester.
Taunton
Northamp-
ton . . .
Dan vers..
Westbor-
ough. . .
V
B
<
549
254
V
K
H
o
o
3
O
1334' 509
933 253
141 1 636
366! 1 1 79
397
905
183
362
412
Discharged as
I
v
>
o
o
V
1
>
2
a
S
•8
3
• i p
«' a
Ol £
a! -m
129 4885I 165
52 39 ] 45 63
45 14 53! 40 — 31
81
1 53
66 4460
85 22 85
142 7754I 60 257
•d
S
a
«
25
;8
Jo .
U at V
.2 B a
o C-o
Per cent;
of recov-!
eriesto !
I Per cent,
ofdeaths 1
to
8 -
3! -
u
as
O
55
o
5 iia
•8
E?
5
H !l
o
"8
es
O
S
HABITUAL
DR UN K-
ARDS, AS
FOLLOWS:
25-3| 9-6 159
1 .20.5 5.51 20.9
1 245
, 18.2
7.0
5-6
6.0 Recovered, 42.
' [All H. D.'s
1 were dis-
charged as
I recovered.]
5-6 Recovered —
o: Much
1 Imp. 6: Imp.
' 1: Not Imp.
5-
i6.9j 4.8: .Recovered, 1:
' Imp. 1: Not
I Imp. 1.
23-4 7-2 ; Recovered, o:
Imp. 9: Not
; |, Insane, 18.
.1
II
34.4; 15.6 13.8 6.2 Recovered, 16:
Much Imp.
32: Imp. 10.
The moment of leaving the hospital is the uniform time in all
the hospitals for estimating the mental condition of patients.
The last column refers only to habitual drunkards. They
58 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
have been included in the totals of each hospital, but are there
entered separately to assist any one in finding the number of the
insane by subtracting the number of H. D.'s from the total : for
example, Worcester: total Recovered, 129 — subtracting 42 H-
D.'s leaves 87 insane discharged Recovered.
ABOUT THE WEARING OF EARRINGS.
Translated for the HomceopathiC Recorder.
In February last a nine-year-old girl was brought before me,
whose mother related that for about eight days she had been
troubled with a running sore on the left ear lobe. An investiga-
tion disclosed the following: The child had passed twice through
an attack of measles; the first time when two years of age, and
again a year before she called on me. Both attacks were rather
complicated, and left a chronic catarrh of the eyelids. Otherwise
her general health was undisturbed, until towards the end of last
year, when she had a violent attack of panaritium, which succes-
sively attacked the nail-joints of three fingers of the left hand.
Scarcely were these healed when the inflammation of the eyelids
came back, during which thick, unsighly crusts of dried-up
matter encumbered the eyelids. Finally the lower half of the
left ear also became inflamed. The inflamed surface soon became
denuded' of skin, looked as if bruised, bled here and there, and
soon an ichorous, bad smelling, thin discharge was secreted,
which did not dry up. This sore assumed the size of a silver
dollar on the ear a*id immediate vicinity within a week. In this
condition the girl was brought before me. It is scarcely worth
while to delineate the treatment pursued. In fact Graphites,
Mercur. sol. Nitric, acid., Sulphur, and several others were
exhibited in the course of several months, but without making
any impression, and the soreness had meanwhile spread over the
whole face, behind the ears and even over part of the neck, while
the eyes were almost filled with the dried-up mucuous crusts.
Summer meanwhile had come on, when one day in June, while
looking almost with despair on the repulsive features of the
otherwise graceful child, and hardly knowing how to conceal my
quandry, I detected that where one of her earrings pierced the
lobe a greenish line was visible — verdigris — a beacon light was
discovered. I at once had the earrings removed, and in order to
verify the correctness of my suspicion I refrained from giving any
more medicine Within a few days the ichorous discharge
ceased, the sore skin healed up in a remarkably short time, and
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 59
within three weeks all traces of this troublesome complaint,
including the festering eyelids, had vanished.
A few weeks previous to this case, in January of the same year,
an eight-year-old girl was brought to me of a pronounced scrofu-
lous habitus. In its third year the child passed through an
attack of pneumonia. In its fourth year it had measles, this was
followed by whooping cough, which lasted nine months, and
which left a dry, slight cough with which the child was yet
afflicted. At the same time with the whooping cough an inflam-
mation of both eyes was developed, accompanied by excessive
sensitiveness to light. This eye-trouble, together with the
cough, had persisted up to date, or for over four years, and was
the chief cause of the mother's consulting me. The child was
very restless at night. Whenever the cough, which was more
frequent at night, failed to wake her up she would toss to and
fro in bed. There were no positive indications of worms. A
local examination of the eyes could not be effected on account of
the excessive photophobia; all attempts to part the eyelids were
fruitless. There was, however, no lachrymation. In this case
also the best indicated remedies failed to act, or afforded, at best,
but temporary relief. The exhibition of Cina 30th seemed to
afford some relief, the child was able at times to open its eyelids
somewhat, so that the eye could be partially seen; it appeared to
be only slightly reddened and only in spots ; at times it seemed
to be free from morbid changes. Soon after photophobia increased
again, rendering any further examination impossible.
In this way six months had passed, and meanwhile the first
mentioned case had drawn my attention to the influence of copper
alloys in earrings, whereupon I did not hesitate to have her ear-
rings removed also. Under the influence of Cina 30th, given at
longer intervals, the eyelids soon opened of their own accord, and
the girl was enabled to attend school without hindrance. The
moral of these two cases is, that care must be exercised that, in
the manufacture of earrings, only such metals be used which are
impervious to the secretions of the slfin, and to the oxydizing
influence of the air. As, however, all gold used for such pur-
poses contains at least some copper, it would be best not to make
use of these ornaments at all. — Dr. V. Villers, in Pop. Horn.
Zeitg., Vol. VII., No. 10.
Kali Bichrotnicum. Cough. Worse when undressing ; better
after getting warm in bed. Worse in the morning, on waking ;
wheezing and panting, then violent cough, with retching and
difficult expectoration of mucus, so viscid that it can be drawn in
strings down to feet. Lippe.
6o
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
IPECACUANHA AND SOME OF ITS CHARACTER-
ISTICS.
By Dr. Mossa, of Stuttgart,
"It is astounding indeed, how extremely meagre is our in-
formation on the action of a remedy as often used in medicine as
Ipecacuanha" says Dr. Nothnagel, in his handbook of Materia
Medica (1870). And the physiological school of to-day, while
proucjly posing anent its exact knowledge, is in no better position
while refusing acknowledgement to the provings of Hahnemann
and his disciples.
The mother-plant of the American, or Brazilian, vomit root
was only made known with certainty in 1801, when two physicians
returned from Brazil to Portugal. The root, however, had been
used since the end of the 17th century. The Portuguese obtained
their knowledge from the aborigines of Brazil, where it is found
in the deep shade of the damp tropical forests.
For a time it was used as a secret remedy, and the Dutch
physician Joh. Ad. Helvetins, received the royal reward of 1000
ducats .from Louis XIV, for the brilliant cures which he effected
with it in dysentery . This induced his colleagues to make known
the remedy. In Germany the great Leibnitz, in 1696, first
brought it to general notice.
Hahnemann's provings spread more light, but even he ac-
knowledges that they need to be perfected. We shall try to
penetrate as deeply as possible into the pharmacodynamic of
this valuable remedy, by- means of these provings and abundant
clinical material.
The " Annals of the Pharmacodynamic " report several cases
of persons in whom ipecac produced very peculiar and energetic
effects, as, it is said, by reason of a predominant idiosyncrasy in
these individuals. This means nothing more but that they were
influenced to an unusual degree by this remedial agent, but
always in a line with its pronounced effects on the general organ-
ism. Thus Ipecac dust, when inhaled, induces with, all more or
less pronounced, impeded breathing, which may be intensified
into a severe asthmatic attack.
A Mr. Robert Dudley was attacked by a sort of asthma when-
ever he entered a room where some preparation of Ipecac was
being made. The dyspnoea became very severe in a few seconds,
coupled with hoarseness and a sensation of heaviness and anx-
iety in the chest. The attack usually lasted for an hour, and
ended with a copious expectoration but without other sequelae.
This case was mentioned by Scott in the " Philosophical Trans-
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 61
actions' ' of 1776, and our Hahnemann, who, with bee-like assi-
duity collected any and all pure undoubted observations for his
Materia Medica incorporated this and several other experiences
of Scott into his provings. In a similar manner the wife of a
druggist was affected by a spasmodic oppression on the chest
while ipecac root was being powdered in her neighborhood. On
witnessing the filling into a bottle of Ipecac in powder she was
thrown into convulsions which lasted for nearly eight days.
Under similar circumstances a man suffered from dyspnoea, con*'
striction of the chest, violent convulsive cough, sneezing,- blue
face, bloodshot eyes, and suffocating feeling in the larynx.
A druggist clerk on pulverizing Ipecac root in a mortar, and
inhaling the dust for nearly three hours, was afflicted with vom-
iting and oppression on the the chest, and an hour after constric-
tion of the windpipe and of the pharynx supervened, with violent
suffocative attacks, during which the face became deathly pale.
The asthmatic attack persisted for several days, despite the most
active treatment. Marshall Hall denoted this condition as bron-
chial spasm. Some times after inhaling Ipecac dust blood was
expectorated.
Quite as important is the following: A neuralgia of the eyes,
especially the right one, was occasioned by Ipecac dust, and this
extended also to the nose and mouth. In the evenings biting and
pressure was felt in the ej r es; he was awakened between 2 and 3
in the morning by tearing pains in the eyes, especially on the
right, radiating toward the forehead and driving him out of bed,
worse from strong light, accompanied by chilliness \ heat and per-
spiration. The eyelids were closed, slightly swollen , painful expres-
sion of the face ; the pillow was soaked with tears which flowed
freely on opening the right eye. Conjunctiva bulbi, rose- colored,
injected and infiltrated, the conjunctiva palpebrarum less so;
„ the fascia vaginalis oculi swollen, the cornea opaque, as if infil-
trated; pupil contracted with little or no reaction. Sight gone
on the right eye; could not read in the evening on account of
being dazzled by the candlelight, which appeared multiplied
five or six times. Next morning had ftery, iridescent rings be-
fore the left eye which had been less affected (Allg. Horn. Ztg.,
Vol. 54, p. 185.)
On casting a retrospective glance on the Homcepathic use of
Ipecac at the sick-bed, we notice a puzzling pathological state —
a kind of apoplexia cerebri. So Rummel, a good observer, gave
the remedy in a case of cerebral apoplexy in a lady, who had
vertigo, relaxed lip, defective speech, salivation, and lameness
of extremities. These manifestations ceased on administering
1
1
62
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
Ipecac, and the rest 6f the symptoms were cured by Cocculus.
Though these symptoms are more or less pronounced in the patho-
genesis of Ipecac, I would draw the attention to the following
manifestations observed by Hahneman: In the morning on
awaking, anxious agitation of the blood, as if he had been sub-
jected to a great heat, or had had profuse perspiration, or had
awakened out of an anxious dream, although the skin was
neither hot nor moist; at the same time a heaviness in the head
as if the brain were compressed.
Rummel called this state an apoplexia serosa. This form of
apoplexy has been seriously questioned by many, and yet it can-
not be denied that in the course of morbus Brightii, or in urae-
mia, or in other affections of a chronic nature, which occasion a
watery deterioration of the blood, a certain effusion, an oedema
of the brain, may supervene, in which the patient succumbs as in
a stroke of apoplexy, with all the symptoms of an altered state of
sensibility, as witnessed in true hsemorrhagia cerebri.
That Ipecac has a decided action on the brain, either direct or
from the stomach by means of the vagus, the provings show very
clearly. I myself have experienced a compressive pain in the
head, after taking a few pellets of the 30th potency.
Hahnemann observed: Headache as if the brain and skull were
contused, which penetrates through all the bones of the head
down to the root of the tongue, with nausea. Stapf reports
painful heaviness of the head, a tensive pressing pain in the
occiput and neck drawing down to the shoulders, and aggravated
by moving the head. The heaviness of the head was accom-
panied in one prover by sleepiness. The branches of trigeminus
are also affected, for which see the symptoms: Fine stitching
pain in the forehead, aggravated by touching the part. External
pain in the temporal bones as if from a push with a dull pointed
substance; an outward pressing, almost boring; pain in the.
temples, then in the orbital region, ceasing on external pressure,
and diminished on closing the eyes. The aggravation of the
pain by touch, and its alleviation by pressure, point to its neuralgic
nature. A strong implication of the brain is also clearly indi-
cated by the following symptoms: Vertigo, with uncertain gait,
vanishing of thoughts for a few seconds, only while walking and
especially on turning. In the evening, on walking on the street,
tottering from side to side as if from drunkenness and as if dazed.
Langhammer observed this symptom after ten hours. The same
observed, half an hour after taking the remedy, nausea, as if from
the stomach, with empty eructation; a copious gathering of
saliva; after two and one-half hours he observed dilatation of the
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 63
pupils, and about the same time frequent urging to urinate, with
voiding of small quantities of urine.
Vertigo originating in the stomach, vertigo gastrica, and more
especially verminosa., might be of such a nature as to be readily
cured by Ipecac,
Eyes.
Hermel, bearing in mind the above mentioned effects of the
dust of Ipecac on the organs of sight, successfully used this rem-
edy in a case of chorodeitis duplex. The patient suffered for six
weeks from violent stitches in the eyeballs; every attempt at
using the eyes was followed by a copious flow of tears; the light
of a candle was surrounded by a red or brown halo. Conjunc-
tiva palpebrarum somewhat injected. By the use of Ipecac 12th,
afterwards 6th, three times daily, the condition was ameliorated
within two weeks to such an extent that patient could read and
work through the day. (JJArt Medicate, October, 1858.)
It is remarkable that the external application of Ipecac dust to
the e5 r es should be followed by so strong and deep-seated mani-
festations, while the provers experienced so few symptoms in
their eyes. In like manner the inhaled Ipecac dust acted decid-
edly more energetically on the respiratory organs, with persons
predisposed to* its action, than the taking of the remedy by the
mouth. However, though the effects of the remedy on the res-
piratory organs, administered in whichever way we choose, are
about the same, it would be a justifiable experiment to ascertain
by clinical observation whether Ipecac in powder, applied exter-
nally to the eye, would not exert its beneficent influence much
more energetically on that organ.
Digitalis, according to the provings, powerfully affects the eye.
and yet this remedy is too often overlooked by us in affections of
that organ, while Rademacher used an infusion externally with
excellent success in suitable cases.
In a facial neuralgia Ipecac was mainly instrumental in effecting
a cure. A young man aet. 20, experienced for about eight
months, every evening, a pain in the left temple, which, winding
around the left orbita, extended to the jaws, but was most violent
along the Ramus suborbitalis of the Trigeminus No sleep, face
pale and wasted, tongue heavily coated white; can scarcely speak.
Vomits after every meal. Has been treated unsuccessfully by
the Allopaths. Prescribed Ipecac 12, followed by amelioration,
could sleep the second night; after five days had only slight pain
in the orbita, which Belladonna 12 relieved in three days.
{British Journal, October, '53.) Was Belladonna really necessary
to complete the cure ?
6 4
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
Odontalgia.
(my own observation.)
Young man aet. 2 1 , gracile build, often afflicted with rheumatic
pains, pale face, suffered for eight days from a very painful tooth-
ache; he had several teeth drawn in consequence; the pain only
changed, but would not cease. The pain started from a right
upper molar, was stitching and radiating to the right temple,
the ear, nose and teeth. The worst feature was a terrible wrench
every few minutes as if the tooth were being drawn. Worse in
daytime than at night. The gums were spongy and bled easily,
but Acid, nitr. had about mended that. His teeth were bad
generally, the tongue was coated, appetite poor. The one
symptom, the wrenching pain, etc., drew my attention to Ipecac.
Gave Ipecac, 1st dilution, three drops several times a day in a
spoonful of water. Shortly after the pain ceased.
In consequence of its influence on the Pneumogastricus and
plexus Solaris, Ipecac is one of our most important polychrests
which is especially useful in complaints of women and children.
We draw attention to the many cases of subacute or feverless
disorder of the stomach consequent upon over-indulgence in
heavy food and especially fats. As characteristic stomach symp-
toms we find a feeling of emptiness as if the stomach hung
down flabby; the pit of the stomach is generally distended from
gas; there is pressure, stitches, and other pains. The taste in
the mouth is insipid, bitter, or rancid. Tobacco is not relished
or tastes bad, produces vomiting. Generally aversion and loath-
ing to food. Soon after eating there is vomiting, later on mu-
cous and bilious masses are voided. Diarrhoea often accompanies
the attack. However all these indications are well known to us
Homoeopaths. Hering mentions one peculiar symptom as an in-
dication for Ipecac, that with the Flatus gastricus, or pituitosus;
the tongue is clean, not coated. This has been repeated in many
compendiums, but I don't know whether it has been corrobo-
rated by other observers. There are indeed chronic stomach
troubles in which a reddened tongue is observed. Perhaps an
inflammation or subacute condition of the stomach may then
obtain. But Tobethal also mentions a clean tongue with vomit-
ing, which may have its origin solely in an heightened irrita-
bility of the stomach- nerves, such as is found in weakly, nervous
constitutions of hysteric women, or in the morning- sickness of
weakly persons or pregnant women, then Ipecac will be indicated.
A laundress called me in January, 1890. She had been Sud-
denly atacked one evening with great nausea and finally vom-
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 65
ited, first food and then mucous bilious masses. But with this
the nausea by no means ceased, but continued unabated, with
pressure in the pit of the stomach which extended to the chest,
occasioning a feeling of suffocation even to fainting. This was
accompanied by colicky pains in abdomen, downward pressure
and urging to urinate, voiding but small quantities of urine.
Face pale, tongue slightly coated, menstruation scanty and pain-
ful, skin cold. As I could not make out any preceding indiges-
tion I took it to be a hysterical attack, /. e. t started by the
nervous system. I gave Ipecac 3d, six drops, in water, a tea-
spoonful half hourly, and when, better not so often. The effect
was favorable indeed, for next morning I found the patient re-
lieved from the more or less convulsive state, as well as the
stomach and abdominal troubles. But there the good effect of
Ipecac ended ; it had done its duty. An examination disclosed
an affection of the uterus and a painful swelling of the portio
vaginalis. The strangury continued, and Ferrum phosph. 8, fol-
lowed by Nux % Bellad., Sepia and Aurum, together with a quiet,
recumbent position, brought the uterus to rights again.
Haematemesis.
Among the pathogenetic symptoms of Ipecac vomiting of blood
will not be found, but Hahnemann remarks, the first effect of
Ipecac is to cause haemorrhages from all openings of the body
(especially uterine). Clinical experience abundantly endorsed
its efficacy in haematemesis. Individual cases will demonstrate
its usefulness: A young girl, aet. 23, blonde and hitherto
blooming and healthy, experienced, as a consequence of great
grief, continuous pressing pain in the pit of the stomach, loss of
appetite, finally frequent nausea. Eight days later, after a fit of
anger, she vomited, first coagulated, and later on fluid blood,
altogether about two pounds. She was deathly pale, almost
pulseless, and in a fainting condition. Ipecac 1st in water every
half hour. Soon after the second dose she vomited again, but
with a sensation of relief, pulse better, breathing less oppressed.
One hour after she vomited bloody mucus, and two hours later
mucus only. Next day she suffered with the usual anaemic
symptoms, which soon yielded to China.
A strong girl, aet. 25, who suffered for some time with a pressing
tearing stomach ache alternating with tearing in the teeth, was
suddenly attacked on the street with haemetemesis, and was
brought in a half-fainting condition into the house of friends near
by, where the vomiting was repeated several times. The blood was
black, thin, and amounted to about a pound. Pulse full; she
looked well; the monthly period, always regular, was due in a
66
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
week. After another fit of vomiting — in the observer's presence —
pulse, there supervened anxiety, a feeling of fainting, diminishing
pale, cold face and cold hands. Gave Ipecac. After the first
dose, haematemesis with relief, then vomiting of bloody mucus,
and finally of mucus alone. Tranquil sleep, and on awaking
next morning all right again.
A chlorotic girl, aet. 28, suffering frequently with stomach ache,
of irritable disposition, was suddenly taken with haematemesis
after partaking of strong coffee; the blood a blackish brown, then
black and half coagulated was voided in large masses. In the
intervals of vomiting, which occurred about half hourly, there
was anxiety, pressure in the stomach and repeated fainting spells.
Pulse small and empty, face and hands pale and cool. Thirst
and internal heat. Ipecac 1st, in water, every half hour; at once
relieved, and after 24 hours cured the attack. (Natr. mur.,
followed by Calcarea, cured the then existing chronic disease.)
These three cases, published by Dr. Goullon, in HtrsckePs
Zeitschrift, Vol. 2, p. 156, cured by Ipecac, have some characteristic
peculiarities in common. In the first place the afflicted were
three girls, aet. 23, 25 and 28 respectively, among whom there was
one chlorotic, but all three were previously afflicted with stomach
ache; this, with one, was a continuous pressure occasioned by
grief, and with the second pressing or tearing. The advent of
the haematemesis was sudden in one case, occasioned by a fit of
anger; in the other two the partaking of strong coffee was the
exciting cause, but without vomiturition; we are forced to think
of the bursting of a larger blood vessel in the stomach in this
connection; the more so as the blood was voided in large quanti-
ties. The cure was brought about comparatively soon; the
remedy first produced a sensation of relief, then there was some
vomiting of bloody mucus, and at last of mucus alone. Baehr
gives, in his Therapeutics > Vol. 1, the following indications for
Ipecac: ' 'for haemorrhages from the stomach we have no remedy so
well indicated and so effectual as Ipecac; it is always in order
unless there are peculiar accompanying symptoms. It is, there-
fore, more useful in the first attack than in the later disquieting
symptoms of anaemia, (the cited cases, however, show Ipecac to be
quite useful also in fainting spells, cold limbs, etc., and other
sequelae of haemorrhages — Ref.). The less reason there is to
ascribe the bleeding to causal affections as those of the liver,
spleen, etc., the more confident we may be of a favorable action
of Ipecac. It is, however, necessary to give stronger doses
repeated often, and the trituration is to be preferred to the
tinctures.' ' This last point we cannot concede, the more so as
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 67
Jahr, who favors the employment of Ipecac in haemorrhages, has
seen good results even from the 30th dilution.
Haemorrhages of the Uterus.
Hahnemann, in his proving of Ipecac, made the observation on
a woman that the discharge of the blood towards the end of her
monthly period was suppressed, which we take to mean that her
period did not last as long as usual. In metrorrhagic cases he
points out three characteristic for Ipecac : cutting pains around
the navel, as in the beginning of the period, with chilliness and
coldness of the body, while an internal heat ascends to the head
coupled with urging and pressing toward the uterus and anus.
Hering states that Ipecac is the most important remedy in all
post-partum floodings, and Jahr mentions it as the first remedy in
all floodings, when there are no special indications, to be given
for another medium. Baehr, emphasizing the characteristics
mentioned by Hahnemann, states that he considers Ipecac
especially useful during parturition and after abortus. Nausea,
vomiting, faintness, stomach troubles and pressure in the
epigastrium indicate Ipecac no less.
Cases.
After a normal parturition and voluntary separation of the pla-
centa, the uterus apparently contracted into a hard ball. Orific.
uteri closed to one-fourth inch. And yet there was moderate
flooding for two hours approaching the danger mark. Patient
received Ipecac 1st, five drops every ten minutes. Within fifteen
minutes the bleeding ceased, and within one hour normal lochiae
were established. (Allg. H. Ztg. } Vol. 26, p. 218, Dr. Kalen-
bach).
After aborting a three- weeks foetus a woman had such severe
flooding that she was very much weakened; she could hardly
speak; face like white wax, everything looked black to her; ter-
ribly nauseated; on raising her head she fainted. Blood bright
red, flow moderate but uninterrupted, uterus relaxed. Ipecac,
two doses, caused immediate ceassation of the flow arid, and
within twenty-four hours the uterus contracted. {Ibid.)
A woman aet. 24, of regular functions, was enceinte ten weeks
for the first time, after exerting herself she experienced violent
pains in the abdomen with a softish sensation of warmth about
the epigastrium and moderate vertigo; soon flooding commenced,
accompanied by drawing in the sacrum, faintness, heaviness of
the thighs; the whole body relaxed. The flooding was becoming
more abundant with every hour, so that it flowed from under
68
THE HOMCEOPA THIc RECORDER
the bed. Face pale, dark rings around the eyes; she aborted,
having terrible pains in the sacrum. The flooding increased;
there was nausea, mouth dry with thirst. Ipecac, two drops in
water. After ten minutes there was warmth in the epigastrium,
cessation of the abdominal pains; flooding stopped within an
hcur, followed by tranquil sleep. Next day China. On the
third day she got up. (Annalen, Vol. i, 2p. Dr. Gaspar). It
is to be remarked in regard to the flooding in this case that it
was very fluid, bright red or pale, continuous and copious even
with contracted uterus, the effect of the remedy was striking and
was much more indicated than China which is usually given,
for with China the flooding comes in spurts. Also in very
copious and persistent menstruation, commonly designated as
passive. Patzack gave Ipecac 3, one or two doses with telling
effect (see Archiv. Vol. 19, p. 2). This remedy shortened the
then too copious period. We find in Annelen 3 to 21, an interest-
ing case of
Hsematuria.
A robust woman, otherwise healthy, who had ceased to men-
struate five years ago, caught cold the day before, and was very
sick. She complained of vertigo, confused head, severe pains in
sacrum, feeling of warmth in abdomen as if warm water were
coursing through the bowels ; this was soon followed by copious
urine, scalding hot, which consisted of fluid dark blood. Weak-
ness, necessitating lying down. Sleep at night full of dreams ;
renewed bleeding amounting to }4 -quart. In the morning feet
feel as if paralyzed, cold, head heavy, cannot keep it erect.
Another strong flooding, syncope, very pale, intense nausea,
constant urging to urinate. Ipecac 2d> 1 drop. Nausea increased,
but no vomiting ; within one hour there occurred normal urina-
tion. Within three hours she got up from bed. Though the
diagnosis in this case may be obscure, yet the effect of the rem-
edy, selected in accordance with the symptoms, cannot be gain-
said.
I have not been able to find a record in our literature of Ipecac
having been used in cough with bloody expectoration, and yet it
produced on several persons, after inhaling Ipecac powder, a
catarrh of the air passages, accompanied with bloody expectora-
tion ; neither has it been used in bleeding of the nose. I came
across some interesting notes lately by Professor Aug. G. Richter,
who was as prominent a surgeon as he was a practitioner, who-
used Ipecac in minute doses with telling effect in such cases. In
a case of haemoptysis in a young man he gave % -grain doses of
Pulv. Ipecac, with the result that the bloody expectoration grew
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 69
less at once, and had ceased altogether next day. In a woman
suffering from epistaxis, after all sorts of remedies had been
given unsuccessfully, externally as well as internally, the bleed-
ing ceased, as if charmed (as he says) on giving Ipecac. Also,
in spasmodic affections of the colon, even in miserere, and in
several incarcerated hernias he used the remedy with success.
In these cases, he observes, it by no means increased the vomit-
ing, but stopped it. It is to be regretted that no particulars are
.given of these interesting cases.
{Conclusion in next number.}
PARONYCHIA AND NITRIC ACID.
Translated for Homceopathic Recorder.
The late Dr. Hirsch of Prague, published an interesting state-
ment how to cut short incipient attacks of paronychia, or whitlow
and greatly benefit more advanced cases by the external appli-
cation of strong Nitric acid. We condense from his interesting
article, as published in Vol. 65, No. 17, of the Allg. Horn. Zeitg.,
as follows :
The inflamation of the cellular tissues which surround the nail
and form its proper bed, may be of a lower or higher degree of
intensity. Whilst in its lighter degree it moves around the basis
of the nail and affects only its immediate tissues, it attacks in its
higher degree of development all the cellular tissues underlying
. the whole nail joint, especially the fibrous septum of the sinews;
and in its highest development even the periosteum etc., and
then spreads from the nail joint over the whole finger, the back
and palm of the hand and further up the arm.
I have found, from large experience, that no matter how
intense the inflamation may be, a thorough painting of the
inflamed surface for about two minutes with fuming nitric acid will
never fail to give relief, often even while the acid is being applied.
Care must be taken to apply it only to the reddened and inflamed
surface, and to the places where a yellowish color indicates that
matter is beingsecreted. On these the application will be absolutely
painless, while, whenever a burning is experienced, it is evidence
that some healthy skin had been touched, and an immersion of
the finger in a bowl of cool water, kept in readiness for the
purpose, will immediately allay the pain. Sometimes the acid
will not readily adhere to some spots in which case the rubbing
must be persisted in until it does; the reddened inflamed surface
7o
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
should be repeatedly covered with the acid. Care should be
taken not to have the acid enter under the skin at the edge of
the nail,* as it will occasion burning.
I use the fuming Nitric acid by preference, and keep it in a flat
bottle, with a well ground stopper. It is best applied with the
broken end of a match, or with a tiny roll of paper. A camel
hair brush may also be used, but that is soon destroyed by the
acid. A thin tender skin need only be painted lightly, while
the rough hard skin of a laborer must get repeated and energetic
inunctions. Within a few minutes after the application the skin
assumes a bright yellow color, and usually, after three or four
days, peels off. From among many clinical cases I select the
following :
Case i. Baroness W., a lady aet. 30, called me on account of
a very painful finger. For three days the symptoms of an incip-
ient panaritium were developing, the pains increased from day
to day, rendering the last two nights sleepless. Warm cataplas-
mata of various kinds and divers salves had been applied in vain.
The panaritium had developed on the right side of the index,
and was?spreading along the base of the nail from right to left ;
the skin was of an intense redness, and the inner side of the
finger was also very much swollen, but not so red. Patient
complained of a dull pulsating pain, itching at times, compelling
her to pace her room all the time, and driving her out of bed at
night. On the right side of the nail were spots of a greenish
yellow, denoting incipient suppuration. The lady expressed
her sore disappointment at the affliction, as she wanted to finish
several presents for the approaching holidays. I promised speedy
relief, and painted the swollen and reddened surfaces for two
minutes with the Nitric acid. Even during its application
patient experienced some relief, which soon became more pro-
nounced. About two hours after she retired, and, much to her
astonishment, slept from 10 P. M. to 7 A. M. On awaking she
could press the finger without feeling any pain. When I called
about noon, I found her busy at an embroidery. The painted
skin was intensely yellow, and the skin felt like parchment;
swelling and pain were gone, and three days after the skin
peeled off, and the dried matter was exfoliated.
Case 2.. A young farmer from a village about five miles from
Prague had suffered severely for the last four days with a
panaritium. A young friend, a surgeon, himself similarly
afflicted, treated him, but as he had to go to the city the farmer's
relatives prevailed on him to consult me. The whole first joint
was implicated, was very much swollen and intensely reddened.
THE HOMCEOPA TH1C RECORDER. 7 1
At the base of the nail a speck of matter the size of a bean had
already formed. The pain was furious, and patient carried his
arm in a sling for fear his finger would burst, as he said. On
account of the more robust skin I repeated the inunction with
the acid several times, and presently the yellow color manifested
itself. As soon as the application was finished patient evinced
some relief and returned home. A few days after I was informed
that on his return from Prague he had a good night's rest, and
that the finger was cured. It is of interest to note that the next
morning the young surgeon visited him with the words: I make
a great sacrifice by calling on you to-day, for I am in furious
pain, not having slept a wink all night. Great was his amaze-
ment on beholding the painless finger of his friend, and he
regretted much that his friend could not give him the name of
that "yellow fluid."
Case 3. A young man in a friend's family was in great pain,
had not slept all the previous night, and on his stating so to me I
consoled him that he would be able to make up for that the next
night. A friend happening to be present remarked, that's all right,
to say so, but malgre all the good intentions of your doctor, I bet
you will pass a number of nights in sore distress before you are
through, for I had that same complaint last summer. So you
want to bet? I remarked, what is it to be? two bottles of wine:
result — next morning I had two bottles of fine Rhine wine.
And right here I would remark that it is necessary first care-
fully to investigate whether the panaritium has not been caused
by the presence of a foreign body, such as wood, glass, etc., for
in such a case the Nitric acid will afford some alleviation, but
will not bring decided relief until the foreign body has been
removed.
I will now speak of panaritium of a high grade, u e., that in
which the inflammation is deeper, and extends to the sinews and
flexors, and implicates the whole hand, radiating as far as the
shoulder. Such high-grade inflammations are accompanied by
distressing pains, high fever, with rapid, tense compressed pulse,
hot burning skin, total loss of appetite, violent thirst and other
symptoms nearly driving the patient wild.
Here also the treatment had best be commenced with the ap-
plication of strong Nitric acid. We must first satisfy ourselves,
however, that there is not already a considerable secretion of pus.
For in that case we would be called upon to get rid of that as
speedily as possible; and to accomplish that I use in rather quick
succession a mechanical and a chemical agency. The mechani-
cal expedient is to open the abscess and, if the skin is thin or
72
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
even with thicker skin, when there is much tension, the opera-
tion is as a rule painless or nearly so. After a considerable
quantity of the pus has been voided we make use of a chemical
appliance with which to get rid of the remaining festering exu-
dation, remnants of fibrous bodies, etc., and this we find in a
solution of caustic potash. To half a pint of tepid water add
ten to twelve drops of a concentrated solution of the Potash and
bathe the finger in it for ten or fiftenn minutes. If this bath,
which is altogether painless, be applied in a glass container it
will be interesting to note how quickly the chemical effect of
the Potash is manifested in the thready exudations and fibrous
bodies rapidly being eliminated out of the gaping wound.
The patient soon experiences great relief, and a rapid lessening
of the swelling and of the redness soon becomes apparent. This
finger bath is applied two or three times during the first twenty-
four hours, afterwards once a day is sufficient, using a weaker
Potash solution. After every bath the finger should be dried
and covered with some lint spread with an indifferent animal
Jat. In this way a favorable resolution can be brought about
much quicker than by any other procedure; at least, such is my
many year's experience.
In the highest grade of panaritium, when the periosteum has
been destroyed and the bone becomes necrosed, I generally com-
mence with the finger baths in a much diluted Potash solution,
and prescribe immediately, as indicated, Calcarea carb., Silicia or
Sulphu* . I also remember to have seen good results from the
external application of Hepar sulph calc. in trituration.
Several years ago a woman brought her n -year-old daughter
to Prague, afflicted for several weeks with a high-grade panarit-
ium. A surgeon had pulled off her nail, and declared that next
day the joint would have to be amputated. The child was then
examined by me, and I found one of the most virulent panarit-
iums I had ever seen. The very much swollen finger looked
like a formless, intensely red mass; excruciating pains darted
clear up to the shoulder; the whole bed of the nail was one
festering sore surrounded by fleshy ridges, and in the apex could
be seen the denuded bone. Encouraged by previous experience,
I was able to promise the mother the canservation of the finger,
but stipulated a sojourn of several weeks in the city; and as she
could not well arrange that, I kept the girl in my house. Three
times a day the finger was bathed in tepid water, and Silicia 24th
was given inwardly. The patient received two doses of that
medicine within the next two weeks, and by the end of that
time her condition was remarkably improved, but as the sup-
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 73
puration was still profuse, I applied Hepar sulph. cak. 2x exter-
nally to the wound, sprinkling it on mornings and evenings.
The success was so gratifying, that patient was cured a week
later, leaving a somewhat distorted joint. But the mother was
overjoyed that the operation was averted and the finger saved.
Two years after I accidentally met the girl, and judge of my
surprise when I had difficulty to point out the finger that had
been affected.
The nail, which had been violently torn out by that surgeon;
had been replaced by a perfectly normal one.
Eye-Film.
In July I was called to see the 13-year-old daughter of teacher
K. concerning an inflammatory condition of the right eye, which
had continued for over a year, and which, in spite of medication,
had been steadily growing so much worse for the last three
months that her sight was almost gone. This was coupled with
violent pains, so that a friend had advised her removal to the
Ciinicum at Rostock. An examination of the eye, which occa-
sioned a stream of tears, disclosed that the conjunctiva bulbi
was inflamed over its whole extent, but redness seemed to be
intensified in the right corner. From this corner extended a
skin- like formation — a film — the basis of which was at the outer
corner of the eye, and from there, growing narrower, the point
reached to the middle of the pupilla. From this short descrip-
tion it will be apparent that this was a case of a perfect eye
film, the extent of which fully explained the total cessation of
the eyesight. This was accompanied by great photophobia,
increased secretion of mucus and agglutination of the eyelids on
awaking in the morning ; there was also pain on opening the
eyelids, with copious lachrymation. In addition the nose of the
patient was considerably swollen, but without inflammatory
symptoms. The other functions seemed to be normal. To the
question of the father, what had best be done? I replied that the
only rational treatment was by Homoeopathic remedies. As all
other physicians had insisted on an operation, he seemed to be
very skeptical, but yet desired that an attempt be made. On
that day patient received one dose of the 2d dilution of Apis
tincture.
Within two months there was decided amelioration, the
inflammation of the conjunctiva was almost gone, the film was
perceptibly flattened and less in extent, and had receded alto-
gether from the cornea ; on the latter there remained a slight
opacity which, on account of its location, interfered with perfect
74
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER
sight. Pain and lachrymation of the eyes had ceased also agglu-
tination of the eyelids. For three weeks longer Apis 2 was con-
tinued, and all abnormal conditions had vanished, and sight was
re established, but there still remained an opaque spot on the
cornea, near the edge of the pupilla, which would not yield to a
continued use of the remedy, but which was soon overcome by
Autum 3d, a dose every evening. — Dr. Gentzke, of Bautzen, in
Pop. Horn. Ztg. y Vol. VII., 11.
AVENA SATIVA AND ITS INDICATIONS.
Tincture of Avena Sativa is indicated to those familiar with
its action almost as frequently as that sheet-anchor of the Hom-
oeopathic school, Aconitum Napellus, yet it is a drug which is but
little known, and rarely employed by the great majority of
Homoeopathic physicians. This is not to be wondered at, for
although it has been upon the market for years, it is not men-
tioned in any of the Homoeopathic works upon materia medica,
so far as the writer is aware, nor has any proving of the remedy
ever been made. Medical journals generally seem to be equally
reticent upon the subject, The Homoeopathic Recorder being
apparently the only magazine which has referred to the drug.
Avena Sativa is pre-eminently an anti -neurotic, quieting the
nervous system to a remarkable degree. Its special sphere of
action seems to be upon the male sexual organs, regulating the
functional irregularities of these parts perhaps as much as any
drug can. It is a most useful remedy in all cases of nervous ex-
haustion, general debility, nervous palpitation of the heart, in-
somnia, inability to keep the mind fixed upon any one subject,
etc. , more especially when any or all of these troubles is appar-
ently due to noctural emissions, masturbation, over sexual inter-
course, and the like. For these disorders it is truly specific. It
is one of the most valuable means for overcoming the bad effects
of the morphine habit. In most cases in which the habitue* has
not used more than four grains daily, the opiate may be abruptly
discontinued and even substituted, without any serious results.
If a larger quantity than this amount has been taken for some
time, it is better to gradually reduce the daily dose of morphine,
in the usual manner, simply prescribing the Avena in addition.
The latter should be given in the same dose, as a rule, regardless
of the amount of morphine taken. In other words, it is not nec-
essary to increase the Avena as the opiate is withdrawn. When
the quantity of morphine has not exceeded four grains daily it
THE HOAfCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 75
should be stopped at once as stated above, and A vena given in
its stead in fifteen- drop doses, four times a day, in a wineglass-
ful of hot water. By this method the disagreeable after- effects
will be much less then though the dose of morphine is gradually
reduced, and the patient will find life quite bearable, as a rule,
at the end of a week.
Avena sativa should always be given in appreciable doses of
the tincture. Fifteen drops three or four times a day, well
dilnted, will usually meet the case. It may be given in doses
of from five to sixty drops in rare instances. It should, however,
never be given in larger quantities than twenty minims unless
the patient is thoroughly accustomed to the remedy, and has
found the usual dose insufficient. Otherwise there is danger of
getting the physiological effect of the drug, which is pain at the
base of the brain. When this symptom makes its appearance the
medicine should be discontinued for a day or two, and then given
in reduced doses. There seems to be no danger whatever of
forming the habit of taking this drug, as it can be suddenly
abandoned at any time without evil consequences, even when
given in large quantities. In one case it was prescribed by the
writer in sixty-drop doses, night and morning, for one year, and
then abruptly stopped, nothing being substituted therefor,
without bad effects.
Whenever a quick action is desired, and in all cases where
Avena is given to overcome the morphine habit, it should be
prepared in hot water. It is also a good plan to prescribe it in
this fashion wherever indigestion complicates the case.
The writer has employed this drug in his private practice for a
number of years with the most gratifying results. He has very
early found it to fail when indicated, and on account of his
high opinion of the remedy he takes great pleasure in thus
bringing it prominently to the attention of the medical profession .
— Dr. H. £. Russell \ in North American fournal of Homoeopathy.
PASSIFLORA INCARNATA.
I have now used it over two years (carry it in my case), and
pronounce it a soporific, without narcotic action, and one, if not
the best anti spasmodics and anti-neuralgics we have. Its action
seems to be between morphine and chloral hydrate, or nearer
sulfonal, but it does not depress the system nor derange the
stomach, is devoid of danger, is non- poisonous, and can be given
in any case where sleep is needed. It is the remedy par excellence
in diseases of children and old, feeble persons.
7 6
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
In nervous or sick headache, neuralgia of the fifth pair of
nerves, it has no superior, and few equals. In sleeplessness of
typhoid and other fevers, as well as from over-work, which we
find so much amongst bankers, merchants, clerks, etc., it will
produce a quiet, refreshing and dreamless sleep. If an overdose
should be given the patient can easily be aroused, nourishment
given, and when left alone a few moments will fall into a quiet
and natural sleep. But it is in diseases of children where physi-
cians will most appreciate it. Cases where Opium and its perpara-
tions, Bromides, Chloral, etc., cannot be given or are not well
borne, and where we do not wish to lock up, the secretions.
Cases of diarrhoea, dysentery, spasms, etc., 10 to 30 drops of a
good mother tincture every half, one or two hours will surprise
and please you.
It should be thought of in all spasmodic and neuralgic affec-
tions.
It should be made from the fresh plant while in bloom or
bearing, and giving in quite large doses, 10 drops to 1 drachm
repeated often, if necessary, will constitute the dose. It can be
combined with most of the vegetable remedies having similar
action, but is best administered alone.
. In cases where Gelsemium seems indicated, but we wish sleep,
it seems to work the best.
I do not wish to weary you in praising this remedy, but I want
you to try it, and if I can answer any questions that will help
you on this subject let me hear from you. I will give you a few
cases in which I have used this remedy with perfect success.
Case 1. Was called in the evening to see Gracie I., aged 10
months; cutting teeth, slight fever and diarrhoea, very restless
and cried a great portion of the time. Had not slept for 24
hours. Gave 5 drops of Aconite to half glass of water, teaspoon-
ful every hour. Passiflora incarnata (mother tincture) in 10-drop
doses every hour secured a good night's rest. Father called at
the office a few days later; asked to have a bottle of "that
sleeping medicine," and said it worked so nicely that they
wished to keep it on hand.
Case 2. Baby S., aged four months, had dysentery for a week
when it "went to the head." The attending physician said it
could not live. Had not slept for nearly two days. Head drawn
back and a tendency to episthotonos, bowels not very bad. I
saw her at 4 p. m.
Gave Passiflora incarnata , five drops every half hour until she
slept. Left two powders of one grain each of Mercurius corrosive,
third trituration, to be given after stool.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 77
By 10 p. m., baby was resting finely, and by repeating dose of
Passiflora incarnata when she showed signs of awakening we
kept her quiet for forty-eight hours, when she awoke seemingly
perfectly cured. From that on she made a rapid recovery.
Case 3. I will give you this case to show that it can be used
any length of time and in heart disease. Was called the first of
September last to see Mr. S., aged 66. He had valvular insuffi-
ciency, with general dropsy. Legs were burst open and discharg-
ing freely. Could not lie down, and had not slept only a few
moments at a time for two weeks. His physician had used
" everything/ ' they said, even tried Morphi. sulph. hypodermic-
ally, which nearly " ended things' ' then and there. Had been
with him three nights, then went home acknowledging his
defeat. I found he was taking fifteen-drop doses of Digitalis,
and half teaspoonful doses of tr. Mur. iron (to keep up his
strength, they said). Perfectly regular.
I gave one tenth grain of Eliterium every two hours until we
had obtained several free watery movements. To a small glass
of water I added,
I* Sp. Tr. apocynum can gtt xx.
PI. ex. cact. grand gtt. xxx.
Mix. Sig. — Teaspoonful every hour when awake.
Ordered half teaspoonful of Passi. inc. at 8 and 10 P. M. I
called next day. Patient not so restless, having slept four or
five hours. Pretty good. Continued treatment and ordered
Passiflora given at 7, 9 and 11 P. M. A good night's sleep, mind
now clear, which it had not been for two weeks. Legs stopped
discharging, and bloat going down rapidly. The patient is still
living (the first of December), can sleep nicely with Passiflora.
Other remedies, as indicated, keep his digestion and bowels
good, but for all this he is gradually nearing eternity. I have
told the family many times I could not cure him, but they with
himself say, "If you can only keep me easy until the time
comes, it's all we ask."
I have tried to not overdraw in this article. I think if you try.
the remedy once and fail, it will be due to a poor article, or in
not giving enough. — Dr. W. E. Daniels, Madison , S. D. y in
Chicago Medical Times.
SOME EXPERIENCE WITH SCHUSSLER'S TISSUE
REMEDIES.
Kali Muriaticum.
A gentleman attending a crowded meeting was compelled to
stand in a draught beneath an open window, the result being an
78
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDEk.
atack of otitis externa of the right ear with subsequent otorrhoea
and deafness. The case was treated, successively, with Aeon.,
Puis, and Merc, so/., which controlled the pain and inflammatory
symptoms, but only partially relieved the otorrhoea, whilst the
deafness remained untouched; Hydrastis and then Sulphur were
given with still incomplete effects.
At this stage there were thickening and narrowing of the
meatus, with a thin, flaky discharge therefrom. The watch-
hearing was 4 inches. I then prescribed Kali muriat. 3X, and in
the course of a few days the discharge ceased, and in a fortnight
from the time the medicine was commenced, the hearing had
become normal. This remedy also did good service in a case of
recent catarrhal Eustachian deafness in a boy who suffered from
chronic enlargement of the tonsils. Puis, and Merc, sol., had
previously been given without effect, but the deafness disap-
peared after fourteen days use of Kali mur. The tonsils were
unaffected, but treatment was given up at the restoration of the
hearing.
In Drs. Boericke and Dewey's The Twelve Tissue Remedies of
Schussler (a well-arranged and complete volume on the subject),
it states that Kali mur. is *' one of the most useful and positive
of all our remedies in the hands of the aurist, chiefly suited to
the second or later stages of catarrhal states.' '
Dr. H. C. Houghton, in his Clinical Otology, speaks of this
medicine as "one of the most effective remedies we have ever
used for chronic catarrhal inflammation of the middle ear,
especially the form designated proliferous;" and Dr. H. P.
Bellows gives a similar account of the drug when he says, " my
own experience of Kali mur. , has been largely confined to chronic
catarrhal conditions of the middle ear, and after keeping a careful
record of its action in nearly two hundred of these cases, I am
convinced that it is one of the most useful agents we possess in
their treatment. ' '
Ferruip Phosphoricum.
My first experience of this remedy in febrile conditions was
markedly satisfactory. The case was that of a stout child,
eighteen months old, with a large brain and florid cheeks, suffer-
ing from dental irritation. Previous to my visit, the mother had
been giving Aeon, and Bell., for twelve hours with no relief.
The skin was hot and burning, the cheeks highly flushed, the
eyes sparkling, with pupils dilated, and the child in a state of
extreme restlessness and irritability.
I gave Trit. ferri phos. 6x in water, to be given in teaspoonful
doses every hour, and, on visiting the case next day, the mother
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 79
assured me that the first dose had a decidedly quieting effect, the
child going to sleep shortly after taking it, and the cheeks
becoming much less flushed. The medicine had been repeated
two or three times during the night, and the little patient now
appeared quite lively and well.
In the volume referred to, Ferr. Phos. is stated as "seeming
to stand midway between the intensity of Aeon, and BelL and
the dulness of Gelsem./' and that its field of action is in "febrile
disturbances and inflammations at their onset, before exudation
commences."
A florid complexion, with less nerve tension than that of BelL ,
is considered a key-note for its use. Also, when throbbing or
pulsation is complained of in the affected part.
The following case presents Ferr. Phos. in another sphere of
action, and confirms its well-known remedial power over diurnal
enuresis.
Mrs. M., aetat 34, came to me in January, 1889, suffering
irom incontinence of urine. The trouble had existed for three
years, and she could give no light on its origin. She stated that
she could retain the urine at night, but not in the day time,
when she passed a large quantity of water involuntarily. Her
general health was otherwise fairly good. Trit. Ferri. Phos. 6x
was prescribed, to be taken four times a day. A week later she
reported that she could now retain the urine much better during
the day. The medicine was continued for three weeks longer,
when she informed me that the power over the bladder was now
complete, and that she was better than she had been for two
years. Nine months afterwards, the patient came to me again
with a return of the malady, and, although she was then enceinte,
Ferr. Phos. again completely stopped the incontinence. — Stanley
Wilde, L. R. C. P., L. R. C. S. f Edin., in Monthly Homoeopathic
Review, Feb., 1892.
SAW PALMETTO IN PROSTATIC DISEASE.
I have been afflicted with the most distressing of old men's
troubles, enlarged prostate, for four or five years, and for three
years previous was obliged to use a catheter from two to six
times in twenty-four hours. A year ago last July I had a short
respite of a month or so, and thought I had succeeded in over-
coming the difficulty, but it was only partial and temporary, and
I had to resort to the catheter again. I had been using rectal sup-
positories of Ergotin, Iodoform and Belladonna, various internal
remedies — Staphysagria, Carbonate of lithia, etc. — and locally
8o
1HE HOMCEOPA7HIC RECORDER.
I
»
li
I
8;
Cocaine ointment^ etc., applied to the catheter. In March last I
commenced using the Saw palmetto \ when I began to improve r
and by the first of May was so much better that I omitted the
use of the catheter, and have not used it since until about the
first of this month — over six months 1 respite — the longest in
over four years.
I was so well that I became negligent in the use of the remedies,
and so suffered moself to become constipated and lithemic,
causing cystic irritation and spasm at the neck of the bladder,
requiring the catheter for a few times.
A few doses of Cascara sagrada for the bowels, Carbonate of
lithia and Pichi for acid urine and irritation of the bladder, and
resumption of the Saw palmetto for the prostate gland, soon
corrected all the unpleasant symptoms, and now all is right
again. I find it necessary to keep the bowels regular as possible
to avoid pressure from gas or impacted faeces on the gland and
neck of the bladder; also to be somewhat careful of diet, to
prevent lithsemic symptoms. Although the cystic trouble was
relieved by the former remedies, I am satisfied that the gland
remained congested and inflamed till I began the use of the Saw
palmetto, and since then it has materially lessened in size, and is
relieved of its tenderness and inflammation. — H. Knapp, M, D. t
Medical World.
CENANTHA CROCATA.
Miss H. E. G., aet 16, sanguine temperament, well grown^
robust appearance, but dyspeptic.
When 8 years old would have spells of absent-mindedness.
Would be listless and inattentive for a few minutes, then would
be all right. Health at that age good. These absent-minded
spells would occur at irregular intervals, and recurred up to date
ot applying to me for treatment for epilepsy. Menstruation be-
gan at about the age of 12 ; epileptic Convulsions were manifest
about the age of 14, and grew more frequent and more intense
with time. Had been under treatment by Allopaths, Homoeo-
paths, and Eclectics. For the past six months the patient would
have six to ten convulsions in twenty-four hours, if not kept stupe-
fied with bromide of potash. It would require from sixty to one
hundred grains per day to control the condition. The mind was
beginning to show feebleness, and the functions of the body were
subnormal. The convulsions did not occur at or near the men-
strual period any more than at other times.
I prescribed tincture CEnantha crocata, minims 5, water 6
ounces, mix. Directions, give a teaspoonful every three hours
THE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER. 81
until there was some complaint of headache, then only every
ibur or six hours, during the day, as would be necessary to con-
trol the convulsions. Result, not another spasm. The medi-
cine was continued for three months and then omitted. At that
time a little mental excitement brought on a convulsion. The
-medicine was resumed and continued for three months longer.
ISTo more convulsions, and the absent-minded condition had dis-
appeared. The young lady became gay, cheerful, with active
mind, and entered society and took part in social entertainments
4is did other of her associates^
When the reftiedy would be withheld for a short time a little
-mental excitement or mental fatigue would cause an epileptic
seizure. The remedy was continued, gradually reducing the
•dose, for a period of about two years. Since that time more
than a year has elapsed, there has been no indications of epilepsy
and no sequelae. I have treated five other cases with like
results. — F. H. Fisk, M.D., Mineral Hill Spring s, Tennessee,
dn Chicago Medical Times.
.APOCYNUM FOR THE BAD EFFECTS OF WHISKEY
AND TOBACCO.
Several times within the last three years I have been called to
see "an old soaker,' ' a man of probably 45 years, who had been
:a hard drinker for twenty years or more. He had also been a
most inveterate smoker, using a strong black pipe, and smoking
strong plug tobacco. Each time I have found him upon his
Tback, scarcely able to breathe ; his heart fluttering, and a pulse
that could scarcely be counted. He complained of great peri-
cardial distress, with a heaviness over the entire left side of the
chest ; when I first saw him I did not think he could live twenty-
four hours. I prescribed small doses of Cactus and Digitalis ;
•still, at each subsequent call I found him in about the same con-
dition. At length I noticed a peculiar swelling, or puffiness
about his face and eyes, and changed my prescription to about
twenty drops of Apocynum, to half a glass of water, and ordered
41 teaspoonful to be taken each hour. Before half a dozen doses
Tiad been taken he was out of bed, and when the medicine was
gone he was nearly as good as new, and ready for another drunk.
Each time since, when called, I put him upon the Apocynum,
and all bad symptoms were gone within a few hours. Within
the last ten days I was again called, after he had been under
treatment at a college clinic for some time. He said, "Doctor,
;fix me up some more of that d — d bitter water.' ' The " bitter
82
THE HOM(EOPATHIC RECORDER.
I
t
water" put him upon his feet in twenty- four hours. The puffy
condition pointed out by Scudder, as indicating Apocynutn, I
believe saved this man from the hands of the undertaker. — Dr.
J£. ^?. Waterkouse, in Medical Gleaner.
(Apocynum may be had either in the tincture or decoction.
The latter is cheapest, as a sixteen-ounce bottle costs but $1.00,
or eight ounces, 60 cents. The decoction is very largely used*
— Recorder.)
SYMPHITUM OFFICINALE.
The Homoeopathic Examiner for August contains a paper
entitled "Connection of Homoeopathy with Surgery ," by
Crosero, translated by P. P. Wells, M. D. It is there stated
that "injuries of the bones are healed most effectually by
Symphitum officinale 30, internally once a day. This remedy
accelerates the consolidation of fractures surprisingly.' ' The
translator adds a note as follows: " I have had repeated oppor-
tunities of verifying this declaration of Crosero. A boy fourteen
years old broke the bones of the forearm, at the junction of the
lower and middle thirds, two years ago. He had twice repeated
the fracture by slight falls. The ends of the fragments are now
slightly movable on each other, and the arm is weak and admits
of little use. Three doses of Symphitum effected a perfect cure.
The lad became more robust, and has since had better health
than ever before. A boy, eight years old, fractured the humerus,
near the junction of the condyles and shaft. Arnica 30 imme-
diately arrested the spasmodic jerks of the muscles of the injured
arm. This remedy was continued the first three days, when the
traumatic fever had entirely subsided. He then had Symphit. 3
gtt n i., in half a tumbler of water, a teaspoonful every morning
and evening. The splints were removed the ninth day, and the
bone was found consolidated. The cure was entirely without
pain. How much earlier than this the fragments ceased to be
movable is not known. Well may the author say it heals broken
bones surprisingly." — Am. Jour, of Horn., 184.6.
Stiujngia. — It is a good thing to think of just now, as the
season for coughs and colds is so near at hand. No remedy will
do fetter as a general cough medicine. One drop on a piece of
sugar, slowly dissolved in the mouth, and allowed to slowly flow
down the throat, will give speedy relief in all cases caused by an
irrigation of the throat. This dose can be repeated every fifteen
minutes, whenever necessary. As an external remedy in croup,
it has no superior, and affords immediate and wonderful relief.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 83
It should be applied to the throat by binding around the neck
a piece of flannel, wet with the lotion. My faith in its influence
is so great, that I should not like to attempt to treat a case of this
nature without this remedy. I don't say it will cure all cases of
croup, but with Stillingia liniment for external use, and small
doses of Aconite, as the internal remedy, I believe the physician
well prepared to contend with this dread disease of every house-
hold containing small children. The liniment can also be used
internally in the treatment of croup, and with marked benefits.
— -John Fyfex, M. D., 'Saugatuck, Conn., in Eclectic Review.
VETERINARY DEPARTMENT.
Cow, with calf, about four months, had an erysipelatous swell-
ing of the left udder of considerable extent ; cause unknown.
Apis j, one dose of four drops gave entire relief within 24 hours.
— Dt. C L. Bcehm, V. S. t in Pop. Horn. Ztg., Vol. VIII., 126.
***
Colts having diarrhoea, especially chronic diarrhoea of very
watery consistence, expelled in a strong stream, were benefited by
Phosphorus 6, in a striking manner ; one having a relapse, after
several weeks was cured by a few more doses of the remedy.
I have repeatedly found this medicine useful in such cases. — Ibid.
***
Station Colt, aet. 1, having at the time a nasal catarrh,
received by some means a superficial abrasion of the skin at the
loins, which developed at once a disproportionately large and
painful swelling. Dulcamara 2d, three drops, three times a day,
relieved it of the swelling, and of the catarrh in a few days. —
Ibid.
***
Mare, an old hard used animal, had a violent attack of colic
that had already lasted six hours ; pulse had become very weak
and hurried ; heart-beat was tensive ; the mucous membranes of
the mouth livid ; extremities cold ; abdomen tympanitic and
constipated. Arsenicum 2x, dissolved in water, soon brought
her about. — Ibid.
***
An ox, a strong drafting animal, Hungarian breed, middle-
aged, was afflicted with pronounced general anthrax fever
(without local manifestation), received several doses of Arsenicum
3d trit, dissolved in water, in connection with cold water treat-
ment; i. e. y cold well water was poured over him until he showed
84
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
)»
symptoms of chill, when he was rubbed dry and wrapped in
woolen blankets — he also received numerous clysters of cold
water. Within 12 hours he had completely recovered. — Ibid.
***
Inflammation of the eyes in horses, in the form of iritis,
was very prevalent last spring. Metcurius sol. H. 3, proved to
be the remedy. — Ibid.
***
Lambs. — My friend and colleague, Dr. George Lackner, veter-
inarian to the Duke of Koburg, at Vars, wfote that he had much
difficulty of late with an epizootic epidemic of pleuro pneumonia
in lambs — that from 10 to 20 were attacked daily, and Aconite
was useful as a prophylactic only with one flock, while with
another Apis was effective as such. — Ibid.
***
Horses, Lockjaw. — Dr. George Mills, veterinarian, in Agram,
states that he succeeded in four cases of lockjaw in horses, within
two years, with Nux vomica. He promises some detailed inter-
esting clinical cases shortly. — Ibid.
***
Ox. — And now let me give you a most amusing account of
how an ox effectually silenced two doctors: Mr. Krueger, lease-
holder of a large estate in Wredenbogen, Mecklenburg, had a
sick ox. When I arrived in W. to investigate, Dr. N. N. from
R., a disciple of Rademacher happened to be present, and he
and Mr. K. accompanied me to the stable, the former regaling
us with witticisms about Homoeopathy along the way. A hun-
dred yards from the stable we already heard the whistling and
groaning respiration of the ox. A minute examination disclosed
the following symptoms : The animal stood swaying to and fro,
eyes staring, protruding from the sockets, breathing terribly,
labored and whistling as if a plug had lodged in the throat, the
parts surrounding the larynx somewhat inflamed, appetite poor,
and almost suppressed. Dr. N. N. and Mr. K. thought that
the ax was the only needed remedy; however, I was not so
apprehensive, and stated that I thought Homoeopathy would
still be efficacious. "Yes" retorted Dr. N. N., "if you help
that ox with your Homoeopathic druglets I will eat him up alive.' '
" Very well, doctor,' ' I answered, " I shall take you at your word."
I gave Spongia ix dilution, 10 drops every four hours. Three
days after I again met Dr. N. N., in W. " How is your ox ? M was
his first question. * * Quite well since yesterday, ' ' I answered, ' * and
at your service to be eaten alive.' ' Well the doctor did not seem
to want to fall to, just then, for although fully appreciating a good
I
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 85
beef roast, he may have concluded a whole live ox to be too
much for him. But he could not deny that a few drops of
spirits had worked wonders in this case, and he never after had
a word to say against Homoeopathy.
About two weeks after this occurence there was a small, select
company in W., and among them a Dr. X. from W., from the phy-
siological school. • The conversation drifted on to Homoeopathy,
and Dr. X. maintained that it was a psycological mode of cure,
for it could only cure imaginary diseases by imagination. As an
answer, I asked Mr. Krueger whether his ox, whom Dr. N.
wanted to eat alive, had only imagined himself sick and whether
he only imagined himself to be well again ?
A roar of laughter followed my remark, for that case was yet
quite fresh in their minds, and well known to all present. Dr. X.
jumped up, left the room and called for his carriage. After a
great deal of persuasion he was prevailed upon to stay, but he
has had nothing to say about Homoeopathy since then. Whether
these two gentlemen will be converted I don't know, but have
my doubts about it. — From Letter of Dr. A. Jenisch, Veterinarian,
of Freenistein, Pop. Horn. Zeitung Vol. VIII. , 26.
***
Blub Milk. — Four weeks after, a landed proprietor of the
neighborhood came to me saying, "Some time ago you gave to
one of my friends a remedy for the * blue milk ' of his cows. It
helped immediately. . Now, I have four cows in my stable simi-
larly afflicted for over six months, i. e., their milk will have
blue spots on the top after standing some time, and the blue
color often covers the whole surface.' ' The cause of this con-
dition could not be ascertained, but I gave him Pulsatilla 1, in
liquid, one drop to be given night and morning. After scarcely
a week the blue spots on the milk of all the cows had disappeared.
— Pop. Horn. Ztg. y Vol. VII. , pp. 14.
THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING IS THE EATING
THEREOF.
Last month I was called to Ashland, to see a very sick cow,
getting worse all the time, they said. I found her a ten-year-old
cow, standing motionless, verj r dejected, looked like she wanted
to die. On inquiry found she had calved a week before and
cleaned all right. That the calf got hurt and died when about
three days old, dying in the stable with her; so remaining over
night, then removed by the man in her presence. She made no
fuss at all.
