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TIETIE
Northwestern Journal
POINTS IN PRACTICE NOT scIENTIFIC.
By o G. TREMAINE, M. D., IDA GROVE, IA. . .
In whatever I offer here it is not in any sense my inten-
tion to make scientific knowledge appear 1ess important,
No physician has any moral right to success, who is not
versed in the deep things in medicine. "We greatly need a
higher grade of scholarship. ºf most heartily endorse the
present efforts of our leading men and our colleges to rapid-
ly elevate the standing necessary for graduation. Students
1nt:1St be betterscholars before graduation, and physicians'
must study harder after they are in practice if they would
keep abreast of the times, and the acknowledged needs.
of the profession, It is a despicable thing to under-
take to practice without being skilled in both the sci-
ence and art of medicine. The responsibilities are too
great otherwise to be easily endured. But in order to de-
velop a large practice and attain financial success, we need
to know much that is not scientific; that is not found in
Physiology, Materia Medica or Practice, We need to be
thorough students of human nature. We have to do with
people, not in a normal, healthy state, morbid from disease,
or unreasonable from anxiety. We must understand how
sick persons feel, how they see things, not how things are,
but how they seem to be to the sick. It is frequently easier
2 AWorthwestern /ournal of Aſomeopathy.
to treat a patient physically, than mentally. We must ap-
preciate the feelings of the other members of the family, in
their anxiety about their loved ones. In bad cases we must
sympathize with them. To be able to concisely state our
opinion to the family so that we shall be understood, and to
so answer friends, neighbors and gossips, that what we say
shall not seem to conflict with what we tell the family; that
ordinarily, at least, we shall not be misrepresented, is of
much value, To so arrange visits that patrons can see that
we are fully interested in their welfare, and will give them
all needed attention; and yet have them feel sure that we are
desirous of not doing any unnecessary work; that we are
careful about “running a bill,” is a desideratum to be earn-
estly sought after; difficult sometimes to attain, yet of great
assistance in developing and sustaining a successful prac-
tice. To be somewhat reserved and dignified, yet kind,
sympathetic and easily approached, is not always an easy
matter; yet certainly is to the advantage of a physician. It
is usually unnecessary to urge greater interest in patients.
Most physicians feel such interest fully; but many forget
or ignore their true relation to the case. Our first need is
to cure our patients; but more than that is necessary: we
need to have our services appreciated.
In a correót prognosis lies a tower of strength. Very
widely differing opinions will be held, concerning the re-
sults of treatment, but to be able to foretell what will follow,
demonstrates our knowledge. It is often easier to acquire
knowledge than it is to apply such knowledge in our daily
work. Many physicians fail to attain real success, not
from lack of scholarship, but because they lack broad, com-
mon sense; the faculty of seeing things in their true light,
which is so absolutely necessary to successful practice. Sci-
entific knowledge is too often regarded as the sole requisite
to success, while in fact it is only when such knowledge is
added to, or based upon practical common sense, that it
brings success. To exercise good judgment about what to
do and what not to do for our patients, is essential. I like
Comstock’s expression about the obstetrician, where he
speaks of the necessity for “masterly inactivity.” It is
Prug Symptoms in Małe, ia Medica Revision. 3
&S 3
the foregoing is concisely expressed in that comprehensive
word ‘‘ta&t.” t - -
We must not antagonize too much with the contrary
opinions of others, If such opinions have no foundation,
they will often be best met with silence. To be, or appear
to be satisfied with what we are doing, is wise. People pre-
fer to employ a physician who goes rather under protest,
than one whom they think anxious or even pleased to re-
ceive the call. We should be sure that in associates, speech,
bearing and dress, we are above criticism. We should nev-
er forget that “the laborer is worthy of his hire.” Books
should be carefully kept, and accounts faithfully collected.
Where patrons are able to pay, bills should not be discount-
ed; it looks as though we thought we had not earned the
customary fee, and if we act as though we thought our ser-
vices were not of full value, people will certainly agree with
us. The practice of medicine is slavish work. Self-denial
has to be constantly exercised; the risk to health is much
greater than in most other walks of life; the wearing nature
of the responsibilities; the irregular hours for eating and
sleeping; the loss of sleep; the weary waiting by the obstet-
ric bed; the tiresome, lonely night rides, in country practice;
the danger incident to rapid riding in the darkness. Oh!
Who but a physician, or a physician's wife, can measure
and appreciate these things. It certainly, in view of all
this, is fitting that we look well to these apparently little
things which have so much to do with our receiving the
proper, and fully earned rewards for our study, labor and
sacrifice. -
sometimes masterly to do nothing, and say nothing. All
DRUG SYMPTOMS, IN MATERIA MEDICA REVISION.
By J. P. DAKE, M. D., NAshville, TENN.
The purification of materia medica, the elimination of
symptoms that cannot be regarded, according to proper
rules of evidence, as drug effects, is a subject upon which I
have bestowed much thought and research, and upon which
I have had not al little to say during the past thirty-five
4 • ,” Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy. }
years. I was driven to an earnest consideration of the mat-
ter, while professor of materia medica in the college at Phil-
adelphia, where it was my endeavor to deal honestly with
the students who had come to study the means wherewith
to combat disease and save life. Critical investigation, as
to the sources and character of the symptoms composing
Jahr's Manual, Hahnemann's Materia Medica Pura and
Chronic Diseases, arranged and re-arranged in various rep-
ertories and epitomes, convinced me that they could not be
reliable and safe in the hands of the student and practitioner.
In the American Provers' Union I called attention to the
defective methods of proving drugs, as followed by nearly
all experimenters up to that time, and urged a course more
exact, more in accordance with the demands of science as
well as practice. 2. w -
Two years later, at the first meeting of the American In-
stitute at Chicago, in 1857, I again brought the subject for-
ward, more fully showing what should be done to secure
greater certainty in pathogenesy. . . . - -
- Repeatedly since in the meetings of that body, and in the
medical journals of this country and England, I have pre-
sented the subject by argument and illustration.
I speak thus of my record, simply to show my right now
to express an opinion upon the same subject, as lately
brought before the profession in the GAZETTE, the Hahne-
mann Monthly and the Worth American Journal, in connec-
tion with materia medica revision and arrangement. -
It has been one of the greatest pleasures of my profession-
al life to see such men as Conrad Wesselhoeft, T. F. Allen,
J. P. Sutherland, Elias C. Price, M. W. VanDenburg, and
such associations as the Hughes' Club and the Baltimore
Club, and such journals as the GAZETTE, the Hahnemann
Monthly and the Worth American Journal, devoting earriest
attention to purifying and re-arranging our pathogenesy, so
as to make it more reliable and convenient
In the bureau of materia medica in the American Insti-
tute (1883), while I had the honor to be its chairman, Dr.
Wesselhoeft outlined the plan he is now pursuing; and, the
following year, while on the same bureau, he joined with
Drug Symptoms in Mate, ia Medica Revision. 5
me and the other members of that bureau, in recommending
that the matter of arranging materia medica upon his plan
or upon any other then presented, should await the publica-
tion of our provings, our drug symptomatology, in a narra-
tive form, as free as research and the rules of evidence could
make them of spurious symptoms. The British Homeo-
pathic Society had resolved to devote itself to such a publi-
cation, and Dr. Richard Hughes, had come as its delegate to
the Institute meeting at Deer Park, to confer with our bu-
reau on the subject.
After long conferences an agreement was effected between
Dr. Hughes and the bureau, as to the title and extent of
the work to be issued and as to the rules that should gov-
ern its formation. The title selected was “T.he Cyclopedia
of Drug Pathogenesy,” and the rules to govern the editors
were those that have appeared inside the cover of each num-
ber issued. t -
The rules were not only fully weighed by Dr. Hughes and
the members of the bureau and also by the members of the
Institute, they were adopted by a vote of the entire body,
with hardly a dissenting voice.
They excluded symptoms from drugs administered to the
sick, from drugs that had not showfºº #ogenetic power in
two or more persons, from drugs administered to persons al-
zeady under the influence of other drugs, and from drugs said
to be attenuated above the twelfth decimal.
These rules were adopted not only by the American In-
stitute, at one of its largest meetings, but unanimously by
the British Homoeopathic Society. They were in accord
with the views and wishes of more than nine-tenths of the
whole homoeopathic profession,
Modesty would forbid my speaking of the character of
the Cyclopædia, which is now approaching its completion,
were it not that the fact is well-known, that the critical
work on it has been performed by the chief editor, Dr.
Hughes, my own part being of a general and quite subordi-
nate kind, -- - r
I must be allowed to say, then, that the rules laid down
for our guidance have been faithfully observed; and that as
6 AWorthwestern ſou rnal of Aſomeopathy.
}
a result, the profession has for the first time, in narrative
form, the positive pathogenetic effects of its drugs, so far as
rightly tested upon healthy persons, sifted from spurious
Symptoms. That our work is free from all mistakes, that it
is perfect we do not claim. But I must be allowed to say,
from long years of observation and study, and an extended
and somewhat intimate acquaintance with leading members
of the profession, that there is no man so well constituted,
qualified and situated for producing the Cyclopædia as Dr.
Richard Hughes, With the aid of such men as compose
Our “Consultative Committee,” both in England and Amer-
ica, he has received the best of counsel upon all vital ques-
tions during his critical and arduous work.
This much I have felt called on to say in vindication of
those who have accepted the Cyclopædia as a source from
which to gather drug symptoms, and upon which to rear a
trust-worthy form of materia medica.
It may save some labor for those arranging a schema, to
take the symptoms as already cut up and put under various
heads; but the labor should not be counted when reliability
is desired. When the positive drugs effects are wanted
there is no way of getting them save from the Cyclopædia,
or by the herculean search through all the literature of
homoeopathy and the critical sifting performed by Dr.
Hughes and his helpers,
In conclusion I would express my regret that there should
be any feeling between those honestly working for the one
great cause, save that of an honorable emulation.
Being true to science and the cause of humanity, we
should not be untrue or unkind to each other.
I rejoice to see the younger men in our ranks, in Boston,
New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia and other centres of
learning and influence, urgent for greater exactitude in
materia medica and better methods for the improvement
of our therapeutics.-N. E. Med. Gazette. &
WARTS.-Kaposi suggests the use of one part of bichloride
of mercury dissolved in thirty parts of collodion, a little of the
solution being painted on and around base of wart once daily,
7%e Arsenic Treatment for Cancer. 7
THE ARSENIC TREATMENT FOR CANCER.
BY A. M. LINN, M. D., DES MOINES, IOWA,
CASE.-Mrs. R., aet. 62 years; brunette; widow, full hab-
it and bilious temperament; applied O&tober 18th, 1888, for
treatment for cancer, 4 x
She had been cared for at competent allopathic hands for
Several months and was discharged because no further re-
lief could be promised. Examination revealed a growth, ep-
ithelial in character which involved the cervix and the en-
tire vaginal walls. On every side the finger encountered
the firm nodular growth which filled and crowded the vagi-
nal Space. Moderate sanguinous discharges had occurred
at irregular intervals. Examinations were also followed by
moderate hemorrhage, although they occasioned little pain
or discomfort. The patient's appetite was fair and the
strength was good, tiring easily. Sleep was easy and rest-
ful, except for the necessity of rising two or three times
during the night to void urine, No particular pelvic pain
or uneasiness was present. The “straw-color” of the skin
was apparent though not markedly so, and the castial ob-
Server would scarcely suspect my patient the unfortunate
vićtim of So fatal a malady. The paucity of symptoms pro-
hibited a very discriminating selection of remedies. The
treatment during the first six months was that indicated by
our best authorities, Arsen., Hydrastis and Thuja, were
exhibited internally at different times as they seemed indi-
cated, Vaginal washes of /uglaus cin., Hydrastis and Aseſº-
size were also used. The case was continued on this treat-
ment until the Annual Meeting of the State Association, in
May, 1889, at which time the patient was examined in my
office by Profs, Cowperthwaite and Gilchrist. The diagnosis
was confirmed and rendered conclusive by microscopic test.
As a result of our conference the patient was placed on
Chian £2.7%entine and the vaginal irrigations continued.
The preceding six months had witnessed no marked
changes in the appearance of the growth nor any material
variation in the symptoms elicited. The vaginal cavity was
a little more densely packed with the nodular excrescences,
and bled a little more readily on contact. Because of furth-
er crowding, the vesicle irritation had grown worse. The
urine was voided more frequently, though at no time was
urination difficult. The appetite was but slightly impaired
though the malaise was more apparent, The patient also
complained of a vague sense of uneasiness and weight in the
pelvis; plainly the first half year's progress had been back-
ward.
8 AVorthzºestern /ournal of Aſomeopathy.
Much was now anticipated from the use of Chiazz furpenz-
time. It was given hopefully but failed ingloriously. An-
other semi-annual period was added to the history of the
case—another half-year of failure.
From the beginning of my treatment surgical interference
was obviously out of the question; the tissues were too deep-
ly and too extensively involved. Prof. Gilchrist advised
against it and Prof. Hall seconded his opinion.
The remarkable results obtained by Dr. J. S. Mitchell in
this affection had attracted the attention of the profession at
this time. He most generously responded to my inquiries
and in November, the patient was placed upon the Arsen.
treatment as outlined by himself, and by which he had ob-
tained his best results. Ars, 3x was given internally. The
ulcerated surfaces of the vagina were exposed through a tri-
valve speculum and thoroughly as possible coated with pow-
der of Ars. 2x, and occasionally with Hoang man Ix was
substituted for the Arsen. in the dusting process. This was
repeated every day, and in the interval vaginal irrigations
of Asepsin and Ars. 2x were directed. Within two weeks
from beginning this treatment a noticeable change was ob-
served in some of the symptoms. The sero-sanguinous dis-
charges lost their offensive character and diminished fifty
per cent. in amount. The parts became less sensitive to
touch and bled less readily when treated. The appetite be-
gan to show unmistakable signs of mending, and the patient
began to feel that somehow a respite had been obtained and
the distance had been 1engthened between herself and the
grave,
Owing to the sensitive condition of the growth no medi-
cated plegets, even of the softest cotton could be left in the
vagina in contact with it, hence some additional advantage
was not attainable. Also the crowdéd condition prevented
much expansion of the vagina, necessarily limiting the
Sweep of the speculum and consequently rendering much of
the surface inaccessible.
Improvement continued apace: while the advantage gained
was lengthened days and comfortable ones, no extravagant
hopes of a cure were entertained. January 15th, a most un-
fortunate complicating cystitis developed, interrupting our
progress, robbing my patient of the advantage gained, and
dragging her almost to the verge of the grave, The growth
had invaded the bladder and left it in a very irritable con-
dition; henceforth she obtained little rest; every hour (day
and night) the bladder had to be emptied, No particular
pain was felt after the acute cystitis passed, but the loss of
sleep followed by loss of strength and appetite warned us
Aydrophobinzem. 9
that the end was near. The treatments were continued un-
til Feb. 17th, when she went to New York. Her attendant
informed me that within two days after cessation of local
treatments the emanations from the growth became extreme-
ly offensive and she began to suffer great pain. Five days
later she died in great agony,
Although I had but a few brief weeks to observe the
effects of the Arsen, treatment the advantages derived were
positive. The freedom from the offensive discharges and
the limitations in amount of same are to those who have
Cared for such cases—considerations of the highest impor-
tance, To the patient the freedom from pain and the length-
ened days come as a boon, the great value of which can
never be known save to such as are within the relentless
grasp of malignant disease.
HYDROPHOBINUM. *
BY A. C. COWPERTHWAITE, M. D., IOWA CITY, IA.
This is the saliva of a mad dog, and is therefore an ani-
&S )
mal nosode. Dr. Hering adopts the term Lyssin, believing
that Hydrophobia should be called Lyssa, the former only
referring to an occasional symptom of the disease.
It is not the purpose of this paper to discuss the question
of nosodes—diseased products, yet we believe as a rule
there is too much of a tendency to either discard them al-
together, or else make a hobby of them. The objections to
the use of nosodes as medicines arise mostly from prejudice.
There is no doubt but that many of them possess medicinal
virtues, and we should not be deterred from their use when
indicated simply from prejudice. The strongest grounds of
objection to the animal nosodes is that they are isopathic
and not homeopathic. This may be true or it may not be
true, Should we use hydrophobinum for the cure of rabies
it would be isopathy—the idem and not the similia, which
is certainly not homeopathy. But we may use the remedy
for many other conditions to which it is strictly homeopa-
thic. It is our purpose in this paper to only briefly call
attention to those conditions, believing that this preparation
may prove a valuable remedy and that it deserves more
attention from the profession than it has heretofore received.
* Read before the Missouri Institute of Homeopathy, April 23rd, 1889.
IO AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
In the first place it should be remembered that our clinical
knowledge of hydrophobinum is comparatively limited, as
the provings are comparatively recent, An important use
of hydrophobinum is in the treatment of that condition of
mind known as lyssophobia, numerous cases of which are
on record, where the patient having been bitten by a healthy
dog, broods over the danger of hydrophobia until the con-
tinuous and tormenting fear of going mad develops symp-
toms not unlike those of the dreaded disease. Hering
reports two cases of this character treated by this remedy,
one of which will suffice for illustration: ‘‘May M., aet. I7,
had been bitten several years previously by a dog, and read-
ing of several cases of hydrophobia as reported in papers,
was found in the following condition: crouched in the
corner of a sofa, dark red bloated face, expression of terror
in face, eyes glistening, conjunctiva injected red; was
brought into this condition by endeavoring to take a drink
of water, and could not hear water mentioned without a
shudder of fear; could not swallow; pulse very high; tongue
dry and coated red; Lyssin 20 one dose; she was better next
day; but had several slight attacks afterwards, always in-
duced by running of water, but always yielding to this rem-
edy; has not had an attack in nearly a year.” The remedy
has also been successfully used for headaches from bite of
dogs, whether rabid or not, without lyssophobia.
When this remedy is indicated the patient is always ex-
tremely nervous and irritable and the senses hyperSensitive.
Its chief key-note is an aggravation of the symptoms from
hearing running water, The patient cannot endure to hear
water from a hydrant, or poured out from a pitcher, some-
times even the sight of water renewing the pain and even
causing convulsions. The remedy has been successfully
used in neuralgia, and in nervous ailments, of pregnancy
and in prolapsus uteri and other uterine diseases accompanied
by its peculiar nervous manifestations. In hysteria with
these symptoms it will undoubtedly prove a valuable rem-
edy. It has been used in sore throat with dysphagia, and
especially in stricture of the oesophagus. In diarrhoea and
dysentery it has been successfully used when the stools
Hydrophobimum. * II
were brought on by seeing and especially by hearing water
run. In such cases there is very considerable tenesmus,
and violent pain in the small of the back and rectum, com-
pelling the patient to walk about in spite of great weakness.
It was found especially-useful in chronic camp diarrhoea
with these symptoms, |
In the male the sexual instinct is excited, but in the fe-
male it is deficient, with menstrual irregularities, leucor-
rhoea, and extreme sensitiveness of the vagina; anaemia and
chlorosis from disturbed sexual functions have been success-
fully treated. It is recommended in malignant ulcers from
the bite of a dog, and in malignant pustules and cancerous
sores. The antidotes according to Hering are Bellad,
Ayos., and Stram. t * §
PICROTOXIN is a very efficient antidote to morphine poi-
soning, according to Professor Bokai. It stimulates the re-
spiratory centre and can be given more freely than can atro-
pine.—The Doğor. -
IN SPERMATORRHEA (so called), stricture and a hyperaes-
thetic condition of the urethra are found to remedy this con-
dition; we should get rid of the above causes by dilatation
and the passage of sounds.—(Prof. Gross.) -
HAEMATEMESIS.—The safest and most pleasant remedy
for haematemesis is said to be water, drank as hot as can be
borne, in quantities of half a tumblerful to a tumblerful. No
further hemorrhage occurs, and fragments of clots are vom-
ited.— The Doğor. - 1 º
PEDICULI PUBIS.–Destroy pediculi pubis by a single ap-
plication of ether in spray. This procedure is less injurious
to the skin than the application of chloroform, which like-
wise accomplishes the same object.—The Doğor. - .
AN ELEGANT PREPARATION FOR THE BATH, it is said,
may be made by thoroughly powdering and mixing one
part of borax, one part of sal soda and two parts of salt.
Alcoholic solution of Oil of eucalyptus may be used to give
it an odor.— 7%e /Dočor. - i &
ANTIDOTE FOR CARBOLIC AcID PorsonING.—Soap is said
to be an efficient antidote, and should be given as soon as
possible after the poison has been taken, and continued un-
til all toxic symptoms have disappeared. * x
TIEETTE
Northwestern Journal

* CE HOMIECE A-TEE---
All communications for publication, books for review, etc., should be addressed to the editor,
A. G. Cowperthwaite, M. D., Iowa City, Iowa,
Business communications showid be addressed to the business manager, F. J. Newberry,
M. D., at the office ofpublication, 63, First ave, Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
The Editor is not responsible for any statements or opinions expressed by contributors,
STATE SOCIETY MEETINGs.
THE season is near at hand when most of the State Soci-
eties of the West and North-west hold their annual meet-
ings. Probably we shall again witness the repetition of that
same indifference in the profession as has heretofore charac-
terized it. Less than ten per cent. of the profession take
any interest whatever in society work, but selfishly stay at
home while a few perform the duties which equally belong
to them. Even if we lay aside entirely the personal benefit
that accrues to every physician from a mental standpoint—
the brightening of intellectual faculties and the develop-
ment of professional resources by social intercourse with his
brethren, we cannot and should not forget the benefits of
organization to every homeopathic physician. It is doubt-
less true that had it not been for the power and influence
wielded by the homeopathic profession through their State
and National organizations there would have been ere this,
laws enacted that would have banished every homeopathic
physician from the country, or at least prevented their prac-
|
State Society Meetings. I3
*~.
tice. Every homeopathic physician should realize that their
influence and prosperity has only been made possible by or-
ganization, and can only be maintained by a continued
organization. It is the duty, therefore, of each one
to render what aid is in his power to sustain that which in
turn is sustaining him, and without which he would be help-
less, Let us hope that the attendance at our State Socie-
fies this year will reveal a deeper interest in them by the pro-
fession than has heretofore been seen. -
WHILE writing about Medical Societies our attention is
called to an address delivered before the Massachusetts Sur-
gical and Gynecological Society, by the President, Dr. L.
A. Phillips, from which we make the following quotation
as being pertinent to the subject, and well worthy the eare-
ful consideration of every physician: -
“To anyone who gives it a moment's thought, it must be
apparent without argument or demonstration, that no indi-
vidual, whatever his opportunities or his efforts, can learn
as much, or gain as broad an experience as a large number
can do collectively. To observe a single case of any given.
: disease can give but a very imperfect knowledge thereof,
compared with that obtained from many such experiences,
and for a similar reason, the observations of one person, be-
ing always from his peculiar standpoint, cannot be as com-
prehensive or complete, as the United observations of a large
number, from as many different standpoints, for what es-
capes one is seen by another, and what makes little impres-
sion or is scarcely noted by one, appears to another of espe-
cial importance or significance. We know that in all direc-
tions we learn in no way so much as by comparison, even
health and disease, comfort and distress being known only
by this means, and the comparison of the observations and
experiences of one with those of others, furnishes one of the
surest and most fruitful means of acquiring a broad and ac-
curate knowledge of any subject, *,
I4. Aorthwestern Journal of Aſomeopathy.
“These facts which we cannot fail to recognize, furnish
the prime and principal reasons for organization and main-
tenance of medical societies; or, to reverse the statement;-
medical societies are organized and maintained for the pro-
motion and advancement of the science and art, which they
represent, and for the mutual improvement in knowledge
and skill of their members, They may be made to serve oth-
er purposes, but these are their primary and legitimate
objects. te
“Let us now inquire how these objects are to be attained.
Does the simple act of becoming a member of a society aid in
securing these results? Are there no obligations imposed,
no effort required? Remembering that it is by comparing
one’s own observations and experiences with those of others,
that a reliable knowledge is to be obtained, every individu-
al member should feel it his duty and his just obligation to
give his own, and receive with due consideration those of
all others.
“To make a society profitable there must be a free inter-
change of individual experience; a clear presentation of as-
certained facts and suggestions leading to the discovery of
new light and broader knowledge. None are justified in do-
ing nothing or giving nothing, or in assuming that because
they may have no wonderful, uncommon or startling expe-
rience to relate, they have therefore nothing worth giving,
It should be remembered that it is the more common and
reliable observations, the typical manifestations; which are
most valuable, and furthermore it may often be suspected at
least, that the wonderful and peculiar experiences, which
like works of fiction, may be particularly entertaining, are
to a considerable degree imaginative and exaggerated and of
comparatively little value as a means of gaining practical or
useful knowledge, Then again, the contribution of ones ob-
servations and conclusions is not only a duty which every
member of a society owes to all other members, but in the
preparation and presentation of our experiences, we find the
best possible means of giving definite form and outline to our
own knowledge, and of making it available to ourselves as
well as to others; thus securing to ourselves the double ben-
efit of knowing definitely what our own experience has
taught and being thereby prepared to utilize and compare
the reports of others, not to mention the satisfaction one
feels in knowing he has done his part, that he is a worker,
not a drone in the hive.
“Now just a word regarding our attitude toward others,
We are too apt to listen and give credence only to that which
Society Meetings. I5
§
agrees with our own personal experience or preconceived
ideas. While this is quite natural it is not quite just. We
should remember that a different side or view of a subject
may be just as true and just as honest as the one we have
ourselves seen and reported, and to profit by our societies as
we ought, we must be willing to both give and receive, and
listen as well to those who differ as to those who agree with
us; then by uniting and comparing all that the various sides
of a question have developed, we cannot fail to arrive at a
broader, truer and more complete knowledge than our own
individual observations alone can possibly afford-even under
the most favorable conditions. $
“I cannot but feel that this simple exchange of knowl-
edge, thought and experience, in the spirit of honesty, sin-
cerity and charity is the real secret of success in medical so-
cieties, and the departure from this purpose is the cause of
dissatisfaction and failure.
“If on the one hand, the legitimate objects of a society are
superseded by a pretentious parade of personal performances
or a more or less disguised advertisement of personal or oth-
er schemes; in other words, if the society is made a tool for
the advancement of ambitious, self-seeking individuals who
seldom or never attend its meetings, except when they are
themselves on parade—decrease in general interest and at-
tendance at meetings is almost sure to follow as a résult,
Such members are the weeds which choke out and destroy
all the good fruit which might be brought forth.
“On the other hand, those who do little or nothing for
the Societies are sometimes given to unkind criticisms of
those who do more than their own share of the work, in an
honest endeavor to promote the success of the society, and
Imake up for what others fail to do. Certainly those who do
nothing have no right to complain of others for doing too
much. If they themselves give nothing, they should at
1east receive with charity, from those who offer such as they
have to give,
“Only those who have carried the burdens of a society
themselves, can fully realize how , much must be done by
the few, (and generally the one) upon whom such burdens
are imposed, and this is so chiefly because so few either vol-
untarily or even through urgent impunity, do the little,
which if done by all, would so greatly enhance the value of
the Society’s work, and so vastly ease the burdens of those
who direct its affairs.” t
I6 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
CORRESPONDENCE.
MEDICAL EDUCATION IN ONTARIO.
EDITOR N. W. J. H.-During our conversation a few
weeks ago you suggested that in view of the general interest
now felt in the subjects of medical education and medical
legislation, an outline of the situation in the leading prov-
ince of the Dominion, especially as affecting homeopathy,
might fill a page in your journal acceptably, and I write you
now in fulfillment of the promise then made.
Prior to confederation we had in this province a number of
corporations empowered to grant a license to practice medi-
cine. There was one for the homeopaths, one for the eclec-
tics, one for the old school; in addition to which every Can-
adian college diploma carried with it a provincial license.
When confederation was accomplished all matters connect-
ed with education were placed under the control of the indi-
vidual provinces, and the legislature of Ontario passed a law
which had been under discussion some time, and in fact had
been partially in force for a year or two previous, This law
provides for one General Examining Board; was accepted by
the physicians of all schools (including the homeopaths)
though some of us were opposed to it. Had the majority of
our school objected, there is no doubt but we would have
been allowed to retain our old status and have our own
Examining Board. But our leading men favored the new
plan; it was adopted and has now became a fixed fact.
The law has been amended since its first passage, and its
main features now are the following:—The entire medical
profession in the province is incorporated under the title of
“The College of Physicians and Surgeons.” Its governing
body is called the Medical Council; it is composed of one
delegate from each of the medical colleges, five elected by
the homeopaths and twelve elected by the profession at
large. Its present membership is twenty-seven and they
hold office for a term of five years. }
To the medical council is committed the control of the
profession, subject of course, to the provisions of the act.
Medica/, AEducation in Ontario, 17
It appoints a Board of Examiners, composed partly of col-
1ege professors and partly of physicians not connected with
any school. It arranges the curriculum; defines the course
of study; fixes the fees; and, in general terms, manages the
affairs of the profession,
Now for the curriculum: A matriculation examination is
the-first thing. The qualification is, what is termed in edu-
cational circles with us, a teachers' second-class certificate,
(including Latin) and is not quite as high as a university ma-
triculation. The required period of medical study is four
years, subsequent to the date of matriculation. It includes
four winter sessions at college, of six months each, and one
summer session of ten weeks. Before he is allowed to
come up for his final examination, the student must give
proof that he has attended the courses above mentioned;
that he has spent six months in compounding medicines; at-
tended hospital for twenty-four months, and attended six
cases of midwifery, Graduates from recognized colleges
outside of the Dominion, must pass the matriculation exam-
ination and attend one session in an Ontario college before
they come up for final examination. This does not apply
however, to homeopathists. The fees charged are: matric-
ulation, $20; primary examination, $30; final examination,
$50. Every physician is required to pay an annual fee of $1.
In the matter of examinations, I may say, they are divid-
ed into primary and final. The primary to be undergone
after the second winter session, and includes descriptive
anatomy, physiology, chemistry, toxicology and materia
medica. The final includes medical and surgical anatomy,
practice of medicine, surgery, midwifery, jurisprudence and
sanitary science. The examinations are partly oral and
partly written; while those in medicine and surgery are
clinical.
Now what guarantee have homeopathist applicants that
they will receive fair play? In the first place they are ex-,
amined in materia medica, practice, surgery and midwifery
(other than opperative) by a Homeopathic examiner. In
the next place, the written examinations are so conducted
that the examiner never, knows what applicant's paper he is
I 8 AVorthwestern Journal of Aſomeopathy.
reading until he has passed upon them; so that if he was
disposed to deal unjustly with any student he would not
have the opportunity. As a matter of fact, however, there
has never been any disposition on the part of an Old School
examiner to treat homeopaths other than justly; and there
has not been a single instance that I know of, during over
twenty years' experience of the law, in which any injustice
has been shown. Further, the medical council have on sev-
eral occasions granted special privileges to a homeopathic
applicant, which has never been granted to an allopath.
I have seen it stated in some of the United States' journals
in discussing the question of Single examing boards; that it
would be an indignity for a Homeopathist to be compelled
to go before an Allopath and get his approval before he could
practice medicine. That does not trouble us, for the simple
reason that in addition to our special Homeopathic examin-
er there is always a homeopathist on the Board to examine,
On one of the general subjects, and before whom every Al-
lopath as well as Homeopath must go, If our students have
to be examined on general subjects by an allopath: the allo-
pathic boys have to fear a homeopathist, and neither party
think it an indignity, but all consider the arrangement per-
ſectly fair.
In the Medical council the homeopathic representation
stand on a perfect equity with their allopathic colleges; have
their share of work in the leading committees and exercise
all the influence that their individual merit allows; while on
three Occasions during the past twenty years, a homeopath
has been elected president of the council, and thus made the
legal head of the entire profession in the province,
I may add that we have a Provincial Board of Health, but
it attends solely to sanitary matters and has nothing to do
with the government of the profession.
Well you may ask, how does the law affect Homeopath-
ists? The easiest way for me to answer will be to enclose a
quotation from a circular letter I had occasion to address to
Our physicians a short time since:
“As far as homeopathists are concerned, doubts have been
expressèd as to any benefit we have derived—judging from
Medical AEducation in Ozzfario. I9
the fact that our numbers have not increased as rapidly as
under the old law when we had our Separate Board. We
have had some additions every year; and some of our most
successful practitioners are among those who have passed
the Medical council’s examiners, But the fact remains that
our growth has not been what it should have been,
“This condition, however much we regret it, is not due
to any circumstances which would justify us in asking the
legislature to repeal the Medical Act. It is not due to any
injustice in the law itself, or in the manner in which it is op-
erated. From my experience as a member of the Council
and as a member of the Board of Examiners, I know that
the examinations are conducted with absolute impartiality.
And though they are exceedingly severe, resulting usually
in the ‘‘plucking” of 35 per cent, of the applicants, our stu-
dents stand the ordeal fully as well as the Allopaths. I
know that there is no obstacle in the way of a qualified
Homeopathic student obtaining a license, More than that,
I know of cases where Homeopathic applicants have receiv-
ed favors from the Council which have never been granted
an Allopath.
“If there are not more Homeopathic licentiates it is be-
cause there are not more Homeopathic applicants for license,
And I believe this to be due to our high standard of educa-
tion, coupled with the fact that we have no college in Onta-
rio. Our students, if they wish a Homeopathic college
course have to go to the United States; they can graduate
in two or three years, obtain the degree of M. D., and the
right to practice in that country. But they cannot get a li-
cense here without continuing their studies for one or two
years more, and then running the gauntlet of a severe ex-
amination. Who can blame them, if, instead of spending
labor, time and money before they can even come up for ex-
amination in Ontario, they settle down to work in the , Uni-
ted States.
“While we all regret this state of affairs the cause is not
one of which we can make complaint with any grace. We
cannot ask to be relieved from the union with the old school,
because the standard of medical education is too high for
our convenience. A remedy will doubtless be found in the
establishment of a first-class Homeopathic College in Onta-
rio, thus providing a complete education for our students at
home.
“But if our increase in numbers is slow, on the other hand
there is no country in which homeopathy Occupies the posi-
tion that it does in Ontario. In no country has a Homeo-
2O. AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy. \
pathist been selected to preside over the governing body of
physicians, and to become the legal head of the entire pro-
fession. This has been done in Ontario three times during
the last twelve years, On our board of examiners, in addi-
tion to the examiner in Homeopathy, there is always a
Homeopathist appointed to examine on some of the general
subjects. In no other country is it necessary for every Al-
lopath to go before a Homeopath and get his approval be-
fore receiving a license to practice.
“Homeopathic principles are extending rapidly. Recog-
nizing our full professional equality, our Allopáthic neigh-
bors are letting down the bars of prejudice; are consulting
with us as often as we are willing to consult with them; are
enquiring into Homeopathy; are experimenting with it; are
being influenced by it in their practice.”
Pardon the length to which this letter has drawn. But
long as it is, I have only given what I promised—an outline.
Very truly yours,
C1. T. CAMPBELL, M. D.
Alondon, Ontario, Feb. 20%, ré'90.
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMEOPATHY.
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT".
Fellow Members of the Institute:-I improve this opportu-
nity to call your attention to a few things in which we, as
members of that worthy and honorable national medical or-
ganization, should be deeply interested:
Our next meeting will begin on the 16th day of June, 1890,
at the “Fountain-Spring House,” Waukesha, Wisconsin,
and will be opened promptly at the hour of 7:30, P. M.
Our By-laws were so amended at the 1ast session of the
Institute, that each member of a Bureau is now left free to
select his or her own topic upon which to prepare a paper
for consideration at the meeting.
This change in the By-laws is likely to result in a greater
variety and number oſ subjects to be considered, and in mak-
ing the papers presented more expressive of the writer’s
own experience and matured thought, than has occurred
under the plan in use heretofore, consequently bringing out
more and better discussion, thus greatly increasing the in-
Institute Session of z890. 2 I
terest of members, and also proportionately adding to the
benefit of Our Society and of the profession at large, as well
as of mankind. We cannot have too much of the experi-
ence of observing, practical men and women who are devot-
ing their energies and their lives in efforts to alleviate the
sufferings to which their fellow beings are heirs, and to
Save life, if possible, when assailed by disease.
At the coming session, definite and final action must be
had preparatory to the International Homoeopathic Con-
gress, which should be of vital interest to all physicians of
Our School, more especially to those who are members of the
American Institute of Homeopathy, whether of longer or
shorter membership.
Various other matters of scientific and professional inter-
est will probably come before the Institute for consideration;
besides which there are indications that the social features
of the coming session will be of a most atiractive and enjoy-
able character.
I therefore, as President of the organization, make an ur-
gent appeal to all the members of bureaus and committees
to prepare their papers and reports as soon and carefully as
possible, and forward the titles of their papers to the Gener-
al Secretary and to the chairmen of the appropriate bureau,
and also to be present at our meeting in Waukesha, prepar-
ed to take an active part in the discnssions.
(Then follows a long list of papers that have been prom-
ised, which we have not the space to re-produce—ED.)
Besides the above mentioned, there arê others who have
signified their intention to contribute papers to the various
bureaus, and it is not unlikely that the list, when complet-
ed, wil be much larger. But in the present list of thirty-
two essays, every physician will be able to find something
of special interest and profit to himself sufficient to make it
a strong inducement for him to attend the session and take
part in its deliberations. It is especially desirable that all
those who joined the Institute last year should be present
at the ensuing session, and participate in its business and
discussions. I am quite sure the junior members would not
willingly absent themselves if they could but realize how
22 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
ſ
1nuch their presence would encourage the older members,
and how much it would increase the effectiveness of their
1abors.
The Secretary's Annual Circular, to be issued in May,
will give full particulars concerning the Program and other
details of the Session.
ALFRED I. SAWYER, M. D.,
PRESIDENT,
Monroe, Mich., Feb. 20th, ré90.
SOCIETY MEETINGS.
The State Society of Missouri will meet at St. Louis,
April 22-24. It was expected that the Western Academy
of Homeopathy would meet with them in joint session, but
no official announcement of the fact has yet been received. .