86
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
*
I concluded at once a real case of silent grief, so prescribed
Ignatia 3, six drops every three hours. In two days she was
entirely well and milking as usual.
I feel most positive this was right, and that Ignatia is often
called for in the treatment of brutes. I have had no deaths from
milk fever in eleven cases. All were Arsenicum cases.
H. C. Passmore.
FairvUUy Pa.
ESERINE SULPH. IN VETERINARY PRACTICE.
I do not know if many veterinarians use this remedy or not,
presumably not many Homoeopaths, at any rate.. I have found
it a valuable remedy in cases of parturient fever in cows. Three-
grain doses, every twelve hours, hypodermically administered;
have never had to give more than the second dose, with Cocculus
and Ignatia internally. Under this treatment I have never lost
a case, while other veterinarians lose nearly every case where
the animal is down in convulsions. I also use it in some cases
of colic in horses, with the best results.
J. Lamb, V. S.
Delaware, 0. t /an. 18 \ i£p2.
(It may be well to note here that Eserine Sulph. is a very
expensive drug, the 2x trit. selling at $1.25 an ounce. Or, 100
1 -grain hypodermic tablets, $20.00.)
BOOK NOTICES.
With the "Pousse Cafe." Being a Collection of Post Pran-
dial Verses, by Wm. Tod Helmuth, M. D. " Valeat Quantum
Valere Potest." Philadelphia: Boericke and Tafel. 1892. 141
pages. $1.50 net. By mail $1.58.
Dr. Helmuth's host of friends will welcome this elegant vol-
ume of poems from his facile pen. It would be difficult to give
the poetic jewels a finer setting. The paper is of the finest qual-
ity, the type new, the press-work the best that a large house
could do, while the binding — white and gold back, mauve and
silver sides, gilt top and untrimmed edges — is a delight to the
connoisseur. The stamp on the side of the book outlines
a table, in silver, set with the glasses, the fruit, and the " pousse
cafe," the steam of which arises and unfolds the title of the book.
The verses have all appeared in print at various times, but are
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 87
now for the first time collected in one volume. The first one
"An Error in Diagnosis' ' was read in response to the toast
"The City Doctor* ' at the banquet of the American Institute of
Homoeopathy, at Deer Park, June, 1884. This is followed * by
4 « The Story of a City Doctor, ' ' no dates.
"Surgery and Medicine* * read at Delmonico's at the banquet
of the Students and Alumni of the New York Homoeopathic
College in March, 1887.
The others are: !
" The Doctor Woman," read at Horticultural Hall, Boston^ at
the banquet given to the American Institute.
"The Doctor's Dream,' ' at the banquet given by the Western
Institute, at Chicago, in 1864 — tempus fugit! *
"Ode to the Bacillus," a rolicking production whose birth-
x * *
place is not mentioned.
"Commencement Memories," at the Alumni dinner, New
York, 1891.
"My First Patient," American Institute festivities, Pittsburgh
" Dogmatic Doctors," Pittsburg, 1887, at the celebration of the
fiftieth anniversary of the introduction of Homoeopathy west of
the Allegheny mountains.
"An Alumni Poem," Alumni dinner of Hahnemann Medical
College, Philadelphia, 1886.
"The Memories of Twenty Years Ago," American Institute,
Philadelphia, 1871, banquet at the Continental Hotel.
" The Harmony of the Medical Profession," Institute meeting,
Brighton Beach, 1881. '
"A Ballad of the Sixteenth Century, Alumni dinner, H6tel
Brunswick, New York.
a
"The Present Status of the Medical Profession," St. George
Hotel, Brooklyn, 1890, at dinner of N. Y. S. Horn. Medical
Society.
"My First Introduction to Surgery," Alumni dinner, New
York.
"How I became a Surgeon," American Institute, Niagara
Falls.
"A Letter from Alma Mater," Alumni dinner, Delmonico's,
New York, 1884.
"Anticipation, Realization and Retrospection," no dates.
" Our New Materia Medica," at dinner given by Messrs. Boer-
icke & Tafel, to Dr. T. F. Allen, on completion of the Ency-
clopedia of Materia Medica, New York, 1880.
" Minutes of a late Medical Meeting," annual meeting of N.
Y. State Society, Albany, 1882.
88
1HE H0MCE0PA1H1C RECORDER,
The volume concludes with a "Prologue for a New Medical
Journal, June 6, 1883."
Rooking over this list, no doubt, will call up memories of
many a "good time/' to many a Homoeopathic veteran, as also-
to numbers who are still fighting their way to the front in the-
ranks of similia.
Essentials of Nervous Diseases and Insanity : Their Symp-
toms and Treatment. A Manual for Students and Practition-
ers. By John Shaw, M. D. Philadelphia : W. B. Saunders.
1892. 194 pages, cloth, $1.00.
This volume is not arranged in the " question and answer ' y
style of so many others of the Saunders series, and is, perhaps,
all the more interesting in consequence. Here in a nutshell you
get the description of all the nervous diseases, many of them
illustrated with wood cuts. The treatment occupies but small
space, and Homoeopaths have nothing to learn from it. In look-
ing over " regular' ' books one is struck with the air of confi-
dence with which the author proceeds until he runs against the
" treatment* ' end of his subject, and then he seems to be sud-
denly taken with " that tired feeling."
Pocket Medical Formulary, with an Appendix containing
Dosological Table, etc. By William M. Powell, M. D. Wnu
B. Saunders. Philadelphia. 1891. Tucks, $1.75; Cloth,
$1.50, net.
This little book is a sort of " Johnson's Guide," from a
"regular." It begins with "Abortion" and runs the gamut of
diseases to "Xeroderma," giving prescriptions from the most
eminent "regular" practitioners for each. Take as a sample
"Acute Rheumatism." Under this head are given twenty-two
prescriptions, by as many physicians, each of whose name is
given as authority. In some instances hospitals are given as
authority. For " Chronic Rheumatism," at the Jefferson Hos-
pital, Philadelphia, the patient gets :
9*. Tr. aconiti,
Chloroform.,
Aq. a mm on., aa
Li nim saponis co.,
M. Sig. : Use locally.
At the Philadelphia Hospital they give:
J*. Tr. ferri chlor.,
Sodii salicylate,
Acid citric,
Glycerin ae,
Liq. ammoniae citratis (B. p.), q. s. ad Jiv.
Ol. gaul the rise, gr.xv.
f?ij.
fjviij.
£3-
gr.x.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. $9
M. Sig. : Dose — One or two teaspoonfuls every
two hours, until ringing of the ears is
produced, and then increase the interval
to four or six hours.
At the Bellevue Hospital, New York, they give:
J*. Potass, et sodii tartratis, $ss.
Potass, nitratis, J v.
Vini colchici sem., f3ij.
Aquae, q. s. ad fjij-
M. Sig.: Teaspoonful three times a day.
They give the same at the Charity Hospital of New York,
minus the "Potass nitratis" The entire book contains 1734 pre-
scriptions, and its value will depend entirely on the buyer's
point of view. The book is amply interleaved with blank pages
for the writing of additional prescriptions if desired.
The New Cure of Consumption by Its Own Virus. Illus-
trated by numerous cases. By J. Compton Burnett, M. D.
Second Edition. Revised and Enlarged. Philadelphia : Boer-
icke and Tafel. 1892. 187 pages. Cloth 75 cents, net. By
mail, 80 cents.
The first edition of this book was published at London about
a year ago, under the title "Five Years' Experience in the New
Cure of Consumption by its Own Virus.' ' The second edition is>
brought out in the United States only, and is enlarged by the ad-
dition of new matter which falls a little short of doubling the
size of the book. In his first book Dr. Burnett most positively
states that consumption, if not too far advanced, can be cured with
Bacillinum. Since then he has had a year's more experience on
the subject. This is the way he sums up that year: "And what
effect has the past year's experience had upon my own views as to
the therapeutic efficacy of Bacillinum f Simply to confirm them.
My Five Years' Experience in the New Cure of Consumption has . [■
simply become six, and having enlarged my clinical borders by
this additional year's experience, I have only to add that I have
nothing to take from my first edition — the further year's observ-
ation having fully confirmed the views therein set forth."
There is always a considerable shrugging of shoulders, and
sometimes a vigorous kick when a book of this sort appears.
Why ? " Well, we don't believe in this sort of thing." Why ?
" It's a nosode. It's nasty. It isn't Homoeopathy." But isn't
the disease still nastier, and should not a nosode cure the symp-
toms it will cause ? And if it will, is not that Homoeopathy ? Dr.
Burnett took the virus himself, and while no long proving is
published, the leading symptoms caused by it are given.
It may also be complained, has been in fact, that the cases
cited are too short, not full enough. They are short, and here
is one of the shortest: ' ' A little girl of seven was brought to me
90
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
in the month of December, 1888, with tuberculous disease of the
left knee. For eleven months she had been limping; the knee is
much enlarged and very tender; the teeth are tuberculous; there
are numerous cases of consumption in the family, and her father
had spine disease. After one month of the virus 30 the swelling
of the knee had gone down one- third, the joint had become more
movable; the strawberry condition of her tongue had gone and
her teeth had cleaned. She had thereafter two months more of
the virus c, and got quite well; the remaining enlargement of
the knee yielding to a course of the third decimal trituration of
Perlarum mater" That is short, to be sure, but is it not sug-
gestive ? Is the world so rich in remedies for tuberculosis that
it can refuse to even look at the new remedy ? Here, in this
book, are outline sketches of some sixty cases reported cured by-
it.
A word now as to Baeillinum, the remedy. Any one can prepare
it, as full directions are given in the book. Speaking of the
numerous calls coming from all parts of the world for the remedy,
after the publication of the first edition of the book, Dr. Burnett
says, on page 128, "I would, therefore, like to say that it may
be obtained in England of Dr. Heath, 114 Ebury St., London,
S. W., and in America, at any of the pharmacies of Messrs.
Boericke & Tafel." The remedy in the hands of the above
named pharmacists is that which was used by Dr. Burnett in
treating the cases reported in the book.
A Dictionary of Treatment ; or Therapeutic Index, including
Medical and Surgical Therapeutics. By William Whitla, M.
D., Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in the
Queen's College, Belfast, etc. Revised and Adapted to the
Pharmacopoeia of the United States. Philadelphia: Lea
Brothers & Co. 1892. 921 pages, cloth, $4.00.
The text of this book begins under the heading " Treatment
of Diseases," with " Abortion,' ' and runs through the list of dis^
eases, alphabetically arranged, to the conclusion " Yellow Fever.' '
An index of nineteen pages completes the work. Barring the
administration of drugs, there is much matter of value in it for
Homoeopathic physicians. This line, under "Insomnia," is
golden : "A very common error is to confine the management of
the case to the administration of narcotics and hypnotics." But
another part of the same interesting subject will cause a shudder
in many — "Of all the drugs ever used to counteract sleepless-
ness, there is not, on the whole, one so generally valuable as
alcohol in some form or other." And of all the forms, the author
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 9 1
considers pure whiskey, in warm water, taken at a draught, just
before tumbling into bed, the best. Two and a half fluid ounces,
he thinks, is about the average dose. He says it acts more cer-
tainly, if given warm than hot. If patient abstains from alcohol
at all other times, there is no danger of forming the alcohol habit,
and the treatment may be continued indefinitely without harm.
This does not agree with the opinions of many earnest men and
women, but an experienced physician advances it as his experi-
ence. On the heels of " Insomnia* ' follows "Intermittent
Fever/ ' which opens : "The treatment for this disease might be
summed up in the word ' Quinine ,' " which make one wish that
Dr. Whitla could see a copy of Lilienthal's Therapeutics,
Specific Medication and Specific Medicines. Fourth Revis-
ion. • With an Appendix containing the Articles published on
the subject since the first edition, and a Report of Cases Il-
lustrating Specific Medication. By John M. Scudder, M. D.
Thirteenth Edition. Cincinnati : John M. Scudder. 1890.
432 pages. Cloth, $2.50.
If any one wishes to take a look into Specific Medicine he can
not do better than to take that look in the books of the veteran
Dr. John M. Scudder. There is a certain breezy uncpnvention-
ality and frankness in what Dr. Scudder writes, that makes it
peculiarly refreshing reading even to those who do not agree
with him in his medical faith. Specific medicine is thus de-
fined : "We use the term specific with relation to definite path-
ological conditions, and propose to say, that certain well deter-
mined deviations from the healthy state will always be corrected
by certain specific medicines.' ' The difference between this and
Homoeopathy is that "the Homoeopaths will not admit of any
explanation of their law of similia. The remedy is a remedy
because it will produce the exact diseased condition, or at least Ji
the exact symptoms of such a condition. I contend that a drug *'
is a specific remedy : first, because it influences uniformly and
directly the part or function diseased ; and second, because it
opposes such diseased actions. I would, therefore, write the law of
cure, contraria contrariis opponenda, instead of similia similibus"
And yet the Doctor's book is full of prescriptions of medicines
for precisely such states as those medicines will produce.
Opening at random we find under Colocynth, " colic.' ' Whether
Colocynth will produce genuine colic we do not know, but it will
certainly produce all the symptoms of colic, and will cure them.
" In ordinary practice,' ' says the author, " whether it be Old
it
92
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
School or Eclectic, there is no principle or law of cure. Rem-
edies are not given because they are opposed to or agree with
diseased action, but simply because they have been previously
used with reputed good success. It is, in fact, pure empiricism.' r
The more's the pity, for medicine should not be pure empiri-
cism, but pure science ; to be the latter it must be based on law.
Leaving this old, old dispute, we may say, in conclusion, that
any student of Materia Medica will find much of interest and
profit in this book, as also in the numerous " cases" and papers
with which it closes. Some of these are very good.
3
Specific Diagnosis : A Study of Disease, with Special Refer-
ence to the Administration of Remedies. By John M. Scud-
der, M. D. Ninth edition. Cincinnati. 1891. 387 pages.
Cloth., $2.50.
This is a companion volume to Specific Medication and Specific
Medicines, noticed above, and is intended to be a new study of
diagnosis, with special reference to the relations between symp-
toms and the curative action of drugs. We quote from the
opening the following : " It is yet the opinion that ' diagnosis '
has reference to the classification of disease according to the
received nosology ; that it means naming the affection 'bilious
fever,' 'typhoid fever/ 'pneumonia,' 'nephritis,' etc. And so it
does with the genus doctor, at large, and their souls travail in
diagnosis until a suitable name is delivered. And then they
consult their memories and books for recipes to throw at this
name which, to them, seems almost an entity. It looks absurd
when thus plainly stated, yet it is true to a far greater extent
than the majority suppose. If we examine the literature of the
profession, we find that writers on the ' Practice of Medicine*
labor to make diagnosis in this way, and so arrange the symp-
toms of disease that their readers may be enabled to follow ifi
their lead. The student would certainly think, from this teach-
ing that the getting a name for a disease, was the first and prin-
cipal object in medical practice. Not only does this seem the
principal, but the only end of medical study, and men pride
themselves on their skill in naming diseases — calling it diag-
nosis." These are bitter words, but further on they become
still more rasping, as, for instance: "'Do you mean to say,'
asks the reader, 'that the present system of nosology is useless?*
Yes, so far as curing the sick is concerned, that is just what I
mean to say. Not only useless, but worthless — a curse to physi-
cian and patient — preventing the one from learning the healing
art, and the other from getting well." That tells what the
THE HOMEOPATHIC RECORDER. 93
*
took is noL What it is, the reader, if he cares to, must find out
for himself. He will get many a valuable hint from it, for
reading the disease manifestations.
Essentials of Physics. Arranged in the Form of Questions and
Answers. Prepared Especially for Students of Medicine, by
Fred. J. Brockway, M. D., Assistant Demonstrator of Anatomy
at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. With
155 illustrations. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders. 1892. i2mo,
cloth, 330 pages. $1.00, net.
" What is matter,' ' is the first question, to which comes the
answer: " Matter is that which reveals its properties to us by
means of our senses. It is anything which occupies space or
anything that can be weighed.' ' One could easily pick a quar-
rel with the auther (if he be a disputatious man) on the answers
to several of his questions, but as th?y are questions that philos-
ophers have quarrelled over for ages, it would be useless. For
instance, " An atom is an indivisible particle," etc., why " indi-
visible ?" For the student who wants to get over the ground
fast the book will be a great aid, and that is what it is designed
for.
First Lines in Midwifery : A Guide to Attendance on Natural
Labor, for Medical Students and Midwives. By G. Ernest
Herman, M.D. (Lond.), F. R. C. P., etc. With 80 Illustra-
tions. Philadelphia : Lea Brothers & Co. 191 pages.
Cloth, $1.25.
This little Tyork, as indicated by the title, is designed to give
such elementary knowledge as is needed for the management of
natural labor. This defines its sphere accurately, and where a
book of this description is needed, Dr. Herman's will fill the
want. He holds a high position in one of the largest hospitals
in the World.
Essentials of Medical Electricity. By D. D. Stewart, M.D.,
and E. S. Lawrence, M.D. With sixty-five Illustrations.
165 pages. i2tno. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders. 1892.
Price, $1.00.
This is No. 23 of the "Saunders* Question Compend" series,
though the question and answer form is not used in it. The
title speaks for the book ; it contains the A B C of electricity,
applied to the cure of disease. The writers "lay no claim to
originality," having compiled and condensed their matter from
larger works.
94
THE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER.
The Year-Book of Treatment for 1892. A Critical Review for
Practitioners of Medicine and Surgery. Cloth, 486 pages.
Philadelphia: Lea Brothers & Co. 1892.
If any one wants a " Year-Book " of regular medicine he can-
not do better than to buy the one issued by Lea Brothers & Co.
They are one of the oldest medical publishing houses and com-
mand the best talent, as shown by the list of contributors to this
book.
Archiv fuer Homoeopathie is the title of a new Homoeo-
pathic monthly, edited by Dr. Alexander Villers, and published
in Leipzig. Hundreds of our readers have made the personal
acquaintance of Dr. Villers at the World's Homoeopathic Con-
gress at Atlantic City, last summer, the genial, whole-souled,
and only delegate from Germany. At that time he was still
editor of the Allg. Horn, Zeitg., but shortly after severed his con-
nection, and started the Journal, as mentioned above. Dr.
Villers is thoroughly independent in his views and writings,
and withal, a true Homoeopath. Those of our readers desirous
of taking a German Homoeopathic periodical, cannot do better
than to subscribe for this. Subscription price, per year, $2.50.
Each number has 32 pages. Subscription may be addressed to
the publishers, Ernst Heitmann, Leipzig, Germany, or to Boer-
icke & Tafel's Homoeopathic pharmacies.
A Little pamphlet, by Robert H. M. Dawbarn, M. D.,
under the title "A Vegetable Plate: Also New Technique in
Intestinal Anastomosis,' ' seems to be of unusual value. The
" Vegetable plate* ' is made of a raw potato. Dr. Dawbarn says :
" I have made a pair of plates, with threads in place, and ready
for use in ten minutes." After forty- eight hours the potato plate
showed intact, though shrunken, and after five days it had dis-
appeared. The last sixteen operations on dogs were completely
successful. Dr. Dawbarn is Professor of Surgical Anatonly.and
Operative Surgery at the New York Polyclinic.
Dr. E. L- Styles writes to the Medical World (Nov., 1890)
that he has used Sabal Serrulata in fifteen or twenty cases of im-
potency and loss of power, caused either by over-indulgence
in sexual intercourse or by masturbation, and has not failed in
any case to give prompt relief or a permanent cure.
Our Homoeopathic neighbors should be happy, for they have
a clean pharmacy and good medicines, and have had it from the
beginning. The worry about poor medicines, worthless medi-
cines, dirty medicines, has not troubled them. I refer to their
standard, the mother tinctures, which are uniformlj' good. — Dr.
Scudder.
Homoeopathic Recorder.
PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY
BOERICKE & TAFEL,
lOll Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
9 North Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa.
SUBSCRIPTION, $1.00 PER ANNUM.
Address communications, books, etc., for the Editor to E. P. Anshutz, P. 0. Box 021 % Phila-
delphia, Pa.
Remember that the annual session of the American Institute of Homoeo-
pathy meets this year on June 13th, at the National capitol. Shape your
plans to attend. Also join the ranks. Remember that in union there is
strength.
»
* *
IT may be of interest to the physicians of Cincinnati and vicinity, to
learn that Messrs. Boericke & Tafel have bought out the Worthington
Homoeopathic pharmacy of that city, located at 170 W. 4th St. The phar-
macy has been fully restocked with the reliable medicines of that firm, and
in the future physicians can look to it with confidence that all their calls
will be promptly and satisfactorily met. The advantage of having a well
stocked and thoroughly reliable Homoeopathic pharmacy within reach are
considerable. The new " branch " is under capable and courteous manage-
ment, and physicians are invited to call, take a look at things, and get ac-
quainted.
* »
The National Advertiser gets off the following plaintive plea for the
quacks : " If a man has derived benefit from partaking of some proprietary
medicine, he must possess a very mean nature to grudge the money ex-
pended in making its virtues known to him. Nevertheless, there are thou-
sands of people whose sole objection to proprietary medicines is that a cer-
tain percentage of the money they are sold for is spent in advertising them.
Such people frrget that if a medicine was not sold at a sufficient profit to
enable the manufacturers to advertise it they would never hear of the rem-
edy, and hence, never obtain the benefit of its curative properties." As a
rule men do not "grudge" money spent in advertising that does not
come out of their own pockets, yet there must be exceptions if there are
"thousands" whose "sole objection to proprietary medicines" is the
money their proprietors spend in advertising them. We always believed
that the chief objection of "thousands of people "to these medicines is
that they are positively harmful to the patient, and not the money spent by
their proprietors in publishing about as gaudy specimens of lying as may
be found outside of Munchausen.
9 6
THE HOMCEOPA Tfflc RECORDER.
PERSONALS.
ft
1
i
The Boston Herald, in a two column article, says that the Homoeopathic
schools and hospitals of that city were never more prosperous. Large
additions to the buildings are imperative.
Dr. A. V. Leonardson has located at Vernon, Mich. Specialty of chronic
diseases.
Dr. J. P. Willard has removed from Jacksonville, 111., to No. 118 13th
Ave. W., Denver, Colorado.
Dr. F. A. Carrell has removed from Hutchinson to Redwood Falls, Minn .
Dr. Sarah T. Rogers-Eavenson has removed from 1015 to 1729 Vine street,
Philadelphia.
Dr, John H. Clarke, editor of the Homoeopathic World, has removed from
34 Harrington road, to 30 Clarges street, W., London, England.
•c*f\"D oat D A rare chance for a physician to step into an estab-
" ^*^ OrlJ~f.Erf. ijsbed Homoeopathic practice in West Philadelphia.
Address : M. M., care of Homeopathic Recorder. P. O. Box 921, Phil-
adelphia, Pa.
A competitive examination will be held at the Children's Homoeopathic
Hospital, for Resident and Associate Resident physician, in the early part
of April, 1892. The experience obtained in the Institution and its Out-
patient Department, of which residents have charge, is particularly valua-
ble to a graduate. Applicants will please address Dr. Bushrod W. James,
president of the hospital, or Dr. Joseph M. Reeves, president of the Medi-
cal Board, 926 North Broad street, Philadelphia, Pa.
The American Obstetrical Society will hold its next regular meeting in
Hahnemann Medical College, Fifteenth street, above Race, Philadelphia,
on April 20, at 8 o'clock P. M. An invitation is extended to all members
of the profession to attend. Dr. Thomas Franklin Smith, 264 Lenox
avenue, New York, is chairman of the Board of Censors, and will receive
applications for membership. Any regular graduate in medicine, in good
standing, a practitioner of Homoeopathy, is eligible for membership. The
annual dues are one dollar; there is no initiation fee.
The Argonaut has been changed to a monthly. Dr. Frank Kraft is
editor.
Dr. B. W. Stilling has removed from West Middlesex to New Castle, Pa.
Dr. C P. Gettier, Gettysburg, Pa., wishes to resume practice, and would
like to locate in some town of 5,000 population where there is no other
Homoeopathic physician.
Dr. Olin M. Drake has removed from Ellsworth, Me., to Boston.
Dr. Paine has resigned his position at the Westborough Asylum for the
Insane, and opened a private asylum on a fine estate at West Newton,
Mass., where patients can have the benefit of good Homoeopathic treatment.
Frequent applications from other States for admission to Westborough,
which were refused by the authorities, led to this step.
Dr. J. M. Patterson has removed from Augusta, Ky., to Paxton, 111.
Dr. A. J. Given s, of Middletown and Westboro, has opened a private
asylum for the insane at Stamford, Conn.
Dr. H. G. Hanchett, author of Sexual Health, etc., has removed from
Waverly Place to 3 West Twenty-ninth street, New York.
Dr. T. M. Strong has removed from Macon, Ga., to Boston, Mass., where
he has accepted the position of Resident Physician at the Massachusetts
Homoeopathic Hospital.
Dr. Wells Le Fevre runs a Homoeopathic Sanitarium at Hot Spring, Ark.
He advises visitors to beware of " drummers," not the commercial, but the
medical kind.
THE
Homeopathic Recorder.
Vol. VII. Philadelphia and Lancaster, May, 1892. No. 3.
GATHERING FIGS FROM THISTLES.
The frequent and eulogistic mention of Carduus Maries in t)r.
Burnett's little book, " Diseases of the Liver,' ' set me upon some
out-of the- way reading, from which it would appear that gather-
ing figs from thistles is not a wholly impossible performance.
Instead of tracing the stream of tradition from the spring-head,
as I have formerly been wont to do, I have taken the painful
(please read that word in its ancient sense of painstaking) Will-
iam Salmon, M. D., for my guide ; confident that I shall find his
plethoric folio a flowing river into whose channel all related riv-
ulets have found their way. I am, at last, up to the trick of
those old book makers, and I no longer ramble toilingly from
Dan to Beersheba, only, at the end of my journey, to find that
they had been over every step of the ground before me, and that
when I at length reach their pages — weary and somewhat wind-
broken — they greet me with a grin.
There is no likeness of himself on the illustrated title-page of
Salmon's Herbal, but he was of the legitimate lineage, and we
can form some conception of his appearance from the portraits of
Dodoens, of Parkinson, and of Johnson, the editor of Gerarde,
Each of these worthies had a serious face; one worthy of the
learned work which presents it to us at this late day; and as we
look upon them, we feel that they did their work in earnest,
exhausting all existent authorities, and calmly assuming the
whole " find " as their own.
Johnson's picture — Thomas Johnson by birth, Sir Thomas by
the grace of Charles I — is worthy of a cavalier; high forehead,
large intelligent eyes, straight nose, well nostrilled, mustachioed,
and with the pointed beard of the period — something of a Van-
dyke like face. The head crops out of the great ruffed collar of
the day, and only the bishop-like sleeves of his gown preserve
the symmetry of the picture. In his left hand he is holding a
9 8
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
ME
m
I
f
slip of the potato plant which, by a botanical anachronism, pre-
sents at once the flower and potato -apple. Johnson's Gerardfs
Herbal is the first book in the English language that mentions
the potato. "It groweth naturally in America, where it was
first discouered, as reporteth Clusius, since which time I haue
receiued roots hereof from Virginia, otherwise called Norem-
bega, which grow and prosper in my garden as in their owne
natiue country."
A small beginning; "roots hereof from Virginia" one day
growing in a botanist's garden, and two centuries later the fate
of humanity in Ireland depending from the failure of a crop !
But let us return to the Thistle, of which Salmon mentions fif-
teen species — enough to make a jackass bray with delight. Of
these fifteen species, the sixth appears to act singularly upon the
ass, for Salmon writes of it as the "Asses <papr^y thistle;" an
epithet worthy of Homer.
The medicinal qualities of all these species are summed in one
category: " Thistles according to Galen are hot and dry in the
second degree: They are also Aperitive, Diuretick, Stomatick
and Nephritick.
"They help the Stranguary, or stoppage of Urine, take away
the rank or evil smell of the Arm-holes, or whole Body, Cure a
stinking Breath, and make hair grow again upon Bald places."
"The Virtues," as Salmon delights to phrase it, are detailed
at length: * ' The Liquid Juice or Essence of the whole Plant. Pliny
says That if any bald place be bathed with Juice, it causes the
Hair to grow again speedily. And if the Juice or Essence be
made before Flowering and Drank, he says they help a Stinking
Breath, and strengthen the Stomach: so that it is probable they
may be good for the Cure of the Scurvy, that always beginning
in the Stomach, and being called by the Greeks the Stomach Dis-
ease.
1 1 The Decoction of the Roots in Wine. Galen says that it drives
forth stinking Urine, and takes away the rank or evil Smell of
the Arm-holes, and of the whole Body.
4 * A Decoction of the Leaves and Heads of Flowers when just
blown, in wine, is certainly an Antidote against the Scurvy in a
Cold Habit of Body."
Hardly a fig crop in that gathering, but there is awaiting us
the "Blessed Thistle" Carduus Benedictus. It, and Carduus
Maria have found a lodgement in our Materia Medica, but as a
school we have fallen behind the Rademacherian in our use of
these agents. The C. Benedictus figures largely on Salmon's
pages. He says, "It is good against Agues, Malign and Pesti-
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 99
lential Fevers, recent Surfeits, Pleurisies, Stone, Gravel, Ver-
tigo's, and the Bitings of Mad Dogs, and other Venemous Crea-
tures."
" The Liquid Juice. Put into the eyes it clears the sight,
taking away bloodshot and redness; dropt into the ear it eases
the pain thereof. It kills Worms in the belly; and given from
an Ounce to two Ounces, in any proper vehicle, it is good against
Quartan Agues and the Plague; as also recent Surfeits, and
admirably cleanses a foul stomach.
" The Decoction in Wine, Water > or Posset- Drink. It is good
against Agues of long continuance, and Pestilential Fevers, [in]
which if timely given it has the greatest effects; and is also
profitable against Pleurisies, and Stitches in the Side. It is good
against a Vertigo, and Deafness, and [it] strengthens the Memory.
It provokes the Terms in Women, is good against the Strangury,
as also Sand and Gravel in the Urinary parts.
li The Pouder of the Leaves. It stops Bleeding at the Nose,
and is given from half a Dram to a Dram against all the afore-
named Diseases. It is Sudorifick, and cures all sorts of Agues,
being given some few Hours before the coming of the Fit for
several times together.
" The Eztract. It has all the former virtues, and being given
from half a Dram to a Dram or more, it particularly is said to
cure the Quartan Agues, kill^ worms in the bowels, and is a
Specifick against the Lues, or French Pox.
" The Cataplasm. Made of the green herb and applyed it is
good against hot Tumors, Erysipelas, Botches, Boils, Plague
Sores, the bitings of Mad Dogs, Serpants, Spiders, Stinging of
Venemous Creatures, &c. But made up with Hogs lard and
Wheat Meal, and applyed, it cures stubborn or rebellious Ulcers.
The Cataplasm made of the juice with Orobus Meal is profitable
also against Gangrenes.
" The Down within the Reads." Applyed to simple green
wounds it stops the Blood, and presently heals them: Applyed
to Ulcers after Cleansing and Incarnating it causes a speedy Cure.
" The Distilled Water." It is said to have all the Virtues of
the Decoction, but is nothing near so effectual, tho' much more
pleasant to be taken. It is esteemed a peculiar thing for the
eyes, helping their soreness, and a Dimness of the Sight.
il Roger Dixon* s Antipestilential Sudorifick. Take leaves of
Carduus Benedictus and Scabious; Roots of Butterbur, of each 4.
Ounces; Posset Drink 3 Quarts; make a decoction and strain out. If
you have not Posset-Drink, you may make it with thin water-
Gruel, With this Drink, he told me, he Cured many Hundreds
/.
A
IOO
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER
1
19
of the Plague (when last the Great Plague was in London, Anno
1665) who, by drinking largely of it, were Cured (many of them)
in the space of twenty four Hours, when nothing but Death was
expected: and thereby he also stayed Pestilential Vomitings and
Loosenesses. It produces a potent Sweating [for] an hour or
two. In the Sweating he gave the Sick Mutton or Chicken
Broth, or some proper Alexipharmic Posset- Drink, wiping the
sweat from the face and neck with Warm cloths, but forebearing
to shift the Patient; and this course he took every Day, till the
Malignity of the Disease was wholly rooted out."
What a picture: the Pestilence devastating that great city, the
rumbling of the death cart through the deserted streets, and the
hoarse cry, " Bring out your dead!" and countless smitten
ones brought out and buried — the life not gone out of them —
and Roger Dixon faithfully. giving his Posset-Drink, and wiping
the faces of those plague-smitten ones from whom their own kin
had fled in dismav and despair.
There was a terribly devastating fire in London the next year,
beginning in the King's Baker's house, in Pudding Lane, on the
second of September, and continuing until the fifth. That event
they subsequently commemorated by erecting a monumental
tower or column; but the only record of Roger Dixon's doing is
the few brief lines in an old Herbal and this feeble echo of it
one hundred and eighty years later. If Roger Dixon had only
started that fire he had been immortal !
The ■" Ladies Thistle" — Carduus Maria — is filling a larger
role in our Materia Medica. Reil proved it in 1858, and Buch-
mann in 1879. The English student can find the symptomatol-
ogy in Hering's Guiding Symptoms, Vol. Ill, and in Allen's
Handbook.
Just here I would like to ask my reader, especially if he be
what is miscalled a " practical man," if he imagines that I tran-
scribe these antique records " for fun." If so, then, of a surety*
the practical man cannot read between the lines.
A proving after the manner of Hahnemann is a test of the val-
idity of the Empirical History of a drug; and, conversly, the
empirical record is a check upon the 4< proving." As a rule, to
which I have not yet found an exception, they corroborate each
other. The proving substantiates the empirical application by
presenting symptoms that would lead the Homoeopathic physi-
cian to administer the drug in diseased conditions wherein the
empirical history declares it to have been efficacious; that is, the
Homoeopathic ' * indications ' ' correspond with the empirical
applications. On the other hand, if no such evidence is found
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 101
in the tl proving," then the latter is either incomplete, or ficti-
tious. The ancient empiric and the modern prover are diverse
witnessess, testifying at different times and in separate courts to
the same general truth, and when there is no collusion their evi-
dence is unimpeachable. Hence the value of these antique
records as a touch-stone, and as a store-house of hints in regard
to drugs not yet proven.
Turning to Carduus Maria we cite first The Specification. '• It
is used for the Cure of Agues and Fevers, both Malign and Pes-
tilential; to open obstructions of the Stomach, L,ungs, Liver and
Spleen, and other Viscera; to provoke Urine, help the Jaundice
and Dropsie, and give ease in the Strangury, Dysurie, Stone,
Gravel, and other Diseases of the Reins and Bladder: it is also
good against Palpitation of the Heart, and other Passions of the
same."
Then the ancient author giveth The Virtues seriatim:
" The Juice or Essence. They are thought to be as effectual as
Carduus Benedictus for all the same purposes, viz. for Agues,
Infectious Diseases, Malign and Pestilential Fevers, and the
Infection of the Plague, both to prevent and cure it. They open
Obstructions of Stomach, Liver, Spleen, Reins and Womb, are
good against Hypochondriack Melancholy, Scurvy, Dropsy,
Jaundice and Gout: They ease pain in the Sides, Stitches, and
aire profitable against the Colick and Gripings of the Guts.
" The Pouder of the Seed. It is said to be as good, if not more
powerful for the Cure or help of all the aforenamed Diseases.
" The Distilled Water. It is good against all inward Fevers
and the like; to allay the heat and inflammation of the Stomach,
Liver, Spleen, Reins and Womb; and besides is often apply ed
outwardly with Cloths or Spunges to the Regions of the Liver
and Heart to cool the hot distempers of those parts, and to resist
Fainting and Swooning Fits."
Our Homoeopathic applications of" this drug are by no means
so numerous as the empirical, and this fact suggests the inference
that our provings of this remedy have, not yet been sufficiently
exhaustive. We are ready to accept the empirical testimony as
to its virtues in " obstructions of the liver," in jaundice, and in
hepatic dropsy; but why not as to its wider range ?
The truth of the empirical testimony is corroborated by Buch-
mann's provings in an item that the prover would not be likely
to invent, to wit: the pains in the sides, and the stitches.
If these desultory observations shall lead to the reading of Dr.
Burnett's little book,* the physician unacquainted with Carduus
•
♦Burnett's Greater Diseases of the Liver, 1891, 186 pp., price, 60 cts. net,
by mail, 66 cts. Address any Homoeopathic pharmacy.
102
THE H0MCE0PA1HIC RECORDER.
il
it
m
m
i
81
Maria will be led to add an efficient remedy to his armamen-
tarium.
When Mai lock's book, Is Life worth Living f first came out,
one witty critic replied: That depends upon the liver. Ah, how
much depends upon that viscus ! It determines the character of
our theology as well as the nature of our other dreams; and the
condition of the ductus communis decides whether we shall be
optimists, or pessimists. It is not without significance that the
author of the Anatomy of Melancholy was an Englishman, for it
may be called the English disease. Nor is it without signific-
ance that one thistle is called in England the Melancholy Thistle.
It probably got its name from its efficacy in relieving that pitiful
condition. It has escaped our modern therapeutists, though
William Salmon found a place for it in his voluminous Herbal.
He treats of it as Carduus Mollis^ and gives as The Specifica-
tion: "It opens obstructions of the Spleen and other Viscera,
eases pains thereof, and is said to Cure Hypochonriack Melan-
choly."
" The Juice or Essence. They potently open Obstructions in
the Spleen, Liver, Reins and Womb, give ease in pains of the
Spleen, Sides, Reins and Mesentery, allay Vapors, are good
against Fits of the Mother, provoke Urine and the Terms, and
potently repress Melancholy, carrying off the Morbifick matter
by the Urinary parts.
" The decoction in Wine. If a good Draught of it be given
every Night at Bedtime for some considerable season it cures the
Incubus or Nightmare, as has been several times proved by
Experience.
" The Spirituous Tincture. Is a good Cordial against Sickness
at Heart, Fainting and Swooning Fits, Vapors, and withall
makes the Patient Cheerful and Merry, wonderfully exhilerating
the Spirits.
" The Acid Tincture. Ojtens Obstructions, represses Vapors,
strengthens a weak Stomach, and provokes Urine.
"The Oily Tincture. It is singular against the Cholick, pro-
vokes Urine strongly, eases the Strangury, and gives wonderful
relief in the most profound Melancholy. It should not be given
to such as are of a hot Constitution, unless by a skillful Hand.
It is good against Convulsions and Palsies in cold Habits of
Body; potently provokes the Terms, cleanses the Reins and
Womb, causes conception, and at time of Travel [travail] easie
Delivery."
Who of our younger practitioners will endeavor to rescue this
Carduus Mollis from its empirical imprisonment ? It was such
r
I *
THE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER. 103
hints that guided Hahnemann in the building up of his Materia
Medica, and the stock is not yet exhausted.
We should not despise these familiar plants that grow at our
feet: they follow Man in his migrations, as if saying by their
presence, You have need of me.
February 24, 1892. S. A. J.
• 1
/.
1
THE EMPIRE STATE'S TRANSACTIONS,
A goodly volume of 444 pages, containing the sayings and
doings at Albany of the Fortieth Session of the Society. A jot
from here and there is all space will permit.
President Geo. M. Dillow wanted to know why the commission,
headed by an Allopathic doctor, which has been nosing around
among the New York asylums for the insane did not publish the
fact that during the past two years the death rate at the Allo-
pathic hospitals has been nearly 300 per cent, higher than at »
Homoeopathic Middletown.
Dr. C. E. Walker, of W. Henrietta, said, in his paper, that if
women would lay aside their corsets at the beginning of their
pregnancy they would be spared many troubles.
Dr. Shelton, in his interesting and valuable paper on Tellurium,
related the following cases: "The first case was a widow lady j
of about 50, who consulted me for a long standing trouble. She ;
complained of pain and soreness in the upper portion of the back,
over the dorsal vertebrae, the pains extending down the left side
and arm. I requested an examination, and she acquiesced, but
said that she was afraid that I would hurt her. After exposing
the back, I tried to examine it, but she shrank from even the
slightest touch. She described the sensitiveness as being so
acute that when touched it extended into the occiput and all
over the upper region of the back. Guided by this symptom, I
gave her Tellurium 6th, and requested her to call again in a
week. She returned in some twelve days, and reported herself
as much improved, but had some remaining sensitiveness over !
the left scapula, and stated that it was constant; it went through j
to the left shoulder, but she would not let anybody touch it. [
Tellurium was continued, and in another week she sent word
that she was well.
" Case 2. A maiden lady aged 45, who had the misfortune to
fall, striking a severe blow on the sacrum. She suffered for
some weeks from concussion, with one point of great soreness in
the sacral region just above the point where the blow was re-
104
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
ceived. She was confined to her bed some weeks, the general
condition improving, but this soreness persisted; and the same
sensitiveness appeared over the back, especially at its upper
third. Tellurium 6th was given, and not only did the sensitive-
ness all disappear rapidly, but the soreness in the sacrum like-
wise. Now, over a year afterwards, she has had no return o
her trouble, and her back, which has always been her weak
member, gives her no trouble whatever."
Case 3. A case of pachy-meningitis, a young lady aged 29,
who some 10 years ago had a severe attack of spinal meningitis,
consulted me for a burning, pressing pain in the base of the
brain ; this grew worse, and gradually symptoms of ptosis and
first right hemiplegia, followed by left, until she became almost
helpless. To relate all the history of the months of duration
which this case ran, would not in any way help my purpose in
this paper ; suffice it to say that, all through the history of the
case she lay bolstered up upon pillows ; during some of the time
her head drawn backward, and a feeling as if she were being
drawn into a reclining position, which always aggravated her
condition and increased her sufferings. Many drugs were pre-
scribed with varying success, until at last this hyperesthesia of
the spinal column and the entire surface of the back became so
distressing that it was a question of finding any support that did
not intensify the pain. She could not bear the slightest touch,
complaining that it not only hurt her severely at the point of the
contact, but also that she felt it in her head and remote parts of
her body. Acting upon this symptom, Tellurium was tried as a
' * dernier resort ; ' ' almost immediate effects were observed. She
slowly but steadily improved; the sensitiveness gradually disap-
peared, and one by one the symptoms passed away. In a few
weeks she was removed to the seashore, and here she rapidly
regained her health. She remained in good health for nearly
two years, and I regret to add that she is now again under my
care for the results of over-work, and is suffering from severe re-
current attacks of orbital neuralgia. Although this illness
threatened at the outset to assume the character of the old
trouble, a few doses of Tellurium removed all of the premonitory
symptoms, and during its duration none of the sensitiveness or
boring occipital pains have appeared. I am convinced her pres-
ent attack is due to some refractive error, and she is being
treated accordingly.
Dr. Decker, in his paper, among other things said : " To-day
a diagnosis must embrace the microbe, the cause, pathology, the
effect, the symptomatology, the remote, or secondary effect."
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 105
{Now that we know the cause of disease to be the pesky little
microbe, perhaps the men of science will tell us what is the
■cause of the microbe.) Another proposition from the paper
reads: "If Hahnemann is right, then Koch and Pasteur are
wrong.' ' ' (Certainly they are wrong; the Divine Healer said :
* 'By their fruits ye shall know them. ,, The fruit of Hahne-
mann's Homoeopathy have been a blessing, the fruit of Koch,
Dead sea apples — and of Pasteur ? Well, their character is fast
becoming known.)
Dr. Wilcox, in his paper, reasoned to the conclusion that, "in
the present state of our medical knowledge we have no remedy
for cancer' ' — the knife is the only recourse. In the discussion
of the paper, Dr J. I,. Moffat said that Crotalus seemed to play a
*very important part in the cure of something like cancer. Dr.
H. Willis told of a patient afflicted with what the "regulars"
had diagnosed to be cancer, which was cured, or at least totally
and permanently disappeared, under Arsenic. Dr. Gorman
mentioned several cases that had been diagnosed as carcinoma,
which were cured, or rendered harmless, by the use of Calcarea
tod., 2x. Dr. Wilcox closed the discussion by reiterating belief
that cancer is incurable b)' medicine.
Dr. J. B. Garrison read a paper on two cases of intermittent
fever cured by Kali bichromicum, indicated by a symptom not
-usually connected with that drug. The symptom was given to
Dr. Garrison by Dr. Martin Deschere, who once by mistake took
an overdose of Kali bich., which was followed by vomiting a
large quantity of bright yellow water, tasting very bitter. The
Urst case was that of a laborer who had had a paroxysm at about
1 P. M. for a month. Inquiry for symptoms led to the fact that
he had just vomited a large amount of bright yellow water.
Kali btck.y 1 gr. of the ix, was dissolved in water, and the
patient told to take a teaspoonful every two hours. There was
no return of the paroxysm and cure followed at once. The other
•case was that of a woman, who after nine months of Allopathic
treatment, had been told that she would never recover. She had
not been out of the house for two months. Among the other
symptoms was, "vomited much more than she drank, her daugh-
ter said; in the morning vomited a large' bowl full of bright
yellow fluid." Kalibich., ix was given, and in a short time the
patient was out and well.
Dr. W. T. Laird, of Watertown, N. Y., read a paper on a case
of dysmenorrhoea. "She was extremely nervous, and one foot
was in constant motion, beating the bed clothes with the rythmi-
cal regularity of machinery. While telling her symptoms, she
io6
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER.
1
m
I
suddenly became rigid and unconscious; the jaws were firmly-
locked, the forearms flexed upon the arms, the legs extended,,
and the whole body bent slightly backwards/ ' She soon recov-
ered, and at once began beating with her foot again until inter-
rupted by another clonic spasm. Examination showed nothing
abnormal. After several failures, the doctor came to the "deter-
mination to stop prescribing on pathological theories, and treat
the case according to symptomatic indications. After a long;
search ' tetanic spasms with trismus during menses ' was found
under Platina" The 30th was prescribed, the spasms ceased at
once, gradual improvement to cure, and no return of the trouble
to date, two years from the time the case came under Dr. Laird's
care.
(Something in symptomatology yet it seems.)
Dr. W. T. Searle, of Brooklyn, said in his paper: "The true
similimum has always cured, and will cure till the ' fashion of this
world has passed away.' " He was finally led to give Argentum
nitricum, in a very complicated and apparently hopeless case by
"the abundant prominent papillae upon the tongue, especially at
its tip." "The result was so prompt, so complete, and so per-
manent that even a chronic skeptic, like myself, could not fail to
recognize it as worthy the name* of cure. Pain, leucorrhcea,
menorrhagia, acne, all vanished like mist." The patient soon
emerged into the sunshine of health. (There is something in
those long lists of symptoms). Two cases of boys, almost idiotic-
looking, who from earliest period had always wet the bed and
defied all medication, were cured by Nitric acid. The offensive
odor of the urine with pricking skin pains were the guiding
symptions.
Dr. Charles C. Boyle, of New York, related a case of the rather
rare disease tenonitis, cured by Kalmia latifolia. The indication
was "pain on moving the eye" and " a sense of stiffness of the
muscles.' '
* Dr. Talcot, of the great Middletown Asylum, said, in his paper
on " Borderlanders: " "Dr. Gallavardin strikes the key-note
of treatment for borderlanders when, in his work upon Homeo-
pathic Treatment of Alcoholism , he claims that the characters and
natures of men may be changed, improved, refined, and turned
from their unfortunate hereditary predilections to healthful and
happy action by the appropriate use of Homoeopathic medicines.
If such is the case, and it has so proved in the hands of the dis-
tinguished physician of Lyons, we may hope to use Homoeopathy
not alone in behalf of the victims of alcoholism, but in behalf of
the victims of every disease-producing and mind-disturbing ten-
dency.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 107
BEYOND THE ROCKIES.
The Transactions of the Fifteenth Annual Session of the
California State Homooepathic Society comes to hand.
As to the outlook, President French, in his address, said : "In
the blazing light of this beaming, booming age, the live princi-
ples of Homoeopathy have found their golden opportunity, and
nothing but cupidity, or stupidity, can retard their glorious frui-
tion. Never since the birth of our system of therapeutics has
its future been so full of promise as to-day; and perhaps in no
time of its history was it beset with greater peril; not so much
from enemies without as from want of unity and harmony within
our own councils." The danger, the speaker went on to explain,
c lies in the division of the school into "High," "L,ow" and
'No" potency factions. This plea is that the men of Homoe-
opathy unite on the law, and leave the question of potency for
future exploitation.
In a paper by the late Dr. S. Lilienthal occurs this paragraph:
" A physician once told me that in the morning, before going to
his daily labors, he reads prayerfully a part of a lecture, con-
tained in that great work, Homoeopathy \ the Science of Theta- i
peutics, and he feels strengthened by its perusal, and his patients
get the full benefit of this pious act, to a teacher whom all
revered who had the pleasure to know Carroll Dunham.' ' And \
again : ' * Look for the dynamic germ in your Materia Medica,
and the right remedy will anihilate the dreaded microbe."
Dr. J. M. Selfridge, of Oakland, Cal., reported a case of mor-
bus brightii, diagnosed as such by three different Allopaths.
He put her on stale wheat bread, skimmed milk, and distilled
water for a drink. The symtoms called for Arsenicum , and he
gave it in the 200th potency. The treatment began in July, and
by October * ' every trace of albumen and the last of the tube cast
disappeared.' ' After five years there is no sign of the malady.
In response to a question, Dr. Selfridge stated that he gave the
remedy every four hours while patient was awake.
Dr. H. R. Arndt, of San Diego, related a case of a woman who i
early in life had indulged in excessive masturbation, been the j
mistress of a hard character, and finally married a steady-paced [
man. But, though wanting to be a faithful wife, she was beset
with a passionate longing for her old paramour, and would lie by !
her husband and " produce upon herself orgasm after orgasm
before being able to go to sleep." During the day periods of
frightful depression with suicidal tendency would alternate with j,
spells of unbounded wrath." Aurum Mur. y every two to four »
io8
THE HOMCEOPATHIc RECORDER.
4
hours soon made a sane and cured woman of her. The doctor
further said: " I know of no pathogenesy in our entire Materia
Medica which more graphically describes an actual natural dis-
ease as do the symptoms of gold describe the effects of certain
forms of general, mental and nervous troubles arising from
sexual depravity, especially those severe functional disorders
which are due to excessive and long-continued masturbation
in the sexually immature. y "
Dr. McNeil, of San Francisco, related the case of a child, three
years old, who for eleven months had been at a hospital,
afflicted with curvature of the spine and when seen was being
taken home by his father. The hospital physician had said
that the child were better dead. Well, the indicated remedy
in this case Silicea 30, for sweat about the head and slow
speech ; later Cina 500, for picking at the nose # and bluish
white on the upper lips; and, lastly, Lycopodium for "fan
like motion of the alate nasi," during an attack of complicated
gripp, made an almost new child. To-day he is hearty, and
when dressed the curvature is barely perceptible.
In a rather novel paper on electricity, Dr. J. W. Moliere, of
San Francisco, said that the cause of la grippe, in his opinion,
was " none other than a metastatic form of meningitis, induced
and aggravated upwards towards the brain by the earth's present
unusual electric radiation."
Dr. W. E. Ledyard gave a series of ten cases illustrating the
quick action of the remedy, when chosen according to the law.
"The 200th potency was oftenest prescribed. One of the cases
was diphtheria, and in the discussion Dr. Arndt said if he were to
be limited to two remedies in the treatment of this disease, " I
would put into one pocket Baptisia, and into the other Cyanide
of mercury "
Dr. G. M. Pease, of San Francisco, read a paper riddling the
practice of plunging an instrument into the uterus upon the
slightest pretext "for the avowed purpose of aiding in the for-
mation of a diagnosis.' ' " The good accomplished cannot equal
the harm ; the information gained can be little, if any, greater
than without it in nearly all cases.' ' Where such examination
is needed, he advocated the bi-manual, which is about as effec-
tual and avoids the many dangers resulting from the use of in-
struments.
Dr. Bradley read a paper on "railway spine." Dr. Albertson,
like Chauncey Depew, seemed to think that the only thing that
will permanently cure the trouble is "damages." Mr. Depew
recently said that he had seen men who were physical wrecks
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 109
until the damage salve had been applied by a sympathetic jury,
after which they immediately recovered their health.
In his paper on Materia Medica, Dr. A. McNeil, of San Fran-
cisco, gave the highest place, after Hahnemann, to the work of
Boenningfhausen.
Dr. H. R. Arndt (editor of Ardnfs System of Medicine) was
elected President for 1892.
LACHESIS IN BLOOD POISONING.
The story of the following case is this : A correspondent of the
Homceopathic Envoy, living in a small country town, wrote in a
very anxious frame of mind for a book on blood poisoning.
Knowing o£ no such book, the names of a number of remedies
for blood poisoning were sent him, and especial emphasis laid on
Lachesis. The incident had been forgotten when a letter, from
which the following is quoted, was received :
" With my first subscription, a year ago, I requested you to
mention some book containing directions for treating pyaemia,
contracted by handling putrid flesh. * * * I obtained the
Lachesis, and took it — 6 drops in 4 ounces of water, a teaspoonful
every fifteen minutes, during the day for two or three days; and,
after this, thus frequently for a few hours, morning and evening,
with intermediate doses, irregularly. After seven days in all, it
was discontinued, and the pyaemia was gone !
" During this treatment, all strong smelling things, and fer-
mented drinks were avoided, except vinegar, which was freely
used. I had the disease about seven months, using many pow-
erful drugs, in stomach and lungs. These held it in check, but
did not eradicate it. The drugs most used were Fluid Ex.
Stavesacre and Chloroform, equal parts, diluted with Alcohol, and
inhaled; and Salicin, Chloroform, Fl. Ex. Black Willow Buds,
and FL Ex. Adhatoda basica, in water, a few drops frequently
swallowed. As an antiseptic, I found Stavesacre much superior
to Baptisia or Chlorate of Potash. The pymaeia was rapid in its
operation, and left to itself, would have caused death in a few
days. Permit me to thank you most sincerely."
The Monthly Homceopathic Review for April, 1892, has the fol-
lowing Lachesis case, one of several clinical cases read before
/ the British Homceopathic Society.
Cask V. — Dissection Wound; Septicemia ; Alarming Pyrexia ;
Rapid Subsidence under Lachesis. — William H., aged 20, a medi-
no
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
cal student, was first seen on December 21, 1891, when he gave
the following history :
About ten days ago he had pulled the skin off a blister in the
palm of his left hand at the root of the ring finger, and had
pulled so vigorously as to tear the sound skin adjacent and make
it bleed slightly.
He thought so little of this, however, that without any protec-
tion to this minute raw surface he went on with his dissecting —
the subject, although preserved in a carbolic lotion, having been
on the table all the term.
For the last week he has felt a lump under the blister, making
it slightly tender to close his fist ; once or twice during the last
two days he has felt rather shivery, and had transient faint feel-
ings, and this morning his ring finger is acutely inflamed, the
side next the little finger being very red and feeling boggy, but
with no distinct fluctuation. His temperature in the early morn-
ing had been 97 , but when I saw him at about 4 p. m. it was
99. 8°. He had very little pain, and there was no sign of any
involvement of the lymphatics, so (and here I think I was wrong)
I did not at once lance the finger but ordered it to be poulticed,
and gave him Ars. 3X. and Hepar 3X. to be taken every two
hours alternately.
The next day he was feeling no worse in himself, though the
temperature was rather higher, about 100.5 , and the swelling on
the finger had increased with definite fluctuation on its inner side,
so I lanced it, and let out a fair amount of pus. On probing the
wound it was found to lead down to beneath the blister in the
palm, and pressure in this site caused more pus to flow. '
The poultices and medicines to be continued as before.
December 23d. The wound was well open though the dis-
charge was very slight, and pressure in the palm produced very
little flow and no pain, but he had this morning a slight rigor,
and he now has a throbbing headache, a pulse of 124, and tem-
perature 103. 5 .
I left him six doses of Aconite S }i of a drop for a dose, to be
taken every half hour, and then to resume the Arsen. and Hepat
as before. I
December 24th. The Aeon, had produced profuse perspiration,
but had not reduced the temperature at all, herein confirming my
experience in other cases, that it has no true Homoeopathic rela-
tionship to septic fever. The temperature now was 104 and had
been so all the morning, and pulse 108. He had headache and
was slightly giddy, but neither very severely, and the urine was
very dark and lithic.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 1 1 1
Although the wound looked quite healthy and there was no
•pain in it, nor up the arm, I thought it best to dilate the opening
And syringe the small cavity with Sanitas lotion (i in 10), and
leave in a drainage tube, the poultice being now replaced by a
pad of lint soaked in the same lotion.
I directed that if his temperature should reach 105 he should
1>e put into a bath commencing at 90 , and gradually reducing it
to 75 in about fifteen minutes, but I made no change in his
medicines.
At 2 a. m. the next next morning, the 25th, I was called up by
liis brother, who came to tell me that they had had to use the
bath in the course of the evening, but that its effect had been
-very transient; that his temperature now was 104.9, hi s breathing
-very rapid and shallow, about 70 to 80 to the minute, and he was
very restless and slightly delirious. There was, however, no
cough, and no pain either in the hand, arm or chest.
I gave him a powder of Lachesis 4c, with directions for 2 grains
to be given every hour, and ordered the other medicines to be
discontinued.
When I reached his house, which is some distance from my
own, about midday, I was told that the powder had acted " like
a charm,' ' each dose had seemed to soothe him and reduce the
fever, so that by 8 a. m. the temperature was 102.3, and it was
•now 101.6, the P. 90 and R. 15, while the wound still looked very
healthy and was free from all pain or discomfort.
He was told to continue the Lack, now every two hours.
December 26th, I found his temperature had steadily dropped
rsince my last visit; it was 100.2 last evening; he had a very
jgood night, and temperature is now normal. Since this there
has been no return of pyrexia, and the wound, though not yet
liealed as I write (January 1st), gives no cause for the smallest
:anxiety.
I may very probably be told that had I been more energetic
in my surgical measures in the first instance the whole attack of
septic ferment might have been avoided.
It may be so, I cannot say, though I confess I have not the
implicit faith some have in heroic local treatment after many
days or even hours have elapsed since the poison entered the
system. I do not believe, for example, that any real good can
follow caustic or cautery applied even one hour after a dog bite,
whether rabid or not, and still less do I believe in excising a
-wound some days after it has been received when tetanus has
•supervened.
However, whether it could have been avoided or not, my chief
112
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
object in bringing this case before you is to show the rapid and
apparently unmistakable effect produced by the Lachesis, which
in a few hours transformed the case from one of the very gravest
danger and anxiety into one of a simple skin wound, which only
requires to be kept clean and quiet to be certain to heal speedily
and well. We have so few remedies of approved value in true
septic fever that each well-marked case of drug action in the de-
sired direction is, I think, well worth being recorded.
Jo
CONGRATULATIONS.
Wednesday, March i6, was a great day for Homoeopathy in
Massachusetts, for on that day the splendid new buildings of the
hospital, college and dispensary at Boston were opened before a
brilliant assemblage of the best people of the Old Bay State.
The exercises of the forenoon were devoted to the opening of
the new wings of the Homoeopathic Hospital, on East Concord
street, that on the northerly side of the central building being
devoted to medical, and on the southerly side to surgical pur-
poses. At 10 o'clock the buildings were opened to inspection
and the apartments were filled to overflowing with the friends of
the institution who came to offer felicitations. The presence of
Governor Russell and of other State representatives gave an
official recognition to the inception of the new work on the part
of the Commonwealth which has so liberally contributed to it*
The following were the active committees of the occasion: Exe-
cutive Committee, Mrs. E. C. Whitney, Mrs. A. S. Foster, Miss
D. J. E. Horton, Dr. G. Woodvine, Mr. G. A. Higginson; Re-
ception Committee, Mrs. S. T. Hooper, Miss N. J. Rogers, Mrs.
E. C. Whitney, Miss C. Wesselhoeft.
The Chief Marshal of the day was E. W. Burdett; Marshal for
the Hospital, F. W. Bliss; for the College, Assistant Treasurer
Rand, of the Boston University; for the Dispensary, Dr. J. C.
Clapp. The details of the occasion were attended to by a body
of fifty aids, including the following medical members: Dr. R.
H. Kaiser, Dr. G. W. Haywood, Dr. Arthur B. Jenny, Dr. C. H.
Thomas, Dr. N. B. Ford, Dr. H. W. Johnson, Dr. Hopkins.
Among persons present, in addition to those who took active
part in the exercises, were President Warren and prominent repre-
sentatives of the Boston University, and the following, who con-
stituted the Building Committee on the respective structures:
Hospital, Hon. James H. Eaton, George W. Jackson, Esq., Mrs.
A. S. Foster; Dispensary, Dr. J. Wilkinson Clapp, Dr. D. G.
THE HOMCEOPA THlL RECORDER. 1 1 3
Wood vine, Dr. A. Boothby; College, Dr. I. T. Talbot, Dr. H. C.
Clapp, Dr. Horace Packard, Dr. I. Talbot, Chairman, 66 Marl-
borough street; Dr. J. Wilkinson Clapp, Secretary, 10 Park
Square.
The Hon. Charles R. Codman, Chairman of the Board of
Trustees of the Hospital, presided, and at 11 a. m. called upon
Rt. Rev. Bishop Brooks, who offered a fervent and appropriately
inspiring prayer.
The Hon. J. H. Eaton, Chairman of the Committee on Build-
ing the Hospital, in which he was the representative of the Com-
monwealth, said that it was a pleasant duty for him to turn over
to the official head of this hospital the keys of the new buildings
connected with the hospital. On the 3d of June, 1890, the Com-
monwealth, in the spirit of fair dealing with all the schools of
medicine, granted $120,000 for the purpose which had been car-
ried out in the present work. The work had been thoroughly
and honestly done in every respect. He had no doubt that the
number of free beds promised when the appropriation was made
would be maintained, and that everything would be done in
keeping with the spirit with which the work was commenced
and carried out.
President Codman, in receiving the keys, expressed the appre-
ciation which was felt by all for the efficient manner in which
the work had been attended to. He made retrospective remarks
■on the history and progress of the institution, showing that the
hospital was originally established on a small scale in Burroughs
place, and no aid whatever had been received until 1876, when
the city of Boston granted a portion of the land on which these
buildings stand. An amount equal to $350,000 had been con-
tributed from private sources, and no money was obtained from
any outside sources until the State appropriation was received.
There is something that will yet be needed to be provided by the
friends of the institution, particularly in the matter of furnishing.
He said that not only would the institution sustain the 20 free
beds provided for, but it could be said that no person unable to
pay would ever be sent away except when every bed in the
house was full. His remarks were received with applause.
Governor Russell also made a happy little speech.
In the afternoon the Dispensary was formally opened, and in
the evening, under the presidency of Dr. I. T. Talbot, the Medi-
cal College.
Who says that Homoeopathy is " dying out?" (Eh! Mr.
Autocrat!)
»
"1
3
.>2
"':,'<
.- •; • **
1 14 7HB HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
HOMOEOPATHY AT THE COLUMBIAN WORLD'S
FAIR.
:• :|; The World's Congress Auxiliary of the World's Columbian
'~]% Exposition is an organization authorized and supported by the
Exposition corporation, lor the purpose of bringing about a ser-
ies of world's conventions of the leaders in the various depart-
ments of human progress, during the exposition season of 1893..
The Auxiliary has also been recognized and approved by the
government of the United States. Its general announcement has-
been sent to foreign governments by the Department of State,
and an appropriation on account of its expenses has been made
by act of Congress. The Division of Homoeopathy, is in charge of
the following physicians: Dr. J. S. Mitchell, Chairman, Dr. R.
Ludlam, Vice-Chairman, assisted by Drs. R. N. Foster, E. C~
+ , Laning and W. F. Knoll.
The Woman's Committee of the World's Congress Auxiliary
on Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery, are Dr. Julia Holmes
Smith, Chairman ; Dr. Elizabeth McCracken, Vice-Chairman ;
Dr. Julia Ross Low, Dr. Isadore Green, Dr. Emma C. Geisse, Dr.
Coresta T. Canfield, Dr. Isabella Hotchkiss.
n
THE ST. LOUIS COLLEGE.
The Homoeopathic Medical College, cf Missouri, held its 33d
annual commencement exercises at Pickwick theatre, St. Louis,
on the evening of March the 17th, and graduated seven M. D's.
Owing to the rigorous adhesion to the three years' course of
study, there were not more, but in consideration of the fact that
the older colleges of the dominant school only graduated from 15
to 20, the management feel satisfied with the work of the term
past. The exercises were interspersed with the vocal and instru-
mental selections of the best musicians of the city. The ad-
dress on behalf of the faculty was delivered by Rev. J. J.
O'Brien, subject, "The elements of success," and the degree of
Doctor of Medicine was conferred upon Ferdinand Brase, Helene
A. Goerke, Clara Louise Toby, Thos. J. Jones, Emma C. F.
Wentzel, E. Wilson Taylor, and Paul N. Zilliken, by the Presi-
dent of the Board of Trustees, Dr. W, A. Edmunds. Prof. I. D.
Foulon awarded the prizes and flowers in his usual happy style,
and following the benediction, the large audience and the gradu-
ates filed out to assume each his or her duty on the next day.
L. C. M.
St. Louis, April 11 , 1892.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 1 15
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMOEOPATHY.
T„OCAI, COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
Washington, D. C, March 31, 1892.
Dear Doctor: The Local Committee desires to call your atten-
tion to the circular letters of the President and the Secretary of
the Institute ; also to the letter of this Committee already issued,
and to remind you that it is time for you to make arrangements
to come to the meeting. On Monday evening the meeting will be
at the National Theatre, where there will be addresses appro-
priate to the occasion, followed by a reception by President
Kinne ; the famous Marine Band will be in attendance during
the evening.
When writing for rooms, to avoid confusion, please address the
Chairman or the Secretary, and you will be provided for where it
will be most congenial to you ; state clearly who will accompany
you, or whether you will come alone.
A complimentary excursion to Mount Vernon and a substan-
tial supper at romantic Marshall Hall will be tendered by the
Local Committee.
A committee of enthusiastic ladies is organizing to look after
and entertain the lady visitors.
In response to an inquiry we say — bring your cycle, for this is
the cycler's paradise.
Finally — Come I
J. B. G. Custis, M. D., Chairman,
1 10 E. Capitol Street.
Wm. R. King, M. D., Secretary,
812 nth Street N. W.
THE INSTITUTE SESSION OF 1892.
Secretary's Notice.
The annual session of the American Institute of Homoeopathy
will be held in Cornwall's Hall, Washington, D. C, beginning
on Monday afternoon, June 13, and continuing until Friday,
June 17, 1892. Monday afternoon will be devoted to preliminary
and routine business, and in the evening the President's address
will be delivered and the memorial service held. (See Transac-
tions of 1890, page 63.)
The proprietors of Willard's Hotel, the Ebbitt House, and the
Riggs House have contracted with the Committee of Local Ar-
n6
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
1
.1-41
i
rangements for a uniform rate of $3.00 per day to physicians and
their friends; private bathrooms or parlors to be charged for
extra, at the usual rates. Rooms, meals, and attendance to be
first-class in every respect. The Local Committee will establish
their headquarters at Willards, and will maintain a bureau of in-
formation and registration, at which all persons attending the
session are requested to register. The committee requests that
all engagements of rooms at any of these hotels, be made through
their chairman, Dr. J. B. G. Custis, or their secretary, Dr. Wm.
R. King.
The preparatory work of the bureaus is being prosecuted with
more than usual energy, with special efforts to secure an intelli-
gent and profitable discussion of the papers. Essayists who
wish their papers well discussed should place duplicate copies
in the hands of the appropriate chairman at least one month
prior to the meeting.
The session of 1892 presents some special claims to the sup-
port of all Homoeopathic physicians. To keep alive the prestige
and influence gained at the meeting of the Homoeopathic Con-
gress; to encourage the growth of Homoeopathy in the Southern
States; to present a strong front to the governmental officials as-
sembled at Washington; to antagonize the schemes now taking
shape, for the subversion - of professional liberty among the
physicians practicing in and around our National capital; to
take action respecting the boycotting of Homoeopathic physi-
cians by life insurance companies; to further increase the numeri-
cal strength of our National Society, and to prepare for a proper
display of our power and importance as a profession to the
peoples who will visit our shores during^the Columbian Exposi-
tion, these are some of the motives and objects that should de-
termine and secure a very large and enthusiastic meeting of the
institute at Washington next June.
The Secretary's annual circular, to be issued in May, will con-
tain information concerning railroad rates and facilities, and a
complete programme of the business of the session. Any physi-
cian failing to receive a copy can obtain one on application. '
Membership in the institute is open to all Homoeopathic physi-
cians in good standing. A blank application will accompany
the annual circular. Admission fee, $2.00; annual dues, $5.00;
entitling the member to the annual volume of transactions.
Pembkrton Dudi,ky, M. D., General Secretary.
15th and Master Streets, Philadelphia.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 1 1 7
CURATIVE EFFECTS OF TUBERCULINUM.
By Dr. Kunkel, of Kiel.
Translated for the Homceophthic Recorder from Archiv fur Homoeo-
pathic
We have no physiological proving of Tuberculin, hence the
following cases can only be regarded in the light of evidence that
potentized Tuberculin will, under certain circumstances, exert a
profound and lasting influence on morbid organisms and condi-
tions, and that Koch's declaration that this remedy, given per os,
is devoid of action, is not applicable to the potentized remedy.
It is very desirable that some of my fellow practitioners will
also gather clinical experiences in this direction, and their pub-
lication should not be neglected. It would, without doubt, be-
come apparent that the physiological proving of Tuberculin is
one of the most pressing necessities of the present day.
1. N. N., a boy cet. 13, consulted me on May 14, 189 1. A
sister died of tuberculosis of the lungs when three years old.
Several brothers and sisters of the father had the same fate.
Patient is afflicted with headache on left side of forehead, es-
pecially in the afternoons, unchanged whether he is at school or
in the fresh air. This is coupled with a total want of appetite,
frequent epistaxis of light colored blood. Other functions are
tolerably normal (one of his sisters also has headache with total
want of appetite). At times patient complains of stitches in
right hypochondre. Received Tuberculin 30th, four powders,
one to be taken every seventh evening.
He did not come back until September 6th. The effect had
been so favorable that his parents did not deem it necessary.
After the first powder the headache ceased; had epistaxis only
once but so profuse as to perceptibly weaken patient for the time
being; appetite excellent. Prescribed : six powders of same
remedy to be taken in like manner. Have not heard from or
seen the boy since then.
2. Boy aet. 3, was brought to me February 7, 1891. The
mothers parents had been scrofulous, but his own parents were
and had been well. There was swelling of the right knee joint,
there had also been an inflammation of the left wrist, leaving a
thickening of the epiphyses of the radius and ulna. He had re-
peatedly been plaster-bandaged but without benefit. Symptoms :
Pain in the parts mentioned on awaking in the morning ; while
lying down he can move the extremities and flex them slightly.
General condition poor. Nocturnal restlessness, especially after
midnight; appetite insufficient, cross on awaking and while hav-
n8
THE HOMCEOPA THIl. RECORDER.
I
ing these spontaneous pains. Calcar. c. 3 bettered his condition
so as to permit his creeping on the floor. Has still pains on
awaking in the morning, but not on pressure. Sepia 3d reduced
the swelling and sensitiveness of the left wrist, but there still
remains crossness after every sleep, urine brown, strong smelling,
some thirst but no fever.
March 24th, gave Tuberculin 30th, six powders, one to be taken
every seventh evening. May 30th, improvement, local as well as
general, urine lighter, smelling less, still some thirst. Disposi-
tion quite cheerful; a swelling came on behind one of the ears,
but soon vanished on its own accord; sleep is more disturbed.
Continue the remedy. July 25th, still improving, but sleep at
night is again quite restless, ulceration of the inner nose, itching
over the whole body, small pustules disturbing sleep at night,
wrist more mobile and improving. Gave Sulphur 30 in altern-
ation with Tuberculin 30th (probably a mistake), for possibly the
occurrence described had a critical significance. Then lost sight
of the patient, but the favorable action of Tuberculin could not be
doubted.
3. Miss S., aet. 25, afflicted for two years with lupus of the left
cheek, also the neck, at the latter place the ulcers are almost
healed, but all around it for half an inch the skin and the sub-
cutaneous tissues are indurated. Gave Tuberculin 30th, six
pofaders, one every seventh evening. June 30th, the cicatrizal
induration is entirely gone; there is decided general improve-
ment. She received another six powders with directions to call
again if everything had not healed up, but she never came back,
and it is supposed that a young lady of her age would have re-
turned unless entirely cured.
4. Mrs. G., aet, 49, had inflammation of the lymphatic glands
when a child, has lupus on the tip of the nose, closing also the
right nostril. Has repeatedly been " scraped* ' and "burned."
Consulted me on February 26, 1891; gave Causticum 3d, without
benefit, then Sepia 30th with good result for a few months, then
Sepia 30th and Sepia 3d, in alternation with but transient ameli-
oration. On September 30th gave Tuberculin 30th, which re-
sulted in a decided change for the better, then gave Sepia and
Sulphur in alternation as it was indicated, also with good suc-
cess; finally Sepia alternated with Tuberculin, The cure is not
yet completed, but there is great improvement.
5. Miss Louise R., aet, 14. Several relations have died with
Phthisis. Has six suppurating glands on left side of neck.
Great weakness and fainting spells. On March 15, 1890, pre-
scribed Calc, c, 30 without success, then Natrum mur, 30th which
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 1 1 9
improved the general condition, raised her strength (she gained
4 lbs.), then I alternated it with Sepia 30, with but transient im-
provement, Sulphur 800 (Jenichen) did no better, then I gave
Sepia smdNatr. mur. May 26th, 1891, general condition is not
good, is often morose, often has slight hacking cough. Exami-
nation of chest disclosed nothing. Gave : Tuberculin 30, six
-doses, one every seventh evening. July 21, general condition
very good, gained decidedly in weight. Had repeated attacks of
asthma which ceased spontaneously. The swelling of the glands
is very much reduced. Continue same medicine. Since then
have not seen patient again.
6. Christian D., son of a merchant, aet. 4. Saw patient De-
cember 12, 1889. Was healthy until one year old, but sickened
since he was vaccinated. Parents are healthy, a sister was effec-
tually treated by antipsorics, especially Calc. c. Patient suffers
with scrofulous sores, especially abscesses on the fingers and
•other parts of the body. I omit particulars and indications, and
would add that cool baths (salt baths) did not benefit ; that in
addition to his bodily ailments he was very cross. Thuja,
Phosph. acid, Hepar, were given without success. January 7th,
1890, status praesens : Swelling of the right knee, aggravation of
the whole condition, restless sleep; has at times colic, total want
of appetite. Gave : Sepia, Silicia, Calc. c, without success, Sul-
phur made but a transient impression. The condition became des-
perate; flat ulcers developed on arms and legs, the swelling of the
knee increased, the lower limb is hyperflexed so that the calf of
the leg touches the thigh, the knee forms one continuous sore.
Transient stitches in the eyes. On February 27th I gave Tuber-
-culin 30th, six powders, one every seventh evening. April 10th.
Decidedly better since middle of March. Has now a cough,
especially towards evening, no appetite, sleep restless. Every
powder he takes is followed by feverish cough, in the afternoons
heat and redness of the cheeks, thirst. Prescribed Tuberculin
50th, one dose every 9th evening. May 5th. The first powder
was followed by increased pains in the affected parts; perspira-
tion every morning. The second powder occasioned the same
symptoms with this difference, that the pains were confined to
the left elbow and the left hand. Feverishness and disquietude
continued for seven days, followed by improvement. With all
this the general condition steadily improved ; is cheerful even
during the feverishness. Ceased medicine. On August 2d I
received word that all functions were normal, sleep, appetite and
disposition very good ; there is still constipation, the affected
limbs are still swollen and itching. Gave : Sac. Lac. On July
120
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
1 2th I again saw the patient. All sores are healing, those of the
upper extremities are nearly cicatrized. The lower thigh forms
a right angle with the upper thigh, the joint is movable. I would
add, I potentized the Tuberculin myself, giving to each potency
30 powerful succussive strokes.
7. Henry K., son of a carpenter, aet. 16, was brought to me
April 21, 1890. His grandfather and three brothers and sisters
have died with consumption. His father was afflicted with
sciatica last year. Patient had incipient coxitis, with pains in
the hip and knee-joint since October, 1889. Prescribed Natrum
mur. then Sepia with some benefit, also Sulphur 3, and Sulphur
30th, then Calc. and Sepia, then the condition grew worse.
Lycopod. 3 and 30th in alternation with benefit. Then sciatica
developed, ameliorated by pressure. Only strong pressure be-
hind the trachander gave pain. By degrees a painful swelling
was developed which fluctuated in its depth. Mucous mem-
branes of the nose became ulcerated. On May nth, prescribed
Tuberculin 30th, six powders, one every seventh evening. July
1 st, general condition improved, nose healed; the 3d powder was
followed by an eruption on the forehead, with transient sleepless-
ness. July 27th, general condition very good; pressure on the
trachander still painful; appetite and taste very good. On Oc-
tober 10th, patient received Causticum for a slight lameness of
his extremities.
8. Mrs. H., aet. 40, had been treated by me during 15 or 16
years for diverse catarrhal affections, but for the last two or three
was not under my treatment. Such sick people, who hardly
ever cease to be sickly, often develop phthisis. So also in this
case; she was gravid with her twelfth child (besides two abor-
tions). Sick abed for several weeks and considered to be uncur-
able by those around her. Extensive infiltration, especially on
the left side, but no discernable caverns; pains in the chest. On
February 19th, prescribed Tuberculin 30th, six powders, one every
seventh evening. Improvement followed immediately, so that
she was able to sit up for two hours within two weeks after; con-
valescence steadilv progressed. Besides Tuberculin she received
some time after Lycopod. 30th, and later on Sepia. The last
remedy for the reason that after her confinement she nursed her
baby without my knowledge, and was much weakened thereby.
In the course of the summer she visited me with her daughter.
On this occasion I learned that she had an attack of cough with
expectoration of blood, consequent on over- exertion by walking
fast, but she seemed to lay no stress on the occurrence. Exami-
nation of the chest revealed as a matter of course still some in-
filtration on both sides.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 1 2 r
9. H., shoemaker, has been treated by me for several years for
chronic coxitis with abscess. I gave him diverse antipsoric
remedies with but little success. Of late he had severe pains in
the hip-joint. On May 26, 1891, he received six powders of
Tuberculin 30, one every seventh evening. August 12. Pains
considerably lessened, only a small spot painful on strong pres-
sure. Suppuration slight and general condition very good.
October 20th, reports that convalescence progresses, feels more
vigorous in the extremities as well as in general. "Increase
daily in weight. ' ' The right pectoral muscle and also the left
were swelled, but are only painful on strong pressure. Had re-
peated attacks of diarrhoea preceded by colic. Prescribed Tuber-
culin 40, one powder every ninth evening. It surely would have
been a great mistake to combat such symptoms as mentioned
with other remedies. Provided, the general condition is im-
proving, they have critical significance. Nature often enough
brings about such crisis of her own accord without outside im-
pulse, especially in children, though too often such endeavors
are interfered with. These crises, however, generally nave a
much stormier course than those induced by Homoeopathic
remedies.
10. K., blacksmith, I treated repeatedly since 1887 for haemo-
ptysis. The family is healthy, his sister is chlorotic. He suffers
at times with a pustulous eruption on the back. As soon as this
comes on he feels better. The gums bleed easily; has very faint
respiratory murmurs with extended expiration. Received, July
13th, Tuberculin 30, one dose every seventh evening. Since
then there was no bleeding from the lungs, the pustules slowly
disappeared, the gums are less prone to bleed. To my regret he
had to join the army and I thus lost sight of him. The general
condition was, however, vastly more improved than the local
manifestations, and he felt confident of being able to go through
his military servitude.
I close my communications, the more so as Burnett furnished
much more copious material (54 cases) in the Berli?ier Zeit-
schrift. The preceding notes are not given as clinical cases.
They are merely short extracts from my casebooks, and are solely
intended to draw your attention to the curative action of Tuber-
culin. As a matter of course, I could not give any indications
in the absence of provings. Such experiments are merely a
blind seeking after light, and do not differ in the least from the
operations of our enemies when looking for indications for the
selection of remedies.
[Boericke & Tafel can furnish Tuberculin, or, as Burnett
122
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
styles it, "Bacillin" in the 30th, 100th, and 200th potencies.
See advertisement.]
* IB
i:
MID!
1
I
t
I
tot
m
I
A NEW REMEDY AGAINST HAY FEVER,
About twelve years ago I decided to prove Succinic acid (Act-
dum succinicum). Agricola mentions this acid, 1546, as Salt of
amber. Boyle, towards the close of the 17th century, was the
first who pronounced it to be acid, and Sleeker de Neuform con-
firmed this statement; after repeated investigations, calling it a
true acid. Berzelius published its elemental composition, C 4 H 2 8 .
This acid was long ago laid aside as obsolete, and not without
good reason, because since the Puritans in chemistry commenced
to rule over every laboratory of pharmacy, by trying to re-
distill this crude acid and changing its yellowish color to snowy
whiteness, they drove out every trace of the oily matter which
alone constitutes its medical action. The whiter this acid be-
comes the larger doses can be taken without any action on the
human system. Knowing that this oil of amber is driven out
totally by re-distillation I was compelled to prepare the crude
acid myself.
The expense is considerable. One pound of amber yields
about half an ounce of crude acid, and the glass retort, after dry
distillation, must be broken to collect the acid.
The fumes of Acidtim Succinicum crudum are inflammable, pro-
ducing asthma, cough, sneezing, weeping, dropping of watery
mucus from nostrils, pain in chest and headache.
None of our remedies gives a truer picture of hay fever, and
since the oil of amber must be securely inclosed in the amber
itself, it was but natural to conclude that by trituration I may re-
ceive all the virtue of the remedy.
At the same time I remembered that necklaces and earrings
of amber are considered a popular protection agent against neu-
ralgia, colds, and even hay fever.
Since that time I prescribed in cases of hay fever the third
decimal trituration, one or two grains dissolved in twelve tea-
spoonfuls of distilled water, one teaspoonful every two hours,
with the best results, and have cured more than thirty persons,
who were formerly obliged to go to the mountains to get temporary
relief. Already after the first week most of them experienced
decided relief.
Morris Wiener, M. D.
Baltimore, Md.> April, 1892.
[This remedy in trituration may be had at the pharmacies
under the name of Acidium Succinicum audum. — Recorder.]
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 123
The Medical Gleaner pays its compliments to the Homoeopathic
News in the following vigorous style :
"We have often heard of plagiarism, literary theft, purloining,
latrociny, deception, abstraction, appropriation, spoliation, plun-
der, pillage, piracy, privateering, pilfering, etc., etc., in journal-
ism, but as an absolute Dick Turpin, a certain Homoeopathic
medical journal published in a Western city, has no equal.
When it comes to a comparison in business between it and Rob-
•ert Macaire, Jeremy Diddler, Bill Sykes, Jonathan Wild and Jack
Sheppard, these gentlemen are -truthfully * not in't.' We are
.glad that the articles in the Gleaner are noticed, but we must
draw the line when it comes to the boldness of rapacious rape.
In the February number of the journal referred to are two articles,
published as original matter, and no credit whatever given ; one
is 'Another Case of Chorea Cured by Gelsemium' by E. R.
Waterhouse, M.D., and the other on 'CEnantha Crocata* by F. E.
Howald, M.D., of Prospect, O. This the gentlemen wrote us
upon direct reqeust, and in the April number of the Eclectic
Medical Journal \ of Cincinnati, it appears in the periscope as
original matter from the Homoeopathic journal above referred to.
If this were all we would continue ver}' apathetic, but in another
issue an article on ' Aplopappus* by Prof. H. T. Webster, M.D.,
of California, was peculated in the same indecent manner. Still,
we could rest, if this were all ; but what next ? in a subsequent
issue there appeared as an original editorial a verbatim etliteratim
copy of a Gleaner editorial. Come off, gentlemen; if you are so
badly in need of help, we'll share our talents und contributions
with you. But are they not worth the asking? If you use
them without, give us the credit due."
The peculiar tricks of the New's editor may lead to considera-
ble confusion among physicians who want to go to the original
authority. We often find a paper, or portion of one, credited to
the News in one journal, and to the rightful source in another.
The New York Homoeopathic Materia Medica Society, among
others, has been deceived, and in its new department in the North
American Journal of Homoeopathy credit the paper on GEnantka
Crocata, by Dr. F. E. Howard to the Homoeopathic News y instead
of The Medical Gleaner, an Eclectic journal, to whom credit was
due. In the interest of Homoeopathy, it is about time that this
style of conducting a Homoeopathic medical journal was stopped.
The reader is also referred to page 143 of this number of the
Recorder for a still worse specimen of the way the Homoeopathic
News is run.
124
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
I
HOMOEOPATHY TRIUMPHANT.
Now Has Equal Rights Before the Law.
The Maryland Homoeopathic Medical Society met in its hall,
in this city, to-day, under the provisions of the law passed by
the last legislature, " to regulate the practice of medicine and
surgery in the State of Maryland by the establishment of two
medical examining boards, each consisting of seven members,
and each having the power to examine, pass upon the qualifica-
tions of and license its own applicants." The meeting was for
the purpose of electing the Homoeopathic physicians who are ta
serve on the Homoeopathic State Board of Medical Examiners.
The physicians chosen are as follows: Milton Hammond, Robert
K. Kneass, and Thomas E. Sears, Baltimore; Charles H.
Brace, Cumberland; W. C. Karsner, Chesapeake City; R. K^
Colley, Sudlersville, and Charles F. Goodell, Frederick. The
board organized by the election of Robert K. Kneass, President,
and Thomas E. Sears, M. D., Secretary. The old school board
will be elected by the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty. After
June i next, all persons desiring to practice medicine and sur-
gery in this State must possess a license issued by one of the two-
examining boards.
Applications for examination copies of the law, or other in-
formation, must be made to
Robt. K. Kneass, M. D.,
1205 IV. Fayette St., Baltimore, Md.
I
m
II
f
if
41 If physicians knew what a wonderfully good thing it is, the
Passiflora would soon find a place in the medicine-case of every
physician in the land. I have used the drug over two years, and
the more I use it the more I like it.
11 It is not a narcotic, but has a way peculiar to itself of sooth-
ing an irritable nervous system. It is wonderful how quickly
and how nicely it will quiet excited and nervous patients, so that
they will drop off to sleep as natural as if they were in perfect
health.
" In sleeplessness, it stands at the head of anything as yet dis-
covered.
* ' In the restlessness of fever you can give nothing with as
much satisfaction as the Passiflora.
' * I have had good results with it in two cases of convulsions
in children.
' ' I have used it in confinement when the labor was tedious,
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 1 25
and the patient became nervous and excitable, with the best of
results.
"During the past winter I found it very useful in the treat-
ment of la grippe, especially among women .
1 ' It is recommended in tetanus in all its stages.
" Passiflora incamata is specific in all cases of nervousness,
restlessness, and excitement of the whole, or any part, of the
nervous system. " — Dr. W. S. Gibson, in Eclectic Medical Journal.
IPECACUANHA AND SOME OF ITS CHARACTER-
ISTICS.
Dysentery.
By Dr. Moss a, of Stuttgart.
Continuation.
Translated for Homoeopathic Recorder from Archiv fur Homceopathie.
(See also Recorder for March, 1892.)
The effect of Ipecac, on the mucous covering of the bowels is
shown in Hahnemann's provings to be as follows : Diarrhceic
evacuations, as if fermented, rotten fetid fecal discharges, cov-
ered with red, bloody mucus. Haller observed stools as green as
grass, Scott bloody stools. These were accompanied by stitching,
burning cutting pains, at the rim of the anus, same as in persist-
ant haemorrhoids. There are also painful sensations in the ab-
domen ; such as grasping, griping as if by the extended fingers of
a hand, each finger of which makes a sharp impression on the
bowels; these are less when absolute repose is maintained, but
become furious by the least motion, causing a cutting colic round
the navel, worse by touch and pressure, coupled with coldness
and chilliness of the body, while an internal heat ascends to the
head. All this goes to show that Ipecac, can hardly claim to be
•called dysentery- root. Hahnemann is, therefore, quite right in
maintaining, in his introduction to the pathogenesis, that while
it relieves the effusion of blood and some kinds of pains in the
bowels in attacks of dysentery, it fails to reach the other more
important symptoms of that affection.
The Homoeopathic school, therefore, only uses this remedy in
the lighter forms of so-called catarrhal dysentery, in bilious
vomitings, dyspepsia, light fever with bloody stools and with
tenesmus after the evacuation, also in cases of colicky abdominal
pains. There are certain forms of feverless haemorrhage from the
bowels, the copiousness of which might occasion collapse, where
126
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER
I
i
i
I
1
n
it
I
P
Ipecac is useful. However even the dysenteric affections are often
dominated by certain concise epidemic remedies, on which occa-
sion even such physiologically well-indicated remedies as Corro-
sive sublimate fail to respond. So Schelling, than whom no one
was better versed in epidemiology, reports that in September,
1840, there prevailed an epidemy of dysentery in his region,
which was alleviated but not thoroughly cured by Mercur. subl.
c. , while Ipecac proved to be very efficacious, curing some cases
within two days. The evacuations consisted in bloody mucus or
in light colored blood.
The beneficence of this remedy in many kinds of abdominal
catarrhs will be attested by many practitioners. Lobethal states:
In many diarrhoeas occasioned by taking cold or by mental ex-
citement, painless stools, fermented mucous or rice-like, ipecac.
is a sovereign remedy, also with children in diarrhceic troubles
»
during teething, without special wasting of the body, occurring
often or almost altogether without pain, generally discolored,
whitish yellow or green evacuations, which by their persistency,,
threaten serious consequences, Ipecac. 2d and 3d in alternation
and in oft-repeated doses acts promptly. It is however quite as
useful in painful diarrhoeas coupled with catarrh of the stomach
as shown in the following cases:
A boy, cet. 3, overloaded his stomach with sweet, rich cakes,
and had in consequence watery, frothy stools. Evacuations oc-
curred nearly hourly, with violent colic, nausea, eructations and
desire to vomit. Vomited once sour smelling stuff. Face pale,
great anxiety, cold limbs. Gave ipecac. 2; improved with the
6th dose, and was cured within 24 hours. "Kafka" Prager
M.S.
Boy, at. 10, sanguinic, scrofolous, ate seven days before a
good deal of fat pork; this was followed by headache, anorexia r
loathing, vomiting, and diarrhceic stools four to five times a day,
feels exhausted and weak — pale, bloated face, vapid taste, tongue
coated with mucus; much thirst; want of appetite; frequent in-
clinations to vomit preceded by pressure and pain in the pit of
the stomach, frequent diarrhceic fetid stools; light, dry cough,
at times slight convulsive twitching in the muscles of the face,
lips, and eyes; disturbed sleep with frequent startings; general
weakness. Ipecac. 3, one drop every three hours. Next night
had copious perspiration, succeeded by rapid amelioration of the
whole condition. Recovery within three days.
A babe of 17 weeks, emaciated, suffering with mesenteric scrof-
ulosis vomited after every meal; the vomit as well as the diar-
rhoeic chopped stools smelled very sour. It cried all day.
I
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 127
Ipecac, cured within two weeks. In summer complaint Ipecac,
often is the indicated remedy. Dr. Zinkhan observed an epi-
demic of bilious dysentery in the year 1822, in which Ipecac.
proved to be the remedy, presenting the following symptoms:
Following a slight or more pronounced shaking chill, with cold
face and limbs, the attack would be developed either rapidly as
if starting from the abdomen or stomach, or it was ushered in by
a sense of discomfort, stretching of the limbs, followed by heat,
especially in the abdomen, tongue yellowish, dry, pressure in pit.
of the stomach, vomiting with a great deal of exertion, with
breaking out of perspiration over the whole body; vomiting every
one-quarter, one-half or one hour. Heat increases, tongue a
dirty, yellow, dry, breath smelling bad, great thirst, but vomit-
ing of all liquids. Within one to three hour diarrhoea, which then
keeps up with the vomiting. The vomited matter is yellow,
thin gall, later on, bilious, green water, bitter, sour, and of pene-
trating smell; at last dry vomiturition. Stool soon bilious, then
mucous with white spots, sometimes bloody; finally unsuccessful
painful urging. Breathing hurried, short. Urine changed
dark yellow. Violent pains in the bowels. The abdomen, at
first soft, is afterward contracted. Great prostration, copious
sweats; in some cases convulsions over the whole body.
Prescribed Ipecac, in doses of 1-18 to 1-36 of a grain, triturated
with sugar, one every three to four hours; generally amelioration
set in after the first dose; the most severe cases required four to
six doses. Recuperation was rapid. — Archiv. //., 2, 92.
In the epidemic just described febrile states accompanied the
cases, while the Ipecac, affections hitherto described were as a
rule devoid of fever. In true Asiatic cholera, Ipecac, is not in-
dicated, it lacks the rice-water discharges. However it corre-
sponds to the Cholerine which generally precedes it, if nausea,
inclination to vomit and vomiting predominates, especially in
nervous gastritis or in digestive disturbances. It is pat. that
a remedy like Ipecac. , having so pronounced an effect on the pneu-
mogastric nerve, should also often be indicated in affections of
the respiratory organs. We have mentioned above its effect in
pneumorrhagias. Hahnemann observes the following character-
istic manifestations:
Cough, catching the breath even to suffocation; during the at-
tacks the child gets quite stiff, its face blue. It is excited by a
contracting tickling sensation extending from the upper part of
the larynx to the lowest parts of the bronchial tubes. Cough comes
on, on walking in cold ait ', on retiring \ in the motning and evening,
when taking a deep breath. This is accompanied by colic, as if the
■* !
1
128
1HE H0MCE0PA7HIC RECORDER.
navel were to be torn out, pains in the abdomen as in urging to
urinate, and as if the urine could not escape (strangury), heat in
the head and face, with perspiration on the forehead. The cough
causes vomituration (without nausea). A rattling noise in the
windpipe on breathing. Ipecac, has therefore often been found
useful in convulsive coughs with inclination to vomit and even
actual vomiting of sevo mucous masses, the more so when rattling
on the chest and loud mucous rales are observed.
My late friend, Dr. C. H. Gross, found this remedy very
efficacious in a gentle blonde child during a whooping cough
epidemic, who was uninterruptedly harrassed all night by a
cough which did not even cease during sleep, but was worst in
the morning and evening. Each fresh attack set in with a long
drawn, difficult, howling, sighing inspiration.
During the day the cough was more loose and less frequent.
Nocturnal aggravation or ailments setting in at night, have been
from the first, observed as characteristic of Ipecac. In suffocative
catarrhs "Baehr" advises to give stronger doses, not less than
one grain of the 2x trit., in order to ensure the beneficial effect.
A man suffered with dry suffocative cough, previous Alopathic
treatment afforded no relief. Cough was dry, convulsive shak-
ing ; breathing stopped and patient fell senseless to the floor in
very severe attacks. Each attack threatened to be his death;
only on being deluged with cold water did he regain conscious-
ness. Ipecac's, two doses cured him in a few days. Archir. f.
Horn. V i, p6.
A woman, cet. 72, of melancholic cast, emaciated, troubled
with hemorrhoids and congestive uterine troubles, was beset with
a violent convulsive cough with serious suffocative attacks; they
frequently recurred day and night. The affliction had reached
a high grade with great prostration, despite the exhibition of
several Homoeopathic remedies. Ipecac 2, in water was given
without success, then Ipecac 30 was given in pellets, which gave
relief for several hours; the attacks grew less and milder, and
soon ceased entirely. Allg. Horn. Ztg., Vol. XXIV., 135. Here
Ipecac. 2 was ineffectual, while the 30th potency gave prompt
relief.
A boy, est 30 weeks, pale, bulky, had a convulsive attack, with
pitiful crying, cough, continuous moaning, rattling on the chest ;
ophistotonous, grass-green stools, heat, redness of face alternating
with paleness and coldness. Aconite and Be Had. 30 brought little
change in two days. At night several times prolonged fine cry-
ing, changing breath, becoming stiff, face bloated, bluish. Ipecac,
9 soon effected a cure. Annalen III., 293.
J
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 129
Rummel, a profound student and observer, made the following
remarks : Ipecac, has a special relation to the muscular system
ruled by the will; or if preferred, it may be stated, to the nerves
controlling these muscles. In all kinds of infantile spasms,
tonic, or still more so the clonic, beginning with " cutting faces,' '
to rolling of the eyes, folding in of the thumbs and to the most
horrible epileptic attacks. I have seen the most astonishing
effects, of course more surely if accompanied by nausea, but also
without it, for I prefer it generally to the also often indicated Ig-
natia and Chamomilla because it acts quicker, unless there are very
marked indications for the other remedies. I would draw espec-
ial attention to the lying of children with half-closed eyes. To this
I would add the following remarks : It is surely more than a
mere coincidence that remedies which occasion vomiting from
the stomach as exciting cause, which, therefore, act specifically
on the vagus, and which comprise, besides ipecac ; Veratrum,
Zincunt) Cuprum , Tartar em., Nux Vom. y Ignatia t etc., always at
the same time, also influence the motor nerves, and cause in one
direction convulsions and in another paralysis, and eventually
cure both.
Cases.
A babe, at. 22 weeks, awoke evenings with staring eyes, pushed
forward its arm with closed fist, with moaning, and with con-
vulsively bent right arm. The attacks came on eleven times in
24 hours. Ipecac. 600 solution in water speedily cured the case.
On account of succeeding sour sweat, the child received one dose
of Mercurius 2000. Allg. H. Ztg., Vol. 4.2, 179.
A man, at. 17, sanguine temperament, had scarlet rash, and
catching cold, had a swollen foot, and suddenly a clonic spasm.
Patient lies on his back unconscious, face pale, bloated, eyes
now shut then open, horried twitchings of the facial muscles of
the lips and eyelids as also of the arms and thighs, so as to lift
up the upper part of the trunk. Such an attack lasts from 10 to
15 minutes; then patient lies exhausted, and the next attack
will come on in 5 minutes. At times he seems to want to vomit.
After the attack ceases he is weak, knows his family but cannot
speak aloud. Ipecac. 2 eased the spasms within an hour. He
liad a good night's rest and recovered. Archiv. i> 135.
"Attomyr" reports in Archiv. 11 , 2, the case of a female, at.
24, who suffered with hysterical spasms which increased in force
from day to day, so that her rump would be bent backwards; her
face was distorted and breathing very labored. Such attacks
occurred several times a day. Ipecac, speedily cured her.
130
1HE H0MCE0PA1HIC RECORDER.
HELODERMA HORRIDUS.
In the July Recorder (1890) an account of the Gila Monster
will be found from the pen of Dr. C. D. Belden, of Phoenix,
Arizona. At the time these letters were written he sent Messrs.
Boericke & Tafel, a supply of the venom, but, owing to lack of
definite knowledge of its action no use has as yet been made of
it. In the November number of the Recorder, the same
year, another paper from Dr. Belden will be found on the sub-
ject. In The Great Dividers, journal published at Denver, we
find the following additional particulars concerning the Helo-
denna horridus. Dr. Shufelt, of the Smithsonian Institute, is
quoted as follows : "I had taken the animal out of the box for
the purpose of examining it and was in the act of putting it
back when my grasp slipped. It made a dart at me, and, seizing,
my right thumb in its mouth, sank its teeth to the bone, inflict-
ing a severe lacerated wound. It loosed its hold at once. The
bleeding soon ceased, but it was followed by shooting pains up
the arms and down the same side. So severe were the pains,
taken together with the nervous shock, that I fell in a faint. I
perspired profusely. My hand swelled very much, but the next
morning the swelling was lessened, and the wound soon healed,
leaving no scar. After inflicting the bite, the Heloderma appeared
dull and sluggish, just as a venomous serpent is torpid somewhat
after having given a deadly nip. My impression is that the bite
of this creature might be fatal under some circumstances.' '
Dr. S. Weir Mitchell, ot Philadelphia, is a believer in the ven-
omous character of the Gila monster, and made a series of exper-
iments some time ago for ascertaining the effects produced by the
fluid from the Heloderma' s glands upon rabbits and guinea pigs
inoculated with it. A supply of the poison was procured by
causing the lizard to bite at the edge of a saucer, in the same
manner that Dr. Belden procured the supply mentioned above.
Dr. Mitchell used a hypodermic syringe to inject the poison
into the animals, and they all died. It was found that the
venom killed by paralyzing the heart, and this was deemed
rather curious, inasmuch as snake poison produces death by
paralyzing the breathing organs. The heart of each guinea pig:
and rabbit ceased to beat soon after the inoculation, and the
spinal cord was paralyzed also.
VISCUM ALBUM.
During the last three months I have been using mistletoe quite
extensively in my general practice, and have found it to be a
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 131
remedy of undoubted merit. I have used the mother tincture in
doses of from twenty to thirty minims, as a remedy in hyper-
trophy of the heart, with insufficiency, dropsy of the extremities,
small weak pulse, dyspnoea, and inability of the patient to rest
in a reclining position. I have witnessed the most astonishing
relief from the administration of the remedy when all others
failed. Under its use in the above-named conditions the pulse
becomes full, strong and regular, the cardiac dyspnoea is arrested
and the patient is able to obtain some rest in a reclining position.
In some cases, when given in large doses, it produced marked
diaphoresis, increased flow of urine, and serous discharges from
the bowels, results desirable in all cases where dropsy is associ-
ated with the disease; and so far as I know, a combination of
therapeutic actions which cannot be obtained from any other
cardiac tonic.
Its diaphoretic and cathartic action cannot be relied on in
every case, but as a cardiac tonic it is one of the most efficient
and reliable that can be found in the Materia Medica.
It also has marked ecbolic properties, and is indicated in all
cases of passive haemorrhage of the uterus, whether post-partem
or during the menstrual period.
In the latter stages of typhoid fever, when the heart's action
is weak, rapid and irregular, with a tendency to collapse, given
in connection with Strychnia, the condition of the patient rapidly
improves. In short, I regard the remedy as indicated in all
cases of cardiac weakness. — -John Tascher, M. D. f Chicago y in
Chicago Medical Times.
Magnesia phos. is doing noble work for me in treatment of
agonizing pains that accompany muscular spasms, especially of
the involuntary muscles. Some physician said within my hear-
ing last year that when you felt Morphine to be an urgent neces-
sity, try Magnesia phos. first, the solution in hot water at
frequent intervals, to insure prompt absorption. It has been
especially valuable to me in the treatment of intestinal and
uterine colics, and should be also valuable in that accompanying
the passage of stone. I have no experience with it in the latter.
I value it especially as a prophylactic against the tendency to
such muscular spasms.
Natrum Sulph. has served me well in the treatment of chronic
diarrhoea of long standing characterized by profuse, gushing
stools early in the morning, the character of stool found in a
greater or less extent under all the Nattum salts. It seems as
132
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
well to suit catarrhs generally of mucous membranes character-
ized by a tendency to profuse, secretion of mucous.
Calcarea phos. and Calcarea card., if persisted in, seem generally
sufficient to overcome anaemia and chlorosis. The action does
not seem to be interfered with by the use of other remedies as
intercurrents for the ever changing and shifting symptoms that
are usually ingrafted upon these conditions. — Dr. A. L. Monroe,
in S. J. of Horn.
In the month of December, 1886, I was requested to examine
and prescribe for James A., aged 18, who had been afflicted with
epilepsy since his 9th year. Family history not good. Mother
had been subject all her life to fits of violent, uncontrollable
passion, followed by a more or less protracted period of melan-
cholia. Three sisters were afflicted with chorea, and one, the
youngest, a girl of 16, was (so the family claim), " possessed of
a devil."
James had been treated by all the local physicians, several so-
called travelling doctors, and had tried all the patent medicine
recommended to him for epilepsy, with the result of growing
worse all the time.
When I first saw him he was having three to four convulsions
each week. Moderate exertion, or the least excitement, would
bring on an attack. They usually came on without warning.
First prescribed CEnantha crocata gtt. v., aqua f£iv. Sig.
Teaspoonful every two hours.
He came back in a few days, claiming that the medicine
caused a violent dizzy pain in his head, and that he had had two
convulsions in one day ; something unusual.
I then prescribed CEnantha crocata gtt. iij., aqua f£iv. Sig.
Half teaspoonful every three hours.
He never had another convulsion after beginning to take this
prescription. I continued same treatment for over a year. He
now performs all kinds of farm labor.
Have treated several other cases with like results — with a
perfect cure in all. — Dr. F. E. Howard, in Medical Gleaner,
January, 1892.
Dr. A. J. Palmer says : I have used Hydrastis for the past
thirty years as a local application to inflamed mucous surfaces;
and noting its efficiency, especially in inflammatory conditions of
the pharynx, it occurred that it might be equally efficacious in
the treatment of bronchitis if it were possible to apply it directly
to the inflamed membrane. Accordingly, about four years ago,
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 133
to accomplish this I administered it by inhalation in the form of
a vapor. The result was very satisfactory. I then used it in a
case of bronchitis complicated with chronic hepatization, and
was surprised to find that not only the bronchitis, but also the
pneumonic deposit disappeared. I have used it in the different
stages of phthisis over three years, and my experience justifies
me in asserting it to be a remedy of remarkable efficacy if
properly and perseveringly used.
During the first month of treatment the night sweats usually
disappear, and the cough and expectoration are greatly dimin-
ished ; the patient has a better appetite, better digestion, and
gains in strength. — Medical Summary.
Probably the general practitioner sees more cases of earache
1
than any one other disease of this organ. The sufferings of the
little fellows can be fully attested by some of us from experience,
making us the more anxious to bring relief. That which has
served me better than all other measures is warm water, as hot
as I can hold my hand in. A few drops are to be placed in the
ear and retain for three to five minutes by the position of the
head. Then run the water out, and immediately drop in 2 to 4
drops of Mullein oil, placing in enough absorbent cotton to retain
the oil, and you will be very thankful to Dr. A. M. Cushing for
his valuable discovery. — From paper read before Texas Associa-
tion by J. E. Wann, M. D.
11 And this reminds me of one compound of copper — of Cuprum
arsenicosum. In his tenth volume of the Encyclopedia of Pure
ateria Medica, article Cuprum arsenicosum, Dr. Allen mentions'
the symptom ' cold, clammy perspiration of intermittent nature.
I know of no other drug in our Materia Medica that has this
symptom in full. I have in practice found this symptom most
reliable for the selection of the drug. The intermittence of the
cold, clammy sweat distinguishes Cupr. ars. from such other
drugs as Camphor, Carbo vegetabilis, etc. — remedies called for in
the stage of cholera collapse.' ' — From paper read before Interna-
tional Homoeopathic Congress, fune, 18 pr, by L. Salzer, M. D. t
Calcutta, India.
In response to the request of Dr. J. H. Brown, it affords me
pleasure to state that I have for four years prescribed Saw pal-
metto in enlargements of the prostate, with more satisfactory
results than have followed the use of any other remedy in this
class of affections. The remedy seems to have a special affinity
134
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
for the prostate, and a specific effect upon it. The best results
attended its use in acute inflammations supervening on chronic
enlargements in elderly individuals, but its influence is also very
decided upon simple acute inflammation of this gland at any
time, and also upon the chronic enlargement due to age, or that
which is so prone to afflict men in the declining years of life. —
S. L. Kilmer, M. D. t South Bend, fnd., in Medical Summary.
One of the most troublesome symptoms associated with dis-
ordered functional conditions of the stomach is the pain to which
they not uncommonly give rise. This may take the form of
colic, due to gaseous distention ; heartburn, or the mere sensa-
tion of weight and malaise referred to the epigastrium. Nothing,
according to Professor Germain See, gives so much relief in this
class of affections as the tincture of Cannabis Indica in one-third
of a drop doses. This drug does not interfere with digestion,
while the irritability of the stomach is overcome. — Chicago Med-
ical Times.
VETERINARY PRACTICE.
1
I
The following is an extract from a letter — a business letter :
" I am a graduate of the old school but have been dabbling some with
Homoeopathic drugs and literature of late, and must say that as far as I
have gone, like them. They have helped me out a great many times."
If the roll could be called of all the professional brethren of
writer of the above who are doing the same — sub rosa — it would
open the eyes of the American Medical Association wide, very
wide. This is not the text but leads up to it. There is in
veterinary Homoeopathy much for the regular V. S. to learn that
will return him success and wealth, in fact in the Homoeopathic
literature on the subject he will find a new world opening before
him, a world in which he will find a remedy for every ill of his
dumb patients, and a remedy that will cure. Roup among fowls
has heretofore been classed as practically incurable, and "the
hatchet* ' is about the only remedy that the old school can pre-
scribe. Yet in the past three years poultry men from the Atlantic
to the Pacific have found in Homoepathic Spongia a practical
specific for the malady. Reports of wonderful cures of whole
flocks shower in, while failures are conspicuous by their absence.
Not only does the remedy cure with marvelous rapidity, but it
entails no trouble in administration.
¥
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 1 35
What Homoeopathy has done with roup it can do with every
ill of dumb animals including pleuro-pneumonia. You shake
your heads, but you have never treated the disease Homceopathi-
cally? The disease has been cured, hundreds of times, and
there is no reason why the afflicted animals should be slaughtered
as the law requires. Now if Homoeopathy can master two such
complaints as pleuro-pneumonia and roup, it follows that it has
an easy mastery over the less dangerous maladies. Granting
this, and it is true, it becomes the duty of every veterinarian to
study the subject. As a number of copies of this issue of the
Recorder is sent to veterinarians we will briefly notice here
some of the leading works on veterinary Homoeopathy. The
largest and completest of these is A Manual of Homoeopathic
Veterinary Practice, a work of 684 pages, half morocco, and sell-
ing at any Homoeopathic book store for $5.00, or net to the pro-
fession, postpaid, $4.33. The best feature of this work (no other
work contains it) is a carefully prepared Materia Medica of over
one hundred pages, embracing ninety-two remedies. A careful
study of this part of the work will enable any veterinarian to meet
any case of disease that he may be called upon to treat — even dis-
eases with which he is totally unfamiliar. The description and
treatment of the diseases of all domestic animals is very full and
complete.
Another book of great value is New Manual of Homoeopathic
Veterinary Medicine, by J. C. Schaefer ; translated by Dr. C. J.
Hempel. It is bound in cloth, and sells for $2.00 ; or net, post-
paid, $1.75. Dr. Hempel added considerable new matter from
other sources, and the result is a very useful book. It is the
standard work in Germany.
Another excellent book, small, but full of practical points, is
The Handbook of Veterinary Homoeopathy, by John Rush. It
contains 144 pages, i2mo., and sells for 50 cents ; net by mail,
45 cents, to the profession. It contains the treatment for the
diseases of horses, cows, sheep, dogs and pigs.
The Poultry Doctor is another very useful book of 85 pages,
selling for 50 cents, or, net, postpaid, 45 cents. It is the only
book we know that is devoted exclusively to the diseases of
fowls. It has saved poultrymen a great deal of money ; for the
diseases of poultry, like those of man and beast, yield readily to
the indicated remedy.
In the German language there is Schaefer's Homceopathische
Thierheilkunst, a book of 174 pages at $1.25 ; or net, postpaid to
the profession, $1.08.
Another useful pamphlet is the "Incurable Diseases," paper,
f.
•!. *
136 7ȣ HOMCEOPATHIc RECORDER.
25 cents. It treats of pleuropneumonia, Texas fever, glanders,
etc. Mailed on receipt of price.
In addition to these, a good book of Homoeopathic Materia
Medica, like Allen's Handbook , or Primer, will be found of the
utmost value.
Homoeopathic veterinary science is as yet in its infancy. The
Recorder is the only journal that maintains a " Veterinary
department,' ' and in it many exceedingly useful cases will be
found from number to number, easily worth the price of the
subscription to the journal. Send in your subscriptions, gentle-
men, and you will find it a dollar well invested.
A Few Cases From Practice.
A cow, five years old, who gave an abundant supply of milk
but the milk possessed the peculiar quality that prevented it
from turning to butter. It would become frothy. Prescribed
Chamomilla 3X, Baryta 3X, and Sulphur 6x, to be given alter-
nately every three hours, fifteen drops at a dose. In one week
the milk was all right.
A dog was brought to me which had not eaten anything for
four days and could not swallow. I prescribed Belladonna 3X,
and Mercerius sol. 6x, to be given alternately every two hours, five
drops at a dose, on white sugar, put on his tongue. In four days
the dog was all right again.
A four-year-old horse, who had been fed on new corn fodder
and on oat straw, showed signs of what I call worm colic and
indigestion. He would paw the bedding persistently, and then
lie down and stretch out and remain quiet for about fifteen
minutes; then get up, seem uneasy, and in fact go through the
same performance again. Prescribed Digitalis 3X, Ignatia $x r
and Nux Vomica 3X, every half hour till improvement set in, and
then every hour until the animal rested easy; also gave several
injections of warm water. Complete recovery in twelve hours.
A lot of chickens with swelled heads, seemingly as though
the head would burst, together with labored breathing, gasping
for breath. Gave them Belladonna 3X, and Spongia iox, alter-
nately. They made complete and rapid recovery.
Joseph Borkha^der, V. S.
West Unity, O., February 12, 1892.
Tuberculosis in Cattle.
The Medical News of March 26th contains a group of papers
on the subject of tuberculosis in cattle, which is a remarkable
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 137
display of " scientific medicine.' ' The paper, describing the
famous Cleremont herd, recently butchered, states that every
animal was a thoroughbred, received the utmost attention, and
had everything in the way of food and sanitary attention to pro-
mote health. In addition to all of these good things, the herd
had the fortune (?) to be regularly examined by " experts.' ' It
seems that these gentlemen took to injecting "Tuberculin?* i. e,,
the poison of consumption, into these healthy animals for
M diagnostic" purposes. Listen to this: "By the use of Tuber-
culin the disease was discovered in animals that seemed to be in
perfect health, and it was not until this discovery that the heroic
measures adopted were decided upon." In other words, if any
cow into whose blood this poison was injected showed evidences
of it she was pronounced unfit to live. Thirty per cent, of the
herd " reacted," and then the slaughter began; and many valua-
ble animals were needlessly sacrificed. The editor of the JVews,
in speaking of the examination of the slaughtered cattle, does
not write as though the evidence of tuberculosis was very pro-
nounced in them. By the aid of the microscope the veterinar-
ians were enabled to detect, in a" more or less ' ' degree, the
presence of baccilli in some of the dead animals, while in others
there seemed to be a difference of opinion among the " experts"
as to whether there were any bacilli in them or not.
Now it is a fact that the injection of Tuberculin for " diagnostic
purposes" or for any other purposes, has been positively con-'
demned be men, quite as big and learned as Koch, or the Uni-
versity men, as hurtful; in fact it is a means of developing the
very disease for which it is given to diagnose. If the smallest
part of a cancer pricked into the healthy skin will develop can-
cer, why will not the poison of consumption in appreciable quan-
tities develop consumption, either in cattle or human beings?
This thing of slaughtering cattle for disease is a confession of
impotence on part of the veterinarians, and a useless, barbarous
and terribly expensive proceeding. Pleuro- pneumonia is readily
amenable to Homoeopathic medication, and the animals by this
means are fully restored to healthy Some advanced cases will
die, but the percentage of deaths will be low and the recov-
eries quick and complete.
As for tuberculosis, if the veterinarian is quite certain of his
diagnosis, and that the disease has not been caused by injections
of Tuberculin, let him give the affected animal a dose of Baccil-
linum, 30 or 100. But before doing so let him read Burnett's
New Cure for Consumption, 2d edition, 80 cents, net by mail.
From this book he will see the reason for giving Baccillinum, and
also why Koch so disastrously failed.
I3»
THE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER.
Veterinary Cases.
Translated for The Homoeopathic Recorder.
A cat, female, which had four or five kittens every summer
was kept in the house in a room very carefully to prevent a
recurrence. In September she became agitated, cried pitifully
during the day, and especially toward evening, and slid on her
backside across the rough carpets of the room. The family
owning the cat thought her in heat as she acted similarly on
former occasions before copulation. Three doses of Cantharis
relieved her condition, and when in February similar symptoms
recurred the same remedy was given with a like effect. The
interesting fact about this is that a seemingly normal sexual
state was readily controlled by the remedy, although it occurred
in September and February, while the month of April is the
normal time. — Pop. Horn. Ztg.
***
Dog, a poodle, aet. 3, one of the finest specimens of its kind,
was beset by a quite frequent ailment hereabout, which they
styled hande zike. The sick animals would be attacked two to
three times a day with spasms in the abdomen, during which
they rolled about on the ground in agony, uttering pitiful cries;
often ending in downright convulsions. In about five minutes
the attack ceased, and the animal seemed to be in tolerably good
spirits until the next attack, having moderate appetite, and thin
fetid stools. This sickness is regarded as incurable. Not being
well enough versed myself in veterinary lore, I inquired of one
of the teachers of the royal veterinary school, and was informed
that the disease consisted in the main in an ulcerated condition
of the bowels, similar to that obtaining with chronic typhus. I
gave the dog, as a matter of experiment, four doses of Arsenicum
6, alter which two more of the spasmodic attacks occurred.
Then he was given four more doses of that remedy, which com-
pleted the cure, and the dog is in good health yet. Two years
after I had occasion to cure another case with the same remedy.
Dr. Kallenbach, of Utrecht, in Holland Pop. Horn. Ztg., Vol. VII. ,
A 45-
***
Cow. — The burgess of Menken, near Paderborn, had an unus-
ually fine specimen of a cow, a prize winner ; she calved in the
first days of September, and as everything proceded normally the
owner departed on a business trip. Scarcely was he gone when it
was noticed that the cow's appetite lessened; she would not eat
but seemed to be very thirsty; she was very restless, often laid
down and shortly after got up again ; looked very dejected. A
THE HOMCEOPATHIL RECORDER. 139
veterinarian was sent for, but was not in; then the two sons were
called. They also were veterinarians, and after a minute examina-
tion they stated that the cow had calf-fever and could not be saved.
" We will give a prescription, but it is very doubtful that she will
improve." And so they did. Next day the cow was decidedly
worse, and as a third veterinarian happened to ride past the door,
he, too, was asked to look at the cow. He examined her and
said, " Yes, the cow will die. I will give you a prescription, but
it will not help." Just then the owner returned from his trip,
and was advised within a minute of what had happened. He
said, "Well, now I will visit my doctor; possibly he knows of a
Homoeopathic remedy that will help/ ' On account of the pre-
ceding calving, and as evidently an inflammatory condition
existed, I prescribed Aconite 1st, one dose every hour. As I did
not hear of the case for two days I concluded, as a matter of
course, that the cow had died. But on the following day I was
informed that the cow was all right but that the milk was slow
a-coming back, Chamomilla 3d, a dose every three hours, brought
back the milk to the usual quantity within three days — and all
they wanted to know then was whether the cow could be driven to
pasture. — Pop. Horn. Ztg.
BOOK NOTICES.
A Primer of Materia Medica for Practitioners of Homoeopathy.
By Dr. Timothy Field Allen. Philadelphia: Boericke &
Tafel. 1892. 411 pages. Cloth, $2.50 net; by mail, $2.65.
Half morocco, $3. 50 ; by mail, $3.65.
In this handsome volume Dr. Allen gives the characteristic
ieatures of two hundred and sixty-six of the most important
drugs used in Homoeopathic practice, together with a wealth of
" clinical " items in connection with nearly all of the drugs. In
its preparation all comparisons of drugs are omitted, as these
may be found in fulness in Bcenninghausert s Therapeutic Pocket-
book, recently published under the editorship of Dr. Allen. This
book is intended to give the characteristic features of the various
drugs a full outline of their salient features, leaving the minutial
for the larger works, such as the well known Handbook of Materia
Medica. il This Printer/* says the author, " is designed to give
the * gist ' of each drug rather than its symptomatology.
Dr. Allen has done his work well, and this, his latest book,
will no doubt long remain a standard among all practitioners of
Homoeopathy. If one starts to wander aimlessly through its
•v.'- • 4
i'l-' .'• • .'
140 THE HOM(EOPA THIC RECORDER.
■v> >
1 r •
1
<•,;•*
pages he soon finds his attention arrested and held. The pres-
"\ ent reviewer opened its pages, turned a few, and then read the
following, which is quoted here partly to give the reader a spec-
men of Dr. Allen's work and partly because what is said is ex-
tremely important in these days of much giving and taking of
Quinine, It is under the part on " China,' ' and is the opening-
paragraph on the " general action* ' of that drug.
" Quinine is, above all, a proto-plasmic poison, devitalizing
the blood and tissues ; it particularly retards the eliminations of
nitrogenous waste {Urea and Uric acid), and causes the retention
and accumulation of effete products in the system (though for a
time the diminished waste gives a sense of 'tone' to the system,
the ultimate result is deplorable). It causes congestion of the
brain, and, in large doses, abolishes the cerebral functions. It is
an irritant to serous membrane, and to the skin ; it causes deaf-
ness and serious inflammation of the internal ear ; blindness,
ischemia of the retina and optic neuritis ; it produces stupor,,
delirium, and even convulsions. (Epilepsy is intensely aggra-
vated by it.) Quinine y however, arrests the development of low~
forms of vegetable life, and especially the poison of marsh
malaria, but it rarely antidotes the effects of the poison in the
system." Nearly six and a half pages are devoted to China,.
with seven " clinical " sections.
The space devoted to Crotalus hor. is peculiarly rich in clinical
matter, there being no less than thirteen sections of that nature.
The following is a terse but graphic picture of the horrible fevers-
calling for this remedy.
" FevKR : Clinical" — Malignant fevers of a hemorrhagic or
putrescent character. Malignant scarlet fever, with weakness,
tremulousness, torpor, unconsciousness, vomiting and oozing of
blood from gangrenous fauces, sighing, intermittent respiration.
Malignant remittent fevers of the South — eyes sunken, tongue
dry, nausea, black, pasty stools, prostration ; also yellow face,,
pain in the liver, bloody evacuations, hepatized lung ; also dry,
cracked, brown tongue, cold, clammy sweat, skin yellow, urine
dark. Yellow fever with vertigo, general pains, tenderness of
liver, swollen parotids, nose-bleed, dusky face, hands nearly
black, dry tongue, black urine, or dark, bloody stools, often in-
voluntary tendency to collapse, suppression of urine.' '
It must not be supposed that the ten volumes of the Encyclo-
i>eedia are to be found in this book, but it is safe to say that a
goodly share of their marrow is in it, and that it will disappoint
no one who buys it.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 141
The Homoeopathic Therapeutics of Haemorrhoids. By Wm.
Jefferson Guernsey, M. D. Second edition. Philadelphia:
Boericke & Tafel, 1892. 142 pages. i2mo. Cloth, $1.00.
By mail, $1.07.
Dr. Guernsey has done his work thoroughly and exhaustively.
There will be no further need of a book on this topic for the nest
generation. Here, in one neat, well-printed volume, are gathered
the Homoeopathic therapeutics of haemorrhoids in their entirety
f — subjective, objective, aggravation, amelioration and concom-
itants. A repertory still further abridges the labor of the physi- ^
cian in search of the remedy to cover a given set of symptoms ;
it is divided into three parts: "Subjective," "objective," and
"* 'aggravation and amelioration. ' ' ' ' Pathology , ' ' says the author,
""is not within the scope of this work ; but that method of ther-
apeutics which will produce a cure in the surest and easiest
manner, with absolute safety to the patient, shall claim our
attention.' ' Again, and this should be heavily underscored, or
insisted upon in some emphatic manner, in these days of much
seeking for some other way: "We have proven remedies enough
to easily, surely and safely restore to health all patients suffering
with uncomplicated piles. And, indeed,, the complicated
-cases should not be too quickly turned over to the surgeon
simply because they are such." Certainly not. The author's
preface is unusually interesting, and deserves a careful
perusal. For instance: "Why should the act of micturition
affect haemorrhoids? Yet the symptom has been complained of
not infrequently," and the remedy, which has cured many cases
presenting this symptom, is one the reader would hardly think
•of for haemorrhoids. It is cited by Dr. Guernsey to show that
one should not fall into the error of thinking that there are only
three or four remedies that are of use in the treatment of haemor-
rhoids.
We think the author made a mistake in calling this the
"second edition," for it is practically a new work. The first
•edition was published many years ago; and was, if we remember
correctly, only an eight-page pamphlet, whereas this is a very
handsome book.
-"Harmonized Melodies. By Charles D. Blake. Published
monthly by F. Trifit, 408 Washington St., Boston, Mass.
Double number, 60 cents ; yearly subscription, $3.00." The
number before us contains the words and music of over 400
songs ranging from "Annie Rooney" to "Nearer, My God,
to Thee." It is the cheapest music we have ever seen.
1 42 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
Some readers of Dr. Burnett's Cure for Consumption may be
puzzled to recognize the medicine mentioned on page 100, Per-
larium Mater. It is, Englished, c< mother of pearl," and is known
in Homoeopathic terminology as Conchiolinum. The only men-
tion of it in the books that we can find is in Allen's Encyclopaedia,
where several pages are devoted to it. No proving have ever
been made of it.
NOTES ON FORTHCOMING BOOKS.
Dr. Geo. S. Norton, of New York, is completing a work on
the eye that will be put in the printers' hands in a few months,
and be published by next fall. It is a book planned by himself
and his brother, before the latter' s demise, and promises to be of
the utmost value.
Dr. Bradford's Bibliography is nearly completed, /. e., printed.
It now looks as though it would run over 500 pages. It will be
a book of unusual interest, the only one of its kind ever at-
tempted, the work done in the most painstaking manner, and
the subject matter one that must interest every one.
A very diminutive but eminently handy little book, leaflet —
call it what you will — written by Dr. Yingling, and warmly ap-
proved of by Dr Kent, will shortly be published under the title
of ** Suggestions to Patients." It will be so arranged as to go
in a No. 6 envelope without folding — 8 or 12 pages stitched —
and will save physicians a very great deal of trouble in treating
patients by mail. In a few words, clearly presented, it explains
to the patient what he or she should write to the physician, in
order that he may be able to act intelligently. These little leaf-
lets will be sold by the dozen or hundred at a low price.