The Kansas State Homeopathic Medical Society will
meet at Salina, May 7-9.
The Illinois Society will meet at Chicago, May 13 15.
The Hahnemann Medical Association, of Iowa, will meet
at Sioux City, May 21-23. Arrangements have been made
for reduced rates on all railroads in Iowa, also for reduced
rates at the hotels.
The Minnesota State Homeopathic Institute will meet at
Minneapolis, May 20-22.
The Nebraska Society will meet at Omaha, June 3-4.
The Texas Homeopathic Medical Association, will meet
at Austin, May 13-14. The following are the chairmen of
the respective Bureaux:-Materia Medica, H. C. Morrow,
M. D., of Sherman; Practice, G. W. Sherbino, M. D., of
Abilene; Surgery, Joseph Jones, M. D., of San Antonio; Ob-
stetrics, A. T. Hall, M. D., Waco; Paedology, J. W. Dick-
ey, M. D., of Weatherford; Gynecology, M. Ellen Kellar,
M. D., of Fort Worth; Ophthalmology, G. St. Clair Hussey,
M. D., of Brenham; Institutes. T. G. Edwards, M. D., of
Blanco; Legislation, G, G. Clifford, M. D., of San Antonio.
THE INSTITUTE SESSION OF 1890.
EDITOR. N. W. J. H. :-As already announced by circular
to the members of the American Institute of Homeopathy,
Institute Session of 1890. 23
the next annual session of that body will be held at “Fount-
ain Spring House,” Waukesha, Wisconsin, commencing
7:30, P, M., June 20th, 1890.
Waukesha, “The Saratoga of the West” famous for its
“Bethesda,” “Silwian,” “Fountain,” “Clysmic,” and other
1mineral springs, is a town of 6000 inhabitants, situated
about Ioo miles north of Chicago and 20 miles west of Mil-
waukee, and directly on an important line of railroad. The
hotel in which the session is to be held is an immense stone
and brick structure, capable of accommodating 800 guests,
and furnished with all the modern conveniences. It is sit-
uated in a beautiful park, of 155 acres, laid out with 'drives,
shaded walks, flower gardens, etc., while the town itself
presents numerous attractions to visitors in search of either
health or pleasure,
The Local Committee of Arrangements is making provis-
ions for the comfort and enjoyment of those who may attend
the session, such as to render the occasion one of the most
memorable in the Institute’s history,
Under the new rule, the Bureaux will present a far great-
er variety of subjects for discussion than heretofore, afīd the
papers will embrace more of the observation and experience
of their writers. Important subjects of professional interest
will be introduced and acted upon, and interesting reports.
will be presented by several committees.
Any paper after being presented at the session may be
published in the journals at the discretion of the writer.
With a view to such outside publication, writers are espe-
cially requested to have their papers prepared in duplicate.
Officers of homeopathic societies and institutions are urged
to make prompt reports (on blanks which will shortly be
sent to them) to the Bureau of Organization, Registration
and Statistics. All hospitals and dispensaries so report-
ing, will receive a pamphlet copy of the entire Statistical
Report of the Institute.
It is desirable that the Institute should receive this year,
another large accession to its membership, particularly from
the West and North-west, in order to secure a more equal
appointment of its membership, as between the East and the
24. AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
West, and to augment the influence of our school in shaping
legislation and defending the equal rights of homeopathists
in public institutions, appointments, etc. It has been sug- .
gested that each state and local society should provide for a
complete canvas of its membership, in order to secure for
itself a larger representation in the membership of the Na-
tional Society. The initiation fee is $2,Oo, Annual dues
$5.00, entitling the member, to the annual volume of the
Transactions, Blank applications for membership can be
obtained from the undersigned,
The Annual Circular, giving full details of the session—
the Program, railroad fares, hotel rates, etc., will be issued
in May. . Any physician failing to receive a copy by May
25th, can obtain it on application to
PEMBERTON DUDLEY,
General Secretary.
S. W. Cor. Z5th and Master Sts., Pheladelphia.
COLLEGE COMMENCEMENTS.
HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. S. U. I.-The
thirteenth annual commencement of the Homeopathic Med-
ical Department of the State University of Iowa, occurred
in the Opera House at Iowa City, March 11th. The annual
address was delivered by the Dean, Prof. A. C. Cowper-
thwaite, after which the President of the University con-
ferred the degree of Doctor of Medicine on the following suc-
cessful candidates:
Richard C. Baker, Woonsocket, S. D.; Sophie E. Bennett,
Riceville, Iowa; Frank A. Box, Pulaski, N. Y.; Wm. R.
Gray, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; C. M. Hollopeter, Beatrice Neb.;
Wm. F. Howe, Potsdam, N.Y.; Leora Johnson, Iowa City;
H. E. Messenger, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; C. M. Morford, Mt.
Pleasant, Iowa; Thos, F. Thompson, Monona, Iowa.
CHICAGO HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE.-The four-
teenth annual commencement of the Chicago Homeopathic
Medical College took place in the Chicago Opera House
March 18th. The Faculty address was given by Prof. J.
College Commencements. 25
W. Streeter, and the class valedićtory by W. E. Witter, A.
M., M. D. An address was also delivered by J. Coleman
Adams. The degree was conferred upon the following
named persons: - s
William H. Amerson, George P. Brady, Reuben H. Ba-
ker, Caleb S. Bellows, Jasper H. Carpenter, Frank Guil-
1aume, C. C. Hutchison, Albert P. Hedges, R. J. James,
Henry G. Lamb, S. B. Moon, Calmar C. Owen, Edward L.,
Shepard, John F. Take, H. H. Townsend, W. L. Winnard,
Joseph B. Wescott, Oliver J. Aurand, Franklin M. Bailey,
Charles L. Bennett, William C. Cook, Clifferd H. Fielding,
George B. Hart, J. A. Hemsteger, George W. Hursh, Rob-
ert M. I. Kinnear, Thomas Lawton, John S. Nelson, John
N. Ranger, Hubert A. Sumpmann, Peter Taylor, Norton E.
Winnard, W. E. Witter, A. M., James W. Williams.
MISSOURI HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE.-The thir-
ty-first annual commencement exercises of the Homeopath-
ic Medical College of Missouri were held on the evening of
March 13th, at Pick-Wick Theater. The programme was
lengthy but interest in it was unabated throughout, The
Rev. Jos D. Wilson D. D., delivered a very eloquent open-
ing prayer and the Rev. Dr. J.W. Ford, D. D., addressed
the class on the part of the faculty in a masterly manner,
. The awarding of the prizes and presentation of flowers was
done by Prof. I. D. Faulon, A. M., M. D., L.L. B., in his
inimitable way. Dr. A. Edmonds, A. M., M. D., con-
ferred the degree of M. D., upon the graduates in a digni-
fied address, there being twenty-three regular graduates,
one ad undem and one honorary degree. The graduates
were as follows: Max Aszman, D. E. Archer, F. H. Auf-
derheid, W. E., Bruce, C. A. Brown, E. A. Bohm, J. H.
Callam, C. A. Canfield, D. M. Gibson, T. J. Haughton, A.
E. Knieburg, H. C. Irwin, L. H. Lemke, M. E. McCarty,
G. H. Moser, F. E. Fladwin, A. C. Goodbar, C. F. Lee, L,
E. Schock, E. M. Santee, M. E. Tucker, Frank Kirsch, R.
B. Noe, Ad undem to Dr. Vogt, and the honorary degree
to Prof. Foulon.
f *
26 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
NEWS AND NOTES,
DR. H. C. ALLEN has removed from Ann Arbor, Mich., to
Hyde Park, Chicago, Ills., and has entered into partnership
with Dr, W. S. Gee, º
DESIRABLE LOCATIONS:-What Cheer, Iowa; Rolfe, Iowa;
Farmington, Iowa; Carthage, Ills. For information con-
cerning the two places last named, address Dr. W. F. Burg,
Burlington, Iowa.
DR. E. HUBBLE, of Wauseca, Minn., is about to remove
to St. Paul, to engage in special practice, and will leave an
excellent opening for a homeopathic physician, in a city of
3OOO inhabitants. Particulars will be given by addressing
the Doctor at Wauseca, until April 15th,
DR. F. DUNCAN has bought out A. Reinhart, the Opti-
cian, and removed to 311 W, Fifth St., Des Moines, where
he will supply accurately fitted glasses as well as minister to
eye and ear diseases,
“IN his work on “Spinal Concussion.’ just out of the press,
S. V. Clevenger, M. D., says, page 252: ‘There are many ex-
cellent stationary batteries with appurtenances, but, for neu-
rological purposes, I know of nothing that surpasses Barrett's
sealed chloride of silver cells.’”
The attention of our readers is especially invited to the
interesting and valuable letter appearing in this issue from
Dr. Campbell, of London, Ontario, regarding the Medical
Practice Act and its workings in that Province, It comes
at an opportune time when there is such a universal cry in
this country for seperate Boards. There are always two
sides to everything, and the present instance does not form
an exception to that rule.
BOOK REVIEW,
PRACTICAL ELECTRICITY IN MEDICINE AND
SURGERY, By G. W. Over ALL, M. D., formerly
Professor of Physiology, Nervous diseases and Electro-
Therapeutics in Memphis Hospital Medical College.
J. H. VAIL & Co. New York.
This little work comes to us at an opportune moment,
and is surely a step in the right direction. We have many
works on this subject, but most of them are too vague and
uncertain in their teachings; while many of them are but
Aooſé A’ezyżezeſ. 27
poorly edited compilations from authors not at all certain of
what they wrote. Attention is called to this work: first to
the fact that electricity is not a panacea; and that no intelli-
gent electrician claims it to be. Second, that Galvanism,
Faradism, Magnetism, animal and static electricity, are but
varied manifestations of the one general principle; that they
have different therapeutic action and hence must be selected
intelligently to secure scientific results; that they are all
subject to the same general law and named to indicate the
manner of production. Third, that negative or harmful re-
sults, (usually the latter) follow any application of electric
ity made without strict reference to the electro-polar condi-
tion of the part to be treated, and the scientific selection of
the polarity of the current used, according to the universal
law of electricity, “Likes repel, unlikes attract.” Fourth,
that electricity should be given in carefully measured doses
—This Dr. Overall, repudiates the old idea that seemed to
exist in the minds of the uninitiated, that electricity is the
same the world over; and if a little was good, more was bet-
ter, The clinical notes are worthy of mention. It will be
readily understood that in so small a compass an exhaustive
discussion of a great subject is impossible. The work is
well written; ably edited; and merits a better costume. We
bespeak for it a large circulation and careful perusal.
CONSUMPTION−ITS CAUSE AND NATURE, By RAL-
LIN R. GREGG, M. D., to which is added the THER-
APEUTICS OF TUBERCULOUS AFFECTIONS, By
H. C. ALLEN, M. D.
This is a handsome volume of 477 pages; the first half be-
ing made up of an elaboration of the remarkable writings
of the late Doctor Gregg, of Buffalo, New York, the latter
by a most admirably arranged synopsis of remedies, more
or less useful in thoracic diseases, and a well executed Rep-
ertory. If this latter portion were given without the for-
mer it would be a pleasant task to notice the book; none
who know the painstaking work of Dr. Allen, would refuse
to receive any contribution from his pen without credentials.
28 Aorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
His work is well done and should receive the thanks of all
who are not too “far advanced” to practice the kind of
homeopathy that has made for us what reputation we may
now enjoy. It is this portion of the work that will render
it useful to the profession; the first part being worthless, nay,
more than that, even dangerous and vicious. The theories
of Dr. Gregg, as the truth had better be told at once, never
had any foundation, in fact were formulated and circulated
in defiance of the counsel of his friends, but a mistaken
faith in their reliability has induced his literary executor to
**
resurrect them from a deserved limbo, and at a time when
their absolute worthlessness is even more apparent than was
the case when they were first printed. They should never
have been printed; their appearance in the present preten-
tious form is no credit to our literature, and will only ex-
pose us to humiliation. True, nothing but good should be
said of the dead, as the old proverb hath it, but there are
exceptions to all laws, and this one quite often; the present
is a case in point. Here we live in an age when the gene-
sis, function and abnormalities of the blood is taught by the
physiologist in a manner that leaves little, if any, to the im-
agination; when microscopy is ready to prove, beyond all
cavil or question that which the physiologist claims; when
a text-book on vital processes is not called upon to as-
Sume anything so easily demonstrated; and yet without
warning comes a book written in the most dogmatic 1ang-
uage, as uncompromising in its statements as the Revised
Statutes, in which the following astounding 1anguage is
used: (p. 15) “I am now prepared to re-affirm, even more
positively than before, that the cause of consumption is a
loss of albumen from the blood through irritated and abused
mzzcous membranes.” The italics are in the original. We
are then told in all seriousness that this loss of albumen
leaves the water of the blood in excess, whereby the RED
blood-corpuscles “are decolorized by circulating in the still
too watery blood or serum notwithstanding the night-
sweats and dropsy throw off a large proportion of the ex-
cess of water; and these decolorized corpuscles, are then
deposited in the capillaries or smaller blood-vessels where
Aook A’ezyżezy. 29
they shrivel and become the so-called tuberculous corpus-
cles which are organized into tubercules and have no other
origin Özá čhis.” Can anything be more utterly absurd P
One would think not but after a few paragraphs we meet
an equally astounding assertion viz: that bacil/i tuberculosis
is nothing but shreds of fibrin // When Dr. Gregg first
gave his views to the press he was met by no end of refuta-
tion of his false conclusions and it was hoped the matter
was finally buried in Oblivion. In the few years that have
since elapsed the growth of physiological knowledge has
been such that the most careless reader of such admirable
works as that of FOSTER—for an example—will at once see
that such nonsense as the above a fair sample of the patho-
1ogical part of the book, is not only without any support; but
is actually in direct opposition to what science teaches. The
writer was intimately acquainted with Dr. Gregg and famil-
iar with his methods, and the means he possessed to carry
On the work he had undertaken. As a man, he was one to
be loved and admired; as a physician, he was a most suc-
Cessful practitioner, and enthusiastic; in all the relations of
1ife he was a man it was a pleasure to meet, but when we
are asked to patiently accept the heterodox utterances of
this book, it is proper to inquire into the facilities at his dis-
posal for conducting the experiments, and his fitness as a
scientist. His symptoms were pure deduction, to use no
harsher term; starting out with a mere hypothesis, and one
that no sane scientist would grant for a moment; he drew
conclusions absolutely unprovable, based upon what he saw
through an exceedingly primitive microscope. But why
pursue the subject: a man who can seriously state that a
white blood-corpuscle is a decolorized red one, has the prim-
mer of science yet to study. Surely no one, now-a-days re-
quires refutation of such arrant nonsense, and the unwel-
come task of alluding to it might be shirked. But here
comes in a duty:-The book is attractive in appearance; it
has great value in the portion prepared by Dr. Allen; and
thus may fall into hands that would not realize the worth-
1essness of the first part. More than this, we must be quick
to disclaim any part or lot in such pseudo-science, if we care
30 Northwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
for the good opinion of true scientists. We cannot, even by
silence, appear to assent to teachings that are on a par with
Chinese pathology, and Paracelsian pathology. The book
should never have been printed; it would have been a kind-
ness to its author. But the thing is done and we must can-
didly advise Dr. Allen to call in the edition; cut out all that
pertains to Dr. Gregg, and bind up his own part, which
would make a book creditable alike to him, and the school
he worthily represents, *
CLIPPINGS.
TAPE. WoRM.–
* Ol. Ricini........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......................... %. Ounce
Ol. Terebinth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 drachms.
Mucilag. Tragacanth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . %. Ounce.
--- Syr. Zingib. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 1 drachm.
Aq. Dest........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 ounce.
M. Sig.—At a draught. The Doctor.
PERSPIRING FEET.—
T. French Chalk...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * * * * * * * * * * … 40 parts.
Submitrate of Bismuth. . . . . . . . . e s = • , a • * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 45 parts.
Permanganate of Potash. . . . . . . . . . . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - • e s e e s - " " " " a • 13 paris.
Salicylate of Soda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 parts.
M. Dust daily into the stockings. The feet should be washed morning and evening,
and after washing rubbed with alcohol,
DANDRUFF.—Dr. Harrison recommends the following:
R. Calistic Potash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 grains.
Carbolic Acid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 grains,
Lanolin -
aa. 4 drachms.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Cocoanut Oil -
M. Rub into scalp morning and evening.
BURNS.—
R. Acid. Carbolic. . . . . . . . . * * * * * * * • - - - - - - - - - - - - - … - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 part.
Extract Conii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 parts.
Jodoformi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 parts
Unguent. Rosae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 parts
t
M. . ft. ungt.
THE HEART OF THE ALLEGHANIES.
Writing of a recent trip across the mountains of West
Virginia a gifted journalist says: -
“Twilight on the grade is grand, The mountain summits
look like the bushy tops of trees. The sun has disappeared
in a ball of fire at his “jumping-off place,” but the vivid
1ightning of the western sky by the still upturned illumin-
ating face below the horizon is in marked contrast to the
Worthwestern Journal of Homeopathy. 31
gathering shades behind the rushing train. From shelf to
shelf, from crag to crag, from brink to brink, we almost fly.
Like a flashing transformation, rendering almost past belief
the fact that the scene is in the midst of the Alleghanies,
comès a bit of 1andscape gardening with all the beauties of
walks and hedges and bright hued flowers, a mountain
brooklet tumbling through the center—Buckhorn Wall, the
most noted and most admired view that can be had from
any known point in the Alleghany range. To enable the
road to span the tremendous gorges, a massive wall of cut
stone was erected for a distance of several hundred feet .
and more than a hundred feet above the foundation rock,
As the river makes an abrupt turn at right angles, a deep
canyon is opened up for miles. Range after range of mount-
ains disappear behind each other. The shadowy outlines of
single peaks steal out through the haze.” w
This beautiful scene is on the Baltimore and Ohio R. R.
near Grafton, W. Va. The entire line from the Potomac to
the Ohio is a majestic panorama of the grandest views on the
continent and all endowed with historic interest.
NEW AND SUPERB DINING CAR OUTFIT.
The Dining Cars just completed for the GREAT Rock
ISLAND ROUTE, not only embody all the latest improvements
in general use, but especial and distinctive features of excel-
lence, which render them unapproachably superior to
ordinary Dining Cars. They will be placed on the Rock
ISLAND ROUTE west of the Missouri River on and after
March 23rd, 1890, and will impart the crowning grace of
perfection to its SOLID VESTfbul.E ExPRESS TRAINs, giving
that road a continuous THROUGH DINING CAR SERVICE
between Chicago and Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo,
The Rock IsI.AND is the ONLY line that runs two Vestibule
Express Trains every afternoon from Chicago to Denver,
It is not only the Fast line, but it is also the most complete-
ly equipped of all the Colorado roads, with elegant Day
Coaches, Pullman Sleepers, FREE Reclining Chair Cars,
and the finest Dining Cars in the world,
THE NATIONAL CAPITOL.
THE City of Washington is an object of perennial interest
to all patriotic Americans. Not alone because it is the
great throbbing heart of the mightiest and grandest Repub-
32 AVorthwestern /ozºrmal of Aſomeeopa/hy.
lic the earth has ever known, but also on account of its Iria-
terial magnificence. All Americans take pride in its beauti-
ful avelities, majestic architecture, stately homes, and well
stored galleries and museums as things of grandeur and
beauty in themselves, apart from the historic interest with
which they are invested. . It is a hope and aspiration of all
“YouNG AMERICA,” at least, to some time or other visit the
Capitol of his country,
The Baltimore & Ohio R. R. offers unequalled facilities
in aid, of this desire. All its through trains between New
York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore on the east; and Pitts-
burgh, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Chicago on, the west, pass
through Washington. Its fast trains are vestibuled from
end to end and heated with steam. Pullman’s latest and
best productions in the way of sumptuous Drawing Room
Sleeping Cars are attached to all its through trains. The
present management of the B. & O. have made vast im-
provements in the 1ast two years, and the road is to-day one
of the foremost passenger carrying lines in the country,
Through tickets via B. & O. R. R. can be procured at all
the principal ticket offices throughout the United States.
BURLINGTON ROUTE TO THE WEST.-The only railroad
running dining cars and through sleeping and reclining
chair cars from Chicago over direct lines of its own to Oma-
ha, Lincoln, Cheyenne, Denver, and all principal sections
of Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. Tickets via the
Burlington Route can be obtained of any ticket agent of its
*4.
own or connecting lines. >
S.
FOR S AL . Homeopathic practice in Northwest-
. ern Iowa. County seat. $3OOO cash
collection annually, Residence and office steam heated.
Large roomy barn. Everything complete. Will remain on
the field and introduce purchaser. For particulars address,
GREAT WEST Co., 758, Wabash St.,
f St. Paul, Minn.
V ] ANTED . By a (married) practitioner, five
. year’s experience, a position as as-
sistant to physician or specialist in Eye and Ear, or will
take charge of practice during absence of physicians. Salary
or commission. Prefer position where I may practice Spe-
cialty two or three hours daily. Address
tº H. F. FISHER,
2OI, E, 23rd Street, New York City.
NOV o 2 1917
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
Vol. II, CEDAR RAPIDs, Iowa, MAY, I890. No. 2.
THE CLIMATIC TREATMENT OF PHTHISIS.*
BY W. C. GOODNO, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.
I think that any one who will carefully scan the recent lit-
erature of pulmonary phthisis, especially the journal articles,
will be convinced that we are arriving more nearly to the cor-
rect principles of treatment of this disease; however, much is
yet to be attained. This is a subject of congratulation, not
only on account of the frequency of the disease and the needed
relief, but for the additional reason that the majority of even
our good practitioners have been guided too much by the in-
fluence of protracted routine methods. Regarding every sub-
ject of importance which the physician is called upon to con-
sider, there is a tendency to adopt certain settled views—
opinions which are usually the crystallization of the medical
thought of the recent decades, perhaps generation. With the
progress of scientific investigation these apparently well-
founded doctrines and practices are shown to be incorrect, or
partial truths only. As few of ‘us possess just the proper de-
gree of conservatism, some fly the new kite high, while others
trail it in the dust, and thus truth and error go on hopelessly
mixed forever.
The following propositions will summarize my present views
regarding the climatic treatment of the disease in question:
I. Careful observation of the cases in various climates, and
the study of the writings of our best clinicians, have led me
*Read before the Hom. Med. Soc. of Pennsylvania, Sept. 18th, 1889,
Reprinted from the Transactions.
34 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
to conclude that neither temperature, altitude, degree of moist-
ure, mountains, plains, etc., have each in themselves alone any
vital curative relationship to phthisis, but are of a secondary
or relative importance only.
2. That the importance of the above enumerated factors
is mainly in relation to certain constitutional and disease pe-
culiarities.
3. That the essential therapeutic element is a pure atmos-
phere. Much has been written of late years regarding the
curative action of altitude, temperature, a dry atmosphere,
etc. Various writers laying stress, each upon some one qual-
... ity or combination of qualities of the atmosphere as possessing
the highest curative action, “a warm, equable climate,” “a
dry atmosphere,” “a high altitude,” etc., have each been re-
cently advocated as of the highest curative value. In opposi-
tion to those views, I suggest that the only essential is a pure
atmosphere; but that the altitude, temperature, degree of moist-
ure, etc., possess important influence upon individual cases,
and must be carefully considered in selecting the best climate
for a given case. It is not sufficient to send all patients to one
region, for the reason that the physician is impressed from the
repute of the place that it is a good one for consumptives. Per-
haps the first question to be asked is: What is a pure atmos-
phere? This can only answered approximately. I would say
that its most important feature is the absence or comparative
absence of micro-organisms. I think it certain the regions
which are furnishing the best results in phthisis contain rela-
tively few germs either in variety or number of each variety,
Does it seem probable that an atmosphere which supports but
feebly few forms of bactaria might exercise an inhibiting in-
fluence upon some of the pathógenic forms P. This I believe
to be true respecting the bacillus tuberculosis, which organ-
ism, whether it be the cause of tuberculosis or not, flourishes
with its increase, and declines and perhaps disappears with
its arrest. These statements respecting the number of bac-
teria is corroborated by general clinical experience, the obser-
vations of certain microscopists, and corroborated by several
experiments of my own. I write sitting in front of my tent; other
tents dot the green about me. Hanging to a tree, at a short
distance, are roasts and steaks of beef, days old, and which
7%e Climatic 77-eatment of Phthisis. 35.
may hang there until they become as hard as stone without
decomposition. Within view are several consumptives who
have been west but a short time, whose sputum, what little is
left, shows rapid decrease in the number of bacilli. One of
them has made a mistake. She has a weak heart, rapid, weak
pulse, and is neuralgic. These troubles all persist, especially
the latter, due probably to the high altitude, 7,600 feet; al-
though cough, expectoration, and all chest symptoms are bet-
ter, I recommend her to go to Southern California for reasons
to be hereafter considered. -
It is important to add that even in this climate, second in
essential quality to none in the world, the multiplication of
bacteria is favored by congregation of people, and, as we
might expect, the mortality from phthisis is increased. West-
ern towns. which but a few years since enjoyed, and justly,
high reputations as health resorts for consumptives, are now,
many of them, nearly valueless. Why? Because phthisis is
especially a disease affecting aggregations of people, and for
reasons other than its probable contagiousness, it is a disease
of civilization, the conditions of which favor germ propaga-
tion, and, as we have stated, especially the bacillus of tubercle.
Therefore, do not advise patients to remain in large towns and
cities, no matter what their past reputations. Many physi-
cians become disheartened in their endeavors to utilize the
western health resorts for this season. Add to this the reck:
less disregard of sanitation, so common here, and one is forced.
to believe that only a kind Providence, and the remarkable
climate, permits the human species to exist. . I asked the:
Mayor of Albuquerque yesterday (a wonderful business center
of 8,000 to Io, ooo inhabitants) regarding their drainage. He
replied, laconically, “Haven’t any.” And I found it true—
none except what nature furnishes. The older resorts, as
Santa Barbara, in California, Las Vegas and Santa Fe, in New
Mexico, etc., have declined much in their value, due to in-
crease in size and disregard of cleanliness and all ordinary
sanitary precautions. Still their suburbs and adjacent coun-
try are excellent for certain varieties of phthisis. Much of the .
unpopularity of the west is due to ignorance of these facts.
Upon the land the element of dryness probably exercises the
greatest influence upon germ propagation. This can be proven
36 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
in various ways. Divide a piece of meat, expose one-half to
the atmosphere, and wrap the second one in muslin. Hang
them side by side upon the limb of a tree. Within a week
the covered piece will manifest decomposition, while the un-
covered one will dry up, and is preserved indefinitely.
. It seems probable that of the adventitious constituents of
the air, that micro-organisms only posses the power, unaided,
to develope definite diseases; therefore, the alkaline dust of
certain portions of the west and other inorganic materials act
as local irritants only.
A second most practical question is: Where can this rela-
tively pure atmosphere, with other qualities suited to the
treatment of consumptives, with the greatest ease and least
expense, be found? Of the value of long ocean voyages there
can be no doubt, and for some cases are to be strongly rec-
ommended, but they possess many drawbacks. The cramped
sleeping apartments and bad air of the ship, the risks of being
associated closely with other consumptives, or of using a room
long inhabited by one, the limitation of exercise in the open
air and pleasurable employment generally, and, add to all
these, protracted seasickness, diminish greatly the benefits to
be derived from the purest of atmospheres. In the west,
however, New Mexico, California, Arizona, Colorado, etC.,
present varieties in temperature, altitude, moisture, etc., suf-
ficient for all classes of curable cases. I think New Mexico
and Colorado the best summer residences, excluding the
southern half of the former, say all south of Santa Fe. Of
these, New Mexico should be favored, when in doubt, as suit-
able to a far larger class of cases, Raton, Springer, Watrous,
the region of Las Vegas. Glorieta, and the adjacent Pecos
River country, are to be highly commended. Good accom-
modations can be secured in all, that is, comfortable hotels
for resting until arrangements can be made for the desirable
camp life. A good wall tent, 12x16, gives a capital room. If
the weather is cool, close the space between the lower edge
of the canvas tent and the earth with a pine board on edge,
placed upon the inside of the tent. A semi-circle of stones,
two to three feet high, in front of the tent, forms an excellent
fire-place, reflecting the heat into the tent. These, in connec-
tion with heavy clothing, keep one perfectly comfortable.
*A
The Climatic Treatment of Phthisis. 37
Fishing and hunting are fair, and the scenery, whether in
the mountains or on the plains, grand. The altitude varies
from less than 5,000 feet up to any desirable height. The
days are hot, the night are cold. The air is so refreshing,
even on the plains, that one seldom suffers from the sun. The
plains are generally dry at night, but heavy dews exists in the
mountains. Arizona differs little from New Mexico, except
in its greater heat and ruggedness of country. Game is
abundant. In some portionis the alkaline dust is a source of
great annoyance. The purity of its atmosphere, however, is
remarkable. If a more equable or warmer temperature is de-
manded during the winter one must go further south, say as
far as Albuquerque and vicinity. Here little snow falls, as
indeed does little in any portion of the territory, except high
in the mountains. The thermometer seldom sinks below the
freezing point, and one can ride or walk every day in the
bright warm sun. Further south the country is less desirable,
and as one approaches Texas and Mexico the malaria element
manifests itself. Rheumatism is a common disease west, but
but seems to me to be largely developed by the reckless ex-
posure, especially evening and morning, when the atmosphere
is cool. As at the seashore, people think they cannot take
cold. This is, perhaps, because their colds less frequently at-
tack the upper respiratory organs. I have relieved several
cases I have seen, very promptly with Colchicine 4x every
three to six hours. Colorado and South California differ de-
cidedly from New Mexico, which territory has given the best
“all-around” results. One cannot pass from the balmy, sooth-
ing atmosphere of New Mexico, across Ráton Range into Col-
orado, without soon appreciating a marked change. The
nerves are, perhaps, soon “on edge,” many becoming nervous
and irritable. This is apt to be attributed to the altitude,
which averages higher in Colorado than in New Mexico. But
it is not all altitude, for at identical measurements in each
region this difference is noted. I will not attempt to explain
it, but give it as the experience of many persons. Whether
due to altitude, or some peculiarity of climate, I cannot say,
but hemorrhagic, neuralgic, nervous, or weak heart cases do
poorly in Colorado. This I can corroborate by the histories
of many cases which I have observed for years. It is espec-
38 Northwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
ially slow phthisis, with greater tendency to fibrous develop-
ment, good heart and iron nerves, that prosper in this state.
The balmy, soothing New Mexico climate is intensified in
Southern California. It is here that the patient with predom-
inance of fibrous change (because the greater moisture of
Southern California is more likely to incite to increased action
the catarrhal process) who is nervous, irritable, whose heart
is feeble, who suffers from migraine or some other neuralgia,
especially visceral, who cannot live east, yet who will not give
up, society and luxury, can find a haven. The degree of
mioisture in the atmosphere is here greater than in any other
referred to; fogs are common in some of the valleys, but can
be avoided by careful selection. Even in California, if one
would get the best result, Žeep from the masses. . . . . .
I had hoped to prepare a more elaborate paper, but cir-
'cumstances have prevented, and I am forced to make this
simple running comment. Whatever of value this paper may
possess, has grown out of repeated personal investigation of
the regions considered, and the experience of many years in
sending patients to these greatest of health resorts for con-
Sumptives. - -
SANTONINE.
i
BY THOS. G. ROBERTS, M. D., WASHINGTON, IOWA.
Santonin, or Santoninic Acid, is obtained from the Cina of
Homeopathic practice, or the worm-seed of commerce. Cina,
or Santonica, is derived mostly from the Artemisia contra,
which grows in Persia, Asia Minor, and other parts of the east.
It is also known as Leyant, Aleppo, or Alexandria worm-seed.
There seems to be a little confusion as to the plant from which
the worm-seed of commerce is obtained. - r
It seems that Artemisia contra has not always been exclu-
sively used, but that the unexpanded flowers and peduncles of
other species of Artemisia have been used. Cina contains a
volatile oil and a resinous matter, but doubtless the chief
medical property is Santonine, which occurs in flat, colorless,
quadrilateral prisms. It is inodorous and nearly tasteless
when first applied to the tongue, but after a while it tastes
Santomime. - 39
somewhat bitter. The alcoholic and etherial solutions are
intensely bitter. Santonine is nearly insoluble in cold water
or weak acid solutions, but dissolves in 250 parts of boiling
water. Air has no effect on its crystals, but sunlight changes
them to yellow color, and consequently we often find yellow
crystals mixed with the colorless ones. It is said that the
yellow and colorleess crystals are precisely alike, so far as
their chemical relations are concerned. M. Sestini, however,
says that light causes the formation of formic acid and a red
resinous matter. Whether this be true or false, no one has
been able to see any difference in the therapeutic effects of
of the yellow and colorless crystals. Santonine has a natural
reaction, but unites with alkalies to form crystalizable and
soluble salts, and accordingly is very soluble in alkaline sol-
utions. This drug has a powerful action as a parasiticide,
and seems to be especially poisonous to the lumbricus or long
worm, but also acts considerably on the oxyuris vermicularis,
or pin worm, especially when used locally by being mixed
with lard or oil, and injccted into the rectum. From several
experiments that have been made, it seems that Santonine is
more poisonous to worms when mixed with castor oil, than
when used in its pure state. For internal use, the drug with-
out oil is sufficiently potent, but for pin worms it is well to
mix it with castor oil or lard, and use locally. The tape worm
does not seem to be much affected by Santonine, although
cases are on record in which it seemed to aid in its expulsion.
This drug not only destroys the parasites, but at the same
time acts as a Homeopathic remedy for the disorders set up
by the worms, thus having a double action.
A proving of Cina has revealed the fact that it causes most,
if not all, the symptoms that are usually observed when worms
exist, and for a long time it was used in the Homeopathic
School solely for its dynamic effect, and in many cases it
seemed to cure the symptoms caused by the parasites, but
doubtless, many a child has suffered long from these intruders
which Cina would not remove, when a free use of Santonine
would have rapidly effcted a cure, on account of its great
power to destroy the worms. It seems to be settled that
worms are introduced from without, and act as foreign bodies.
If this be true, it is certainly rational treatment to use para-
4O - AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
siticides, especially if they do not injure the patient, and are
at the same time Homeopathic remedies for the disease caused
by the parasites. We must not always expect to see worms in
the stools after the use of Santonine, for if they die in the
stomach they will be digested. This drug in very large doses
produces a sort of paralysis with muscular rigidity, and in the
manner of its action it resembles Atropine and Physostigmine.
It has a narcotic effect on the brain, also occasionally acts as
a diuretic, and sometimes slows the action of the heart. Con-
vulsions, usually epileptiform in appearance, often result from
overdosing. Its power to produce spasms and convulsions is
very great. The muscular irritability may be completely
destroyed by this agent. It has a decided action on the eyes
that ought to be studied much more thoroughly. Perhaps no
other drug in the Materia Medica has a more marked effect
on vision than Santonine. It produces yellow, violet, green
and even blue vision. Yellow vision is very marked and
appears in almost all cases. Hale says that in thirty cases in
which Santonine was given, all had yellow, and nineteen violet
vision, six hallucination smell, and five hallucination of taste.
The phenomena vary with the dose. The first degree is color
blindness, or yellow sight; the second color confusion, or
violet sight. The yellow sighted cannot recognize certain
impressions of light, for instance, pure violet color cannot be
seen at all, and in mixtures of violet and the yellow, the yellow
predominates. In the the higher degree of intoxication, when
the violet sight occurs, every color can be seen, but the colors
are confounded. The subject is unable to distinguish differ-
ent, and even the most opposite colors. He not only con-
founds colors that are very cilfferent; but a great many seem
all alike to him. He can hardly distinguish a single color
from the rest, as each resembles an unlimited number of others.
It has been contended that the cause of these phenomena is a
straining of the media of the eye, but from numerous experi-
ments that have been made, it seems to be due to an “altered
perceptivity in the nervous organ of vision itself.” This
remedy has been found of great service in many diseases of
the eye. Hughes says: that “of forty-two cases treated, thirty-
two were cured or improved, and these included choroiditis,
retinitis, atrophy of the optic disc, pure ambyopia and retinal
Santonine. 4 I
anaesthesia.” In thirty-six cases of weakness of vision,
twenty-seven recovered more or less perfectly. It has also
been used in cataract with good results. It has been of great
service in amaurosis, especially when it follows acute choroid-
itis and retinitis, also when the eyes have been injured by too
close application to fine work, as sewing, etc. Santonine also
causes yellow, and sometimes green urine. The yellow urine
appears very quickly. It has been observed in sixteen min-
utes after the drug was taken. Some Allopathic authorities
say that after Santonine is taken it turns yellow, and by being
eliminated through the kidneys, gives the urine its yellow
color. The free use of this remedy often causes incontinence
of urine, and is, consequently, of considerable value in the
treatment of enuresis, especially if caused by worms; but it
may be of great service even when no worms exist. The
symptomatology of Santonine is very much like that of Cina,
and doubtless most of the symptams of Cina are the result of
Santonine. To say that Santonine contains all the virtues of
Cina, would perhaps be saying too much; but in certain con-
ditions it is undoubtedly much more potent. It produces
more intense and striking symptoms than Cina. It seems to .
be uncertain in its action, and should be cautiously adminis-
tered. In some cases large doses can be given with impunity,
while in others a small dose has caused intense cerebral irrita-
tion, and in many cases spasms. It is recorded that only two
grains have proved fatal to a child; yet this drug is usually
given by regulars, in two or three grain doses, two or three
times a day. The following are some of the characteristic
pathogenetic and clinical symptoms that call especially for this
remedy. *
MENTAL SPHERE. §.
Child very cross; must be nursed all the time. It wants to
be kept in constant motion. The child does not wish to be
touched. Delirum with light febrile paroxysms. Epilepti-
form convulsions, especially in children.