Dr. McMichael's Compendium of Materia Medica, Therapeutics
and Repertory of the Digestive System will probably be ready for
delivery before some time during the coming summer. It is en-
tirely original in its conception; and with it at his elbow the pre-
scriber, with the utmost ease, can find the remedy for any case
involving the digestive system. The Repertory is the com-
pletest ever written. You can't go astray in it, as every word is
made a key-word ; it is rather voluminous, but so arranged that
the symptom or remedy can be found as readily as a word is
found in the dictionary.
A new "domestic" by 'Dr. T. S. Verdi, Washington, D. C,
has been given out to the printer. Its distinguishing feature
will be the prominence given to diagnosis ; and, perhaps, physi-
cians will find it a work they can look into with profit. Dr.
Verdi's long experience, and his prominence in life makes a book
from his pen quite an event. The new book will be completed
in time for the fall trade.
Homoeopathic Recorder.
PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY
BOERICKE & TAFEL,
lOll Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa,
9 North Queen Street, Lanoaater, Pa.
SUBSCRIPTION, $1.00 PER ANNUM.
r Address communications, books, etc., for the Editor to E. P.Anshutz, P. 0. Box 97/, Phila*
delphia, Pa.
The Homoeopathic News is published by the Luyties Pharmacy
Co., of St. Louis, Mo, Its pages are largely filled with matter
taken from other Homoeopathic journals, to which it appends the
writers' names only, leaving its readers to believe that the
papers were contributed to it as original matter. This habit
may be smart practice, but it leaves in the mind of some readers
the impression that the editor, or editors, are somewhat deficient
in of literary ethics. Lately the News has gone a step beyond
this, and interpolated words into the appropriated papers.
One specimen will illustrate our meaning. On page 9 of the
January, 1892, Recorder, will be found the following, from a
paper contributed by Dr. Boocock :
* ' I have used it on others, and all with benefit. Some very
fat women have been made comfortable. I have used it, medi-
cating No. 35 pellets with this tincture, which dyes them
pink, and all have spoken highly of the Pink pill. By actual
measurement their fat (adipose) has been reduced by inches. It
was easier to keep track by measure than by weight. In a few
cases they have said they gained in weight, while they grew less
in bulk, but all confessed to the elasticity they felt."
The Netvs printed the paper as an original article, and altered
it as follows — the italics are ours:
"I have used it on others, and all with benefit. Some very
fat women have been made comfortable. I have used it in the
solid extract, prepared according to Professor Waterhouse' s formula ,
by Luyties Homoeopathic Pharmacy Company ', 306 North Broadway,
St. Louis. By actual measurement their fat (adipose) has been
reduced by inches. It was easier to keep track by measure than
by weight. In a few cases they have said they gained in weight,
while they grew less in bulk, but all confessed to the elasticity
they felt.' '
As a matter of fact, the preparation used by Dr. Boocock was
prepared by himself, and, after a "formula," entirely different
from that of the Luyties Homoeopathic Pharmacy Co. This is
not the only instance in which the News has taken similar liber-
ties with physician's papers, but let this suffice. With the
statement of the facts we shall let the matter rest.
j 44 THE H0M(E0PATH1L RECORDER.
PERSONALS.
Send all Changes of Address, etc., to Recorder, for free insertion.
The Scran ton, Pa., Homoeopathic physicians have formed a Clinical
Club, to promote closer professional relationship and to discuss clinical
. matters.
The splendid new buildings of the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Hospital
and University School of Medicines at Boston, were opened on March 17.
The St. Louis Clinique reprints one of Dr. Kind's fables, "The Meek.
Man," and credit, it to the journal of Materia Medica. The Homoeopathic
News prints another of them as an original paper.
Dr. H. F. Fisher, of Fort Worth, Texas, says that he knows of forty good
locations for Homoeopathic physicians in that State. If you want one write
him.
Dr. B. N. Banerjee has removed from 164 Cornwallis St. to 34 Beadon
St., Calcutta, India.
Dr. C. H. Viehe has removed from Henderson, Ky., to Evansville, Ind.
Townshend, Vt., wants a Homoeopathic physician, one " unbigoted and
of all sorts of practice,, 'and willing to consult with Allopaths and Eclectrics."
For particulars address Messers. C. Clark & Son, Townshend, Vt.
Dr. J. W. Webb has removed from Tom's River to Pemberton, N. J.
Dr. J. W. Mullin has removed from 607 Delaware Ave. to 918 West St.,
Wilmington, Del.
The Kentucky Homoeopathic Medical Society meets at Georgetown, Ky.,
on May 17 and 18.
The first session of the New Utah Homoeopathic Medical Association was
held at Salt Lake City, on May 3d.
Dorcas Green, M. D., of Fargo, N. D., writes as follows: "There is great
need of two Homoeopathic physicians in towns near here. One is greatly
wanted at Lisbon, a lively town about thirty-five miles from here, and at
Casselton, about twenty miles from here. Seventy per cent, of the town
and surrounding country at Lisbon would employ a Homoeopath if they had
a good, live man. The town has about 1,800. Casselton has over 2,500, and
these are half in favor of Homoeopathy. Send us some if possible; there
are three other towns not far from here that are needing the same. Fargo
has three, but it could support one more good, thorough man."
The Drevet Manufacturing Company has removed to 28 Prince street,
New York.
The young editor of the Lea Brothers & Co.'s Medical News has had
another attack of Homceopathiophobia. A medical bill has been defeated
in Ohio and he exclaims, '* Oh the disgrace of it !" After combining "with
Homoeopathic and Eclectic quacks." He really ought to have a dose of
medicine in which is combined the symptoms of anger, grief and shame.
A correspondent of the Medical News, who says he has gone through the
"Keely cure" three times, sums up his opinion in the following vigorous
words: "Keeley does not cure the appetite, and is a consummate fraud in
all respects."
Use more olive oil in your food; it is one of God's good gifts to men.
Horse-radish is a right smart thing, 'specially when fresh.
Antikamnia say Squibbs, the chemist, is "nothing moie than a mechani-
cal mixture of Acetanilid and commercial Bicarbonate of sodium rubbed
up into a fine powder.
Homeopathic Recorder.
Vol. VII. Philadelphia and Lancaster, July, 1892. No. 4.
THE DEFENSE OF THE "HOMOEOPATHIC NEWS."
For a number of years the Homoeopathic News, published at St.
Louis, Mo., has made a practice of taking the articles of other
Homoeopathic journals and publishing them as original papers.
This was bad enough, but it went a step further and inserted
words and sentences into these papers which made the physi-
cians, who wrote them, commend the Luyties Pharmacy Com-
pany's medicines or preparations, when in reality they had men-
tioned no firm, or special preparation, or had actually prescribed
something entirely different. In view of the fact that medical
papers are published to tell the truth for the good of humanity,
the falsifying of them in this manner cannot be too strongly
reprehended.
The News was charged with its unbecoming conduct by a
number of reputable Homoeopathic journals, and in its June
issue makes the following reply:
4 'remarks by the editor about copying articles.
"We have noticed complaints against the Homoeopathic News in
various medical journals for reprinting articles and not giving
such journals proper credit for same. We candidly admit that
we have been guilty of this practice, and our reason for acting as
we did we will briefly explain as follows:
"Several years ago, when the News was still a medical journal
of limited circulation, but, as now, with excellent original read-
ing matter, the same journals which have set up such a howl of
late copied from the columns of the News without ever thinking
of giving the journal credit. The editor repeatedly called the
attention of the offending journals to this fact, and received no
reply to his letters. He then made up his mind to do the same.
Since then the publishers of the News have spared neither pains
nor expense to make it a fine journal, and have increased its
pages from 24 to 96, and the circulation from almost nothing to
perhaps now greater than any other two Homoeopathic journals
combined. Now that the offending journals have realized this,
and have seen that articles published in the News are read by
i 4 6 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
thousands of Homoeopathic physicians throughout the United
States and Europe, they are anxious to have their names at-
tached to reprinted articles. In fact they will no doubt feel
proud when in the future they see their names printed black on
white in the largest and best known Homoeopathic journal in the
world.
"Heieafter they will receive the proper credit which they de-
mand, and will, no doubt, recognize the articles they copy from
the Homoeopathic News as well."
The one commendable feature of this defense is the plea of
guilty, but it is rather weak to resort to the childish "you're
another" argument when unaccompanied by proof. The jour-
nals charging the News with unprofessional conduct were the
Medical Visitor, the American Homaopathist, the Southern Jour-
nal of Homoeopathy \ the Medical Advance, the Medical Gleaner \
and the Recorder — there may have been others but we cannot
recall tljem at present. The editor of the News accuses these
journals of stealing matter from its pages. This is a question of
fact easily settled. The Recorder never appropriated a word
from the News without credit; indeed we can remember one
item only taken from its pages, which was duly credited. From
what we know of the other journals, accused by the News, we do
not believe that one of them ever stole matter from it or any other
journal. Let the News make good its accusation or, in the name
of decency, retract its slander.
The promise of reform is all right, but promise and perform-
ance are two acts. The June News contains the former but not
the latter — though perhaps the quotations here referred to were
" over matter " from the pre-reform era.
It may be that the protesting journals will " feel proud when
in the future they see their names printed black on white in the
largest and best known Homoeopathic journal in the world,' ' but
as they have yet to experience this glory it is difficult to say how
it will effect them. It is to be hoped, however, that they will
all conduct themselves with modesty when they experience this
great honor.
As for the most serious charge, that of altering physicians'
papers, the News is silent. One physician who was made by it
to prescribe an entirely different preparation — one of the Luyties
Pharmacy Company's — from what he actually did prescribe,
wrote to the editor on the subject and received a curious reply
from the business manager. The substance of this reply was
that the managers of the News were much astonished to learn
that the article in question had already been published, as it had
been sent to them by a Kansas physician as an original article,
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER 147
and that the writer requested that his name be withheld until
he had made further investigations. Not a word of the paper
was altered save the insertion of two lines stating that the prep-
aration used was that of "The Luyties Pharmacy Company,' '
etc. This is surely a remarkable example of that peculiar state
into which two people fall at the same time, described by Mark
Twain not long ago, and ought to be investigated by some psy-
chical society. But in the meantime the News should, for the
fair fame of the other doctors in Kansas, give the name of the
writer of its article, in order that they may learn whether it is a
psychical case or one of plain prigging on the part of one of their
number. This note from the business office strangely conflicts
with the editorial confession.
DR. YAEGERS' LATEST INVESTIGATIONS.
At the present time the celebrated Dr. Yaeger pursues a series
of investigations into the potentiability of different remedies.
He having discovered that while some remedies seem to bear
potentiation almost indefinitely, some even, like Thuja, gaining
steadily in potentiality the higher potentiation is carried up.
Others will not bear any higher potentiation at all, losing all
medicinal action after a few potencies have been carried up. It
would manifestly be of great importance to have these investiga-
tions carried on systematically by so thorough an observer as
Yaeger, but he has announced his intention of dropping it again
unless a number of Homoeopathic physicians agree to share hi*
labors.
The last numbers of the Allgcmeine Homceopathhche Zeitung
brought the first installments of his unique labors, and it is to
be hoped that sufficient encouragement will be meted out to
induce him to go on with his work.
IPECACUANHA IN INTERMITTENT FEVER.
Translated for the Homoeopathic Recorder.
Our provings show, in several very marked symptoms, the
fever-exciting force of Ipecac.
Hahnemann observed: Shuddering and yawning (after 15
minutes), chilliness, cannot bear the least cold; feels always
chilly under the skin, and the more so if he sits near a stove or
in the sun; there is over-sensitiveness to warmth as well as cold.
He felt cold during the whole night in bed and was unable to
148 THE HOMCEOPA THlL RECORDER
drop to sleep on account of it. About 4 p. m. the first chill
occurred, and from then on there was chill and coldness without
thirst. Six hours after, hands and feet are icy cold and drenched
with a cold sweat, while one cheek is red and the other pale, and
body and soul feel miserable. Pupils dilated, after 10 hours;
in the afternoon at four o'clock there suddenly comes on general
heat, with perspiration on the arms and back after 16 hours.
Perspiration at midnight after 12 hours. Stapf also ob-
served, in the afternoon and evening, a feeling of heat, almost of
burning, in the forehead and cheeks, without thirst, after 6 hours.
Kott observed for eight days a cyanotic and asthmatic dys-
pnoea recurring regularly and lasting from 9 in the evening until
9 in the morning. Guelin reports a convulsive cough in the
evenings between 6 and 7 o'clock. Sour smelling, profuse per-
spiration at night, are also mentioned. These indications, to-
gether with the gastric and pneumonic manifestations, led to the
employment of Ipecac in several kinds of intermittent fevers.
Jahr considers it such an admirable fever remedy that he be-*
gins the treatment of every case by dispensing the 30th in water
every three hours, unless indubitable indications for some other
remedy present themselves; and thus succeeded in heading off
an attack of fever by his first ordination in a great many cases.
More especially will Ipecac be found indicated in cases where
large doses of Quinine have already been given, and where the
attack began with inward chilliness aggravated by warmth,
accompanied by oppression of the chest, nausea and vomiting.
A man, aet. 44, had for three weeks quartan fever; in the after-
noon heavy chill and nausea, followed by heat of several hours'
duration with thirst, and ending with a sour perspiration, during
apyrexia, unclean tongue and pressure in stomach. Patient was
a drunkard. He received six doses of Ipecac 6 , 1 grain. Had
no attack after that, and no relapse. Horner, who reports the
case in Archives 19, 2, 108, added, "He who knows of the per-
sistence of quartan fever, especially in Hungary, and espe-
cially in the fall (it was in October) will be very satisfied with
the result of the prescription."
A boy, aet. 4, had for eight days tertian fever. On May 27 he
had his fourth attack. Every other day there was chill, with
yawning, trembling of the limbs, and vomiting of all he ate ;.
he had to lie down. The chills last over an hour, followed by
heat in the head, with redness of the face, feet scarcely warm,
and perspiration ol the face. In the apyrexia the boy was dis-
contented; had no inclination for playing, reclined much, not
much appetite; had several diarrhoeic stools of grayish yellow
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 149
color during the day, and voided small quantities of red urine;
sleep at night much disturbed. Ipecac 6 t four doses. On the
29th had some chilliness and sleeplessness; then well. No
further attack. — Henke in Allg. Horn. Ztg. y 32, 14. p.
But why multiply the cases ? The above cases give a charac-
teristic picture of Ipecac which are especially apparent in the
condition during apyrexia. Where these conditions are wanting
then Ipecac is not the proper remedy. Also when antidoting
Quinine the cases will conform to the principle of "SimUla."
Under certain conditions it may also be of value in typical facial
neuralgia. As in the following case : A blooming girl, aet. 18,
had a daily attack of cataleptic condition. Under Allopathic
treatment she received Quinine and Musk. After three days she
received Sepia 30th, which afforded some amelioration; eight
days after her condition was as follows : Toward eight in the
evening patient evinced a feeling of weakness; she became rest-
less, threw herself from one side to the other, and then rose
slowly with closed eyes; then bent together; again spoke, in
slow voice, of occurrences of the previous day; stretched herself,
gaped convusively; her feet were cold. This attack lasted from
one to two hours, and after it was over she went to sleep and
awakened, after some time, oblivious of what occurred. Ipecac,
one dose morning and evening, cured the case within ten days.
Bahr says of ipecac: It is, above all, an epidemic remedy, and
if it is efficacious, at times, in some cases of intermittent fever
it will prove curative in almost all cases. For this reason this
remedy was in high repute at one time with the old school, and
soon after in as great disrepute, for they do not consider that in-
termittent fevers differ. In describing the peculiar characteristics
of this fever he adds: "Such intermittents are epidemic in
places not usually exposed to the action of 'malaria,' such as
when rivers are very low in summer, and their beds thereby
largely exposed; as also in altering or excavating old sluices or
canals.' '
An observation of a Hungarian colleague is truly remarkable.
He says: "Intermittents, that scourge of Hungary, regarded with
terror by all immigrants, I combat, since 1831, with gratification
and certainty by a discovery, which shows the highest specifity
for the disease, and which proclaims the triumph and honor of
Homoeopathy. More than 1,000 cases bear witness, at my hands,
that all uncomplicated intermittent fevers can be surely and thor-
oughly cured by this method. The remedies are Ipecac and Nux
vomica. Ipecac is to be given during three (and in quotidian
through four), apyrexias, and Nux during the succeeding one;
150 THE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER.
this is tiot to be repeated, but the effect must be awaited. Ipecac
is to be given, during the apyrexia, four or five times, with equal
intervals, even on the fever days, but then only two to three
times, as the interval before or after the fever will admit of; and
if the fever persists, it is to be continued during the second and
third apyrexia following; and during the next Nux vomica is
administered, then wait.
" Usually with the third attack after this the fever is extinct.
In case such should then not be the case, Pulsatilla, one dose,
will do it. In quotidians sometimes the feverless time is too
short to admit of four or five doses of Ipecac. In such cases you
must commence with the medicine during the sweating and even
during the heat period, and leave off at least two hours before
the end of the attack. In very severe cases Ipecac will have to
be given during four apyrexias."
The Hungarian colleague was fortunate enough to find in
Ipecac and Nux vom. the remedies for the intermittent epidemic
in his vicinity, but he was mistaken in supposing to have found
the remedies for all times and for all kinds of intermittents. It
is notable, however, that von Grauvogl advises to give Ipecac
and Nux vom. in alternation (or Arsenic) in the hydrogenoid
constitutions, and these are most often met with in intermittent
fever patients.
Altschul maintains very correctly that Ipecac's sphere of action
extends chiefly to the ganglionic system, the N. pneumo-
gastricus, the plexus solarus, and the nerves of the skin. It is
especially applicable to affections of the chest and abdomen;
to convulsive conditions and abnormal excretions ; it is a sover-
eign remedy for the adolescent period and for the female sex.
It has decided relations to the uterus, meteorrhagias, and to
periodical diseases which manifest themselves chiefly at night.
This shows its general sphere of action, but by no means, the
modalities. With this we think we have proved Nothnagel's
dictum, as mentioned in the beginning, "that it is astonishing how
restricted is our knowledge of such a much used remedy as ipecac, y '
must be gainsayed by Homoeopathy, although a thorough re-
proving of this remedy is advisable, as it will enable us to physi-
ologically explain many indications obtained ab usu in morbis.
The more characteristic the salient feature of a person or a
substance are reproduced by our memory, the easier will it be
recognized; and thus a well proven and well characterized drug
becomes a familiar individual, the reflection of which will be
recognized without trouble in a concrete case of sickness.'
" Generalization is the name of the bad, and individualization
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 151
the name of the good genius of practical therapi^" says Stapf,
one of the fathers of Homoeopathy. — Dr. Mossa, of Stuttgart^ in
Archiv.fuer Homceopathie.
EPILEPSY AND RANA BUFO.
Translated for the Homceopathic Recorder.
Clinical cases of epilepsy cured by Rana bufo, from Hering's
Horn. Clinic. Dr. Saville was the first who used Rana bnfo and
Salantandra with success, not only for epilepsy, but also in par-
alysis, rabies and somnambulism. He made his report to the
Homaeopathic Congress in Bordeaux, in the year 1834. Dr. An-
driem and Dr. Tegdet followed his example and also frequently
used this remedy with success in epilepsy. The following short
cases are given by Dr. Saville.
1. A young man, aet. 18, but of such delicate build as to look
like 15, was afflicted with very frequent epileptic attacks. After
Bufo in diverse potencies these attacks ceased and did not recur
even after gross excesses.
2. P. B., aet. 24, suffered since 10 years with epilepsy. The
attacks of late came on about every two months. After having
taken Bufo in diverse potencies (from 1 to 6) he only had one
slight attack.
3. Mrs. C, aet. 28, married since nine years, mother of three
children, of whom the youngest is three months, experienced the
first attack of epilepsy two weeks after parturition, eight years
ago. The attacks increased in frequency so that she now has
two a week. She is much emaciated, and bears the scar of a
burn which she received by falling into a fire during an epileptic
attack. She received one drop of Bufo in eight ounces of water,
to take a spoonful every morning, and this was succeeded by the
one to six potencies. The attacks ceased from the first day and
did not come back.
4. Dr. L. one day came into a village at the moment when
several women bore another into a house, she having been seized
with an epileptic attack in the street. By permission ot the hus-
band I gave her Bufo 12 and the attacks failed to come back.
5. Mrs. D. had epilepsy for ten years or more. Of late the
attacks came on every second day and at the same time. Patient
aet. 35, mother of three children; is emaciated and looks miser-
able. She expected with certainty an attack next morning at 6
o'clock, and wanted to wait the beginning before taking the
medicine. Dr. L. gave her a teaspoonful of the remedy at once
and advised her to take another at bedtime and at five in the
152 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
morning. Two weeks after she reported that the expected attack
did not occur, that she had taken the medicine regularly, and
that she had had no attack since.
In the transactions of the American Institute, Dr. Holcombe
reports seven cases treated by Bufo 200, of which three failed to
call again because a first amelioration was follewed by further
attacks.
His fourth case was a woman of sixty, who had suffered from
epilepsy since her thirtieth year. The attacks occurred once a
week, always at night, and were followed by coma of several
hours duration. After taking Bufo 200 no attack occurred for
six months, and since then only two or three light ones.
5. A woman, aet. 30, was very much reduced, bodily and
mentally, by furious epileptic attacks which supervened several
times a week, which had been treated in vain by many physicians
and which had been pronounced incurable. I prescribed six
pellets of Bufo 200 once a day. For five succeeding days she
was free from attacks, and during that time her persistent head-
ache vanished and the catamenia, which had ceased for a long
time, reappeared, her appetite was better, as well as the color of
her face; she had grown stouter and more vigorous; her mental
capacities also had improved. According to last reports she had
within one year only one or two light attacks.
N. B. — This patient I never saw; I treated her by letter, but
the case seems to have created such an impression that an Allo-
pathic physician who formerly treated her wrote to me for
Homoeopathic books and medicines, and consulted me about a
brain affection with which he was himself afflicted, and two
epileptic patients from the same town sought treatment from me.
The other two cases were two young men who had been
afflicted with epilepsy for several years, and who averaged an at-
tack every month. I commenced treatment by giving each a
dose of Bufo 200 every day, and one had not had an attack for
ten, the other for eight months.
Although these reports are insufficient and convey no convic-
tion of the general utility of the remedy, they yet seem to prove
that Bufo is destined to become of great service in the treatment
. of epilepsy.
Gratiolet & Cloezer inoculated a sheep, a dog and a cat with
the virus. The symptoms produced were torpor, interrupted by
violent convulsions. A resection disclosed general softening of
the spinal matter and the muscles were devoid of all irritability.
Dr. Leydet used Bufo also with success in softening of the brain.
— Dr. Bruckner- Basel in Archiv. fuer Hom<zopa'hic y February \
1892.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 153
CORRESPONDENZBLATT DER HOMCEOPATHI-
SCHEN AERZTE.
[This is the title of the first Homoeopathic journal published in
the United States. It was issued monthly in Allentown by Dr.
Hering, in German. The first number appeared on October 22d,
1835. At the 22d regular meeting of the Northampton Society,
held on September 28th, 1836, a committee of three was ap-
pointed to edit it, consisting of Drs. W. Wesselhoeft, C. Hering
and A. Bauer. The volume before us, 14 numbers in all, con-
tains many interesting observations by such well-known pion-
eers as C. Hering, J. Romig, G. H. Bute, H. Detwiler, G. Lin-
gen, John Helffrich, G. Reichhelm, Joseph Pulte, W. Wessel-
hoeft and others. We will give from time to time some of their
observations, and it will be found that these are as valuable to-
day as when they were first recorded.]
The first article succeeding the salutatory is one by Dr. Her-
Hering on Approximate Heat to be Applied in all Cases of Poison-
ous Wounds.
I recommend that in all cases of bites from poisonous snakes,
insects, rabid dogs or other wounds into which animal poisons
were introduced, as/. /., in dissecting corpses or during surgical
or obstetrical operations, heat be applied as quickly as possible.
In whatever shape it can be produred, first: a glowing coal, a
red-hot iron, or, in case of emergency, even a burning cigar, is
brought as near to the wound as it can be done without occasion-
ing great pain or burning the parts; and this application is con-
tinued with the shortest possible interruption. It will be best to
provide several red-hot irons of such size as to correspond to the
size of the wound and so that the heat is confined as much as
possible to the wound and as little as possible on the surround-
ing parts.
It will not do to blow the coal while in proximity to the
wound, but the scorching of the surrounding parts may be miti-
gated by anointing them with a fat oil, the best is olive oil, and
to repeat that very often. If no oil is c btainable fat, or even
soap may be used, or in absence of these saliva, but never water.
All matter exuding from the wound must be carefully wiped.
This is totally different from burning out such wounds, a
painful and altogether useless proceeding, which effects just the
opposite, as it renders a real cure impossible.
This approximation of heat is continued until there is a de-
cided change in the condition of the wounded; usually there will
L..
i 5 4 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER
be shuddering, yawning and stretching or signs of an approach-
ing fever until an amelioration of the symptoms has been estab-
lished. Whenever the symptoms get worse the application of
the heat must be renewed. In case of a snake bite the limb may
be ligated if feasible. In rabid dog bites, or even if the dog be
not rabid, the application is made three or four times each day
until the wound is healed without 'leaving a reddened or dis-
colored scar. In the meantime the indicated remedies should be
administered. Locally only lint should be applied.
This remedy was discovered in a truly Homoeopathic way.
Afterward, as usual in all such remedies, so in this, corrobora-
tion was found in old popular appliances and old time recom-
mendations which, however, were not generally understood and
therefore not universally applied.
IRITIS METRITICA.
Translated for the Homeopathic Recorder.
According to Dr. de Walker, every case of iritis is caused by an
infection of some kind, and every individual afflicted with iritis,
is, according to him, suffering from an infectious disease. Sub-
tracting the most frequent cause of iritis, syphilis, and deducting
also cases of rheumatic origin, there still remains a series of cases
where an infection cannot easily be established.
Such cases of iritis and iridochorioiditis occur with a certain
persistency in young wives, or also during the climacteric; and
it is this form which Dr. Walker styles iritis metritica, and is
caused by an infection, having its origin in the uterus or in its
immediate vicinity. See No. 27 of Lan. Med.
He repeatedly observed this form of iritis. For whenever in a
case of iritis or iridichorioiditis, syphilis as well as rheumatism,
could, with certainty, be eliminated as exciting cause, a gynae-
cological investigation would disclose a seat of infection in the
uterus or its vicinity, the removal of which would result in the
subsidence of the manifestations in the eye.
A true recognition of this form is, therefore, not only of a the-
oretical, but also of an eminently practical, even therapeutic,
interest; for the local treatment of the uterus is frequently more
effective than the isolated treatment of the eye.
In repeated cases Walker abstains from all local or general
treatment of the uterine disease, and observed that in most cases
the latter brought about amelioration, and, finally, a much
speedier cure. It is of importance that such cases of iritis or
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 1 55
iridochorioiditis with young married women disclose a uterine
affection which until then was not known.
Walker mentions the case of a young woman, married one year*
who was afflicted with a persistent and often recurring iritis.
Rheumatism and syphilis as causes could be discarded with
.certainty. There was no functional disturbance of the sexual
organs, and yet the young wife had not conceived, although her
husband was young and healthy. After a good deal of persua-
sion she consented to an examination, and the speculum disclosed
an excoriation of the portio vaginalis with suppuration in the
vicinity of the cervix.
In another case an endometritis was discovered by such an
iritis, and its frequent recurrence did not cease until the genital
organs were completely disinfected. — Wiener Med, Presse, No. 26 >
Vol. XXXII.
GENIUS EPIDEMICUS;
By Dr. Aug. Weihe, Jr., of Herford.
In Nos. 11-20 of Vol. 123 of this periodical (Allgemeine
Homceopatische Zeitung) our colleague, Kunkel, again favored us
with a longer series of clinical cases, which were cured solely or
chiefly by Sepia, most of them occurring during the last few
years.
Dr Kunkel writes: "There is scarcely a remedy which in a
practice of many years I found indicated as often as Sepia." I
am inclined to subscribe to this sentiment by reason of my exper-
ience during the last ten years, during which time Sepia proved
to be indicated surprisingly often for longer or shorter periods;
but never was this the case so continuously as during the
last four years, and this remedy seems to have occupied as
prominent a position in various other regions of northern Ger-
many, as is apparent from communications received from time to
time from colleagues living at a distance. I refrain from citing
special cases, partly because colleague Kunkel gave a sufficiency
of these and partly because I would be unable to give as preg-
nant characteristics as we are always wont at all times to receive
from him.
I desire, however, to point out that the cause of the so very
frequent Sepia indications of late years must necessarily be
sought for in the inscrutable unknown forces which generate the
so-called Genius Epidemicus, which are subject to continual
changes, as taught by the experience of numerous physicians
156 7 HE H0MCE0PA7HIC RECORDER.
during the last fifty years. It admits, therefore, of no doubt
whatever that Sepia will have to cede sooner or later the promi-
nent therapeutic position, which it attained during the last few
years in northern Germany, to other remedies.
As a second prominent remedy, which of late years was made
use of almost as often as Sepia, I have to mention Chelidoniutn.
It may be of interest to one or the other of the readers to learn
that Sepia corresponds precisely in its specific action to the Allo-
pathic Antifebrin and Chelidoniutn to Antipyrin. This explains
in a simple manner the extraordinary regard which these two
remedies enjoyed with the representatives of the dominant
school, as well as with the public at large; for the latter sound its
praises often enough. I myself used these two remedies in my
compositions with Sepia and Chelidoniutn, but of course not in
massive Allopathic doses, but in the Homoeopathic 6th centesi-
mal potency, that they respond as prompt and specifically in this
form, in all cases where Sepia or Chelidoniutn is indicated, I have
demonstrated often enough.
But for the existence of such a temporary curative sphere it
would be impossible to explain the fabulous consumption of
Antifebrin and Antipyrin during the recent gigantic epidemic of
influenza. As a matter of course, the Allopaths were unable to
obtain so pronounced an effect with their remedies as we did with
our potencies, or instead of them with Sepia and Chelidoniutn,
partly and especially because of the to them unknown differen-
tiation which often induced them to give the one where the other
was indicated, and vice versa. Repeatedly have I found, during
che influenza period, the indications for Antifebrin or also Anti-
pyrin, in such of my patients as had already received these
remedies from Allopaths, as evidenced by the recipes which were
produced, and then I gave the same remedies in the 6th cent.
Homoeopathic potencies, and in every case the patients after-
wards declared that my remedy was decidedly more beneficial
than that previously obtained from the drug store.
The following may also be of interest: Three or four years
ago, when the prevailing Genius Epidetnicus had been established
for a considerable period, a patient called on me, an intelligent
artisan, whom I had known 'for many years as being thoroughly
upright and trustworthy, complaining of diverse gastric troubles.
After a full examination and investigation he asked whether the
yellow juice of Chelidoniutn might not be suitable in hi^case?
Although Chelidoniutn was not indicated, I was somewhat sur-
prised at the question, in view of the prevailing Genius Epidetn-
icus, and asked him for an explanation. He then related that a
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER 157
fellow-workman had been troubled for a long time with com-
plaints similar to his, and had three different physicians without
obtaining relief; he gradually was getting thinner and more de-
crepit, when some one recommended him to use the juice of
Chelidonium, to be taken mixed with liquor. This remedy had a
magic effect; within a week all his pains and complaints were
gone and he developed a truly gigantic and hardly-to -be- ap-
peased appetite, so that he regained, within a few weeks, his
former weight. Ever since he has a great regard for this modest
plant, and recommends it to every one for all sorts of ailments of
the stomach.
A short time after I visited socially, an elderly very in-
telligent farmer living six miles from town, who is a very-
warm friend of Homoeopathy. In the course of the conversation
I related this occurrence, which seemed to interest him greatly.
"Do you know," he said, turning to his wife, "that this is the
same plant the juice of which cured L,ina H., of our village, of
ulcers in her stomach with vomiting of blood, after having been
treated by several physicians?"*
Chelidonium was also the best remedy which I found in the
epidemic of the year 1868. How beautiful and gratifying were
the results attained with it in comparison with those which I
strove to accomplish with Aconite, Bryonia, Antim. tartar. For
a long time I could not pass a Chelidonium plant without accord-
ing it a friendly, thankful gaze. I was young then, and unusually
susceptible to all that was good and beautiful. In youth one
grieves for every striking failure much more intensely than in
later years; but then again even the smallest success occasions
livelier, purer joy. I felt with these first striking successes, as if
the sick were not beholden as much to thank me, but rather I
them, for affording me so felicitous a contentment with my voca-
tion. — Allg. Horn-. Zeitg., Jan. 21 ', 1S92.
BLATTA ORIENTALIS.
The Blatta Orientalis has already served me a thousand times
its weight in gold. It reached me just in time to rob the grave
* In the early fall of 1888, colleague Hensel, then of Leipzig, asked for
information of the then prevailing epidemic remedy.
I mentioned Sepia and Chelidonium. He immediately replied that my
communication was the more interesting, as he had found in the course of
the summer Chelidonium often remarkably beneficial, and that he was half
inclined to regard it as the epidemic remedy. He drew the attention of
another Leipzig colleague to the fact, and he too had had very good success
with it.
1 58 THE HOMOEOPA THIC RECORDER
of one case of asthma of over twenty years 1 standing. Physi-
cians of Allopathic, Eclectic, Botanic and even Homoeopathic
schools of medicine had given the patient up to die, and the
time limited to less than twelve hours, when the Blatta Otientalis
brought new hope and new life. First dose gave immediate
relief.
C. F. JlJNKERMANN, M. D.
Nelsonville, Ohio, May ji, 1892.
[Blatta Orientalis was introduced to the profession by Dr. D.
N. Ray, of Calcutta, India, in the Homeopathic Recorder,
November, 1890, and September, 1891. Dr. D. P. Terry, of
Cleveland, Ohio, also reported excellent results from the 6x
trituration. Messrs. Boericke & Tafel have a stock of the drug
furnished them by Dr. Ray, the only supply in the country. It
cannot be supplied lower than the 3X trituration. The price for
the 3X is 50 cents per ounce ; the higher trituration at 25 cents-
per ounce. — Recorder.]
ANOTHER LACHESIS CASE.
Gentlemen: On page 109 of the Homoeopathic Recorder I
noticed a report on Lachesis in blood poison, which reminded
me of my own experience with the remedy.
Case: On April 10th I was called to see Thomas H., who was
suffering from an intense headache, nausea with vomiting, rigors,
with thirst and fever, temperature reaching 105 .
I first exhibited Aconite and Bryonia for one day and night;
less headache, but no other improvement. Then Belladonna
and Bryonia, with only a very slight improvement. I then
administered Lachesis 6x, and in twenty-four hours his tempera-
ture was reduced to 102 ; continued the Lachesis another twenty-
four hours, temperature 99^ °; continued Lachesis at longer
intervals, and patient continued convalescing.
Now, this patient had slightly wounded the minim digit,
which had, to all appearance, entirely healed over, but the
sepsis had evidently entered the system, for the digit began to
swell in the third day's sickness.
The finger began to swell, and assumed a livid red color;
then a dark purple color, with great pain, while there was no
pain in the finger in the beginning. The characteristic symp-
tom, livid purple appearance, the swelling and pain, fever,
rigors, and sleeping in to the bad feelings; all are peculiar to
Lachesis.
A. F. Hammer, M. D.
Taylorville, III., June io f 1892.
THE HOMCEOPATHIL RECORDER. 159
PINE PITCH OINTMENT.
History of ulcer of right leg, midway from knee and ankle.
Mrs. H., age 24; ulcer, three inches in diameter, edges raised and
indurated, making it appear fully three-fourth inch deep. The
pus exuded was of grayish yellow color, and very offensive. Or-
dered Pine Pitch which she began using on March 24th 1892.
To-day the ulcer is all healed except a strip about one-half inch
wide and one and one-fourth inches long, and that is healing rap-
idly. She is now able to do her housework without any pain. —
J. Kay Wrigley, M. D.
Emmitsburg % Md. y June 15 ', 1892.
SKOOKUM CHUCK CASE.
Albion, N. Y., April 23, 1892.
Messrs. Boericke & Tafel.
Gentlemen-. Some time since I received from you, one bot-
tle Skookum chuck 3X trit. I had a very bad case of urticaria
which resisted the usual remedies as Apis, Uritc. Ur., etc., and
I gave her (a girl twelve years old), four powders of about four
grains each, instructing her to take one powder in one-half glass
water^ one teaspoonful every two hours, and she returned in a
week free from any urticaria. I gave her four powders more, and
no appearance of urticaria since. Besides curing the urticaria
the patient's health is in every way improving. I write this
thinking you might desire to know of its value in urticaria, as
well as eczema.
Yours truly,
D. De Forest Cole, M. D.
ARSENICUM IODATUM.
Pares Nath Chatterji, L. M. S., Bankipur.
Arsenic Iot>. in Heart Disease. — Sham Narayan, a Behari
Rajpoot boy, about seven years old, was under my treatment
from 8th November, 1891. When I saw him first his countenance
was flabby, anaemic and cyanotic. He had a considerable en-
largement of spleen and liver. His chest was pigeon-shaped,
and there was a marked bulging in the precordial region. On
auscultation a distinct bellow's murmur was audible in place of
the first sound of the heart, but it was not traceable to the angle
of the left scapula. He had been suffering from fever for about
six months, which, when I saw him, was of an intermittent
160 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
character. He used to get at times severe pain in the region of
his heart, of the character of angina pectoris. He was much
emaciated and cachectic in appearance.. I took an unfavorable
prognosis of his case, especially on account of his cardial com-
plications.
I first prescribed Calcarea arsenica 30. Improvement followed.
The fever was less and the spleen diminished in size. I next
gave Arsenic iodide 6. The improvement of the little patient was
most satisfactory since administering this medicine. He im-
proved in appearance and strength. The fever left him, as also
his cough, which he used to get occasionally. The spleen and
liver diminished remarkably, and at present there was hardly any
enlargement of them left. But the most astonishing of all
changes was in his heart. The bellow's murmur was hardly
audible now. In fact the little patient was almost all right. He
had only a constitutional dyscrasia, which was to be removed.
The fact with which I have been most impressed in connection
with this case is the action of Arsenic iodide on heart. I am of
opinion the defect in his heart was not functional but organic.
In fact I believe it was a congenital defect. This I judge from
the malformation of his chest and the abnormal bulging in the
precordial region, as also from the physical signs. Arsenic iod.
is one of the new remedies whose exact sphere of action has not
as yet been definitely ascertained. There is no doubt it is an im-
portant heart remedy, as has been suggested by many authori-
ties. I believe such clinical facts would contribute to define its
sphere of action. — The Indian Homoeopathic Review,
THE THERAPEUTICS OF STRYCHNINE.
The use of strychine dates from its discovery by Pelletier, in
181 8, and it is safe to say that at the present day there is no
other drug in the pharmacopoeia so constantly prescribed as this,
either pure or as Nux vomica and Ignatia. Yet, strange to say,
the alkaloid is but rarely mentioned in Homoeopathic literature;
and this fact has induced me to bring the subject before this so-
ciety, in order to elicit your experience and to give my own.
Hahnemann wisely considered Nux vomica a polychrest — "the
greater part of whose symptoms are analogous to the principle
and most common disease to which mankind is subject." The
same is true of Strychnine, but it has this advantage of being a
simple substance, whereas Nux vomica is very complex, and con-
tains Brucine, Igasurine and several other substances.
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 161
Strychnine is not very soluble in water, and this may account
for cases where poisonous symptoms have suddenly appeared
during its administration, and said to be from accumulation; or it
may be from impurities in the drug used. Its salts, however,
are very soluble, and hence are generally used —as the Sulphate,
Hydrochlorate, Arseniate, Nitrate \ and Phosphate or Hypophosphite .
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.
>
Dr. F. Black, in his very complete contribution to the Materia
Medica, Physiological and Applied, describes the action of Nux
vomica in three divisions.
(i) Small doses produce restlessness, anxiety, and increased
emotional sensibility.
(2) Larger doses cause the same symptoms more markedly,
with stiffness of the muscles, irritation of bladder, erections, ver-
tigo, tinnitus aurium and tetanic convulsions, with dyspnoea
and oppression of chest.
(3) Poisonous doses — 20 grs. Nux. votn. or 3 to 5 centi-
grammes Strychnine — show no action on sensory nerves but vio-
lent tetanic (?) paroxyms with intervals of perfect sensibility,
accompanied by great heat, through sweating. Conges-
tion of the intestinal mucous membrane also occurs. The
spasms are followed by extreme feebleness and lassitude, and
some emotional excitement, but the intelligence is normal.
Dr. Brunton describes the action of Strychnine as increasing
the blood pressure through the vaso -motor centres, stimulating
the heart through the motor ganglia, and in addition stimulating
the spine and the mental powers. He also makes an important
observation that the spasms are clonic, not tonic as in tetanus.
The Provings. — These differ from those of Nux vomica in the
Materia Medica Pura by being made with larger doses and the
symptoms being less voluminous. But they are mostly very
distinct, indeed striking, and form an admirable group in Allen's
Encyclopedia for prescribing according to the Homoeopathic rule.
Dr. E. M. Hale, as usual, describes the symptoms of Strychnine
as primary and secondary, from which he deduces his law of
small and large doses; but I do not find practice support this
theory, and I prefer Hahnemann's description of alternating ac-
tions. Hahnemann's says: "In Nux vomica, as in some other
medicines, we meet with symptoms which seem to be completely
or partially antagonistic to one another, alternating actions,
which at the same time are primary actions, and which make
Nux vomica very applicable and efficacious for a number of mor-
bid states.' '
i6* THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER.
I propose now to mention the principal symptoms of the
schema and their therapeutical relations.
Mind. — Delirium resembling mania a potu (6 grs.), low spirits and
depression (m xv Liq. S.), nervousness and anxiety \ restlessness.
Several authors recommended Strychnine in delirium tremens.
Roth mentions drnnkards who avert D. T. by full doses of
Strychnine (Dr. Black). Phillips praises it. I have myself seen
good results. According to Jaroshevsky it is a powerful pro-
phylactic, and according to his experiments on dogs a direct
antagonist to Alcohol.
The provings further simulate both the nervous agitation of
the insane, and fidgets of hysteria, and it has been found of
service in both conditions. I gave it lately with marked success
for the restlessness and anxiety after a severe attack of asthma,
and have repeated this experience several times.
Head. — Confusion , vertigo and nausea (m xv), violent pains,
especially occiput and frons, bursting headache morning and on
stooping.
When these symptoms are connected with the stomach, Nux
vomica is well indicated, but when spinal, I prefer Strychnine,
and may refer to one case. Miss S., suffering for a month from
these symptoms with spinal weariness and sleeplessness. All
disappeared in four days after a dose of 3V gr. every night.
Face. — Flushing, lividity, becoming pale, ulcers of lips.
The last symptom I have sometimes found 'an indication for
this drug when accompanied by weakness and of long continuance,
and speedy cure has followed.
Throat. — Spasms, constriction, dysphagia.
Where these are hysterical they are best treated by either
Strychnine or Ignatia.
Stomach. — Nausea, vomiting, intense pain i?i epigastrium.
Anstie said there is no remedy like Strychnine hypodermically
(gr. t^) for cardialgia. Phillips extols it in gastralgia and
hepatalgia.
Abdomen. — Flatulence, bruised sensation, griping pain, sharp pain
in rectum and anus.
These may be classed with the stomach, except the rectal
symptoms. When the pains are severe and neuralgic Strychnine
meets them better than Nux vomica. There is also a consensus
of opinion that Strychnine is of great service in prolapsus ani or
recti, and I have two chronic cases now who are sensibly im-
proving under this drug. In France hypodermic injection is
THE HOMCEOPA THIt RECORDER. 163
preferred, and is said to be effectual in ten or fifteen drops of a
solution of one in one thousand.
Urine. — Urging \ frequent urination, involuntary after 15 gr.;
quantity scanty or copious.
Strychnine has been found of great service in paralysis of
bladder (Laura), and for incontinence and retention in old people
(Phillips).
Respiration. — Irregular, intermittent, difficult. R. rapid with
great pain in precordia.
In chest disease the use of Strychnine greatly surpasses that
of Nux vomica. It is invaluable in the dyspnoea of chlorosis,
and I could give many cases in illustration if there were time.
Indeed advanced neglected cases are very difficult to cure with-
out it. Some cases of catarrhal asthma are terminated by a few
doses, and most cases of long standing are benefited by its
administration. Phillips recommends it in spasmodic asthma
and dry catarrh, and Professor Laura, of Turin, in emphysema,
catarrh, bronchiectasis, and the dyspnoea of bronchitis and
phthisis. . Last summer I was summoned to a case of chronic
phthisis with severe dyspnoea, exhaustion and great anxiety,
gradually increasing for several days. The friends and the
patient all expected a fatal termination very shortly. The
symptoms were typical of Strychnine, and its steady administra-
tion for some weeks quite controlled them, and the patient
regained her usual condition of health.
Heart. — Palpitation, rapid pulse, 115 to 150, nearly pulseless
(after 20 grs).
In cardiac weakness with feeble pulse there is no remedy to
equal Strychnine, unless it be Digitaline, and there are cases
where the administration Of the two drugs together is followed
by the best results. I have many proofs of this in my case book,
and I never hesitate where there is general debility with heart
failure to prescribe both.
Neck and Back. Aching in nape. Stiff back. Sore muscles of
spine. Lumbar pains.
In cases presenting these symptoms, where Nux vomica is
usually prescribed, I have found Strychnine much more effica-
cious, being more speedy in its action, and more lasting. Try
it in chronic cases for some weeks together.
Sleep. — Restless and disturbed.
In cases of exhaustion with disturbed sleep, a dose of Strych-
nine is more effectual even than Morphine, and without any re-
action, because on Homoeopathic lines. In one case of advanced
1 64 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
cardiac disease with dropsy, I gave it hypodermically with great
relief.
Extremities. — Tremblings twitching \ and stiffness of hands \ vio-
lent jet king \ rheumatic pains. Loss of power in legs after %gr.
Loss of use of legs after 3^ grs. Cramplike pains.
The use of Strychnine in paralysis has suffered from both over-
praise and neglect. We may expect good results in all func-
tional paralysis, whether of muscle or hollow viscera, in hysteria
and in diphtheria (Dr. Beale, gtt. iij 4 hor.), but in nerve lesions
it is of doubtful utility.
FEVER. — Heat is a frequent symptom of strychnine and the temper-
ature is raised after large doses. It is preceded by chill and fol-
lowed by sweating.
I have found it very useful for rigor and for chill and heat
alternating, in the latter case dissipating the symptoms rapidly.
For this condition Hahnemann recommends Nux. Burggraeve
gives Strychnine at the commencement of all fevers to increase
the resistance of the vessels to the increased force of the heart,
and prevent vaso-motor paralysis, and at times with wonderful
efficacy.
The prevention of vaso-motor paralysis is probably the nature
of its action in uterine haemorrhage, where it is strongly advo-
cated by Dr. Atthill, to be used in conjunction with Ergot in
exhaustion of uterus, in subinvolution and tumors.
The convulsions and spasms of Strychnine are imitated in dis-
ease as epilepsy and perhaps chorea. Dr. Tyrrell's narrative of
cases furnishes abundant evidence of its power to control the
former, and it seems to me Homoeopathists have sadly neg-
lected it here, whilst Hammond and Hale mention it in the
latter. Dr. Tyrrell's statement of its action — "by relieving the
nervously congested state of the medulla oblongata, and thus
lessening its hypersensitiveness, " is merely another way of say-
ing that it acts Homceopathically, as the therapeutic action in
this case is the exact opposite of the physiological in cases of
poisoning.
Were Strychnine useful in no other diseases than those already
mentioned, it would, on account of its wide range and their
common occurrence, be one of the most frequently prescribed in
the pharmacopoeia; but it has an action beyond these, and pos-
sessed by no other drug to the same extent. In other words, it
is a general tonic to the nervous system. In cases of general
debility, without any definite ailment or symptom to prescribe
for, Strychnine will often do what you require. It stimulates the
flagging energies, it vitalizes the failing circulation and relieves
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 165
ennui, malaise and depression. It is safer than Alcohol to pre-
scribe, and more lasting in its effects.
In old age it is of great service. In a few cases I have pre-
scribed it continually for months, and been convinced of its value
in keeping up the vital powers and delaying the final collapse.
Dr. Burggraeve, speaking from his personal experience, hav-
ing taken about \ grain every night for fifteen years, sums up
the result at 83 as the possession of firmness of muscle, so that
he can walk for three hours without feeling fatigue, and ot gen-
eral functional activity, especially of the urinary organs, unusual
at his age.
In conclusion, I may say that the dose I find by experience
the best varies front one to five drops of liquor and from one to
three granules containing a half milligram each, and the 2X
and 3X triturations. I have not found the higher dilutions ser-
viceable the few times I have employed them. — T. D. Nicholson^
M. D. , in Monthly Homoeopathic Review.
BARYTA CARBONICA IN NOCTURNAL EMISSIONS.
We are only called upon to treat patients for emissions when
they become so frequent as to debilitate, or when each emission
is followed by so much physical prostration as to make its effects
manifest for several days after it has occurred. The latter con-
dition is not unfrequently complained of by married men who
are sparing in sexual indulgence, and who find it necessary to
be still more so because of the great feeling of weakness which
follows every act of connection.
In both of these classes of patients we find a weak, excitable
nervous system, which is either constitutional or the result of
excessive mental strain. Stimulants, such as Strychnia, or sed-
atives such as Hyoscyamus, may give temporary relief to the
symptoms, but we usually find that the organism is too pro-
foundly affected to be permanently cured by such agents.
A young gentlemen, with decided intellectual abilities, of
good moral tone, who consulted me some time ago, presented a
typical instance of the sufferer from nocturnal emissions and the
disorders which accompany it. The pulse was quick and easily
compressible, the heart was working with misdirected energy,
and its sounds could be heard all over the chest. He suffered
much from distressing palpitation, and also from the form of
indigestion which arises from want of nerve power in the stom-
166 THE HOAMEOPA THIC RECORDER.
ach and intestines. The food caused flatulent distention of the
abdomen, and was slow in digesting. He had a feeling of wear-
iness, with constant inclination to lie or sit down. These symp-
toms were always worse after an emission, and the capacity for
study was so diminished that he despaired of being able to enter
the profession for which he was studying. He was depressed
about himself, and more especially because he had carefully fol-
lowed out the prescriptions of eminent old-school physicians and
afterwards of a Homoeopathic practitioner, and was no better.
My first attempt at relieving him was only accompanied by
partial success. Cactus decidedly diminished the heart symp-
toms, but it did not touch the deep disturbance of the nervous
system on which they depended. Hyoscyamus had very little
effect in checking the emissions, and altogether I felt that some
more deeply acting remedy was required. After a careful study
of his symptoms by the aid of a Repertory and the Materia
Medica, I came to the conclusion that Baryta carbonica, a remedy
which had never occurred to me as likely to be valuable in the
treatment of nocturnal emissions, was the most Homoeopathic-
ally indicated remedy.
It has the
(i) Emissions followed by exhaustion.
(2) The frequent and too abundant flow of colorless urine
which commonly accompanies hysteria and nervous exhaustion.
(3) Violent beating and palpitation of the heart.
(4) Dull aching in the back, relieved by lying down.
(5) Physical, nervous and mental weakness.
(6) The digestive troubles which accompany nervous debility.
I prescribed this remedy in the sixth centesimal dilution, and
three weeks afterwards my patient, who lived in another city,
came to see me. He was bright and cheerful, and full of plans
for the future ; all the irresolution which is such a marked char-
acteristic of the Baryta subject had disappeared. He had no
further emissions, his heart was quiet, his dyspepsia had gone
and he declared himself cured.
A single case such as this proves very little, and least of all
that Baryta carbonica is a specific for nocturnal emissions, but it
has confirmed in my mind the value of this remedy as a nerve
tonic in the form of debility which is accompanied by excite-
ment of the sympathetic nervous system. It is a remedy which
has often done good service in cases of irritable heart, in my
practice, and I am inclined to think that debility with irritability
and over-action of the heart is one of the keynotes which may be
used in selecting it.— Percy Wilde, M. D. y in Monthly Homeo-
pathic Review.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 167
TAENIA.
The following suggestive note is by Dr. Charles C. Duryee, of
Schenectady, N. Y., and published in the New York Medical
Journal :
A little over a year ago the writer was called to attend A. W.,
aged 28 years, for severe pain over the left side of the thorax.
The pain had appeared about a week previous to my first
visit, and had been growing severer and confined him to his bed.
Tenderness along the seventh and eighth intercostal nerves was
made evident by pressure. The diagnosis was intercostal neu-
ralgia, which, perhaps, might be the precursor of herpes zoster.
Various remedies were tried with little or no result. Morphine
was administered in sufficient quantity to render his distress at
all bearable. Matters continued thus for about two weeks, when
my patient called my attention to some segments of tapeworm
which he had that morning passed, the first he had ever observed.
Treatment for tapeworm was promptly given, with the result of
dislodging a worm of about the usual length. The pain in the
side rapidly began to subside, and Mr. W. was soon at his
business.
A short time after a gentleman sent for me who had a severe
and typical herpes zoster. At my suggestion he examined his
stools for a day or two and discovered that he wes infested with
taenia. Treatment resulted in a worm being removed about
twenty-eight feet in length, probably a beefworm.
Since my attention was drawn to the first case related I have
seen eight cases of tapeworm, in which four of the persons had
either severe intercostal neuralgia or undoubted shingles.
Herpes zoster is an expression of more or less acute neuritis of
the intercostal nerves, as are also many cases of intercostal
neuralgia.
The causes of these severe and ofttimes persistent diseases are
obscure, and are given as compression, nerve injuries, operations,
atmospheric changes, etc.
I have never seen the presence of taenia given as a causative
influence in these troubles, but I am of the opinion that it is of
more or less frequent occurrence, and that those affections are
probably reflex symptoms of the digestive disturbances occa-
sioned by that parasite. Be that, however, as it may, the fore-
going suggestions may be of practical utility in some obscure
and annoying cases.
163 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION AND THERA-
PEUTIC USES OF HYPERICUM PERFORATUM.
The Hypericum perforatum, or St. John's Wort, is a plant about
a foot or a foot and a half high, belonging to the natural order of
hypericacea. It is common enough in hedges, woods and thick-
ets. It flowers during the summer and is collected when in
flower and seed. From the entire fresh plant a tincture is made
in the usual way.
The St. John's Wort is an article of Materia Medica of very
ancient date, and is frequently mentioned in old herbal books.
It had, however, been completely lost sight of until some exper-
iments were made with it by Dr. George Muller and recorded by
him in the fifth volume of a German Homoeopathic journal, The
Hygcea, many years ago, and by Dr. Stokes, of Liverpool, in the
Homoeopathic Times for 1853. ^hese, with a few experiments by
Dr. Schneling in the 79th volume of the Allgemeine Horn.
Zeitungy constitute the sources of our knowledge of the pure
effects of Hypericum. The records of these researches are fully
detailed in The Cyclopadia of Drug Pathogenesy.
These experiments seem to deserve more careful study than
the clinical records of medical journals lead one to suppose that
they have hitherto received. The symptoms, in each prover,
bear a strong resemblance to one another, and so our confidence
in their being the genuine effects of the drug is strengthened.
One and all point to the induction by Hypericum of a state of
general hyperesthesia, followed by an hysterical condition.
Under the influence of Hypericum the head feels confused and
r
excited; a throbbing hammer-like pain and pressure over the
crown of the head, with tearing and stitches in the temples; one
curious symptom mentioned is a feeling as though there were
" something alive " in the brain.
By each prover pains in the nape of the neck and a sense of
pressure or burning over the sacrum are mentioned.
It is chiefly in the extremities and in the pectoral muscles that
we meet with that development of hyperesthesia which is so
characteristic of the drug. Thus we have — darting pains in the
shoulders, burning in the pectoral muscles, cramp, tearing and
tension in the arms, pressure along the ulnar side of the forearm,
jerking in the tendons of the wrist, tension in the legs, cramps in
the calves and feet, cold feet, 4< furry " feet, tingling in the legs
and feet, drawing pains in the lines of the nerves of the legs with
coldness and numbness.
With all this is associated a miserable, dejected, melancholy
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER 169
feeling, and & tendency to weep; the memory becomes defective,
and there is an incapacity for any employment; while, in one
instance, there was a craving for wine — that frequent outcome of
neurasthenia.
One plover, an unmarried woman, 23 years of age, of phleg-
matic temperament and healthy, had the following singular kind
of attack during the early morning of the third day of her prov-
ing:
* ' She spoke in her sleep all sorts of incoherent stuff, looked
distraught, stared at her brother; head hot, carotids beating vio-
lently; the face very red and swollen, the eyes fixed, and the
pupils dilated; pulse very quick; hair moist, the rest of the body
being dry and burning hot; great anxiety; all at once left off
talking and sang, and soon after wept and screamed frightfully,
and gasped for breath. On giving her two magnetic passes she
at once came to her senses, and said that when a hand was laid
upon her head she felt a pleasing, calming sensation. The whole
attack lasted about an hour, and was followed by violent head-
ache, formication in the hands and feet, they felt furry; extreme
thirst and white furred tongue."
This resembles an attack of hysteria as much as it does any-
thing, and occurring in a woman of phlegmatic temperament,
the excitement which characterized it renders it all the more
striking.
Sleep during a proving was nearly uniformly restless and full
of dreams of an exciting and horrible character.
*
Digestion is more or less disturbed, the tongue furred, the ap-
petite diminished, the epigastric and umbilical regions disturbed
with flatulence, and the stools alternately costive and relaxed.
. An urticarious eruption was noticed on the hands in two or
three instances.
As the result of six days' dosing with the tincture, one prover
during the ensuing fortnight felt " great exhaustion, with weak-
ness of the head and memory.' ' A second, after a proving going
over eleven days, " for about three weeks felt weak; had leucor-
rhcea for several days; her hair fell out much; there was a
marked weakness of memory; she was easily startled; inclined
to sit still, and very sensitive to cold." Of a third, who took
the medicine for ten days, it is said, " during the next ten weeks
she complained that her hair was falling out; the menses, previ-
ously regular, were fourteen days too late; the weak feeling in
the head and lassitude went off gradually."
That there are cases of hysterical excitement presenting fea-
tures similar to those marking the results of over-dosing with
1 70 THE HOMCEOPA THK RECORDER.
Hypericum^ is within the experience of every practitioner of
medicine. To such, this medicine is clearly Homoeopathic, and
though I have never so used it myself, or heard of others doing
so, I feel little doubt that when put to the test it will be found
of service.
The excessive irritation and hypersensitiveness of the nerve
tracts in different parts of the body, and the general nervous de-
pression which mark the provings of Hypericum^ have led to the
generalization that it is indicated as a remedy in disorders which
are the sequela of injury to one of the nervous centres. Thus
Dr. Ludlam based his prescription of Hypericum in two cases,
one of which nosologically ranked as asthma, and the other as
spinal irritation, on the idea that "Hypericum is to injuries of
the nervous what Arnica is to those of the muscular system."
These cases were published in the Transactions of the Homoeo-
pathic Medical Society of Chicago. One was that of a women, 45
years of age, who had suffered for ten years from repeated and
violent attacks of spasmodic asthma. These attacks were al-
ways coincident with the approach of stormy weather, the se-
verity and duration of the paroxysms being inversely to the du-
ration and severity of the storm. After trying various medicines
in vain, Dr. Ludlam found, on again going into the history of
the case, that thirty years previously, she had fallen down the
cellar steps and injured her spine. The injury was not followed
by any perceptible tenderness on pressure or other alteration.
But, the injury having been inflicted at a part corresponding to
the first dorsal vertebra, he though it possible that some irrita-
tion had been started there which had culminated in her asth-
matic attacks. He gave her accordingly Hypericum 2x and she
recovered entirely, having, at the time the case was reported,
passed many months without an attack.
In another case, a child, six years of age, had, when three
years old, fallen down stairs. This had left a decided sensitive-
ness to pressure upon the spinous processes of the two inferior
cervical and the superior dorsal vertebrae. Since the fall she had
been in poor health, suffering from a variety of symptoms every
three or four weeks; an attack generally commenced with a chill,
which was followed by more or less continued fever, restlessness,
hyper-sensitiveness of the skin of the neck and of the superior
extremities, a great dread of motion, refusal to walk, and scream-
ing outright when any one proposed to lift her from one place to
another. Her face was pale and anxious, generally expressive of
pain and uneasiness.
Taking his cue from the spinal injury, Dr. Ludlam placed a
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 1 7 1
pad of carded wool over the side of it, and gave her Hypericum
2x. The paroxysm existing at the time was much shorter than
usual, and no repetition occurred. The medicine was, however,
continued daily for some time. A year afterwards she was per-
fectly well.
Another interesting and instructive case, the symptoms in
which were traceable to spinal irritation, originating in a fall, or,
probably, repeated falls, in which Hypericum was curative, is
recorded by Dr. Burnett in The Monthly Homoeopathic Review
(January, 1879). The patient was a boy of eleven, who was in
the habit of expending his energy in climbing trees, walls, and
performing other quasi gymnastic feats, which frequently resulted
in injuries. Acute irritation in the spine, which first displayed
itself in excessive tenderness when rubbed with a towel after his
bath, was the consequence. Then followed neuralgic headache
and earache, both coming on in paroxysms and of great intensity.
After this had been going on for two months, he would occa-
sionally lose the power of speech for two or three days, though
perfectly intelligent and able to communicate in writing. Then
he became nearly well for three months, with the exception of
the spinal irritation, which persisted. Again, after rolling on the
grass, neuralgia recurred in paroxysms, during which he bur-
rowed with his head in a soft arm-chair, and screamed and
sobbed, though unable to speak. He had such an attack when
Dr. Burnett first saw him. He ordered him a drop of the first
dilution of Arnica every three hours. The attack continued
4uring the whole of that day. It left suddenly during the fore-
noon of the day following, but he was unable to speak until the
evening. From this date the neuralgia never returned.
About a month later he became suddenly paralyzed — the par-
alysis being purely motor — in both lower extremities. Gelsem-
ium and Arnica were given each for a week without result, and
then Hypericum. In three days he could movea little; in ten
days he walked round the room, and being then permitted to go
out in a perambulator, his brother took him a mile from home
and then between them they contrived to smash the vehicle, and
the patient walked home carrying the remains of it, as so many
trophies of his restored power! He remained perfectly well for
six months, when there was some return of the spinal irritation,
probably from the same kind of cause as at the first, and this was
rapidly checked by a return to the Hypericum, while four months
afterwards Dr. Burnett found the spine would bear any amount
of pressure.
These are illustrations of one kind of case in which Hypericum
1 72 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
is useful, viz.: the direct consequences of spinal irritation origi-
nating in injury to the spinal cord.
A second is one of laceration of muscular tissue with engorge-
ment of the capillaries, attended with more or less discharge of
bloody matter. In such injuries, which are most commonly met
with in gun-shot wounds, Dr. Franklin, one of the surgeons of
the Northern army of the United States during the civil war that
prevailed some twenty years ago, found it of the greatest value.
He says that it stands in the same relation to laceration that
Arnica does to contusion of tissue. The late Dr. T. I*. Brown,
of Binghampton, states that, acting on a hint given to him by
the late Dr. Lippe, of Philadelphia, he had prescribed Hypericum
with the best results for the relief of pain resulting from injury
to parts rich in nerves, especially in the fingers and toes and the
matrix of nails.
Dr. Franklin further describes it as being "of great value in
the treatment of open painful wounds, attended with general
prostration from loss of blood, with a feeling of weakness and
trembling in all the limbs, languor in rising, fainting from phys-
ical effort, thirst and heaviness of the head; the local congestions
and in capillary erethism, accompanied or not with hemorrhage,
and great nervous depression following wounds/ 1 He adds, "I
have found it an exceedingly valuable agent. 1 '
Thirdly, Dr. Hughes, in the supplement to the last edition of
his Pharmacodynamics \ writes: "Dr. Gilchrist, from an experi-
ence of sixty-four operations, major and minor, asserts positively
that its use internally and locally (1 to 20) precludes any after
suffering; and," he adds, "Dr. Helmuth tells me that it quite
supersedes the use of Morphia after operations in his hands.* '
While there is nothing directly in the provings that have been
made with Hypericum to suggest it as being of service as a vul-
nerary, the experiments do show a degree of cerebro-spinal ex-
haustion resembling in many particulars that which obtains
during, shock after injuries, while the restlessness, fear and
anxiety marking the endurance of severe pain from injuries are
also characteristic of the effects of Hypericum.
The experience then of Dr. Franklin, Dr. Gilchrist, and Dr.
Helmuth, which has been very extensive, may well be utilized
by us, albeit its scientific basis is not so extensive or satisfactory
as we could desire.
Two or three drop doses of the second dilution has been the
dose in which it has usually been prescribed. — Dr. A. C. Pope,
in the Monthly Homeopathic Review.
THE HOMCEOPA TH1C RECORDER. 1 73
THE PAMBOTANOS.
By H. Ballon, M. D.,
Professor in the "Faculte de Medecine de Paris;" President of the "Societe
Linneenne de Paris;" formerly Professor of Hygiene at the the "fecole
Centrale des Arts et Manufactures;" etc., etc.
The history of the Pambotano, properly speaking, is generally
known. It is a Mexican remedy used in intermittent fevers and
paludal accidents — a secret remedy revealed to General De la
Barra by a native of Mexico, to cure hiin of an attack of inter-
mittent fever, which yielded easily to the action of the Pambo-
tano. The general sent to France a specimen of the root which
had cured him, and with it, unfortunately for his secret, some
debris of leaves and flowers. Mr. Villejean, who received these
debris, showed them to me in 1889; and I had no difficulty in
recognizing the fact that they belonged to a Mimosa {Legumi-
nosa) called the Calliandra Houstoni, Benth. (and not, as it has
often been spelled, "Callendria").
The group to which the Calliandra belong, contains shrubs
extremely rich in tannic substances; and Mr. Villejean, in the
researches he undertook in .collaboration with Dr. Valude, found
that these plants contain no alkaloids, but only a tannin of a very
astringent quality.
There are already more than fifty tropical plants, rich in tannin,
which have been proposed to take the place of the quinquinas in
the treatment of intermittent fevers. All these drugs, acting as
tonics, stomachics and astringents, have been and will be suc-
cessfully used in many kinds of paroxysmal fevers, but more
especially in benign fevers, or in light though sometimes very
persistent paludal attacks. As to playing the heroic role of the
cinchonas and their alkaloids in the treatment of intense and
pernicious fevers, the drugs in question cannot be counted upon;
and against one successful case here and there many failures
must be looked for.
A peculiar characteristic of the tannin of the Calliandra Hous-
ioni is that it easily turns red in contact with the air. This par-
ticular characteristic, however, is to be found also in a plant
belonging to the same group, closely related to the Calliandra
Houstoni, and which is called the Calliandra Grandiflora Benth.
The two plants are extremely difficult to distinguish, even
botanically, one from the other, and I believe, therefore, that the
C. Grandiflora may be safely substituted for the C. Houstoni, I
have even learned that in Mexico the two plants are commonly
called by the same name. The C. Grandiflora is the Inga
1 74 THE HOMCEOPA THlL RECORDER.
Sericea of Martens and Galeotti, that is to say the Inga Anomala
of Kunth, noted during Humboldt and Bonpland's celebrated
trip in Equinoctial America. The leaflets of its compound
leaves are more numerous than those of the C. Houstoni, and
smaller and more rounded, being without a curved mucrona at
the apex.
The most interesting thing about the Pambotanos — from a
practical standpoint, if either or both plants should be utilized
in Europe and America — is that their cultivation is possible
on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, also the Carolinas and
Georgia; likewise in Southern France and on the shores of
Algiers. As a matter of fact I have seen a quantity of C. Hous-
toni y with leaves and flowers well developed, which had been
grown in the open air at Valencia, Spain; and it is probable that
the C Grandiflora is of still hardier growth.
In its uncultivated state we know of the C. Houstoni at Vera
Cruz, Jalapa, Orizaba, etc. ; but it is to be noted that it only
grows on the mountain-side at a certain altitude.
The Pambotanos promise to take rank among the useful drugs*
— Merck's Bulletin.
[The late Dr. Lilienthal called attention to this remedy in the
Recorder for 1891, and at his suggestion Messrs. Boericke &
Tafel imported a supply of it. The price is $1.00 per ounce for
the tincture.]
TARANTULA CUBENSIS IN CARBUNCLE.
Dr. J. L. Coombs, of Grass Valley, Cal., writes as follows to
the Medical Summary: In August, 1890, Dr. Henry Davis
(retired), aged 77, sent for me. He had, over the lower external
third of left scapula, a carbuncle, four inches by three of indu-
ration, and reddish-blue areola extending still further. Higher
up, with another circumscribed area, was another smaller one,
having about three-quarters of an inch of induration and the
red areola, and black spot in the centre. This latter was said to
be of three days' duration; the former of about one week, and it
also had the ' 'black core" centre. As he stripped he remarked:
"I suppose the core must slough out after crucial incision, or j
somehow.' ' He had been poulticing. I explained my desire
to trust to constitutional treatment entirely, telling him the
remedy, and reading some of the literature. To my surprise
and pleasure he not only consented, but desired the treatment.
From that time on, only a compress, moistened by water at any
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 1 75
pleasant temperature, was placed over the inflamed and indu-
rated parts. He received two grains of the sixth decimal tritu-
ration of tarantula cubcnsis, obtained from Bcericke & Tafel, of
Philadelphia. In addition, he was left four similar powders,
with directions to mix one and dissolve in four tablespoonfuls of
water, and take one teaspoonful for a dose every three hours
until he became conscious of a cessation of pain and lessening
of fever, and promotion of general comfort, when he was to dis-
continue so long as improvement remained apparent. When the
amendment ceased he was directed to take another dose, and
continue until again feeling better, when the medicine was again
to be stopped. A fresh solution was to be made every twelve
hours, and used in the same manner.
Next day the old gentleman walked into my office, smiling,
and said: "Well, I suppose that wasn't a carbuncle after all —
ha, ha!" When he undressed it I was surprised to see that the
black gangrenous core-centre of the more recent and smaller one
had disappeared; the temperature was normal, save a slight
areola near the gangrenous core-centre of the larger one. His
pulse was but 70; it had been 120 the day before. Temperature
in axilla was but 90 ; it had been 103^° day before. An
aborted case of true anthrax seemed plainly before me. A slight
suppurative excoriation without sloughing where the black spot
had been on the larger one was all that remained. This healed
by simply preventing friction; no attempt was made to use anti-
septics locally.
About a fortnight after recovery he called again, and in his
dry,, humorous way, said: * 'Guess I'm going into carbuncles all
over now, way't feels and what wife says." Upon his undress-
ing, I found, by actual count, that there were twenty-seven min-
iature anthraxes, every one with a black core-centre, scarcely
perceptible areola, and but slight induration at base of every one.
We theorize that he had taken more of the tarantula cubensis
than had been needed for curative purposes, and the poison had
eliminated itself, partly at least, in the region primarily affected
by the carbuncles. The old gentleman is in good health since,
save some prostatic annoyances and inguinal hernia.
I feel satisfied that we have an absolute cure in this poison for
any case of anthrax where the black core-centre is early marked.
Analogous conditions, as malignant abscesses and poisoned
wounds, may be included within its reach. Like other remedies,
it is no specific for a disease by nomenclature, but certain condi-
tions and trains of symptoms very likely to arise in many cases,
will be benefited, if not cursed.
176 1HE H0MCE0PA1HIC RECORDER.
No physician who can procure the pure tarantula poison,
diluted as I used it, need fear results; only he must use no other
medicine whatever, or no true test can follow.
VETERINARY DEPARTMENT.
Cure of Malignant Aphthae in Lambs.
In the flock of a neighbor there died in the beginning of
April, seven lambs, aet. seven or eight weeks, after having been
sick a few days. When six new cases developed he sought my
advice.
On investigation I found the following: They ceased to
suckle, seemed to be debilitated; there was a flow of grayish
tough mucus from the nostrils, which thickened to crusts around
their edges; the eyelids were more or less agglutinated by mattery
mucus; the white of the eye was slightly reddened; the eyeball
looked clouded; the mouth watered; the mucous membrane of the
mouth was spongy and pale with some, and livid with others;
several spots especially on the gums looked as if denuded. The
suppurating spots yielded a grayish-yellow matter, on pressure, of
a repugnant odor. I failed to discover a cause for the disease;
the unaffected lambs looked all right.
The mouths of the sick lambs were carefully cleansed morn-
ings and evenings, and they received every time i drop Acid
nitric 3 in a little water. To their mothers I gave one a day 2
drops of Tincture of Sulphur, and to the rest of the sheep 1 grain
Sulphur 3, every 3d day as a prophylacticum. The sick lambs
which had been kept in the stable, I sent to pasture with their
mothers. The six sick lambs and four more that took sick
shortly after, were getting better within two to seven days, and
within a week were as well as ever. — Dr. Boehm in B. P. Zeitschr.,
Vol., 11. 78.
Anomalies in Milk in Cows.
Blue Milk. The fresh drawn milk has its natural color, but on
standing, and after the cream has risen, blue stars or spots show
on top, or sometime the milk will become blue all through.
Butter made from such milk looks grayish, and on the butter-
milk will be found swimming, blue or ashy gray bubbles. The
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 177
cows don't present any unusual symptoms. Pulsatilla 3 is a
specificum for this, a dose three times a day; and in some cases
where indigestion is present Nux vomica 3 will be sufficient.
Red Milk. Blood is drawn with the milk sometimes only from
one, sometimes from more teats. Arnica 3 and Phosphorus 3
will remedy this matter if due to an inflammatory state of the
bag. Arnica used internally, and as a lotion externally, if hard
usage in milking or contusion, or a kick is the cause. Ipecac is
indicated when the bag seems not to be affected, or in the
absence of any extraneous cause, and whenever the ailment
becomes chronic.
Thready Milk. Milk will become thready and lumpy imme-
diately after having been drawn, or it comes that way from the
udder. Sulphur, Chamomilla or Nux vomica, will remedy the
trouble. Natrum mur. also has been useful in some cases. Give
a dose three times a day.
Sour Milk. Milk will curdle or turn sour shortly after having
been milked, no matter how clean the containers are kept.
Sulphur, then Phosphorus or Antimon. tart, will be found effective,
a dose three times a day.
Bitter Milk. When milk and cream taste bitter and disagreea-
ble, Sulphur is the remedy, if necessary, followed by Phosphorus.
Milk thin and watery. Milk is watery; cream don't separate
readily. Sulphur, Pulsatilla or Nux vomica will change it, but
often unsuitable food is at the bottom of it. — Bolle Pop. Horn.
Zeitg. No. 10, Pp. 71.
CEdematious Erysipelas in Cattle.
I observed a number of such cases last spring in geldings. It
manifests itself locally as a flat, more or less extensive swelling,
with increased warmth and with varying degree of painfulness;
stretched superficially, it retains the impress of the finger. I
select the following cases from my record book :
Cow. Middle aged, has erysipelas on the head and udder.
At the head temperature is very high, while on the bag the teats
appear as if pressed in; not much appetite, deglutition difficult,
pulse accelerated, heart beat weak scarcely perceptible. Gave
Belladonna 1, sixteen drops in one pint of water, to be given in
four portions within twelve hours. On the following day was
fully convalescent.
Cow. Three years old, heavy with calf, six months, and a
half a year old, had erysipelas on the vagina. The vulva in its
whole extent was much swollen and highly reddened; both
1 78 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
animals keep their tails in constant motion, and endeavor to rub
their hind quarters against a firm body, thereby denoting an
intense itching of the parts. Gave Belladonna in like manner
as in preceding case, with the same beneficent effect.
Cow. Old, heavy with calf, had erysipelas of the throat with
erethic fever, slightly interfering with deglutition and occasion-
ing some asthma. Gave Belladonna as in preceding cases, with a
like favorable result.
A draft ox 6 years old had erysipelas of the front part of the
neck, appetite lessened, much mucus in the mouth, impeded de-
glutition, audible breathing, retarded movement of the bowels.
Bryonia *, eight drops in a pint of water to be administered in
three portions within 24 hours. Ordered gentle rubbing of the
throat, had it enveloped in warm cloths. Was decidedly better
next day; continued the medicine; on the fourth day had recov-
ered entirely.
A draft ox t middle-aged, had erysipelas on the lower part of
the belly and on both hind- quarters, seemingly without effecting
his general condition. Gave Bryonia *, eight drops in a pint
of water to be given in six doses during the ensuing two days.
On the third day there was diminution of the swelling and low-
ering of the same in the limbs; the ox also recommenced to lie
down. He then received one dose of Tincture sulphuris which
completed the cure. Dr. C Boehm in Bolle Pop. Zeitg., Vol. z„
72.
Petechial Fever in a Horse.
On January 16th I was called by Baron v. Semsey to treat a
five-year-old, well-nourished, brown gelding. The stableman
reported that the horse had not lain down in the night, had
coughed several times, had hardly touched its first feed, but
greedily drank its Water, which, however, he swallowed with
difficulty.
Status prcssens was as follows : The front chest and forelegs
showed an erysipelatous swelling, the gait was feeble and totter-
ing, pulse accelerated seventy per minute, but full and short,
heartbeat easily felt, breathing quickened and audible, throat
somewhat fuller, and on the nasal membrane there were detached
and irregularly formed darkish or purple spots of diverse size.
Prescribed Bryonia 3, four drops every fourth hour, had the legs
wound with warm cloths and gave tepid water to drink.
January 17. Has some appetite, pulse less by ten beats, breath-
ing easier; the dark spots on nasal membranes are somewhat
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 1 79
larger and more extended jcoughs more frequently ;at the same time
there is copious sero-purulent discharge from the nose, streaked
with blood. Exhalation is often accompanied by snorting. Pre-
scribed Belladonna 3, four drops, three doses.
January 18. Muco-purulent discharge mixed with blood from
the nose, encrusting the borders of the nostrils; forhead some-
what swollen; the swelling of front chest and forefeet decreasing.
Continued the medicine.
January 19. Discharge from the nose lessening, the nasal mem-
brane of uniform redness; pulse almost normal. The swelling
of the forepart of the head is now confined to the alae nasi and
the forelip; throat is easy; appetite good.
January 20. Convalescence is now fully established and made
such good progress that on the 24th the horse would be put to
work again. — Dr. C. Boehm, in B. Pop. Zeitschr. Vol. 1.
Bloody Urine in Horses.
A specific remedy will be found in Ipecacuanha^ a dose every
two or three hours. It is also very efficacious in red milk of
cows. — Dr. Traeger, Veterinarian.
Mania in Hogs.
The hogs, at first usually lazy and quiet, all at once commence
to fume and tear, to run around in a circle, to scratch and bite,
to jump up at the sides of the pen, etc.; they then stand strll for
a time and then recommence their antics. They eat sparingly,
their tongue is covered with dirty mucus, and they rapidly lose
flesh. The remedy is Belladonna 3, of which three or four doses
are given daily; in a few days they will be all right again. — Dr.
C. Boehm, in B. P. H. Zeitg.
Black Tongue in Cattle.
In the summer of 1835 the vicinity of Philadelphia was visited
by a plague-like affliction called black tongue, which vastated
whole stables. I thought it worth while to show that Homoeo-
pathy could also treat animals effectively. The symptoms were
180 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
as follows: The animal is suddenly taken sick; the tongue turns
black and swells, and the animal dies after a few hours; after its
death blood issues from all orifices of the body. A man who
skinned an animal shortly after it had died, died himself on the
same day, showing symptoms of general mortification. Can-
tharis 30, one drop, cured all cases in which it was given.- Dr.
G. H. Bute.
Animals Respond to High Potencies.
To the Editor of Homeopathic Recorder.
Dr. C. G. S. Austin, a Homoeopathic physician, who spends
his summers on the Island of Nantucket, Mass., was asked to
prescribe for a case of complete paralysis of the lower lip of a
mare, owned by an intimate friend residing there. The doctor
saw that Causticum was indicated, and having only a small
quantity of the 30X dilution of that remedy on hand, he added
alcohol enough to make the dilution equal to the 31X, and with
that high potency he medicated twelve pieces of sugar, putting
ten drops on each, and directed that the animal be given one
piece three times a day. The animal refusing the sugar, it was
necessary to pulverize it and place it in her mouth, and forcibly
hold the mouth shut until the sugar was dissolved. On the
third day the doctor was driving past the suburban residence of
the owner of the animal, and he came out to the carriage and
told him that the mare had fully recovered the use of her lip.
Those who affect to sneer at Homoeopathic treatment and say
it is only the effect of the imagination, or that it is through
faith in the prescriber that cures are made, must see their
mistake in this instance. The fact that force was necessary to
compel the animal to take the medicine, shows that mind was
no factor in the case.
This cure was made four years ago, and has remained perfect.
Should any one doubt the correctness of the diagnosis, ample
proof can be given if wanted. * * *
A Blind Horse.
A blind horse could not feed on account of inability to close
its jaw, because of a swelling of the upper part of the throat.
A few doses of Belladonna * soon remedied the matter. -
Another horse had sore eyes for several weeks; they looked
whitish and watered copiously. Two doses of Euphrasia 3 rem-
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER 181
edied the condition. A third horse eat very little and looked
very thin. Two powders of Antitnon. crud. 6, two weeks apart,
changed the condition; it fed well and looked much better. — Dr.
J. Behlerty in All. Cor. Blatt.
***
A Calf was found resting on its knees; tried to suck but could
not, its tongue and throat being covered by stinking ulcers; gave
Mur. acid 3; better next day; on the day following it suckled
again and a few doses of Mercurius 6 completed the cure. — Dr.
Becker.
***
A Hog had prolapsus of the gut; it hung down of the size of
several fists, in the form of a cauliflower; looked red and angry,
and smelled like carrion. Gave Sepia 6, without effect; a week
after this was followed by Nux vomica 3; a few days after it
opened, discharging a large quantity of blood. From this time
on the remainder grew smaller from day to day; received Mer-
curius 5 ten days after, which promoted the absorption of the
rest. The pig was killed later on, and the colon showed no
trace of the former affection; the bladder was four times its
natural size; the neck of the bladder was also very wide. The
bladder was very thick and covered inside by a mucous mass.
The hog had been worried three months before by dogs; had a
lame back in consequence, and could not stand upon its hind
legs. — Dr. J. Behlert.
***
A Hog had its thighbone fractured, just above the knee, by a
piece of wood. When I saw it, thick, yellowish matter exuded,
and the fracture was much thickened. The beast could not
stand up; one powder of Silicea 30 was sufficient for a cure,
despite the cold weather. — Dr. J. Behlert.
***
Spongia and Canaries.
On a professional visit to a family I was asked whether I could
do anything for their asthmatic canary. Nearly two years be-
fore, in midsummer, the bird was hanging outside the window
when a thunderstorm came up, giving him a good drenching and,
as it was toward evening, it became quite cool and the bird
caught a bad cold, from the effects of which it still suffered. On
a superficial examination and hearing what I took for mucous
rales I gave a dose of Hepar s. c. 30th. Four or five days after
I called again, and on inquiring was informed that the medicine
had been without effect. On closer observation I discovered that
the rattling was not owing to mucus, but was more like the con-
182 1HE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER.
dition found with croupy children. One dose ot Spongia 30
soon brought about a change. Within three days the noisy res-
piration had ceased, and within a week the bird sang as well as
ever. About a year after the bird caught cold again in a similar
manner, but without so thorough a drenching, and the same
medicine speedily cured him. — A. K.
BOOK NOTICES.
Homoeopathic Bibliography of the United States from the
Year 1825 to the Year 1891, Inclusive. Carefully Compiled
and Arranged by Thomas Lindsley Bradford, M. D. Phila-
delphia: Boericke & Tafel, 1892. 596 pages, large 8vo.,
cloth, $3.50 net) by mail, $3.80. Half morocco, $4.50; by
mail, $4.80.
This volume is the fruit of many years of labor and patient re-
search by its author, Dr. Bradford, of Philadelphia. It is a
book that will be thoroughly enjoj r ed and appreciated by every-
one in the Homoeopathic ranks and by all lovers of books; a
book, also, that will astonish even the veterans of Homoeopathy
when they come to realize in its pages the immensity of the
bibliography of Homceopathy. Perhaps the best idea of the
work, next to examining it, may be gained by quoting here the
" contents.' ' These run as follows:
PART I. — HOMCEOPATHIC BIBLIOGRAPHY.
I. Homoeopathic Books.
II. Books Against Homceopathy.
III. Magazines.
IV. Directories.
V. Publishers.
VI. Libraries.
VII. Previous Bibliography.
PART II. — HOMCEOPATHIC INSTITUTIONS.
I. Societies.
II. Colleges.
III. Hospitals.
IV. Dispensaries.
V. Homes, Asylums.
VI. Sanitariums.
VII. Asylums for the Insane.
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 183
VIII. Life Insurance.
IX. Pharmacies.
X. Legislation.
As a frontispiece the book has a finely executed picture of the
Allentown Academy, built and occupied by the first Homoeo-
pathic college*, in the world. This is followed by a concise,
modest and well written preface. Then follow the sections as
given in the table of contents, quoted above; to these might have
been added a most complete index. Indeed, this index is a
marked feature of the book, and one that adds greatly to its value.
It takes up twenty pages of the space, and of these seven are
occupied with a double column of " Authors,' ' alphabetically
arranged and embracing nearly one thousand names. A study
of these is very interesting, and it will reveal the names of many
writers long forgotten, or unknown, and also many names of
great lights in literature outside of Homoeopathy.
In the section on Bibliography, perhaps, many of our authors
will be surprised at the extent of their own productions — certain-
ly one was, who looked over the manuscript copy of his books
and pamphlets at the request of Dr. Bradford. Hahnemann
leads the list with two hundred and one books, pamphlets and
translations, etc., and, unless we have overlooked some one,
Hering comes second with ninety-one. Henry N. Guernsey has
twenty-three to his credit, Dunham twelve, Lippe twelve, Small
twenty- four, and so they run. Among the living authors many
have goodly lists to their credit but none of them come up to
Hahnemann or Hering.
Books against Homoeopathy take up eight pages. A. B.
Palmer heads the list numerically with five. Holmes has two.
The list of anonyma shows some spiteful titles.
First and last, big and little, there have been one hundred and
seventy-six magazines published in the interest of Homoeopathy
in this country, as shown in the section on Magazines.
The section on Societies runs from page 359 to 465, and is
replete with interest, the names of the founders of the different
being given in nearly every instance. National Societies heads
the list and the remainder follow by States in alphabetical order.
Forty colleges and schools are mentioned in Section 2 of Part
II. It requires fifty-four pages to enumerate the hospitals, dis-
pensaries, asylums, etc., and give the terse facts concerning each.
Medical legislation closes the volume with a valuable resume*
of the laws of each State.
Taken as a whole, the book is of the utmost value — permanent
184 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
value — and the thanks of all Homoeopaths are due Dr. Bradford
for his labor.
Suggestions to Patients. By W. A. Yingling, M. D. Phila-
delphia: Boericke & Tafel, 1894. 14 pages, paper. 25 copies
50 cents; by mail 53 cents.
This is one of the new labor-savers — a carefully prepared and
clearly worded little pamphlet for the convenience of pihysicians
who have practice by mail. It directs the patient how to describe
his ailments, and to give the physician exactly what is necessary
in order that an intelligent prescription may be made. One to a
patient is all that is needed, and it will save the doctor a great
deal of writing — inclose one of these, tell the patient to carefully
read it, and then give his symptoms as per directions. The Sug-
gestions are of such size that a copy will fit in a No. 6 envelope,
and, with letter, will cost but two cents postage. They are well
printed, in long primer type, and well bound. The author
showed his manuscript to Dr. J. T. Kent, who does a large mail
practice, and he said they were just what is needed for such a
practice.
"Incurable" Diseases of Beast and Fowl, including Pleuro-
pneumonia, Rinderpest or Texas Fever, Glanders, Tuberculo-
sis, Roup and Chicken and Hog Cholera. Philadelphia:
Boerick & Tafel, 1892. 30 pages. 25 cents, net; by mail 27
cents.
This little book, with the ironic title, is in reality a reprint of
the eighth edition of James Moore's famous brochure on the
treatment of pleuro-pneumonia. The work in question was out
of print, but was too valuable to be allowed to remain so. Some
day, it is to be hoped, its teachings will be heeded by those in
authority, and the shameful butchery of animals, afflicted with
this disease, cease. If there is one hole in the old school practice
that is darker than another and needs the electric search-lights
of Homoeopathy turned full upon it, it is the old- school veteri-
nary practice. " They are the doctors 1 * and what they say goes
with government. They say, quite truthfully, to be sure, that
they cannot cure certain diseases, and recommend that the ani-
mals be butchered so that the disease may be " stamped out."
If they were to apply this treatment to all the diseases they can-
not cure there would be small show for an animal once down
with any ailment — about as much as had the patients of Dr. San-
grado.
THE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER. 185
Apropos of the subject: A friend of the reviewer's, a few
months ago, saw an acquaintance with a remarkably fine and
spirited horse. On inquiry, the owner of the horse related with
a grin that the horse had gone lame and been pronounced * ' incur-
able/ ' with a disease bearing a learned and scientific title. The
first owner thereupon sold him to our friend's friend for $25.00
who diagnosed "rheumatiz," gave him a few pellets of the indi-
cated remedy, cured him in a few days and thereby cleared per-
haps $200 on the transaction. The sting to the incident is, that
a certain veterinary college, supposed to embody the concen-
trated wisdom of veterinary practice, had issued the fiat of " in-
curable/ ' But to return to our pamphlet. After Moore's treatise
comes an abstract of that too little known Report of the New
York State Agricultural Society on the Homoeopathic treatment
of the Texas fever. This is followed by short points on the other
diseases mentioned in the title. The paper used in the little
work is unusually fine, reminding one of the luxurious Hel-
muth's "Pousse Cafi" There is money in veterinary practice on
the line of Homoeopathy, and as a hoss doctor is, as yet, self
made; shrewd men might take it up. They could rest assured
that if they stuck to Homoeopathy they would do better for ani-
mal and owner than the most experienced old school vet.
The Science and Art of Obstetrics. By Sheldon Leavitt, M.
D. Second edition. Rewritten and enlarged. Chicago:
Gross & Delbridge, 1892. 769 pages. t
The first edition of Dr. Leavitt' s book was brought out ten
years ago, and has been out of print for three years. Part first
comprises five chapters on the "Anatomy and Physiology of the
Female Pelvic Organs;" part second, eleven chapters on " Preg-
nancy;" part third, twenty-three chapters on " Labor," and part
fourth, four chapters on "The Puerperal State;" these, with an
appendix on "Antiseptic Midwifery," and an excellent index of
thirty-nine pages, constitute the book. Three hundred and
fourteen wood cuts are interspersed throughout the book. The
paper is good, but the printing not quite up to the first-class
standard. This, however, does not detract from the excellent
text of Dr. Leavitt. It may be added here that the whole is
practically a new work, Dr. Leavitt saying in his preface: "What
is here presented has been fully reduced to mauuscript, and reset;
hundreds of pages being displaced by entirely new matter, and
not a single page being reproduced without change."
A Practical Treatise on Diseases of the Skin. By Henry G.
Piffard, A. M., M. D., assisted by Robert M. Fuller, M. D.
1 86 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
With fifty full-page original plates and thirty-three illustra-
tions in the text. New York: D. Appleton & Co,
Dr. PiffarcTs book is a work of art — high art in photography
and photographic printing. The pages of the book are nearly
11x14 inches in size, and inserted among them are fifty most
life-like reproduced photographs of the various skin diseases and
eruptions, such as psoriasis, eczema, syphilitic, leprosy, lupus,
sarcoma, elephantiasis vitilego, scabies, zoster, lichen, and many
others. As said before, nearly all of these reproductions are
works of art, the parts photographed standing out with wonder-
ful distinctness, the short hairs on the skin, the small wrinkles
and all the minutiae of each part being brought out very clearly.
In addition to these full- page illustrations, there are also thirty-
three photographs of varying sizes inserted through the text.
Nearly all of the negatives were produced by the author by the
flash-light process. The text is well written, containing, appar-
ently, everything the inquirer can want, and no padding or
heavy array of cumbersome words. The author has evidently
been far afield in his researches and gives many of what may be
termed Homoeopathic drugs, such as Hepar sulpha gold, etc.
On a much disputed point the author says, after stating that
little need be expected from internal treatment, ' ' although there
are undoubted cases of sarcoma on record in which arsenic ad-
ministered in full doses exerted a favorable influence and per-
haps even effected a cure."
Diseases of the Eye. A Handbook of Ophthalmic Practice,
for Students and Bractitioners. By G. E. de Schweinitz, M.
D., Professor of Diseases of the Eye in the Philadelphia Poly-
clinic, etc. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1892. 641 pages,
cloth, $4; sheep $5, net.
This book, containing two chromo-lithographic plates and
numerous cuts; is divided into twenty -two chapters; of these the
first and fourth were written by Dr. James Wallace, of the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania, who also aided in chapters three and
nineteen. Dr. Edward Jackson, of the Philadelphia Polyclinic,
contributed the section on Retinoscopy. The remainder is the
work of Dr. de Schweinitz. Only an expert in the diseases of
the eye is capable of giving a correct opinion as to. the value of
such a book as this. A very large portion of each chapter is
necessarily devoted to minute descriptions of the many diseases
of the eye, and ladened with many words, the meanings of which
are known only to the elect; considerable space to diagnosis and
prognosis, while a very meagre space is devoted to the treatment,
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 187
especially to the internal treatment — something of so much im-
portance to those who believe in treating diseases according to
their symptoms. Take, for instance, blepharitis; over a page is
given to the external treatment and two lines and a half to inter-
nal medication; the latter are: "The constitutional remedies in-
clude Iron, Quinine, and, if struma is present, Cod liver oil and
Lacto-phosphate of lime, with Iodide of iron or Syrup of hydriodic
acid." Compare this work, with its display of learning, which
is undoubtedly great, with Norton's Ophthalmic Therapeutics and
the latter stands out in comparison a clear, useful and practical
book. Under the same heading, * ' Blepharitis, ' ' the section opens:
"By a careful selection of our remedy in the first stage, we can
often cause the inflammation to subside before suppuration has
taken place. It is also possible to promote the resolution and
discharge of pus already formed." Aconite, Apis, Arsenicum,
Hepar, sulpha Rhus or Silicea will do the work, with a few sim-
ple external applications. In short, de Schwienitz gives his
readers the scientific end of the subject, and Norton the curative.
The Pocket Pharmacy. With Therapeutic Index. A R6sum6
of the Clinical Application of Remedies Adapted to the Pocket-
Case, for the Treatment of Emergencies and Acute Diseases.
By Dr. John Aulde, M. D. New York: D. Appleton & Com-
pany, 1892.
The author of this handsomely printed little book is a well-
known and capable physician of Philadelphia, who achieved
great renown not long ago by discovering Rhtis tox. and several
other Hahnemannean remedies. In the Index of the present
book are to be found Aconite, Bryonia alba, our old Hepar suiph.
or Calcium sulphide, Copper, Ipecac., Rhus tox., and others. The
book is an attempt to get " the progressive physician " over the
difficulty "of large doses." For "against this patients rebel,
and convalescence is proverbially slow; but with a better know-
ledge of medicinal substances, studied at the bedside, this diffi-
culty may be overcome, as it is only in exceptional cases that
physiological effects are desired." Again, "This small brochure
is in the nature of a plea for small doses." All of this is good.
Under Aconite is to be found fever, where, * ' for the most part,
the employment of Aconite * * * is nothing more than sympto-
matic treatment." Amen. Bryonia is prescribed for pleurisy
and for bilious headache; Hepar sulph., for boils and croup;
Cuprum, for cholera [amen]; Ipecac, for asthma, and Rhus tox.,
for lumbago and acute rheumatism. All these pointers, together
with many more of a similar nature, make this one of the best
1 88 THE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER.
books, perhaps the best, ever issued for the " regular' ' practi-
tioner, but all of these pointers are purely Homoeopathic, and
some of them, as, for instance, Cuprum for cholera, could not
possibly be the results of the author's experience, for there has
been no cholera in this country since he was graduated. We
think Dr. Aulde made a mistake in recommending a drug-house
to his readers in his preface. Better have said nothing, or else
have recommended the Homoeopathic preparations of drugs to be
used on Homoeopathic principles.
For the good of humanity, we hope Dr. Aulde's book will have
a large sale among physicians who will not receive the same
thing, presented in fuller and clearer style, in the standard works
of Homoeopathy.
Elixirs and Flavoring Extracts. Their History, Formulae and
Methods of Preparation. By J. U. Lloyd. New York: Wm.
Wood & Company, 1892. 192 pages. Lithograph cover,
$1.50.
This book is a companion, as regards style of type and make
up, to the work on cosmetics issued by the same firm a few
months ago. While nothing is said on the title page to indicate
that this is not a new book, yet by reference to the preface we
find " preface to the third revised edition/ ' which of itself seems
to indicate that the book has value. In the third preface we
learn that thirty new formulae have been added, bringing the
total up to two hundred and seventy -one. If any one is interested
in the subject of elixirs and flavoring extracts this seems to be
the book to buy. The following from the book may not be un-
interesting. "This extract [sarsaparilla] is designed to repre-
sent the drug neither in flavor nor in quality; but on the con-
trary, is made up of flavors that have been adopted and affixed to
the syrup or beverage sold under the name of sarsaparilla, and is
foreign altogether to the drug. It is used as a flavor for mineral
water beverages and soda syrups, and is a mixture of winter-
green and sassafras, and its connection with sarsaparilla drug is
imaginary.' ' What a host of human beings have gone down to
the grave under the impression that the soda water or mineral
water they drank contained sarsaparilla, whereas it was homely
sassafras and wintergreen instead! But, no doubt, it " purified "
their blood as effectually as anything else would have done.
The Hygienic Treatment of Consumption. In Three Parts.
By M. L. Holbrook, M. D. New York. 219 pages, cloth,
i2mo. $2.
THE HOMCEOPA TH1C RECORDER. 1 89
The first thing that strikes one on picking up this book is that
the publisher, who is also the author, has made a mistake in its
price; two dollars for a two hundred and nineteen page cloth
bound book is pretty steep. This, of course, is from the book-
makers point of view; for if the book will aid in restoring any
consumptive to health it is worth its weight in money to that
person. Part first treats of the nature and cause of the disease;
the cause, according to the author, is bacilli. If asked what
caused these little rods the answer would probably be, "suffic-
ient time has not," etc. Part second deals with the prevention
and treatment in earlier stages of the disease; in general these
consist in exercise and outdoor life, developing the chest, lungs,
voice, will-power, courage, etc. " Courage is sign of strength.
It is strength. Courage infuses into the whole system a healthy
condition. It is the opposite of fear. Fear is weakness that
leads to disaster. * * * Courage may be cultivated like all other
qualities of the mind. * * * I look forward to the future with
great hope that in some adequate degree the psychical treatment
of the consumptive and, indeed, those with many other diseases
shall recceive due attention. It may be a long time, but it will
surely come. The age demands it." Haven't we Christian
science?
Part third deals with the more advanced cases. The treatment
does not materially differ from that of the preceding part — exer-
cise, sunshine, pure air and fatty food — the latter is especially
dwelt upon, and olive oil highly commended.
The book was written mainly for patients, and certainly will do
no consumptive harm to read it, and may do him a world of good.
Mr. C. F. Hurlburt, of New York City, writes: "The copy
of Bradford's Bibliography reached me in good condition. I like
the appearance of the volume, and think it supplies a real want,
and will prove a very useful work." A copy of this work on the
waiting room table will do more towards making the magnitude
of Homoeopathy known than anything that could be put there.
Childhood, is the title of a new monthly magazine shortly to be
launched under the editorship of Dr. George William Winter-
burn, editor of The Homoeopathic Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology
and Pedology, and author of that strong, little work, The Value of
Vaccination. No doubt the new venture will prove to be a valu-
able journal, under the able management of Dr. Winterburn.
The first number will appear in November, and the subscription
is $1 a year. The editor's address is 328 W. Twenty-first street,
New York.
i 9 o THE HOAfCBOPATHIc RECORDER
Many years since Dr. C. Neidhard, now a veteran practitioner
of Philadelphia, made some very sensible deductions concerning
dosage, his being the only attempt at formulating philosophic
reasons for using various potencies. That he has since been
neither an idle nor an unsuccessful man his recent work upon
1 ' Headaches ' ' will testify. Indeed, this work, by its practical
completeness and scholarship, gives weight to what I shall quote
as his opinions on dosage, unfortunately from memory, for the
original cannot be referred to.
He found the lower and lowest potencies most useful in gastric,
liver and abdominal complaints, while nervous and chronic skin
troubles were best treated by the higher potencies.
I believe this to be an excellent general rule of practice.
In acute lung affections, I have learned to rely upon the poten-
cies, viz : 30th and upward, but for endocarditis and inflamma-
tions about the heart, the ix and 2x of such remedies as Gels,
and Vera. vir. are entirely satisfactory. Indeed, in congestions
of the lungs in children the latter remedy is indispensable, when
the onset is sudden and overpowering, with high fever, full
pulse but no marked thirst, restlessness or anxiety, as in the
Aconite case.
The higher potencies, even those above the 200th, serve me
well in the nutritive derangements of growing children, e. g.,
difficult dentition, rachitis, etc.
In general, the temptation is great to repeat the dose, even of
the potency, too often in acute diseases.
Dr. P. P. Wells' rule, requiring the administration of a dose
only once in four hours, in the course of a typhoid fever, I have
found an excellent one.
Repeated doses of even the indicated remedy in lower dilutions,
in fevers, I believe to be pernicious. Such practice smacks too
much of the ancient humoral theory, which required much medi-
cine to drive out or counteract the disease. Nor is it right, on
the other hand, to " let the patient die from lack of medicine,' r
as our enemies say we do, and as I think we may do unwittingly,,
by sticking too tenaciously to what seems to be the indicated
remedy, without due recognition of the progress of the disease.
— IV. E. Leonard, M. D. , in The Medical Current.
Dr. J. H. Allen, of Logansport, Ind., says of the notorious-
A. Wilford Hall's " discovery M of curing all diseases by injec-
tions of water : " I have been called 'three times to correct the
bad effects of these large* injections. In one case it produced
irritation of the ovaries and spasms, and in two others fainting
lasting for days."
Solidaga. — Dr. A. R. Knott reports two cases cured by this
drug in which the patients (himself one of them) had to rise
two or three times in the course of the night to pass urine. He
does not state whether there was a proportionate discharge of
urine during the day, or what the specific gravity was.
Homoeopathic Recorder.
PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY
BOERICKE & TAFEL,
lOll Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
9 North Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa.
SUBSCRIPTION, $1.00 PER ANNUM.
Address communications, books, etc., for the Editor to E. P. Anshutz, P. 0. Box 921, Phila-
delphia, Pa.
The following item is going the rounds among the medical
iournals of the big camp:
"Dr. G. M. Gould, of Philadelphia, has offered a prize of $100
for the best essay upon the ' Ridiculous Pretensions of Modern
Homoeopathic Practice.' The essay should not contain over 15,-
000 words, and in simplicity and directness should be adapted to
the commonest lay understanding. Papers should be sent to Dr.
Gould on or before January 1, 1893, type- written, without the
name of the author, but accompanied by a sealed letter, giving
the author's name with motto or nam de plume. The essays will
be given to a competent committee, and when their decision is
reached the sealed letters of the authors will be opened, and the
prize sent the winner. The essay will then be cheaply but well
printed in large quantities, aad supplied physicians at the cost of
printing.' '
If the " Pretensions of Modern Homoeopathic Practice' ' are so
" Ridiculous" why doesn't Dr. Gould show them up himself in
his Medical News and save his money? Probably he doesn't
understand the subject and fears to study it up. The story is
told that a certain young doctor once, in a famous hospital, an-
nounced that he intended to look into Homoeopathy to see what
it was. " Don't," said the older heads, " or you are lost." He
looked and was "lost" to them. No one should complain of
Dr. Gould's course during the past year — the more he stirs up
the subject the better for Homoeopathy. Let us hope that it will
be several years before he learns that ' * dignified silence ' ' is the
only safe course for him and his school on the subject.
The "Pacific Homoeopathic Pharmacy" at San Francisco,
Cal., advertises Boericke & Tafel's homoeopathic remedies. This
is evidently a mistake, inasmuch as Boericke & Tafel have never
sold the Pacific Homoeopathic Pharmacy any of their remedies.
Boericke & Rtinyon, of San Francisco and Portland, sell these
remedies on the Pacific coast.
1 92 THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER.
PERSONALS.
Send all Changes of Address, etc., to Recorder, for free insertion.
Dr. J. W. Harris has removed his office and residence to 1737 Wei ton
street, Denver, Colorado.
Dr. H. W. Moore has removed from Gloucester, N. J., to 2304 Federal
street, Philadelphia, Pa.
The Northwestern Journal of Homoeopathy, has come out in an enlarged
form, and greatly improved editorially.
Dr. W. U. Reed has removed from Wolf Lake to North Manchester. Ind.
Dr. Jos. L. Russell has removed from Marion, N. C., to Allegheny City,
Pa.
Dr. Stacey Jones, author of the Medical Genius, has removed from
Drewrys Bluff, Va., to Sonova, Texas. Dr. Jones practiced at Darby, Pa.,
near Philadelphia, for many years.
Dr. G. E. Gramm has removed to 617 N. 10th street, Philadelphia.
Dr. J. L. Goodrich has removed from Sargent to Broken Bow, Neb.
Dr. W. C. Williams has removed from Camden to Woodbury, N. J.
Dr. E- Wt3t ha« removed from in W. Washington street to 38 W. 12th
street, New Yor' v.ity.
Dr. Lamson Allen has removed from Southbridge to Worcester, Mass.,
taking the practice of Dr. E. L. Melius.
Dr. L. W. Carpenter has removed from Trumansburg to n Walter street,
Rochester, N. Y.
Dr. J. H. Buffam, Chicago, oculist and aurist, has removed to Venetian
Building, of that city.
W. W. Appel, V. S-, has removed from Kutztown to Pleasant Valley, Pa.
Dr. W. F. Hocking has removed from Joliet, 111., to Brooklyn, la.
Dr. Chas. A. Ay res has removed from Nanticoke to 130 S. Main street,
Wilkesbarre, Pa.
The Bovinine Company has removed its office to 68 S. Fifth avenue, New
York.
Dr. H. E. Cross has removed from Baraboo, Wis., to La Grange, 111.
The circulation of the Homoeopathic Envoy is rapidly increasing. 25
cents a year per copy, with reduced rates when taken in lots of twenty-five
copies or more. For rates or a specimen copy address E« P. Anshutz, P. O.
Box 921, Philadelphia, Pa-
in a letter to the Recorder Dr. W. H. Holcombe says: "I have no con-
nection whatever with the Homoeopathic News, and am not responsible for
its conduct, or a party to its management.' ' His name appearing as one
of the editors, seems to have been an error.
" For Sale" or "Wants " in this page of the Recorder are inserted for
$3.00. Cash must accompany order.
Boerick & TafePs "Descriptive Book Catalogue" is just the thing for
any one wanting to look into Homoeopathic books. It gives the informa-
tion that buyers want. Sent on request.
Zimmermann's "Barley Oat Food," and the "Romanshorn Milk" form
a team in the way of baby food that passes anything on the road. They
are meat and drink, and on them any youngster will wax lusty.
Drs. A. J. Mai,oy and Sarah E. Maloy have removed from LaGrange,
111., to Atlanta, Ga. There is a big field in the South, but the pioneers
must do missionary work until prejudice is overcome.
Pay your back dues to the Recorder.
Subscribe to the Recorddr. $1.00 per annum.
THE
Homeopathic Recorder.
Vol VII. Philadelphia and Lancaster, Sept., 1892. No. 5.
TINCTURE OF IODINE AN ANTIDOTE TO THE
BITE OF VENOMOUS SERPENTS.
Since giving a short paper to the Homoeopathic Association
of Florida, on the use of Iodine in the bite of the rattlesnake and
other venomous serpents, I have received several letters from
physicians asking further information in regard to its use in
these cases. So, with your permission, I propose to give it
through the Recorder, in order to reach th* 3great body of
physicians throughout the country.
My mind was first called to the treatment of snake bites soon
after my graduation and location in Hastings, Mich. A lad
about 15 years old was bitten by a rattlesnake, and treated by a
" regular.' ' I know nothing of the treatment beyond heroic
doses of something, and the wrapping of the bitten limb in pond
muck. The lad was confined to his room for several months,
but finally recovered, and the doctor got great praise for saving
the life of his patient.
This circumstance impressed me profoundly and I made a
careful study of the subject; however, with but little satisfaction,
as I saw nothing ver}' encouraging in any treatment laid down
or recommended. About this time I happened to pick up a scrap
of newspaper lying by the roadside, not much larger than my
hand, and on it I found a short paragraph to the effect that a
certain doctor in a foreign country had made the discovery that
the tincture of Iodine was a certain cure for the poison of the rat-
tlesnake, but without a hint, as I remember now, how to use it.
You may be sure I made a note of it, as rattlesnakes were quite
numerous throughout that section.
Not very long after a little girl, about four years old, who had
been bitten by a rattlesnake a couple of hours before was brought
to my office by her parents. The bite was near the ankle, as it
usually is, with the limb swollen and very painful. This was my
i 9 4 THE H0MCE0PATH1L RECORDER.
first case. The parents, as might be expected, were very anxious
over the matter; so was I. I went to a druggist and ordered an
ounce of decolorized tincture of Iodine, and putting a little in
water bathed the bitten parts; then, filling a small bottle with
water, I added one drop of the Iodine to each teaspoonful of water
the bottle contained and ordered a teaspoonful to be given the
child every fifteen minutes for the first hour; then to lengthen
out gradually to one hour and report to me next morning. The
father reported next morning that the child was all right; swell-
ing nearly gone and the child quite able to play about. I confess
I was greatly astonished and gratified. Put this case by the side
of the one treated about a year before by the " Regular " and it
scored high for Homoeopathy; and, as far as I can recollect, every
case of snake bite fell into my hands in that region whilst I re-
mained there.
Some time after I was sent for to go in haste to see a lad about
eight years old, who had just been bitten on the left foot by a
rattler. My treatment was exactly the same as in the first case,
with the same happy results. The one visit sufficed to make a
perfect cure.
My third case was one that thoroughly tested the Iodine treat-
ment. A lady living about six miles from town was bitten on
her ankle very early in the morning, by a large rattler. At
once cauterization was applied to the part bitten, and the lady
kept drunk on whiskey. Twelve hours were consumed this way
before I was called to the case. I found her in rigors, body
spotted, throat swollen, deglutition difficult, and signs of col-
lapse imminent. External applications were useless, so I gave
her Iodine in one drop doses every five minutes for one hour ;
then increased them to every fifteen minutes, and finally to sixty
minutes, until morning. In one hour's time she was easy, and
the next morning, only twenty-four hours from the time she was
bitten, she was able to get the breakfast for her family, and the
doctors who had watched the case through the night. I treated
a number of cases in Michigan, and every one with the same
happy result. In no case have I made a second visits or given any
other medicine.
Since coming to Florida, I have treated the bites of the ground
rattler, a small species of the rattlesnake, whose bite is very
painful ; the bitten part swells badly, and usually makes an ugly
sore, hard to heal. I was called to see a young man who was
bitten by one of them on his ankle whilst plowing. I reached
him about five hours after the bite, and found him in great
distress, and limb badly swollen. I made no external appli-
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 195
cation, but gave him drop doses of the Iodine. The next day he
was plowing as if nothing serious had happened him.
We have also very large rattlesnakes here, often measuring
six feet in length, and a foot in circumference in their thickest
parts. Their bite is very deadly. I have never had an oppor-
tunity of treating any person bitten by one of these, but have
tested it upon a dog and a cow with results most remarkable.
The cow was found badly swollen and unable to rise. Iodine
was given her in five or six drop doses, and she made a rapid
and complete recovery. The dog was bitten in the face by a six-
feet rattler. I saw it perhaps one hour after the bite. The dog
lay unconscious, and his owner said he was dying. I opened
the dog's mouth and dropped several drops of Iodine upon his
tongue; then after a few minutes repeated the dose and waited
results. Directly the dog staggered to his feet ; the medicine
was given about every half hour, and in six hours after was off
to the woods with his master hunting the cows !
There is in this country a short thick snake of a brownish
color, inhabiting our swamps and low grounds whose bite is
nearly or quite as dangerous as the large rattlesnake. It is
known here as the lc Moccasin." I have only treated one case
of moccasin bite. That was in January last. I was sent for to
see a girl about ten years old who had been bitten by one of
these snakes whilst playing near the edge of a marsh. I found
her, as usual in these cases, in great pain, and the family greatly
frightened. A few years before a cousin of the girl, of about
the same age, had been bitten by one of these snakes, and died
about twelve hours after, in spite of the efforts of the physician
to save her life. The family greatly feared she would go the
same way. I treated her precisely as I had treated those bitten
by the rattlesnakes, and with the same results. The next day
she was about as though nothing had happened.
Such has been my experience with Iodine. I believe it to be
a perfect specific in the bite of venomous serpents of all kinds,
in poisonous insects, and probably in the bite of the mad dog.
I have had no opportunity of testing its merits in either of these
cases, but its marvelous control over the poison of serpents
leads me to believe that it will probably prove a specific in
rabies.
Will other medical journals please make note of this matter.
Fraternally,
E. F. Brown, M. D.
Kissimmee> Fla.
j 1
196 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
DR. HALE QUESTIONS DR. WEIHE.
Editor Homoeopathic Recorder:
In the article on Genius Epidemicus> by Dr. Weihe, in your
July number, is the astonishing statement that "Sepia corre-
sponds precisely in its specific action to Antifebrin and Chelidon-
ium to Antipyrin." You will observe that he gives no proof — no
symptoms — no clue to the indications! Does he mean that Sepia
will reduce the temperature and relieve the pains as well as An-
tifebrin f What pains? Surely a physician who writes for the
benefit of the profession should be more definite. As it stands,
his recommendation is worthless. It is the crudest form of gen-
eralization.
When Dr. Weihe says he can give the same relief (of fever and
pain?) with the sixth trituration of Antifebrin and Antipyrin
that can be got with the usual Allopathic doses, I do not believe
him, for I have tested the matter again and again and failed.
Caution f Dr. Nicholson quotes Burggran as taking one-fifth
grain of Strychnine every night to prolong life in old age. This
must bean error, for I do not believe an old man of eighty-three
could take that dose with impunity. I once took by mistake one-
fifth grain and was bodily affected. The dose was probably one-
fiftieth grain. E. M. Hale.
Chicago, fuly 28 \ 1892.
A PROVING OF PYROGENIUM.
During this last week I have been reading Dr. J. Compton
Burnett's lecture on the use Pyrogenium, 6th dilution, in con-
tinued fevers and blood poisoning, including Dr. Shuldham on
diphtheria, and Dr. Drysdale's idea of the therapeutic properties.
And I was so very much impressed by these writings and the
power, as thus reported, that I resolved to follow my usual course
and try it on myself, to see if it could lower a normal temperature.
So I began with some tablets that I have had by me for some
time. I dissolved six tablets in one ounce of water and began
taking twenty drops, intending to increase if I failed to get con-
firmatory results. I am fifty-nine years old, my temperature
98 4-5° and pulse 72 sitting, counting both sides, radial arteries,
changing hands, my watch on my office table, and not watching
the second hand pointing, but my eyes on some other object while
I counted. I have often noticed while examining a sick one's
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 197
pulse that if they can hear the tick of the watch and begin to
count it that the pulse will keep with the mental effort, and drop
down to that sixty- second beat, so I have made it a practice
never to allow this.
The drops I count in this way: That which wet the finger
when put over the mouth of the vial I count a drop, and suck
this off and wet again with dilution, and so on until the twenty
are taken.
Four P. M. Took twenty drops. I had a slight occiput head-
ache, but nothing much to note about, only to be correct; within
half an hour felt chilly in my thighs, legs and feet in this order;
this was followed by flushes, headache better at the back, but
have felt a slight stitch-like pain in frontal, and stitch-like pain
in my right tonsil, and clammy, cold sweat following the flush-
ing, just like what I have felt in prodromal stage of diphtheria,
and like what I have, heard others describe my headache in occi-
put, has returned.
Six P. M. Temperature 98 4-5 . Pulse 70. Just before dinner,
feeling hungry. Atmospheric temperature very warm.
Nine P. M. Just before retiring, pulse 64. Temperature 98 .
Gentle perspiration, with some chilly feeling, what is called
goose flesh; took twenty drops; frontal headache, sharp stitch
pain in right tonsil, and stitch- like pain in hemorrhoidal tumor;
rumbling in the bowels from gas; urine more abundant and
fresher in passing, with more than my usual force; good smell
and color; slept good until 2 A. M., when distended bladder
awoke me; passed a good quantity. (I used to have to get up
about every two hours, but Sabal ser. and Phy. berry juice cured
me of that, and now it is very un frequent that I have to do so.)
Slept well; dreamless until 5 A. M., when I awoke and dressed
for the day.
Six A. M. Temperature 97 2-5 . Pulse 62. Took 20 drops.
Had a very giddy feeling in my head; frontal pain and pressure
or numb feeling on the top over the temporal region. Felt very
sleepy while reading my morning paper, and was tempted to
take another hour's sleep, but my dispensary time had come, so
I did not yield, and patients diverted my thoughts.
Eight A. M. Pulse 60. Temperature 97 . Atmospheric tem-
perature 70 . A bright, clear morning, but felt so chilly that I
was under the necessity of closing my office windows. A dizzy
head; staggering; no mental cloudiness; clear head and some
cheerfulness. The chilly feeling continues mostly below the
body, but have felt some in right side of face. Stitch in right
tonsil. Very loose passage of black, mushy stool, early and at
198 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
10 A. M., and a feeling of coldness round my mout has if my
saliva had run out. Repeatedly I took my pockethandkerchief
to wipe it away; then I thought this is also a part of the lower-
ing of my temperature.
This convinced me that Pyrogenium in a high dilution has
power to lower a normal temperature and pull down a normal
pulse. And as I was to play cricket — a whole day's match — I'
could not afford to go any further, as I only wanted to convince
myself that a high dilution of this could do something with me.
I am sure if this was persevered in I could have developed a
fine malarial condition and some diphtheria symptoms, but as I
have said I could not afford to do so.
When I have malaria, diphtheria and continued fever to treat,
I have now a very valuable new remedy with which I hope to
prove that Homoeopathy is superior to all other systems of med-
icine.
Robert Boocock, M. D.
Flatbushy L. /., July 22, 1892.
WORLD'S CONGRESS NOTES.
Editor of the Homeopathic Recorder.
The decision of the American Institute to hold its next session
in connection with the World's Congress of Homoeopathy, at
Chicago, in 1893, w iH insure the largest and most representative
meeting of our school ever held.
The International Hahnemannian Association has been invited
to take part in the Congress.
The Great Northern Hotel, new and elegantly furnished, abso-
lutely fire- proof, has been engaged for the headquarters of the
Congress. It is about three blocks from the Art Building, where
the sessions of the Congress will be held. Rooms will be fur-
nished at regular rates. Application should be made at once to
Dr. J. H. Buffum, Venetian Building, Chicago.
The magnificent Art Building, to cost $1,000,000, in which
the meetings of the Congress are to be held, is now being rapidly
built, and will be completed May 1st, 1893. It will contain two
audience rooms, seating 3,500 each and a dozen or more halls,
seating from 300 to 700 each. Ample facilities will be afforded
for introductory exercises, general sessions, and committee meet-
ings, under the same roof.
The new four-mile intake will be ready for use in a few weeks,
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 199
and Chicago will then have one of the best systems for securing
pure water, in the world.
One of the most interesting studies for physicians at the Ex-
position, will be the sewerage system. Six thousand sanitary
closets will be built in marble compartments. From these the sew-
erage will be conveyed to large tanks at the south-east corner of
the grounds, there purified by chemicals, its solids pressed into
cakes and burned in furnaces. Arrangements are made for a
permanent city of 300,000 inhabitants. This method will there-
fore receive a thorough test.
The Congress will convene Monday, May 29th, 1893, an< * con-
tinue its sessions through the week, the last session being held
June 3d.
It is hoped that the attractions of the Exposition, with those
of the Congress, will secure a large representation of physicians
of our school from foreign countries. The committee will make
earnest endeavors to secure such delegates. Chicago.
PROGRESS IN ILLINOIS.
Editor of the Homoeopathic Recorder.
On July 8th Governor Fifer appointed Dr. Edward Vincent,
of Springfield, Surgeon- General of the Illinois National Guard,
with rank of Colonel, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of
Col. Fred. L. Matthews, of Springfield. Dr. Vincent is a young
and able surgeon, and the appointment is an excellent one.
This is the first time this honor has been conferred upon a
Homoeopathist in Illinois. The fact that the Homoeopathic phy-
sicians, and their large and influential patronage, were not
receiving a sufficient representation in State appointments and
affairs, was pointed out to Governor Fifer. This appointment
followed in consequence, and was made freely and graciously;
not, however, in full of all recognition due, but in lieu of some-
thing better, there being nothing else available. The Governor
promises to give Homoeopathy the first State institution possible.
He has never understood nor appreciated the situation before.
Simixia.
HOMCEOPATHIC BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THE UNITED
STATES,
From the year 1825 to the year 1891, inclusive. Part I. Alpha-
betical List of Books and Pamphlets; Books against Homoeopathy;
2oo THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
Magazines; Directories; Lists of Homoeopathic Publishers; Li-
braries; Previous Homoeopathic Bibliography. Part II. Con-
densed Histories, Data and Bibliography of Homoeopathic
Societies, Colleges, Hospitals, Asylums, Homes, Sanitariums,
Asylums for the Insane, Dispensaries, Pharmacies, Life Insur-
ance, Legislation, now or at any time existent in the United
States. Carefully compiled and arranged by Thomas Lindsley
Bradford, M. D., Philadelphia, Pa. Philadelphia: Boericke &
Tafel. 1892. Royal 8vo. Pp. 596.
When Pope had translated the Iliad he sent a copy to Bentley
for his judgement thereupon. The Greek scholar acknowledged
the gift graciously, but conscientiously added: " It's a very nice
book, Mr. Pope, but don't call it Homer." Something similar
must be said of Dr. Bradford's magnum opus.
It falls short of bibliography in the true sense of that word,
and it gives us far more than is to be expected from any biblio-
graphy. It has all the heterogenity of a first-class olla podrida;
and when the reviewer begins to consider the immense extent of
the compiler's labor in collecting such an overwhelming profusion
of material so diverse, he can readily forgive the slip of an er-
roneous title. Indeed, it must have puzzled the indefatigable
doctor to give the completed work an appropriate name; he proba-
bly felt like a hen which has hatched ducklings when she sees
her brood taking to the water. But he knew that he had started
upon a bibliography, and he stuck to his title though he had
deviated from his task. And what a task it has been !
Dr. Bradford has made his title so widely inclusive, and has
treated each topic so exhaustively, as to make it plainly evident
that he has strenuously endeavored to have the whole work strictly
accurate. If he has failed at all it is because the facts are inac-
cessible, or that some of his informants have falsified from either
ignorance or design. When one remembers that the truth is so
much cheaper than a falsehood — to say nothing of its superior
wearing quality — it is a triple pity that a work of such unspeak-
able value to the future historian should be damaged by a single
willful defect. .
An instance of this nature is found on page 470. It is there
stated of the Homoeopathic College of the University of Michigan
that "Lectures were commenced October 1, 1875, b) r a Homoeo-
pathic Faculty of three physicians." This statement is quite a
puzzle to the two pioneer professors who shied their castors into
the campus whilst " the heathen raged and the people imagined
a vain thing." Dr. Bradford's informant probably evolved three
physicians from two by the following method of enumeration:
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 201
1. Professor John C. Morgan; 2. Professor Samuel A. Jones as
lie is; 3. Samuel A. Jones, M. D., as he is represented. If the
reader finds this hypothesis unsatisfactory I can plead only that
it is based on personal experience. However, an initial Ho-
moeopathic faculty of two physicians is anatomically and histori-
cally correct.
But Dr. Bradford's informant goes on to say: " This Faculty
has been gradually increased until it now consists of ten Ho-
moeopathic physicians.' ' In the University calendar for 1890-91
the Homoeopathic faculty consists of five professors and three
" assistants;' ' in the calendar for 1891-92 there are five professors,
one non-resident lecturer, and four " assistants." These as-
sistants must not be mistaken for assistant professors, nor should
the reader suppose that the faculty which " now consists of ten
Homoeopathic physicians" means ten professors, as a hurried
reading would imply. However, it is probably anatomically and
historically correct to say that there are in the Homoeopathic
faculty at the present writing five professors in the robes of office,
and five in the Falstaffian " buckram suits." As there are official
data for this statement it were as well that it had been correctly
given in the Homozopathu Bibliography.
The unsuspecting reader who opens this volume at page 353,
Section VI, Libraries, will be led to conclude that the " Homoe-
opathic Department of Michigan University " founded a library
in 1875; that the said library contains 3,000 volumes, and that
this mythical library is "included with that of the Regular
School." The Librarian of the University informs me that the
Homoeopathic books are not more than three hundred in number,
and that the majority are medical journals, and that so far from
this library being "included with that of the regular school"
they are really as distinct as Jew and Gentile. If the library of
this Homoeopathic College increases in the same ratio it will
have " 3,000 volumes " in about one hundred and seventy years.
It is indeed a pleasure to turn from this meagre list to that of
the mother college in Philadelphia, with its 8,500 volumes and
10,000 pamphlets. Such a library is the best guarantee against
ours becoming "a dying faith.' ' It is to be feared that our col-
leges are too generally engaged in grinding out graduates, rather
than grounding their students in the principles of Homoeopathy.
A good library, rich in the testimony of the fathers, will go far
towards counteracting the mere commercial spirit that actuates
such faculties, for there is here and there a student whose sole
objective point is not the mere obtaining of a legal license to
. practice, but who is earnestly seeking the absolute qualifications
202 1HE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER.
therefor. Such will inevitably gravitate into a good library, if
there be one, there to make up for the remissness of their
teachers.