- HEAD AND FACE.
Brain symptoms resembling hydrocephalus, when caused
by worms. Very hot head. Face cold and pale, with cold
perspiration. Pale streak down the center of the face. Pale,
bloated face, with blueness around the mouth. .
42 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
EYES.
Pupils dilated. Yellow, violet, green or blue vision. Squint-
ing. Sunken eyes with paleness around the nose and lips.
Bright sparks before the eyes, accompanied, every now and
then, by a brilliant flash of light. Convulsive movernents of
the eyelids. “Nervous failure of sight.” Cataract.
NOSE.
Hallucinations of smell. Bluish pallor around the nose and
mouth. Great itching of the nose. Constantly rubbing and
boring the nose.
MOUTH AND THROAT.
Grinding of the teeth during sleep. Deep red tongue with-
out coating. Very offensive breath in children. Tongue
slightly coated with white, with raised papillae and poughness
on the edges. Choking sensation in the throat. Frequent
desire to swallow.
RESPIRATORY ORGANS.
Short, hacking cough. Gagging cough. Hacking cough
followed by an effort to swallow something. Spasmodic cough
preceded by rigidity of the muscles and unconsciousness.
STOMACH AND BOWELS.
Loathing of food or ravenous appetite. Bloated stomach
and abdomen, in verminous affections. Vomiting of worms.
Diarrhea after drinking. The nausea disappears after eating.
pinching pains in the region of the umbilicus. Mucus stools,
with hard and distended abdomen. Itching of the anus.
|URINARY ORGANS.
The urine turns milky on standing a short time. Yellow
urinë. Incontinence of urine. Vibriones in the urine. Re-
tention of urine in children. Useful in many cases of chronic
cystitis.
SLEEP,
Restless tossing about during sleep, with wetting the bed,
crying out in affright and grinding the teeth.
FEVER.
Worm fever. Remittent fever caused by worms. Evening
chill, not relieved by external warmth. Heat mostly in the
The Ophidians. & 43
face and head; face pale. Sweat usually cold, on the hands,
around the nose and on the forehead. No thirst during sweat.
Trembling motion of the heart. Vomiting and great hunger
uring paroxysm.
THE OPHIDIANS.
[Read before the Nebraska State Hom. Med. Asso, May, 1889.]
By A. C. COWPERTHWAITE, M. D., IOWA CITY, IOWA.
There is much of interest in the study of the snake
poisons, both from a pathogenetic and from a clinical stand-
point. In the first place it is to be remembered that it is only
comparatively a few years since it was held that animal poi-
sons were inert when introduced into the stomach, and were
only effective when injected directly into the blood. Indeed,
there are many physicians of the old school to-day, and I re-
gret to say also a few uninformed disciples of Hahnemann,
who still adhere to this erroneous doctrine. But it has been
established beyond the question of a doubt that most animal
poisons, to say the least, and especially the serpent poisons,
produce the same effect when introduced through the stom-
ach that they do when injected hypodermically, save in a
milder degree. The demonstration of this fact, it is true, has
been largely due to Dr. Hering and other homeopathists who
have made systematic provings of these poisons, yet the best
allopathic authorities who have investigated for themselves,
admit that they do act in some degree, no matter how intro-
duced into the system.
Alcohol is not the proper menstruum for the lower attenua-
tions, so these are usually prepared with glycerine, or by
triturating the virus in sugar of milk.
These poisons have much in common with each other.
Indeed, so apparent is this, that some; even homeopathists,
do not attempt to separate their pathogeneses, but treat them
as a whole, regarding their action as due to a common poi-
sonous principle inherent to each virus. This great mistake,
however, is only made by those whose study of the materia
medica never reaches beyond broad generalizations, and who


44 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy,
fail to appreciate the nice points of distinction existing be-
tween nearly related and similarly acting remedies.
All the Ophidians possess the one distinctive property com
mon to all animal poisons—they decompose and fluidize th
blood, this being accomplished through their primary actio
upon the nerve centers of the cerebro-spinal system, where t
effects of the poison are first directed. The local symptoms
are remarkable for the rapidity of their development, which is
also common to all animal poisons, especially when injected
into the blood. The sudden swelling and puffing up of the
wounded part is soon followed by the symptoms of decompo-
sition, the fibrin being rendered incoagulable, the red cor- .
puscles diseased and their functions destroyed, and as a re-
sult giving rise to hemorrhages and ecchymoses, the blood
being dark, fluid and devitalized, oozing through every tissue
and dropping from every orifice of the body; changes in the
muscular tissues soon occur, ending in gangrenuos destruction.
Coincident with these symptoms the profound effects upon
the nervous system become manifest, in excessive weakness
and prostration, or on the other hand by giving rise to spasms
of tetanic or epileptiform character. These symptoms are
frequently preceded briefly by mental irritation, anxiety, ex-
citability, fears and hallucinations, together with great rest-
lessness and oversensitiveness of both the mind and body.
Constrictive sensations, even positive constrictions occur, in-
volving mostly the throat and larnyx. An interesting ele-
ment in the snake poison also is the rapidly ensuing jaundice
which occurs, due to the blood changes occurring, and not to
any obstruction in the flow of bile.
We have thus represented a type of blood changes common
to low forms of fever such as typhus and pyaemia, for in such
instances we usually have in addition to the symptoms of
jaundice, hemorrhages from mucous surfaces, ecchymoses,
haematuria, and the profound physical prostration and mental
depression before referred to. Especially is this true of the
crotalus or rattlesnake poison, which produce more profound
blood changes and more constantly occurring hemorrhages,
than does either "the Naja or Lachesis, so that we find as
characteristic in its pathogensis “hemorrhage from all the





The Ophidians. 45
organs of the body, eyes, ears, nose, mouth and urethra,” such
a sympton not occurring under the other poisons. This has
led to the successful employment of crotalus in yellow fever,
especially in severe epidemics where the blood changes are
rapid and profound, the system soon succumbing to the over-
whelming influences of the poison. It might also be indicated
in preference to Lach. Or Naja in severe adynamic diseases,
especially in malignant scarlatina or diphtheria, under like
/circumstances the hemorrhagie tendency predominating. In
all such low forms of disease, however, when the nervous
symptoms predominate over the hemorrhagic, even though
the latter be present to some degree, Lach. Or Naja are most
likely to be indicated. Likewise in asthenic inflamations,
whether erysipelatous or not, and when the parts assume a
dark red or purplish color, or even a black gangrenous con-
dition, Lach. Or Naja are most prominently indicated, the
former having the advantage of having been more thoroughly
proved, and more frequently used, while the Naja still requires
further investigation before its clinical virtues are so freely
established. I have as yet failed to mention the especial
action of these poisons upon the pneumogastrics, giving rise to
irritable conditions of the throat, larnyx, bronchi and heart,
though not resulting in inflamation of these parts.
From our present knowledge of the action of these poisons,
Lach. more fully represents the sum total of the effects of
snake poisoning than does any other of the Ophidian family,
and we can better understand their possible clinical range by
a study of Lach. than by a study of any other member of the
group. While we already know, as I have indicated concern-
ing crotalus, that there are conditions in which others of the
group are far more useful as therapeutic agents, nevertheless
Lach. in its comparatively wide range of action embraces to
a great extent, from a general Standpoint, the pathogeneses
as well as the clinical virtues of the entire ophidian family, so
I will give a brief resume of its sphere of action.
As we have already seen it is mainly useful when a condi-
tion of adynamia appeares, and this may be in fevers, inflam-
atory states, or in specific poisoning.
A general and very important characteristic of Lach. is a
\
\
46 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
peculiar sensitiveness of the surface to slight touch or pres-
sure, but firm pressure or friction do not annoy. This symp-
tom is almost universally present in Lach, but not in the
other snake poisons. It even accompanies conditions of ex-
treme prostration and unconsciousness. It is not a pain, but
an uneasiness; not an inflamatory tenderness, but a hyperaes.
thesia of the cutaneous nerves. This sensitiveness differs
from Apis, which is a bruised sore feeling, more acute than,
arn; also from Nux and Lyc, which have it about the waist only \
after a meal; also from Bell., which has the same symptom
arising from congestion or inflamation. Another very char-
acteristic symptom of Lach. not common to the poisons, is
aggravattion after sleep, or the symptoms arouse from sleep.The
mental and cerebral symptoms of Lach. Suggest it in states of
debility, with impending apoplexy or paralysis. Consistant,
too, with its hemorrhagic tendency we find Lach. indicated in
Retitinitis apoplectica, and this is true whether the hemorrhage
is spontaneous or the result of a diseased retina. As might
be supposed Crotalus is equally useful in this affection. In
speaking of the hemorrhages of Lach, and the other snake
poisons, we should remember that they are distinguished from
those of other drugs, by being of dark blood, and usually de-
positing a sediment looking like burned straw, which has been
found to consist, histologically, in disintegrated fibrin and
broken down blood corpuscles.
Lach.may be the remedy in erysipelas when the parts have a
bluish cast, the patient is much exhausted, the heart is weak-
ened, and also when the disease threatens to attack the brain.
The condition being entirely asthenic and tending downward
toward death. It is often the remedy after Bell., when the
inflamation goes on in spite of that drug. In ulcers and bed
sores having a bluish appearance. In gangrene there is also
this bluish appearance, because in its slow return the blood is
congulated and lies in the veins. This enables us to distinguish
it from Ars, Secale and other drugs which may be indicated
in gangrene.
From its profound action upon the nerves already noted,
Lach. may be useful in all neuroses, from simple anaesthesia,
hyperasthesia or constriction from functional disorders, too
violent convulsions or profound paralysis of centric origin.
The Ophidians. 47
It may be indicated in typhoid fever and in typhoid forms of
disease. We may give it with perfect assurance if its symp-
toms are present in the case. These are so characteristic
that they need not be mistaken, but cannot be enumerated
here. The same may also be said of scarlet fever, diphtheria
and other low forms of disease to which we have already re-
ſferred. In these, both the local and general symptoms show
, the system to be thoroughly poisoned. In diphtheria the
child is faint, requires careful moving, for many cases die as
we know, not from the intensity of the local inflamation, or
from the amount of deposit, or from deposition of the mem-
brane in the larynx, but from the failure of the heart, caused
by heart clot; the heart acts weakly, propelling the blood in
a sluggish manner; the blood forms a clot adhering very
tightly to the heart. Lach. cannot cure this, but it can dimin-
ish the tendency by strenghtening the heart. Of course in
such instances should Lach.be the correct remedy its objective
symptoms at least would be manifest. In scarlatina the rash
comes out very imperfectly, or very slowly, and has a dark,
bluish or purplish hue, with a low form of fever, and tendency
to profound adynaemia.
I find, however, that to proceed with a detailed study of the
clinical range of Lach. I must far surpass the limits of a paper
of this character, and will only say further that the same gen-
eral features already mentioned, together with the presence of
its individual symptoms, may lead to the choice of this poison
in many forms of disease, indeed there are few disease involv-
ing deep blood changes and profound nervous disturbances
in which one or the other of the snake poisons may not be
indicated, and prove highly useful.
The Sou/hern /ournal of Homaopathy comes out in a new
and improved dress, under the management of its former able
editor, Dr. C. E. Fisher, who after some wanderings and a se-
vere family affliction, has returned to Texas, and located at
San Antonio, where he is warmly welcomed by the profession
of the state. The publication office of the Journal will here-
after be in New Orleans, where Mr. T. Engelbach will have
charge of its business management.
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
r")
All communications for publication, books for review, etc., should be addressed
to the editor, A. C. Cowperthwaite, M. D., Iowa City, Iowa.
Business communications should be addressed to the business manager, F. J.
Newberry, M. D., at the office of publication, 63 First avenue, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The Editor is not responsible for any statements or opinions expressed by con-
tributors.
FAREWELL, DR. GUERNSEY
There are few occasions, probably, in the lives of each of
us when it becomes a positive pleasure to say good-bye for
the last time to one who is about to leave us forever, but such
a contingency is possible, and in the present instance the pos-
sibility has become a fact. Farewell, Dr. Guernsey ! We say
it with pleasure, for the knowledge that one who was not with
us but against us, is largely shorn of his power for harm, is a
source of gratification to every homeopathist. The greatest
foes we can possibly have are those of our own household,
and now as Dr. Guernsey is no longer one of the household,
he can do comparatively little harm, for that which he has
done in the past has been largely accomplished through the
name and influence of the very cause to which he was traitor
and which he was attempting to destroy. It is true that Dr.
Guernsey did not go willingly, in fact he rather refused to go
at all, but practically he went, and there follows him anything
but the good will of his former associates, whom under a garb
of so-called liberality he had so persistently vilified and mis-
represented for many years past. It may be termed by some
as simply “a quarrel between the New York doctors,” but it
means far more than that, and is a matter of deep interest to
the homeopathic profession throughout the world, for, as an
editorial in the Morth American Journal of Homeopathy re-
marks: “The motives of the whole homeopathic profession
had been impugned by one of its own members, who posed as
a conspicuous apostle of honesty, catholicity, and independ-
Aſarezwe// Dr. Guernsey. 49
ence, for public admiration and confidence, as against the
attacks of insincerity, bigotry, intolerance and persecution,
for opinion's sake,”—Whereas, as a matter of fact, Dr. Guern-
isey has proved himself neither honest, liberal or catholic, but
has not hesitated, in his desire for notoriety, to become guilty
of offenses entirely unbecoming a man or a physician, and
has proved himself a traitor and entirely unworthy of the con-
f fidence of the profession. He has abandoneed the name
'' and cause and principles of homeopathy, and had he been
allowed to remain a member of the Homeopathic Medical
Society, of the county of New York, and permitted to thus
more effectually work out his treacherous designs, he not only
would have accomplished the destruction of the society itself,
but might, had his counsels prevailed, caused the entire ex-
tinction of the homeopathic school. “Though the mills of
the gods grind slowly, yet they grind exceedingly small,” and
as we look back over the years that have elapsed since Dr.
Guernsey had the audacity to stand up in the American In-
stitute of Homeopathy and advocate abandoning the name
“homeopathy,” and as we remember the storm of just indig-
nation he then aroused, we only wonder at the forbearance
with which he has been tolerated as he has steadfastly pur-
sued his purpose. &
But the end has come, and Dr. Guernsey stands justly con-
demned and bears the well merited punishment which, though
so long delayed, is none the less severe and humiliating in its
character. He must now occupy the position of a profes-
sional outlaw, recognized by no one, and looked upon by his
former colleagues with feelings akin to those once, and even
now, entertained for that prince of all traitors, Benedict Ar-
mold. Dr. Guernsey is now practically outside the pale of
medical schools and societies, and is at perfect liberty to
spend the remainder of his days in carrying out his pet
scheme of building up a school of medicine without a name—
a system of medical practice without a principle. That no
member of the homeopathic school will so far forget his duty
to himself and to the cause of homeopathy as to give Dr.
Guernsey any, even quasi, endorsement, or render him any
“aid” or “comfort” in his future machinations is sincerely to
be desired.
5O AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
The March number of the N. Y. Medical Times is largely
taken up with a review and criticism of the acts of the meet-
ing of the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the county of
New York, at which the vote of censure against Drs. Guernsey
and Rankin was passed, and at which the following resolution
was almost unanimously adopted : •- |
“WHEREAs, Dr. Egbert Guernsey has used abusive terms for
Some six years past as to his colleagues who are members of
this society, and as to other homoeopathic practitioners, and ,
in recent interviews has admitted and renewed his vilification
of his associates;
“Aesolved, That Dr. Guernsey should, in the opinion of his
associates, resign his membership in this society, and discon-
tinue his affiliation with homoeopaths and homoeopathic insti-
tutions.”
The Zºmes claims that the trial “was such a parody on jus-
tice and decency as we trust will never again be seen in the
profession.” On the other hand the Morth American Journal
of Homoeopathy claims that “there was never a fairer trial, or
a more lamentable defense,” and further that, “it is not true
that there was anything in the trial which could be called a
‘parody on decency and justice,’ for there was the strictest
scruple in according every right and courtesy to the accused.”
The account also states that “the meeting was large, more
than one hundred members being present, and the vote was
overwhelming.” g {
From a careful review of both sides of the case it would
appear that Drs. Guernsey and Rankin had a fair and impar-
tial trial and that they richly merited the almost unanimous
verdict that was accorded them. The private and public ut-
terances of Dr. Guernsey during many years past are sufficient
warrant for the verdict, regardless of any unjust informalities
in the trial, even if such existed, which we do not believe.
“THE CLIMATIC TREATMENT OF PHTHISIS ’’
We have no apology to offer for giving such prominence in
this number to the paper of Prof. W. C. Goodno, of Philadel-
phia, on the above named subject, which was written while
the author was at Pecos, New Mexico, himself in search of re-
\
The Climatic 77-eatment of Phthisis. 5 I
|
• {
t
#
***.
newed health, though, probably, like many others of his pro-
fessional brethren, only needing a prolonged change and reSt
from the arduous toils of a large and exacting practice. The
practical nature of Dr. Goodno's paper is at once apparent
and will commend itself to every reader who may have any
interest in this important subject, and who has not, be he
either layman or physician?
The question of climatology in the treatment of diseases is
one of vital importance to all humanity, but more so to the
physician, and especially when he is called upon to advise
one suffering with phthisis, where he can promise little or no
benefit from medicinal treatment, and when a change of cli-
mate, if correctly prescribed, may mean a prolonged life and
possibly a permanent cure, and on the other hand, if a mis-
take be made, may hurry the patient’s end and cause it to
occur in a land of strangers, far from the comforts of home
and the loving offices of family and friends. We have never
felt more keenly the gravity of our responsibility as a physi-
cian than when advising a consumptive patient on this sub-
ject, and doubtless the same experience comes to all. Dr.
Goodno presents some points that are entirely new to us, and
which we feel are worthy of serious consideration and deserve
the widest circulation. Were it only possible that our studies
of climatology could make of it a science even approximately
exact it would prove an acceptable boon to suffering human-
ity, in view of the large and rapidly increasing mortality of
that dread disease consumption.
W * -º-º-º-º:
#!
It has been known for some time that the president of the
American Institute of Homeopathy, Dr. A. I. Sawyer, was in
poor health, and that he would probably be unable to preside
at the Institute meeting in June. Now comes the sad news
that his disease is mental in its character, and that he became
so violently insane, that it has been necessary to remove
him to an insane asylum for restraint and treatment. The
gravest fears are entertained as regard his ultimate recovery.
For over thirty years Dr. Sawyer has been weighed down by
cares and responsibilities such as would have discouraged
more timerous mortals, but he was brave and never flinched
52 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
from his duty, however heavy his duty might be. That the
strain has been too great, is now evident. Probably the care
and anxiety attendant upon his duties as president of the In-
f
stitute, especially in his extraordinary efforts to .secure a suc-
cessful meeting at Waukesha, have had much to do in bring:
ing about this result. Let us hope that rest and careful treat
ment may soon restore Dr. Sawyer to his family and to the
profession,
!
\
HEALTH AND STUDY.
SYNOPSIS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS OF DR. MOSES T. RUN-
NELS, BEFORE THE MISSOURI INSTITUTE OF HOME-
OPATHY AT ST. LOUIS, APRIL 22, 1890.
&
Man is imperfect, because finite, but all honest minds must
agree that the great work set before him by the Creator is to
lessen this imperfection to the utmost of his ability, and so
constantly to approach the ideal. The first essential to this
end is good health, or as a suggestive writer has put it, “the
first requisite to success in life is to be a good animal,” but
no thoughtful student of the present age can fail to discover
that this prerequisite is ignored completely. The science of
physical life has not been studied with that same careful, and
I may say, enthusiastic devotion, that has marked the attain-
ments of the race in other directions. The result is most
pitiable. Millions of human beings are drifting through life
at a poor dying rate, illy doing their work, and suffering un-
told pain and discomfort—all because of this lack of proper
physical development. Add to this the fact that about' one-
half of the human race comes into life so poorly equipped to
meet its demands that they die before completing their fifth
year, and we have a situation that is appalling in the extreme;
and furthermore, these evils are on the increase, degeneracy
is stamped upon the physical man, and to our shame be it
said, no where so indelibly as in our own land.
Accepting the truth of these statements, it behooves us to
come practically to the point, and ask what are the causes of
these untoward conditions, who is responsible, and where is
the remedy? To my mind there are two causes which figure
prominently—first, ignorance—absolute ignorance on the part
Health and Study. 53
of the masses of mankind—and second, the false idea which
attaches to education.
The popular acceptation of that term limits it to mental
culture and attainments. A more pernicious idea it would be
hard to find, or one that has worked out more absolute harm
to the race. When shall we learn that good health is the cor-
ner stone upon which to build, if we would build aright?
“Get health. No labor, pains, temperance, poverty, nor
exercise that can gain it must be grudged. For sickness is a
cannibal which eats up all the life and youth it can lay
upon.”—Amerson. *
No man or woman has accomplished anything in this world
without the sustaining powers of physical health development
and vigor. The distinguished men of Great Britain have been
men of “long enduring blood,” and this inheritance could not
have been transmitted to them, had not their ancestors pos-
sessed the pluck of the Saxons and the resolute endurance of
the Norsemen of the olden time.
The early settlers of this country were driven by poverty to
hard manual labor to obtain the necessities of life. The chil-
dren were taught almost from infancy to work for their bread.
A more healthy or hardy race of people it would be hard to
find. They did not know much about Latin or Greek or the
higher mathematics, but when the occasion came which de-
manded the sturdiest qualities of manhood they were not
found wanting. Where is the American whose heart does not
thrill with pride at the record of his forefathers ? This record
was not made by their superiority of mind, but was due to the
necessities of the situation in which they were placed; they
were forced to work, to endure and submit to simple habits of
living. But while we are proud of this record we do not emu-
late it. Each succeeding generation has grown weaker; the
good old customs have finally become obsolete; effeminacy is
considered becoming, and robust health coarse and vulgar.
The youth of to-day are not taught to emulate George
Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Horace
Greeley and other pure Americans, because they achieved
greatness independently of the schools and colleges. On the
contrary we prostrate ourselves before the shrine of so-called
education. The craze has well nigh ruined us, and it is high
54 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
time to look the situation bravely in the face, acknowledge
our error and seek the remedy.
We must recognize the fact that the brain is a physical or-
gan and that brain force is physical power. There is no
question but that the quality of the blood in the veins and the
condition of every tissue of the body are influenced by the
mind. We have no schools or colleges in this ceuntry which
practically admit the truth of this statement and insist upon
physical development as the first great preparation for a life
of usefulness and happiness. They all teach that man has a
three-fold nature, viz., moral, mental and physical. They
deal with this truth as follows: The mental part is urged to
its utmost—the moral part in many of our colleges is not un-
comfortably crowded, while the physical part, however, heaven
help us, takes a place so far in the background as to be lost
sight of. I am well satisfied that the majority of professors in
our literary institutions know very little about physiology, an-
atomy and hygiene. They have never studied histology and
microscopy and have no adequate conception of the delicate
mechanism of the brain, the spinal cord and the sympathetic
nervous system. If you need proof of this, visit the class
room of any Latin or Greek professor and witness his extreme
methods of teaching and the arduous tasks which he imposes.
If he conscientiously thinks that the student can accomplish
all that is given him to do in twenty-four hours and at the
same time faithfully do his work in three or four other classes
and sleep eight hours and eat three meals, then the competent
judge will have satisfactory proof that the professor is igno-
rant of physiological principles and liable to do more harm
than good.
The college graduate is often tired and worn out, and his
nervous system never recovers from the strain. The success-
ful man in life is not often a college graduate, but he is not
an uneducated man for all that. He has acquired a knowl-
edge of human nature, and, best of all, a knowledge of him-
self, that proves invaluable in the race of later years; he has
learned by experience and observation that to acquire the
power to overcome difficulties and rise equal to an emergency
demands the exercise of his best faculties, both physical and
mental; he knows for a fact that he cannot neglect with im-
Heal” and Study, 55
ſ
punity the cultivation of his bodily powers; and so he comes
into manhood with a physical endowment that will carry him
through successfully. When he enters the battle of life he is
here to stay. ſº
The speaker then referred to the proposed advanced stand-
aird of study in Oberlin college and of his own observations
and experiences in that institution as to the disregard of the
the health of the students by professors who were entirely ig-
(norant as to the necessities of physical culture.
ſ
From sixteen years’ experience in the practice of medicine
the writer is convinced that the majority of colleges in this
country have pursued the same methods and that one is not
more to blame than another in this general disregard of the
physical condition of students. Physical wrecks have been
sent out from all of them. Thousands of the brightest boys
and girls from the best families of this great country have
been sent to these unskilled workmen to be improved in body
and mind. The crude material has often been spoiled. The
same curriculum has been forced upon all alike, without re-
gard to antecedents, natural inclinations or mental capacities.
Men and women have been persuaded to pursue avocations
for which they had no qualifications. The result is that many
of them in after years “looking backward” stamp their own
lives with the word “failure,” and make the serious charge
that faulty methods of education worked the mischief.
It is true that in these later years gymnasia are built, boat-
ing, baseball, football, cricket, tennis and other clubs are or-
ganized to give students recreation and exercise, but as these
means for physical culture are not obligatory and systematic,
they mean to the majority substantially no exercise.
Americans have held in veneration German universities,
German methods and everything that is German. Wherever
the Germans lead we try to follow. The finishing touches to
our professional men must be got in Germany. We study the
German language and try to talk German. We welcome Ger-
mans to our country, give them important places of honor in
society and drink beer with them to absorb German as fast as
possible. s
“We have copied Germany, and there is no more pernicous
56 AWorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
A
and parching person to have contact with than a dull, unorig-
inal, non-human man—and such may be a high priest and
zealot of this age of intellectual cram–Germanized by indis-,
criminating absorption of German university processes and
given an American chair. Let a dirge be sung for those who
enter his class room.”—Swift. |
It is undoubtedly true that near sightedness and other de
fects of vision are rapidly increasing in our literary colleges
and there are good reasons for this. Such a continual and
severe strain is put upon the eyes from early youth that the
eye and its muscles become weakened.
It is remarkable what reflex neuroses are caused by eye-
strain. t
A noted oculist of Philadelphia has demonstrated that
errors in refraction have caused stammering, paralysis, chorea,
functional gastric disturbances, aphonia and sundry neuroses.
All oculists know that headache, dizziness and vertigo are
frequently, caused in the same way.
The testimony of oculists was here quoted to prove the
truthfulness of these statements and to show how great the
dangers are when the boy or girl has any defect of vision. In
every school the number of those whose eyes need rest and
spectacles of one kind or another is increasing month by
month and such has been the wholesale neglect of the pre-
cious sense of vision in all the schools and colleges that ocu-
lists are not surprised to find so many young eyes wholly or
partially disabled.
The speaker then attacked the system of education in pub-
lic schools, and illustrated how no attention is paid to the
physical requirements of the young, but the standard of book
knowledge is raised higher and higher each year.
The greatest harm is probably done between the ages of 12
and 18. The physiological demands on the girl during that
time are greater than on the boy, and the period of adoles-
cence is subject to greater variations in the time of its begin-
ning and ending. The intellectual and physical changes
wrought upon the growing girl are often sudden and striking,
and are alone sufficient to occupy her whole time to the ex-
clusion of books and arduous tasks of all kinds. Doctors
know that the regularity, the quantity and quality of the men-
strual flow are matters of first importance to young girls, and
.gº"
Health and Study. 57
that the future uterine diseases of adult life come largely from
the routine, monotony and overwork of our modern educa-
tional system. It is rare, nowadays, to find a girl in her teens
who has so far escaped unharmed the ill-effects of our mod-
ern civilization. The majotity of the young women have
varying degrees of spinal curvature and deformities of chest
and waist. Pernicious anemic changes can easily be discov-
ered without asking a question. The deficiency of blood
cells, the white conjunctiva, the pale gum and lip, the green
chlorotic hue, the painful fatigue from slight exertion, the
sleepless nights and the delicate appetite mark the girls so
indelibly that anyone can detect the miserable counterfeit of
womanly strength and beauty.
The host of sickly girls seen in every community furnish
examples of what fashionable society and the recitation room
can do to undermine womanhood. The reproductive organs
of the young woman are the center of her physical life, and
these organs suffer most from nerve exhaustion. Constitu-
tional abuses engender neuralgic pains and congestions, and
later lesions take place as the result of prolonged congestions,
and thus the parents and the school teachers lay out the work
for the gynecologists. Is it surprising that every quack and
so many physicians take special pains to let the public know
that they make a specialty of diseases of women P
The aesthetic element which has, of late years, entered so
largely into the education of a certain class of girls, is decid-
edly pernicious in its influence. False ideas of life are engen-
dered. The practical is lost sight of and, as a consequence,
thousands of girls come up to womanhood with no proper
conception of what life means and no ambition above being
admired for their beauty and accomplishments.
It is evident that we have basely perverted the Creator's
plan in this overtraining of the mental part at the expense of
the physical. --
Culture of physique is brain culture, and not till the false
notions of the latter are, uprooted need we look for reform.
When will the leading physicians of our country take this
matter up and sound the alarm that shall awaken the people
to the facts in the case ?
These truths must be iterated and reiterated till all intelli-
58 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
gent and thoughtful people shall rise and demand a radical
reform in our system of education. In every university, col-
lege or school there should be a system of professional guar-
dianship which should be conducted by the leading member
of the faculty and hygenics, calisthenics and the best physical
development of the boys and girls should be thoroughly
taught.
No professorship in any educational institution should take
precedence of this one, and the methods of modern teaching
should be reversed. Physical training should be of the first and
greatest importance, the moral teaching should come next and
the mental discipline last. Physical examination on matriculates
should be insisted upon in every school, from the lowest to the
highest, and a record should be kept of this examination.
Re-examinations of the state of health should be made every
three or six months, and the re-examination should be com-
pared with previous examinations. Physical training should
be made compulsorv and systematic.
The curricula should everywhere be changed and made to
include complete instruction in anatomy, physiology, hygienics,
calisthenics and chemistry and less of dead and foreign lan-
guages. tº
In all the changes of the course of study, attention should
be given chiefly to the practical, at the expense of the orna-.
mental.
“The knowledge that a man can use is the only real knowl-
edge that has life and growth in it, and converts itself
into practical pawer. The rest hangs like dust about the
brain, or dries like rain drops off the stones.”—Aroude.
The plea of college professors, that Latin and Greek, must
be studied for mental discipline has done mischief enough,
and should no longer be regarded. Some knowledge of Latin
and Greek is doubtless of practical value to professionel men,
..but it cannot be said that six years wrestling with these dead
languages is necessary to a liberal education.
The study of mathematics has also been overdone—college
professors have become monomaniacs on Greek, Latin and
mathematics, and if they should lose their occupations and
find it necessary to earn their bread and butter outside of
recitation rooms, the majority of them would fail, and be
Institute Session of 1890. 59'
educated over again. Why should such men be permitted to
direct the education of boys and girls who will soon be thrown
upon the world to earn a livlihood?
Health and usefulness must henceforth be made the basis of
education, and physicians, more than any other men, posses
the high prerogative of forcing the issue with the colleges and
and schools; and conferring upon the coming generations the
blessings of health and a practical knowledge of the arts and
sciences.
SOCIETY MEETINGS.
The Nebraska Society will meet at Omaha, June 3–4.
The Illinois Society will meet at Chicago, May 13–15.
The Texas Homeopathic Medical Association will meet at
Austin, May 13–14.
The Indiana Institute of Homeopathy will meet at Indian-
apolis, May 14–15. sº
The Kansas State Homeopathic Medical Society will meet
at Salina, May 7–9.
The Minnesota State Homeopathic Institute will meet at
Minneapolis, May 20–22, at the West Hotel.
The Hahnemann Medical Association, of Iowa, will meet
at Sioux City, May 21–23. Arrangements have been made
for reduced rates on all railroads in Iowa, also for reduced'
rates at the hotels.
THE INSTITUTE SESSION OF 1890.
EDITOR N. W. J. H.--—As already announced by circular to
the members of the American Institute of Homeopathy, the
next annual session of that body will be held at “Fountain
Spring House,” Waukesha, Wisconsin, commencing 7:30 p.
m., June 20th, 1890. -
Waukesha, “The Saratoga of the West,” famous for its
“Bethesda,” “Silwaia,” “Fountain,” “Clysmic,” and other
mineral springs, is a town of 6,ooo inhabitats, situated about
Ioo miles north of Chicago and twenty miles west of Milwau-
kee, and directly on an important line of railroad. The hotel
in which the session is to be held is an immense stone and
brick structure, capable of accommodating 8oo guests and
furnished with all the modern conveniences. It is situated
6o Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
in a beautiful park, of 155 acres, laid out with drives, shaded
walks, flower gardens, etc., while the town itself presents nu-
merous attractions to visitors in search of either heath or
pleasure.
The Local Committee of arrangements is making provisions
for the comfort and enjoyment of those who may attend the
session, such as to render the occasion one of the most mem-
orable in the Institute’s history.
Under the new rule, the Bureaux will present a far greater
variety of subjects for discussion than heretofore, and the pa-
pers will embrace more of the observation and experience of
their writers. Important subjects of professional interest will
be introduced and acted upon, and interesting reports will be
presented by several committees.
Any paper after being presented at the session may be pub-
lished in the journals at the discretion of the writer. With a
view to such outside publication, writers are especially re-
quested to have their papers prepared in duplicate.
Officers of homeopathic societies and institutions are urged
to make prompt reports (on blanks which will shortly be sent
to them) to the Bureau of Organization, Registration and Sta-
tistics. All hospitals and dispensaries so reporting, will re-
ceive a pamphlet copy of the entire Statistical Report of the
Institute.
It is desirable that the Institute should receive this year,
another large-accession to its membership, particularly from
the West and North-west, in order to secure a more equal ap .
pointment of its membership, as between the East and the
West, and to augment the influence of our school in shaping
legislation and defending the equal rights of homeopathists in
public institutions, appointments, etc. It has been suggested
that each state and local Society should provide for a com-
plete canvass of its membership, in order to secure for itself a
larger representation in the membership of the National
Society. The initiating fee is $2.oo, annual dues $5.oo, en-
titling the member to the annual volume of the transactions.
Blank applications for membership can be obtained from the
undersigned.
The Annual Circular, giving full details of the session—the
program; railroad fare, hotel rates, etc., will be issued in May.
Any physician failing to receive a copy by May 25th, can ob-
tain it on application to PEMBERTON DUDLEY,
General Secretary.
S. W. Cor. 15th and Master Sts., Philadelphia. f
E. P. Greene, M. D., has removed from Long Pine, Neb., to
Albion, Neb.
Book Rezyżews. 6 I
f
BOOK REVIEWS.
THE CONCORDANCE REPERTORY OF THE NON-CHARACTERISTIC
SYMPTOM'S OF THE MATERIA MEDICA, By William D. Gentry,
M. D., Vol. 1. New York, A. L. Chatterton & Co., 1890.
This long looked for volume is at last before us, and our
first thought is of the prodigious task in its compilation. That
Dr. Gentry had the originality to conceive the work in the
first instance, and then the indomitable energy necessary to
carry it to completion, speak volumes in his favor, and gives
the book itself a favorable recommendation at the start. The
plan of the work is after that of Cruden's condensed concord-
ance of the bible, and while it necessarily involves a frequent
repitition of symptoms, and thus adds greatly to the size of
the work, yet after all it is the only way in which a repertory
may be made a practical and ever ready help such as it is
supposed to be. The author states in his preface the follow-
ing rules were adopted for the preparation of the work:
“First:-Select and give all the more characteristics patho-
genetic symptoms.”, *
“Second:—Include only such clinical symptoms as have
been repeatedly verified.”
“Third:—Where two or more remedies have the power of
producing a similar condition, include them as merely sug-
gestive, under the name of the condition produced.
“Fourth:—Give the noun, verb and essential adjective in
the sentence.” £3
“These rules have been faithfully observed throughout.”
We are greatly impressed with the remarkable accuracy of
the work, the simplicity of its arrangement and its thorough
completeness so far as this volume goes, which includes the
mind, head, eyes, ears, nose, face. There is certainly nothing
to condemn, very little to criticise and much to praise. The
author says of the inception of the work: “It was a gigantic
undertaking and presented many difficulties; but, with the
knowledge that such a work was required, and that the profes-
sion would cordially welcome its appearance, with a stout
heart and determined will the work was begun. * * * *
Year after year we have dilligently labored, and patiently
waited for the time to come, as we now have the very great
pleasure and satisfaction of doing, lay our completed work
before the profession, confidently trusting that it will prove to
be both Materia Medica and physician, what Cruden’s con-
cordance is to the bible and the theologian—an inseperable
companion and helper.” Dr. Gentry has done his work well,
and it now only remains for the profession to give the result
of his labors “a cordial welcome,” which it so richly deserves,
62 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy,
es
and when we consider that “the ocean of symptoms which
flood the Materia Medica is brought by this arrangement under
the command of the physician, so that the heretofore difficult
art of accurate prescribing is made rapid and certain,” we can
hardly conceive it possible that the profession will fail to
appreciate the vast benefit that will accrue to all who use this
book, not only making their labor easier, but making them
better prescribers, and doubtless in many cases better homeo-
paths. The physical execution of the book is well done.
A HAND BOOK OF DISEASES OF THE SKIN, AND THEIR HOM-
EOPATHIC TREATMENT, By John R. Kippax, M. D., L. L. B.,
Professor of Principles and Practice of Medicine and Med-
ical Jurisprudence in the Chicago Homeopathic Medical
College, etc. Fourth edition, revised and enlarged. Chi-
cago, Gross & Delbridge. 1890.