It h*s been said that this work falls short of a bibliography in
the true sense of that word. " A Partial Homoeopathic Biblio-
graphy of the United States " would be correct. A bibliography
must include not only every book and pamphlet, but also every
paper published by each author cited. To have carried out this
plan would necessitate more than one such volume as Dr. Brad-
ford has given us, and it is far better that his work is as it is-
At the same time, Hering, Hempel, Dunham, Lilienthal, and
other notable dead workers are deserving of a full bibliography r
the complete record of their life-work should be given, and it
would be appropriate if the same were published by the chief
society of the State to which the author belonged. These publi-
cations would be at once a fitting monument to the dead and a
valuable index for the living.
So far as books and pamphlets are concerned, the present
writer has been unable to find Dr. Bradford guilty of a single
lapse. Indeed, the more we turn over the pages of this work
the more we are amazed at the evidence of indefatigable research^
More than all, Dr. Bradford's achievement is unique. We have
rambled to some extent amongst books, but have never yet met
its counterpart ; it outdoes even the Index Catalogue in the ful-
ness of its treatment, and it is to-day without a parallel in any
medical literature.
This work has a pathetic interest for the older members of our
school; it will revive memories of earlier days; it will recall the
dead and draw their living companions into still closer bonds —
soon, alas, to be broken !
We have never yet opened this book without falling into a
reverie over its pages. The title of a paper recalls the occasion
when it was read, and long forgotten scenes are re-enacted ; the
earnest voices are heard again, the eager faces and fleshing eyes,
are visibly before us, and the heart-beat quickens, and the breath
is held — the book has fallen to the floor, and the sound has dis-
pelled the vision. We are suddenly grown old: Ehu, fugaces /
There is one matter on which we desire to say a word in justice
to one long dead; it refers to what is termed " Guernsey's Boen-
ninghausen ' ' on page 99 of the work under notice. The device
is ascribed to Dr. W. J. Guernsey, while it really originated
with Dr. R. M. Bolles. [Vide p. 31.] Doubtless some of the
older Homoeopathic physicians in New York city can remem-
ber Dr. Bolles's mahogany box with its " Slips,' ' we saw it in.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 203
bis son's possession in 1869 or 1870. It was the greatest
carricature upon "symptom covering" that could be devised,
and no friend of Homoeopathy will thank Dr. Guernsey for at-
tempting to revive it. S. A. J.
P. S. — Since writing the above, the Bibliography has lain for
some days on the table in our reception room, and it has de-
veloped an use for the book that makes it desirable for every
Homoeopathic physician to possess a copy. One after another
of our patients has remarked after examining the Bibliography
that they had not thought that Homoeopathy was by any means
so extensive. The books, the magazines, the colleges, the hos-
pitals, the dispensaries, the pharmacies, the societies — all com-
ing into existence since 1825 — these are, indeed, a remarkable
showing for a " dying faith,' ' as our disinterested regular friends
are pleased to praise it.
PRACTICAL HINTS.
Translated for the Homoeopathic Recorder.
Lachesis. — A special indication for Lachesis in throat troubles
is the great sensitiveness to pressure; pressure not only pains
but excites invariably at once cough; no other remedy has this
symptom.
Helleborus niger is of but little effect when given in potencies.
It should be administered in 3-5 drop doses of the mother tinc-
ture. Neglect of this long-known fact may be the cause that this
excellent remedy in dropsy following scarlatina has come into
disuse.
Lilium Hgr. — For several years it has come into common use to
treat almost all abnormal positions of the uterus with Aurum
tnur. nat., while the provings of Lilium tigr. give decided indi-
cation in the prolapsus and even procidentia, especially when
complicated with immoderate urging of urine. Our American
colleagues give more attention to this remedy than we do.
Digitaliuniy jd trit. — One dose before retiring will subdue im-
moderate sexual excitement in men, and prevent pollutions. It
will not effect a cure, however, but is useful as an intercurrent
remedy.
Argentum nitr. should be thought of if certain affections of
the digestive organs (especially catarrh of the stomach, with
waterbrash and bitter metallic or pappy taste) are complicated
with melancholy, despondency and failing of memory. — Pop.
Horn, Zeitg.t Vol. XL , No. 11.
2o 4 THE HOMCEOPA Tff/c RECORDER.
A CASE OF CHRONIC POISONING BY COPPE>R-ZINC.
Translated for the Homoeopathic Recorder.
On December 29th, Mr. B., a workman in a brass and copper
manufacturing establishment, consulted me on account of pro-
gressive deafness and an eruption of the face of several years
standing. The latter consisted of a kind of a furunculosis of the
face. There appeared sometimes on the one then on the other
cheek several hard, itching, and burning spots, painful on pres-
sure; they were reddish- brown and somewhat raised; they seemed
to have no tendency to suppurate; remained unchanged for
weeks, then gradually disappeared only to break out on the
other cheek. Patient had used with some success some drawing
plasters, which promoted suppuration of the smaller pustules, ac-
celerating their disappearance, but new ones developed con-
stantly. At present there were two of the size of a nickel on his
left cheek.
Patient also complained of great difficulty of hearing, of hiss-
ing noises in the left ear, the lobe of which was somewhat in-
flamed. This was accompanied with attacks of heat in the head,
especially at night, and by a long-continued catarrh and itching
of the nose. In the mornings tube-like pieces of mucus were
blown down. General condition seemed to be not much affected,
excepting an occasional want of appetite.
A thorough cleansing of the ear brought away several hardened
lumps; the noises in the ear lessened, but the hearing was very
slightly improved. I used Politzer's bag, but the ducts seemed
to be closed.
A careful investigation disclosed that patient, aet. 36, was en-
gaged for about twenty years in manufacturing copper and brass.
He would at times make castings and then turn these off on the
lathe. Of late he made castings about every two weeks, and
was then exposed for five or six hours, more or less, to the fumes
of copper and zinc. At such times all his complaints became
much worse, while the fumes of copper alone seemed to affect
him less. His troubles seemed to be worse the more zinc was
mixed in. I made him remove the plasters; and, assuming the
case to be one of chronic poisoning by the two metals, prescribed
Hepar sulph. 3X, a dose morning and evening, that antidoting
both metals. The whole condition was ameliorated from the
first dose; the catarrh ceased and hearing gradually returned.
During a copper casting the eruption grew worse for a few days,
but not nearly so bad as formerly, and disappeared altogether a
few days later. I then prescribed only one dose a day of the
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 205
remedy for two months, and it sufficed to eradicate not only the
whole diseased condition, but a dose twice a week seems to af-
ford him perfect immunity against the effects of the metallic
fumes. The pathogenesis of Cuprum as well as that of Zincum
record the symptoms which were developed in this case. — Dr.
M. Guesken, in Pop. Zeit.f. Horn., Vol. XI. No. 10.
HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS IN IMPETIGINOUS
ECZEMA.
Translated for the Homceopathic Recorder.
A gracile, pale girl, aet. 8 years, suffered from so called erethic
scrophulosis. The very emaciated, but mentally far advanced
child, was brought to me on account of a painful swelling of the
glands of the. neck and shoulders, forcing an oblique position of
the head; she had at the same time an eruption on her scalp.
This eruption was an eczema. The skin, especially of the back
of head, was reddened in miny places; there were numerous
small vesicles, which itched terribly, and on scratching voided a
thin secretion which afterwards dried up into large crusts. These
crusts pained 4< as if on fire." In addition to this, and in spite of
the father's declaration that they practiced the utmost cleanli-
ness, her hair having been cut short several times, the hair on
the affected spots was tangled and matted together, and formed
with the secretion a veritable cake, which had a peculiar mouldy
smell. I directed that the head be washed every evening thor-
oughly with soapsuds, and that every morning the crusts be
anointed with Olive oil and the crusts then carefully loosened
and removed. I also interdicted all scratching, and prescribed
Mercur. sol. 3* and Hepar. sulph. c. 3X, two doses a day for four
weeks, i. <?., one week Mercur. and the next week Hepar sulph.
c> et iterum.
In less than three weeks the inflamed glands were in a normal
state without suppuration. But the eczema of the scalp was un-
changed. About this time I came across an article on Hydrastis
Can. by Dr. A. Rego, in the Homceopathic Rundschau , in which
he states, among others, that this remedy " acts by preference on
the skin, mucous membranes and glands ; it also alleviates burning
pains of affections of the skin. Eruptions of the skin, amenable
to Hydrastis are moist, without scaus or nodules. Suppurating
sores produce granulations of an unhealthy character, or are dry
and burning" As in addition to all this, this remedy is es-
2o6 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
pecially applicable to persons of a weakly, cachectic nature, I tried
it, and in the form in which Dr. Rego recommended it; as a local
application for Intertrigo in children, which is a mixture of one
part of tincture of Hydrastis with nine of Glycerine. With this
mixture I caused the affected spots to be well moistened mornings
and evenings. The itching and burning disappeared already on
the first day; after two weeks the scalp was perfectly clean, and
in place of the matted hair a young crop was showing itself. —
Dr. M. Guesken, in Pop. Horn. Zeitg., Vol. XI, No. n.
"MODERN THERAPEUTICS."
Dr. Center, of Jacksonville, £la., writes in the following strain
to the Medical Summary:
1 ' Please inform us old doctors how we can learn modern thera-
peutics. I have just received a pamphlet setting forth the virtues
of Eucalyptol. It is a 'germicide, a diuretic, a penetrating,
non-coagulant anti* zymotic, a powerful antiseptic, a disinfectant,
stimulant, expectorant, anti-spasmodic, an antiphilogistic, vul-
nary,' and eighty-eight doctors therein extol its virtues for
'scrofula, kidney troubles, influenza, remittent fever, coryza,
aural catarrh, diarrhoea, dysentery, pulmonary abscess, dermoid
diseases, eruptive fevers, typhoid fever, ozena, erysipelas, all
zymotic diseases, wounds, bruises, sprains, colds, pharyngitis,
laryngitis, la grippe, rheumatism, bronchitis, cystitis, gastritis,
proctitis, vaginitis, endometritis, leucorrhcea, haemorrhage from
the womb and bowels, pneumonia, asthma, diphtheria, bron-
chorrhoea, gonorrhoea, ophthalmia, throat trouble, headache,
neuralgia, malaria, incipient phthisis, hay fever, dyspepsia,
alveolar abscesses, diseases of the air passages, ulcerated os
uteri, syphilitic rhinitis, a case of syphilis cured in ten days,
hysteria, cerebral anaemia, aphonia, renal troubles (sic) varix,
right iliac gurgling, scarlatina, purulent otorrhoea, whooping-
cough, ascaridis, . vermiculosis, tonsilitis, fetid breath, enteritis,
croup, ulcer of leg, intermittent fever, eczema, chilblains, haem-
orrhoids, varicose ulcer, and last, but not least, in disorders of
the respiratory organs Eucalyptus is the desideratum long wished
for.' This last absurd travesty on Latin and reliable thera-
peutics comes from bleeding Kansas."
There are ninety and nine other proprietory or semi-secret
medicines in the regular swim, which are quite as absurd in their
claims as the one mentioned by Dr. Center. With money and
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER 207
gall there is no end to the endorsements that may be secured.
Sometimes not much money is needed. The usual routine is to
get some one to write up a " scientific ' ' article on the thing to
be advertised, giving its merits (almost unlimited) and its limi-
tations (almost nil), and then pay a fat price to some medical
journal to publish it as an original paper. If the advertisement
is well written, the chances are that it will be copied by other
journals as ' * scientific ' ' matter, much to the profit of the adver-
tiser. Funny work, but it goes.
SEPIA.
Every Homoeopathic physician knows, or should know, how
to use this drug of Hahnemann, for the pelvic and other com-
plaints of women. For these, we have not its equal. But too
many neglect it for other chronic complaints of either sex. Re-
membering that its general state is one of torpidity, with very
little pain, and that it is often a " finishing remedy," let us ex-
amine some of its rarer uses. Among the twenty-five students'
provings reported to the American Institute of Homoeopathy in
1875, several had such symptoms as these: " Profuse nose-
bleed; intolerable itching inside nose, which is sore on scratch-
ing; feeling in nostrils as if she had taken cold; burning in nose,
•especially at rest; some pain in forehead and stinging in nostrils,
as from cold ; stuffed nose, watery mucus from nose, slight
frontal headache passing round right side to occiput; voice like
that of one with cold in head, etc."
Based upon these and other symptoms in other provers, our
•German confreres have recorded cures of epistaxis, ozoena and
chronic nasal catarrh, with the following indications :
"Dry coryza; nostrils sore, swollen, ulcerated and scabby;
•discharging large green plugs. Ozoena (13 years standing),
large, offensive-smelling plugs, offensive, greenish discharge
from left nostril ; severe throbbing pains in forehead. Catarrh ;
pressive pain in root of nose, nose swollen and inflamed ; small
ulcers in nostrils ; scurfy nostrils ; discharge of yellow water from
nose ; dryness in nose and throat, etc."
Few remedies present a better picture of chronic nasal catarrh,
than Sepia. It ranks with Kali dick, and Aurum, and would
have even a better record if it had been thought of and applied
as often.
Again, some of the above student provers had no symptoms
208 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER
but those referable to the urinary tract. In those, not only was
the urine turbid, offensive, and leaving a whitish adherent film,
but the urging- to urinate was very frequent, and there was ting-
ling along the urethra, and (in one) slight aching at neck of
the bladder just after urinating, etc. These are only hints as to
its action along this canal, but it has been successfully used,
not only in cystitis and irritable bladder, but in gonorrhoea,
and especially gleet, where certain German physicians have found
it very efficacious for the following :
"No pain; discharge only during night, a drop or so, staining
linen yellowish ; orifice of urethra stuck together in the morning;
particularly where sexual organs are debilitated by long con-
tinuance of disease.' '
Several times have I seen Sepia cure such obstinate cases,
alter Merc, Puis., etc., have had a fair trial.
In neglected pneumonias, with copious, very offensive ex-
pectoration, and in various stages of phthisis, for the dry, har-
rassing cough with but little tough, slimy expectoration, or later,
when the patient is nearly choked with the profuse, greenish,
fetid sputa; Sepia has accomplished much. In one such case,
in my own practice, Sepia palliated greatly, relieving especially
a sour sweat appearing each night, mainly upon the chest and
back.
You need only to review the clinical record of Sepia in whitlow,
chorea, rheumatism, and various skin affections, notably
chloasma, herpes and warts, to conclude that its range extends
outside of the female sex, and that it is a grand remedy for
chronic ailments. — From paper read before Missouri Institute of
Homceopathy by IV. E. Leonard, M. D. y Minneapolis.
SAW PALMETTO.
The status of Saw Palmetto {Serenoa serrulata } Sabal serrulata t
Chamcerops serrulatd) has not been fully settled. In general, the
fruit of this plant is claimed to have a special influence on the
glands of the reproductive system and to aid digestion. Extrava-
gant claims are. made with regards to its action in enlarging
atrophic testicles and the mammae. As a medical writer said
not long ago: * * If Saw Palmetto does not increase the size of a
woman's breasts, nothing else short of inlactation will." Great
relief has been reported from its use in enlargement of the pros-
tate gland of men past middle age. People and animals are said
THE HOMGEOPA THIC RECORDER. 209
to grow fat on eating the fruit of the Saw Palmetto. Its proper-
ties are described as being sedative, pseudo-narcotic, diuretic
and digestive stimulant, and it is given in wasting of the testi-
cles from masturbation, varicocele, prostatic troubles, and diseases
of the ovaries; it is also given in irritation of the mucous mem-
brane of the throat, larynx, and nose, in phthisis, bronchitis,
acute and chronic laryngitis, asthma, as well as neuralgic disor-
ders. The dose is from one half to one and two drachms three
or four times a day. — Western Druggist.
TREATMENT OF SMALLPOX.
By Charles Mueller, M. D., City and County Physician at
Bruex, Austria.
Translated for the Homoeopathic Recorder.
In my practice from 1830 until 1872, I saw many and various
epidemics of smallpox. First, I treated my patients, who were
afflicted by this disease in the Allopathic way, but from the year
1842 I subjected them to the Homoeopathic method. For a
period of three years I held also the office of vaccine physician
in a district which included seven townships. Of the many
patients of that kind who were entrusted to my care during this
long time but one died, a child six weeks old, who had been
vaccinated and succumbed while it was yet at its mother's
breast. My experience led me to the opinion that smallpox is
not a dreadful disease, and that it does not matter whether the
person who falls sick from it has been vaccinated or not.
In 1870 the city where I lived was visited by smallpox. This
epidemic lasted from March until September. More than 500
persons were stricken by the disease; they represented every age.
Among the sick were infants a few days old, as well as persons
over seventy; people who had been vaccinated and others who
had not, but neither I nor my fellow-physicians had to report a
death from smallpox. Therefore I was confirmed in my belief
that this disease is not dangerous.
In 1872 smallpox again made its appearance in our city
and the surrounding country; it was that epidemic which ex-
tended over the whole of Europe. This time the events made
me change my opinion in regard to the character of smallpox.
The first case I had to treat was a peasant woman living out
in the country. I was called to her on June 20, 1872. When I
210 THE H0MCE0PATH1L RECORDER.
saw her she complained of pricking pains at the right side of the
abdomen, and explained her suffering by telling me she had hurt
herself by falling on a round of a ladder when another round lower
down broke as she ascended it. Two days afterwards, when I paid
my patient another visit, I found on her the smallpox in full
blast; they were so numerous that at the time when they were
drying off, I told those who nursed the patient to remove every
looking-glass, fearing she might see her image, get frightened
and be taken with bad spells. She had been vaccinated and re-
gained her health completely by means of the most simple Ho-
moeopathic treatment — in keeping the windows and doors always
open, in using a very light coverlet and administering Aconite^
Belladonna and Mercury, There remained, however, many deep
pock-marks.
The second case happened in our city on September the ioth.
The patient was a young man who was known for his extraor-
dinary cleanliness and neatness, as he would daily take a cold
bath and undergo cold lavements. He suffered from violent
headache and inclination to vomit before the smallpox came on.
I did not at all forebode the appearance of smallpox, and pre-
scribed Belladonna, but the following day the symptoms of this
disease were already discernible. There were, however, only
few pocks and their size was small. I made my patient continue
his customary cold lavements and ordered the windows kept open
day and night. He recovered within a week, the few pocks he
had drying off on the sixth day. No trace of them was left.
Almost at the same time a servant girl who had never entered
the room of the young man, was taken with the smallpox. Her
sickness also being of a mild character, her recovery was just as
speedy as that of the young man. So far there were no other
cases of smallpox in the city.
In October I saw again a child who had the smallpox. His
mother, a beggar woman, called me when it was too late. The
child was dying. This was the first case of death in 1872.
. In the month of August my youngest son, who was studying
law and held a clerkship at the circuit court in the city of Eger,
fell sick. On August 27th I was called to his bedside by a tele-
graphic despatch. In that city the smallpox was raging since
the fall of the previous year. There were a great number of fatal
cases. On August 29th I brought him home. After the lapse
of eight days the young man, 22 years of age, who had never
been sick and was in full vigor, was taken away by a mere bleed-
ing from the socket of the teeth. Previous to the bleeding an
immense tumor had suddenly grown at the gums, after my son
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 2 1 1
had had a little toothache accompanied with chills. Neither I
nor eight fellow-physicians could make out the cause of the bleed-
ing. Under such circumstances we were at a loss concerning a
remedy. I have published this case in detail in the * ' Annals for
Homoeopathic Clinics,* ' and I mention it here only because of
the unexpected bleeding, which could not be stopped and ap-
peared at a place where the smallpox prevailed several times,
while previously no such incidents had been noted..
My grandson, 9 years old, and endowed with physical
strength and great mental power, had the measles in April,
1872, and in the month of August, the scarlet fever. Both times
the sickness had taken a very favorable course with the boy.
During the spring and summer of 1872 these epidemics prevailed
in our city in a moderate degree. In the month of October I
allowed the boy to go again to school because he had regained
his appetite and his cheerfulness after his skin had peeled off,
when the scarlet fever was over. About three days later — it
was on an evening — he became feverish and began to vomit.
No wonder that my wife scolded me, saying I should not have
sent the boy to school after he had hardly recovered from scarlet
fever. As one is more anxious about the health of members of
his own family, the idea struck me the boy might suffer from
nephritis or Bright' s Disease, which would often follow the scar-
latina. Two days afterwards the smallpox made its appearance
with the little boy. At that time — it was in the month of Octo-
ber — the smallpox raged violently in the whole city; and that to
such a degree that almost every house and family was visited
by this scourge. The little patient was nursed during the day
by me, my wife and two of my daughters, and during the night
by two professional nurses. Although he was tended with the
utmost care, and had been vaccinated, he got the smallpox so
badly that he was totally covered with them, and could not open
his eyes. The course which the sickness took was regular and
satisfactory till, at the time of drying off, when he succumbed to
the disease. On November nth, two days before he died
quite unexpectedly, he had been taken with chills ; these were
followed by quick and short pulsations, hallucinations and
marasmus.
On the day after the death of the little fellow my servant, a very
robust woman, began to complain about violent headache and to
vomit. At that time these symptoms were the sure forebodings
of smallpox. After she had been transferred to the municipal
hospital she died there the next day suddenly from hemorrhages
although she had never bled in her life. The smallpox had not
2 1 2 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
come to light. Also one of the nurses of the boy, a widow 6a
years old, who was strong and had never suffered from bleeding,
was stricken with a terrible bleeding from the nose and almost at
the same time with hemorrhages from the intestines. Because
of the great loss of blood she became very feeble; she recovered,
however, after some time. To tell the truth, in the month of
November the smallpox made the greatest ravages and extended
all over the country. The sick died in great numbers. Persons
of every age and of both sexes, no matter whether they were
vaccinated or not, fell victims to the dreadful disease; also many
people who had been revaccinated or had had the smallpox
before, were not spared by the epidemic and died. At that time
I was ordered by the Commander-in-chief of the Landwehr to
vaccinate the recruits who then had been called to service. As
Chief Surgeon attached to the general commandery of said mili-
tary department, it was my duty to do this.
These recruits were all vigorous men, from 21 to 26 years of
age; they all had been vaccinated before. This revaccination re-
sulted in the virus taking hold of but 25 men, and that in an
imperfect way. One of those men got, later on, smallpox but re-
covered.
At the time when my grandson had the smallpox my wife, two
of my daughters and one of my sons had fallen sick. They were
all vaccinated, and their sickness began with headache, loss of
appetite, pains in the back and limbs, qualmishness and fever.
My daughters were attacked by smallpox and recovered without
their faces being disfigured by pock-marks; the other members
of my family did not catch the disease.
When the danger became general there was no end to people
who were ready with advice, and had at hands lots of so-called
preventives. Some recommended the use of vinegar, salt or
garlic; others preferred fumigation, disinfection or revaccina-
tion; but all these measures were of no avail. The epidemic
went on its way, and continued to play havoc among man-
kind. The very same who used these supposed preventives
with the utmost carefulness, and repudiated even the aid of a
physician, succumbed to the disease the quickest, and suffered
the most from it. In my official capacity as City Physician I
issued a proclamation wherein nothing was said of preventives.
I merely gave the people strict orders to keep the buildings
clean and- to bury those who died from the smallpox as soon as
possible. Furthermore, those who were in charge of the pris-
ons, poorhouses, schools and barracks were ordered by me to set
up in those buildings small vessels containing carbolic acid
diluted with water.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 2 1 3
When this epidemic had reached its highest point I became
aware of several other cases where unexpectedly a violent bleeding
had set in. A student, a ward of mine, had a tooth extracted with-
out my knowledge. As this dental operation was followed by an
awful bleeding, which was difficult to staunch, the young man
came to me for advice. I advised him to rinse his mouth re-
peatedly with cold water and tincture of Arnica. I could not
discover that his jaws had been injured in any way. When I
visited him the next day I was very much frightened, for he met
me at the door and said: " There, where the tooth was which I
had extracted, a boil has formed." He was right; just above
the cavity left by the extracted tooth I found a semi-elastic
vesicle of the size of a big hazelnut, formed by blood fibres. The
patient told me then the vesicle had burst once, whereupon
bloody matter, which had a very bad smell, poured out profusely.
A short time ago I had read about a similar case, showing the
same symptoms, in an article published on November 20, 1872,
in the Vienna Medical Press. Said article treated of the " Vesica
Sanguinaria Patali," and was written with great ingenuity. It
was short, but contained more valuable information than a score
of others which give evidence of the high learning of the author,
but make you wish there might be less words used and more
practical points given. The diagnosis given in said article reads
as follows: "A rough, fibrous tumor, with fissure of the bone
and with vessels aneurismatically enlarged, mostly after the ex-
traction of teeth and enormous bleeding, which results in death."
This reminded me of my much lamented son, who died in the
prime of life, and I was greatly agitated about the fate of my
ward. Said article recommends compressions from above and
from the sides. I used a tampon with diluted Carbolic acid and
succeeded in staunching the bleeding, whereupon the vesicle dis-
appeared. The young man recovered in a short time, but soon
afterwards was stricken with the smallpox.
A similar case occurred to me at this time. The patient was
a youth 18 years of age. The bleeding which set in after a tooth
had been extracted, lasted three weeks and was stopped in the
same way. Since then I consider the extraction of teeth a some-
what dangerous operation, especially when force is used. I may
here mention yet another case of this kind. One night I was
called to a farmer, a very stout man of 34 years, who was under
the treatment of a fellow-physician. He showed all the symptoms
of the smallpox; some traces of the disease were already visible
here and there. He vomited blood, and beneath the albuginea
of his eyes there was an effusion of blood. He bled from the
214 THE HOMCEOPATHIt. RECORDER.
mouth and from the nose, had a very shy look and was prostrated
with a violent fever. As objections to pulling of teeth during
such an epidemic, I made mention of these kind of hemorrhages
because they were unknown to me before, but happened so often
and in such a singular way during the last epidemic of smallpox.
It may be justifiable to add to these cases the so-called ' * Black-
pox , ' ' which differs from them , inasmuch as the pustules appearing
at this disease coalesce and contain blood instead of lymph. These
cases during the raging of smallpox were considered as a kind
of blood-poisoning, and it occurs to me that such hemorrhages
add very much to the dangerous character of the disease.
This violent epidemic lasted during the whole winter of the
year 1872, which was very rough and ended not before the middle
of May of 1873. In the county prison not one of the inmates
was taken with the smallpox, although the cells afforded but
little comfort to the prisoners who await trial or were committed
for punishment, and were over-crowded. In the military bar-
racks there was but one case of smallpox; the patient was im-
mediately transferred to a hospital and recovered there. It seems
that the disease spread from the city to the surrounding country.
Every village was visited by it not a house was spared and the
mortality was everywhere equally great.
In the month of December, 1872, through a communication in
the International Homoeopathic Press I became acquainted with
the Homoeopathic method of vaccination by administering in-
ternally the vaccininum, which almost simultaneously has been
discovered and tried by Dr. Landeck of Porto Allegre (Brazil),
by Dr. von Kazkowsky and Dr. Kurszniewicz (Poland). None
of these physicians had any knowledge of the doings of the other.
To the efficacy of this method I desire to add my testimony.
As early as November, 1872, when smallpox played such great
havoc and visited my family, so that I learned the danger im-
minent from this scourge, to which my grandson fell a victim, I
wrote to Dr. Schwabe for the vaccininum-preservative, as two of
my daughters showed the symptoms of this dreadful disease.
The next day I received the vaccininum powders I had or-
dered. According to the directions each of my sick daughters
took one powder during three consecutive days. They got the
smallpox, but in a mild form. The course of the disease was
normal and there were no scars left. In their infancy they had
been vaccinated by me with the very best of virus. My wife and
one of my sons, who lived with me, took also the powders after
they had been confined to bed for a week, prostrated with a
light fever. They were spared by the smallpox, and recovered soon
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 215
after they had taken said medicine. I, myself, used the powders
as a preventive and had not the least attack from the disease,
although I was daily among smallpox patients. The nurse who
tended the sick members of my family; and had taken the powders,
did not catch the disease, although she had suffered from haemor-
rhages. The use of the powders saved also two of my sons and
a daughter, who lived in other cities, and a servant girl, who at
that time had come to live with us. One of my neighbors, who
was an associate judge of the circuit court, contracted smallpox
on December 19th. He was prostrated in a terrible manner, and
had been given up by his relatives, because he was over sixty
years old and his mind was wandering for several days.
Although he had not used the vaccininum, he recovered, but
slowly. It took two months till he had regained his health.
However, his wife and his daughter, who had taken the powders
which I had given them, did not get the smallpox, although
they nursed the patient day and night, and never left his bed-
side. The servant who had never been allowed to enter the
room where the patient was, took the powders after she had shown
all the symptoms of the disease. She took smallpox, but had
onlya few pustules, so that one could easily count them. At the
end of a week she had fully recovered, so that she could do her
housework as before. In the same house, soon after, a child was
stricken with smallpox and died from it; it had not received the
vaccininum. Another child of the same family, and a mechanic
who lived with them, were also taken with the disease, but re-
covered soon after taking the powders. The parents of the
children to whom I had given the powders as a preventive were
spared by the disease.
From that time on, I made use of the vaccininum as a preven-
tive whenever I was sure that my diagnosis of the symptoms of
smallpox was correct, and I administered it as a remedy in cases
where the smallpox had already made its appearance. I was
also asked to send the vaccininum to some distant places, which
were visited by the dreadful disease. Besides this, I was called
to five villages where, before all who were taken with the small-
pox had died or where the epidemic had just made its appearance.
There I administered nothing else but the vaccininum, and had
the satisfaction that all my patients recovered with the exception
of an infant three weeks old. Through my successful treatment
of the smallpox, I almost acquired the reputation of being infalli-
ble; my fellow physicians were not wanted there any longer. I
was greatly exercised by this fact, and tried hard to prevent my
being called outside of the city, because my practice in the coun-
2 16 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
try made me lose much valuable time. The number of cases
which I treated successfully with the vaccininum amounted to
66. As for the death of the infant, it must be taken in consid-
eration that the child was nursed by its mother, who was her-
self Sick from the smallpox, and that it was in the same little
room with its mother and its father, who likewise was pros-
trated with the disease. But the fact that of sixty-six smallpox
patients but one died, shows without doubt the merits of the
method of treatment which all who had been subjected to it.
Were one to believe that these cases did not amount to much,
he would be greatly mistaken; on the contrary, most of them
were very bad, and connected with various dangerous incidents,
with violent fever, nervous disorders, wandering of the mind,
difficulty in swallowing, or the utter impossibility to take nour-
ishment, with great weakness; the so-called black pox, sleepless-
ness or dumbness during the sleep, with disfigurement of the
face that was sometimes monstruous on account of the great num-
ber of sores, etc. There were only few light cases. They were
treated by me by administering the vaccininum at the very first
appearance of sure symptoms; I did not wait till the disease of
the skin, which was to come forth, was discernable. As with this
treatment but few pimples showed up, and as they disappeared
after the lapse of but a few days, one may have a right to claim
this good result was due to the remedy which I used.
What I have said about the use, of the Homoeopathic vaccin-
inum powders which Dr. Schwabe had sent me, are simple facts
to which I testify herewith in writing. I infer from them :
i. That I know of no better or more reliable remedy for the
smallpox than the vaccininum 6x.
- 2. That I prefer the use of it as an internal vaccination through
the mucous membranes of the mouth and the tongue, to every
other kind of vaccination.
3. That I consider it to be a genuine Homoeopathic remedy
which is in accordance with the rule : Similia similibus,
4. That it is not only a preventive, but also a remedy for the
disease when it has already appeared.
This last epidemic of 1872 and 1873 was the worst which
I have seen in a period of 43 years. That the customary
method of vaccination which has been in use till now, cannot be
relied on, has been taught by experience, and cannot be denied.
The statistics concerning the smallpox, in my opinion, deserve
not much reliance, and are, as it seems to me, like false calcula-
tions, because therein quantities which are not identical, are
added. The result of this is that the conclusions in regard to
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 217
the merits of vaccination, and to the disadvantages which are
attributed to non-vaccination, are incorrect. It is claimed that
the army cannot do without vaccination because the advantages
derived from it are said to be plainly visible. It is difficult to un-
derstand this because it is a well known fact that in every coun-
try only the healthiest and strongest men are selected for the
military service. At the recent Congress at Dresden, the same
blunder was made when the question of vaccination came up. It
happened there that children and weak persons were put on the
same footing with the other people. The monthly returns con-
cerning smallpox, which are issued in Bohemia, and contain a
notice which is never altered and which says that of those who
were vaccinated 40 per cent., and of those who were not vacci-
nated, but 8 per cent, recovered— are a fraud According to the
statistics in 1 871, in the city of Berlin, the mortality amongst
the infants was enormous. Of the 29,530 children who were
born there in said year, 12,453 died in the first year. Among
100 persons who died there, were 38 children under one
year of age, and the above named statistics tell us that this
great mortality among the infants in Berlin does not find its
equal on the whole globe. The smallpox epidemic to which
5,068 persons fell victims, took away 994 children under one
year of age. One who compiles statistics must be out of his wits
when he tries to compare adult persons with children under one
year of age, and at a time "when a smallpox epidemic is raging,
attributes the greater mortality among children who were not
vaccinated, to the mere fact that they had not undergone vacci-
nation. — From The Internationale Presse, Vol. III.> Pp. 553.
WHO ARE THE QUACKS?
In the Medical News of May 7th, I find an original address by
George M. Gould, M. D., on the " Etiology, Diagnosis and
Treatment of the Prevalent Epidemic of Quackery," in which he
scores Homoeopathy to the quick, and gives moderate notice to
other outsiders. It suggests to me the question: "Who are
the quacks ?" and I propose to show that they are our regular
neighbors, of whom George M. Gould, M. D., is a chief.
• The Medical News is a representative journal, and is edited by
Dr. Gould, and published by the leading medical book house in
this country, so that if we find quackery in it, I prove my propo-
sition.
In its advertising pages I find twenty-three proprietary medi-
2 1 8 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
cines and combinations, not one of which can be used by a man
who lives up to "the code of ethics/ ' and not one of which I
would prescribe or dispense, though I am on the outside. I do
not know how Dr. Gould can stand this amount of quackery
under his nose, and under his hand, but possibly he employs
these proprietary nostrums, as so many of his fellows do. If he
does not use the ones he advertises; probably he uses others, so
as to make up his score or more.
What shall we say of Antipyrine, Antifebrine, Antikamnia,
Sulphonal, et id omne — nostrums one and all, and most dangerous
ones at that ? Who furnishes a market for them ? Our regular
quacks. Who patronizes the "Succus Alterans ^cHade)," and
many more proprietary combinations of similar character and of
unknown composition ? Our regular quacks who pretend to so
much virtue when they make chin-music.
Who glorified Koch, took his statements cum grano salts, and
used his nostrum without knowledge, without experiment or ex-
perience, to the destruction of many lives ? I wot it was our regular
quacks. Who have gone completely crazy over microbes, micro-
organisms, zymes, phytes, bacilli, etc., and are now commencing
to eat humble- pie, as they crawfish out of the trouble ? I take
it they are our regular quacks.
I have lived a good many years, and have had a large experi-
ence among medical men, and it is — that the regular physician
takes to quackery in his own school as readily as the people take
to patent medicine. The Homoeopath is much more ethical, and
he wants straight goods, and he must know what they are made
of, and how they are made.
I have not mentioned the fact that our regular neighbor endures
all kinds of sophistications and adulterations in the ordinary
medicines he prescribes with hardly a murmur; that notwith-
standing the fact that there is hardly a drug store in the United
States that would bear an English, German or French legal in-
spection, he continues to use the drugs, and with them quacks
the public. Please look at your shortcomings through other
peopled glasses. — Dr. John M. Scudder, in Eclectic Medical Journal.
FERRUM PHOSPORICUM.
A rival to Aconite, Belladonna, Gelsemium, and Veratrum
viride (the Eclectic big four). You doubt it? So did I, but
Schuessler "told me," and I have found it so. I think, from
my experience, its action is more like the Aconite, Veratrum and
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 219
Gelsemium combined than it is like either of the four separately.
It seems to me it has given more brilliant results, when given
early in the febrile stage, than either or all of the big four,
especially when the disease is located in or on the respiratory
organs and air-passages. The worst case of pneumonia that I
ever saw recover — the pain and rapid respiration producing a
veritable agony — was relieved beautifully in a few hours, after
the best selected remedies had failed for days to make any
change for the better. In this case we had complete hepatization
of the left lung, and of the lower lobe of the right lung, with a
strong tendency to hepatization of both lungs, a most rapid
pulse, small and weak, with a temperature of 103 to 104 . The
fever left, and the pulse steadied and became better in a few days.
Suppuration ensued* however, for the remedy was not admin-
istered early enough, or I have no doubt it would have arrested
it before suppuration ensued. The duration of this case was
eleven weeks. He was about 28 years old, and of robust con-
stitution. The amount of muco purulent sputa expectorated
was simply enormous. He has made a good recovery, and seems
to be in excellent health.
Two cases more recent :
Mr. P., aged 50, a veteran of the late war — a severe case of
acute laryngitis, complicated with exudative tonsilitis, voice
husky and hoarse, cough irritating and painful, stridulous,
nearly croupy, dry ; much pain in the larynx and trachea, with
much tension across the upper part of the chest ; no pain in
tonsils though much swollen, dark-red, studded with deep
depressions, partly filled with exudative material, more like
ulcerations than diphtheria. Never saw so bad a looking throat
without pain, but he declared there was not a bit. Pulse, 100 ;
temperature, 102 J^°. Ferrum* phosphoricum 3X, large powder,
probably 15 grains, dissolved in half a glass of water, a tea-
spoonful every hour, was given. In twenty-four hours the fever
was gone, and much relief was experienced. In two days the
tonsils were clean, but looked quite honeycombed, with a loose,
painless cough, much less in frequency. In four days from the
beginning of the treatment he was nearly well, and had resumed
his business.
Mrs. D., fair, ' "fat and forty;" laryngitis — voice sank to a
whisper ; cough frequent, rasping, dry and painful ; pain down
the larynx and trachea ; aching of head, back, and limbs ; tem-
perature, ioo°; chilly ; pulse, 100. Received the same treat-
ment, with much relief, and voice returned in twenty-four hours;
was about well in three days.
2 2o 7 HE HOMCEOPA 7 NIC RECORDER.
I repeat to emphasize, I prize this remedy, and have as much
faith in it as I do in any of the Eclectic big four, and I have
verified it over and over again. Nay, more ; I am delighted
with it. It is a sedative tonic.-— J. Ferris, M.D., College Hill, 0. r
in Eclectic Medical Journal.
A PECULIAR BUT STRIKINGLY EFFECTIVE MODE-
OF ADMINISTERING MERCURIUS.
By the late Dr. J. J. Hirsch.
Translated for the Homceopathic Recorder.
It was during the early days of my practice in Prague, which
had begun to increase at a good rate, for several happy cures had
made known my name, that I was called to the house of a prom-
inent manufacturer, whose nine- year-old daughter was down with
a malignant attack of scarlatina. I was to meet in consultation
two of the oldest Homoeopathic physicians of the city, Schaller
and Boger, who had charge of the case. A high-grade inflam-
mation of the brain had complicated the case and greatly alarmed
the parents. I found a black-haired girl, of a weakly constitu-
tion, lying in bed unconscious, with sharply defined redness of
the cheeks, pulse 120, with hot skin. I was informed that the
child, six days before, was suddenly attacked with a violent
scarlet fever, without any premonitory symptoms; that a persist-
ent fever set in on the first day, but on the second the intense
redness of the cheeks manifested itself; that she grew, however,
very pale several times on the third day, and at that time the in-
flammatory irritation of the brain set in, which steadily increased
from day to day. There was no complaint of sore throat. During
the short time it took to relate this, patient twice emitted a sharp,
shrill, penetrating scream, while boring her head into the pillows.
From time to time she moved her jaw as if masticating; she also
gnashed her teeth. The lips were brownish and dry; there was
not much thirst; water was not accepted hastily; she showed re-
pugnance to soup, but milk seemed to be relished. An examina-
tion of the skin showed some reddened patches here and there,
especially along the back. My question, whether Belladonna and
Mercurius had been administered, was answered affirmatively and
somewhat sneeringly, I being the much younger physician. And
yet, I maintained, I would like to see Mercurius again exhibited,
but in a peculiar form, which did me good service in several
similar cases. And then I informed the two colleagues that I
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 22 1
~had given, with good success, some water in which for half an
~hour Quicksilver had been boiled, and that I had a great desire to
use the preparation in this case, despite the fact that many phy-
sicians, on account of the insolubility of Quicksilver in water,
declared the preparation to be absolutely inert. My proposal was
sanctioned, and I volunteered to make the preparation, which could
be called for within an hour. And so it came to pass that the
patient received during the night, every two hours, two teaspoon-
fuls of the preparation.
With great curiosity I awaited the hour at which I was to
meet my two colleagues next day. I was punctual, but they were
there before me; and they as well as the family admitted that
there was a decided change for the better. The shrill, sharp
cries had ceased since several hours; boring the head into the
pillows ceased; the cheeks were not so highly colored, and the
pulse had receded to 95. The undoubted favorable change that
had taken place induced a continuation of the remedy. Diet was
restricted to milk, thin boullion, and water. The constipation
of five days was not considered. Temperature of the skin was
still high, and the eruption was still visible here and there.
Contrary to our expectation, there was no aggravation to-
wards evening, and in the morning the whole condition was
•strikingly changed for the better. The child lay at times with
•eyes open, and there were indications of recurring consciousness;
gnashing of teeth and movement of jaws had ceased; during the
night she often slept tranquilly, and wanted to see her mother
several times, after which she seemed content. The liquid food
was partaken of with evident relish; she motioned to pass urine,
the fever ceased, temperature of the skin was normal, and fore-
head and knees inclined to perspire; the occasional red spots
-were gone, and the time had come when I relinquished the
patient to my two colleagues, who informed me a week after that
the patient was convalescent.
In view of the fact that chemistry declares Quicksilver to be
insoluble in water, and also that the most accurate scales failed
to denote even the minutest loss through the cooking, it is evi-
dent that only atoms of Oxide of Mercury can have been dissolved
in. the boiling water, and that it was truly a Homoeopathic dose
which exerted such wonderful healing properties.
But now I must tell you in what way I came to the knowledge
of this preparation:
A very old and sickly Allopathic physician whose place I had
taken in 1831 as physician to one of the smaller reigning families,
^requesting me one day to visit his grandson, aet. six years. I
222 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
found undoubted indications of great irritation of the brain, with
which I acquainted the much-concerned grandfather, requesting
him at the same time to assist me with his ripe experience.
After a short contemplation he maintained that surely worms
were at the bottom of it, and in pursuance of this he gave me a.
long quill stoppered with a cork and containing Quicksilver, and
asked me to direct his daughter to cook it with one pint of water
for half an hour, and to give of the cooked liquid one table-
spoonful every hour. I complied with his direction, although I
very much doubted the existence of worms. However, I was
forced to admit that within 24 hours of giving that remedy there
was an astonishingly favorable change in the boy's condition,
and the amelioration steadily progressed, while the remedy was
given at longer intervals, so that in less than a week the boy
was convalescent.
About two years after, while already practicing in Prague, I
was called to a boy who was down for two days already with a
fever. The attack began with a furious headache, which at once
forced him to retain a horizontal position, as the least movement
caused nausea, and once even vomiting.
The examination of the eight-years-old rather robust boy dis-
closed the following : At first glance it was seen that patient
had violent congestions of the head; the cheeks and outward ear
were of an intense red, forehead hot and dry, carotid arterie^
beat strongly, and the comatose patient often reached to the
head as if to brush aside the pain. At times, the parents stated,
he commenced to moan, chiefly at night. Pulse was not much
accelerated and temperature of the skin not high. The abdomen
was soft and collapsed, breathing frequent and short; in short
there existed, without doubt, an inflammatory condition of the
brain. I prescribed Belladonna 6 in watery solution, a table-
spoonful every two hours, diet to be water and milk. At my
evening's visit I brought along the decoction of Mercury to be
used in case of aggravation of the condition. As however, the
condition of patient was unchanged, and no symptoms pointing
to an aggravation supervened, I decided to continue Belladonna,
and directed that only in case of a decided aggravation during
the night should the other medicine be given hourly, two tea-
spoonfuls at a time. In the morning I was informed that
towards 10 o'clock frequent shrill, sharp cries and boring of the
head into the pillows seemed to indicate a worse condition, and
that on changing the medicine an amelioration seemed to set in,
that the cries were less frequent and had not such a terribly
penetrating tone; the head also lay much quieter. On close ob-
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 223
servation I could see with tolerable certainty that a slight
amelioration was manifest. The pulse was fuller, beating 90,
during my visit, which lasted 15 to 20 minutes; patient was
quiet, the congestion to the head was visibly lessened, the
cheeks and ears were not so highly colored, and the beating of
the carotids less pronounced; breathing was more regular, not
so short, and it seemed as if patient slept instead of lying in
stupor. So the day passed, and at my evening's visit the con-
dition was not materially changed, except in so much that it
was easier to induce him to partake of liquid nourishment.
Next morning the father greeted me with the news that a truly
striking change for the better was manifest. And indeed it was
so. The head was actually bathed in perspiration, the rest of
the body perspiring a little. The redness of the face had abated,
carotids were normal, the boy was conscious and frequently de-
manded a drink. The lips were yet dry, and the tongue had a
yellowish dull coating. Urine was yellowish and somewhat
turbid. As a matter of course the medicine was now given at
longer intervals; and from next day, on which great progress
was made in every direction, no medicine was given and the
boy thoroughly enjoyed light food. During convalescence re-
tarded stool with tympanitis necessitated a dose of Bryonia, and
12 days after the commencement of the attack the boy was out
of bed and well. — Pop. Horn. Zeitg., Vol. X. t No. 11.
ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION AND THERA-
PEUTIC USES OF HYPERICUM PERFORATUM.
By Alfred C. Pope, M. D., Late Lecturer on Materia Medica
at the London Homoeopathic Hospital.
The Hypericum perforatum,) or St. John's Wort, is a plant about
a foot or a foot and a half high, belonging to the natural order
of HypericacecB. It is common enough in hedges, woods, and
thickets. It flowers during the summer, and is collected when
in flower and seed. From the entire fresh plant a tincture is
made in the usual way.
The St. John's Wort is an article of Materia Medica of very
ancient date, and is frequently mentioned in old herbal books.
It had, however, been completely lost sight of until some experi-
ments were made with it by Dr. George Muller and recorded by
him in the fifth volume of a German Homoeopathic journal, The
Hygcea, many years ago, and by Dr. Stokes, of Liverpool, in the
224 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
Homoeopathic Times for 1853. These, with a few experiments by
Dr.Schneling, in the 79th volume of the Allgemeine Hom.Zeitung,
constitute the sources of our knowledge of the pure effects of
Hypericum. The records of these researches are fully detailed in
The Cyclopedia of Drug Pathogenesy.
These experiments seem to deserve more careful study than
the clinical records of medical journals lead one to suppose that
they have hitherto received. The symptoms, in each prover,
bear a strong resemblance to one another; and so our confidence
in their being the genuine effects of the drug is strengthened.
One and all point to the induction by Hypericum of a state of
general hyperesthesia, followed by an hysterical condition.
Under the influence of Hypericum the head feels confused and
excited; a throbbing, hammer-like pain and pressure over the
crown of the head, with tearing and stitches in the temples; one
curious symptom mentioned is a feeling as though there were
"something alive* ' in the brain.
By each prover pains in the nape of the neck and a sense of
pressure or burning over the sacrum are mentioned.
It is chiefly in the extremities and in the pectoral muscles that
we meet with that development of hyperaesthesia which is so
characteristic of the drug. Thus we have: Darting pains in the
shoulders, burning in the pectoral muscles, cramp, tearing and
tension in the arms, pressure along the ulnar side of the forearm,
jerking in the tendons of the wrist, tension in the legs, cramp in
the calves and feet, cold feet, " furry" feet, tingling in the legs
and feet, drawing pains in the lines of the nerves of the legs,
with coldness and numbness.
With all this is associated a miserable, dejected, melancholy
feeling, and a tendency to weep; the memory becomes defective,
and there is an incapacity for any employment; while, in one
instance, there was a craving for wine — that frequent outcome
of neurasthenia.
One prover, an unmarried woman, 23 years of age, of phleg-
matic temperament and healthy, had the following singular kind
of attack during the early morning of the third day of her prov-
ing:
4 * She spoke in her sleep all sorts of incoherent stuff, looked
distraught, stared at her brother; head hot, carotids beating
violently; the face very red and swollen, the eyes fixed, and the
pupils dilated; pulse very quick; hair moist, the rest of the body
being dry and burning hot; great anxiety. All at once left off
talking and sang, and soon after wept and screamed frightfully,
and gasped for breath. On giving her two magnetic passes she
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 225
at once came to her senses, and said that when a hand was laid
upon her head she felt a pleasing, calming sensation. The whole
attack lasted about an hour, and was followed by violent head-
ache, formication in the hands and feet; they felt furry; extreme
thirst and white furred tongue.' '
This resembles an attack of hysteria as much as it does any-
thing, and, occurring in a woman of phlegmatic temperament,
the excitement which characterised it renders it all the more
striking.
Sleep during a proving was nearly uniformly restless and full
■of dreams of an exciting and horrible character.
Digestion is more or less disturbed, the tongue furred, the
appetite diminished, the epigastric and umbilical regions dis-
turbed with flatulence, and the stools alternately costive and
relaxed.
An urticarious eruption was noticed on the hands in two or
three instances.
As the result of six days' dosing with the tincture, one prover
•during the ensuing fortnight felt * 'great exhaustion, with weak-
ness of the head and memory." A second, after a proving
going over eleven days, "for about three weeks felt weak ; had
leucorrhcea for several days ; her hair fell out much ; there was
marked weakness of memory ; she was easily startled ; inclined
to sit still, and very sensitive to cold." Of a third, who took
the medicine for ten days, it is said, "during the next ten weeks
she complained that her hair was falling out ; the menses, pre-
viously regular, were fourteen days too late ; the weak feeling
in the head and lassitude went off gradually. ' '
That there are cases of hysterical excitement presenting fea-
tures similar to those marking the results of overdosing with
Hypericum, is within the experience of every practitioner of med-
icine. To such, this medicine is clearly Homoeopathic, and
though I have never so used it myself, or heard of others doing
so, I feel little doubt that when put to the test it will be found
of service.
The excessive irritation and hyper-sensitiveness of the nerve
tracts in different parts of the body, and the general nervous
depression which marks the provings of Hypericum, have led to
the generalization that it is indicated as a remedy in disorders
which are the sequela of injury to one of the nerve centres.
Thus, Dr. Ludlam based his prescription of Hypericum in two
cases, one of which nosologically ranked as asthma, and the
other as spinal irritation, on the idea that " Hypericum is to
"injuries of the nervous what Arnica is to those of the muscular
226 THE HOMCEOPATH/c RECORDER.
system.' ' These cases were published in the Transactions of the
Homoeopathic Medical Society of Chicago.* One was that of a
woman, 45 years of age, who had suffered for ten years from
repeated and violent attacks of spasmodic asthma. These attacks
were always coincident with the approach of stormy weather.
The severity and duration of the paroxysms being inversely
to the duration and severity of the storm. After trying
various medicines in vain, Dr. Ludlam found, on again going
into the history of the case, that 30 years previously she had
fallen down the cellar steps and injured her spine. The injury
was not followed by any perceptible tenderness on pressure or
other alteration. But, the injury having been inflicted at a part
corresponding to the first dorsal vertebra, he thought it possible
that some irritation had been started there, which had cul-
minated in her asthmatic attacks. He gave her accordingly
Hypericum 2x, and she recovered entirely, having, at the time
the case was reported, passed many months without an attack.
In another case, a child, six years of age, had, when three
years old. fallen down stairs. This had left a decided sensitive-
ness to pressure upon the spinous processes of the two inferior
cervical and the superior dorsal vertebrae. Since the fall she
had been in poor health, suffering from a variety of symptoms
every three or four weeks; an attack generally commenced with
a chill, which was followed by more or less continued fever,
restlessness, hyper- sensitiveness of the skin of the neck and of
the superior extremities, a great dread of motion, refusal to walk,
and screwing outright when any one proposed to lift her from
one place to another. Her face was pale and anxious, generally
expressive of pain and uneasiness.
Taking his cue from the spinal injury, Dr. Ludlam placed a
pad of carded wool over the side of it, and gave her Hypericum
2x. The paroxysm existing at the time was much shorter than
usual, and no repetition occurred. The medicine was, however,
continued daily for some time. A year afterwards she was per-
fectly well.
Another intesting and instructive case, the symptoms in which
were traceable to spinal irritation, originating in a fall, or
probably, repeated falls, in which Hypericnm was curative, is
recorded by Dr. Burnett in The Monthly Homoeopathic Review
(January, 1879). The patient was a boy of eleven, who was in
the habit of expending his energy in climbing trees, walls, and
performing other quasi gymnastic feats, which frequently resulted
in injuries. Acute irritation in the spine, which first displayed
*Brit. Journ. Hom. t Vol. XVII., p, 523.
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 227
itself in excessive tenderness when rubbed with a towel after his
bath, was the consequence. Then followed neuralgic headache
and earache, both coming on in paroxysms and of great intensity.
After this had been going on for two months, he would occa-
sionally lose the power of speech for two or three days, though
perfectly intelligent and able to communicate in writing. Then
he became nearly well for three months, with the exception of
the spinal irritation, which persisted. Again, after rolling on
the grass, neuralgia recurred in paroxysms, during which he
burrowed with his head in a soft armchair and screamed and
sobbed, though unable to speak. He had such an attack when
Dr. Burnett first saw him. He ordered him a drop of the first
dilution of Arnica every three hours. The attack continued dur-
ing the whole of that day. It left suddenly during the forenoon
of the day following, but he was unable to speak until the even-
ing. From this date the neuralgia never returned.
About a month afterwards he became suddenly paralyzed — the
paralysis being purely motor — in both lower extremities. Gelse-
mium and Arnica were given each for a week without result, and
then Hypericum. In three days he could move a little; in ten
he walked round the room, and being then permitted to go out
in a perambulator, his brother took him a mile from home and
then between them they contrived to smash the vehicle, and the
patient walked home carrying the remains of it, as so many
trophies of his restored power! He remained perfectly well for
six months, when there was some return of the spinal irritation,
probably from the same kind of cause as at the first, and this
was rapidly checked by a return to the Hypericum, while four
months afterwards Dr. Burnett found that the spine would bear
any amount of pressure.
These are illustrations of one kind of cases in which Hypericum
is useful, viz., the direct consequences of spinal irritation origin-
ating in injury to the spinal cord.
A second is one of laceration of muscular tissue with engorge-
ment of the capillaries, attended with more or less discharge of
bloody matter. In such injuries, which are most commonly met
with in gunshot wounds, Dr. Franklin, one of the surgeons of
the Northern army of the United States during the civil war that
prevailed some 30 years ago, found it of the greatest value. He
says that it stands in the same relation to laceration that Arnica
does to contusion of tissue. The late Dr. T. L. Brown, of Bing-
hamptop, states that, acting on a hint given to him by the late
Dr. Lippe, of Philadelphia, he had prescribed Hypericum with
the best results for the relief of pain resulting from injury to
228 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
parts rich in nerves, especially in the fingers and toes and the
matrix of nails.
Dr. Franklin further describes it as being ' ' of great value in
the treatment of open, painful wounds, attended with general
prostration froni loss of blood, with a feeling of weakness and
trembling in all the limbs, languor on rising, fainting from physi-
cal effort, thirst, and heaviness of the head; the local congestions
and in capilliary erethism, accompanied or not with haemorrhage,
and great nervous depression following wounds.' ' He adds, "I
have found it an exceedingly valuable agent."
Thirdly, Dr. Hughes, in his supplement to the last edition of
his Pharmacodynamics ', writes: "Dr. Gilchrist, from an experi-
ence of sixty-four operations, major and minor, asserts positively
that its use internally and locally (i to 20) precludes any after
suffering; and* ' he adds, "Dr. Helmuth tells me that it quite su-
persedes the use of Morphia after operations in his hands."
While there is nothing directly in the provings that have been
made with Hypericum to suggest it as being of service as a vulner-
ary, the experiments do show a degree of cerebro -spinal exhaus-
tion resembling in many particulars that which obtains during
shock after injuries, while the restlessness, fear and anxiety
marking the endurance of severe pain from injuries are also char-
acteristic of the effects of Hypericum.
The experience then of Dr. Franklin, Dr. Gilchrist and Dr. Hel-
muth, which has been very extensive, may be well utilized by us,
albeit its scientific basis is not so extensive or satisfactory as we
could desire.
Two or three drop doses of the second dilution has been the
dose in which it has usually been prescribed. — Monthly Homoeo-
pathic Review.
SAW PALMETTO IN PROSTATIC ENLARGEMENT.
For some years I have been studying the clinical value of Saw
Palmetto in genito- urinary disorders; and as a hint to those
unfamiliar with its properties I may relate briefly the effects
produced in a single case, as it will serve to put the student in
the way of learning some of the virtues of this comparatively
new remedy.
Mr. B. is now 65 years of age or over, and with the exception
of a badly damaged left lung, a tendency to the formation of
renal calculi, with prostatic enlargement, he enjoys fairly good
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 229
health. At the age of 30 he had frequent haemorrhage and spat
blood freely, and was pronounced consumptive by several physi-
cians, now deceased. Several years ago — ten or more — he
suffered from vesicle calculi, and showed me several fragments
which had passed per vias naturales. Last winter he had a
severe attack of influenza, made the more critical owing to
organic cardiac disease, but recovered fully, and is now enjoying
excellent health for one so afflicted.
About two years ago I prescribed ti?icture of Saw Palmetto y
five drops twice a day, for the relief of "symptoms pointing to
acute prostatic enlargement, and in the course of a few weeks he
said the difficulty had disappeared, and further, that the use of the
medicine had greatly strengthened the sexual functions. After
his recovery from the influenza he again complained of pain in
the region of the prostate and inability to pass water; and on ex-
amination marked enlargement was discovered, while the sexual
function was almost entirely abolished.
Treatment as above, with the addition of small doses of
Strychnine arseniate, not only relieved the prostatic trouble, but
also had the happy effect of restoring sexual capacity. — Dr. John
Aulde in Notes on New Remedies.
I have found this remedy, Kali phosphoricum, very useful for
the nervousness growing out of excessive sexual excitement,
whether indulged or suppressed, and have cured cases of im-
potency from this cause, and nocturnal or other discharges of
semen with these nervous indications. In many cases I have
found aching in the sacrum, sleeplessness, pain in back of neck
and head, general irritibility, great despondency, frequent desire
to urinate, large quantities of urine being voided during the
day or night, and especially early in the morning, with a deposit
of phosphates in the urine. The irritibility in these cases has
always been quickly relieved. — Dr. /. C. Nottingham, Medical
Advance.
Mrs. C. says when she has a severe pain in back of neck and
head, and so nervous she could not allow any one to talk to her,
could not lie still nor sleep, one powder of Kali phosphoricum
would relieve her in a few minutes, and she would sleep as if
she had taken morphia, and would feel sleepy for the entire day
and night following the dose. Dr. J. C. Nottingham, who pre-
230 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
scribed the Kali phosphoricum, believes the symptoms due to
sexual excesses. — Medical Advance.
Male, aet. seventy-two; married; a physician. Diabetes mel-
litus for about four years. From 600 to 1,000 grains of sugar a
day; emaciation, weakness, thirst, itching. Had been taking for
several days a five-grain powder of Syzygium iv. trit. four times
a day. Out on his rounds, after disregarding a slight intimation
to stool (twenty minutes previous), had with sudden urgency a
large involuntary stool, painless, brown, semi-fluid, almost ino-
dorous, followed by sense of relief. In three-quarters of an hour
another stool, not quite so urgent and less fluid. The same ex-
perience ensued two or three weeks later on taking the drug in
the same way. No relapse, during six or eight months, al-
though have occasionally taken a three-grain dose at intervals of
twenty-four or forty-eight hours. — Dr. R. C. Moffat, Brooklyn^
in N. Amer. Jour, of Horn.
I have charge of the medical and surgical department of the
Wisconsin State Industrial School for boys. I have a great
many cases of enuresis to treat. Mullein oil, the ix dilution, in
five-drop doses, has yielded surprising results, relieving cases of
several years' standing. — Malcolm G. Violet, M. D., Waukesha,
Wis., in Medical Current.
Dr. Mitchell (La Semaine Med., No. 51, 1891) has used
large doses of Olive oil with success in the treatment of eight
cases of intestinal obstruction. Seventy grammes ( 2^ 3) of oil
are taken every two hours, or even more frequently. One
patient took 500 grammes (16 3) during one night, another a
litre (a quart) in a few hours. An improvement took place in
from three to twenty-four hours.
From Dr. George Royal, Des Moines, Iowa: In the fall of
1883, a fellow practitioner came into my office and told me he
had suffered with soreness of the heel for over three months.
The. soreness seemed to be in the bone; was worse while sitting
or standing. He did not notice it much while walking. He had
tried Rhus tox, Kali b. and Phos. acid. We took down Allen's
"Symptom Register/' looked the symptom up. I gave him
Cyclamen 30th. He was well in a week. About three weeks ago
a man came to me with the same symptoms. The only aggrava-
tion was while standing. The same remedy cured in three days.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 231
These are the only times I have ever used the remedy. — North
Am. Journal of Homoeopathy.
" It is said that stammerers rarely if ever show any impedi-
ment to speech when speaking in whispers. On this fact a new
method of treatment has been advocated by Dr. Coen, which is
as follows : In the first ten days speaking is prohibited. This
will allow rest to the voice, and constitutes the preliminary state
of treatment. During the next ten days speaking is permissible
in the whispering voice, and in the course of the next fifteen
days the ordinary conversational tone may be gradually em-
ploy ed. M — Druggists' Circular and Chemical Gazette.
The medical properties of Gelsemium first became known
through the accidental administration of its root. The story
runs thus: A Mississippi planter, while suffering from bilious,
fever, sent his slave into the garden to procure a certain root.
The attendant returned with what he supposed his master had
sent him for. An infusion was prepared and administered to the
sick man. Shortly after taking it he suffered a complete loss of
muscular power, being unable to move a limb, or raise his eye-
lids. Though unable to see, the man could hear and was per-
fectly conscious of everything that was going on about him.
His friends, alarmed, thought surely the man must die. Finally
he rallied and after some hours gradually passed from under the
influence of the drug; and, what was more surprising, the man was
free from fever. It was evident that the servant had made a
mistake. The master then ascertained what root had been col-
lected, and afterward used it on his plantation and among his
neighbors as a remedy for bilious fever. The plant proved to be
our Gelsemium. An " enterprising* ' physician, hearing of its
action, incorporated with it the essence of wintergreen and put
the nostrum on the market under the name of the " Electrical
Febrifuge.' ' — Dr. H. W. Felter, M. D., in the Medical Gleaner.