If there is any class of diseases difficult to treat, and which
try the skill and patience of the homeopathic phisician, it is
skin diseases, and no doubt all will gladly hail the appearance
of anything new to aid them in this direction. This book is
practically new as it has been out of print, and new also from
the fact that it has been entirely re-written, the text changed
in many places, and many new ideas given in conformity with
the continued advance of dermatology. A chapter on “Diet .
and Hygiene” has been introduced, adding greatly to the prac-
tical influences of the book. Objection may be made to so
much space being given to the local and adjuvant treatment
of skin diseases, but we Opine that no one need pay any atten-
tion to this part unless they wish to do so, and further, for our
part, we are willing to confess, that any one who can invariably
cure skin diseases without the aid of these “devices of Satan,”
is smarter than we are and ought to have a chromo. The
book is handsomely gotten up, and a credit to the publishers.
ry
NEWS AND NOTES.
Dr. W. T. Kile, (S. U. I., '85), of Atlantic, Iowa, and Miss
Amy D. Halsey, were married at Council Bluffs, Iowa, April
28th, 1890.
At last accounts Dr. W. S. Gee, of Chicago, was quite ill at
Denver. It is to be hoped that ere this he is on the high way
to recovery.
Dr. L. Merriman, of Beloit, Wis., father of Dr. C. W. Mer-
riman, died May Ist from old age. Dr. Merriman was one of
AWezes and Moſes. 63
the pioneer homeopathic physicians of Wisconsin, and was a
prominent and honored citizen, whose loss will be sincerely
regretted.
Butcher's Meat the Chief Cause of consumption, and other
papers by Wm. B. Clarke, M. D., Indianapolis, Ind.
Dr. T. M. Strong has resigned the position of chief of staff
at Ward's Island Hospital, and will resume private practice in
New York City.
Dr. Frank B. Dake, son of Dr. J. P. Dake, of Nashville,
Tenn., has located in Chicago as a specialist in skin, venereal
and genito-urinary diseases.
The Board of Regents of the State University of Iowa, have
elected F. J. Newberry, M. D., O. et A. Chir., as lecturer on
Opthamology and Otology in the homeopathic medical de-
partment.
The Homeopathic Hospital at Melbourne, Australia, in-
vites applications for the position of second Resident Medical
Officer, the salary to be $750 per annum, with board and
quarters; and the candidates may address E. A. Bennett,
Secretary, before July 31, 1890. *
The legislature of Iowa made an appropriation of $120,000
for the State University of Iowa, which is the largest appro-
priation that institution has ever received. $50,000 of the
amount is for a chemical laboratory—a much needed improve-
ment which will greatly add to the efficiency and work of the
medical departments. 1.
The governor of Iowa has appointed Dr. E. A. Guilbert of
Dubuque, on the State Board of Health and State Board of
Medical Examiners. This appointment will give great satis-
faction to the homeopathic profession of the state, who had
feared the possible appointment of an allopath. Dr. Guilbert
is a man of exceptional ability and well qualified to fill the
position with credit to himself and the school of medicine
which he represents.
BURLINGTON ROUTE To THE WEST.-The only railroad
running dining cars and through sleeping and reclining
chair cars from Chicago over direct lines of its own to Oma-
ha, Lincoln, Cheyenne, Denver, and all principal sections of
Nebraska, Colorada and Wyoming. Tickets via the Burling-
ton Route can be obtained of any ticket agent of its own or
connecting lines.
64 Morthwesteru Journal of Homeopathy.
NEW AND SUPERB DINING CAR OUTFIT.
The Dining cars just completed for the GREAT Rock IsLAND
Route, not only embody all the latest improvements in general
use, but especial and distinctive features of excellence, which
render thém unapproachably superior to ordinary Dining
Cars. They will be placed on the ROCK ISLAND ROUTE west
of the Missouri River on and after March 23rd, 1890, and will
impart the crowning grace of perfection to its SOLID VESTI-.
BULE EXPRESS TRAINs, giving that road a continuous THROUGH
DINING CAR SERVICE hetween Chicago and Denver, Colorado
Springs and Pueblo. The Rock IsLAND is the ONLY line that
runs two Vestibule Express Trains every afternoon from Chi-
cago to Denver. It is not only the Fast line, but it is also the
most completely equipped of all the Colorado roads, with
elegant Day Coaches, Pullman Sleepers, FREE Reclining Chair
Cars, and the finest Dining Cars in the world.
*g,
THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.
The City of Washington is an object of perrennial interest
to all patriotic Americans. Not alone because it is the great
throbbing heart of the mightiest and grandest Republic the
earth has ever known, but also on account of its material
magnificence. All Americans take pride in its beautiful aven-
use, majestic architecture, stately homes, and well stored
galleries and museums as things of granduer and beauty in
themselves, apart from the historic interest with which they
are invested. It is a hope and inspiration of all “YouNG
AMERICA,” at least, to some time or other visit the Captal of
his country.
The Baltimore & Ohio R. R. offers unequalled facilities in
aid of this desire. All its through trains between New York,
Philadelphia; and Baltimore on the east, and Pittsburgh,
Cincinnati, St. Louis and Chicago on the west, pass through
Washington. Its fast trains are vestibuled from end to end
and heated with steam. Pullman’s latest and best produc-
tions in the way of sumptuous Drawing Room Sleeping Cars
are attached to all its through trains. The present manage-
ment of the B. & O. have made vast improvements in the last
two years, and the road is to-day one of the foremost passen-
ger carrying lines in the country. Through tickets via B. &
O. R. R. can be procured at all the principal ticket offices in
throughout the United States.
}
§
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
VOL. II, CEDAR RAPIDs, Iowa, JUNE, 1890. No. 3.
“THE CLIMATIC TREATMENT OF PHTHISIS.”
BY C. E. FISHER, M. D., SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.
My attention is attracted to an article on the above subject
prepared for the Pennsylvania Homeopathic Medical Society
by Dr. W. C. Goodno, of Philadelphia, and appearing in the
May number of the NORTHWESTERN JOURNAL OF HOMEOPATHY,
which, while in the main correct and replete with soundness
of reasoning, contains one palpable error that ought not to
go uncorrected. Anything Dr. Goodno may write on this
subject will have much weight with the profession, and, there-
fore, unwittingly, the best winter and all the year round sanitari-
um in the United States, Southwestern Texas, may be altogether
overlooked or rejected, to the sorrow of thousands of afflicted
consumptives whose lives might be indefinitely prolonged did
they but know the true facts of the climatology of the great
west and southwest, through the brief animadversion of the
writer of that article.
Dr. Goodno says that the great essential feature, the “ther-
apeutic element” he terms it, of a climate for phthisis is purity
of atmosphere. He says, that while various writers have laid
much stress upon the curative action of “a warm, equitable
climate,” “a dry atmosphere,” “a high altitude,” etc., a pure
atmosphere is the savina qua non. He describes a pure
atmosphere to be one free or comparatively free of micro-or-
ganisms. He then tells that there are “hanging to a tree, at
, a short distance, roasts and steaks of beef days old, and
which may hang there until they become as hard as stone
without decomposition,” this signifying the desired purity.
66 Morthwesteru Journal of Homeopathy.
Dr. Goodno writes from Albuquerque, New Mexico, in Sep-
tember last. He says the days are hot, the nights cold—cer-
tainly not a very desirable feature for a phthisical patient.
He tells also of one patient, who by the altitude, 7,600 feet,
was made to have rapid pulse, weak heart, and neuralgia.
He further tells us, that hemorrhagic neuralgia, nervous, or
weak heart cases do poorly in Colorado.
All this is but prelude to the error I have in mind, and its
application will appear later on. The error lies in the state-
ment, that “further south the country is less desirable, and as
one approaches Texas and Mexico the malaria element mani-
fests itself.”
As Dr. Goodno does not exactly say, that in Texas this
element appears, my criticism may not be held to be perti-
nent. But the inference is plain that Texas and Mexico are
not to be considered in connection with the climatology of
phthisis for fear of Malaria, and I have seen the statement
elsewhere brought to apply directly. It is so erroneous that
I deem it but proper to correct it in the interests of truth,
and for the benefit of my professional brethern who may be
misled by it, when, did they but know the facts, they would
be far more likely to prescribe a better climate than that of
Colorado, New Mexico, California or Florida for their catarr-
had, asthmatic and consumptive patients.
Texas is a very large state. Its area is more extensive than
that of all of New England, New York and Pennsylvania com-
bined. Its altitude varies from sea leyel at Galveston and
other gulf points to 6,500 feet. The highest point on the line
of the Southern Pacific railroad between New Orleans and
San Francisco is in Texas. In southeastern, eastern, 'north-
eastern and central Texas malarious diseases prevail. In a
portion of the state, covering an area of above one hundred
thousand square miles malaria is absolutely unknown. In an
experience of above ten years in southwest Texas I have pre-
scribed for but two cases of chills, both of these being due to
purely local causes, while during four years of practice in
another part of this state I prescribed for many hundreds of
cases, from the simplest varieties of ague to the most deadly &
varieties of pernicious intermittent. That part of Texas lying
along the line of the Southern Pacific road between San Anto-
The Climatic Treatment of Phthisis. 67
nio, whose altitude is 8oo feet, and El Paso, with an altitude
of 35oo feet, is absolutely free from malaria, and so is the
country for hundreds of miles on either side in Texas and
Mexico; with the possible exception of some little alluvial
valley of very limited extent.
Southwestern Texas has been locally known as a wonderful
sanitarium since before the days of Davy Crockett and the
Alamo. Its atmosphere possesses all of the of New Mexico’s
. air without the disadvantages. Fresh meat hung up in a tree
will dry as hard as a bone and never decay. Wounds heal
with wonderful rapidity. I amputated a man’s leg at the
middle third of the thigh on the fifteenth day of June, 1885,
a very hot summer, and the patient was hobbling about on
crutches with perfectly healed flaps on his thirteenth day with-
out antisepsis. We never have the cold nights of New Mexico,
so productive of haryngeal, laryngeal and nasal catarrh, Sore
throat, rheumatism, neuralgia and other afflictions due to
extremes between the temperature of the day and night.
There is no alkali dust in southwest Texas to irritate and
parch the mucous membranes. Snow is unknown except in
the higher altitudes, and even there, is unknown for years.
Frosts are of rare occurrence. I have experienced several
winters in this part of the state with only one or two killing
frosts. Dews are unknown over thousands and thousands of
square miles. Our nights are always delightfully cool and
refreshing, yet hever cold. A well person may retire in a pro-
fuse perspiration, and lie before a window through which
fairly pours the refreshing gulf breeze without taking cold.
In New Mexico, a moderate or low altitude is impossible.
So, also, with Colorado and Arizona, and high altitude means
over stimulation, rapid breathing, nerve tension, etc. In
Texas any altitude that any patient can demand is attainable.
San Antonio, the most popular, and deservedly so, health
resort of our state, has an altitude of 833 feet, plenty high for
most patients who are so ill as to need a change of climate.
Five or six miles out are foot hills Tooo to 1200 feet above
the gulf level. At Boerne, thirty miles away, on the line the
Aransas Pass railway, the altitube is about 15oo feet, and at
Kerrville, thirty miles further on, it is 2000 feet. On the line
of the Southern Pacific, Sanderson is above 25oo, Aldine is
68 AWorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
5ooo, Paisano 52 oo, Marfa, about 5000 and El Paso 35oo feet
above the sea.
The summers are warm at at San Antonio, refreshing in the
hills. The winters are mild, open and balmy at San Antonio,
sharper the higher the altitude. We do, sometimes, have
“Northers,” the tailend of a Colorado or New Mexico blizzard,
that are a bugaboo to some people, but as we always have
warning of their coming, and as they purify our atmosphere
to even a greater degree of purity than before, we don’t find .
them objectionable except for the discomfort they cause to
the unprepared.
Thousands of the citizens of western and southwestern
Texas are living monuments to the curative virtues of this
climate in phthisis—living evidences of the absence of the
malarial element. -
We have the purity of air and the absence of cold, frost,
Snow, dew, malaria, and of the sharp and irritating qualities
of the mountain air of the region described by Dr. Goodno.
Even at our highest altitudes the air is balmy, soothing to
tired nerves and enfeebled body, yet refreshing and exhilarat-
ing withal. As railroads have penetrated the country, hotels
have been built, and moderate preparations have been made
to accommodate the large and increasing number of invalids
who are constantly coming to Southwestern Texas for their
health. Much is yet to be done in this regard, and some
enterprising capitalist from the north who will anticipate our
more slowly moving people a few years and establish sanita-
riums at various suitable points, will confer a lasting benefit
on suffering, mankind and at the same time reap a rich harvest
for himself. Nature has done about all that is to be desired
in a sanitary way, and it only remains for the profession to
acquaint themselves with the advantages of the climate of
southwestern Texas, in order to bring a new lease of life to
thousands of poor mortals who, with reason, expect from their
medical advisors intelligent advice in the matter of a change
of climate.
The value and significance of a “Red Line Along the Gums”
as a diagnostic sign of Pthisis Pulmonalis, by Edward R.
Snader, M. D., Lecturer on Physical Diagnosis a Hahnemann
Medical College, of Philadelphia.
The Hahnemann Medical Association of Zozºa. 69
THE HAHNEMANN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF
IOWA.
The Hahnemann Medical Association of Iowa convened in
its Twenty-First annual session at the Hotel Garretson, in
Sioux City, May 21st, 1890. The meeting was called to order
by the president, Dr. J. E. King, of Eldora, at 2 p. m. The
address of welcome was delivered by Hon. John Brennan, as
follows:
GENTLEMEN: Through the partiality of your professional
brethren, who have charge of the hospitalities, I am privileged
to bid you welcome. Cheerfully do I perform the pleasant
task. On behalf of Sioux City, and certain that I reflect its
sentiment, I bid you a hundred welcomes.
I understand that the medical profession in this country is
divided into two grand divisions called schools, the allopathic
and the homeopathic. The general public have very
indefinite idea of the difference between the great funda-
mental principles of the schools. The common, vular under-
standing is that the pill of the homeopathist is smaller and
milder than that of the allopath, and that the homeopathic
medicine rarely, if ever, kills. I labored hard to comprehend
the difference between the allopathic maxim of centraria and
the homeopathic similia similibus curantur; and the effort
carried me back in memory to boyhood’s experience.
When I was a boy people sometimes drank whisky, but in
our more enlightened age we abhor that deadly poison. We
rarely drink anything stronger than spiritus frumenti; but in
former days they drank unclassical whisky, and after a night's
indulgence they suffered the usual effects of headache and
feverish thirst. Under the allopathic practice, upon the prin-
ciple of contraria, the doctor would order them plenty of
water; but the more humane principle of homeopathy, the
similia similibus curantur, would order an unbroken package;
and no matter in what mysterious Latin words the prescrip-
tion might seek to disguise its beneficent purpose, a free trans-
lation would amount to this: “If a dog bites you at night, take
a hair of his tail in the mornin’.” The general public seems
to know very little about your contraria and your similia; but
appreciate the physician and Surgeon, and will learn to weigh
and measure him as all mortals and human institutions are
weighed and measured upon the merits of his knowledge, his
services and his devotion to duty. As the man who perils his
own life among the hovels of the poor, in the hospital and the
plague-afflicted city; who uses his skillful hand to remove
those foul disorders whose touch is death, and not infrequently
offers up his life as the penalty and the sacrifice; who at the
7o AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
call of country and the dictate of humanity will take his place
upon the battlefield, imperiling his own life to preserve the
lives of his country’s defenders; who will leave his comfort-
able bed upon a winter night and make a twenty-five mile
ride upon the prairie to visit the sick family of a poverty-
stricken pioneer, whose reward is often unthankfulness and
sometimes positive ingratitude.
Humanity will ever regard your profession as an honorable
Calling, sanctified by its close and tender relation to the
family, and exalted and purified by its dangers and its sacri-
fices.
The services of the doctor ought not to be confined to the
quiet practice of medicine and surgery. Learning and exper-
ience have their responsibilities as well as their privileges.
The doctor owes to the state and the community of which he
is a member the light of his knowledge in the direction of
public affairs and the creation of a sound public opinion. He
can render great service by enlightening the poor as to the
general laws of health, and by instructing the rich as to their
obligations to the poor. He can impress upon the public the
value of right sanitary conditions, and warn the affluent that
in case of their neglect of duty the penalty of disease and
death, of fevers and other disorders, which are engendered by
poverty and filth, rise like mists from their birth-places and
gradually ascend to the mansions of the rich, becoming God’s
avengers of the poor.
As members of an honorable profession, as good citizens of
our beloved state of Iowa, the people of Sioux City bid you
welcome. You will find every door wide open and every
hand extended to bid you welcome.
The president made a suitable response, after which he
proceeded to deliver the
ANNUAL ADDRESS,
as follows:
Memôers of the Hahnemann Medical Association of Zozºa.
It is a custom as old as the association, that the president
address you annually upon such topics as to him seems for
the good of the Association and homeopathy. The custom is
a good one inasmuch as it furnishes an Oportunity to review
the situation, observe our needs and recommend such matters
as may promote success and unite all true homeopaths of
Iowa in one phalynx of enthusiastic workers under the law of
similia. Of a necessity as the adherents of homeopathy be-
come numerous, rich and influential, various interests arise,
giving friction and divergence of opinion, as the growth of
the tree with its numerous branches point to the compass
differently, yet all bear, when the harvest is garnered, the same
The Hahnemann Medical Association of Zozya. 71
fruit. So with men engaged in work along a fixed line, with
an eye to its success close in, in one grand brotherhood of
unity of purpose and right.
Homeopathy in Iowa today is a power, politically, socially
and financially, as compared with the ten or twelve poor and
scattered practitioners of twenty-five and thirty years ago.
Then they were ostracised and quoted as medical cranks, and
wild visionary mortals without education, qualification, or
preparatory fitness to practice the healing art, but their good
work on the line of similars enforced respect from the people,
and anxiety leading to plots and legal obstructions so far as
possible by the dominant school of practice. All honor to
the pioneers who staked their all that others might step into
the field, already with good crop prospects. Today homeo-
pathy in Iowa is respected and legally recognized, and the
majority of the dominant school is more than willing to con-
sult with us when a fee is in sight, and talk of the coming mi-
lenium; when there will be only one school of medicine—
when the lion and lamb will lie together in brotherly frater-
nity, especially if the lion is on the outside of the lamb. You
ask what made this change, and why the status is now so dif-
ferent from twenty-five years ago?
By its fruit shall a tree be judged, and mankind is always
ready to acknowledge a fact when plainly and forcibly proven.
The people, that impartial jury from whose decision there is
no appeal, have compared homeopathy with the dominant
school of medicine and noted the different results of their
work. Opportunities for comparison are frequent, thereby
creating opinion and conviction. The grip of the present
year furnished an opportunity to test the schools by compar-
ing results of treatment, and has left an impress on the masses
in favor of homeopathy, impossible to change; while the dom-
inant school, by its use of quinine and antipyrin, has left its
thousands of demented, epileptic and insane, and has caused
many brain troubles incurable, unfitting thousands for
life's struggles, and creating sorrow, bereavement and plight-
ed hopes all over our land, so that the opinion is largely prev-
alent that medicine as thus administered is only a curse and
a blight. I have yet to hear of any unfavorable sequeal
charged to homeopathic treatment anywhere, and all this the
people make note of and govern themselves accordingly. We,
as homeopaths, can but feel a pride in the fact that the test
has proven the applicability under all circumstances and con-
ditions of the law of simila and its superior results. I must
not forget that the privilege of practicing this beautiful and
useful law by us is largely due to the organizations of our
School and unity of work resulting from and by the organiza-
tion of the Hahnemann Medical Society of Iowa, the agency
72 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
through which all benefits to homeopathy in Iowa is largely
due. It has secured us a place in the medical department of
the State University, where is taught homeopathy, whose
graduates are a credit to our scoool. It has also secured us
a representation on the State Board of Health, so that appli-
cants of our school, applying for certificates to practice med-
icine in Iowa, has as fair a showing as any. More than this
it has planted homeopathy to stay, and given us a legal and
social status. If an organization with but few members, by
united action can secure such results, what a bright future for
homeopathy in Iowa, could all homeopaths in the state be in-
duced to put their shoulder to the work and unite for the
common good. The old members are passing away and the
work must be taken up by the younger men, many of whom
little realize the benefit to them that the association has been
whether in or out of it, and the fact that it is due from them
to unite with the association and work, that they may be ben-
efitted thereby and homeopathy be placed in possession of all
its legal rights. -
When we look at the numerous charitable institutions in
Iowa, we feel that a fair share of them should be cared for by
homeopathy, and if the school in Iowa would all work, none
would question the result and that which results in the gen-
eral benefit of our school, also benefits each individual, so
that as we sow, so also shall we reap. Those who have united
with and worked in the association, are today the ones enjoy-
ing lucrative patronage. Association disabuses of many an
erroneous idea makes us broader in our conceptions, and
better fitted for our work. We should attend our state meet-
ings, that we may be mutually benefitted and feel that we have
an interest in the promotion to a higher plane professionally
and socially the school which we represent. We should not
let any trivial matters keep us from attending and reaping Our
share of the benefits and giving of our stock to the general
fund.
Our state association has pledged to a higher grade of edu-
cation and preparation for practice, and must not look back,
—as these days of steam, electricity and universal information
upon all topics require us to work higher in order to keep
abreast of the times and push ahead as the representatives of
the true law of medicine, so that in asking of the people Our
rights, our work will show the justness of our demands. If
the seven hundred, and over, licentiates of our school would
all unite with the association, backed by their lay patrons,
nothing could hinder us from receiving our dues and thereby
relevating the status of homeopathy in Iowa.
Our school in Iowa now is capable of securing all that be-
longs to us, and although a few disappointments have been
The Hahnemann Medical Association of Zowa. 73
our lot and a few have betrayed their trusts, temporarily cast-
ing a cloud and causing some to relax in their efforts, yet this
society has, all things considered, been a success and has well
paid its members. I would earnestly urge missionary work.
Each member should bring with him another. I would sug-
gest that a fixed time of paying dues be made. Now no time
is fixed, and if a member does not attend the meeting nor
sends his dues he simply becomes delinquent. Many con-
tinue to neglect and after two or three years the sum is large
and they do not see the time that it is convenient to remit.
Then they are pressed by by the treasurer; they become
offended, claim ill usage and drop out, I would suggest the
first day of January as the day all dues become payable, and
if not paid within ten days from that time, the treasurer to
draw a sight draft for that amount. If from any cause any
member should become disabled and unable to do full work,
I would recommend that he become an honorary member and
his dues be remitted.
Since our last meeting, death has called Dr. R. F. Baker, of
Davenport, a charter member of our first organization, one of
the pioneers of homeopathy of Iowa, a representative man,
respected by all who knew him both in and out of the profes-
sion; a man of ability, who loved his chosen work; one whom
to know was to love, whose integrity never questioned, whose
whose influence for good will extend beyond; an irreparable
loss to our association. His counsel will no more echo in our
halls; his friendship on earth we will no more have. Let us
join our sorrow with that of his family and friends, and com-
mend him to the care of the Great Physician, whose law is
light and truth and whose therapeutics is love to all men.
The association should take approgriate action at this session.
The report of the officers and committees will inform you
of the status of our year’s work and financial condition, sav-
ing me from any reference thereto.
I shall ask your indulgence while acting as chairman, as
my want of experience prompts me to feel that I will fail, but
with your indulgence and assistence I hope to see one of the
most harmonious, pleasant and profitable meetings ever held
by the Hahnemann Medical Association of Iowa.
The president's address was referred to a committee of three,
consisting of Drs. Royal Cowperthwaite and Tremain, who
subsequently reported as follows:
Your committee to whom was referred the president’s an-
nual address, beg leave to report:
1st. That the thanks of the association are due our es-
teemed president for his clear and concise review of the work.
74. AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
of the association in the past and the result to the homeo-
paths of the state. *
2nd. That his suggestions that every member of this asso-
ciation consider himself a missionary of the society, till all
homeopaths become active members in an especially good
one and should be acted upon by every one of us.
3rd. That the suggestion making the first of January the
time all dues should be paid and that all delinquent members
be drawn on by sight drafts, should receive the careful consider-
ation of the asssociation. Respectfully submitted,
GEO. ROYAL,
O. G. TREMAINE,
* & A. C. CowPERTHWAIT.
Dr. J. G. Gilchrist, as secretary of the homeopathic hos-
pittal at Iowa City, read a report of the condition and needs
of that institution. He said that the operations of the hos-
pital during the past year had been satisfactory, both in a
pecuniary and clinical sense. The patronage had not varied
materially and the results had been practically the same as
formerly. The domestic arrangements had been admirably
managed by the matron, and the Ladies' Aid society had
helped them very materially. The institution had been some-
what embarrassed for want of funds; a difficulty that could be
solved by the physicians paying up their subscriptions.
Dr. F. Becker, on behalf of the university committee, re-
ported favorably the standing of the homeopathic students of
the university, and urged that all Iowa physicians should
send their students to this college, as one of the best in the
land. The committee had interviewed the president and
faculty of the university in regard to obtaining new appart-
ments in the hospital, and if the profession would send clinical
material and money for its support, he hoped to secure better
facilities. Regarding the work in the hospital for the past
year his report was practically the same as that of Dr. Gil-
christ.
Dr. Royal, of Des Moines, from the legislative committee,
was called on for a report. He said that they had been un-
able to do anything last winter owing to the deadlock. At
first they tried to get the appropriation committee to give them
specific aid for the hospital at Iowa Cily, but they couldn't
get much satisfaction, and finally, on the promise of President
-Schaefer and Regent Richardson that they should have their
The Hahnemann Medical Associațion of Zozºa. 75
share, in case an appropriation for a hospital was secured, they
pooled their issues with the university people to secure a large
general appropriation.
The committee had quite a time with Gov. Boise about the
representation on the state board of health. The term of Dr.
Olney having expired, the society had resolved on Dr.-Dick-
inton, of Des Moines to takes his place. These resolutions
being presented to the governor, the question was asked, Was
he a democratſ' No, he wasn’t, and the doctor was unable to
suggest any active member of the association who was a dem-
ocrat. The committee finally united their efforts to secure
the appointment of Dr. E. E. A. Guilbert, of Dubuque, and
succeeded, Dr. Guilbert not being exactly a democrat, but
the nearest to it that could be found in the profession in Iowa,
and a man well qualified to fill the position with credit to the
association. The report of the legislative committee was re-
ceived and their action unanimously endorsed.
Drs. Becker and Cowperthwaite were appointed as a com-
mittee to report resolutions on the death of Dr. R. F. Baker.
The board of censors reported the following new members
for admission to the society:
A. A. Cotton, John Bailey, H. N. Marvin, E. G. Morey, J.
L. Hanchet, J. Herman, Eliza Lawton Whitely, F. F. Bartlett,
Sioux City; R. W. Salisbury, Estherville; C. E. Cutler, Mag-
nolia; J. M. Walburn, Missouri Valley; F. J. Newberry, Cedar
Rapids; J. H. Lawrence, Storm Lake; F. J. Becker, Clermont;
J. C. Bonham, Sutherland.
Dr. W. H. Petit, of Cedar Falls, read a paper on “Incised
and Punctured Wounds and Their Treatment,” which was
followed by a general discussion and a comparison of exper-
iences by half a doxen different surgeons.
In the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. O. G.
Tremain, of Ida Grove, read a long and carefully prepared
paper on “The treatment of Chronic Endometritis,” which
gave rise to a lengthy and interesting discussion.
Dr. Cowperthwaite read a paper entitled “My Fatal Case of
Midwifery.”
At the evening session, Dr. J. G. Gilchrist read a paper on
the “Educational Demands of Modern Medicine.” &
The bureau of Eye and, Ear diseases was called. Dr. F.
76 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
Duncan, of Des Moines, read a paper on the “Results of Gran-
ular Ophthalmia.” Dr. W. S. Simpson, of Grinnell, read a
paper on “Iritis.” The rest of the evening session was spent
in the discussion of these papers.
The Thursday morning session was opened by the report of
the bureau of diseases of children. A paper was read by Dr.
F. Becker, of Clermont, on the “Causes Interfering With or
Arresting Foetal Development.” It was discussed at length
by Drs. J. G. Gilchrist, W. H. Dickenson, B. Banton and A.
P. Hanchett.
The bureau of materia medica was next taken up. Dr. A.
C. Cowperthwaite read a paper on “Piric Acid.” The dis-
cussion was led by Drs. Bowman, Hanchett, Royal and
Gilchrist. *
The bureau of clinical medicine was next considered. Dr.
W. O. Clark, of Waverly, read a paper on “Some of the Char-
acteristics and Distinguishing Phenomena of Fever.” &
Dr. W. H. Dickenson, of Des Moines, presented a paper on
“Etiology of Fevers and Its Relation to Preventive treatment
and Therapeutics.” The discussion of these papers was
largely devoted to a debate on the germ theories of a scientific
and technical nature.
Officers were then elected for the ensuing year. They are:
President, Dr. J. G. Gilchrist, Iowa City; vice-president, Dr.
T. F. H. Spreng, Sioux City; secretary, Dr. A. P. Hanchett,
Council Bluffs, re-elected; treasurer, Dr. George Royal, Des
Moines.
Board of censors: Drs. C. W. Eaton, chairman, D. W.
Dickenson and A. M. Linn, Des Moines; A. C. Cowperthwaite,
Iowa City, and W. O. Clark, of Waverly.
Committee on legislation, re-elected: Drs. C. H. Cogswell,
Cedar Rapids; W. H. Dickenson, Des Moines; Geo. Royal,
Des Moines.
Committee on state university, re-elected: Drs. B. Banton,
Waterloo; F. Becker, Clermont; J. E. King, Eldora.
The following resolutions governing the term of office of
the last named committee was adopted: *
A'eso/wed, That hereafter the term of service of the univer-
sity committee be for three years, one member to be elected
each year. The present committee to decide as to their
The Hahnemann Medica/ Association of Zozva. 77
respective length of term by lot or otherwise, as they may
mutually agree.
At the afternoon session Dr. J. H. Drake, of Mt. Pleasant,
read a paper on epilepsy, which was extensively discussed.
Dr. Sprague, of Omaha, was present and invited the con-
vention to send a delegation to the Nebraska state association,
which was to meet the following week at Omaha.
The delegates named were Drs. J. L. Hanchett, Sioux City;
A. P. Bowman, Le Mars; A. C. Cowperthwaite, Iowa City;
T. W. Bartlett, Sioux City; P. J. Montgomery, Council Bluffs.
The following delegates were elected to the American Insti-
tute of Homeopathy, at Waukesha: Dr. A. C. Cowperthwaite,
chairman; Dr. W. H. Dickenson; Dr. B. Banton; Dr. F. Becker;
Dr. C. H. Cogswell; Dr. T. F. H. Spreng.
The following bureaus were then announced:
MATERIA MEDICA–W. O. Clark, chairman; F. Becker; B.
Banton; H. E. Marr; J. L. Hanchett; R. W. Salisbury; G.
Bates. g
OBSTETRICs—C. H. Cogswell, chairman; W. H. Pettit;
Eliza L. Whitely; Elva M. Coulter.
GYNEcoLOGY-A. C. Cowperthwaite, chairman; Hattie Allen;
A. P. Hanchett; P. E. Triem; J. H. Drake; J. Herman.
EYE AND EAR–F. J. Newberry, chairman; W. S. Simpson;
M. S. Chamberlain
MICRoscopy AND HISTOLOGY-J. G. Gilchrist, chairman; W.
H. Dickenson; M. Y. Baker; Dr. Phillips.
DISEASES OF CHILDREN-George Royal; Alice Goodrich;
A. P. Bowman; R. M. Huntington; J. A. Carson; Dr. Meyers.
SURGERY-O. G. Trumain, chairman; D. W. Dickenson; J.
N. Paul; W. A. Hubbard; J. M. Walburn; J. H. Lawrence.
CLIN. MEDICINCE—W. H. Dickinson, chairman; P. J. Mont-
gomery, Council Bluffs; G. G. Bickley; G. N. Seidlitz; S. E.
Nixon; T. G. Roberts; S. N. McLain; B. A. Wilder; E. Jackson.
SANITARY SCIENCE AND HyGIENE–E.A. Guilbert, chairman;
D. R. Hindman; W. Bancroft; T. F. Bartlett; W. W. Souster.
EDUCATION.—E. C. Hough, chairman; Dr. Bonham, Suther-
land; Dr. David, Marshalltown.
ANATOMY PATHOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY-R. M. Parsons,
chairman; Wm. Erwin; E. B. Wiley.
NERVOUS DISEASEs—H. E. Marr; C. E. Cutler.
78 AWorthwestern Journal of Aſomeopathy.
DIETETICs—J. E. King.
On motion, it was ordered that the papers and proceedings
be published in the N. W. Journal OF HOMEOPATHY.
Resolutions were adopted thanking the local committee
and the citizens of Sioux City for , entertainment and other
favors extended.
The retiring president then made a few appropriate remarks
and introduced his successor, Dr. J. G. Gilchrist, who appro-
priately responded, and then declared the association ad-
journed to meet at Des Moines, according to rule, in May
1891. After adjournment, the members were taken out in
carriages to view the city. Altogether this was one of the
pleasantest meetings ever held, the social element predomin-
ating. Thanks to the efficient management of Dr. Spreng and
his associates on the local committee.
º
MINNESOTA STATE {{OMEOPATHIC INSTITUTE.
The Minnesota State Homeopathic Institute convened
in its twenty-fourth annual session at the West Hotel in Min-
neapolis, May 26th, 1890, the president, Dr. J. E. Sawyer, of
St. Paul, in the chair, after the transaction of miscellaneous
business, the president delivered his address.
He made note at first of the fact that they had arrived at a
critical point in the history of the school, not only in this
state, but the whole country. He foresaw dangers which, if
not met, would have a tendency to retard growth and devel-
opennent. Want of harmony and co-operation among the mem-
bers of the school was referred to as one danger. He instan-
ced the establishment of the Homeopathic department of the
University, which he said was gotten up and managed in the
interest of a few without the advice of the physicians of this
society, and without their knowledge. All the steps that had
been taken were without the knowledge of the society.
“The result,” he said, “has been that the school has not
been supported as it ought to have been by the physicians of
the state, nor as it would have been if there had been a more
harmoneous action at the start. Then, again, during the last
session of the legislature, when an effort was being made by
our state legislative committee to have passed a new medical
bill providing for the appointment of two separate medical
examining boards, a very just bill indeed, allowing to each
§ Minnesota State Homeopathic Institute. 79
school the privilege of licensing its own graduates instead of
our physicians and young graduates having to go before a
board of seven-ninths allopaths to get their permit to practice
medicine in the state of Minnesota, at the time when every-
thing seemed favorable for the passage of such a bill, which
had been reported favorably by the committee, in comes a
self-constituted committee claiming to represent a majority of
the physicians of our school of the state who opposed the pass-
age of any such bill. We had met the opposition of the old
school and it had but little weight with the committee for they
had seen the justice of our demands and were willing to grant
us our request if the school wanted it; but the wranglings and
discussions which followed caused the defeat of the bill.”
He referred at length to the establishment of state boards
of medical examiners, showing how these boards were consti-
tuted without the proper representation from the homeopathic
school. He asserted that it had always been the aim of the
old school to get the homeopathic school under its control.
He urged that the homeopathic school should not be de-
prived of the privilege of examining its own candidates. He
said it was impossible to have this done by life-long enemies.
Of the 150 graduates from the homeopathic schools in Chi-
cago this spring, but one came into the state of Minnesota
and all those who graduated from the state university and
attempted the state board examination were rejected, the
speaker asking under these circumstances:
“When will the supply equal the demand?” He believed
the time had come when as true homeopaths they should
stand united in their demand for a separate board. He be-
lieved that the time would come when local state boards
would be done away with, and in their places would be a
national board which would have the supervision of public
and private colleges.
The speaker called attention to obstetrical practice as car-
ried on in the larger cities by an army of so-called midwives.
He said: e
It is time that something should be done to regulate this
practice, for it is astonishing to see the amount of malpractice
that is carried on in our large cities in this one branch. He
made the point that one poor, incompetent midwife could do
more harm in a few short days than a good lisensed physician
could undo in as many years. &
In closing he made a number of recomendations. He
urged that a committee be appointed to confer with the ad-
visory committee of the faculty of the homeopathic school
to see if some arrangement could not be made whereby all
could work together in the interest of the state college. He
also urged that the executive committee be instructed to use
8o AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopa/hy.
*
every honorable means in its power to have a bill passed
authorizing the appointment of two boards of medical exam-
iners allopathic and homeopatic or a bill giving equal rights
with the other schools, and that some action be taken by the
Institute in reference to regulating the practice of midwifery.
At the conclusion of the reading of the president's address
the bureau of clinical medicine was taken up. The first
paper was by Joanna D. Crawford, of Minneapolis, on chol-
era infantum. Dr. Tobey, of St. Paul, followed in a paper on
bottled food for children. Other papers of interest were read.
The morning session of the second day was largely occupi-
ed in discussing the recommendations made by President
Sawyer, in his annual address, requesting the appointment of
a separate examining board, the question being taken up
after the reading of a payer by Dr. Strickler, of St. Paul, on
“Removal of Foreign Bodies from the External Auditory
Canal,” and one by Dr. E. L. Munn, on “Nasal Catarrh in
Minnesota.”
Dr. Strickler, of St. Paul, opened the discussion on the exam-
ining board question with a paper. Among other thing he said:
“In the last April examination ninety-five questions were asked
in all. The papers of examination had marked across their
face, “Homeopathic and Old School,' giving an excellent op-
portunity of partiality if those in charge were so disposed. We
find that all thefailures made by the Homeopaths in this April
examination were not due to favoritism or partiality on the part
of theboard of examiners. The board is disposed to treat all
candidates with fairness, but we should recommend that every
homeopathic candidate receive his markings on the branches of
surgery, obstetrics and diseases of woman and children or
any other branches in which he may show his school, from a
homeopathic member of the board. We consider the law
under which this board meets as extremely unjust to the hom-
eopathic school, in that it places it in the power of the old
school to dictate who shall and who shall not practice medi-
cine in this state. . The old school members of the board
have made no attempt to so dictate, but this must not blind
us to the fact that the law in its present form gives them such
power. We are not ready to believe that the old school loves
us any better to-day than it did earlier. If it has ceased hos-
tilities in one direction we may look for them in another.
º
Minnesota Słaże Homeopažhic Znstitute. 8 I
Let us not be caught napping, but remember that for us eter-
nal vigilence is the price of liberty.”
The afternoon session opened with a renewal of the discus-
sion on the state examining board. Dr. P. M. Hall, of Minn-
eapolis, read an exhaustive paper on this subject, which con-
trasted the examinations in other states with those in Minesota.
He showed there was a difference of ten per cent. in favor of
the old school in the matter of licensing physicians and asked
whether this was due to prejudice on the part of members of
the examining board. He said that in but one instance have
applications been rejected by a divided vote of the board.
His paper was an argument for one board rather than two.
Dr. Martha G. Ripley submitted an extended report on the
condition of the Maternity Hospital of Minneapolis. The
institution is in its fourth year. It has 16 beds, which are
usually occupied. The Smallest number in the hospital was
five adults in December, 1886; the largest, 24 adults and 15
infants, in January, 1890. About two-thirds of the patients
are commonly unmarried. Patients are charged according to
their ability to pay. The hospital is under the charge of
a board of 18 directors. During the year ending Nov. 30.
1889, 35 patients were admitted, 3o intants were born, two
infants died and four were still-born. The income of the in-
stitution consists of donations by charitable people.
Dr. Briggs reported an enrollment of 50 patients in the St.
Paul hospital.
Dr. W. H. Haviland submitted the report of the Minneap-
olis Homeopathic Hospital. The report covered the
year ending May 1, 1860, and showed the following statistics:
Number of patients in hospital May 1, 1889, 8; admitted dur-
ing the year, I68; discharged, 158; remaining May 1, 1890,
18; private patients during year, £46; city patients, 27; charity
patients, 4; total, 176. Cured, I 21; improved, 28; sent to
asylum, 2; died, 7; total, I58.
Officers were elected as follows: President, Dr. S. M.
Spaulding, Minneapolis; first vice president, Dr. Chas. Gris-
wold, St. Paul; second vice president, Dr. B. H. Ogden, St.
Paul; secretary, Dr. D. W. Horning, Lake City; treasurer, Dr.
D. A. Locke, Minneapolis. Members of the executive com-
mittee were elected as follows: Dr. C. McV, Tobey, St. Paul;
82 Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
Dr. E. R. Perkins, Excelsior; Dr. W. H. Leonard, Minneapo-
lis; Dr. J. E. Sawyer, St. Paul; Dr. Chas. Wagner, Faribault;
Dr. S. F. Brown, Anoka. Censors were elected as follows:
Dr. James Steele, Minneapolis; Dr. Alex Donald, St. Paul; Dr.
J. E. Sawyer, St. Paul.
The report of the bureau of paedology was next in order.
Dr. S. M. Spaulding read an entertaining paper on “The Face
as a Guide to Diagnosis.” The paper was illustrated with
diagrams. Dr. Horning read a paper on “Spasm of the Glot-
tis.” Dr. H. W. Brazie presented a paper on diphtheria, and
Dr. Horning one on “Diphtheria so-called ”
In the evening some fifty of the members of the institute
and invited ‘guests sat down to a banquet in the ladies' ordi-
dinary at the West Hotel. It was a grand affair. Dr. C. H.
Wagner, of Fairbault, officiated as toastmaster. A number of
happy responses were made.
Thursday morning’s session was mainly devoted to the sub-
ject of electro-therapeutics. Dr. Chas. Griswold, of St. Paul,
opened the discussion with a thoughtful and instructive ad-
dress. He said that the day was past when electricity was
considered fit to be used by quacks alone, and that it played
an important part in the remedial agents of the day. Consid-.
erable discussion followed Dr. Griswold's address, participat-
ed in by Doctors A. E. Higbee, J. E. Steele, W. H. Leonard
and Martha G. Ripley. The bureau of obstetrics was next
taken up and several interesting points brought out. Dr. H.
C. Leonard read a paper on “Eclampsia,” and Dr. B. H. Ogden
one on “The Importance of the Puerperal State in the Pre-
vention and Cure of Chronic Metritis.” The latter paper was
considered by many as the best of the session.
The afternoon session was opened with a paper on surgery
written by Dr. C. G. Higbee, now in Europe, and read by W.
S. Briggs. Dr. J. A. Steele described an operation performed
upon a boy afflicted with a club foot, and Dr. R. D. Matchan
read an interesting paper on certain constitutienal diseases.
Dr. E. A. Higbee gave an account of a successful operation
performed upon a subject who was afflicted with “Atresia
Vagina.” Dr. H. H. Leavitt read a paper on “Lithotomy.”
Dr. E. R. Perkins, of Excelsior, recommended the use of Hy-
dercumin child-birth, giving an account of its successful use
Minnesota Słaże Homeopathic Anstitute. 83
to relieve labor pains. The Bureau of Materia Medica was
next taken up. Dr. W. E. Leonard read a paper on “A Study
of Sanguinaria Can;” Dr. H. P. Roberts on “Revision of the
Materia Medica,” and Dr. L. P. Foster on “The Three He-
pars.”
The question of the State Medical Board was quietly re-
ferred to the executive committee with power to act, thereby
practically scoring a victory for a large majority of the mem-
bers, who were in favor of sustaining the Medical Board as it
now exists. The result is probably due, to a certain extent
at least, to the wholesome advice administered by President
Cyrus Northrup at the banquet on Wednssolay evening, The
matter came up in the form of a report from the special com-
mittee of five, that the whole question be referred to the exec-
utive committee. This report was adopted unanimously with-
out discussion. Shortly after the special committee to which
had been referred President J. E. Sawyer's address, recom-
mended.
That the executive committee be instructed to confer with
the Board of Regents of the State University at their earliest
convenience for the purpose of bringing the homeopathic de-
partment of the University and the Homeopathic Institute of
the state into such relationship that the interests of the Uni-
versity may be in the future interests of the Institute for
the advancement of the homeopathic school of medicine; that
any action contemplated by the Institute in regard to separate
or mixed examining boards be left entirely in the hands of
the executive committee for future action; and that the exec-
utive committee, either alone or in conjunction with the old
School, use every honorable means to secure a medical law
regulating the practice of midwifery in the state, at the next
session of the legislature.
This report was also adopted without a dissenting voice,
and the vexed question disposed of peacably.
The Institute adjourned to meet in St. Paul in 1891. There
were more physicians present than ever before at an annual
session, more papers were read, and more interest taken in
the discussions. On the whole the meeting was a complete
SUICCCSS.
84 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
THE ILLINOIS HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL ASSO-
CIATION.
The forty-fifth annual session of the Illinois Homeopathic
Medical association convened at the Palmer House, Chi-
cago, Tuesday, May 13th, at Io a. m., the president Dr. F. W.
Gordon of Sterling in the chair.
At the afternoon session the bureau of obstetrics reported
through its chalrman, Dr. Corresta T. Canfield, of Chicago,
who read a paper on “Anaesthetics in the First Stage of Labor.”
It was discussed by Drs. Grosvenor, of Chicago, Holmes, of
Sycamore, and Smith of Morgan Park. “The Forceps in
Labor” was the title of a paper read by Dr. L. C.
Grosvenor, the after discussion being very animated.
“Tracheloraphy and Its Relation to Subsequent Preg-
nancy and Parturition”, was treated by Dr. E. S. Bailey,
of Chicago. “The Delivery of the Placenta” by Dr. H. M.
Bascom of Ottawa, and “The Care of the Mammae” by Dr.
Lorinda G. Brower of Chicago.
Dr. Julia Holmes Smith, of Chicago, then read a deeply
interesting paper on “The Care of the New-born Child,”
which was afterward discussed by Drs. Duncan, Grosvenor
and Waite. The Bureau of Sanitary Science closed the day’s
session by a report through its chairman, Dr. L. C. Grosvenor,
whose paper treated of the number of hours spent daily in
school, with especial reference to the high schools. Dr. Blynn,
of Chicago, followed by a talk upon the bad Sanitary con-
struction of school buildings, and recommended the cottage
plan in order that, in case of need, they might be removed
and rebuilt at slight cost.
Wednesday mornings session was mostly devoted to the re-
port of the bureau of Materia Medica, papers were read by
Dr. J. A. Vincent and H. M. Bascom. Dr. C. N. Hazelton read
a paper on the morphine and opium habits, and Dr. A. G.
Downer on the “Tissue remedies. E. M. Hale, of Chicago,
discussed the relative powers of medicines administered in
homeopathic and allopathic doses, Dr. W. H. Hall, of Havan-
ah told of the good results obtained from the use of cereal
food.
Dr. C. E. Laning read a paper on the benefits to be
The Z//inois Homeopathic Medica/Association. 85
obtained by the alternate use of medicine in certain cases.
Dr. Hawkes expressed the opinion that remedies should never
be alternated even though the effect might be beneficial, be-
cause the practice was not scientific.
Dr. T. C. Duncan had a very interesting paper on spinal
diseases. The president then delivered the annual address
which was a remarkaly interesting and valuable one, treating
in an authoritative manner the subject of “Psychical Medicine.”
The afternoon session was taken up by reports from the
bureaus of diseases of women, of medical literature and of
surgery. Under the latter heading, Dr. Henry Sherry had
an interesting paper on “Bacteriology,” which elicited a very
animated discussion, Dr. H. C. Allen had the nerve to quest-
ion the truthfulness of this universal bactiera theory, and spoke
of its antagonistic relation to homeopathic therapeutics. Dr.
W. F. Knoll very promptly “sat down” upon Dr. Allen and
upon every body else who did not accept in full the teachings
of this so called scientific discovery. De made a lengthy
and very enthusiastic address, and evidently carried with him
the sympathy of the majority present. De claimed that the
microbe theory had nothing whatever to do with therapeutics,
though how he figured that out is pretty difficult to under-
stand. It looks a little as if this latest “fad” of so-ealled
scientific medicine was being taken in by the homeopaths, at
least by those homeopaths who pride themselves in being
scientific, and who as a rule are more scientific[?] than they
are homeopathic This calls to mind a recent expression of
S. A. J. in the Homeopathic Record. “Leave ‘science' to the
poor, pin-footed ‘Regulars,' it is all they have, and what good
does it do them or their patients! I lately saw Żhis “science”
prescribing quinine and whisky for the grifte—which means
champaigne and oysters for the undertakers. That is the way
it worked in my vicinity. Leave that ‘science' alone; take
in your hand the Hahnemannian clue and you will walk your
rounds panoplied in puissance.”
|Frof. G. F. Shears presented a paper on trephining the skull
for epilepsy, illustrated by a clinical case in which the doctor
had removed quite a large plate. Of the frontal bone some two
weeks previous, and no fits had occurred since. He strongly
recommended this form of treatment in all non-hereditary
cases. Prof. Knoll hastened to take the floor and informed the
86 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
society that this was nothing new, one surgeon had already a
record of two hundred and twenty-five cases treated in this
manner. He had himself performed the operation success-
fully several times, but he did not use the trephine, and did
not consider it the proper thing to do. He preferred the
gouge and chisel, and intimated that the best surgeons had
discarded the trephine. A very animated discussion followed
in which Dr. Shears defended the trephine, and Dr. D. S.
Smith settled the matter and closed the discussion by illustrat-
ing how he had seen the operation performed with a carpen-
ter's mallet and chisel, ending by saying “I don’t want any
mallett and chisel in mine.”
The following resolutions were adopted:
WHEREAs, Being fully aware of the fact that if we would
receive our rights we must assert them; therefore, be it
A'esolved, That we not only ask, but demand, recognition
at the hands of the State by being given the charge of some
of our State institutions.
A'esolved, That we as a society pledge our support to all
laudable efforts on the part of our legislative committee
toward securing this much desired result.
A'eso/wed, That the bureau of legislation be instructed to
concentrate its efforts to secure homeopathic treatment in
one of the State insane asylums, to be provided for at the
next session of the Legislature. To that end we recommend
that the bureau of legislation be empowered to enlist the
assistance of homeopathic physicians representing each assem-
bly district. e
The adoption of these resolutions was followed by an
animated discussion as to the attitude of the State, the public,
and other branches of the profession toward homeopathy.
Thursday morning was devoted to reports from the bureau
of clinical medicine, which was by far the largest bureau of
the session, and reflected great credit upon its indefatigable
chairman, Dr. H. P. Holmes, of Sycamore.
The following papers were read and discussed: “Constipa-
tion and Its Homeopathic Treatment,” Dr. H. P. Holmes;
“Two Cases of Diphtheria,” Dr. H. C. Allen; “Influenza,” Dr.
A. A. Whipple; “Influenza or La Grippe, Which?” Dr. C. B.
Kinyon; “Some Observations on La Grippe,” Dr. W. H. San-
ders; “Acute Tonsilitis,” Dr. Alice Ewing; “Exopthalmic
Goitre,” Dr. E. M. Hale; “Mastitis,” Dr. Julia Holmes Smith.
The next report was that of the bureau of neurology, psy-
…”
AWebraska State Homeopathic Medical Association... 87
chology and electrology, consisting of the two following papers:
“Electricity,” Dr. Adam Miller, the oldest homeopathic phys-
icion in the State; “The Advantages to the General Practi-
tioner of a Knowledge of the Nervous System,” Dr. C. E.
Lanning. The bureau of diseases of children then reported,
Dr. W. A. Smith, of Morgan Park, chairman.
The following committee on legislation was then appointed:
Mrs J. A. Vincent, G. W. Foote, J. R. Kippax, C. B. Kinyon,
B. P. Marsh, J. P. Miller, M. B. Compone, T. S. Hoyne, T. C.
Hoyne, T. C. Duncan, W. A. Smith, F. L. Bartlett, W. Gordon,
H. M. Bascom, T. Bacmeister, J. M. Coyne, A. A. Whipple,
J. E. Strong, W. W. Estabrooke, J. S. Mitchell and Julia
Holmes Smith.
At the afternoon session, after Dr. T. S. Hoyne had reported
for the bureau of necrology and statistics, the following officers
were elected for the ensuing year: President, Dr. C. E. Laning,
of Chicago; vice presidents, Dr. H. P. Holmes, of Sycamore;
Mrs. Julia M. Orr and Dr. Miller, of Chicago; secretary, Dr.
T. E. Roberts, of Oak Park; treasurer, Dr. A. A. Whipple, of
Quincy.
THE NEBRASKA STATE HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL
ASSOCIATION.
The above named society convened in its sixteenth annual
session, at the Paxton Hotel, Omaha, June 4th, 1890.
The president and secretary not having arrived, the associa-
tion was called to order by the vice-president, Dr. W. H.
Hanchett, and Dr. O. S. Wood was chosen temporary secretary.
The session was devoted. entirely to miscellaneous business.
The evening session was called to order by the president, Dr.
A. L. Macomber, of Norfolk. The business of the evening
was opened by the reading of the annual report of the secretary.
The report indicated a flourishing financial condition.
The board of censors reported the following names favor-
ably, and they were elected members of the association:
J. W. Karten, Omaha; A. Opperman, Auburn; E. L. Alex-
ander, Omaha; O. Hottelmann, Creighton; S. M. Campbell,
Omaha; J. H. Mackay, Madison; L. Hannawald, Norfolk; W.
E. Cramer, Ord; Lenore Perky, Omaha; E. E. Spahr, Lincoln:
88 T AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
C. F. Goodell, Lincoln; J. H. Emmons, Omaha; F. M. Lank-
ton, Omaha; W. F. Vergis, Norfolk; E. L. Colburn, Fremont;
Sumner Davis, Grand Island.
The charges against Dr. L. J. Bumstead, for publishing a
paper on “Christian Science,” without having received the
consent of the president and secretary was taken up.
Dr. Bumstead was not able to be present, but sent to the
Secretary a long communication in his own defense, which was
read.
He explained by saying that he was not aware of the exist-
ence of the by-law referred to; that his paper had been
treated so discourteously by the society at the time it was read,
that he doubted whether it had been accepted, and that
furthermore, his paper was not on “Christian Science,” as the
charges stated.
Dr. Bumstead’s explanation was accepted, and on a unani-
mous vote the charges were withdrawn.
The president then delivered his address. He said that
the work of the physician, rightly considered, was, holy. Men
in other professions worked in order that they might be paid,
the physician was paid in order that he might continue to
work. Homeopathy had been God’s greatest boon to the
sick room. It had revolutionized the branches of opthalmol-
ogy and otology, bringing sight to the eyes of the blind and
unsealing the ears of the deaf. It had won its brightest lau-
rels in its treatment of mental and nervous diseases. In clos-
ing, the president welcomed the young physicians of the
homeopathic school who had recently located in the state,
and paid a beautiful tribute to the physicians who have
devoted their lives to medical researches.
The Thursday morning session opened with the report of
the bureau of clinical medicine. A number of interesting
clinical cases were reported. w
Dr. Hoyne, of Chicago, diagnosed a case of the passage of
what he called a gall stone, and gave the remedies employed,
and described the symptoms. Fasting was productive of gall
stones, and after Lent, among members of the Catholic church,
a great many cases of the passage of gall stones was observed.
Dr. J. W. Hingston, chairman of the materia medica depart-
ment of North Platte, read a paper in which he suggested
AWeóraska State Homeopathic Medical Association. 89
every remedy should have its peculiar qualities or the remedy
should not be given. He deprecated the criticism by one
physician of another's practice without the proofs.
Dr. A. H. Dorris read a paper without a title, in which he
took occasion to ridicule symptomatology and other essential
features of homeopathy, and to express his opinion that ther-
apeutics should be based on pathology. The paper was
severely denounced, and the author plainly told that while
he had a right to his opinions he was not a homeopath and
had no business in a homeopathic society.
Dr. A. C. Cowperthwaite read a paper on “Phosphorus,”
which again called up the question of pathology in therapeu-
tics from an opposite stand point from that taken by Dr.
Dorris, and elicited a very animated discussion, the majority
of those speaking rather favoring a pathological basis, thus
showing how the homeopathic school is slowly but surely
departing from the essential principles of homeopathy as laid
down by Hahnemann. Dr. W. A. Humphrey, of Plattsmouth,
read a valuable paper on “Boracic Acid.” The papers of
Drs. Hingston and Humphrey will subsequently appear in the
NORTHWESTERN.
The next case taken up was a very interesting one of malig-
nant tumor, or multiple sarcoma. The patient was a boy
about thirteen years of age, having a large tumor involving
the right arm and shoulder, with a number of wart like, spongy
excrescences. The case was introduced by Dr. Foote, and
was explained by Prof. W. F. Knoll, M. D., of Chicago, in
connection with a paper on “The Pathology and treatment of
Cancers.” &
The paper was a lengthy and exhaustive one and stated in
a clear manner the cause of cancers and best method to be
pursued in their treatment. A fruitful cause of this disease,
the professor stated, was an irritation or injury of the organ
or tissue. These growths are always found in the organs or
tissues which are subject to these injuries and irritation. The
treatment, it was stated, to remove the growth in its early
stages by some radical method, as the knife or galvano cau-
tery, and then prevent any further injury or irritation to this
organ, and build up the patient to the highest point of perfect
health.
90 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy,
At the conclusion of the reading of the paper the associa-
tion proceeded to the election of officers, which resulted as
follows:
President, W. H. Hanchett, Omaha.
First Vice-president, W. A. Humphrey, Plattsmouth.
Second Vice president, D. E. Foristall, York.
Secretary, W. E. Buck, Minden.
Treasurer, O. S. Wood, Omaha.
Censor, B. F. Bailey, Lincoln.
Drs. Bailey and Van Sickle were added to the legislative
committee. Dr. M. A. Carriker, of Nebraska City, read a
paper on the curative effect of water. Dr. J. J. Solomon, of
Omaha, was expelled from membership in the society for con-
duct unbecoming a physician.
The evening session consisted of an address by Prof. J. S.
Mitchell, M. D., of Chicago, and a reception and banquet at
the Paxton hotel. The lecture was given at the Young Men's
Christian Association Hall and was preceded by prayer and
two selections by a male quartette, which were well received.
Prof. Mitchell spoke upon “Medical Progress.” He first
brought out the general principle as supported by all history
that progress is the law of nature, of civilization as well as
science. He maintained that
“Through the ages, one increasing purpose runs,
And the thoughts of men are widened by the process of the
suns.”
And this was true in homeopathy as well as in other things.
Those who expected perfection in medicine were like those
who blamed their fathers that they did not build the present
magnificent city of Omaha a generation ago. Among other
things he said that the evolution of the practice of medicine
as a science had been so rapid that many practitioners were
unable to tabulate its progress. A library ten years old would
be almost useless at the present time. Some years ago physi-
cians kept themselves informed on new developements by
reading the annuals, but now every physician who proposed
to keep pace with the times must read the weekly publications
with care.
At the close of the lecture the party adjourned to the Pax-
ton hotel, where an elaborate banquet was in waiting. The
|
AWebraska State Homeopathic Medical Association. 9I
menu disposed of toasts were announced, and a general good
time indulged in, which lasted until a late hour.
Friday morning Drs. Sprague, Hart and Buck were appoint-
ed a committee to revise the constitution and by-laws. The
bureau of gynecology being called, a number of clinical cases
were reported and discussed, Dr. F. B. Righter, read a paper
on “Atresia.” Dr. Dinsmore read a very exhaustive and
interesting report from the committee on legislation, which
was received, and Dr. Dinsmore re-elected chairman of the
committee. The following persons from outside the state be-
ing present they were elected honorary members: T. S. Hoyne,
J. S. Mitchell, W. F. Knoll, Chicago; S. J. Martin, Racine,
Wis; C. F. Bennett, Waterloo, Iowa; John Bennett, Kansas,
City.
Dr. C. W. Sprague read a very valuable clinical paper on
“Railroad spine.” Dr. E. T. Allen presented a clinical case,
an obscure eye diseases and also read a paper on the value
of the opthalmoscope as a diagnostic aid. Dr. W. E. Buck
read a paper entitled “A case of puerperal convulsions.” The
following chairman of Bureaux were elected: Anatomy,
G. H. Neal; Clinical Medicine, W. H. Hanchett; Provings,
B. F. Baily; Materia Medica, J. W. Hingston; Obstetrics, F.
B. Righter; Pathology, W. F. Whittemore; Sanitary Science,
A. R. Van Sickle; Mental Diseases, C. L. Hart; Surgery, D.
E. Foristall; Opthalmology, E. T. Allen; Gynecology, S.
Davis; Paedology, C. F. Goodell.
The following delegates were elected to the American In-
stitute of Homeopathy: C. M. Dinsmore, D. A. Foote, W. H.
Hanchett. Delegates to the Western Academy of Homeop-
athy: J. W. Hingston, S. Davis. After the adoption of a gen-
eral resolution of thanks, the association adjourned to meet
in Omaha in 1891. Thus closed the most successful meeting
the Nebraska Society has ever held. Dr. Macomber made
an excellent president, and Dr. Buck an efficient secretary,
while too much credit can not be given to the local commit-
tee of arrangments, and to the physicians of Omaha and
Council Bluffs who joined their energies in making the gather-
ing a social as well as intellectual success.
92 AVorthwesteru /ournal of Homeopathy.
- NEWS AND NOTES.
Dr. Lawrence, recenty from Michigan, has located at Storm
Lake, Ia.
Dr. W. H. Byford, the celebrated old-school gynecologist,
of Chicago, died May 21st, after an illness of only three hours.
Dr Strong, of Decorah, Iowa., was one of the recent graud-
uates of the New York Ophthalmic College, and will take up
the pratice of his specialty either in Chicago or St. Paul.
The Governer has appointed one of the prominent lady
Homeopaths of Iowa, Hattie Allen, M. D. of Waterloo, as
one of the visiting committee to the State Insane Asylums.
That mysterious disease, La Nona, has appeared in western
France. A farmer belonging to a village near Dole, in the
Jura, slept for four days and nights, and awoke in such an
exhausted condition that he died two days later. Another
fatality occurred near Presburg, in Austria, a boy of ten dying
after a similar sleep of four days.
This number of the JOURNAL is so occupied by reports of
society proceedings, that several interesting papers and items
have been crowded out. Great pains have been taken to have
these reports accurate, which we trust will be appreciated by .
our readers. The next number will be largely taken up
with a report of the proceedings of the American Institute of
Homeopathy.
The summer months are now at hand, and the different
Infant Foods will again come up for comparison. Malted
Milk has taken a high place in the long list of Foods now
before the public, and we have heard but one testimony from
those who have given it a thorough trial, and that is that it
excells all other Food preparations as a diet for Infants. If
your Druggist does not keep it, send to the Malted Milk Co.
at Racine, Wis. for sample.
The Southern Homeopathic College and Hospital of Balti-
more, Md., has been organized. If this new college proves to
be homeopathic in fact as well as in name, it will be warmly
welcomed. There is plenty of room for homeopathic colleges
to supply the constant and growing demand for homeopathic
physicians, but we already have plenty of colleges which sail
under the homeopathic flag, but which teach more of the pop-
ular pathobiological theories, than they do the principles and
truths of homeopathy as given us by Hahnemann. We sin-
cerely hope that the Southern Homeopathic College will prove
to be all that its name implies. *
AVezo’s and AVožes. 93
The American Institute of Homeopathy meets at Waukesha,
Wis., June 16th, and 21st. A sufficient announcement of the
prospective attractions of the meeting at so beautiful a loca-
tion have been sufficiently described in previous issues of this
and other journals. We hope to see a large attendance,
especially of western physicians. This meeting following that
at Minnetonka, was located in the west in order to receive a
still larger accession of western members, and to give those
who joined last year an opportunity to attend and become
more effectually identified with the work of the Institute.
The annual circular indicates an exceptionally interesting
program, which no progessive physician can afford to miss.
The large number of homeopathic physicians who have
embarked in practice in Iowa in the last ten or twelve years
may not be aware that a Homeopathic Journal was published
in Iowa previous to the inception of the NORTHWESTERN JOUR-
NAL OF HOMEOPATHY, but such is the case; the publication be-
ing called the “AWorthwestern Anna/isſ” and was published and
edited by Dr. E. A. Guilbert of Dubuque, one of the present
members of the State Board of Health. The principal object
that called forth the publication was the fight which was then
(in 1876) waging for a Homeopathic Department in the State
Unniversity, in which cause “The Annalist” did excellent work.
Dr. Guilbert has favored the writer with the complete Volume.
It is a fine appearing publication and replete with sound
Homeopathic doctrine.
BOOKS AND PHAMPFHLETS RECEIVED.
Transactions of the twenty-fifth session of the Homeopathic
Medical Society, of the state of Pennsylvania, held at Pitts-
burgh, September 16–19, 1889. Containing a portrait of the
President, Dr. W. B. Trites, since deceased.
Transactions of the Homeopathic Medical Society of the
state of New York, for the year 1889. Vol. XXIV. Contain-
ing a portrait of the President, Dr. Herbert M. Dayfoot.
GENESIs of ORAL DEFORMITIES, By J. P. Wilson, D. D. S.
Burlington, Iowa.
A REVIEW OF ABDOMINAL SURGERY, ETC., By Horace Pack-
ard, M. D., Lecturer on Surgery, Boston University school
of medicine.
Annual report of the National Homeopathic Hospital Asso-
ciation, Washington, D. C. 1889. #:
ANN ARBOR ALUMNUs. A quarterly journal, devoted to the
interests of the alumni and students of the Hom. Med. Col.
of the University of Mich. April 1890.
94 Morthwestern Journal of Æomeopathy.
CLIPPINGS.
CARBOLIC ACID POISONING.—The best antidote to carbolic
acid poisoning is soap, which should be taken at once and re-
peatedly.
EPISTAXIS (Dr. Geneuil).-After washing the nostrils with
fresh water, inject a syringe full of fresh lemon juice (citric
acid will not act as well).
PRURITUS.–In the treatment of general cutaneous pruritus,
Dr. Wertheimber recommends a tablespoonful of a three per
cent. Solution of salicylate of soda, three times a day.
BURNS.—Dr. Carpenter recommends the treatment of burns
with ice, or ice-cold applications. He cites two cases where
the treatment was attended by speedy and marked success.
These applications should be renewed frequently.
MUSTARD PLASTER.—Mix the mustard with the white of an
egg, instead of water. The result will be a plaster which will
draw perfectly well, but will not produce a blister, even upon
the skin of an infant, no matter how long it is allowed to re-
main upon the part.
GUNPOWDER MARKS.—The bluish-black spots produced by
gunpowder may be removed by painting with the following
solution: Biniodide of ammonium, distilled water, equal parts.
Then with dilute hydrochloric acid, to reach the tissues more
deeply affected. ©
DETECTION OF PUS IN THE URINE.—Drop into the specimen
of urine enough tincture of , guaiac to give it a milky appear-
ance, and heat it a few minutes to Ioo degrees F. If pus is
present a blue tint will develop. Otherwise, the urine may be
passed through a white filter, on which is then allowed to fall
a few drops of tincture of guaiac, producing, if pus is present,
a distinct blue discoloration.
AN ALLOPATHIC (?) PRESCRIPTION FOR WOMITING DURING PREG-
NANCY.——
R. Cerri Oxalal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I grain.
Ipecacuanhae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I grain.
Creasoti. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 drops.
M. Sig.—To be taken every hour.
—THE DOCTOR.
CHILBLAINS.–Dr. McBride.
R. Lin. Belladonnae (br. ph.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 drachms.
Lin. Aconiti (br. ph.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I drahm.
Acid. Carbol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 minims
Collodii Flex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ad I ounce.
M. Sig.—To be applied with a camel's hair pencil every night to the
parts affected.


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The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
VOL. II, CEDAR RAPIDs, Iowa, JULY, 1890. & No. 4.
SURGICAL TREATMENT OF UTERINE DISPLACE-
MENTS.
BY L. A. PHILLIPS, M. D. BOSTON, MASS.
[Read before the American Institute of Homeopathy, June 18th, 1890.]
It is not by any means to be assumed, because the surgical
treatment of uterine displacements is proposed, that all forms
and degrees of malposition are thus to be treated. We shall
all agree that a large proportion of these cases may be best
treated and cured by general or constitutional treatment ap-
plied to the general debility; the nervous exhaustion, the pel-
vic congestion or engorgement—or other associated condi-
tions upon which the uterine displacement may be dependent;
by attention to the general physical development, the postures
and exercise of the patient, to the relief of the pelvic organs
from all superincumbent weight and pressure; and a judicious
use of local applications, mechanical supports and electricity.
But the fact still remains and will not be denied by any
gynecologist, and, I think, not many physcians of any extend-
ed experience in this line of practice, that after all these
means and measures have been faithfully and skilfully tried a
considerable number of cases remain uncured, and some not
even relieved.
It is with this obstinate and troublesome remnant we have
still to deal, and the question is: what shall we do for them?
I am well aware that some, practicing the “mind cure” with-
out giving it that name, advocate letting them entirely alone,
diverting the minds of such patients from the cause of their
sufferings and endeavoring to convince them that they are
98 Northwestern Journal of Homeopathy. *.
tº
really quite free from discomfort if they only think so; while
others assume that such patients should be content and satis-
fied to receive such partial and transient relief as can be found
in continuous treatment, either general, local or mechanical,
and thus contribute indefinitely to the success (?) no, the in-
come, of the attending physcian; but this is begging the ques-
tion. We have no right to be satisfied with anything which
will not result in a cure of the difficulty, and anything which
has in it the promise of such a result should command our at-
tention and receive a faithful trial. In surgery we have such
promise of cure for many of these otherwise uncurable uterine
displacements, and it is to the various methods and devices,
their merits and limitations, your attention is invited and
your experiences and observations regarding them solicited.
We need not describe or even enumerate the various famil-
iar operations upon the vaginal walls and perinaeum, which
have as their object the forming of a pillar, a pocket or a
ledge upon which the displaced organ may rest, and I have
little to say regarding them except to call attention to the
weak point common to all of them and which causes them all
to generally fail—or at best, afford only temporary relief, viz:
the ignoring of the relation of the uterine axis to that of the
vagina, or at least, of the conditions upon which these de-
pend.
It should be remembered that the natural position of the
uterus is with its axis nearly at right angles with that of the
vagina, and that while the firm yet elastic tissues of the intact
vaginal wall furnish support to the cervix, the ligamentous at-
tachments of the fundus to the brim of the pelvis are no less
instrumental, and no less important in maintaining the uterus
in its normal position and relations, and that if these become
so relaxed or extended from any cause that they fail to give
due support to the fundus, retroversion or flexion may occur
even though the inferior or vaginal support is unimpaired.
It is generally recognized I think, that prolapsus is second-
ary to backward displacement, i.e. before the womb can de-
scend much below its normal position, the fundus must be
carried backward so that the axis of the womb will be nearly
that of the vagina, hence, if the uterus is simply carried or
pushed up, yet allowed to lie on the same plane with the va-
Surgical Treatment of Uterine Displacements. 99
gina, as is the case with any of the vaginal Operations, the
weight of the organ itself with that of superincumbent organs
and external pressure will be more than enough to force it
like a wedge through any constriction made in the passage,
whatever the device or the thoroughness of its application.
In attempting to improve upon abnormal conditions by
surgical interference, we must endeavor to restore the normal
or natural conditions, or devise something to correspond as
nearly as posible to these; for we cannot expect to improve
upon Nature’s perfect work. Therefore, in treating uterine
displacements we must supply the Superior support—take in
the slack in the guy-ropes, so to speak—as well as restore the
integrity of the inferior support or pelvic floor; neither of
them can be properly ignored. Within the last ten years this
natural requirement has received some, though not general,
recognition and various devices and methods of operating have
been described and practiced, having as their object the
maintaining of the fundus uteri in an anteverted or normal
position—and with results far surpassing those previously ob-
tained. &
The operation to be chosen must depend upon the condi-
tions present in each case. For simple retroversion and for
most cases of retroflexion, with or without dislocation of the
appendages, and for all cases of prolapsus, when free from
complications or adhesions, Alexander's operation for shorten-
ing the round ligaments is the one to be preferred above all
Others. It is simple; it is rational; it utilizes the natural sup-
ports without incurring any considerable risk or danger to the
patient. It will be seen, however, that the class of cases to
which this operation is applicable is very limited, as very few
of the chronic, intractable displacements are free from ad-
hesions, or associated disease of the appendages; but I am
convinced that its success is dependent upon those narrow
limitations and that the failures and disappointments charged
against it have been due to its application outside its legiti-
mate sphere or in an unskilful manner. If the womb can be
freely lifted into a normal position, the simple drawing of the
round ligaments through the inguinal canals—which requires
only a slight and Superficial incision over the inguinal ring on
either side, not only holds the uterus forward by these liga-
IOO Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
ments but gathers and gives tension to the broad ligaments as
well, and if the uterus is normal in size and weight, very little
strain is put upon these superior supports; if it be enlarged
and heavy, a pessary or tampons must be made to aid in its
support, and care taken in regard to posture and exercise un-
til it becomes normal, when no artificial supports will be need-
ed.
The exceptional cases of retroflexion in which this opera-
tion is not well indicated are those in which the tissues are
firm and elastic, so that the flexion cannot be reduced and the
uterine canal straightened except by a continued application
of force to the fundus and cervix—and because with these
conditions a constant and considerable tension and strain
would be put upon the shortened ligaments, which might
either detach them from their moorings, or so attenuate the
ligaments themselves, that no good result would be experi-
enced. Some have made use of intrauterine stem pessaries
to overcome this difficulty; but I prefer one of the other op-
erations without the stem to Alexander’s with it, because of
the danger of inflamation and pain attending its use.
There are no other operations which seem to me worthy our
present consideration, excepting those involving laparotomy—
but I will merely mention three others which have been tried
and described, viz: 1st Suturing the denuded posterior surface
of the cervix uteri to the posterior vaginal wall. 2nd, Stitch-
ing the anterior fornix of the vagina to the anterior surface of
the uterus with a view to drawing the latter forward upon the
bladder. 3rd, Introducing a suture through the abdominal
wall into the fundus of the uterus and out again, thus fixing
the uterus to the abdominal wall without incision.
When disease of the appendages is associated with any
form of displacement, laparatomy is indicated and if it is found
necessary or advisable to amputate one or both of these, then
Tait's method of shortening the round ligaments by including
a loop of these in the ligature of the stump, is the best and
simplest way of overcoming the displacement.
When removal of the appendages is not found necessary, or
when without disease of these, the breaking up of the adhes-
ions necessitates laparotomy, the uterus may be secured in an
anteverted position by Wylie's method of taking a reef, or
Surgical Treatment of Uterine Displacements, IO i
making a fold in each round ligament securing it with one or
more stitches, thus shortening the ligaments inta-peritonaeally
—or by Polk’s method of uniting the two round ligaments in
front of the uterus thus drawing that organ forward and also
making the broad ligaments more tense. It is also claimed
that by this means the ovaries are lifted up out of the pelvis,
more than by any other method and therefore making this
operation preferable to others when prolapse of the ovaries is
associated with the uterine displacement.
These are all simple, easy operations, involving very little
risk to the patient beyond that of the abdominal incision un-
less complicated by extensive adhesions. All in their differ-
ent way serve to restore the natural support given by the liga-
mentous attachments of the fundus uteri to the brim of the
pelvis, by taking up the slack—restoring the tonicity of these
ligaments.
Any and all of these seem to me decidedly preferable to
either of the operations for fixation of the uterus to the ab-
dominal wall. Either of these latter, whether the sutures and
points of adhesion be at the cornua of the uterus, and on
either side of the median incision or at the top of the fundus,
at a simple point is open to serious objections. Ist, Fixation
destroys that mobility which Nature provides and demands—
presents a dangerous complication in case of Subsequent
pregnacy and creates a constant danger of intestinal trouble
from hernia or volvulus, between the uterus and the abdomi-
nal wall. 2nd, As Dr. Emmett has very clearly pointed out, the
distress caused by prolapsus is largely due to the traction,
which when below a certain point destroys the tortuous course
of the veins and results in engorgement; and the same traction
with similar results attends the raising and fixation of the
uterus above the normal position, and for the same reason.