A writer in the Journal of Cutaneous and Genito- Urinary
Diseases offers the following plan of removing tattoo marks:
The part is freely painted with a strong tannin solution, and
then immediately pricking the skin with a bunch of needles, in
order that the tannin may penetrate deeply. The operated sur-
face is then rubbed vigorously with Nitrate of silver. The
pricked points in course of a few moments become black, and
the surface is then wiped off. Varying degrees of inflammation
ensue, with more or less pain on motion In about two weeks
232 THE HOMCEOPA THlL RECORDER.
the eschar becomes spontaneously detached, beneath which is
seen a red cicatrix. In due time the redness disappears.
Dr. Alexander Croucher reports that W. S., aged seven-
teen, was unable to follow his occupation as stonemason because
of certain involuntary movements of his right arm, which had
existed for three weeks. There was no complaint of numbness,
tingling or pain in the arm, sensibility was unimpaired, and no
portion of the cranium was tender to pressure. The right arm,
from the elbow downwards, was in a condition of clonic spasm,
preventing the patient from feeding himself or using the arm in
any way. He was unable to extend the forearm, and co-ordina-
tion of movement was lost. If the patient wished to move the
right arm he had to help with the left. The clonic spasms were
worse during excitement, or in the presence of strangers, better
when absolutely at rest, and entirely absent during sleep. Gel-
semium, every three hours, cured in eight days. — Monthly Ho-
moeopathic Review.
VETERINARY DEPARTMENT.
Success With Homoeopathic Remedies.
I have kept chickens, off and on, for the last sixty years, as I
happened to live in town or country, but last summer I had quite
a new experience. When the chickens were let out in the morn-
ing, I saw a hen dragging the hind part of her body on the
ground. I thought her back must be hurt, so I took her up, put a
few pellets of Rhus tox. in her mouth, put her in a coop, and fed
her there. The next day, I put Rhus tox. in her drinking water,
and on the fourth day let her out, all right. At evening her
back drooped slightly, but she went to her roost, and showed no
signs of drooping in the morning. A few days after, at the
morning feed, another hen was crouched close to the ground,
took no notice of the feed, and seemed to have no disposition to
move. Thinking the case was the same as the former one, only
worse, she was given Rhus tox. and set down on the kitchen
floor. She soon began to look around, and shortly stood straight
up, showing there was nothing the matter with her back. When ,
she began to walk she went in circles, for which she was given
Belladonna, and shortly after, she had a copious discharge of
green water, and in the course of an hour, two more discharges
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 233
of a more healthy consistence. The circles became larger, and
before sun down she could walk straight and was let out. My
next experience was with a duck, about four months old. The
White Leghorn rooster had an antipathy to the ducks, and one
evening at feeding, gave the duck a pat on the head, I thought,
and over went the duck on her back, kicking as if in the last
agonies. I brought her into the house, gave her some pellets of
Arnica, and held in my lap for a considerable time, during which
she made several attempts to turn on to her back. Finding that
her feet, and her bill were hotter than when I took her up,
Aconite was given, she was fixed as comfortably as might be, and
left for the night. On coming down in the morning I found her
lying on her right side, apparently not much better. Those
who saw her said her back was broken, but from the way she
moved her head and tail, I thought that could not be the case,
but as she could not stand up, I administered Rhus lox. She
would raise partially on her right leg for a very short time, and
at length stood on both, but when she attempted to walk, she
went backwards and fell over. Belladonna completed the cure,
but it took nearly a week. I would not take the same trouble
again for a common duck, but as I had begun, for the honor of
Homoeopathy I had to keep on. I have no book for poultry
ailments, but treat the fowls as I do human beings, and I always
use high potencies. — Mrs. M. L. Paschall, in Poultry Keeper.
Diarrhoea of Pet Birds.
It will interest you to learn that I at last succeeded after many
failures in curing a gray parrot of the almost always fatal diar-
rhoea. The bird had already the appearance of a hopeless case,
ruffled feathers, constant sleeping, tucking his head under the
wing, the peculiar shuddering during sleep ; he even fell twice
from his perch, and the last time stayed on the floor of his cage.
The evacuations were partly black, or of a grayish-yellow color,
and always watery. As I had already seen many birds succumb
to the disease, I judged from his appearance, that he would not
live through the night. This time I gave Ipecac. 6, and Arsenic
12, a dose of each in 5 spoonfuls of water. I removed his drink-
ing and feeding cups from the cage, and offered him the reme-
dies in alternation once every hour. As birds under the circum-
stances are always thirsty, he gladly took the proffered water.
After six hours he re-mounted his perch, shook himself as if
234 2 HE HOMCEOPAIHIC RECORDER.
awakened from sleep, ate some hemp and acted as if he was all
right again. Next day he seemed as active as the rest of my
parrots, and stayed well. — In Pop, Zeitsch. f tier Horn. Vol. XL ,
No. i.
Diarrhoea of Pigs.
I was called to the fine farm of H. because ten two-days-old
pigs of a selected strain had violent diarrhoea and refused to suck.
An examination showed that a fluid stool, yellow and whitish
flakes mixed with mucus flowed down their hind quarters; the
smell was neither sour nor offensive. The little animals were
very quiet, looked dejected, their little tails hanging down
straight. The old sow seemed to be all right, and I could not
detect anything wrong in her feed. I decided on administering
Rheum, of which each pig received 2 drops on a white wafer.
Next day the diarrhoea was gone, and the little fellows ran
around with curled tails and emptied the old one's bulging teats.
Before the introduction of Homoeopathy into this establishment
one-half of their young pigs died of diarrhoea. — Dr. V. Semmern
in Pop. Horn. Zeitg. % Vol. XII. , No. 10.
BOOK NOTICES.
The following letter from the Superintendent of the medical
department of the great Newberry Library, of Chicago/to Dr.
Bradford, gives a fair idea of the estimation in which the Doctor's
Bibliography is held by true book men and scholars.
The Newberry Library,
Chicago, August io t i8p2.
Thomas Lindsley Bradford, M. D.
Dear Sir: I take the liberty of addressing a note to you on
the excellence of your Homoeopathic Bibliography, a copy of
which we have lately bought for this department. I regard it as
a valuable acquisition, and only a librarian knows how valuable
it will be for reference. The section on periodicals appeals
directly to me at this time, for we have many sets to fill up, but
with this, and the Index catalogue, we are well equipped for
work. I only wish the A. M. A. instead of spending time use-
THE HONfCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 235
lessly would imitate the A. I. H. whose excellent transactions,
with reports on literature, education, etc., are a standing reproach
to the listlessness and puerility of the A. M. A. We have now
registered to date 8,706 medical books in this department and
are receiving 383 periodicals, transactions, etc. This depart-
ment's but two years old, but already has more books than many
other libraries two score years old. I include all branches of med-
icine and have a number of your periodicals on file and some
books, 'and hope to have more. We have lately bought the Cyclo-
paedia of Drug Pathogenesy. * * *
Yours truly,
G. E. Wire, M. D. ,
Superintendent Medical Department,
King's Eclectic Obstetrics. Re-written, Revised, and En-
larged, by Robert C. Wintermute, M. D., Professor of Obstet-
rics and Diseases of Women and Children in the Eclectic
Medical Institute of Cincinnati. 9th edition. Sheep. 750
pages, $6.50. Ohio Valley Co., Cincinnati, O.
Dr. King's work had not been altered for fourteen years, and
liad become rather behind the times; the author was too advanced
in years to undertake the task, so it fell on Dr. Wintermute, and
lie has done his work well, producing a book that, to his school,
will doubtless be the standard for years to come. The first
edition appeared in 1855, published by Moore, Wilstach, Keys
& Co., of Cincinnati ; it was revised in 1866 and again in 1875,
previous to the present revision. Practitioners of both the Ho-
moeopathic and regular folds, who believe in keeping an eye on
what their neighbors are doing, will not miss it if they
buy this book. In obstetrics it is Eclecticism at its best and
latest. Some of the therapeutics seem to be quite Homoeopathic
— which, as a matter of course, adds so much to the value of
the book. In other respects it is clear, well written and con-
tains many valuable features.
A New Pronouncing Dictionary of Medicine. Being a
voluminous and exhaustive Handbook of Medical and Scien-
tific Terminology, Phonetic Pronunciation, Accentuation,
Etymology, etc. By John M. Keating, M.D., LL.D., and
Henry Hamilton, with collaboration of J. C. Da Costa, M.D.,
and F. A. Packard, M. D., Philadelphia. 818 pages. 8vo.
Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1892. Cloth, $5.00 net;
sheep, $6.00 net.
This fine work is dedicated to the memory of Henry Hamilton
" who devoted his hours of rest and recreation to its elabora-
tion." It is an attempt to secure uniformity in the pronuncia-
236 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
tion of medical words. Medical terminology is chiefly derived
from the Greek language, but is badly mixed as regards pronun-
ciation, and the aim of the men who labored on this book has-
been to set up a standard that, perhaps, in time will come into
general use. Certainly this is a worthy work. Whether they
have succeeded is a question for time to determine, for language
has a pig-headed way of going its own gait regardless of the
dictum of scholars.
The authors give us " Bronchi'tis, (bronk-i-tis) " and " Peri-
toni'tis," and " Vagi'na;" with the long/. "Bougie', boo-zhe,"
"Ca'ries, ka-re-ees," "Gynecology, (jin-e-kol-o je)," "Hel-
leb'orus," "Hiatus," "Ju'gular (joo-gyu-lar)," are specimens
of the way the pronunciation is given. The definitions are
much shorter than those given by Dunglison. The word Allo-
path is defined, one who does " not practice medicine according
to any dogma or fixed rule." Homoeopathy is "Samuel Hahne-
mann's system of medicine based on the presumption that such
agents cure disease as in a condition of health produce symp-
toms similar to those of the disease under treatment."
Our Eclectic friends are defined being of those "relying on
vegetable remedies, or one following a mixed system of thera-
peutics, * selecting' what he prefers from the various schools of
medicine. Commonly used in the sense of a 'quack.'" This
is quite at variance with Dunglison, who among other things,
says that "every judicious physician must be an eclectic," and
who also classes our United States "eclectics" as "botanical
physicians," and lets it go at that. " Hypnotism was formerly
known as Mesmerism, Braidism, etc., after those who practiced
it as a therapeutic measure."
The work concludes with an eighty-two page appendix, con-
taining many valuable tables, etc. The type used in the body
of the work, both Roman and Greek, is larger than that com-
monly employed in dictionaries, and is very pleasant to the eye>
while the marking of the words for pronunciation will make the
book welcome to the many who are weak in this direction.
Essentials of Diagnosis. Arranged in the form of Questions
and Answers. Prepared especially for Students of Medicine-
By Solomon Solis-Cohen, M. D., and Augustus A. Eshner, M.
D. With fifty five illustrations. 382 pages, cloth. Philadel-
phia: W. B. Saunders, 1892. $1.50 net.
This book is No. 17 of the Question Compend series, and is a
valuable addition. It contains, estimating from the table of
contents, the diagnostic points of about three hundred and
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 237
twenty-five diseases or forms of disease. The whole book is
■terse, compact and to the point.
Among the new things is a Repertory Checking List
for the Bcenninghausen Therapeutic Pocketbook, which will be a
great convenience for all who believe in covering the totality of
the symptoms. On one sheet of paper are collected all the rem-
edies to be found in Boenninghausen, with ample room after each
for checking the number of times it answers to a given case, by
which means the repertory remedy may be easily found, and
Ttfith but little labor. These sheets are in pads of twenty-
five, and will be a great convenience to the careful prescriber.
IN PRESS.
Dr. A. B. Norton's fine work on the eye, Ophthalmic Diseases
and Therapeutics, is nearly completed. When it is out the
Homoeopathic student and practitioner will no longer have to go
to the old school for text-books on the eye. It will comprise
nearly or quite 600 pages, amply illustrated with cuts, and con-
taining two colored lithograph plates, each with six representa-
tions of the eye in the various diseases. There will also be an
elegant picture of the late G. R. Norton as frontispiece. The
profession may confidently rely on this book as being the best
ever issued from the Homoeopathic press — complete in all
departments and up to date.
McMichaers Compendium of Materia Medica is a very unique
work; and one involving much labor, thereby saving the prac-
titioner who uses it a corresponding amount of work in hunting
for the indicated remedy. It has already been described in the
Recorder, but we may here briefly mention that the plan is to
take a given region of the human body, as for instance, the
digestive organs, and treat of the symptoms radiating from them
or connected with them in disease. If the practitioner has a
case of disease of the digestive organs to treat, he will find in
McMichaers Compendium, treating of that region, as complete
and satisfactory a guide to the Homoeopathic treatment of the
same, as he may ever hope to obtain. It is hoped the book
will be ready for delivery during the coming fall.
The manuscript for the third edition of that famous work The
Twelve Tissue Remedies of Schussler, by Drs. Boericke & Dewey,
has been put in the printers' hands, and will be pushed through
as fast as possible. The third edition will be considerably
larger than the second edition, and will contain all the new
238 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
matter to be found in the recently issued eighteenth German
edition of Schiissler's Abge-Kurzte Thetapie, under his own
editorship, together with all the later matter connected with
these famous remedies that has been discovered in this country.
No one should be without this work, and apparently no one
intends to be without it, if the rapidity with which each suc-
ceeding edition is exhausted, may be taken as a criterion.
Dr. Verdi's Popular Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease will
apppear some time during the coming winter. It bids fair to be
a very popular and useful work, decidedly original in its pre-
sentation of the subjects of which it treats. The literary style
of the book is exceptionally good, making it very interesting
reading. It is a work that medical students can study with
profit.
MESSRS. Boericke & Tafel have in press a small work, in-
tended for the public, on the Homoeopathic treatment of cholera.
Since January ist of the current year I have been experiment-
ing with this drug, and I am satisfied it is one of, if not the most
valuable remedy in our entire Materia Medica for a certain class
of ailments. In prostatic troubles, enlargements, inflammations,
etc., I have never found its equal, while in cystitis it acts like a
charm. It acts specifically upon the entire reproductive system.
I know it enlarges the mammary glands, for I have proven it
repeatedly. In catarrhal trouble it satisfies me entirely. I had
been subject to a bronchial trouble for over seven years, which
no medication had relieved. The Palmetto eradicated the trou-
ble in four months. One patient (a lady) had been unable to
rise in the morning for two years without a cup of coffee and
something to eat. The Palmetto cured her in one week. In
nervous debility arising from uterine trouble I have never found
its equal. In the case of a man who had been unable to perform
the sexual act for one year, he reported himself completely
restored in thirty days. In the case of a lady to whom I gave
it for nervous debility she reported that her sexual passions
made her almost furious from its use. I discontinued using it.
In the case of a man seventy- six years old, who had been c6m-
pelled to draw his urine for three years from enlarged prostate,
I completely cured him in four months. A man who had passed
blood upon urinating for six months was completely cured in
two weeks. In cases of incontinence of urine it does the work
satisfactorily. — Dr. J. M. Showerman> of Rome, N. K, in Eclectic
Medical fournaL
Homoeopathic Recorder.
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Address communications, books, etc., for the Editor to E. P. Anshute, P. 0. Box 921, Phila-
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■11
Beginning with January 15, 1893, the Homceopathic Re-
corder will be published monthly instead of bi-monthly as here-
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which will remain, as in the past, at one dollar a year. The
size of the journal will also remain the same, i. e. y 48 pages. All
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the November number of the current volume free. All who
may receive a sample copy of this number are respectfully invited
to send in their subscriptions for volume eight, 1893.
Occasional inquiries have come in for " binders' ' for the
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question has the name of the journal stamped in gold on the side
and back. It is made to hold twelve numbers and so arranged
that any one of these may be slipped in or taken out without
removing the others. At the end of the year the entire volume
may be taken out and the binder used for the next volume.
There are several advantages in the use of binders. They keep
the journal together, they keep it clean, they enable one to see at
a glance whether there are any numbers missing, in short, they
do their part in an orderly, neat and compact style. The price
of binders for the Recorder is $1.00. Mailed, free of postage,
on receipt of price.
The Romanshorn milk, sterilized and condensed, steadily
grows in favor; there is nothing better in the world in the way
of condensed milk for infants. It is absolutely pure, containing
no chemicals, no sugar, nothing but pure, rich Swiss milk.
Dr. Yingling's Suggestions to Patients, recently published by
Boericke & Tafel, is worth considering by any physician who
has any practice by mail. A specimen copy will be sent on re-
quest. The price of the little leaflet (14 pages) is 25 copies for
50 cents; by mail, 53 cents.
2 4 o THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER.
PERSONALS.
Send all Changes of Address, etc., to Recorder, for free insertion.
Dr. John Q. Garner has removed from Perry ville, 111., to Girard, Kan.
Dr. MacLachlan, of the University of Michigan, is spending the summer
and fall at London and Paris, studying his specialty, eye, ear, nose and
throat.
The Southern Homoeopathic Medical Association will meet at Hot
•Springs, Ark., on November 22 to 24.
Dr. George William Winterburn, editor of the Homoeopathic Journal of
Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pedology \ has removed to his new house, No.
230 West I32d street, New York.
Dr. M. M. Eaton has removed from Cincinnati, O., to corner of Maple
and Hamilton Ave., St. Louis, Mo.
Dr. Prank Kraft has taken full charge of The Argonaut. His address is
57 Bell Ave., Cleveland, Ohio.
Drs. Eldridge C Price and Frank C. Drane have purchased The Southern
Journal of Homoeopathy, which hereafter will be published at Baltimore.
The Advocate will be issued as usual, but as the organ of the Maryland
Homoeopathic hospital.
Dr. E. Beck with has removed from Santa Rosa to Petaluma, Cal.
FOR RENT. The onices^of the late John F. Musgrave, stock and
fixtures, etc. Private consultation rooms, in a
thriving town of 2,000 inhabitants in West Jersey, eighteen miles from
Philadelphia. Here is a rare chance for a good Homoeopathic physician.
Address, Mrs. May Musgrave, Swedesboro, N. J.
The Recorder will be issued monthly in the coming year, 1893.
The monthly Recorder will be the same in price as the bi-monthly,
#1.00 a year.
Send in the dollar and be put on our new subscription list.
When asked what should go on his tombstone an old advertiser replied
that he did not care much so long as it was well displayed.
Advertise "Wants" or "For Sales" on this page of the Recorder.
They cost fo.oo an insertion, money to accompany copy. Space not to
•exceed five liees.
The big libraries are buying Bradford's Homoeopathic Bibliography. It
is of such a nature that, like rare wine, its value will increase with age.
Every good Homoeopath should display a morocco bound copy on his re-
ception room table. It will pay, too.
As they say in some parts of Pennsylvania, the May number of this
volume of tbe Recorder is "all;" by which is meant that no more copies
of it remain on hand, excepting the few reserved for binding.
We have a few bound copies of last year's Recorder left, $1.25.
If one may judge by the growth of the subscription list of the Homoeo-
pathic Envoy, Wis. interest in Homoeopathy is not on the wane, but is rather
on the increase; in fact decidedly so. A year's subscription to that little
journal is twenty-five cents; when taken in lots of not less than twenty-
five, it is ten cents a year per copy, mailed to separate addresses, or $2.50
for the twenty -five, cash in advance. The Envoy is now in its third year.
Dr. Geo. Royal has been appointed to the chair of Materia Medica of the
Homoeopathic Medical Department of the State University of Iowa, suc-
ceeding Dr. Cowperthwaite, who has accepted the chair of Materia Medica
and Therapeutics at Chicago Homoeopathic Medical College.
Dr. Ida Wright Rogers, of Chicago, is spending several months in Europe.
THE
Homoeopathic Recorder.
Vol. VII. Philadelphia and Lancaster, Nov., 1892. No. 6,
APOCYNUM CANNABINUM.
[An old lecture which under-graduates may not disdain to read.]
Preparation. — The root is the part used, and from it we de-
rive an alcoholic tincture. Triturations are also made from the
dried root, and they are said by Dr. E. M. Hale to be more effi-
cacious than the tincture in affections of the pulmonary organs.
Watery infusions, with just enough spirit to keep from ferment-
ing, are to be employed in the form of dropsy in which this
remedy is indicated.
"Hunt's Decoction' ' is a watery infusion of the fresh root
with enough gin added to keep it from souring. I had the fol-
lowing history of this preparation from the lips of the late Dr.
John F. Gray, and I publish it in that this celebrated empiric, de-
spite his large experience, wrote so little. I must be allowed to
add that the term empiric, as I now use it, has in it nothing
derogatory. Applied to him, it means a cast of mind quick to
seize every shadowy hint from any source, and prompt to make
a practical application of it when occasion offered.
He told me that in the early years of his practice he knew a
retired German merchant, named Vedder, who lived in the upper
part of New York city, and who had a large garden. Walking
therein one day with its owner, Dr. Gray noticed a strange plant
and made inquiry regarding it. Mr. Vedder said it was "very
good for dropsy.' '
Some time subsequently the case of Mr. Hunt, a drayman in
the city, came under the doctor's observation. Mr. Hunt had
"wasted his substance " on many doctors, all of whom had failed
to do his "dropsy " any good. Dr. Gray took the case and
cured it with an infusion of the strange plant in Mr. Vedder' s
garden. Hunt was profoundly grateful, but he told Dr. Gray
that he was not then able to pay him; during his long illness he
had actually parted with his last horse and cart. Dr. Gray said
242 THE HOMCEOPA TH/C RECORDER
to him, "Huut, your case is well known. Now, you make the
medicine that cured you and sell it, and you'll soon be on your
feet again."
The doctor told him how to make it, and the gin was added to
keep the infusion from souring. That is the origin of "Hunt's
Decoction."
The earliest treatise on this plant that I have been able to find
is in the third volume of the American Medical Review, Phila-
delphia, 1826. It is an Inaugural Dissertation on the properties
of Apocynum cannabinum that was submitted to the Faculty of
Jefferson College, in 1825, by M. I,. Knapp. The earliest mention
of this remedy in our literature is in the American Journal of
Homceopathia, 1835, edited by Drs. Hull and Gray.
Some very striking results were obtained from its empirical
use, and in 1856 it was the subject of some incomplete provings
by Drs. Peters and Marcy, of New York city
The first arrangement of its symptomatology appeared in
Freligh's Materia Medica, 1859; the next in Allen's Encyclo-
pedia, Vol. I, and the last in Hering's Condensed Materia Medica.
{This was written fifteen years ago : now we have Dr. Edwin
Chapin's gold medal proving in Vol. X of Allen's Encyclopedia,
and a symptomatic schema in Hering's "Guiding Symptoms."]
Physiological Action. — "In quite moderate doses it exerts an
influence over the nerves, and the vascular system, modifying the
secretions and excretions. It acts powerfully as a hydrogogue
cathartic, emetic, and diuretic ; it is a diaphoretic and expector-
ant ; it produces dryness of the tongue and an unpleasant heat of
the larynx and fauces ; it diminishes the frequency of the pulse and
induces drowsiness." Freligh. N. A. J. of Horn., IV, 520.
As I wish to teach you how to work up a remedy from an in-
complete proving, I shall defer an examination of the provers'
day-books until I have laid a pathological foundation.
We have just learned that Apocynum cannabinum is diuretic
and diaphoretic : that is, it influences both the kidneys and the
skin. Now bear in mind its action on the heart: " it diminishes
the frequency of the pulse." If this is its action on the healthy
prover, what effect would it have on a person whose pulse was
diminished in frequency by disease ? We, as Homoeopaths, know
that it would increase the frequency of the pulse, or bring it up
to its normal rate. Therefore, as Homoeopaths, we deduce this
conclusion : a diminished frequency of the pulse is a prime indication
for its therapeutic application.
Now, in a patient having dropsy with a diminished frequency
of pulse (to be general) what changes will the internal use of
THE HOMCEOPA THIt RECORDER. 243
Apocynum cannabinum bring about? First, it quickens the
action of the heart — that organ makes more contractions in a
minute. What does this accelerated action of the heart necessi-
tate ? A quicker return of the blood to the heart. The heart is
both a suction pump as well as a force pump; and whenever this
organ is acting quickly we know that the blood is making a cir-
cuit of the body quickly.
Now what effect does dilatation of the blood vessels have upon
the speed of the current of blood in them? It slows its speed,
as you well know. Then, beside quickening the action of the
heart, Apocynum cannabinum has done something else : it has
diminished the calibre of the blood vessels. This change in their
containing capacity is an absolute necessity in order to have the
Mood make the circuit of the body more rapidly, as your Pro-
fessor of Physiology will make plain to you. But, farther, that
this drug does so affect the blood vessels is proven by the clinical
fact that Apocynum cannabinum is able to arrest haemorrhage.
Now let us gather up some of the points that we have es-
tablished and find what will result therefrom. We have, then.
1. Diminution of the calibre of the blood vessels. 2. Quickened
cardiac action, and resulting from these two factors a more rapid
transit of the blood through the body.
Now suppose 4( dropsy' ' exists: then we have the areolar
tissues surcharged, distended with a watery exudation, and with
this co- exists a sluggish circulation. The pressure of the ex-
uded fluid compresses the veins and thereby helps to retard the
passage of the blood through them. Just here you give a medi-
cine which accelerates the hearts action, diminishes the size of
the blood vessels, and thereby quickens the circulation. Mean-
while, the blood is denser than the neighboring exudate, and it
is in rapid circulation as well; two conditions which induce an
increased endosmosis. The thickened and rapidly-flowing blood
exerts an attraction upon the watery exudate, which is rapidly
taken up by the blood. As a consequence the quantity of urine
is largely increased, and in a few days the dropsical exudate is
all carried off by the kidneys.
In the whole practice of medicine I know of nothing more
striking than the change effected by an efficient diuretic in a
severe renal, hepatic, or cardiac dropsy ; and I have not yet found
a more efficient diuretic than Apocynum cannabinum. [Since this
was written I have found that Apocynum is outdone in these
fields by Strophanthus ; but it, too, belongs to the powerful
Apocynacece.']
I shall now ask your attention first to Dr. Knapp's " proving"
244 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
— of course he was not a " Homoeopath," but the law of similars
exacts its inexorable toll from them. O the cruel irony of fate !
He put 15 grains of the powdered root into a teacupful of
warm water, and took doses of two tablespoonfuls every fifteen
minutes. In 15 minutes felt slight nausea; in half an hour
efforts to vomit. In an hour slight vomiting took place; felt weak
and sleepy; went to bed. Pulse 50; was 70 when he began his
experiment. Had some headache, felt bewildered, drowsed and
fell asleep. In an hour was awakened by extreme nausea
and had two attacks of free vomiting. Pulse 45. Gentle diar-
rhoea with no pain next morning.
Dr. Knapp also observed an increased secretion of mucus and
saliva, which kept him constantly spitting ; and also an increase
of the quantity of urine.
He further states that the drug did not produce that death-like
prostration which accompanies the emesis of Tartar emetic.
The next prover is Dr. John C. Peters. He took half-wine-
glassful doses of "Hunt's Decoction/ ' The first effect was a ten-
dency to constipation and decided scantiness of urine\ some flatu-
lence and slightly uneasy sensations in the bowels.
About the fourth day decided distension of the abdomen began
to occur even after a moderate meal. All the sense of fullness
seemed about the stomach, liver and spleen, while the lower
bowels did not appear more flatulent than usual. The sense of
oppression about the epigastrium and chest was several times so
great that there was the greatest difficulty in getting breath
enough to smoke a cigar, or to speak with any comfort; and this
happened after lighter meals than usual.
He was confident that his urine decreased to one-third the
usual quantity, and it was generally of a golden, sherry-yellow
color, with no deposit on exposure to cold. There was no pain
or uneasiness about the kidneys or bladder; on the contrary
these organs seemed torpid. The little urine that was passed
flowed as easily as if it were oil, though there seemed to be little
expulsive force in the bladder. As the weather was severely
cold, the falling off in the quantity of urine was all the more
remarkable
The bowels were sluggish, but the faeces not hard or costive ;
the evacuations were scanty. Occasionally he felt as if diarrhoea
would occur. It did not however even when full wineglassful
doses were taken.
He observed no preceptible effect on the pulse. Occasionally
a sense of sinking was felt at the pit of the stomach, with a sense
of general but transient debility.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 245
Hard, aching pain was felt in both knees several times, and it
was severe enough to make him fear that inflammatory rheuma-
tism was coming on.
He had also a peculiar catarrhal attack: he would wake up in
the morning with his nostrils and throat filled with thick yellow
mucus, yet no other sign of having taken cold.
He was once awakened early in the morning with severe irri-
tation of the left eye, as if sharp grains of sand were in it: there
was much heat and redness, and he feared an attack of rheumatic
ophthalmia.
Evenings and nights he also had sudden and violent attacks
of hard and frequent coughing, lasting one or two hours and then
ceasing without leaving a trace of a cold.
These are meagre returns, but when they are interpreted from
the clinical standpoint they are ample in their striking suggesti ve-
ness. To the clinic, then, we must now go in order to establish
an important feature concerning the action of Apocynum cannab-
inum, namely, its effect upon the vaso-motor nerves.
Here for our purpose in a case of menorrhagia. The regular
flow had been moderate for a day or two; then it became so pro-
fuse that the patient had to keep her bed from weakness. Dr.
Marsden found her almost pulseless; disposed to faint whenever
she raised her head from the pillow. There were also great irri-
tability of the stomach , and vomiting. When she approached
syncope the haemorrhage ceased, and began again so soon as the
heart regained its vigor.
Drop doses of Apocynum tincture every hour put a stop to all
haemorrhage. [^American Horn. Observer, Vol. I, p. 105.]
• Dr. W. H. Cook relates that when giving it, on two different
occasions, for ascites in a woman who had passed the change of
life, it was followed in each instance by a return of the menstrual
flow. It had no preceptible effect npon the ascites. [Op. cit. p.
108.]
From the cases on record its efficacy in uterine haemorrhage is
undisputable, and Dr. Cook's experience shows that it produces
what it cures, namely uterine haemorrhage.
Dr. A. H. Lindsay has proven in his own person the virtue of
Apocynum cannabimim in severe haemoptysis. Prof. H. D Paine
has also testified to its efficiency in intestinal haemorrhage. He
says, * ' In a recent case of haemorrhage of the bowels which came
under my care the Apocy7ium had been administered at first with
decided benefit \ but its Allopathic repetition in increasing doses was
followed by an aggravation, to an alarming extent, of the very
condition it had at first relieved, which it otherwise might have
cured.' ' [Horn. Examiner, Vol. I, p. 99]
~]
246
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
I think this evidence distinctly establishes its action on the
vasomotor nerves, and from the data already given we can
formulate its action upon the heart and blood vessels.
IN LARGE DOSES.
It decreases the frequency of the
pulse and increases the calibre of the
arterioles.
IN SMALL DOSES.
It increases the frequency of the
pulse and decreases the calibre of the
arterioles.
When used in disease acccording to the law of similars small
doses will stimulate the vaso-motor nerves, and large doses will
inhibit their action. If the heart is acting feebly y small doses will
increase its force and frequency; if the heart is acting forcibly and
quickly, lurge doses will decrease its force and frequency.
Suppose you are to treat a case of menorrhagia appropriate to-
Apocynum y the indications are to stop the leak in the distended
arterioles, and you give the small dose which decreases their
calibre. Suppose, again, you are treating a case of renal dropsy
appropriate to Apocynum\ the indications then are to increase the
calibre of the renal arteries which are not admitting sufficient
blood to the kidneys, and you give the large dose which dilates
them.
Gentlemen, if you are prescribing for the similarity of the
symptoms, do you not see that a large dose is as strictly Homoeo-
pathic as a small one? Apply your physiology and your path-
ology, and then you are competent to prescribe for physical con-
ditions as well as for "symptoms." And this competence it is
which makes the difference between a so-called "Hahnemannian
Homoeopath" and him who supplements his knowledge of the
law of similars with the hard facts of modern physiological and
pathological science. When you give a tablespoonful dose of
"Hunt's Decoction" in the appropriate case of renal dropsy you
are administering a quantity of medicine which is as truly the
"like" of the existing pathological condition as is the drop dose
of the tincture the "like" of existing pathological condition in
a case of menorrhagia. Homoeopathy is, indeed, a matter of
dose as well as of similarity, but the dose in absolute Homoeopathy
is not a matter of small quantity uniformly. The pathological
condition demands its "like," and the same sized dose cannot
be the Similar in pathological conditions which are diametrically
opposite.
General Survey. — This presents to us a remedy which markedly
diminishes the amount of urine, and induces scanty faecal
evecuations. Please note the physiological anomaly here; de-
creased urine and scanty faecal evacuations. Usually the
amount of these excretions is in the inverse ratic to each other.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 247
It also disturbs the stomach, producing much nausea and free
vomiting. It still farther causes a maked sense of oppression
about the chest and epigastrium, and a short dry cough.
It also induces quasi rheumatic pains in the knees; a quasi
nasal catarrh; a quasi ophthalmia; a quasi wAA. These quasi > " as
if," or bogus affections are plain evidence that it deranges func-
tion temporarily rather than produces permanent organic change.
All the clinical testimony goes to show that it is not a remedy
which can repair organic change. It does its grandest work in
the quality of a palliative; it enables us to smooth the way to
death — a function noble enough to challenge all the resources of
our art, and often the last that we can exercise in our beneficent
calling.
Special Analysis.
Mind. — Is bewildered. With this there is some headache, and
a drowsy feeling, so that one readily falls asleep. You can dis-
tinguish the bewilderment of Apocynum from the difficult com-
prehension of Helleborus by a little observation. The Helleborus
patient will impress you as being either stupid or indifferent,
when you try to get any information from him. The Apocynum
patient is " dazed," and you readily see that his hesitation is not
seemingly voluntary.
Head. — An indefinite headache; also an unusual heaviness of
the head, with aching pains in the small of the back and limbs.
All these I think belong to the quasi catarrhal role of the
remedy.
Eyes — The evanescent character of the few eye symptoms is
worthy of notice. Heat, redness, irritation as from grains of
sand; all coming on suddenly and as suddenly disappearing.
Nose. — On waking in the morning, nose and throat filled with
a thick yellow mucus. It also produces a violent irritation of
the Schneiderian membrane, resembling that occuring in an at-
tack of coryza •
Dr. Marsden has used it successfully in infantile coryza: "snuf-
fles," as the nurses call it. Bear it in mind as well as the tra-
ditional Nux vomica and Sambucus.
It is also a sternutatory, and may prove of use in hay fever,
especially if a transient irritation of the eyes co- exists.
As a sternutatory it produces long-continued sneezing with
copious excretions from the eyes, nose, and mouth. It is like
Aralia racemosa in this respect.
Mouth. — Dryness of the mouth on awaking. This condition
will be met in the dropsical affections calling for it.
248 THE HOMCEOPA THlL RECORDER.
*
It also produces an increased secretion of mucus and saliva, so
much so as to keep one constantly spitting. At the same time
there is an increased amount of urine.
The dryness of the mouth should lead us to bear this drug in
mind as a possible remedy in diabetes insipidus.
In the provings thirst is not -marked. One prover reports
thirst in the morning on awaking; but as the same prover had
dryness of the mouth on awaking, that may have led him to
drink rather than any actual body-craving.
Clinically we have great thirsty but water disagrees, causing
great pain, or else it is immediately thrown off. In a case of
ascites and hydrothorax successfully treated with this remedy
" immoderate thirfet and paucity of urine existed.' ' [Freligh,
N. A. Jour, of Horn., IV, 521.]
Stomach. — Nausea and vomiting are readily produced. It
does not occasion such a death-like prostration as Tartar emetic,
nor is it followed by the debility peculiar to the action of other
emetics.
The nausea awakens one from sleep. One patient uniformly
fell asleep after taking this drug, and was awakened by efforts
to vomit. A full dose occasions sleep both before and after vomit-
ing. Even when it produces free vomiting and purging, these
effects are followed by sleep.
We shall find this symptoms significant when we come to con-
sider the place of Apocynum in hydrocephalus.
Meanwhile, bear in mind that Apocynum stands alone in pro-
ducing sleep both before and after vomiting. Belladonna and
Veratrum album have sleep after vomiting. Apocynum only, so
far as we know, stands alone in having sleep before and after
vomiting.
Furthermore, we have a sinking at the stomach on walking.
Also on occasions a sense of sinking at the pit of the stomach.
In a case of dyspepsia Dr. Richard Hughes has vertified this
symptom of Apocynum.
In this feature Apocynum has analogues in Actea racemosa,
Digitalis, Hydrastic canadensis \ Hydrocyanic acid % Ignatia, Murex
purpurea, and Sepia.
Abdomen — The only symptom of note refers to the upper
third of the abdomen; decided distension of the abdomen after
even a moderate meal; all the sense of fullness seems to be in the
stomach, liver, and spleen — the lower bowels are not more
flatulent than usual.
Dr. Richard Hughes has found Apocynum efficacious in bloat-
ing of the stomach and hypochondia, occurring after meals.
THE HOMCEOPA TffIC RECORDER. 249
t
Stools. — Painless, not very copious, bilious stools are oc-
casioned by it; but more indicative is an exceeding scantiness of
the faecal evacuations. A sluggish state of the bowels is in-
duced, the faeces being neither hard nor costive.
In one of the earliest instances of its use where Dr. Parrish
gave it in a case of dropsy of years* standing, it acted as an
hydrogogue cathartic, and caused as many as forty copious watery
stools in twenty- four hours. The distinguishing feature of such
stools is their painlessness.
Prof. H. D. Paine says the Apocynum cannabinum, is popularly
employed in western New York for diarrhoeas; and Dr. Knapp
gives the following case in his "Inaugural Dissertation " ;
"A boy of two and one- half years had ' summer complaint. '
It left him with this condition: Considerable fever most of the
time; an irritable pulse, parched skin and constant thirst. Dis-
charges passes through all the shades from a dark green, muddy
appearance, to that of a clay color; sometimes more copious than
another, but always more than natural. The child emaciated,
the abdomen became prominent, he inclined to lie continually on
his belly, and was almost constantly calling for water.
"Two grain doses of Apocynum root every three hours soon
cured the case."
Many features here resemble Calcarea, and Podophyllum, but
the differentiating criterion in the constant intense thirst.
One of our own school, Dr. Von Tagen, has reported a very
striking case : A strumous child of eighteen months had diar-
rhoea for three weeks, when marasmus set in. Involuntary
stools 30 to 35 daily, green and yellow, and then green and
bloody. Great emaciation; constant and intense thirst. The
simplest drink was rejected immediately as soon as taken. No de-
sire for any kind of food, rejected all that was offered. Under
Secale cor. the child continued to sink.
There was now almost total suppression of urine; upper and
lower limbs cold and clammy; eyes rolled upwards, lids partially
opened, and a state of stupor from which it was difficult to rouse
him. Uraemic poisoning, in fact. [By no means. S. A. J.]
Apocynum cannabinum started a free flow of urine and recovery
followed. \Amer. Jour. Horn. Mat. Med., I, 182.]
In so extreme a case as this the difference between living and
dying depends upon the correctness of the choice between Apocy-
num and Argentum nitricum. What is the crucial distinction?
The duration of the case; it had become chronic, is one feature
for the silver salt. The character of the discharges is another.
The almost total suppression of the urine is a third, and one that
L.
*5o THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
•
many a physician would accept as decisive. Indeed, so far we
might decide upon Argentum nitricum; but that remedy does
not include the totality of the symptoms. We now include an-
other symptom — M The simplest drink was rejected immediately
as soon as taken." That addition denotes the remedy for this
case.
Urine. — The bladder seems to have but little expulsive power..
Dr. Freligh says he has " never had it fail in the most obstinate
retention, or distressing strangury." He gives these clinical
symptoms: "Frequent desire to urinate. Severe pain and pres-
sure at the neck of the bladder, with constant ineffectual urgings
to urinate. Great difficulty in voiding urine." \Mat. Med^\ He
says he has used it successfully in a case of urinary retention
from paralysis due to an injury of the spine.
In incontinence of urine Dr. Knapp records one failure with,
this drug.
We have both an increase and a decrease of the urine from*
its use. In a proving the rule will be, decreased urinary elimi-
nation from small doses; an increased quantity from large doses
— unless catharsis is established.
Genitals. — Although no mention is made in the provings of
any action in the sexual sphere, yet clinical experience has de-
fined its uses in some derangements of menstruation. Dr. Gal-
linger has found it serviceable in the amenorrhoea of young girls
with suppressed urine, abdomen and legs bloated.
Dr. Marsden uses it successfully for menorrhagia and metror-
rhagia. Continuous, or paroxysmal, flow both fluid and clotted,,
very profuse, returns too quickly; pulse quick, feeble, when
patient moves; she has lost so much blood that she faints event
when raising the head from the pillow.
Chest. — The most significant symptom in this rubric is the
sense of oppression. This may be so profound as to make speak-
ing difficult.
We have also a short, dry, hacking cough. This cough in the
diseases calling for this drug is usually attendant upon the op-
pression of the chest.
The respiration is short and unsatisfactory. There is also an*
irresistible disposition to sigh. A symptom found also in Phv-
sostigma venenata.
The occasional and sudden attacks of cough, ceasing as sud-
denly as they began, are also to be borne in mind.
To the pathologist this short category presents a good hint for'
the use of Apocynum in hydrothorax.
Moreover, in the cases calling for this remedy you will find.'
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 251
these symptoms intensified to a most remarkable degree: they-
speak in sharp staccato and make themselves heard.
We have seen that, according to the doses used, the heart's
action is both quickened and slowed. The clinic has given us
these indications: "Small, quick pulse; pulse feeble and irregular;
intermitting pulse/ '
Back and Extremities. — Slight soreness in thje region of the
kidneys when bringing the muscles into action. Aching in the
knees as if rheumatism was coming on.
Clinically we have: " Heaviness of the extremities; dropsical
swelling, legs and feet ready to burst; skin cracking and exuding"
serum from the fissures.' '
In one case I have seen the scrotum distended with serum until
it was as large as an infant's head at birth. And all that dis-
appeared under full doses of an infusion of Apocynum.
Sleep. — It produces drowsiness/ sleep before and after the
nausea and vomiting. This inclination to sleep helps to indicate
it in hydrocephalus.
On going to bed there is desire to sleep but inability to do so.
During the night great restlessness and little sleep.
The sleeplessness of hydrothorax is relieved by it; and in ad-
vanced cases of Bright* s disease the sorely needed sleep is sadly
disturbed by the occurance of the Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
In that most pitiful condition Apocynum has given more relief
than any remedy I have yet found.
Skin. — It induces diaphoresis. And at night in bed there is
apt to be an unusual heat of the skin.
In dropsical conditions the existence of a pale and cold skin
does not contra- indicate this remedy. It is like Digitalis in this.
Such is at least, an outline of the action of Apocynum canna-
birtum — a remedy that may well be called the vegetable trocar.
I shall now speak of its use in uraemic convulsions — the
puerperal variety. Of its employment in acute hydrocephalus;
in diarrhoea; in dropsy from heart, liver and kidney disease, and
in post-scarlatinal dropsy. Also in the dropsy that sometimes
follows intermittent fever. Then I shall point out some differences
between Apocynum, Ai>is mellifica y Arsenicum, and Helleborus-
niger:
That one form of puerperal convulsions depends upon cerebral
hydraemia is very probable. "If the cerebrum alone becomes
oedematous and anaemic, simple coma arises; but if at the same
the mesocephale [Pons Varolii and medulla oblongata] become
anaemic, convulsions occur." It is this oedema and anaemia of
the brain which give the symptoms of uraemia in one form of
252 1HE H0MCE0PA1HIC RECORDER.
puerperal convulsions. Herein I should look for help to
Apocynum and I should give it by both anal and hypodermic
injections.
Similar considerations would influence me in regard to acute
hydrocephalus: though in such cases I believe Apocynum has its
special symptoms to indicate, and these I shall state when I come
to distinguish between Apis, Hellebore, and Apocynum.
A child of Professor Renwick's was rescued from the following
condition — one of acute hydrocephalus — by the use of Apocynum.
Towards the end of the disease "the sutures of the skull were
opened; the forehead projected considerably; the sight of one eye
was lost; the other eye was only slightly sensible. The child
lay in a stupor with constant involuntary motion of one arm and
leg, and the urine had ceased being excreted for more than
twenty-four hours." A strong decoction was used in hourly
teaspoonful doses, and the child saved.
In another case there were " Paralysis of the left side, one eye
motionless, the other rolling about in its socket, with tendency
to dryness of lower third of cornea; bowels distended, pulse
slow. ' ' Under the use of Apocynum a green diarrhoea was brought
on and final recovery ensued.
It should be borne in mind in all cases of diarrhoea wherein
44 determination to the head" has ensued. Marshall Hall's
44 Hydrencephaloid" will also afford a sphere for it.
In profuse watery, greenish diarrhoea, painless, with incessant
thirst and irritable stomach it will prove invaluable; and the
diminished, or suppressed urine occurring in such cases must be
remembered.
In dropsy from organic disease of the heart, liver and kidneys
it is always worthy of consideration. The following differenti-
ations between Apocynum and its allies, Apis, Arsenicum, Helle-
borus and Digitalis will aid in selecting it.
44 In no disease," says Baehr, ** is it more difficult to select a
remedy than in dropsy; nor are we in any disease more frequently
disappointed by the medicine employed, very often on account
of some cause hidden from observation. These disappointments
are very often owing to the circumstance that we do not give a
large enough dose; it is well known that dropsy requires to be
treated with larger doses than almost any other disease, although
there may be exceptions to this rule."
Digitalis. — In dropsy caused by cardiac, or pulmonary disease.
It is more efficacious in dropsies accompanied by a great degree of
debility. It succeeds best when the pulse is feeble or intermit-
ting, the countenance pale, the lips livid, the skin cold, and the
swollen abdomen and limbs soft and fluctuating on pressure.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 253
In patients of great natural strength, with tense fibre — the
skin not "pitting" on pressure — warm skin and florid complex-
ion, it seldom does any good. A tight cordy pulse also contra-
indicates it.
The urine is scanty, deposits urates on cooling, and has some
blood in it.
There is pressure at the neck of the bladder with frequent
urging to urinate.
Its chief use is in cardiac dropsy with marked pulmonary ob-
struction. In oedema of the lungs it is of prime importance. It
has a good record in post- scarlatinal dropsy.
It has more pulmonary disturbance than any of the four
remedies we are now treating, and lividity is the sign that you
are to look for in selecting Digitalis,
Bear in mind that if purgation occurs when using Digitalis the
dropsy will not be relieved — a point of marked difference from
Apocynwm.
Apis. — Is without thirst in dropsy. The oedematous parts
have a peculiarly waxen appearance. The prime indication is a
suffocated feeling with a sensation of melting heat in the chest. The
patient is unable to bear a warm room. The pulse is small, wiry
and rapid. The urine is scanty, and dark like coffee grounds.
Stinging, burning pains at the neck of the bladder attend its
passage.
Arsenicum. — There is general exhaustion and debility. Sud-
den sinking weakness after urinating. Face yellow and expres-
sion anxious. Great restlessness, and all its pains however slight
are followed by a sensation of marked weakness.
Helleborus. — An even more torpid type than that dropsy indi-
cating Digitalis. A peculiar dullness pervades the patient, and
the muscular movements are as sluggish as is the mind.
Hahnemann describes this stupid dullness as follows: "Im-
perfect and heedless sight, although the eyes are perfectly sound,
imperfect hearing although the ears are perfectly sound, imper-
fect taste although the organ of taste is in good condition, con-
stant or frequent absence of thought, want of recollection of
things which had just taken place; light slumber without the
sleep being refreshing; desire to work without the power or at-
tention necessary to do something."
Helleborus is better for sudden acute dropsy than for cases
where it has slowly developed. Its chief indicating feature is
alternations of chilliness and heat.
Its nearest resemblance to Apocynum is in the sleepiness; its
difference the absence of thirst and irritable stomach.
254 THE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER.
In acute hydrocephalus Apocynum is most like Helleborus, but
Helleborus has the alternating chilliness and heat, which is not
the case with Apocynum Its heat will be continuous and high-
est at night.
It is highly probable that Apocynum does its work chiefly
through the vaso motor system of nerves. Dilated vessels and
lowered cardiac action are its first effect. Secondary, or reac-
tionary, consequences are constricted vessels, increased blood-
pressure and accelerated cardiac action; therefrom follow in-
creased activity of the lymphatic and excernent systems.
S. A. J.
DR. WESSELHOEFT THROWS DOWN THE
GAUNTLET.
Messrs. Boreickb & Tafei,.
Gentlemen: — Your note of October 5th was duly received, and
I thank you for drawing my attention to an article in The
Homoeopathic Physician, (p. 448) in which Dr. J. R. Haynes, the
author, under the title 4< Is Similia a Universal Law?" endeavors
to promulgate the belief that the Organon has not been taught in
any of the colleges, and insists that, as the American edition,
published by William Radde, is out of print, and held at ten
dollars a copy, by a few it is not * ' strange under these circum-
stance that such a work is little known" and as "C. Wessel-
hoeft's translation, has been a failure as to its sale," and can not
be recommended by Dr. Haynes as a translation ' 'there is no
available edition of the Organon in the market."
Regarding these accusations I have your authority for stating,
that far from my translation being a failure as to sales, it is one
of the best selling books you publish.* In this connection I must
state the chief reason why I undertook the translation.
You will remember that in 1863-4, Dr. Hering and his friends
were indefatigable in asserting that a new translation of the
Organon must be made, giving as a reason the imperfection and
unreliability of the old American edition, and secondly the pro-
posal of Mad. Hahnemann to publish a sixth edition, with her
husband's latest notes and corrections, awaiting which the new
translation should be kept ready, that the expected changes and'
*For year ending Oct. 1, 1882, the sales of the Organon amounted to
523 copies. Of these, half were sold through Chicago. — B. & T.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 255
■corrections might be added as fast as the proof-sheets from Paris
were received. " Although these never came, Dr. Hering contin-
ued his persuasion for two years, both orally and by letter, now
inostly on the ground of the imperfections of the old American
edition, which is now held to be so perfect in certain quarters.
I accepted the duty of translator entirely at Dr. Hering' s most
urgent request, and never heard a word of dissatisfaction during
the two years in which Dr. Hering had my manuscript in his
liands, regarding which we corresponded freely in the most
-friendly manner. Dr. Hering, though a judge of the subject,
never criticized the style, and expressed no opinion concerning
it, as he found the meaning of the text had been intelligibly ren-
dered.
When it was finally published by your firm, my translation
also received Dr. Dunham's unqualified endorsement, as well as
-that of others whose opinions are weighty.
The present enthusiastic praise of the old edition is absurd in
"the face of its former condemnation by the purest of the pure.
Perfectly familiar with the very intelligible American edition,
and the excellent version by Dr. R. E. Dudgeon, I never would
liave given my time and strength to the translation of the Organon
-unless I had been urged to do it by Dr. Hering.
The untruthful and offensive assertions in The Homoeopathic
Physician are intended to introduce Dr. Fincke's forthcoming
translation. Perhaps Dr. Fincke will give us a better one than
Stratten's, Dudgeon's or mine. If so, it will be heartily wel-
comed, but a book heralded by vicious calumny of its predeces-
sors is condemned beforehand.
Dr. Haynes denounces my translation without the 'slightest
attempt at showing where it is wrong or unreliable, and without
any evidence that he knows anything about the matter. To say
that, if my " translation is correct, then all the others he has seen
-are certainly incorrect' ' is a proof that he is incapable of under-
standing any of them, as they all say the same thing, each in its
•own manner of expression. This will be found to agree perfectly
with the German text of which my critic is entirely unable tq
judge, and is guilty of an intentional insult unless he points out
my errors. This I challenge him to do, in the firm conviction
that he is incapable of it. I have a list of corrigenda ready for
future use if needed, but Dr. Haynes, I am convinced, will be
unable to discover them without the aid of another.
My reasons for this statement are cogent; they are contained
in the circular he prides himself on having sent out, and of
-which a copy has been preserved in these parts as curiosity of
256 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
"English, how she is spoke." In the form of a letter dated
October, 1891, it begins with "Dear Doctor,'* and is signed
"Fraternally yours, J. R. Haynes, M. D., 120 Meridian street,
Indianopolis Ind.," proving that it was written by the person who
signed it.
Any one who abuses Uncle Sam's English as Dr. Haynes did,
is not in a condition to correct another's language, and he is not
the first who, boasting with his enthusiasm for the Organon and
its author, proves his ignorance by spelling the name Hahnna-
tnann. This is not a typographical error, for it is perpetrated at
least three times in that document, whose author claims to have
read the Organon, and proposes to publish Dr. Fincke's transla-
tion, and ' ' that each subscriber be prompt to send in their
names." . . . because " it is positively necessary that a correct
copy of the Organon be in the hands of every Homoeopathic
physician, so that they may become familiar with just what
Hahnnamann has said" ..." Loan it to one, and as soon as
they have read it, loan it to another" .... " Every one who
has carefully read the Organon will become a Homoepath, and
they will have." . . . etc., through the whole circular.
But the most serious, or, if you will, ludicrous part of the
Herald's blast is that he cannot find out "just what Hah?mamann
said" from any of the past translations of the Organon, not
even from the fourth American, at $10 a copy. The reason is
simple. One unfamiliar with English and German cannot com-
prehend, and much less appreciate the language of Hahnemann,
and hence must be quite unable to judge of any translation; it
follows from this that the praise of such a reviewer will prove
far morfe injurious to Dr. Fincke's book than his condemnation.
The admission that he has been unable to find out from En-
glish versions " what Hahnamann said " proves Dr. Haynes to be
one of a too numerous coterie of individuals who have inherited
the mission of misrepresenting the German text of the Organon
as so abstruse and unintelligible as to be still awaiting its inter-
preter, at last discovered in Dr. Fincke, and there are some who
, make capital out of the pretense that they possess a key to the
mystery which is discussed and still more profoundly mystified
in their "Organon meetings." Dr. Haynes is a first-rate example
of those who have been hopelessly gulled by such influences.
To those who have really read it, the Organon is one of the
best written and logical books in the world. It is best only be-
cause it is perfectly intelligible, and if ever there was a book
concerning the contents of which there can be no doubt, the
Organon is that one.
THE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER. 257
Still there are limits, not to the clearness of the meaning of
that book, but to the intelligence and education of its reader.
If he has a preliminary education, preparing him for the study of
medicine, and if he is thoroughly familiar with medical history
of a century ago, he will find instruction and delight in the study
of the Organon, in its translations as well as in the original.
Without such qualifications the reader wastes his time which he
might employ more profitably in the hayfield or the shop. So
much for intelligence and intelligibility.
The translator, on the other hand, besides those qualifications,
should possess a thorough knowledge of German, and should at
least be able to write tolerably correct and readable English.
As not every one is master of the German language or endowed
with the literary grace of a Hawthorne, future readers of trans-
lations of the Orga?wn will have to content themselves with the
best English a doctor can write. Drs. Stratten, Dudgeon and I
have done the best we could, and I am sure that both of the
other translators would agree with me, that if a member of the
I. H. A., or any other man is unable to understand our transla-
tions, the fault lies in his deficient intelligence or education or in
both.
Convinced that the gravity and directness of the charge
brought at this late day, will excuse the length of this letter, I
remain, gentlemen,
Yours sincerely,
Conrad Wesselhoeft, M. D.
Boston, Oct. 14. , 1892.
IN MEMORIAM.
I must acknowledge that I am a " back number/ ' that I have
fallen out of the line of progress, that I am no longer in touch
with our serial literature, that events occur of which I get
knowledge only by accident, and that thus I learned of the
death of John Drysdale, M. D.
I have never met him, we touched hands only by letter, but I
have been more closely drawn towards him than to many whom
I have known in the flesh ; and now that friendly hand is nerve-
less, and the world is far poorer for me and for many another.
Russell, Drysdale and Dudgeon, what a triumvirate ! Rich
258 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
in that ripe scholarship which is nowadays so rare, and richer in
that nobility of nature which takes its stand with the truth
regardless of all else, these men shine out in the early history of
English Homoeopathy pre-eminent.
They were intimate with the intellectual elite of auld Reekie
when such men as Samuel Brown were amongst its luminaries,
and from friendship that distinguished scientist contributed to
the first volume of the British Journal of Homoeopathy, a paper
on "The Theory of Small Doses' ' that was a brave word most
bravely said for a despised truth. They were also acquainted
with the physiologist Fletcher, the depth of whose teachings a
lagging profession has not yet fully sounded. It was, indeed, a
proud day for Homoeopathy, when young men of such mental
quality gave it their unhesitating allegiance.
And with what unfaltering fealty they kept the faith, with
what unwearying industry they toiled for it, with what un-
daunted courage they fought for it.
Naja tripudians testifies for Russell, Kali bichromicum for
Drysdale, and many and many a shining page for Dudgeon.
Theirs are the deeds that " blossom in the dust." .
It was the stern arbitrament of fate, that Drysdale should see
his son called from the vineyard while yet his shadow fell
behind him, and he, himself, left toiling on . until the evening
dews fell thick upon his garment. But the brave, stout heart
did not falter; he was kin to them who rode into the valley of
Death unflinchingly :
" Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die."
And now the mystery of that cruel bereavement is solved, and!
it is radiant with the inscrutable beneficence of the omniscient,
unerring purpose. The hand that moulded Peter's dome may
'have "builded better than he knew," but He who framed the
star-gemmed dome of depthless blue forever orders better than we
know.
Drysdale was a reverent student of the mystery of Life; with
Dallinger he pushed his researches far on the line that Beale
began, but only to acknowledge with the Persian Omar:
" There was the Door to which I found no key ;
There was the Veil through which I might not see."
And he patiently folded his hands and waited the pleasure of
the Master of the Vineyard. And when at last the feeble flesh
began to fail, and as the shadows deepened, he lifted up his
voice and sang,
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 259
"Why, if the Soul can fling the Dust aside,
And naked on the Air of Heaven ride,
Were't not a Shame — were't not a Shame for him
In this clay carcase crippled to abide."
And while the mourners listened, the song sank into the in-
finite silence: the placid face was that of one who has reached
the Unspeakable.
S. A. J.
Ann Arbor, Columbus Day, 1892.
TUBERCULINUM HEATHII.
In the second (American) edition of his New Cure for Con-
sumption, Dr. Burnett says: "Since the publication of the first
edition, letters have reached me from physicians, pharmaceutists,
and others from almost all parts of the world, asking me to
supply them with some of the identical Bacillinum, of which I
have made use. I would, therefore, like to say that it may be
obtained in England of Dr. Heath, 114 Ebury street, London, S.
W., and in America at any of the pharmacies of Messrs. Boericke
& Tafel. In my earliest efforts I made use of Tuberculinum
from various sources, sometimes obtained from one place, and
sometimes from another, but I imagine that the various supplies
were for the most part primarily from Dr. Swan, of New York.
They acted fairly well at times, and sometimes brilliantly, but
with nothing like the precision and regularity of Bacillinum,
and nothing like so incisively.' ' He then goes on to explain
how the remedy may be prepared (p. 129). As this remedy
has played an important part in therapeutics during the past
year or so, and bids fair to come into still more general use, it is
but right that the credit of the excellent preparation used by Dr.
Burnett should be duly acknowledged. It was made by Dr.
Edward A. Heath, of 114 Ebury street, London, and by him is
known as Tuberculinum Heathii. But this name, through no
fault of pharmacists, is not generally used. In his preface (p. ix,
second edition) Dr. Burnett says : "The difference between our
old friend Tuberculinum, which I have ventured to call Bacilli-
num, as the bacilli were proved to be in my preparation " [here
follows a footnote, "very kindly made for me by Dr. Heath M ]
"by an expert in practical bacteriology. I say the difference
between our old friend Tuberculinum or Bacillinum and that of
Koch lies in the way it is obtained. Ours is the virus of the
260 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
natural disease itself, while Koch's is the same virus artificially
obtained in an incubator from colonies of bacilli thriving in beef
jelly ; ours is the chick hatched under the hen, Koch's is the
chick hatched in an incubator The artificial hatching is Koch's
discovery ; not the remedy itself, or its use as a cure for con-
sumption.' '
It only remains to add here that practitioners ordering Bur-
nett's Bacillinum or Tuberculinum Heathii from the Boericke &
Tafel pharmacies, will receive the same remedy, under either
name, z. e., the preparation prepared by Dr. Heath. The
various dilutions were kindly forwarded by Dr. Heath at the
request of Dr. Burnett.
A PARTIAL PROVING OF BACILLINUM.
August 2, 1892. A very cloudy day, warm damp wind; feeling
very much depressed and worried about business and finance;
very bad headache.
Having a patient coming to me of a consumptive diathesis,
or troubled with "consumptiveness," I had procured from
Boericke & Tafel Bacillinum 30th and 200th, but not having any
100th I concluded to make some myself. I took 36 globules
of the 30th, and dissolved them in one ounce of diluted al-
cohol, shaking the vial well until the gobules were all disolved,
which took a long time. Getting tired of shaking I put down
the vial and dried my fingers on my tongue. Soon after ex-
perienced a flush of heat, some perspiration and a severe head-
ache, deep in, differing from what I felt at first, and this con-
tinued until half an hour after. I finished my potentizing and
foolishly did the same thing, dried my finger on my tongue.
Headache increased all over. Mostly in the temples and occiput.
Stinging, stitch-like pain through my piles, haemorrhoids, and
a stitching, creeping pain through my left lung, and a tick-
ling cough; I felt very weak. I had no cough before, and yet I
now had a tickling in my fauces and must cough; the headaches
continued, and weakness and feeling in and under my left breast
deep in.
(I have counted 50 drops drops of this, and have saturated 4 oz.
of No. 35 globules, and I am going to call this my 100 c.)
If this dilution, 2 drops or so, can make one in health feel as I
did, I am sure there is a power in dynamization. A very rest-
less feeling, not able to read with profit, so went to bed early;
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 26 r
very restless; slept well; when asleep, no dream; had to rise to
urinate three times; urine clear, but of a very bad smell; putrid.
Awoke at daybreak and could not sleep, feeling very tired, but
went into my garden, digging trenches for celery plants; passed
a good deal of flatus, smelling very bad, like the urine. Worked
steadily for two hours; it was then time to open office. While
preparing my tub for shower bath, felt very sick; upheaval of
stomach, but could not vomit. A spasmodic effort which shook
me a good bit; before I could finish my dressing, had a hurried
feeling to pass stool; loose, very bad smelling, of a dark green
character, mixed with mucus; felt very weak and sleepy all that
forenoon; . . . feel very drowsy now at 1 a. m.; appetite as good
as usual. Some dull headache, but mentally clear; no pain in
lung, but have had a sore throat and a good deal of tickling in
the pharynx, provoking a cough and enabling me to raise a
little phlegm, white and frothy like cotton ball.
Weakness continued all the day; did not want to be disturbed.
Sought to be quiet; slept a good part of the day, when not at-
tending to my professional duties; passed a great deal of urine;
foul- smelling, of a pale color, with white sediment; have not
tested it yet.
Second night very restless; at- night slept well, but full of
dreams; in my dream was attending to large numbers of malig-
nant diphtheria cases. Woke many times and slept and dreamed,
the same kind of dream; my cases in my dream did not die, but
were greatly worse; worried about them.
Awoke at 5 a. m., and after lying awake, wondering what
these dreams meant. My thought took this form: Intending
me to get ready for an epidemic of diphtheria, and this thought
I cannot get rid myself of.