3rd, The danger of inflamation and suffering are greatly in-
creased, by introducing stiches into the fundus uteri, and put-
ting constant traction and tension upon the peritonael at-
tachments.
Because of these objections, although I have in two instan-
ces operated by this method with satisfactory results, I am
strongly in favor of restoring the natural conditions by util-
izing and repairing the natural supports, rather than creating
I O2 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
strained and unnatural conditions by new artificial attach-
ImentS.
To sum up in brief my observations and conclusions: In
all cases of uterine displacement which cause any serious
disturbance of health or any considerable discomfort, and
have proved intractable or incurable by ordinary means, sur-
gical treatment should be applied.
Alexander's operation, to simple uncomplicated retrover-
sions or prolapsus without adhesions, and to most cases of
retro-flexion.
Tait's operation to such as require the amputation of the
uterine appendages.
Polk’s or Wylie's operations for others which necessitate
laparotomy either for breaking up adhesions, for accuracy in
diagnosis or other valid reasons.
Polk's preferably and especially if the ovaries are prolapsed
and sensitive.
If we could feel that laparotomy involved no risk to the pa-
tient, there is no question but that the intra-peritonaeal meth-
od of shortening the round ligaments would render Alexand- %
er's operation obsolete, because they are more exact and sure
in results, and decidedly easier to perform—but I do not feel
that perfect security, so hesitate to open the peritonaeum
when the result can be attained otherwise, and, in my own ex-
perience, equally satisfactory results have been obtained by
each of the different methods.
*s--sºmºs
THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMEOPATHY.
The forty-third annual session and the celebration of the
forty-seventh anniversary of the American Institute of Hom-
eopathy, commenced at the Fountain Spring House, Waukesha,
Wis, June 16th, 1890, at 8 P. M., In the absence of the
President, Dr. A. I. Sawyer, who was absent on account of
serious illness, and of the Vice-President, Dr. C. G. Higbee,
who was in Europe, the Institute was called to order by the
Secretary, Dr. Pemberton Dudley, who announced that it
would be necessary to elect a presiding officer. Dr. E. M.
Kellogg, acting chairman of the executive committee, an-
nounced that Dr. J. D. Buck, of Cincinnati, Ohio, had been
The American Institute of Homeopathy. IO3
chosen by the committee, and had been requested to make
necessary preparation, including an annual address, which
Dr. Buck had consented to do. He therefore nominated Dr.
Buck for President to fill unexpired term of Dr. A. I. Sawyer,
and he was accordingly elected by a unanimous vote. After
prayer, Dr. Willis Danforth of Milwaukee, delivered the ad-
dress of welcome, which was responded to by Dr. I. T. Talbot
of Boston. President Buck then delivered the annual address
which was pronounced on all sides an exceedingly able docu-
ment, and which we had hoped to publish but space will not
permit.
The President’s address was referred to the following com-
mittee: Drs. J. H. McClelland, Geo. A. Hall, and William H.
Holcombe.
The Treasurer, Dr. E. M. Kellogg, read his report, showing
a balance of $786,31. The report was referred to an audit-
ing committee.
The report of the Necrologist was then read, showing twen-
ty deaths during the year, of whom ten were seniors, and
of these three were among the founders of the Institute, there
only being eight of the latter now living. Dr. Henry D.
Paine, was appointed necrologist for the ensuing year.
Reports of delegates from societies and public institutions
was called for, and a very interesting and profitable hour
was spent in listening to these reports.
Tuesday morning the session opened with reports of various
standing committees. On motion the resolution passed in
1888 relative to Pioneer’s clubs was rescinded.
The Bureau addresses on Materia Medica, Clinical Medi-
cine, Gynecology and Anatomy were read and received.
The committee on programme offered their report recom-
mending that a second vice president be added to the list of
officers, and that the Institute sessions hereafter begin on
Monday afternoon. These recommendations were adopted.
They also recommended dropping the bureaus of Anatomy,
Physiology, and Pathology, which was not adopted. The
committee recommended that all Homeopathic Journals be
required to send a copy regularly to the secretary of the Insti-
tute, and that a centrally located place be selected wherein all
papers and books belonging to the Institute be permanently
Ió4 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
stored. The latter recommendations were adopted, and a
committee consisting ot Drs. J. H. McClelland, McLaughlin
and Dudley were appointed to secure the place for storing the
books and papers. Drs. James F. Kitchen of Philadelphia,
Geo. E. Shipman of Chicago, and T. P. Wilson of Detroit,
were elected honorary senior members.
Tuesday afternoon the bureau on Materia Medica, held their
sectional meeting.
&
BUREAU OF MATERIA MEDICA.
Dr. E. M. Hale of Chicago, acting as chairman, with Dr.
Frank Kraft of Sylvania, Ohio, elected as secretary pro tem.
The first paper presented for the action of the sectional
meeting was prepared by Dr. W. H. Leonard of Minneapolis,
entitled “Provings of Berberis Aquifolium”. The author being
absent the paper was, under the rule, read by title and re-
ferred to the publication committee.
The next paper was by Dr. H. C. Allen of Chicago, who
read a synopsis of Kali phos. provings, carried along by him-
self and a number of others during the past year; but owing
to the incompleteness of the record, and also because of in-
ability to be absolutely sure of the symptoms—because of the
presence of the grippe during part of this time—he asked per-
mission to retain his paper, promising to complete it and
present it at the next annual session of the Institute. On
motion this was allowed.
Dr. Monroe of Louisville, testified to considerable use of the
remedy especially in typhoid fever, with him, however, it was
used considerably in an empirical way for lack of a thorough
proving. It had with him taken the place in a large measure
of Ign, Coffea, Hyos. and other of the usual nervous remedies.
Dr. Tucker, reported her experience with the remedy, having
found it abounding with extreme offensiveness in its discharges.
Dr. Edward Crauch of Erie, Pa., had forwarded a paper on
“Provings and Remarks upom Kali phos.” which was read by
title and referred.
Dr. Chas. Mohr of Philadelphia, being absent his paper on
“Provings of Kali phos. and Clinical Reports,” took the usual
COUllſ SC.
Dr. Sarah N. Smith of New York City, had prepared a num_
The American Institute of Homeopathy. 105
ber of clinical cases on this same Kali phos, which the meet-
ing was pleased to have read by the secretary.
Dr. Comstock, had had considerable experience with Kali
phos. in melancholia,and cited the instance of a prominent St.
Louis dentist whom he had relieved, and he hoped permanent-
ly cured. In regard to the expulsion of taenia soluim men-
tioned by the essayist,he doubted the value of the homeopathic
potentized remedies in these cases. He gave a taenifuge
called elaterium, which acted promptly in 24 or 48 hours.
Dr. Allen, corrects the essayist where she says she referred
to the provings, stating that there are no provings, except
those now under way; there being practically nothing to COn-
sult except the Schussler's Tissue Remedies.
The paper of Samuel Lilienthal, of San Francisco, entitled
“The Differential Diagnosis Between the Phosphates,” was
read by title and referred.
Dr. John C. Morgan, of Philadelphia, had prepared a vol-
uminous paper on Rhamus Perseius and other Remedies,
which the bureau concluded to refer to the directors of drug
proving.
Dr. E. M. Hale, of Chicago, then read his paper on “The
Pathogenessis and Therapeutic Properties of the Cactacai,”
which was listened to with much attention and interest and
received with thanks and referred.
One of the most interesting papers read was pre-
sented before the bureau of materia medica by Dr. Hale, of
Chicago. It was concerning the toxic and therapeutic virtues
of that great family of tropical plants known as the cacti.
Dr. Hale stated that this family contained over one thousand
species, ranging in sizes from the great tree-like cactus giant
of Mexico, to the tiny cactus which like moss grows on the
steep precipitous rocks. Among them are many which are
‘deadly poisons, such as the “Mescale buttons,” from which
the Aztecs and Apaches poison their arrows. Dr. Hale who
has made heart diseases and their remedies a special study
for over thirty years, stated that all the medicinal cacti, when
taken in large doses are heart poisons, and like digitalis, were
all useful in diseases of the heart. The beautiful night bloom-
ing cereus is one of the most valuable of all remedies for pal-
pitation and neuralgia of the heart. So is also Bonplanti
Ioô AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
cactus, and the “Serpent cactus.” There is one species grow-
ing on the almost inaccessible mountains of Mexico—the
Anhalonium—which causes death in a manner similar to
Strychnia, yet in small doses is one of the most powerful rem-
edies in weak heart, and the difficult breathing, which attends
that condition. He mentioned the singular fact that notwith-
standing the poisonous nature of the bark, and rind of the
fruit, and even the flowers of the cacti, the pulp of the fruits,
the juices of the stalks, can be used as foods. The fruit of a
species of Opuntia (prickly pear) are largely eaten by the
natives of Mexico and Cuba. The melon cactus affords a
refreshing drink for man and beasts, in the vast sandy deserts
where no water is found. Horses and mules will knock off
the thorns from the fruit and drink the melon like juices.
From the sap of several of Mexican species the natives distill
a liquor which rivals any forty-rod whiskey found in Chicago
bar-rooms. The leaves and juicy sprouts of some species
are made into poultices and applied to gangrenous-ulcers and
cancers, with good results, acting as powerful antiseptics. It
is known that the beautiful red dye, called cochineal is ob-
tained from an insect which feeds altogether on a species of
cactus. This insect is much used in medicine, and accord-
ing to Dr. Hale, for diseases of the heart, similar to those
cured by other species of cactus.
Dr. Allen desired to learn whether the spasmodic cough of
cactus was anywhere found in his researches. Dr. Hale re-
gretted that he had not. Dr. Allen referred to the mentioned
apathy encountered by the chairman in securing workers for
his bureau. He ascribed it to the cry which was heard on all
sides to cut down the materia medica. Instead of doing this
he recommended the reproving of old remedies and engaging
in new proving. He didn’t find it necessary to memorize all
the materia medica any more than he did the unabridged
dictionary.
Dr. Comstock lamented the apathy and believed one cause
to be the neglect to incorporate in the provings the potency
or dilution used in making the proving. He did not
believe that any reliable symptoms were ever obtained from
a high potency. 3.
The American Institute of Homeopathy. Io'7
Dr. Holmes offered to give Dr. Comstock a powder of mag-
nesia phos. in the 200th that would make an impression upon
him.
Dr. Comstock replied that he had taken the remedy from
Dr. Allen and it had proved inefficient.
Dr. Allen remarked that lachesis was proved in the 3oth,
and has given us all our present symtomatology, which has
been verified thousands and thousands of times. He depre-
cated the use of the word dilution; he thought better to speak
of it as a potency; we don’t dilute a remedy, we potentize it.
Dr. Hobart defended the value of the cyclopaedia of drug.
pathogenesy, declaring that he had used it and found it of
great value.
Dr. M. W. Van Denberg, of Ft. Edwards, N. Y., was the
author of “The Value of Concomitance and Sequence of
Symptoms;” this was read by the secretary and discussed at
some length.
Dr. Hayward’s paper, “The Repertory of the Future,” was
read by title and referred. |
Dr. Gentry read his own paper on “The Power and Manner
of Action of Potentized Drugs,” which was received, after
which the bureau adjourned.
Tuesday evening the bureau. of clinical medicine held their
sectional meeting, Dr. H. C. Allen, presiding.
Dr. H. P. Holmes, of Sycamore, Ill., read a paper on
“Scirrhus Carcinoma of the Stomach.”
Dr. C. E. Lanning, of Chicago, read a paper on “Some Re-
flexes in Obscure Cases.”
Dr. H. R. Stout, of Jacksonville, Fla., gave a synopsis of his
paper on “The Epidemic of Yellow Fever in Florida in 1888.”
Dr. H. C. Allen read a paper entitled “A Case of Hay Fever.”
These papers gave rise to lengthy and very interesting dis-
cussions.
Wednesday morning the auditing committee reported favor-
ably on the treasurer’s report.
The committee on international congress reported. Their
recommendation that the usual four days session of the Insti-
tute be omitted, and that the Institute meet one day earlier for
the transaction of necessary business was adopted; also, that
the officers and bureau elected this year hold over for two
168 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
years, and that the expenses be paid from the institute
treasury. The selection of the time and place of meeting was
deferred.
The committee on medical education reported through its
chairman, Dr. Theo. Y. Kinne, and the report was adopted.
The bureau addresses on, opthalmology and otology, and
mental and nervous diseases were read and received. Next
in order came the report of the committee on medical legis-
tion. This was a very exhaustive report, all the papers con-
nected therewith being sufficient to fill a good sized volume.
There was a majority and a minority report, the latter by Dr.
H. M. Paine, who advocated very strenuous recommendations
for the uniform establishment of separate boards of examiners
in all the states. The reports were referred back to the com-
mittee for further consideration and condensation, and were
made a special Order for 9 a. m. Thursday. Dr. I. T. Talbot,
was reappointed on the committee on Legislation, his term
having expired. The committees on foreign correspondence
drug proving and the directors of provings read their reports,
which were acceptod. The hour for the election of officers
having arrived, the President appointed Drs. James, House
and Hunt as tellers. The election resulted as follows:
President, Theo. Y. Kinne, M. D., Paterson, N. J.
Vive-President, J. H. McClelland, M. D., Pittsburg, Pa.
General Secretary, Pemberton Dudley, M. D., Phila., Pa.
Provisional Secretary, T. M. Strong, M. D., Macon, Ga. ,
Treasurer, E. M. Kellogg, M. D., New York, N. Y.
Board of Censors, R. B. Rush, M. D.; T. F. Smith, M. D.;
M. J. Chapman, M. D.; C. B. Kinyon, M. D.; C. J. Canfield,
M. D. * #
Dr. Kellogg was granted permission to appoint Dr. T. F.
Smith, to act as his assistant, during his absence from home
the coming year.
Atlantic City was chosen as the next place of meeting.
The selection of the time of meeting was made a special
order for Thursday, at Io a. m.
The sectional meeting of the bureau of Gynecology occurred
Wednesday, afternoon and evening; the chairman, Dr. S. P.
Hedges, presiding. The discussions were very animated and
interesting. The following papers were read: “The Surgical
The American Institute of Homeopathy. fog
Treatment of Uterine Displacements,” by L. A. Phillips, M.
D, Boston; “Mediate Hysterectomy,” by J. W. Streeter, M.
D., Chicago; “The Role of the Sharp Curette,” by O. S.
Runnels, M. D., Indianapolis; “Intra-uterine Medication by
Means of the Cloth Tent,” by W. Danforth, M. D., Milwaukee;
“The Clinical Aspects of Hydro-nephrosis,” by B. F. Betts,
M. D., Philadelphia.
The bureau of anatomy, physiology and pathology held its
sectional meeting Wednesday afternoon. The following papers
were read and discussed: “The Physiology of the Epiglottis,”
by H. F. Jones, M. D., Philadelphia; “The Deep Tracts for
Pupillary Reflex to Light,” by J. T. O’Connor, M. D., New
York; “The Relation of the Microbe to the Morbid Process,”
by Wm. Owens, M. D., Cincinnati.
The sectional meeting of the Bureau of Opthalmology and
Otology, was held Wednesday evening, the chairman, Jas. A.
Campbell, M. D., presiding. The following papers were read
and discussed: “A Case of Membraneous Rhinitis,” by Irving
Townsend, M. D., New York; “The Treatment of Incipient
Cataract,” by E. W. Beebe, M. D., Milwaukee; “Hysterical
Blindness,” by J. A. Campbell, M. D., St. Louis; “The Use of
Homeopathic Remedies in Glaucoma,” by H. H. Crippen, M.
D., San Diago, California; “Some Observation in Errors of
Refraction,” G. C. McDermott, M. D., Cincinnati; “Extra-
ordinary Consequences of Astigmatism,” W. H. Winslow, M.
D., Pittsburg; “Plastic Iritis,” by A. B. Norton, M. D., New
York; “A Case of Orbital Caries,” by Charles Deady, M. D.,
New York; “A Voluntary Ciliary Muscle,” by Geo. S.
Norton, M. D., New York; Some of the Dangers of our Ther-
apeutics,” by H. C. French, M. D., San Francisco; “A
Foreign Body in the Nasal Cavity,” by D. A. Strickler, M. D.,
St. Paul; “A Case of Headache Associated With Eye dis-
ease,” by E. Elone Keeler, M. D., Syracuse.
The Bureau of Mental and Nervous Diseases, held its sec-
tional meeting Wednesday evening. The following papers
were presented: “Prognosis of Melancholia,” by N. Emerson
Paine, M. D., Westboro; “Diet and Care During Melancholia,”
by S. Lilienthal, M. D., San Francisco; “The Diagnosis of
Syphilitic Diseases of the Nervous System,” by Clarence Bart-
let, M. D., Philadelphia; “Lip chorea-stammering,” by E. T.
Blake, M. D., London, Eng.
11o AVorá/ºzºyes fern Journal of Homeopathy.
Thursday evening was largely devoted to the report of the
committee on legislation. Dr. H. M. Paine made a hard fight
for the adoption of his radical recommendation, and a very
exciting debate followed. The majority report was adopted,
and Dr. Paine's resolutions were voted down by a large ma-
jority. A sum not exceeding $1 oo.oo was appropriated to de-
fray the expenses of the committee, although Dr. Paine asked
for $500.o.o. . . . - - -
The committee on international congress recommended
that the meeting of the institute and congress be held in Sep-
tember, 1881, but the institute voted by an overwhelming
majority that it should take place during the month of June,
as usual. The executive committee were authorized to
change the place of meeting to some other place, than
Atlantic City, east of the Alleghanies, provided that suitable
accomodations could not be provided for at the former place.
A. C. Cowperthwaite then took the chair and called for
the report of the committee on president's address, which
was read and adopted. - -
The president then resumed the chair. Dr. M. O. Terry,
of Utica, presented a resolution authorizing the committee
on legislation to secure voluntary contributions to help carry
on its work, which was adopted. Also a resolution that 2,000
copies of the voluminous report of the committee on legisla-
tion be printed. This resolution was laid on the table. Dr.
H. M. Paine, who was never known to surrender, then offered
a resolution designed to secure uniformity in the medical
laws of the various states, which was referred to the commit-
tee on legislation for next year. Dr. M. O. Terry introduced
a resolution providing that the committee on legislation shall
hereafter be composed of a delegate from each state, which
was adopted. - -
The by-laws were amended so that fifteen members could be
placed on a bureau. Dr. Cowperthwaite submitted the report
of the committee on life insurance examiners. The circular
authorized by the institute had been sent to the presidents of
the thirty-nine leading life insurance companies. Replies
had been received from only eleven, all of whom claimed to
make no discriminations against homeopathic physicians.
The report was received and the committee continued.


The American Institute of Homeopathy. If I
The sectional meeting of the bureau of sanitary science
was held Thursday morning: The chairman, T. Y. Kinne, M.
D., presiding. The following papers were presented: “Pure
air as a Prophylactic and Remedy in Consumption”, by H.
E. Beebe, M. D., Sydney, Ohio; “Special Claims of Southern
California in the Climatic Treatment of Consumption,” by A,
R. Wright M. D., Buffalo; “The Proper Arrangement of
School Hours,” by H. R. Stout M. D., Jacksonville, Florida;
“Milk and Tuberculosis,” by T. Y. Kinne, M. D. Patterson,
N. J.; “Climate of Southern Texas as a Cure for Consump-
tion,” by C. E. Fisher, M. D., San Antonio, Texas.
The sectional meeting of the bureau of paedology was held
Thursday morning, the chairman Chauncy Bartlett, M. D.,
presiding. The following papers were read and discussed:
“Treatment of Eendo-cardial Complication in the Diseases of
Children,” by Wm. W. Van Baun, M. D., Philadelphia; “Ex.
amples of Homeopathic Cures in the Diseases of Children,”
by M. J. Chapman, M. D., Pittsburg; “Suggestions in the
Treatment of Epilepsy,” by C. Bartlett, M. D., Philadelphia;
“Polydactylism Pedis,” by H. M. Hobart, M. D., Chicago;
“Nervous Affections from Sexual Irregularities in Boy,” by
W. D. Gentry, M. D., Chicago.
The bureau of surgery held their sectional meeting Thurs-
day afternoon. The following papers were presented and
discussed: “Stone in the Bladder,” by H. Packard, M. D.,
Boston; “Fractures of Condyle of the Humerns,” by H. L.
Obetz, M. D., Ann Arbor; “A Supra-public Failure,” by C.
E. Walton, M. D., Cincinnati; “A Case of Hydatid of the
Thigh,” by G. F. Shears, M. D., Chicago. Dr. Shears, also
presided and read the bureau address in the absence of the
chairman, Dr. C. M. Thomas.
The bureau of obstetrics held their sectional meeting
Thursday afternoon, the chairman, T. G. Comstock, M. D.,
presiding, who first read the bureau address. The follow-
ing papers were read and evoked a very lively discussion:
“The Management of Occipito-posterior Positions,” by S.
Leavitt, M. D., Chicago; “The Minninum Interference in
Labor,” by R. M. Foster, M. D., Chicago; “Obstetric Med-
ication,” by Geo. B. Peck, M. D., Providence; “The Occipito-
posterior Position,” by E. C. Price, M. D., Baltimore; “Pla-
II 2 Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
centa Praevia Centralis,” by Dr. Smith, of Cook county hos-
pital.
On Thursday evening occurred the annual banquet and
ball, tendered by the management of the hotel. The large
dining room was crowded. Many more ladies were present
than has been usually the case. Dr. Willis Danforth acted as
toast-master. The exercises opened with prayer, after which
an address of welcome was delivered by Hon. D. H. Sumner,
of Milwaukee, which was responded to by Dr. J. H. McClel-
land. After the banquet (?) of which we shall have more to
say elsewhere, the following program was carried out, the
speeches being more than usually interesting for such an
occasion.
TOASTS.
Hahnemann.—Standing and in Silence.
The American Institute of Homeopathy.—“The Ark of Our Safety
and Sign of Our Progress,” Dr. J. D. Buck, of Cincinnati.
The Seniors.-Experiences of early days, Dr. D. S. Smith, Chicago.
Homeopathy of the Future.--"The Rainbow of Promise,” Dr. T. Y.
Kinne, of New Jersey.
Medical Legislation.—Our Security in Perpetuity, Dr. H. M. Paine,
of Albany.
Wisconsin State Homeopathic Medical Society.—“Badgers All,” Dr.
O. W. Carlson, of Milwaukee.
Homeopathy ot the South. –Sunny in its Triumphs, Dr. W. H. Hol-
comb, of New Orleans.
Homeopathy of the West.—“With Good Will to All,” Dr. J. S. Mitchell,
of Chicago.
Homeopathy of the North.-‘‘Spans the Horizon like the Aurora
Borealis,” Dr. Chas. Gatchell, of Michigan.
Homeopathy of the East.—“Whence Cometh the Wise Man,” Dr. E.
M. Kellogg, of New York.
The American Medical Man.-"Present in Time of Need,” Dr. Julia
Holmes Smith, of Chicago.
The Lady Doctor.—“Captivating to Every Respondent,” Dr.R. Ludlam,
of Chicago. w
Waukesha and its Crystal Waters.—Rev. Dr. Nickerson. ,
Friday morning the board of Censors made a final report,
making in all Io& members received at this session.
Dr. Willis Danforth introduced a resolution recommending
forestry, which was adopted.
Chairman Talbot offered the report of the inter collegiate
The American Institute of Homeopathy. II.3)
t
committee, recommending a four years course of study, and a
more severe preliminary examination. The report was unan-
imously adopted. *.
The President then announced the various standing com-
mittees and bureaux, which we have not space to publish.
The following are the chairmen of the various bureaux:
Materia Medica, E. M. Hale, M. D.; Clinical Medicine,
(not appointed); Gynecology, M. T. Runnels, M. D.; Anat-
omy, etc.. W. B. Morgan, M. D.; Opthalmology, etc., A. B.
Norton, M. D.; Mental and Nervous Diseases, N. E. Paine,
M. D.; Sanitary Science, D. N. Beckwith, M. D.; Paedology,
Millie J. Chapman, M. D.; Surgery, C. E. Walton, M. D.;
Obstetrics, Geo. B. Peck, M. D.; Organization, etc., T. Frank-
lin Smith, M. D. On motion of Dr. Dake, the resolutions
concerning the appointment of the committee on legislation
was reconsidered, and referred back to a special committee
to report next session.
On motion, the executive committee of 1890 and 1891, and
the committee on international congress, were appointed a
joint committee. The memorial service was postponed until
next year. The usual omnibus resolutions of thanks were
offered and adopted. The gavel of the Institute was pre-
sented to the retiring president by Dr. Peck, in a neat address,
to which Dr. Buck responded in some beautiful remarks in
which he feelingly referred to the sad condition of Dr. A. J.
Sawyer, who should have presided at this meeting. The
president then declared the Institute adjourned.
INSTITUTE NOTES.
The weather was delightful until Friday, showing off Wau-
kesha, the “Saratoga of the West” to its best advantage.
The hotel was large, convenient and very well managed,
though the usual criticisms could be made. In the first place
those who had engaged rooms long in advance, in many
instances, were assigned to very poor rooms, while, on the
other hand, many who came in late and who had not engaged
rooms, were given much better accommodations. The dining
room service was very poor, it often requiring one to two
hours to get a meal. And that banquet! It would have dis-
graced a ten-cent lunch counter. In fact it was no banquet
at all, but a very ordinary cold lunch, without either the style
* j
II.4. AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
# -
or menu of a banquet. How long will the Institute contmuei
to suffer these impositions, and still worse, to regularly each
year and the following day, go through the comedy of giving
the hotel manager a vote of thanks. The local committee did
all in their power to entertain the Institute, and render the
session pleasant. Dr. Danforth deserves especial mention.
On Tuesday the members were driven about the city in carri-
ages,and on Wednesday were given an excursion to Milwaukee,
which to those who could leave the business of the Institute
to go, was a very enjoyable affair. Dr. Buck made a hand-
some dignified and impartial president. Under the peculiar
circumstances the position was one of embaressment, and Dr.
Buck deserved and fully received the sympathy and the thanks
af all present.
We anticipate much from the presidency of Dr. Kinne. If
we are not mistaken he will prove to be a presiding officer of
exceptional ability. Much time was wasted in Dr. Paine's
efforts to make the Institute agree with him on medical legis-
lation. Dr. Paine is a noble man, possessed of indefatigable
energy, and one who will sacrifice himself and all he has for a
cause which he considers right, and while he was severely
handled and his measures invariably defeated, yet no man in
the Institute is more loved or respected than is Dr. Paine.
The resigned and gentlemanly manner in which he receives
defeat is worthy of emulation.
All things considered, the forty-third session of the Ameri-
can Institute was a great success, and no one will regret its
having been held in Waukesha.
THE EDUCATIONAL DEMANDS OF MODERN
MEDICINE.
BY J. G. GILCHRIST, A. M., M. D., IOWA CITY, IOWA.
[Read before the Hahnemen Medical Association of Iowa, May 21st, 1890.] *
There are few subjects, in medical literature, that have been
so worked over, and at the same time been so signally un-
productive of good, as that which forms the topic for our
present discussion. It is the more remarkable that such
should have been the case, when we consider the importance
i
The AEducational Demands of Modern Medicine. I 15
|
of the subject, an importance that is felt and realized by all
in the profession. The constitution of society at present,
and the rapid diffusion of knowledge among all classes and
conditions of men, imposes an obligation on all practitioners
of medicine that they must hasten to satisfy. Time was
when the doctor’s degree was a sort of patent of nobility; the
possessor was looked upon as a man of authority in science
and even polite literature; he was a social factor that dis-
puted the time-honored respect and authority of the clergy.
We all know him to-day; his position is something akin to
the tradesman or shop-keeper; his methods are mercantile,
and his social status purely a personal matter, not at all pro-
fessional. I refer of course, to the American doctor, perhaps
more specifically to the western representative. The people
at large have left us, as a profession, behind in the race, and
it seems only the part of wisdom, the fact being indisputable,
to enquire if the causes are beyond our control. The subject
may be conveniently arranged, as a basis for argument under
these heads, the preparatory, undegraduate and graduate
periods of study, with reference both to the teacher and the
pupil, or the curiculum and the methods. $
Preparatoay study should commence in the arts and
sciences. I think in all the older civilizations in Europe this
is the universal rule, and it has everything to recommend it.
Some seem to be afraid that there is something unrepublican
in such a system, seemingly only because it is the practice of
unrepublican nations. The facts are that the density of their
populations, the experience derived from a much longer
period of study of social problems than we have ever had,
have forced them into the system they have adopted. Their
system has not been forced, in any sense, it was not born
fully developed; it has been a growth. In fact, it would seem
to be something crowded upon the profession by a popular
demand. I think we are in this position in the United States to-
day; that is to say, the people at large are desirous of some radi-
cal change in our methods of education, and recognize the fact
that as a profession, not at all as individuals—the medical
fraternity are not in touch with modern ideas. Time was, not
long past either, when reasonable diagnostic sikll, and fair
therepeutic knowledge quite filled the list of requirements
|
*
I 16 Northwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
demanded of the practitioner of medicine. This time has
passed. Hygiene, public and domestic, physics, chemistry,
biology, and many related branches of study, are as necessary
to the doctor as any of the conventional subjects. A physi-
cian is far from being what he should be, when he only knows
how to treat a given malady. He must know its causes near
and remote, its consequences, near and future, and can only
know this in proportion as he is familiar with the many
branches of scientific study that now-a-days have to do with
medicine. Not to pursue this branch to a wearisome length,
it will certainly not be disputed, that the more complete the
education of the student, the better he will be as a student.
I hope to live to see the day, when none will be admitted into
a medical college until he can produce a well earned diploma
from a college of arts.
But while waiting for this much to be desired reform, we
are not compelled to rest idle, to make no effort at improve-
ment. We can do much and be in readiness when the time
comes. We can be careful to discourage those who are unfit-
ted from commencing the study; we can improve and modify
our systems and methods of teaching. None should com-
mence the study of medicine who are not mentally quallified
to appreciate and fully comprehend that which they read; in
other words, they must be men and women in settled habits,
firmly convinced of their calling and election, and of liberal
education.
* Ondegraduate study naturally falls under two heads; that
relating to the pupil, and that to the teacher. The old
methods of teaching, that still persist to considerable extent,
had their origin in a time when books were few and expensive,
and the master gathered his pupils about him, and recited to
them or read to them from manuscripts. While the fathers
in medicine were compelled, in the nature of things, to con-
vey information in the way, certainly nothing of the kind ex-
ists to-day, yet the same system is largely pursued. We see a
teacher of anatomy stand up for an hour and recite pages of
Gray; of physiology, describe the experiments of practical
physiologists. The student has all this before him in the text
books, probably in better arrangement than the teacher can
put it, and should naturally ask, why this lecture? if such a
‘.
The Educational Demands of Modern Medicine, 117
recitation can be considered a lecture. What do you men
of years and experience find most firmly fixed in your memo-
ries? things you have done or things you have heard or read
of. The undegraduate study must be arranged with due
regard to the capacity of the pupil, the branch and depths of
the subjects, and the methods of the day. Anatomy, physi-
ology, chemistry, and histology, are the corner stones and
foundations of medical science, yea of art as well. They
should all be taught objectively in the laboratories. Let the
student see for himself, under his own dissection, everything
that anatomy has to tell him; let him take his microscope,
and in the histological laboratory see for himself, not from
diagnosis and idealized illustrations, any tissue of which our
body is composed. Let him see as far as he can, how the
body is nourished and life maintained, in the physiological
laboratory, and his chemical experiments will show him the
composition of matter, its life history, its means for renewal.
The first year of study should not go beyond this; it should
be entirely devoted to laying a foundation of practical knowl-
edge, practical in the double sense that is learned from actual
personal experience, and that it has an intimate relation to
all that is to come after.
It is unnecessary at this time, and at this place to go into a
detailed scheme for a modern curiculum. It must suffice to
say, that the period of undegraduate study must extend over
four years, and each of these years include nine months of
college work. The objective character of teaching must be
carried through the whole undegraduate life, placing, stress
upon the fundermental principal, that nothing must be taught
by “lectures,” which can be taught by demonstration; and,
more than that, nothing by mere demonstration, that can be
done by the student in the laboratory. This can be carried
out up to the last year of study, I think without a single
formal lecture—when lectures on advanced topics may well
be given.
Such a radical change in the methods of teaching makes
radical changes in the status of the teacher necessary. The
teacher can no longer be an active practitioner, giving but a
moiety of his time to his school work; he must be solely and
entirely a teacher, with no other interests whatever. He will
f
f
I 18 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy. |
--"
have four classes a day, which with hospital, clinics and lab-,
oratories will fill his time full. The kind of work his teach-
ing necessitates, will easily prevent his becoming rusted, fos-
silized, or “impractical,” as some have objected. It will
doubtless seem to the more conservative among us, that it
will be long ere anything like the above scheme can be real-
ized; even many will question if it ever should. Well, let me
call your attention to two notable facts:
1st. Who that has attained any position in the profession,
owes anything of his achievments to his Alma Mater? Is it
not a fact, that all that has been acquired of special knowl-
edge and skill, has been a post graduate acquisition? It can-
not be otherwise, for what is taught in our best schools is
little more than the primer of our art, taught in an ancient
primitive fashion, that should excite the ridicule of the world.
2nd. Who are the great authorities in medicine, men to
whom we look for guidance and knowledge? Are they not
all, almost without a single exception—products of methods
of teaching such as I have outlined. We go to England,
Germany and France for our authorities, and when one is
found among us, he too has, gone to the old world to get
there what he can nowhere find at home.
Little by little the best schools of the country are approach-
ing the old world standard, probably as fast as is best, but
not enough to meet our wishes. Let us cherish the hope that
the day will soon come, when none need go to foreign lands
in search of knowledge because it is not attainable at home,
as hundreds are now doing every year.
Aost Graduate study needs brief mention, as the foregoing
should indicate somewhat of its scope and character. Too
commonly, so much so as to be almost the rule, the gradute
drops all study, and looks upon his profession solely as a
means of livelihood. The professional character is absorbed
in the merchantile. It is a pitiful sight to go from town to
town, and find the “library” of nearly every physician you
meet in small towns almost wholly made up of text books
used in college, and perhaps a few bound volumes of period-
icals. Nothing about many of the offices would suggest the
student, far less the scholar. The loss of social standing and
consideration of the doctor is easily understood when we find
!
Iowa City Clinics. f I9
surroundings such as are too often encountered. Even with
the best systems of preparatory and undergraduate instruc-
tion, the young man leaves school with only a faint realization
of the extent of his field of labor. As a matter of fact, if he
has honestly done his duty as a student, and has a just appre-
ciation of the magnitude and dignity of his life-work, he has
simply acquired a habit of study, a mental training that at
once indicates the direction and fits him for the prosecution
of real study. If unable to pursue a systematic post-graduate
work, in the higher schools, he should be a systematic and
painstaking reader and student at home. Perhaps the whole
matter may be dismissed with a single admonition, although
the theme is one that should be carefully treated. He has
been the recipient of the knowledge of the ages, so far as the
ability of his teachers and himself will allow. His life will
be a failure, if he does not make a return by adding some-
what, no matter how small, to the sum of knowledge. In the
effort to do this, he will accomplish the three grand aims of
an honest medical scientist.
1st. He will greatly increase his personal value. 2nd. He
will materially ameliorate the condition of his follow man.
3d. He will add to the honor and usefulness of the whole
profession.
IOWA CITY CLINICS.
BY J. G. GILCHRIST, M. D.
An unſortunately worded sentence in my report to the State
Society at its annual session in May, has been copied in some
of the medical and secular press, which taken without its con-
text, and without the general knowledge of the physicians in
our own state, is well calculated to create a misconception of
the facts as they exist. The clinics in our department in the
University, both medical and surgical, have been as good,
both in variety and amount of material, as could be expected
under the circumstances, in fact even better. They have been
maintained, however, by the efforts and care of the clinical
teachers, and a few, as compared with the whole number, of
the physicians in the state. The meaning of the sentence in
f 2C) AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
\
the report referred to, was that the maintainance should be
equally distributed over the state, and not depend so largely
on a few. I do not think much, if any, material has been
sent out of the state, but I cannot help thinking that now and
then cases might have been sent to us, that are drifting
around in a community, without regular medical care, if the
profession generally were alive to the fact that a few are do-
ing the work which should be done by many, or all. Not-
withstanding the sentence referred to was certainly so worded
that a false impression might easily be created, I do not now
regret it, as an opportunity is given to call attention to some
other misconceptions only remotely connected therewith.
The most important of these, is the character our public
clinics should have. What is their purpose P the education
of the pupil? the glorification of the teacher? or the good of
the patient? At least Auð/ic/y, all will answer, the education
of the pupil ' Whatever private and mental reservation there
may be, in individual instances, there is no question that this
is the chief end of clinical instruction, the benefit to the pa-
tient being a matter of course. The question then comes up:
What Áind of a clinic is of the most value, educationally and
practically, to the student? Much could be said on this topic,
but from considerations of space, if nothing else, but one
branch of the question will be considered.
In large cities, yea I in Small Ones, too, we see men and
women coming before the class, for gratuitous treatment, who
would be scandalized if it were intimated to them that they
were there because they were unable to pay for their treat-
ment. This is an outrage on the profession, while in certain
instances it may be of value to the class. Large clinics are
to be deprecated, from the injury done the profession, cheap-
ening the value of services rendered, and the pauperization of
the individual, in most cases. There may be, and is, an oc-
casional case, of such a unique character, that the patient
may well be considered a public benefactor, when pride is
pocketed, and in the interests of humanity they consent to
come to a public clinic. Not to pursue this topic further, it
must be admitted that when many Such cases are found in the
clinical case-books of a college, of ordinary illnesses or mala-
dies, there is good ground for the suspicion that the interests
}
&
l
f
AVews and Moſes. I 3 i
of the student are in danger (at least) of being sacrificed to
the pride of the teacher. No, a large clinic is not at all times
the summum bonum in clinical teaching. It is not numbers,
it is quality, that is desired.
This, then, is what my conception of a good clinic for med-
ical undergraduates should be; for post graduates the condi-
tions are different. First, a series of cases of the most com-
mon conditions the general practitioner will be called upon
to treat. These should be as typical as possible, and cover-
ing a wide range. They should only be in such numbers as
will not interfere with the practical illustration of methods of
diagnosis and treatment, if possible following the case through
its course from beginning to end. Can a teacher profitably
use more than two new cases each clinic day, and have time
left to properly show the progress in old cases? Surely not
Few schools have more than 52 clinical lectures from each
chair; 104 patients, therefore, is the number needed to give
good clinical instruction. When we read of three or four
times this number in any single department, we must conclude
the benefit is not at all proportionately greater. In fact, we
Ánozº, it is not. Many teachers have hobbies, and their stu-
dents see numberless cases illustrating their hobby, and little
else. Given two new and two to four old cases at each clini-
cal lecture, and the best instruction, I think, is assured. Sim-
ply a “large clinic” is no guarantee of successful teaching,
whatever it may be as to patronage.
NEWS AND NOTES.
The wife of Dr. W. J. Hawkes, of Chicago, died suddenly,
May 28th.
Dr. Leavitt, of Chicago, is making a tour of the European
hospitals.
Prof. George A. Hall is conducting a surgical department
for the Medica/ Visitor.
Portland, Oregon, is building a new city hospital at a cost
$125,000, which opens its doors on equal terms to both
schools.
iſ 32 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
~, !
Dr. E. H. Pratt, of Chicago, has just returned from a
European trip.
The homeopathic department of the Iowa State University
opens September 1 oth.
Our old-school friends have discovered that pulsatilla in
minute doses is very effective in the treatment of “orchitis.”
Dr. L. C. Fritts has been made microscopist and assistant to
the chair of pathology in the Chicago Homeopathic college.
Prof. A. C. Cowperthwaite is taking his summer's vacation,
and for a month is with his friends in New York, Boston and
Philadelphia.
The charter under which Hahnemann college of Chicago
is now working, was drawn up by Dr. E. A. Guilbert, of Du-
buque, then a resident of Elgin, Ill., in the year 1855.
The Central Iowa Homeopathic Association, which for the
twelve years of its existence has not failed to regularly hold
its semi-annual meeting, convenes at Cedar Rapids, July 9th.
The second number of the Pulie Quarterly, published by
the faculty of Pulte college, Cincinnati, has reached our table.
It is a handsome little journal and contains many bright
thoughts.
At last our old-school friends are being forced to the con-
clusion that there is something in honeopathy, and propose
to investigate as will be seen by the following:
“At the last meeting of the New York State Medical Society
(old-school), held at Albany, Feb. 3,-6, a resolution was un-
animously passed that the society recommend that the medical
schools throughout the state add the study of Homeopathy
to their respective courses.”—C. H. Broyfogle, M. D. in Peo-
ples’ Health /ournal.
The following are the officers of the Ohio State Homeo-
pathic Association for the ensuing year: President, E. R.
Eggleston, Cleveland; Vice-Presidents, O. A. Palmer, Warren,
and O. D. Childs, Akron; Secretary, R. B. House, Springfield;
Assistant Secretary, T. G. Barnhill, Findlay; Treasurer, C. D.
Ellis, Cleveland; Board of Censors, T. G. Barnhill, Findlay;
J. H. Wilson, Detroit; William Owens, Cincinnati; Stella
Hunt, Cincinnati; Frank Kraft, Sylvania, and C. E. Walton,
Cincinnati.
AVorthwestern /ournal of Aſomeopathy. I 23
&
The faculty of the Royal College of Physicians, of England,
have decreed that books on homeopathy shall not, in the
'future, be placed on the table of the reading room. This
spirit of intolerance is on a par with that of an alopathic
physician upon whom we thought to let a little of the true
light, by sending him a copy of this journal. He took it from
the post-office, looked it over, and at once returned it. It being
too decidedly irregular to find place in his office. Contrast
this with the liberality of homeopathic physicians—you can
find but few who are not subscribers to one or more old-
school journals.
The Pulte Quarterly is responsible for the following words
of wisdom. The practitioner as a rule places too low an esti-
mate on his medical societies, and will not attend if the least
sacrifice has to be made:
“Every conscientious student, on leaving college with his
well-earned diploma, is strongly desirous of taking a post-
graduate course. He realizes that instead of studies being
completed they are only fairly begun. The majority of these
ambitious students never reach the post-graduate course.
They marry, become immersed in practice, and the holiday
In eVer COIn eS.
If, however, these new recruits will, in the very outset of
their professional career, make it a point to attend the State
and National medical society meetings they will find, first and
last, a close equivalent to the post-graduate course. The so-
cieties and the medical journals of this school will prove
efficient teachers; and he may make, if he will, such use of
these as to leave little to be desired elsewhere.”
AN APPEAL.
•e TO
THE HOMEOPATHIC PRACTITIONERS IN ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD.
[The potency question is troubling our Homeopathic friends
in India as well as in this country. One of our subscribers
in Bengal'is desirous of ascertaining the evidence of physicians
throughout the world on this much mooted question, and
desires the co-operation of all Homeopathic practitioners.
He sends us the following appeal with a request for publica-
f
Í24 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
| -
tion. The statistics to be compiled will undoubtedly prove
profitable reading.—ED.] -
SIRs:—I venture to intrude upon your valuable time with
the following Appeal, in the hope that you will excuse me in
the interests of Homeopathy. -
The question of the potency of medicines is admittedly a
puzzling and difficult, and, at the same time, a very important
one in the practical part of the Homeopathic system. With
a view to meet this difficulty so far as it may be practicable,
I have resolved to collect information from eminent Homeo-
pathic physicians in all parts of the world as to the various
degrees of potency of the medicines generally used by them
in their individnal practice; and thus to draw up STATISTICS
to help the profession, especially young and amateur practi-
tioners. The result I intend to publish in the leading Hom-
eopathic Journals of the day and also in a book which I
intend to edit and publish under the title of “A Practical
Guide to the Selection of Medicines with Reference to their
Potency,” in English and Bengali. I have therefore the
honor to forward herewith a list of medicines with a request
that you will kindly note opposite the name of each: i
(a) Its potencies which you generally rely on (I presume
the information can readily be had by a reference to the
medicine chest kept for your everyday practice.)
(b) If you have known in any disease any miraculous oper-
ation of any medicine, please mention its potency, with which
the wonderful operation was effected and also the name in
parenthesis; E. G., Rhus Zox' Urticaria. *
(c) If you have a favorite spécial potency of any medicine
for any special disease, please put down the potency and the
, name of the disease and have them underlined; E. G., Phos-
phorus 2x Pneumonia. -
(d) In case you prefer any special Trituration of any
medicine, please do not fail to mark it by the word “Trit.” at
the top of the figure of potency; Sulphur "ß" EczXema on back
of head. - - -
(e) If there be any medicines not named in the list but
frequently and successfully used by you, please mention them
with their potencies in the appended blank sheets.
Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy. I 25
Kindly return the list as early as your convenience permits.
I shall be much obliged if you will favor me with information
regarding the potency of even a single medicine, if not more.
I shall deem it a favor if you will kindly take the trouble
to inform me of the name and address of any Homeopathic
friends of yours, that I may send this Appeal to them also.
Any gentleman will be welcome to respond to or make any
suggestion regarding this Appeal.
I have the honor to be
Sir, *
* Your most obedient Servant,
April 10, 1888. | C. S. KALI, L. M. S.
(Graduate Medical College, University Calcutta.)
Aſomeopathic Physician and Surgeon,
PABNA,
Date of Despatch, May 26, 1890. BENGAL,
INDIA.
For fatigue of the mind or body, the best restorative is a
glass of hot milk. It far surpasses alchoholic drinks or beer.
“Careful examination of statistics proves that men and
women who do not drink, can endure more hardships, do
more work, and live longer than those less temperate.”—Med-
£ca/ Record.
It is generally conceeded that nothing is more discreditable
to the civilization of the nineteenth century than the exist-
ence of typhoid fever. Typhoid fever infects the atmosphere,
it never arises de novo. The causes of the disease, in order
of their frequency, are as follows: First, infected water; sec-
ond, infected milk; third, infected ice; fourth, digital infec-
tion; fifth, infected meat. Dr. Edson states that with the ob-
servations of the ordinary obvious precautions suggested by
these conclusions, the disease should not exist.—Hal/’s
Journal of Health.
Herff calls attention to the fact that death may occur after
a ovariotomy from cardiac, pulmonary or renal complica-
tions, referable to the prolonged administration of chloro-
form. It is interesting to note that the very cases in which
many American surgeons regard the administration of this
anaesthetic as alone justifiable (where renal disease is present),
are the ones in which our German confreres consider it as
most dangerous. Ether must still be regarded as the safest
“all around” anaesthetic,+American Journal Medical Sciences.
f f
3,
I 26 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
Carswell Scone in the Medica/ World says he has felt the
need of something to tone up the life principle in him, being
71 years old. He believes in the elixir but it is too difficult
to get and use properly. So he investigated the subject. As
a result he used the following: “Procure a sound, fresh egg
and break it in a saucer. Then with the aid of a small pair
of foreceps seperate the cytoblast (semen) from the ovum.
One egg will be sfficient for one application Use the hypo-
dermic syringe or apply the mass to a blistered surface, and
in five minutes you will feel the characteristic thrill and
warmth, with increased action of the heart.
H. P. Cooper in an interesting paper before the Az/anza
Society of Medicine, reported four cases of this uncommon
complaint. The prominent symptom is pain in the region of
the coccyx, aggravated by pressure, rising up or sitting down,
defecation, etc. Some cases simulate spinal disease. Caused
by direct violence, falls, child-birth, cold and reflex from
uterine or rectal disease. The last is treated by removing
cause. Coccygodynia proper, is either acute or chronic.
The former is readily relieved by perfect rest in bed for a
week or more, and a blister over painful part. The only re-
liable treatment of the chronic form, is to exsect the coccyx
entirely. A drainage tube should be inserted as, when the
attachments of the Zezafor and are cut, the rectum falls for-
ward leaving a space which may easily fill with fluid and
cause trouble if it be not drained. The earlier the operation
is performed the more complete and lasting is the relief of
the pain. f
A
BURLINGTON ROUTE TO THE WEST.-The only railroad run-
ning dining cars and through sleeping and reclining chair
cars from Chicago over direct lines of its own to Omaha,
Lincoln, Cheyenne, Denver, and all principal sections of
Nebraska, Colorada and Wyoming. Tickets via the Bur-
lington Route can be obtained of any ticket agent of its own
or connecting lines.
The goods from the pharmacy of Dr. Sherman, of Mil-
waukee, are being largely used throughout the country, their
deserved popularity is owing to the careful manner in which
they are prepared. Sherman's triturates are uniform and sat-
isfactory in every way. With his new multiplex triturator he
is enabled to sell his triturations at an exceedingly low figure,
as will be seen by advertisment elsewhere.
HoTEL Col.FAx, COLFAx SPRINGs, IOWA.—This popular re-
ort (on the site of the famous “Old M. C.” Mineral Spring)
has been put in complete order for the Grand Opening, Sat-
{}
The Northwestern /ournal of Homeopathy. I27
!
Y
urday, June 7th, for the season of 1890. The fact that the
management of this hotel has been placed in charge of the
well known caterer, Frank Stewart (Supt. Dining Car Service
on the CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND & PACIFIC RY.), is a sufficient
guarantee that it will be conducted in a first-class manner,
and that guests will receive every possible attention and
comfort The prospects for a “full house” are already
very flattering.
Write and secure accommodations at once before the mid-
Summer rush commences.
The Zwarts Pharmacy Company of St. Louis, although a
new instiution, is meeting with excellent success among the
homeopathic practitioners, who pronounce the goods of this
company superior in quality and just as represented. The
president of this corporation was for 25 years secretary of the
Luyties Pharmacy Company and is thoroughly conversant
with the pharmacy business in every particular. In the
announcement of the president he says:
“Our policy will be to furnish, at lowest prices possible, ab-
solute and pure homeopathic medicines; preparations, that
stand parallel with the grand doctrine of homeopathy and its
materia medica; free from all clouds, we shall try to be a pride
of the profession, and an honor to our principles. We shall
spare no expense or pains in obtaining the very finest, and
purest drugs, as a foundation; and prepare them according to
the most approved methods with the most perfect machines.
Having secured Triturators worked by electric power, (which
formerly were worked by hand.) we are thus enabled to furnish
the most perfect triturations, in accordance with the rules
laid down by our Father Hahnemann.
“My long familiarity with the business, and extensive ac-
quaintance with the profession, together with the ample means
and every improved facility; furnished by our new company
to conduct a modern wide awake, and strictly first-class estab-
lishment; gives double assurance of our ability to meet all the
demands of the trade.”
REMARKABLE FECUNDITY.-I was called to see Mrs. E. T.
Page, Jan. Ioth, 1890, about 4 o’clock A. M.; found her in
labor and at full time, although she assured me that her
“time” was six weeks ahead. At 8 o’clock A. M. I delivered
her of a girl baby; I found there were triplets, and so informed
her. At II A. M. I delivered her of the second girl, and after
having rectified presentation which was singular, face, hands
and feet, all presented, I placed in proper position, and prac-
ticed “version.” This child was “still-born,” and after con-
siderable effort by artificial respiration it breathed and came
around “all right.” The third girl was born at 11:40 A. M.
A *~.
I 28 7%e AVorthzºesfer” Journal of Homeopathy.
\
This was the smallest one of the four. In attempting to take
away placenta, to my astonishment I found the feet of another
child. At I P. M. this one was born; the head of this child
got firmly impacted at lower strait, and it was with a great
deal of difficulty and much patient effort that it was finally
disengaged; it was blocked by a mass of placenta and cords.
The first child had its own placenta; the second and third
had their placenta; the fourth had also a placenta. They
weighed at birth in the aggregate nineteen and a half pounds
without clothing; first weighed six pounds; second five pounds;
third four and a half pounds; fourth four pounds. In the
country, and “backwoods” at that, it was impossible to pro-
cure a “wet nurse,” so with the little help we could control,
and feeding the babies on “Reed & Carnrick’s Infant Food,”
they thrived well. From using all the foods on the market I
long since found that the above food posessed some qualities
that I failed to find in others. Mrs. Page is a blonde about
36 years old, has given birth to fourteen children, twins three
times before this; one pair by her first husband. She has
been married to Page three years and has had eight children
in that time. I have waited on her each time.
Page is an Englishman, small, dark hair, age about 26,
weighs about II 3 pounds. There was quite an amusing in-
cident occurred when I informed him that his wife would give
birth to four children; he fell across the bed by his wife's
side, threw his heels away up in the air, clasped his legs with
both hands, and with a long wail of despair, cried “Lord, God,
Doctor! what shall I do?” *
They are in St. Joseph, Mo., now, having contracted with
Mr. Uffner, of New York, to travel and exhibit themselves in
Denver, St. Joseph, Omaha and Nebraska City, then on to
Boston, Mass., where they will spend the summer.
The birth of quadruplets is not so remarkable, but that
they should live and thrive as these have done, is. In about
375,000 births there are quadruples, and it is a remarkable
fact that they always die. Will some of my brother M. D.'s
give us their experience with quadruplets?”
f J. DE LEON, M. D.
Ingersoll, Texas.
A theological diagnosis: My brother, your trouble is not
with the heart, it is a gastric disorder or a rebellion of the
liver. You need a physician more than you do a clergyman.
It is not sin that blots out your hope of heaven, but bile.
It not only yellows your eyeball and furs your tongue, and
makes your head ache, but swoops upon your soul in de-
jections and forebodings.-Zalmage.
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
VOL. II, CEDAR RAPIDs, IOWA, AUGUST, I890 No. 5.
SPECIAL CLAIMS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. IN
THE CLIMATIC TREATMENT OF
CONSUMPTIVES.
BY A. R. WRIGHT, M. D., BUFFALO, N. Y.
|Road before the Amel Ican Institute of Homeopathy, June, 1890.]
/
An essay on the climatic treatment of comsumptives is
scarcely needed at the present day when there is so much
reliable data in our medical literature. But we are constantly
increasing our knowledge of new localities such as Davos-
platz and San Meritz in Switzerland, the high altitudes of
South Africa, the hill countries of Australia, the Rocky moun-
tain district, New Mexico, etc., etc., in the U. S. and any
intelligence that we can gain on a subject that so closely per-
tains to the lives of one-fourth to one-third of our patients
needs no apology for its presentation to this body.
Some denounce in general terms the sending of any con-
sumptive patient away from the comforts of home; yet if it
be seen that the home climate is constantly doing him an
injury and it is known there is a locality that gives good
promise of relief and a chance to save a life dear to himself
and family, it is manifestly the physician’s duty to select the
proper climate for him. The candidates for judicious re-
moval may comprise but a small proportion of our consump-
tives, for as we all know there are stages and conditions that
forbid removal from the comforts and good living of a home.
Hence we need all possible knowledge of localities to make a
proper and safe discrimination in each case, It is to assist
I3O AVorá/izvestern /ournal of Homeopa/hy.
in such a discrimination that these notes are presented on the
points of Southern California as a resort for phthisical
patients. I do not claim greater means of information on
this locality than other of my colleagues, but a knowledge of
its known features and beneficial qualities should be more
generally disseminated. For instance, Williams, of London,
writing as late as 1887 in his excellent work on Pulmonary
Consumption, merely mentions Los Angeles and San Diego
without a comment.
Before enumerating points on Southern California we may
properly refer to some requisite conditions of climate for cer-
tain cases, without attempting a general discussion of the
subject. This has been thoroughly noted by capable observers
and we may safely deduce the following as the consensus of
such men as Williams, Parkes, Powell and Sparks of London.
Ziemessen of Germany; Austin, Flint, Loomis and others in
America, etc., etc. Whatever the elevation may be, the air
should be dry, pure; moderately warm, clear, bright Sunny
days that out door life may be possible all the year round;
and if possible every surrounding to please and amuse. A/e-
wated resorts and dry for catarrhal quiescent pneumonic cases,
threatened phthisis from hereditary tendency, defective chest
conformation and capacity. This leaves for lozver altitudes
and milder temperažure, a large majority of the cases seeking
resorts for such conditions as the recurrent hemorrhagic and
what Powell calls the “erethic constitution,” nervous, irritable,
neuralgic, dyspeptic, bad sleepers with habitually quick pulse
and dry harsh skin;” chronic pneumonic cases, fibroid
phthisis, or chronic interstitial even where cavities have
formed if there be a fair amount of nutrition retained, consol-
idated lung from phthisis, all chronic congestions of lung or
bronchi tending to light hemorrhages.
The object of this paper is to show the points in which
Southern California excels over most other consumptive
resorts for the climatic treatment of the last named conditions.
1st. As to Area, we have a great province 200 miles from
north to south extending on the Pacific coast from Pt. Con-
ception on the north to San Diego on the south, back from
the shore to the foot hills fifteen to thirty miles, and ninety
miles to and in some of the mountain passes. In nearly every
Climatic Treatment of Consumptives. I31
portion of this large district some good sanitary spot may be
ſound, thus giving a wide range for selection, allowing patients
to be so scattered and separated that no one spot shall have
the depressing air of a hospital.
2nd. The choice of locality is greatly varied in regard to
altitude and distance from the sea coast. Santa Barbara and
San Diego on the quiet Pacific are thoroughly protected. On
the coast between these two large cities are several small
towns, that are favorite resorts especially in summer time for
bathing. Santa Monico and Long Beach are included. A
belt several miles inland has a gentle slope up to the first foot
hills of the Sierras. In this are Los Angeles and Pasadena.
Farther back is the garden of the Ojai, 8oo-13oo ft. contain-
ing 17792 acres of orchards and grain fields. Farther back
still, and southward are Banning in the pass of San Gorgoino,
San Jacinto, San Bernadino, all 15oo ft. to 25oo ft. above sea
level and located in valleys or passes among the mountains.
These three belts or plateaus give a variety of altitude and
marine effect, while they all have about the same diathermancy
of atmosphere. &
3rd. Meteorology being the most important point, we give
the result briefly of ten years study of it through all available
means. The two seasons being the dry and the rainy, the
latter begins in October and ends in May. During the
remainder of the year, the dry season, the wind blows off the
shore mostly and no rain is precipitated. About the change
of the equinox a moist laden north-west wind begins to come
over the ocean and down the coast and when this meets with
cool currents from that part of the Sierras west of Southern
California, rain is precipitated. In Dec. and Feb. or at least
once during the wet season a “rainy spell” of one week is ex-
pected. January is generally a month of clear skies. During
the rest of the rainy season, rain falls only on one or two days
in three weeks, while the other days have clear sunshine. At
Christmas tide the fruits and flowers make the country more
lovely than our midsummer. At nights most of the time, fires
and winter clothing are required for invalids. Enough rain
generally falls during this season to supply the dry. In places
requiring more, the deficiency is supplied by artificial irri.
gation.
I32 Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
In the dry season there is “an off shore” trade wind, dry
from interior deserts and goes out to sea raising above the
lower surface current of the daily ocean breeze. The dryness
of the atmosphere causes a rapid surface evaporation from
the skin, bodily temperature is reduced, and sunstroke is
almost unknown, though an occasional high temperature is
reached. (1) This dryness of atmosphere causes also a
rapid radiation at night so that the air in the warmest weather
cools immediately after night-fall, hence the nights are never
too warm for sleeping. From the government and two
or three other reliable meteorological observations we deduce
approximately the following result:
For a belt fifty miles from the coast, the mean temperature
for Jan. is 53°; for July 67°; the daily variation Io" to 20°
for Jan. and for July 15° to 20°, cloudy or partly cloudy
days 8o; relative humidity 7o p. c.; annual rain-fall ten to
fifteen inches. In 1884 there was a great rain-fall of twenty-
five inches, none such having been previously recorded. The
belt farther inland has a greater variation, but the air is dry
and out door life is possible for invalids nearly ail the year.
Banning, 90 miles inland and 25oo ft. altitude has for a few
weeks in the summer a possible temperature of Ioos from II
a. m. to 2 p. m. During these hours patients must keep in
doors. In winter the temperature occasionally falls to 39°.
In nearly all parts of Southern California the weather as in-
dicated by professional men allows the ordinary invalid to be
in the open air 330 days in the year with only about 15 days
when he would be confined to the house by storm. Dr. C. B.
Bates a medical practitioner of Santa Barbara mentions the
case of a lady patient of his “who lived in her garden pro-
tected merely by a brush shelter for 18 months. Day and
night for the entire period, excepting only nine nights, she
remained in the open air.” Two apparently unfavorable
conditions we note. At Santa Barbara there are times in the
year when a light wind raises considerable dust. 2nd. Some
parts fifty miles inland except Ojai are subject to fogs carried
in from the sea, but these are dissidated by 9 a. m. Both
these conditions seem be harmless as no unfavorable reports
(1) Dr. Widney in California of the South.
Climatic Treatment of Consumptives. I33
are heard from them. In the meteorolgical conditions above
given it will be seen that we have the principal requisites for
the climatic treatment of a large class of consumptives, viz:
equability of temperature, a low percentage of humidity for
the day time when the patient is in the open air, light rain-
fall, and clear days allowing an almost constant out door life;
where as in most such resorts, these benefits exist only for a
portion of the year.
4th. In the natural products of the soil we have first to
delight the eye and please the asthetic taste, flowers in great
abundance without cultivation, some in bloom perpetually.
Second, to please the palate we have fresh fruits and vegetables
every month in the year. Third, for those who wish remun-
erative occupation, the different grains, wines, figs, prunes,
apricots, almonds, walnuts and olives are largely cultivated;
also in Smaller quantities, peaches, apples, guava, pomegran-
bannanas, Oranges, lemons, limes and other semi-tropical
fruits each in the locality adapted to it.
In selecting his temporary abode the patient has choice
from the perfectly equiped large hotel at Coronado Beach,
the Raymond at Pasadena, smaller hotels and boarding houses
at Santa Barbara and smaller towns to the life on the fruit
ranches. If his means be very limited he can often find light
work on a ranche that will at least give him a living. In the
summer time Santa Monica, Long Beach, &c., are favorite
resorts. One can scarcely imagine any rural life more
delightful than the fruit ranches of the Ojai. They are pro-
tected from winds on all side, being literally surrounded by
the San Rafael and San Ynez mountains, which generally
shelter the valley from the fogs that come up from the sea.
This valley has acquired such a reputation that many of its
ranches are owned by persons who have been cured here of
some form of lung disease and and have made this their per-
manent home. Exercise on the back of the native pony is a
favorite pastime. One of my delicate patients could go all day
in the saddle through these undulating ranches of fruit and
grain. Another who during the whole winter at her Buffalo
home could not leave her room for fear of pulmonary hem-
orrhage, could on any winter day take a dash of 30 miles (on
horse-back) on the beach south from Santa Barbara and
Í34 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
return to her room perfectly exhilorated. In riding or walk-
ing this beach is a marine boulevard of hard sand with the
smooth Pacific on one side and perennial foliage on the
Other.
But as climate is the sum of all the influences that surround
us, in selecting a locality for a consumptive, one should heed
such counsel as the following from Jaccumd in his “Lectures
on the Curability of Phthisis:” “the impressions made upon
the organisms by different climates are to some extent inde-
pendent of the certain and described phonomena which con-
stitute the climatology of a region. It is vain to seek in the
table of atmospheric changes for the explanation of that
special impression which the climate of a region makes upon
the affected organism—an impression which in fact is indefin-
able and of which the cause cannot be sscertained; it must
be felt to be understood. This fact constitutes one of the
fundamental difficulties of the climate problem.”
This singular atmospheric effect has been supposed to be
due to a diathermancy of the atmosphere which was an inde-
finite term until Prof. Longley of the Smithsonian Institution
made his nice experiments on heat rays from the top of Mt.
Whitney, 1881. After finding an approximate “Solar Con-
stant” which is the amount of heat before absorption by the
atmosphere, he compares this with the heat at the earths
surface, and determines the “Selective Absorption” of the
atmosphere. He defines this as the action of distinguishing
between different kinds of heat with an actually infinite min-
uteness of discrimination, letting one kind pass and holding
back another as though by an intelligent choice.” One ray
may be passed through the atmosphere and carry 4o p. c. of
heat to the soil, that is, if this ray were the only means of
transmission, only 40 p. c. would be received by the soil,
while some other ray would transmit 90 p. c. Heat rays are
all different and the different ingredients and conditions of
the atmosphere affect the heat “selection.” While preparing
this article I met Prof. Langley who said to me that he
believed it would be found that there is a distinct and unique
diathermancy of the atmosphere of Southern California
though experiments had not as yet been made to prove that
fact. He thinks this may account for the beneficial climatic
effect of that region.
Zhe 77-eatment of the Paralysis of Early Zife. f35
THE TREATMENT OF THE PARALYSIS OF EARLY
* LIFE.
BY CLARENCE BARTLETT, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.
[Read before the American Institute of Homeopathy, June, 1890.]
The custom of this Institute has provided that the chairmen
of bureaus shall in their sectional address, present a con-
sideration of some subject pertaining to the work of their
respective bureaus, together with a resume of recent advan-
ces made in their departments of medical knowledge. On
looking over the periodical literature of the past year, for the
purpose of preparing this resume of the advances made with
the domain of paedology, I found that no new or startling
discoveries had been made; no radical changes were any
where to be noted; but instead there was manifested every-
where a general improvement in knowledge and methods.
To review all of these in the short time at my disposal is
impossible, so I shall content myself with a few cursory re-
marks on the treatment of the paralysis of children.
In dealing with this subject, I shall not be able to present
to you any new thoughts, but shall simply review as briefly as
circumstances will permit, such points as seem to me to be of
'special interest. The therapeutics of infantile palsies, so far
as the administration of drugs is concerned, is in anything
but a creditable condition. Especially is this true of the
medical methods of the allopathic school. That this is well
recognized by the latter is shown by the fact that their lead-
ing authors in their exposition of the treatment of poliomyelitis
anterior, pseudo-hypertropic paralysis, Spastic hemiplegia,
etc., make any passing references to the propriety of the ad-
ministration of drugs, and content themselves with some
general hygienic recommendations. A careful search through
standard allopathic literature shows that but two drugs are
now accepted as of any value in the paralytic affections
under considerations; these are Strychnia and ergot. The
latter has been recommended in the treatment of paraly-
sis dependent upon inflammatory conditions of the central
nervous system owing to its power of controling the calibre
of the smaller bloodvessels. Ergot, moreover, exerts some
action on the spinal cord itself, but its effects in this direction
I36 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
are shown more on the posterior columns than on the anter-
ior horns. In all cases of poisoning by this drug in which
spinal symptoms have appeared, the posterior columns were
the portions affected. This being the direction in which the
drug acts on the spinal cord, I fail to see how this special
action can avail us much in the treatment of such diseases
as poliomyelitis acuta, in which affection it has been so high-
ly recommended. Its exhibition must therefore depend for
its rationale upon its vascular action. Even with this as a
foundation for its use, ergot must still remain objectionable
as a remedy in spinal inflammations. As Bartholow has
stated, the veins of the cord are larger and more nervous
than the arteries of that organ. Ergot contracts the smaller
arteries throughout the entire body, as well as those of the
cord. The immediate effect of lessening the calibre of the
spinal arteries must cause the blood to accumulate in the
veins, thus producing a passive congestion of the cord. This
must have an unfavorable influence on any acute inflamma-
tory condition that may be present.
Strychnia has likewise received praise well-nigh universal
from allopathists as a remedy in palsies, owing to its stimulat-
ing effects on the reflex spinal centers. Even members of
our own school sing its praises. It is plain to be seen that,
if administered in the early stages of acute poliomyelitis, it
must be productive of harm, unless used in non-physiological
doses. In cerebral paralysis it must be regarded as useless,
for it exerts no effect whatever on the brain. The same may
be said of idiopathic muscular palsies. If strychnia does
not exert beneficial effects in paralytic affections, it is prob-
ably owing to its action on the system in general as a true
medicine, rather than upon its physiological effects as a
spinal cord stimulant.
In thus recognizing allopathic therapeutics methods, it
it will be seen that there is but little offered to us on which
to comment. Though our own therapeutics are far in ad-
vance of those of allopathists, they are still not above criti-
cism. Our faults seem to rise from the fact that those engaged
in special practice have not sufficiently developed medi-
cation in the direction of their several specialties. A good
excuse for this shortcoming is to be found in the fact that
The Treatment of the Paralysis of Early Zife. I37
specialism among homeopathists is as yet in its infancy. Our
specialists are practically pioneers in their work.
Referrence to a valued text-book of our school, shows that
the following are the remedies with their indication for the
treatment of the acute spinal palsy of children:
“A comize if the disease commences with the peculiar acon-
ite fever.
Ae/Zadonna, ca/carea carð., and //ios.; during dentition.
Phosphorus; fatty degeneration of the muscles.
Salphur and Psorinum if there is any psoric taint.
Thuja, after vaccination.
Besides, Causticum, Arsenicum, Cocculus, Ge/semium, and
Seca/e.
While Aconite, Belladonna, Phosphorus, Arsenicum,Qausti-
cum and gelsemium, are all invaluable remedies in the treat-
ment of cases of poliomyelitis, the indications for the same
as above given are comparatively valueless. Aconite it is
true, as stated, is the remedy far exce//ence, in the early
stages when the characteristic aconite fever is present; but
we must bear in mind that in this stage that the disease has
not advanced to that period when its nature is recognizable.
The indication, however, is a good one. Belladonna is also
a valuable remedy. But the indication “during dentition” is
limiting the drug altogether too much While poliomyelitis
is of frequent occurrence during the teething period, sight
must not be lost of the fact that there is rarely if any etiolo-
gical relation between the dentition and the paralysis.
Owing to its well-known power over localized inflammations;
Belladonna becomes an invaluable remedy in all spinal, as
other inflammations; if there is reflex irritation from teeth-
ing, it is all the more useful. To limit its use to those cases
of poliomyelitis do to teething, is almost sufficient to debar
it as a remedy in cases of that disease at any time. Calcarea
carb., and Calcarea phos., if ever useful in the early stages of
poliomyelitis, must be useful Owing to the peculiar constitu-
tional conditions present, and nothing else.
The recommendation of Phosphorus as the remedy when
fatty degeneration of the muscles is present, is of little
value. Muscular atrophy is present in all cases. but that at-
i88 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
rophy, in no instance, partakes of the peculiar character for
which Phosphorus is useful.
So few cases occur after vaccination, that the indication
given above for Thuja is almost useless. It is moreover mis-
leading, as the disease in question has never been conclusive-
ly proven to have occurred from this cause.
As for Arsenicum, Causticum, Gelsemium, and Sulphur they
are each valuable in their place, as I shall show presently.
The quotations above given are only a sample of what
may be found elsewhere. In Arndt’s “system” we do not
even find a remedy mentioned. The reader is merely refer-
red to the therapeutics of some other disease, only to find
that the therapeutic indications there are poor indeed.
Most of our therapeutic hints we will find were first given us
at a time when the pathology of nervous diseases was but
poorly understood. They bear the impress of the deficient
knowledge of their day. The remedies have proven, compar-
atively speaking, so far more useful than those of the old
school, that attempts to extend their sphere of action or
limit there usefulness have not been made.
Concerning Aconite and Belladonna I have already spoken.
Gelsemium has been highly recommended by Dr. Jno. C.
Morgan, as a remedy in the early stages of acute poliomyel-
itis. In its provings it has produced motor paralysis with
but little if any impairment of sensory functions. It is more-
over a remedy having a strong action on the spinal cord, and
of value in inflammatory conditions.
Arsenicum album has in accidental poisoning cases pro-
duced all the symptoms of acute spinal paralysis, the paraly-
sis, the subsequent muscular atrophy, and the reaction of de-
generation. Probably the best period of its administration
is during the second week of the disease, when in the major-
of cases, the active symptoms have subsided and the stage of
regression of phenomena is about to set in. It is now held
that the arsenical palsy is in the majority of cases of periper-
al origin. Pathological investigations seem to confirm this
view, yet in some cases the grouping of paralysis is such as to
show that the spinal cord may also be affected.
Plumbum is beyond all odds the best remedy in the latter
stages of the disease, the stage of atrophy and deformities.
*
The 7zeatment of the Paralysis of Early Zife. I39
The saturnine palsey, like that arising from Arsenic, is now
claimed to be of peripheral origin. If such is the case it is
certainly peculiar that the wrist-drop of lead poisoning pre-
sents a grouping of paralyzed muscles that would indicate a
central and not a peripheral lesion.
Rhus and Causticum are remedies that find a place at al-
most any stage of the disorder. While they are most excellent
paralytic remedies they find their indications more in the as-
sociated symptoms, rather than in those pathognomonic or
more properly speaking essential to poliomyelitis.
Meagre as are the therapeutic hints given us for poliomyeli-
tis, far more so are they for pseudo-hypertrophic paralysis,
and the spastic hemiplegia of infancy. Hart contents him-
self in referring his reader for indications in the treatment of
the former of these affections to the remedies useful in myeli-
tis and spinal sclerosis; on refering to these subjects, we find
that posterior sclerosis is the only form treated of, and the
symptoms of this affection are very different from those of
pseudo-hypertrophic paralysis. It now seems to be settled
that the latter is not dependent upon a spinal lesion for its
being, but is essentially muscular in its pathology. There is
an overgrowth of connective tissues of the muscles. We
have in other words a hyperplasia. Transferring the well-
known indications for Aurum, excessive growth of connective
tissue, to the disease in question, we have a remedy worthy
of thought. Thus far the disease has been proven incurable,
no recovery having as yet, so far as I know, having been ac-
complished. Kali hydriodicum in potency I have seen bene-
fit one case. This also as you are aware is a remedy suited
to connective tissue overgrowths. Certainly this is a bad
showing for our therapeutics. Bad as this is, the allopath is
far worse off, for search his literature as we will, not one sug-
gestion as to remedies will we find. The same is true of the
spatic hemiplegia of infancy. In this latter affection we are
obliged to rely upon remedies suited to the patient’s constitu-
tional peculiarities, for we will find them present in abundance.
In fact the many symptoms usually present make a choice of
remedies easy. In pseudo-hypertropic paralysis, the paucity
of symptoms is remarkable. I must sonfess that in all of the
cases that I have ever examined, absolutely no symptoms
I4O Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
Other than those diagnostic of the affection were obtainable.
This same paucity of symptoms is found in the latter stages
of acute poliomyelitis, hence at that time, the remedies bear-
ing the strongest resemblance to the pathological condition,
as Plumbum, come into play.
Much reliance has been placed upon electricity in the
treatment of acute poliomyelitis. A word of warning is here
necessary.
The battery should not be brought into service too early
in the course of the disease, for it may serve to intensify the
inflammatory condition in the anterior horns. After all ac-
tive symptoms have subsided it will do good service. The
galvanic current must be the one used. Faradism will ac-
complish nothing except in those cases where there still re-
mains a slight faradic contractility. Such cases being of
mild character, it is a question iſ a spontaneous cure would
not occur without the faradism. I would not advise the ap-
plication of the galvanism for therapeutic purposes before
third or fourth week of the disease. In children its use is apt
to be astended with some resistance. While usually it is bet-
ter to use a current sufficiently strong to produce muscular
contractions, still applications of such may so frighten the
child as to make it the part of wisdom to employ only milder
currents. Of course as much may not be accomplished for
the time being. But if we persist in the employment of cur-
rents of painful strength, the terror excited in the child will
undo all the good that we accomplish.
As further means for preserving the nutrition of the parly-
zed extremities, we have friction of the limbs, and hot bath-
ing; both of these agents are important, and should be car-
ried out faithfully after the oncoming of the stage of atrophy.