August 4, 1892. Feeling too tired to go into my garden; busi-
ness being very scarce, I have had time to sleep, and slept all
the forenoon. Headache not so bad; sweat on the least exertion;
very poor appetite; bowels move.
August 5. Slept better, not so restless, but troubled dreams
about diphtheria, and yet there is none in the town. (My son,
the clergyman, took it from a malignant case. Whilst leading
her to rest upon the Saviour for salvation; he did not know at
the time that he spent an hour in close conversation, taking her
breath all the time: This filled me with concern for him. I
gave him Apis to counteract. In eight days he had a slight sore-
ness and an enlarged tonsil, right side, and on inspection I
found some gray patches, but Oy. m. 3d soon took them away.)
But this was more than a week ago. My own throat very dry,
262 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER
but not so sore, and not so much inclination to cough; very weak
yet, and sweaty; head not yet clear of pain. Bowels regular; I
am passing more urine, very pale, with strong odor. A good
bit of backache across my kidneys.
August 6. No change in my feelings, very weak and nervous,
full of anxiety as of impending trouble.
August 7. Head clear of pain, no dreams, very cross and full
of fault-finding, everything is going wrong.
August 8, 9. 10. Feeling similar, but not quite so continuous;
feeling some improved.
I have learned from this partial proving that this is a very
powerful drug. That it made me very ill for the first two days,
I am very sure, and filled me with some concern as to whether
I should not do something to counteract its effects, but I finally
concluded not to do so, but watch and wait.
I found that it had power to set up a seveie headache, at the
time I was suffering from one, but so differing that the new one
from the Bacillinum, could be easily felt, in the parts, occipital
and frontal.
The throat was inflamed ; tickling, phlegmy, cough from
tickling that could not be relieved in any other way.
Left lung was irritated and made sore, a creeping, stitch-like
feeling passing through from below upwards. A weak feeling
in the right lung.
Bowels inflated with gas, and soft, mushy stool of dark,
greenish color, passing easily.
The pain or stitch through my old pile I could not account
for, but having felt it as something new, I make record of it.
Some eczema of anus that had given me trouble for some time
previous, has since been very much better.
I have had three patients under this, Dr. Burnett's Bacillinum,
one dose of 30th in eight days.
The cases are too new to report as yet, but all are improving.
This will cure some cases of laryngeal phthisis, diphtheria
and phthisis pul., and be a great aid to us in curing what this
learned physician calls consumptiveness. I for one have adopted
this name and this remedy.
It seems as if I was learning to be an Homoeopathic physician,
never having had much, if any, faith in the high dilution.
R. Boocock, M. D.
Flatbush, L. I.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 263
BACILLINUM: ITS CURATIVE POWER ON DIFFER.
ENT DISEASES.
Through the Homoeopathic Recorder (March number, 1891),
J became aware of Dr. Burnett's little book, New Cure of Con-
sumption. Being myself interested in the treatment of consump-
tion, I bought the book at the store of Boericke & Tafel, as also
the medicine Bacillinum. Having carefully perused the contents
of the little book, I determined, as I was about to sail for Europe,
to try its effect on my arrival in Switzerland. During my short
stay in Basel I had occasion to administer Bacillinum to about
six persons. From Basel I went to Herisau, Canton d* Appenzell.
There I had occasion enough to distribute amongst my friends
the wonderful effect of Bacillinum^ amidst the great opposition
of the doctors, who laugh and snarl at the idea of such a treat-
ment as something completely new in practice ? Since sixteen
months many very remarkable cures have been performed, even
several known as incurable, so that from east to west, all through
Switzerland, Bacillinum has found an entrance. In a journal,
treating on " General Conduci veness, ' ' I asserted that the prin-
cipal cause of idiotism and cretinism are tubercles in and around
the brain, and the only remedy to reach these tubercles, and to re-
establish a harmony between moral and physic, are Bacillinum
in its different strengths. This affirmation brought the strong
phalanx of Allopaths against me in controversy openly in the
same journal. They could not deny the cures, but ridiculed the
idea of using such means to cure diseases. My last words of
•defense were those which Dr. Burnett used : ' ' Machs nach !
Aber machs besser! This ended for the present our controversy.
Allow me, to send you here a few, but very interesting cases,
where Bacillinum has shown highly its curative power.
1. A mother brought a child of 12 months, covered from head
to foot by a syphilitic eruption, the eyes like raw flesh. I gave
the child on her tongue, 15 small pellets of Bacillinum^ 200. A
week after, the change was more than could be expected. Again
the same dose ; — 8 days later the child could see well, and the
eruption more than half gone. Two weeks longer treatment in
the same manner, the child was perfectly healed. A prove that
Bacillinum has curative effect on syphilis.
2. A MissE., of 27 years, having spent the winter of 'go-^i,
in the hospital at Basel, being sent home in April '91, pro-
nounced incurable, suffering with consumption, sent for me May
16, 1 89 1. Examination pronounced both lungs in an advanced
264 THE HOMCEOPA THlL RECORDER.
state of phthisis. She began with 20 pellets of Bacillinum, every
eighth day the same dose. In July after, she called at my house
in Herisau, and in truth, I was astonished to see her so well.
Kept on in taking Bacillinum, when in September, visiting Basel,
I found her very well.
3. A Miss S., teacher of 38 years in Basel, suffering for years
with bad stomach, not able to keep food in her stomach, had the
symptoms of a beginning cancer in the pyloris. This lady re-
ceived Bacillinum % one dose every eighth day and after six
months was totally cured.
4. A merchant in Basel, 32 years old, consumptive for several
years, received from his doctors, as the last resort, Kreosotum in
capsules. Getting worse from month to month, the family de-
sired he should consult a Homoeopathic physician. Was con-
sulted and examination showed the upper parts of the lungs
badly affected, covered by tubercles. Also by chronic bron-
chitis. Received Bacilliuum 200, 20 pellets every eighth day,
keeping for three months the medicine, and to the astonishment
of his friends he became a healthy man. •
5. A dessinateur here in Herisau suffering from weak lungs,
constant cough day and night, underwent a so-called "Knipps"
treatment at a place in Germany. Six weeks after he came
back, a skeleton, emaciated, miserable. Examination proved
the whole upper part of the lungs covered by tubercles. Bacil-
linum cured him perfectly in two months.
6. A young girl of 16 years, of Lofingen. Over two years ago
she had scarlet fever, was neglected and lost appetite and sleep;
her menses ceased more than 18 months. All appearance was
that she was in the decline, (consumption). I gave her of the
Bacillinum, every week 20 pellets. The result was indeed be-
yond my expectation. The menses returned and the other com-
plaints disappeared, sleep came back, and after three months
she became a blooming girl.
7. This is a very remarkable case. A maiden lady of 37
years, residing at Lichtensteig, being more or less sick for sixteen
or seventeen years. The first cause was hysterical spinal irrita-
tation ; grew worse from year to year ; her spine curved over 1 j£
inches ; her left hand inflamed, which led to amputation of her
index (forefinger). Over two years ago she became helpless in
both legs. The doctor at Wattwyl (city hospital), though (it was
then just the fury of Dr. Koch's lymph system) to inject in her
the lymph. This he did eighteen times. After this had been done,
her legs, from hip to foot, became as dead, without any feeling.
It was on December 2, 189 1, 1 found her in that condition. I left
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 265
her Bacillinum, 20 pellets, every week one dose. After four weeks
some feelings returned ; also became able to move her toes,
keeping on for some time more in the same manner. In May-
last she was able to sit up. In June she was strong enough to-
get up and walk alone in her room. Now it is August 9th. Her
legs are perfectly normal, and with the exception of the curve
on her back and the sore hand, she is as well as she had been in-
her younger days.
This lady had been pronounced incurable, and people of
Lichiensteig, with their doctors, are enchanted over such a cure.
Bacillinum has done its work perfectly, and many such so-called
incurable cases would yield under the blessed influence of this,
wonderful medicine.
S. Another case where old and new school doctors have more
or less failed. A butcher's wife about 58 years old, residing in
Lichtensteig. has been for years complaining of rheumatism, but
more especially a stiffness and redness in her arms, hands, legs
and feet, which resulted slowly into arthritical, gouty contrac-
tions of the joints of fingers, toes, even on the knees, so as to-
become unable to shut the hands, and walking only with great
difficulty. She received Bacillinum in the above named order,
and in less than three months all her stiffness was removed, and
she is now very well. Here it was evident that Bacillinum ab-
sorbed the chalky substance in the joints.
9. A case of idiotisme and cretinisme> which made a great stir-
In August, 1 89 1, I was called by telegram to go to a place near
Neuchatel, about 150 miles from Herisau, and found there a 10-
year-old girl, a perfect idiot and cretin. The history of the
child was about this: Until after vaccination, (she was 1%.
year old,) was very well; from that time she began to act as hav-
ing no sense, growing worse from months to years. Her parents
consulted in different cities, as London, Paris and Vienna with-
out the slightest amelioration. They heard of me by a doctor
of Basel, that I had attended there a 16-year-old idiot, whose
reason returned partially. I found the girl in the following con-
dition: Long or tall, 2 feet and 5 inches; old, 10 years; the
teeth hidden in the gums, could hardly stand on her legs, un-
able to walk and talk; head, front narrow and large on the back;
several smaller and larger elevations on the skull, some soft,,
others hard; nose, eyelids and lips extremly large; type of an
idiot and cretin.
A careful examination, especially of the deformed head, with
its elevations, disclosed nests of tubercles. Her eyes without
life, no desire for anything; in fact the most ungrateful expres-
266 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
sion ! — now what to do 1 My thoughts settled soon on one point,
to give an antidote to these colonies of tubercles, and decided
on Bacillinum^ as the only means to bring on a change. She re-
ceived on the ioth of August, 1891, 20 pellets, to continue every
week the same dose. Visited her in October said year; great
change; she began to talk and walk, the teeth sprouting out of
the gum, the head a better form, and the general condition of the
whole body was changed. Kept on by the same medicines. In
November it was decided that I should go to London to a con-
ference, to confer with Dr. Burnett. (Dr. Burnett mentioned my
visit to him in his second edition of " Cure of Consumption,' '
pages 151 and 152.) After this, every month brought some new
change. It is just a year since the child came under my attend-
ance, and what a change has Bacillinum 200 operated ? The child
talks, walks, (even runs), has grown 3^4 inches, intelligence
restored, enjoys extremly her life, being so cheerful and bright.
Now am I wrong to assert that the main causes of idiotism
and cretinism are tubercles, brought on either by bad virus of
vaccination, or inherited from the parents the germ of such a
dreadful calamity ? John Young, M. D.,
formerly of Brooklyn , N. Y.
ForsthauSy Herisau^ Switzerland,
URINARY FISTULA CURED BY SABUL SERRU-
LATA.
Case i. On the morning of the 13th of August, 1891, a mes-
senger brought me a letter from an Allopathic physician to see
a case of his at my earliest convenience. On my arrival at the
patient's place, at about 10 a. m., I found the doctor was waiting
for me. I was told in detail a long history of the case, but I
shall here mention only a few points in connection with it. A
robust man aged about 52, Marwary by caste, has been suffering
from difficulty of micturition for some years. A few years ago he
was once catheterized for the retention of urine. For some time
the stream of urine became very thin ; he had to wait a little
before the first drop of urine passed, and the flow was inter-
mittent at times. As it sometimes happens in such cases, there
.grew a big lump below the root of the penis, almost in the
median line. He was getting high fever ; the swelling was
hard, hot, and very painful to touch ; in fact it was an acute
1HE HOMGEOPA THIC RECORDER. 267
abscess being formed there. His suffering during micturition
was indescribable ; it would even last for some time after the
-urination. He would cry, scream and do all he could to express
his suffering ; he was not satisfied in making water ; there was
a never- get- done feeling, and a frequent desire to urinate ;
stream narrow, sometimes only a few drops and a great straining
in its passage ; a severe long-lasting, continuous, burning pain
after the micturition. One of the best European surgeons of the
-city was consulted, who tried to pass catheters, but failed to do
;so, even with the lowest, number. At last the surgeon pro-
posed an operation, which the patient would not submit to, even
if his life were at peril, so the next best course for him was to
seek assistance from some Homoeopathic physicians who are
supposed at least here not to touch a scalpel. I suppose it is
not an uncommon lot for Homoeopathic physicians to meet with
such knife-scared patients.
My first prescription that morning was Hepar Sulph. 6x and
Thuja Occ. 3, alternately, every two hours. Next morning on
my visit I found that he was no better; in fact the fever was
Tiigher than on the previous evening; the temperature was over
104.07. and there was no intermission, this morning the temper-
ature having been 102.07. The inflammation increased; a por-
tion of the left side of the scrotum was also involved. I gave him
Thuja Occ. 3 and Belladonna 3, alternately every two hours. On
the 15th the fever continued as before; the whole scrotum was
acutely inflamed with the spermatic cords, but the swelling on
the prostatic portion was less. Clematis erecti 3, was given in
alternation with Belladon. ix. On the 16th I detected slight
fluctuation and asked him to apply poultices every 3 or 4 hours,
and as he was slightly easy, the same prescription was con-
tinued. The next morning, on my visit I was told that the
abscess had burst at night while he had been straining at mic-
turition. A good quantity of pus came out and the swelling was
•considerably diminished. The patient felt much better, but his
•difficulty in micturition continued as before. He was given
Hepar Sulph. 3, one-grain dose, thrice during the day. There
was very slight or no fever in the afternoon. On the 18th the
mrine began to dribble through the new opening; he passed more
than half the quantity of urine through that channel. His
straining and suffering during micturition were considerably
lessened. He received Hepar Sulph. for two or three days more,
-when the opening began to contract, and the quantity of urine
passed through it grew less, but with it there comes his old com-
plaint, the difficulty in micturition, which was much less as long
268 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
as the urine could flow through the new opening. So, on the
24th of August, it was arranged that I should meet my friend,
the Allopathic doctor, who was regularly attending and watch-
ing the case in my absence, and who was an old medical at-
tendant to the family; consequently he had a greater influence-
on them. Wheri I met him I was told that it was not possible-
to cure an urinary fistula with medicine alone, without the help-
of some surgical means. This # piece of good advice was not very
wholesome to me, and what was more than that, he frightened my
patient, telling all sort of stories and persuading him to allow him*
to try to pass the catheter No. 4, without success. His last-
words were that he was almost sure that the patient would conie-
to him again for treatment. After all this that happened, I.
was not less anxious to do something for the case. As I have
stated before, with the contraction of the opening his difficulty
of urination began to increase. So it was palpable that the--
cause of obstruction in the urinary passage was in front of the
opening, for as long as the urine could flow through that channel:
freely there was no difficult in making water. This obstruction,.,
to my mind, was due to the enlargement of the prostate gland.
I had some fresh tincture of Sabul ser. (Saw Palmatto), brought
from Messrs. Boericke & Tafel, of New York, just some months-
before that time, of which I made very little use. I made up my
mind to try Sabul ser. in this case, and gave my patient drop*
doses of the tincture three times daily. Within 3 or 4 days he-
began to feel better. This was continued for a month or so, with
a result so brilliant that not only was his urinary fistula com-
pletely healed, but his old urinary troubles disappeared. It
seems to me that his principal complaint was the enlargement of"
the prostate gland; and the urinary obstruction or difficulty, and
the formation of the abscess, were merely secondary. Here-
Sabul ser., acting on the prostate gland, reduced their bulk, and
thereby allowed the urine to pass freely.
Case II. Urinary fistula. Balon B. B. Mazoondar, aged 42, thin,
and weak constitution, has been suffering from chronic gonor-
rhoea for some years. Some 3 months ago he had an abscess-
formed in the perineum about an inch to the right side of the
raphe. This was opened twice, and there was left an opening so-
big as to admit the tip of the small finger, through which urine-
passed quite freely. He was under the treatment of an Allopa-
thic doctor, but derived no benefit. On the 17th of March, 1892,
I was called to see him. The history he gave me of his case-
was quite conclusive that the formation of the abscess was the
outcome of the difficulty of micturition due to the obstruction or
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER 269
stricture of some sort in the urinary passages. He had been to
many Allopaths, but he would not submit to the method of
treatment they proposed, consequently he had no other means
left but to come to us. On my first visit he simply wanted to
Iknow whether his illness was amenable to medicinal treatment;
that is, without the aid of surgical means. I could not very
ivell give him any decided opinion on the subject, but wanted a
trial for some time. He submitted to it, so I at once began with
Sabul ser., one drop thrice daily, and Calendula oil, soaked in cot-
ton wool, applied externally on the wound. This he continued
for four days, when I saw him again. He said his urinary diffi-
culty was much easier; burning in micturition was much less;
straining was less, and the stream of urine was thicker; but the
dribbling of urine through the new channel was not any better,
so I directed him to press the wounded part with his fingers
while making water, and to continue with the same medicine for
a week more. This he did with very satisfactory results. On
my next visit after a week, I noticed the condition of the wound
was much better, it had already began to heal from the edges
and owing to the pressure of the fingers, very little urine got
through the opening, and consequently it was less irritated. I
principally ttreated him with Sabul ser.4> and ix dilution to com-
plete the cure by the middle of June, through he had beside this,
Stlicia 12 and Nux vomica 6, the latter for the irritation of the
haemorrhoids. Under Sabul ser. his urinary difficulties disap-
peared long before the fistula nealed. I must say here that this
man was obliged to have patience to continue under my treat-
ment, for he had been to many Allopaths while he was taking
my medicines, but some of them very much discouraged him to
•continue with me, and wanted to meddle with surgical means,
to which he would not submit. It took some four months to
heal the fistula completely, but it was done without any surgical
interference. As to this, I believe my brethren of the other
school would not easily believe. The patient is now enjoying
good health, without the slightest urinary difficulty.
I have tried Sabul ser. both in tincture and low dilution, in
several cases of urinary strictures, with good results. I have
yet some such chronic cases under treatment, which are progress-
ing favorably.
A word as to its action on the male sexual sphere. A gentle-
man, aged 54, wanted some sort of tonic from me. His principal
•complaint was the diminution of sexual powers ; otherwise he
was enjoying good health. I wanted to see how Sabul ser, acts
in this case, so I gave him five drops of the tincture three times
270 1HE H0MCE0PA1HIC RECORDER.
daily for two days without the slightest effect in any way. On
the third day I increased the dose to ten drops three times daily.
After two or three days there was an erratic erection of the penis;
without any desire for an embrace, but there were some gastric
disturbances, such as acidity, eructation, burning sensation in
the stomach, loss of appetite, etc., and also there was heat m
making water, and a general heat all over the body, conse-
quently I was obliged to discontinue the drug.
D. N. Ray, M. D.
Calcutta, India, September 5 ', iS$2.
IODINE IN SNAKE BITES: SOME COMMENTS ON
DR. BROWNS PAPER.
Editor of the Homceopathic Recorder.
Dear Sir: Your September number opens with an article from
Dr. E. F. Brown on "Tincture of Iodine an Antidote to the Bite
of Venomous Serpents," and he gives in illustration several
cases of its apparently antidotal power in rattlesnake bites..
There is always great uncertainty in snake bites as to whether
a sufficient quantity of venom has been injected to be of serious
consequence, and many substances have gained credit as anti-
dotes, which proper experimentation proves to be utterly worth-
less.
By far the best and most complete examination of this sub-
ject is that made by Dr. Weir Mitchell, of Philadelphia, in his
" Essay on the Rattlesnake," prepared for and published by the
Smithsonian Institution, i860, and which every Homoeopathic
physician should possess. In this essay Dr. Mitchell goes
exhaustively into the question of antidotes, and apparently
proves that neither Iodine ', Bromine, Ammonia nor Potassa, nor
any of the many vaunted vegetable antidotes is an effectual anti-
dote to rattlesnake bite. (See p. 108, last two paragraphs, and
pp. in and 112.) On p. 46 he proves that pure Iodine mixed
with the venom does not destroy its virulence. The only treat-
ment he relies on is that with alcohol. (See p. 113.)
I have myself kept rattlesnakes — 14 alive in my house at a
time ; carefully studied crotalus poisoning and its treatment ;
and written a rather exhaustive essay on the subject. My views
on the antidotes and specific treatment of crotalus poisoning may
be found at p. 172 of the Materia Medica, Physiological and
Applied, published by the British Hahnemann Publishing
Society and Messrs. Boericke & Tafel.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 27 r
From Dr. Brown's expression on p. 194, that his first case
' ' scored high for Homoeopathy," we are led to conclude that he
looks upon Iodine not only as an antidote, but as a specific or
Homoeopathic remedy in the treatment of the morbid state
induced by rattlesnake venom. To be such a specific a drug"
ought to be able to produce symptoms and pathological condi-
tions very similar — be a similimum — to those of crotalus poison-
ing. Does Iodine do this, both locally and constitutionally, or
either? A careful reading of its effects in the Cyclopaedia of Drug
Pathogenesy will, I think, convince that there is a good deal of
similarity ; and that therefore Iodine is a valuable remedy for
symptoms similar to those of rattlesnake bite.
Yours truly,
John W. Hayward, M ; D.
61 Shrewsbury Road, Birkenhead, Cheshire, Eng., Oct. 1, iSp2.
Editor of the Homoeopathic Recorder.
Dear Sir: I hasten, immediately after having read Dr. E. F.
Brown's interesting article, entitled "Tincture of Iodine, An
Antidote to the Bite of Venomous Seipents," to state that the
decolorized tincture of Iodine, is really Iodide of Ammonia, and not
Iodine pure and simple. So that this may be so broadly known as
Dr. Brown's happy experience* I believe it should be generally
known, that Iodine in solution with Kali Iodatum has been in use
in the U. S. Army since about , 55- , 56, and the Iodide of Am-
monia has also been tried, but so far as the writer knows, but
very few reports of successful results, heretofore.
Yours sincerely,
J. S. Combs, M. D.
Grass Valley, Calif, Sept, 28, i8p2.
THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF ELECTRO-THERA-
PEUTISTS.
Pursuant to invitation a number of medical men met at the
office of Dr. William Harvey King, No. 23 West 53d street, New
York, on October 6, 1892, at 2:30 o'clock, p. m., for the purpose
of organizing a new association, to be known as " The National
Society of Electro-Therapeutists." Dr. King was elected Chair-
man of the meeting, and Dr. Winterburn, Secretary. The fol-
lowing persons constitute the charter members of the new
272 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER
society, viz: Drs. F. A. Gardner, Washington, D. C; E. Sillman
Bailey, Chicago; Clarance Bartlett, Philadelphia; F. E. Caldwell,
John Moffat, H. D. Schenck, Nathaniel Robinson, G. H. Doty,
W H. Bleecker, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Theodore Y. Kinne, Paterson,
N. J.; Edwin De Bann, Passaic, N. J.; Arthur B. Norton, Sidney
F. Wilcox, John B Garrison, George William Winterburn, F. E.
Doughty, Loomis L. Danforth, J. T. O'Connor, J. M. Schley,
William Tod Helmuth, William Harvey King. George W.
Roberts, Eugene H. Porter, New York; DewittG. Wilcox, Louis
A. Bull, Buffalo, N. Y.; J. M. Lee, Rochester, N. Y., and H. L.
Biggar, Cleveland, O.
The proposed Constitution and By-Laws was then taken up
section ry section, discussed, amended, and adopted, and then
ratified as a whole. The following permanent officers were then
elected, to serve for one year:
President. — William Harvey King, M. D., New York.
Vice-Presidents. — E. Stillman Bailey, M. D., Chicago; Clar-
ence Bartlett, M. D., Philadelphia.
Secretary. — F. E. Caldwell, M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y.
Treasurer.- ¥. A. Gardner, M. D., Washington, D. C.
Executive Committee. — George William Winterburn, M. D.,
New York ; John B. Garrison, M. D., New York.
And the officers ex-qfficio.
The President was given power to appoint such special com-
mittees as he may deem necessary. The Executive Committee
was authorized to elect new members as they might find expe-
dient. On motion, the society adjourned to meet in Chicago in
George William Winterburn,
Secretary pro tern.
The National Society of Electro-Therapeutists it is intended
shall include within its membership all physicians who are inter-
ested in the development of electricity as an adjunct in thera-
peutics. It is not meant exclusively for those who devote them-
selves to electricity as a specialty, but will include the gynaeolo-
gists, the oculists, the neurologists and surgeons, who use elec-
tricity as part of their equipment. The session work at the meet-
ings will be divided into bureaus, as electricity in diseases of
women, diseases of the eye, ear and throat, diseases of the nervous
system and general electro-therepeutics, thus giving each member
the opportunity to learn the most recent advances in the use of
electricity in his own specialty.
Persons desiring to become members, should send their name
and one dollar, the first year's dues, to Dr. F. E. Caldwell, 151
V.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 273
Henry street, Brooklyn, N. Y., or to any of the officers of the
society.
Any physician in good standing in the profession may become
a member. Unless personally known to some member of the
Executive Committee, the applicant should send name of college
and date of graduation, and such other data as will enable the
committee to act intelligently on the application. While offer-
ing a most cordial invitation to every worthy practitioner, the
society will protect itself against undesirable applicants.
The following extract from a business letter to Messrs. Boer-
icke & Tafel, from Dr. H. P. DeVol, of Panuco, Mexico, may
not be without general interest : ' * Two days after the box con-
taining the goods you sent me came to hand the baby of the
Alcalde was in such bad shape that I was sent for. I found the
poor little thing, the heir to the great house of , gradually
starving to death. I had ordered the Romanshorn milk for my
wife, who is a convalescent, but she generously agreed to share
it with the baby. I had either to allow this sacrifice or let the
babe die. Now you know that a dozen cans will not last long
at this rate. The Alcalde has placed any amount of Mexican
silver at my command to buy more — — ." Then follows direc-
tions for shipping a new supply of the precious food, which we
trust will arrive in time, for the sake of the baby and the gen-
erous lady who shared with him. Another paragraph of the
letter may be pardoned here, namely: "I received the box you
sent me in first-class condition, not a bottle broken or even a
cork started ; the goods are all first class, and were unpacked
with pleasure seldom experienced in opening packages that have
traveled 2,000 miles by rail."
GONE GLIMMERING.
It is but as yesterday that antiseptic surgery was the bright
and shining light of scientific medicines, and now listen to this
from the Philadelphia Times and Register.
li Reports commenced to come in that antiseptics must be
eschewed in the surgery of the peritoneum. It was discovered
that traumatisms penetrating the skull and involving the brain,
when treated antiseptically, were attended with a terrible mor-
tality through a consecutive irritative meningitis. Antiseptic
274 THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER.
irrigation of the pleura in empyema, is no longer employed by
the French surgeons.
" Bichloride solutions, when used in amputations, though they
favor prompt union, are said to cause very often painful, useless
stumps, through an insidious osteo myelitis which they excite in
the cellular elements of the cancellous bone substance.
* ' Antiseptics — or, rather, chemical solutions — were practically
condemned by the American Surgical Convention of 1891. Prof.
Chiene, a townsman of Lister, sounded the death- knell of anti-
septics in Great Britain when he announced and demonstrated
that chemical solutions of any description were foreign sub-
stances, irritants, and had no place in healthy tissues.
"This, indeed, is a sad commentary on what was taught but
yesterday as a cardinal doctrine.
4 ' Morrell Mackenzie narrowly escaped imprisonment at the
hands of his unfriendly German confreres because he did not boil
or pickle his spatula every time he used it on the Prince's
tongue.
" Although the above must be a humiliation to those who pin
their faith absolutely to scientific medicine, it will teach a useful
lesson to many who are too strongly inclined to dogmatize."
Some day perhaps these gentlemen may not be above learning
from Homoeopathy, even in surgery, where they are commonly
supposed to be so strong. Let them get a copy of Helmuth's
System of Surgery, and they will be surprised at the number of
excellent things they can find in its pages. They might, for in-
stance, study up on the Homoeopathic Calendula with advantage.
For instance on page 112 of Helmuth: "
* * Of all the varieties of topical applications which are recom-
mended in the treatment of suppurations and lacerations, and of
all the different medical substances which are supposed to possess
influence upon. these processes, there is not one that is entitled
to a higher place than the Calendula Officinalis. * * * The solu-
tion of Calendula can be poured into deep wounds with great
benefit, and with much alleviation of pain. I have used it freely
in almost every variety of surgical operations, after many kinds
of amputation, in resections, removal of tumors, and in all classes
of wounds. I have experimented with it side by side with Car-
bolic acid, now so much in vogue, and must give my testimony
most decidedly in favor of Calendula."
Also, on page 31 1 of the same work: " I am quite sure of the
following facts: that in the past five years, when I have been
employing Carbolic acid preparations upon wounded surfaces that
have not appeared to be progressing as favorably as I thought
I
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 275
they should, I have substituted Calendula with surprising
results.' '
Calendula is the best antiseptic known, especially the Succus
calendula, which is nothing more than the pure juice of the flow-
ering plant with just enough alcohol added to prevent fermenta-
tion.
VETERINARY DEPARTMENT.
Veterinary Discussion from the I. H. A.
Dr. Hastings : We have had for a number of years a very fine
cat in our family. About five years ago it was reported that the
cat was not eating anything at all. I found that somebody had
clipped the smellers or long hairs on the nose off close. The
cat had refused to eat for three days, and had great signs of
drooping. It occurred to me that these smellers were extremely
sensitive, and probably highly supplied with nerves, and so I
gave Hypericum , and in one hour she took her food.
Dr. Clark : I was asked to see a valuable English stallion that
was troubled with roaring. He trotted about one hundred feet,
and came up with very loud breathing. I concluded to give
him Sulphur \ but after two weeks he was no better, but Bromine
500th cured him.
Dr. M. Powell : I have a patient who had a horse that had
been over-driven. The urine was entirely suppressed, and the
horse was in great agony. This condition is considered fatal.
I decided that Hyoscyamus was the remedy, and gave him four
powders of the 200th. In six hours the urine came, and the
horse recovered.
Dr. Hitchcock : What is the best veterinary work we have ?
Dr. James : I have a mare that has always had very good
health. I had made a stipulation at the stable that she was
not to be treated or doctored with any medicine of any kind.
About a year ago the mare did not come around to the office
as usual, and soon after one of the stable hands came to say
that she was very sick with colic. She had been taken about
an hour before, and the stable hands had, contrary to orders,
undertaken to treat her themselves, with some damnable stuff
which they had. I found her lying on her back, groaning in
great agony and kicking. When I spoke to her she staggered
up and fell down again. Her feet were all drawn together — all
276 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
four feet together. This suggested the remedy, Colocynth. I
gave her some pellets. In five minutes she stopped groaning ;
in ten minutes she lay quiet, and in twenty minutes she got up.
The stable man said: " Great Scott ! that must be a powerful
opiate. " He wanted some of that medicine right away.
Dr. Deaver : When I was in Michigan, a man who had a
fancy for dogs came to me and said that a dog of his had a
swollen throat and was frothing at the mouth. A few doses
of medicine cured him as easily as if he had been a humau
being ; every bit as easy. No imagination there, and no faith
either.
Dr. Fincke : It is just forty years ago since I was on the ship
coming to America. The captain told me there was a fine dog
on board that was suffering from constipation. I gave a dose of
Aconite 30, and it cured him.
Dr. Rushmore : I was told by a Homoeopathic veterinary sur-
geon that the best remedy was Ammon. caust., in the 30th
potency. (Best remedy for what?) [Probably colic. — E)d.] —
Medical Advance.
BOOK NOTICES.
Ophthalmic Diseases and Therapeutics. By A. B. Norton,.
M. D. With fifty-three illustrations and twelve chromo-litho-
graph figures. 555 pages. 8vo. Cloth, $3.50; by mail,.
$3.76. Half morocco, $4.50; by mail, $4.76. Net.
The publication of this book ought to be, and it is safe to pre-
dict, will be, an epoch in Homoeopathy so far as it has to da
with eye diseases. Here we have in one large volume, beauti-
fully printed on fine paper, all of worth that can be found in the
"regular" or Allopathic books, everything the very latest, and
in addition full, complete and satisfactory internal medication.
This last feature is one possessed by this book in most satisfac-
tory shape. Angell, for instance, in his work, devotes three
pages to internal medication, while Norton, in the work before
us, has one hundred and sixty -two pages given up to ophthalmic
therapeutics. In addition to this, as each disease is taken up
through the book the internal medication is given in connection
with it. As was said before, everything the very latest pertain-
ing to the scientific end of the subject may be found in this book,
yet, in our opinion, its crowning glory is its rich Homoeopathic
therapeutics. In these must we look for a cure, if cure be pos-
sible in most diseases of the eye. It is the fashion — and there is
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 277
fashions in medicine as in coats — to shrug the shoulders at in-
ternal medication for these diseases, but for all that the fashion
is a bad one and an illogical. If medicines can effect cures in
the grosser parts of the body why not in one of the finest and
most sensitive organs ? It is to be hoped that from now on more
attention will be paid to this branch of eye work. It is a branch
that the general practioner, aided by this book, can take up with
profit to his patients and himself, for the author has a lucid style
and you can understand him.
Fronting the dedication "To the memory of my brother* ' is a
very fine picture of the late Geo. S. Norton, on whose well-
known work, Ophthalmic Therapeutics, this present book is
founded, and who, indeed, in conjunction with the author
planned it before his death, as a text book upon ophthalmology
— a plan that has been ably carried out. In addition to the
numerous wood cuts there are two lithograph pages each con-
taining six representations in color of various diseases of the
eye. An ample index completes this most useful book.
Schiller's Complete Works. In two volumes. With illustra-
tions by the best German artists. Philadelphia: Ig. Kohler.
Half morocco, small quarto. Price of the two volumes, $6.50.
The Poems of Schiller. Philadelphia : Ig. Kohler. f 2mo.
413 pages, half morocco, $3.00.
Schiller and His Times. By Johannes Scherr. Translated
from the German by Elizabeth McClellan. Illustrated. Phila-
delphia: Ig. Kohler i2tno., 454 pages. Half morocco, $3.00.
How many of those who read these lines know that there is
but one complete edition of Schiller's works published, either in
Europe or America ? Not many, it may be safely asserted.
And yet Schiller is the Shakspeare of a great people. It was left
to Mr. Kohler, of Philadelphia, to bring out in both German and
English, the only unabridged and complete set of the great Ger-
man poet's works ; and he has done his part handsomely, and
given the English and German literary worlds a treasure of per-
manent valu e. The ' ' complete edition ' ' is contained in two
volumes of 670 and 611 pages respectively. The pages are 7^
by ioj^ in size. The first volume is made up of the poems and
dramatic works of Schiller, while the second is composed ex-
clusively of the prose works, such as "The History of the Revolt
of the United Netherlands, ' ' " History of the Thirty Year's War ' '
* ' The ^Esthetical ' ' and many other longer and shorter papers,
the whole under the editorship of Charles J. Hempel, M. D.
The work was completed several years ago. but the fact of its
278 THE H0MCE0PATH1L RECORDER.
being the only complete edition of the great poet's writings is
one that all lovers of good literature will thank us for bringing
to their notice .
The second volume in the group at the head of this notice,
" The Poems of Schiller " is a unique work. It omits all of the
plays. The number of pages is given as 413, while in reality
there are nearly 800. This is accounted for by the fact that all
of the poems are given in duplicate; on the left hand page is the
German and, facing it on the right hand page, is the English
version, but each page has the same number — thus, page 353 of
the German faces page 353 of the English, making in all 706
pages in all, besides the matter that is paged consecutively. It
would be a fine work for one studying either German or English,
as the original is matched line for line with the translation.
The remaining volume is a biography of Schiller, a labor of
love, by Dr. Johannes Scherr.
Boenninghausen Repertorial Checking List. Arranged by W.
A. Yingling, M. D. Price 35 cents. By mail, 41 cents.
This new-comer consists of twenty-five sheets of paper,
15x1 1 J^ inches in size, made up into pads on a stout back of
cardboard. Each sheet contains in six columns the names of
the remedies found in Allen's Boenninghausen Therapeutic
Pocket Book, abbreviated in the same manner that they are in
that repertory. After each name is left ample space for check-
ing. The object of the " Checking List " is to save a great deal
of writing for those who prescribe according to the " totality of
the symptoms." With this list all that is required is a pencil
and a copy of the " Repertory ' ' and the remedy covering the
case is soon and easily found, with slight labor.
The Principles of Medicine. By John M. Scudder, M. D.
Sixth edition. Cincinnati, 1892. Pp. 352. Sheep, $4.80.
Any book from the pen of the veteran Eclectic doctor, and
philosopher, John M. Scudder, is worth reading, even if you do
not agree with him. He is not a dull or heavy writer, and much
can be forgiven when this is the case. The book under consid-
eration is, in aim, somewhat akin to Hahnemann's Organon — it
lays down the ground plan on which what is known as Eclecti-
cism is built. The author starts at the beginning of his subject,
"life," and were the Sphinx still about we fear the good doctor
would be another victim of the riddle "what is life." He calls
it * ' Formative Force ' ' and laj'S down three fundamentals,
"which will not be disputed by anyone."
THE HOMCEOPATHIC RECORDER. 279
1st. "That there is a force in the organic world differing from
chemical and physical forces, and which may be termed the
"Formative Forces"
2d. "That this force is not possessed by all persons in an
equal degree; that in some it is strong, giving health and great
power to live; while in others it is feeble, consequently giving
disease and death. ' '
3d. "That this force is not a fixed quantity with any indi-
vidual, but that it may be increased and diminished."
But after admitting all of these propositions we are just
where we were before, for they amount to there is a mys-
terious something commonly called "life;" all are not equally
healthy; all in health are subject to disease. On this subject
Dr. Scudder quotes from Swedenborg's Economy of the Animal
Kingdom that "there is a certain formative substance, or force,"
etc. But this writer in later works gives an entirely different*
explanation of what constituted life, £>ne startlingly new, and it
would have been better, perhaps, from a purely literary point of
view at least, had Dr. Scudder quoted the last rather than the
earliest answer to the old, old question. There can be no doubt
but that the practice of medicine could be immensely improved
were men to have a true conception, or solution, to these higher
problems, these first principles. There is something else in a
human being than gases and salt, something that the highest
chemistry or the most powerful microscope, will never find.
When this "something," "formative force," "life," parts com-
pany with those elements of the body that chemistry can grasp,
the man is dead. Though Dr. Scudder does not solve these
questions his book is one that can be read and the reader arise
mentally richer.
Genito-Urinary and Venereal Diseases. A Manual for Stu-
dents and Practitioners. By Charles H. Chetwood, M. D.
Cloth, 178 pages, $100. Philadelphia: Lea Brothers & Co.
This is another of " The Students Quiz Series " the Lea's are
publishing. Barring the treatment the book is all right. What
does a good Homoeopath think of "The methods of treating a
child with inherited syphiltic after birth are by inunction, or by
the use of the mercury with chalk, or by solution of bichloride
in water."
Alaskana or, Alaska in Descriptive and Legendary Poems. By
Prof. Bushrod W. James, A. M., M. D. Philadelphia: Porter
& Coates, 1892.
A cloth-bound, gilt-edged i2mo volume of 368 pages, pre-
280 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
senting a very handsome appearance. Interspersed throughout
the volume are a number of very pretty process pictures of
Alaska, reproduced from photographs taken on the spot; some
of these, especially the " Auk Glacier and a Section of the Muir
Glacier/ ' are very striking, while " A walk near Indian River,' '
almost looks tropical. The entire book, barring a short
preface and appendix, is in metre, reminding one of Hiawatha,
and recounts Dr. James' observations and views on Alaska, the
result of a visit two years ago. The chapter on the ' * Alaskan
Doctors," tells a queer story. Every man cannot be a doctor in
Alaska, but only those whose mother
"Dreams her infant,
Yet unborn, contains the spirit.' '
The budding doctor must not cut or comb his hair,
"And it hangs in stiffened masses,
Tangled, lustreless, uncleanly ;
So it stays. m A strange diploma,
Hideous rival of the parchment."
If he loses his hair he is done for. A bald-headed man doesn't
go among the Alaskans for an M. D. Some of the successful
practicing physicians are so
"That their very features frighten
Ere they change their grim expression
Into grins and stares revolting,"
while others go " prancing like a haughty war-horse." In
fact in Alaska to call in a regular * ' Shaman ' ' is about as dan-
gerous as it is in some other places. There are no bad debts
among the doctors in that land, for none of them
"Will not even favor
With a glance the suffering creature
Till his fee is laid in blankets,
Or in costly furs or silver
At his feet, that never waver
Till his pay is his most surely.
Then he leans above his patient,
With his staring eyelids moving
Till his eyes with queer expression
Seem to roll in quick gyrations,
And his gleaming teeth look ready
To devour the cringing figure !"
The Alaska doctor is his own pharmacist, and he makes short
work with those who dare to seek to learn the secrets of his
craft. He kills them at once, and thus rids his world of quacks
and empirics.
The Sides of the Body and Kindred Remedies. By Dr. C.Von
Boenninghausen. Translated by Dr. J. D. Tyrrell. Philadel-
phia, 1892.
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 28 1
This is an 8vo paper-bound pamplet of 27 pages, which first
appeared as a supplement to The Homoeopathic Physician, and was
then struck of as a pamphlet. The price set by the publisher is
50 cents net, which some buyers may regard as rather high.
This old work was first translated by the undefatigable Hempel,
and was published in 1854, but has been out of print for a num-
ber of years. We believe in these old books, for if Homoeopathy
is true, the closer one sticks to the original authorities the better.
'There is such a tumult raised nowadays about " progress " that
sometimes even Homoeopaths are a little blinded by the dust re-
sulting therefrom, and think they see that Homoeopathy can be
improved. Logically this is a mistake. The truth cannot be
improved, though its borders may be extended. Homoeopathy
is truth. Homoeopathy is to be found in the Organon, the
Materia Medica Para, the works of Boeninnghausen, Jahr, and
some others, in its first principles, its beginning ; and these
ivorks cannot be neglected without loss to the student.
'Obstetrics. By Charles W. Hoyt, M. D., House Physician,
Nursery and Children's Hospital, New York. Being volume
11 of " The Student's Quiz Series. >, Pocket size, 190 pages.
$[.00. Philadelphia: Lea Brothers & Co., 1892.
This is one of "The Student's Quiz Series," which is to num-
"ber thirteen in all, published by Lea Brothers & Co., of Phila-
delphia. It is concise, clear and well written, and very useful to
the student, but if he can get a complete work on the subject,
•such as Guernsey's Obstetrics, it would perhaps be better. How-
ever for cramming the Quiz series is handy.
Materia Medica and Therapeutics. By L. F. Warner, M.D.,
Attending Physician, St. Bartholomew's Dispensary, New
York. Being volume 5 of the Student's Quiz Series. Pocket
rsize, 224 pages. $1.00. Philadelphia: Lea Brothers &Co.,
1892.
The student of Homoeopathy can thank God that he is not re-
quired to study " regular " Materia Medica. His own Materia
Medica is often reviled by those who should not, as being an end-
less string of "meaningless symptoms." But at least the real
•student of these can soon detect a difference between the drugs, and
•each day's experience causes the drugs to stand out as clearer de-
fined individuals. In the regular Materia Medica, a drug is a
*' ' diuretic, " ' ' cathartic, " l * anthelmintic, " ' * emmenagogue, ' ' or
something of the sort, and "has been used" or "has been
recommended ' ' in this, that or the other diseases. But that is
282 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER.
not to the point. If one wants an Allopathic quiz on Materia:
Medica, this book will answer his purpose. One thing we
notice in its pages that is peculiar: Among the " emetics' ' is-
Ipecaciianha and this emetic in small doses is " valuable to check,
vomiting. * ' Similis Similibus Curantur.
With the Pousse Cafe. By William Tod Helmuth. $i. so-
net. By mail, $1.58.
Christmas is drawing near, and with it the annual and vexing
question: What shall I give to so and so?
Why not give a copy of Helmuth's poems? Cost not much,
and any one will thoroughly appreciate this dainty volume of
sparkling verse.- A pretter book it would be hard to find. And
what better sentiment than this — from the book — for Christmas t
"The Present, yes, this leaf we hold
Let friendship rule the hour,
For friends are dearer far than gold
When clouds and tempests lower."
" Further Observations of Tubercle Bacilli: The les-
son of one hundred cases. By J. P. Rand, M. D., Worcester,
Mass.," is the title of an eighteen-page pamphlet received from
the author, who has made a study of the tubercle bacilli. The
closing of the pamphlet we quote: "We are still in the dark so-
far as treatment is concerned. The malady goes right along,,
but there is no reason why we should fail to recognize it. If we
cannot cure all of our patients, we should at least be able to tell
what ails them and such is the object and utility of this kind of
work. There are still great opportunities in medicine. Koch
has taught us something of the origin of tuberculosis. Who
shall tell us the remedy?" Since this disease is practically in-
curable, — Dr. Rand says: "But thirty deaths out of thirty-seven
patients is a pretty big mortality, and I would rather take the
chances of a condemned murderer for life than those' ' why
not, at least, try Dr. Burnett's treatment and his remedy? (See
New Cure for Consumption.) We have Dr. Burnett's assurance in
the first edition of his work, and emphasized in the second edi-
tion, that the majority of cases of consumption are curable. Why
not at least give it a fair trial? There are several remedies in
the country under the name of Tuberculinums, but the same rem-
edy used by Dr. Burnett is obtainable in this country ; his book
tells how to use it, so why not, in view of the prevailing help-
lessness in combatting the disease, give it a show?
The following are some of the comments on Dr. Bradford's
Homcsopathic Bibliography recently published:
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 283
Philadelphia, June 20, 1892.
Dear Doctor: I have just procured from Boericke & Tafel a
copy of your Homoeopathic Bibliography. Am very much pleased
with it, and the profession in my opinion is under a debt to you
for the accomplishment of a most useful and interesting work.
Yours sincerely,
Charles Mohr, M. D.
Chicago, July, 1892.
Dear Doctor: Accept my congratulations on your splendid
Tolume. My opinion later.
H. C. Allen, M. D.
Chicago, July 28, 1892.
Dear Dr. Bradford: I send you to-day Nos. 1, 2, 3, of Vol. I
" New Remedies," as you request in yours of the 26th. There
is no price to you. You deserve all I can do for the work you
have done in bringing out the " Homoeopathic Bibliography," a
*
book of great value to me.
Yours very truly,
Jas. E. Gross, M. D.
Second Class of the Philadelphia College, 1850.
Your new book is of great, value and will become more so as
the years go by.
Yours fraternally,
W. E. Leonard.
Minneapolis \ July i % 18 p2.
I have lately been going over the journals, collating death
notices, and find, as I have before noticed, I can place no reli-
ance on the indexes, as most of them are inaccurate and in-
complete. I have had occasion to refer to your book while
looking over page by page of the journals and have been sur-
prised at the correctness of it.
I can appreciate the value of your accurate work. I wish
there were a general bibliography of Homoeopathy, and would
like to assist in getting out such a work.
Henry M. Smith, M. D.
New York, September 29.
Dear Doctor Bradford: By some accident I did not receive
Boericke & Tafel's letter announcing that your bibliography
was ready for distribution until a few days ago, when I im-
mediately availed myself of the opportunity, and by return mail
received your valuable book, which I have perused with great
pleasure and equal wonder at the pains and care you have taken
to bring together so much of the literary work which has come
from our men.
284 THE H0MCE0PA1HIC RECORDER.
I should think every Homoeopathic physician would want a
copy for his own use, which he would peruse with pride and
great satisfaction.
Very sincerely,
I. T. Talbot.
Boston^ August ip t 1892.
A NEW EDITION OF SCHUSSLER.
The third edition of The Twelve Tissue Remedies of Schussler,
by Drs. Boericke & Dewey, is now in the printer's hands. The
authors have the following to say of the new edition in The
California Homoeopath.
"The eighteenth edition of Dr. Schiissler's Biochemic Thera-
peutics have recently appeared. It is the most notable of any
of the previous editions of his work. Much of it has been re-
worked, and he has found himself called upon to go somewhat
more minutely into the action of some of his remedies. This
has all been incorporated and enlarged upon in the forthcoming
third edition of Boericke & Dewey's Twelve Tissue Remedies ', now
in press.
"There are many important changes in Schiissler's Eighteenth
Edition, and perhaps these changes of his ideas, which are ma-
terially improved, may explain some of the failures in using
these remedies in the past. For instance, he now gives Natrum
phosphoticum in many cases where he, in former editions, re-
commended Kali muriaticum, giving his reasons therefor, which
are the result of prolonged investigation into the action of these
remedies. He also disclaims in this edition all connection with
Homoeopathy, although in former editions he claimed it as a sort
of an off-shoot from Homoeopathy. He says, " those who hear
small doses talked about, generally think immediately about
Homoeopathy, but my method of cure is not Homoeopathy since
it is not founded upon the principle of similars, but upon the
physiologico-chemical processes which appear in the human
organism. By means of my method of cure, diseases which
originate in the disturbed molecular motion of the inorganic
materials in the human organism are directly cured by means of
homogeneous materials, while Homoeopathy reaches her purpose
indirectly, by means of heterogeneous materials. Some of my
remedies (for example: Silicea and Calcarea phosphorica) are also
used in Homoeopathy, but they do not belong to Homoeopathy,
but really in my therapeutics, since they act chemico-physiolog-
ically as forming constituents of the tissues, and not according to
the laws of similars.' '
THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER. 285
* * In reference to the dose, he still uses small doses, but holds
himself to the sixth triturations, giving in acute cases a dose
every two hours and in chronic cases a dose four times a day.
In former editions, he recommends as high as the twelfth, and
claims that all remedies must be diluted in order to allow the
molecules to enter the blood from the epithelium of the mouth
and oesophagus, though claiming that those substances insoluble
in water must at least be given in the sixth trituration in order
to do this, while those that are soluble in water may sometimes
be used lower.
"He also claims that the biochemic remedies had better be
given singly, since mixtures of them do not work. In the char-
acteristics of biochemic remedies Schiissler has made large ad-
ditions, notably of Ferrum, Magnesia, Phosphorica, Kali phos-
phoricum, and indeed, nearly all of them have been entirely
re- worked; especially Natrum phosphoricum, which, in this edi-
tion, he claims corresponds to suppurative processes, and notably
to the diseases scrofula and tuberculosis. He has also re-worked
largely Kali suiphuricutn and Calarea sulphurica. In the thera-
peutic part of his work he has largely dilated upon diseases of the
kidneys, fever, etc. In dipththeria he gives valuable indica-
tions for Natrum phosphoricum. For la grippe, according
to Schiissler, the biochemic remedy is Natrum suiphuricum y
claiming that those treated by this remedy recover quickly
without sequelae, while those treated with other remedies are
slow in recovering and have dangerous sequelae. For various
suppurative conditions about the eyes, ears, mouth and the
skin Schiissler adds Natrum phosphoricum to the list of remedies.
He also recommends these remedies in ozaena and tonsilitis,
where suppuration is impending.
* ' For eneuresis he recommends among other remedies Natrum
sulphuricum. For various diseases of the skin he has added
and enlarged upon the indications for Natrum phosphoricum.
For carbuncles the principal remedy, according to this edition,
is Calc. fluor. For mastitis the chief remedy is Natrum phos-
phoricum. In this disease he formerly recommended Kali muri-
aticum. In swelling of the glands, where he formerly recom-
mended Kali muriaticum he now uses Natrum phosphoricum.
For lupus and goitre, Natrum phosphoricum is the chief remedy.
In blenorrhagia an entirely new departure is made by recom-
mending as the chief remedy Natrum phosphoricum. Tnese
are only a few of the numerous additions and changes made by
Schiissler in his last edition. All of these have been incor-
porated and enlarged upon, and are considered both Homceo-
286 THE HOMCEOPA THIC RECORDER
pathically and biochemically in the third edition of the Tissue
Remedies.
It is hoped that before the reader sees another number of the
Recorder Dr. A. R. McMichael's A Compendium of Materia
Medica, Therapeutics and Repertory of the Digestive System^ will
be in his hands. This noble volume will be to the prescriber
something like a good map is to a traveller — it will give him a
comprehensive view of the whole subject. The longer one con-
siders the plan of this work the clearer it becomes that any one
who posesses a copy will refer to it with increasing frequency.
It is a Materia Medica map.
Dr. VERDi'sbook for domestic practice is "reporting progress."
It has many new and original features that will make it popular
with the public.
NORTON'S OPHTHALMIC DISEASES AND THERA-
PEUTICS.
The following comments on Dr. Norton's new book from
specialists skilled in the treatment of diseases of the eye, speak
well for the future of the book. We give them in the order
in which they were received.
From C. M. Thomas, M. D., of Philadelphia: "The book is
here and I have looked it over with much interest. You are to
be congratulated on having given us a most excellent handbook
for teaching purposes. I am sure that my class and yours truly
will much. appreciate it."
Prof. MacLachlan, of Ann Arbor, Mich, writes: "... leads
me to think that it will be very valuable and a volume to be
prized by the medical student, as well as by the practioner. I
shall take pleasure in recommending it to my students. ' '
Prof. Vilas, of Chicago: "I shall recommend it with much
pleasure to all who seek therapeutics."
Prof. J. A. Campbell, of St. Louis, Mo.: " I have waited until
I was able to find time to go through your new book before writ-
ing to you on or about it. I find it a very decided improvement
on the former editions of the same. It gave me much pleasure
to present it to our class at the college as the best Homoeopathic
work on the eye we have, and commended it to them as the text-
book desirable. You are to be congratulated on the excellence
of the book. It is just what it pretends to be, and I am sure it
will meet with a hearty welcome by our men at large.' '
Homoeopathic Recorder.
PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY
BOERICKE & TAFEI^,
lOll Aroti Street, F»tiilaclelptiia, Pa.
9 Nortti Queen Street, Lancaster, F»a.
SUBSCRIPTION, $1.00 PER ANNUM.
Address communications, books, etc., for the Editor to E. P. Anshutz, P. O. Box gsi, Phila-
delphia , Pa.
This number completes the seventh volume of the Homoeopathic
Recorder. As has been our policy in the past, we send out a large
-edition of this number, to Homoeopathic and liberal physicians, that they
may be reminded that the Recorder is still in the field, and in the hope
that some of them may conclude to have their names added to the sub-
scription list. To do this will only cost one dollar. Heretofore the
journal has been published every other month, six numbers constituting a
volume. Hereafter it will be published on the fifteenth of every month,
twelve numbers to the volume, and no increase in price — one dollar for the
"twelve numbers. The regular paid subscription list of the journal to-day
is, we feel safe in asserting, larger than than of any other Homoeopathic
journal published. In making this assertion we do not count "sample
•copies," but only actual paying subscribers. The growth of the list has
been steady and healthful since volume three. It fell off a little in the
second year, owing to the advance in price that year from 50 cents to $1.00.
But with volume eight the subscription price is actually lowered one-half-
■for the number of pages of reading matter will remain the same — forty-
-eight pages in each number.
At this price the subscription list ought to double.
The Recorder is something of a medical forum- -if any one has an
announcement to make, or a discovery of a new remedy to communicate,
die generally turns to it as reaching the greater number of readers.
WE are happy to announce here that Prof. S. A. Jones, whose papers for
literary merit, medical worth and interest, are excelled by those of no
other writer, has written The Recorder a series of papers for the
coming year. These alone will be worth the subscription price of the
journal. The first paper of a study of Lappa officinalis, with new proviugs,
will appear in the January number and will show that this old remedy has
important curative virtues at present unknown by the general Homoeo-
pathic practioner.
Send in your subscriptions, gentlemen, aud you will receive ample
value in able papers, in translations from foreign journals, in valuable
information concerning the new remedies, and in news from the book
-world.
One dollar.
PERSONAL.
Send all Changes of Address, etc., to Recorder, for free insertion.
9
Dr. H. S. Phillips has removed from 326 Fifth avenue to 73 Congress-
street, Pittsburg, Pa.
Dr. Asa F. Goodrich has removed from 256 Nelson avenue to 650 Wa-
basha street, St. Paul, Minn.
Dr. E. H. Jones has removed from Millville, N. J., to 1517 Thirteenth
street, Philadelphia.
Dr. F. L. Barnum has removed from Carlisle, Pa., to St. Catherine,
Ontario.
Dr. M. Dirix has removed from 1724 Bathgate avenue to 2345 Jackson
avenue, New York city.
They want a Homoeopathic physician at Wauchula De Soto county,.
Florida. Anyone addressing Mrs. A. S. Clavel, of that place, will re-
ceive particulars.
Dr. O. J. Jordan has removed from 1662 Broadway to 660 Wal den avenue,
Buffalo, N. Y.
Dr. A Kursteiner has removed from Raleigh, N. C, to Lexington, Ky.
Dr. L. G. Rousseau, M. D., has removed from Penn avenue to South
Negley avenue, Pittsburg, Pa.
Dr. J. G. O'Connor has removed from 51 West Forty-seventh street to 18
West Forty-third street, New York city.
Dr. M. A. Sommers has removed from 5266 Forty-sixth street to 689.
Bloomingdale street, Chicago.
Dr. G. C. Burnley has removed from Lock Haven to Williamsport, Pa.
Dr. D. Waldron has removed from Kissimee, to Danford, Fla.
Dr. A. J. Robbins has removed to No. 16 Third street, N. E., Washing-
ton, D. C.
Dr. B. KafFenberger has removed fr,om Key West, Fla., to 811 Detroit
street, Cleveland, O.
The Homoeopathic Envoy started in life without a single subscriber. To-
day the list of paying subscribers has gone away past the six-thousand
mark, and is rapidly nearing the seven-thousand post.
Homoeopathy has received deserved recognition in Philadelphia by the
appointment of seventeen Homoeopathic physicians as visitors of the poor
by the city. Publicity of the deeds of Homoeopathy is a winning card.
Dr. A. B. Norton's Ophthalmic Diseases and Therapeutics has achieved
a quick success. A merited success, too.
It took Dr. Bradford years to collect and arrange the matter in his noble
volume Homoeopathic Bibliography. It is a book of permanent value, and
will be more and more appreciated as the years go by.
The first number of the Southeran Journal of Homoeopathy issued from
its new home at Baltimore has appeared. Its new address is 953 Madison
avenue, Baltimore, Md.
Bound copies of the Recorder for 1892, now ready; $1.25 at any of the
Boericke & Tafel pharmacies.
Who will prove Heloderma Horridus?
A firm of English pharmacists are advertising ' ' 'strong* Homoeopathic
medicines" for the public.
The Organon is setting the pace for all other Homoeopathic works in the
way of sales. It is true gold tried by the fires of a century.
The man who said Homoeopathy — with a capital H every time — was dy-
ing out will soon be as hard to find as the man who struck Billy Patterson..
XXVI THE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER.
R . Defibrinated bullock's blood,
65. parts
Desiccated egg albumen,
19. "
Old Bourbon whisky,
10. "
Chemically pure glycerine,
5. "
Boracic acid,
I. "
100.
No heat is employed in manufacturing.
Bovinine is not a medicine per se; it is a food. It is even
more than food ; it is as Prof. Waugh, of Philadelphia, asserts,
eone step beyond a food ; it has received the finishing touches
d^has become the vital fluid itself; and whatever there may be
v ^at mysterious quality known to us as vitality, this fluid
a\^€ possesses it;" for it is blood, and consists of the juices of
lean, raw beef, obtained by a mechanical process, by neither
heat nor cold, and contains by weight twenty six per cent, of
coagulable albumen, besides a small quantity of alcohol and
boracic acid ; and its mission is to supply blood to the impover-
ished system. Hence, it is one of the most rational and efficient
remedies we have with which to replenish the body which has
lost a large amount of blood from haemorrhage. After railroad
accidents, capital operations, " flooding," etc., it is the renewer
to the exsanguinated body upon which we may rely. — Dr. G-
H. Pierce.
We carry a large and fresh stock of Bovinine at all our phar-
macies.
The Homoeopathic World makes the following comments on
Dr. Yingling's Suggestions to Patients : "This is a little pamph-
let for the use of patients who consult their doctor by letter, and
if its directions are strictly carried out by the patient a great
amount of trouble will be saved to the doctor. It is in fact a
device, and a very good one, for making the patient take his own
case."
Dr. Siegfried Rosenberg states {Fortschritte der Medizin)
that the results in the treatment of gallstones by olive oil in
large doses induced him to study the action of the oil upon the
bile in dogs, by means of permanent biliary fistulas. He found
that there was a very considerable increase in the quantity of
bile secreted, with a decrease in its consistency. Olive oil, there-
fore, brings about those conditions which are requsite to the re-
moval of gallstones.
Boericke & Tafel's pure olive oil is sold at $1.00 per quart or
60 cents per pint, full measure. Whether it is wanted for medi-
cinal or table use, no better oil can be found.
The Zimmermann Foods for Constipation, and for habitual
dyspepsia, are worth looking into. We have a pamphlet on the
subject.
-ft
THE HOMOEOPATHIC RECORDER. XXV
by express or freight, being too large to send by mail. One
ounce vial costs 25 cents, by mail 35 cents.
Hope for the Fat.
. This is as it should be. The formula for Bovinine has been
furnished us by the manufacturers for publication. Confidence
begets the same, and the avoidance of secrecy with full informa-
tion regarding the composition and methods of manufacture of
these specialities will do more than anything else to insure their
use among the medical profession. The formula for Bovinine is
.as follows:
\
"The origin of the fats in the body," says Dr. Stanlee, in Chi-
'cago Medical Times, is derived directly and indirectly from the
food. It is derived directly from the fat of the food, and indi-
rectly from the proteids, carbo hydrates, etc , by chemical action
Alcohol favors obesity by conservation, it being more ea/s\l*
oxidized than fat, prevents it from being burned up. For'
reason the habitual beer drinker grows his 'oriel or bay wincjh
'On the contrary, vigorous mental or physical work, accelera a
of temperature, increase of red corpuscles, etc. , counteracts the
deposit of fat. Therefore, that to regulate the diet in the treat-
ment of obesity should become an important factor is quite ap-
parent, for from the food all tissues are nourished. Should a
farmer's stock become tod fat, he would know exactly what to
■do, viz , feed less and work them more. If we had that control '
of our patients it would be the most rational course to pursue
with them But what fat, lazy woman would allow that in the ;*:
'land of eaters ?' If you want to keep out of trouble be sure to |
steer clear of their 'right to eat;' therefore, we desire a drug that ]
will accomplish the desired end without being detrimental to the . j
liealth. i
"We find a remedy in the fruit of the Phytolacca decandra, \
which clinical observation has taught us possesses all the valu- ]
able characteristics that we desire. It was discovered by noticing '
birds that feast on these berries in the fall of the year. Their
bodies become very destitute of adipose tissue, though they seem
to be otherwise in a normal condition. The fruit does not pos-
sess the acro-narcotic properties of the root. Small children,
being attracted by their beautiful red color, have been known to
eat large quantities of these berries with no alarming symptoms
following * * * * * *
"The evacuations from the bowels are more copious than
usual, but in all other respects perfectly natural. The muscles
become firmer, their action more free than before, and the power
is increased The patient soon experiences a feeling of lightness,
renewed energy and ability to withstand greater muscular exer-
tion than before. No bad effects will result.' '
We supply the remedy in tablets, containing two drops of the
berry juice, for $1.00 per 1,000. By mail, $1.15. To judge by
the enormous quantities ordered by some physicians, the remedy
must be a success.
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