The frictions are better preformed with the bare hand, un-
aided by the application of any medical agents. #āºre
Hot bathing of tha paralyzed extremities should be prac-
ticed at least once daily, the best plan being to place the af-
fected parts in warm water, and then add hot water slowly
until the bath is as hot as can be comfortably borne. The
limbs should be permitted to remain immersed for five or ten
minutes.
It must not be expected that the above recommendations
The Słaże Board of Medical Examiners. I4I
\ g
for the treatment of infantile palsy will yield brilliant results.
The very nature of the disease precludes such being the case.
But what they will do if faithfully followed, is to lessen quite
considerably the degree of permanent paralysis, and in
many instances prevent deformity. In these affections as in
most others of chronic character, the ideal result, (a rapid
cure) is not always obtainable, and the physician in his
anxiety for the wellfare of his patient, is apt to make frequent
changes of treatment. One-half of the battle will be gained
when he admits the difficulties of the case, and recognizes
that only patient persistent following out of the treatment he
may have planned, will yield him the best possible results.
In the above remarks I have not referred to the use of
orthopaedic appliances, because their consideration is a vast
subject in itself.
THE STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS.
BY D. R. STRICKLER, M. D., ST. PAUL, MINN.
[Road before the Minnesota Institute of Homeopathy, May, 1890.]
Understanding that the State Board of Medical Examiners
was to be discussed at this session of the Institute, we deci-
ded to spend some time in looking up the subject, in order
that we might intelligently take part in such discussion. We
have succeeded in getting together a few points which seem
to us to have a direct bearing on the subject, and, thinking
they may be of interest to the Institute we have written them
out so as to be more accessible.
In the first place we found the undertaking of looking over
the papers a much greater task than we had calculated on,
and, if our notes seem meager to you, we beg of you not to
pass judgment until you have personally gone over the
paperS.
Our observations were confined to the April examinations,
At this time there were eighteen candidates for examination,
each having to pass ten chairs, viz: Ist, Anatomy, 2nd, Physi-
ology, 3rd, Chemistry and Toxicology, 4th, Surgery, 5th,
Practice of Medicine, 6th, Materia Medica, 7th Medical
Jurisprudence, 8th, Eye and Ear, 9th, Obstetrics, Diseases of
I42 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
Women and Children, Ioth, Pathology, Histology, and Pre-
ventive Medicine.
Each of the ten chairs ask ten questions, except that of
Eye and Ear, which asks five; thus giving ninety-five ques-
tions to each man, and to the eighteen the sum of seventeen
hundred and ten questions. We need not tell you that in the
ten hours spent in looking over these papers we read careful-
ly each answer, and copied them for your perusal.
Further, while the records are public, the name is not
made public. This gave rise to some delay in reaching some
papers which we especially desired to examine. We have en-
deavored to be fair to all parties in the examination, to the
examiner and to the examined, and, if we seem to be unfair
to either, we can simply ask you to go back to the records
yourself.
We find the board to consist of nine members, six of whom
are old school and three homeopaths. The homeopaths at
present examine all applicants on chemistry and toxicology,
medical jurisprudence, pathology, Histology and preventive
medicine, and all homeopaths on materia medica and prac-
tice: while the old school examine on all the other branches.
In surgery, Obstetrics, diseases of women and children, if a
homeopath fails, his papers are submitted to a homeopath for
correction before he is rejected. An applicant, when he pre-
sents himself to the secretary of the board before examina-
tion, writes his name and place of graduation in a book kept
for the purpose. Opposite his name is written a number,
which is his for the examination, and by which he is known
to the board. This number appears on all his papers, and,
whether accepted or rejected, it is done by number, his
name at no time appearing. His School, if homeopathic, is
indicated in the chairs of materia medica and practice by the
word “homeopathic.” written across the top of the papers.
In no other case is the school supposed to be known to the
examiner. The book in which the number is written is unac-
cessible to the public and its contents known only to the sec-
retary of the board.
(We have since learned that it can be seen by the public,
but out of deference to some applicants who have failed once
or twice and finally passed, the board prefers not to show it,
The State Board of Medical Examiners. I 43
It can, however, be seen on demand, as it is public property
with all other records.)
All examinations are written, and the candidate is given two
hours on each branch, but may, at the discretion of the board,
in case of failure in certain branches, be suplemented by oral
examination before the board on those branches. The exam-
inations are held in the presence of the secretary of the board,
who distributes the questions on the subject under examina-
tion, and remains with the applicants until their papers are
finished or the time is up. Homeopaths in practice and
materia medica are marked by the homeopathic members of
the board. The markings are on the basis of Joo as maxi-
mum, and zero as minimum. On the day following the 3rd
day of examination the board meets and the candidates are
passed on by number; the rule in the board being that when
all but one or two chairs are satisfactorily passed the candi-
date is called before the board and is examined orally on the
chair or chairs in which he failed. When a candidate fails in
more than two branches he is not called up for Oral examina-
tion. He may, however, “present himself at any subsequent
regular meeting of the board and receive another examina-
tion.” The original or first board adopted rules and regula-
tions to govern the examinations, under which we find the
following:
“I. Any applicant for examination and license to practice
medicine in this state, of over five years standing before mak-
ing application for such examination and license, shall be
considered an “old practitioner,” and any such applicant who
is a graduate of less than five years shall be considered a
“recent graduate.”
“II. Applicants who are “old practitioners shall be re-
quired to obtain a mºnimum marking of not less than 65% in
each of the following subjects: Ist, Practice of Medicine; 2nd,
Practice of Surgery; 3rd, Materia Medica; 4th, Obstetrics,
Diseases of Women and Children; and a minimum marking of
not less than 35% on each of the following: 1st, Anatomy;
2nd, Chemistry; 3rd, Physiology; 4th, Pathology, Histology
and Preventive Medicine; 5th, Diseases of the Eye and Ear,
and 6th, Medical Jurisprudence.”
I 44 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
“III. Applicants who are “Recent Graduates” shall be
required to receive a minimum marking of 65% in the follow-
ing: Ist, Practice of Medicine; 2nd, Practise of Surgery; 3rd,
Materia Medica; 4th, Obstetrics, Diseases of Women and
Children; and a minimum marking of not less than 50% in
each of the following: 1st, Anatomy; 2nd, Chemisty; 3rd,
Physiology; 4th, Pathology, Histology and Preventive Medi-
cine; 5th, Diseases of the Eye and Ear, and 6th, Medical
Jurisprudence.”
“IV. No applicant shall be issued a license whose general
av-rage in all the subjects in which he is examined by this
board is less than 65%; Ioo being the highest average possi-
ble for any applicant to obtain.”
The above, we believe, covers the general workings of the
board, so far as they will interest this Institute.
We will now turn our attention to the April examination.
That some of the answers are interesting the following will
attest: We find one in answer to “Give the structure of the
testicles,” who says “Composed of a body, head and tail;
body made up of convoluted tubules, coated by six different
coverings.” Another says “The testicles are composed of
fibrous and cartilaginous tissues in different directions; also,
of a medullary substance, together with arteries, veins and
nerves.”
The phrenic nerve, we are told, arises from the brachial
plexus and is distributed principally to the lungs; while, to
judge from the answers we would conclude that the tensor
vaginae femoris, and the psoas magnus muscles vary greatly
in their origin and and insertion in different individuals.
“The glans penis passes through the prostrate gland. There
are three lobes or parts of said gland.” “Symptoms of Scar-
let fever—malace on part of child “ ” * * the sequlae
may be death or recovery,” and much more that is both in-
teresting and instructive, but we need not be surprised at this,
when we consider that there were eighteen candidates, each
having the ninety-five questions to answer, some of the can-
didates out of college for many years, others not yet opened
their offices and some of the questions more technical than
practical, We were somewhat at a loss to know how to pro-
The Słaże Board of Medical Examiners. I45
ceed with the different papers when we found that the papers
on Physiology, Surgery, Chemistry and Toxicology, Anatomy,
Practice, and Eye and Ear, except in one instance, were not
marked; so that it was impossible to tell from the papers
whether they were accepted or rejected by the board. We
found the papers on Materia Medica, Obstetrics, Diseases of
Women and Children, Medical Jurisprudence marked for each
question, and in Pathology, Histology and Preventive Medi-
cine, with general averages, but with no markings to individual
questions. As the papers on Obstetrics, Diseases of Women
and Children, were all marked by an old-school examiner we
chose these for comparing individual markings between two
two papers, one showing on its face to be that of a homeopath,
another an old-school candidate. We were well aware that
here was room for unfairness on the part of the investigator
toward the examiner, and we chose three questions out of
the ten in which we thought the homeopath was marke,”
unjustly low; also chose in comparison to answers of other
candidates whose school was evidenced by their papers in
general, and submitted these answers to five different repre-
sentative men for their marking; they, in no case, knowing to
what school the writer belonged. The result is as follows:
QUESTION. BOARD. Ist. 2nd. 3rd. 4th. 5th.
I, Homeopath marked, - - - - 5 - - - 7 - - -8-- - - 7.5 - - -8- - - 5
2, Old-school & 4 ----7---8---7----0 ---5---4
3, 4 & & 4 & 4 ----9---0---0----5 - - - 7 - - - 7
4, Homeopath “ - - - - 5 - - - 7 - - - 5 - - - - 7 - 5 - - -5- - - 5
5, & 4 & 4 ----5---9---8----8 ----7---8
Number 1 and 2 are answers to the same question.
& & 3 and 4. & 4 & 4 & 4 & 4 & 4 & 4
Here we noticed quite a difference of opinion, showing
that different men have different standards in marking. (For
the questions see page 150.)
The only other papers examined by the old school, in
which the school-homeopathy is shown is in “Surgery” in
answer to question No. Io. “Give local and constitutional
reatment of acute synovitis,” and in “Eye and Ear.” As we
ave said, these latter branches are not marked on the papers
\d we had no means of comparing the markings.


I46 AVorá/izwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
|
Of the eighteen candidates who were examined in April,
fifteen were old-school and three homeopaths. Of these,
fourteen failed to pass on written examination, four of whom
failing on but two branches, and one on but one branch, were
requested to come before the board for oral examination on
the branches on which they failed. Four came up for oral
examination, and all were passed.
We find the failures in different branches as follows:
Mat. Med. Path. Prac Obst. Anat. Chem. Med Jr’sp. Surg. Eye.
O. S. 2 7 3 5 9 2 2 3 2
Hom. 2 3 I 2 I 2 2 2 I
4 IO 4. 7 I 2 5 4. 5 3
Of the three homeopaths who came up we find one failing
in Pathology, Practice, Materia Medica, Obstetrics, Anatomy,
Chemistry, and Medical Jurisprudence, and the third in Sur-
gery, Materia Medica, Obstetrics, Anatoay, Chemistry, Path-
ology, Eye and Ear, and Medical Jurisprudence, and the
third in Surgery, Anatomy, Chemistry and Pathology. You
will notice that all failed in Anatomy, Chemistry, and Path-
ology, Histology and Preventive Medicine branches, in which
the school could not possibly be detected, and if detected in
Chemistry and Pathology, no harm could result, as they would
be examined by homeopaths. Two failed in Materia Medica,
Obstetrics, Medical Jurisprudence and Surgery, while one
failed in the Eye and Ear and another in Practice. We are
convinced that the failure of all, or of any of the homeopathic
candidates in the April examination could not possibly be
due to favoritism in the board. We furthermore find that
since the board came into existence the percentage of failure
has been greater in the old-school than in homeopathy, being
38.8 p. c. old-school and 37.7 p. c. homeopathy.
Believing that we have fully stated the facts that tend to
sustain the board we wish to add a few criticisms on the
same. We believe the questions in general, with the excep-
tion of physiology, to be more technical than necessary to
“test the candidates' fitness to practice medicine and surg
ery;” especially if a man is to receive zero as a mark on suc
questions as “3. Give the origin and insertion of the tenso
vaginae femoris,” or “5. Give the origin and insertion of t
(

The State Board of Medical Axaminers. I47
psoas magnus,” if he failed in giving these properly. We are
well aware that some latitude must be allowed in markings,
as different men adopt different standards; but we neverthe-
less believe criticism is called for against such arbitrary ques-
tions with their markings. We find that out of fourteen fail-
ures twelve failed on anatomy. In surgery, out of ten ques-
tions, four are on hip-joint dislocation. As sixty-five per
cent. is necessary to pass, if a man should chance to know
nothing of hip-joint dislocation, and as the trouble is rarely
seen this might happen to an old practitioner, ‘though he re-
ceived one hundred per cent. On all other questions, he could
not pass. It is due to Dr. A. C. Wedge, who examines on
this branch, to say that he is accredited with being one of the
most lenient men on the board. We are of the opinion that
this is true, as we find that but five failed to pass the chair (3
O. S., 2 H ) We might mention other chairs but prefer to
have you judge for yourselves from the questions, a complete
list of which we have, and should be pleased to show any
who may care to see them. (See end of article )
As before said, in the chair of obstetrics, diseases of women
and children, surgery, eye and ear, the questions are of such
nature that a homeopath would, if true to his belief, show his
school in his answers. These papers have been marked by
the old-school examiner, and, in case of failure, submitted to
a homeopathic member for correction. This, while apparent-
ly fair, seems to us to work an injustice to the homeopathic
applicant in two ways: First, he may pass with just sixty-five
per cent., when his paper will not be submitted. His paper
may entitle him to seventy-five per cent., which would raise
his general average on all branches. That this is not simply
imaginative on the part of the writer is attested by the fact
, that we found one paper marked sixty-five per cent. by an
old-school member. A single answer on which he was
marked five, was copied and shown to five different men for
marking, with the following result:
BOARD MARKING. 1st. 2nd. 3rd. 4th. 5th.
5 9 8 8 7 8
Second, when an old-school man fails to pass a homeopath,
no submits the paper for correction, the homeopath would
{el a hesitancy to raise the marking, least he might give



I48 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
room for the other to say “I would not pass him were he old-
school, but your men cannot be judged by the same test, con-
sequently your men are treated more leniently,” etc. Exact-
ly the same sentiment would govern the homeopathic member
that governs the advocate of the single board, viz: We want
the old-school and the people in general to understand that
our men can prove, by the same tests, their capability tC)
practice medicine and surgery. With this sentiment we are in
sympathy; consequently were we on the board, we would
greatly prefer to mark a paper, to correcting it, or confirming
the markings.
This matter was called to the attention of the secretary of
the board, who said he knew there would be no objection on
the part of the board, to having all papers, wherein the can-
didate, by his answers, shows his school, notably on surgery,
and obstetrics, diseases of women and children, examined
and marked by the homeopaths; and, as he had the distribut-
ing to do, said that in the future he would see to it that the
homeopathic members of the board should examine the
papers of homeopathic applicants on these branches, as well
as on practice of medicine and materia medica. It does,
however, seem to us that there should be something more ex-
plicit in the law or the rules and regulations on this subject.
We find, also, that the branches are divided, so far as the
percentages necessary to pass are concerned, into two classes.
Namely, those requiring sixty-five per cent. and those requir-
ing fifty per cent. for “recent graduates,” and thirty-five per
cent for “old practitioners.” From this we infer that the
first are considered the more important branches. The sec-
ond of less importance. In the first list we fail to find a
member of our school, save on materia medica, where there
is one for each school. Not knowing how, or by whom, the
branches were distributed we withhold criticism and content
ourselves with calling attention to the fact.
As to the law under which this board was appointed, we
are of the opinion that it is unjust to the homeopathic schoo
in that, it places it in the power of the old-school to decid
entirely who shall, and who shall not pass the board, but w
find no evidence that such dictation has, in a single instanc
been attempted; in fact, we have been assured by home




The Słaże Board of Medica/ Examiners. I49
pathic members of the board, that their wishes are always
granted with the best of will where a homeopathic applicant
is concerned. We are, however, of the opinion that it is our
duty to see that the law, as it now exists, shall not stand on
the statutes as a menace to our school. Whether this is the
proper time to take up the subject may be a matter of some
question; we fear that to do so when the board is meeting
with such severe criticism on all sides, by the friends of those
who fail, might prove fatal to an executive board in any shape,
This, we think, would be a great misfortune, as we believe there
is a work, and that a good work, for a medical board proper-
ly constituted. We have faith in our own school, and believe
it as capable of protecting the “dear public” as any other.
We also believe a board composed of an equal number from
both schools would be equally as efficient with one composed
of members from either school alone, but that one plan or
the other must be adopted sooner or later we have no ques-
tion.
To summarize:
Ist. We are convinced that in the April examination no
| homeopath failed through partiality on the part of the
examiner.
2nd. We believe that the present board is disposed to
treat all candidates with equal fairness, but would recommend
that every homeopathic candidate receive his markings, on
the branches of Surgery and Obstetrics, Diseases of Women,
or any other branches in which he may show his school, by a
homeopathic member of the board.
3rd. We believe the board in general, with one or two
exceptions, more rigid than is necessary “to test candidates
fitness to practice medicine and surgery.”
4th. We consider the law, under which this board act, ex-
tremely unjust to the homeopathic school, in that it places it
in the power of the old-school to dictate who shall, and who
shall not practice medicine and surgery in the state. &
That the old-school members of the board have made no
ttempt to so dictate must not blind us to the fact that the
ºw, in its present form, gives them such power. We are not
dy to believe that the old-school loves us any better to-

f 56 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
day than it did earlier. If it has ceased hostilities in one
direction we may look for them from another. Whether the
present is the best time to demand our rights is for the In-
stitute to consider. Let us not be caught napping, but
remember that for us “eternal vigilence is the price of liberty.”
LIST OF QUESTIONS ASKED IN APRIL EXAMINATION.
* ANATOMY.
April Examination, 1890, D. F. Collins, M. D.
1. Give the anatomy of the elbow joint.
2. Give a general description of the cerebellum.
3. Give the origin and insertion of the tensor vaginae
femoris.
4. Name the parts severed in amputating forearm (middle
third.)
5. Give the origin and insertion of the psoas magnus.
6. Give the origin and distribution of the phrenic nerve.
7. Give a description of the hip joint—articulation, liga-
ments, etc.
8. Give the structure of the arteries and veins.
9. Give the structure of the prostate gland.
Io. Give the structure of the testicle.
PHYSIOLOGY.
April Examination, 1890, Arthur Sweeny, M. D.
I. Is the flow of blood through the veins as regular as
through the arteries?
2. What is lymph?
3. Can an urate deposit be seen immediately after urine
has been passed?
4. What is the physiological difference between man and
woman? -
5. In what way does mastication aid digestion?
6. Does muscular activity increase or decrease the amount
of absorption of oxygen?
7. Is loss of function in a divided nerve permanent?
‘8. Is nervous irritability exhausted or increased by re
peated excitement? w
9. In what portion of the mouth is located the sense
taste?
Io. What are the necessary conditions for impregnati

The State Board of Medical Examiners. I5 J
CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY.
Apr 11 Examination, 1890, P M. Hall, M. D.
Physical properties of normal urine.
Abnormal constituents of normal urine.
Give three different tests for albumen in urine.
Give three different tests for sugar in urine.
What is an “alkaloid?”
What is a “ptomaine?”
Define “Toxicology.”
Treatment of alkaline poisons.
Symptoms and treatment of “Paris Green poisoning.”
o. Symptoms and treatment of “chloral poisoning.”
SURGERY.
April Examination, 1890, A. C. Wedge, M. D
I. Name the four distinct luxations of the hip joint.
2. Give the symptoms of hip-joint dislocations upon the
dorsum illi, also into the obturator foramen.
3. Give differential diagnosis of hip-joint dislocations.
4. Give mode of reduction in dislocation on dorsum illi.
5. In penetrating wounds of the abdomen, how would you
determine whether or not the internal organs were wounded?
6. What vessels would you have to ligate in amputation of
leg through upper third?
7. Give the three chief varieties of cancer “as recognized.”
8. Give some general characteristics of each variety.
9. Give the names of several varieties of non-malignant
tum Or.
Io. Give local and constitutional treatment of acute
synovitis.
PRACTICE OF MEDICINE.
April Examination, 1890, G. W. Wood, M. D.
I. Give pathology, symptoms and treatment of La Grippe.
Is it caused by germs?
2. Cause, symptoms and treatment of paratyphlitis.
3. Cause, symptoms and treatment of epilepsy.
4. Cause, symptoms and treatment of herpes zoster.
5. Differentiate between scarlatina and rothin. Give
symptoms and treatment.
6. Cause, symptoms and treatment of gall stones.
I52 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
7. Differentiate between typhoid and typhus fever, giving
the treatment of each.
8. Differentiate between gonorrhoea and prostatorrhoea,
giving symptoms and treatment of each.
9. Cause, symptoms and treatment of foecal accumulations
in the colon.
Io. Differentiate between scrofulous, or tubercular, and
pneumonic phthisis, giving symptoms and treatment.
HOMEOPATHIC MATERIA MEDICA.
January Examination, 1890, P. M. Hall, M. D.
I. Name three remedies used in “pneumonia,” and give
their indications.
2. Name three remedies used in “peritonitis” and give
their indications.
3. Name three remedies used in “rheumatic fever” and
give their indications.
4. Name three remedies used in “pleurisy” and give their
indications.
5. Name three remedies used in “stomatitis” and give
their indications.
6. Name three remedies used in “mastitis” and give their
indications.
7. Name three remedies used in “nephritis” and give their
indications.
8. Name three remedies used in “tyyhoid” an give their
indications.
9. Name three remedies used in “synovitis” and give
their indications.
Io. Name three remedies used in “gastritis” and give their
indications.
MEDICAL JURISPRUDENCE.
April Examination, 1890. H. M. Lufkin, M. D.
I. Define medical jurisprudence.
2. Give four points of difference distinguishing vital ec-
chymosis (bruise) from post mortem ecchymosis.
3. Give six causes of sudden death (excluding violence
and poisons.) *
4. Differentiate alcoholic coma and apoplexy.
7%e State Board of Medical Examiners. I53
5. Give the pathological appearances in a case of death
from suffocation.
6. Post mortem appearances and test establishing the fact
of live birth.
7. Give what you would consider sufficient evidence (post
mortem) to prove criminal abortion.
8. Describe a foetus of four months.
9. Give a chemical test of blood.
Io. What change does the coloring matter of blood un-
dergo by exposure to air.
EYE AND EAR.
April Examination, 1890. Althur Sweeney, M. D.
I. Causes, symptoms and treatment of ophthalmia neon-
at Orum.
2. Causes, symptoms and treatment of chronic suppura-
tive inflammation of the middle ear.
3. Causes, symptoms and treatment of trachoma.
4. Causes and surgical treatment of mastoid abscess.
5. Changes in the eye in Bright’s disease. Changes in the
eye in diabetes mellitus.
OBSTETRICS.
Aplil Examination, 1890. A. C. Failbain, M. D.
1. Enumerate and describe the pelvic diameters, giving
the average measurement of each. •
2. Enumerate and describe the different cranial presen-
tations.
3. Describe the management of a natural labor through
the different stages. x
4. What is post-partum haemorrhage? Give causes and
treatment.
DISEASES OF WOMEN.
I. What is dysmenorrhoea? Give causes and treatment.
2. Describe rectocele. Give causes and treatment.
3. What is vaginismus? Give diagnosis and treatment
DISEASES OF CHILDREN.
1. Give symptoms and treatment of whooping cough.
2. Give symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of capillary
bronchitis.
f 54 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopa/hy.
3. Describe scarlet fever. What are the sequalae of scar-
let fever.
PATHOLOGY.
April Examination, 1890. E. C. Bowman, M. D.
Describe the pathological changes occurring in
I. Pleurisy.
2. Tuberculosis (of any tissue.)
3. Scarlet fever.
4. Otitis media.
HISTOLOGY.
5. What is the study of histology, in its relation to med-
icine. *
6. Name the different histological elements found in the
human body.
7. How is a knowledge of histology of practical use to the
physician?
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE.
8. What is preventive medicine?
9. What is the scope of its application?
Io. When and how applied?
The eye dropper is a safe and convenient instrument for
carrying medications to the urethra. It holds about the
proper quantity of medicine, and is less liable to produce bad
results than the urethral syringe.
Mars, of Krakau, describes a new method, by which he has
succeeded in three cases in extracting the presenting breech,
when he had failed by the ordinary manual methods. In his
first case the breech presented S. L. A., as fully dilated, breech
arrested at superior strait, beginning acute Oedema of the
lungs in the mother. Failing to extract by means of the
fingers hooked into the groins and by other manual methods,
he adopted the following procedure: Supporting the fundus
with the left hand, he introduced his right hand fiatwise
within the uterus between the uterine wall and the child’s
sacrum, until the hand was high enough to enable him to
garsp the foetus with the thumb and little finger just above
iliac crests, while the other fingers were extended along the
foetal spine. He then drew upon the foetal trunk during the
pains, which pressed his hand firmly against the child’s body,
until the breech was brought to the pelvic floor, when the
foetus was easily extracted.— Boston Medica/ and Surgica/
Journa/.
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
All communications for publication, books fol review, etc., should be addressed
to the editor, A. C. Cowpel thwaite, M. D., Iowa City, Iowa.
Business communications should be addlessed to the business manager, F. J.
Newbelly, M. D., at the office of publication, 63 Filst avenue, Cedal Rapids, Iowa.
The Editor is not responsible for any statements or opinions expressed by con-
tributols.
MEDICAL EXAMINING BOARDS.
Those who were present and heard the report of the legis-
lative committee of the American Institute of Homeopathy,
both majority and minority, and the discussions which fol-
lowed, must have been impressed with the idea that the
wonderful enthusiasm existing but a few months ago in favor
of uniform state laws requiring separate examining boards in
each state was rapidly cooling off, and good judgment and
sound sense were taking the place of hotheaded impulse and
foolish sentiment.
The committee presented both majority and minority re-
ports. The majority report was decidedly adverse to the
formation of state boards of medical examiners and main-
tained that the formation of such boards was decidedly
restrictive and un-American like. It also favored the regis-
tration of diplomas. The minority report was presented by
Dr. H. M. Paine, of Albany, and was in favor of separate
state boards of examiners, one for each school of medicine,
in those states where it was deemed advisable by the legisla-
tors to have examining boards legalized. Dr. Paine was
especially opposed to mixed examining boards, with minority
homeopathic representation, and in the discussion which
followed he made some very extravagant statements in regard
to the treatment of the homeopathic members of such boards
by the allopathic representatives. These statements were
thoroughly disproved by Prof. R. Ludlam, of the Illinois
board, and by those who were cognizant of the workings of
I56 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
the Iowa and Minnesota boards. It is quite remarkable the
cordial feelings that exist between the various schools repre-
sented on mixed boards, and any lack of courtesy by the old-
school members, or any efforts by them to take advantage of
their majority representation has yet to be shown. This is
not only a fact, but a very remarkable fact when we take into
consideration the general attitude of the old-school towards
those whom they are pleased to call “irregular.” There can
be no question but that mixed examining boards, and mixed
faculties in state universities have done much towards soften-
ing the animosities heretofore existing, and in that way if in
no other have examining boards been the means of accom-
plishing good. Nevertheless, we would not have it under-
stood that we advocate mixed boards in preference to separ-
ate boards, or that we advocate examining boards of any kind
whatever. Our attitude upon that subject is already known,
and our reasons have been sufficiently set forth in previous
numbers of this journal. We are opposed to anything and
everything in the way of examining boards, and believe the
principle to be wrong both in theory and in practice. We
are glad to see that the sentiment of the profession in all
schools of medicine is rapidly changing upon this subject,
and we hope to live to see the day when state censorship in
medicine will be absolutely and entirely abandoned, save
that in order to practice medicine a physician must register
a diploma from a reputable medical college, no examination
or device whatever taking the place of that document, and its
possession being an evidence that no farther examination to
establish the fitness of its possessor is necessary. Theorize
as much as we please the fact remains that a diploma is, or
should be, the only standard of professional qualification.
Let state laws be enacted regulating the curriculum of medi-
cal colleges, and establishing a uniform standard of medical
education, and then farther censorship will beentirely unneces-
sary. This could be easily accomplished. The same amount
of energy displayed in this direction as has been shown by
the profession in securing state examining boards would
accomplish vastly more for the elevation of the profession,
and would have about it none of the elements of unfairness
and sectarianism that seem inseperable from laws creating
examining boards. Medical Colleges are already taking the
lead in raising the standard of medical education, and they
Medical Bºcamining Board's. I57
only need the power of the State to wipe out fraudulent insti-
tutions and make legal and binding the requirements they
themselves adopt, in Order to bring about a simple solution
of what under present methods seems to be an exceedingly
difficult and vexing problem.
IT must be admitted that the Old School are to blame for
the enactment of existing medical laws, and the homeopathic
profession cannot be blamed for suspecting the motives that
instigate the abnormal activity in this direction. Even though
in Illinois, Iowa and other States mixed boards have proved
a success, there is nevertheless ever present an element of
danger and menace to the homeopathic school that cannot
be denied. This is especially apparent in the original efforts
to secure such legislation. One of the latest specimens of
such a proposed effort, and where the disposition of the Old
School on the subject is quite evident, may be seen in the fol-
lowing resolution which was unanimously adopted by the
Michigan State Medical Society:
“Your committee respectfully recommend the appointment
at this meeting, of a committee of nine members, whose duty
it shall be to use all honorable means to secure the enactment
by the coming legislature, of a bill to regulate the practice of
medicine in Michigan, one main provision of such bill being
the establishment of an independent board of examiners, be-
fore whom all candidates for admission to practice in this
State shall be required to appear for examination and ap-
proval.”
The Medida/Ara expresses itself upon the subject as follows:
“The proposition involved in this resolution is unjust and
unfair. The intention is, it is fair to presume, that this board
shall be composed exclusively of so-called ‘regulars.’ We
have a right to take this much for granted.
“Hence, to compel a homeopathic physician—be he a gad-
uate of a homeopathic college in Michigan, or in any other
State—to appear before a board thus constituted, for “exami-
nation and approval,” would be an encroachment upon civil
rights such as no self-respecting man should submit to. If
boards of the kind are to be constituted, then the homeo-
paths must demand their own separate board, and the right
to “examine and approve” the physicians of their own school.
We are not contending for the establishment of such boards;
our claim is that if such boards are to be established, then
there must be a separate board in the interests of homeopathic
physicians and the homeopathic school.
“For this the homeopathic profession of Michigan must
stand as one man. And they are bound to succeed, as they
always have succeeded in the past.”
I58 Morſ/ºwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
BOOK NOTES.
THE HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM, by Dr.
Gallvardin, of Lyons, France. Translated from the French,
by Arenaeus D. Foulon, A. M., M. D., L. L. D., Philadel-
phia. Hahnemann Publishing House, 1890, Pages 138.
Price $1.oo.
The author claims unbounded success in the treatment of
alcoholism, by what he terms his psychical treatment, as laid
down in this little work, and cites numerous clinical cases.
He says,
“From 1854 to 1874 I practiced, like other physicians, a
species of vetrinary medicine on man. But, since 1871, re-
sults, at first rare, then more and more numerous, observed
among my patients, have demonstrated to me that it is possi-
ble to practice on a man a really human medicine, by curing
him not only of his diseases, but also of his passions and
failings.”
The translator has done his work well, the language being
well put and forcible. The Homeopathist will find much to
interest him in this volume.
DISEASES OF THE EYE AND EAR, by C. H. Vilas, A. M., M.D.,
Professor of diseases of Eye and Ear, in Hahnemann Med-
ical College, Chicago, Boericke & Tafel, 1890, Pp. I 17.
This work is not a revision of Prof. Vilas’ former work, but
is an entirely new production written in an attractive form and
containing nearly everything that a general practitioner is
likely to need, concerning these subjects: The Professor has
certainly condensed a great amount of information into a
limited space, and from an inspection of the pages find it
fully abreast with the times, and with the late and important
developements of the day. But little attention is given to
surgical procedures, as the general practitioner has but little
desire to enter the domain of Surgery upon these delicate or-
gans, but the homeopathic therapeutics are fully given as
well as the accessory treatment indicated in the varied dis-
eases and conditions described. The letter-press is admir-
able, and altogethar the volume is an attractive one, and will
meet with a most favorable reception from the physician in
general practice, for whom it is intended.
PHILOSOPHY IN HOMEOPATHY, by Charles S. Mack, M. D., Pro-
fessor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in the Homeo-
pathic Medical College of the University of Michigan,
Chicago, Gross & Delbridge, 1890, Pp. 174.
This is a compilation of letters and papers by Prof. Mack,
setting forth the views held by the homeopathist of to-day
as understood by him; and well he handles this subject,
AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy. I59
There are many even among those who employ the homeo-
pathic practice, and acknowledge the superiority of homeo-
pathic methods who are still considerably in the dark as to
what are our fundamental doctrines. Prof. Mack here lays
down in a clear and concise manner the articles of faith to
which most homeopathists will subscribe. Altogether it is a
most readable little work. One of the highest compliments to
its merit is the savage attack made upon it by the Allopathic
American Medica/ſ/ourna/ in a recent number. The publish-
ers have well done their part in putting out, the work in new
clear type on fine paper.
|
The Faculty of the Homeopathic Medical Department
have recently issued the following circular:
STATE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA.
HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.
OFFICE OF THE DEAN.
IOWA CITY, Aug. 6, 1890.
Dear Doctor:—The Faculty of the Homeopathic Medical
Department of the State University of Iowa, desire to con-
gratulate the profession of Iowa on the fact that after years
of writing and ceaseless efforts, we have at last succeeded in
securing the nucleus of a homeopathic hospital connected
with the university, and under state control. At their state
meeting the Board of Regents made a sufficient appropriation
to enlarge the present college building, so they will excellent-
ly answer both college and hospital purposes. The work is
now progressing, and it is hoped that the building will be
completed and ready for occupancy within the next thirty
days. This will not only greatly increase our hospital facili-
ties, and afford students better advantages for clinical study,
but also, what is equally important, it will do away with the
financial embarassment that has harassed us in the past, and
has made it necessary for us to appeal to the profession for
financial aid. While gifts of money will still be acceptable
and can be used to great advantags, as in any public charity
of this character, nevertheless our appeal in the future is for
clinical rather than financial support. The profession are
urged to give the new State Homeopathic Hospital encour-
agement, by sending to it patients that can be used for the
clinical instruction of our clases. The rates will be made as
low as possible, and patients can be assured that they will re-
ceive good care and nursing. Correspondence may be di-
rected either to Prof. J. G. Gilchrist, secretary of the hospital,
r to the undersigned. Fraternally yours,
A. C CowPERTHWAITE,
Dean of the Faculty.
I6o Morthwesteem Journal of Aſomeopmthy.
PRAISE FROM SIR HUBERT.-A more agreeable journey
through diversified and attractive scenery than that which can
be made by one of the two daily vestibuled fast trains of the
Baltimore & Ohio railroad between Chicago and Washington,
Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York would be hard to find.
The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad of to-day is a vastly different
institution from that which it was a few years ago. The an-
tiquated locomotives and cars which then constituted its
equipment have given place to rolling stock of the latest and
best patterns and the through trains, vestibuled from engine
to rear sleeper and including dining cars and Pullman cars of
the most modern and luxurious character, compare favorably
with those of any in the world. The sleeping cars especially
built for these trains a few months ago have some admirable
improvements. The elegant simplicity of the interior deco-
rations is in marked contrast to the louder ornamentation
which not long ago was considered the height of art in such
places. The wood is of mahogany with little carved or raised
work, but brought down to the highest finish, carefully select-
ed for fine grain and texture and showing highly artistic cabi-
net work which the eye does not tire of admiring. The im-
provement in the locomotive equipment is equally remarkable.
In order to climb the Alleghenies, from whose heights the
passenger enjoys views of sublimity and beauty which he nev-
er forgets, heavy grades and numerous curves were necessary
in constructing the road and until recently it required the
help of extra engines to get a train to the summit. Now
when the foot of the mountain is reached, instead of two or
more engines being called into service there is attached to
the train a single engine weighing 67 tons, having six coupled
drivers and cylinders 21x26 inches in size, and this powerful
machine takes the heavy train up the long stretches of grades,
reaching as high as 118 feet to the mile, at a lively pace. The
daylight ride over the mountains, especially in the time of
verdure, shows a wonderfully attractive panorama in which
grandeur and beauty are constantly mingled, and indeed the
entire journey between Washington and Chicago proves the
propriety of calling this road “Picturesque B. & O.”—Rail-
70ay Age.
The Taylor & Myers Pharmacy Co., of St. Paul, are extend-
ing the sale of their goods into all the western states, and their
homeopathic preparations are meeting with a most favorable
reception from practitioners, who pronounce their goods l
thoroughly reliable.
THE advantages of “sterilized” milk cannot be ignored.
Send to the Malted Milk Co., Racine, Wis., for a sample o
“Malted Milk.”


The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
VOL. II, CEDAR RAPIDs, Iowa, SEPTEMBER, I890. NO, 6.
ETIOLOGY OF FEVERS AND ITS RELATION TO PRE-
VENTIVE TREATMENT AND THERAPEUTICs.
BY PROF. W. H. DICKINSON, M. D., DES MOINES, IOW.A.
[Read before the Hahnemann Medical Association of Iowa, May, 1890.]
The chief factors in the causation of fevers are twofold,
namely: Agencies which find entrance into the organism of
the body through various channels, and secondly those which
cause disturbance of function and interruption of the harmo-
nious co-ordination of the secretory and excretory organs of
the body.
To the first class belong the potent class variously called
miasms, viruses, microbes, germs, bacteria, bacilli, etc. To
the later, undue exposure to heat and cold, overwork, errors
in diet, etc. J
The ephemeral, gastric and catarrhal fevers are produced
by the second class of causes. -
But by far the more numerous, more fatal and more preva-
lent are those which owe their origin to the first class. Ty-
phoid, typhus, malaria, yellow, exanthematous, relapsing,
dandy fevers (and last, but not least, the mysterious disease
which has so lately raged all over the civilized world, and
which I believe will yet find its nosological place among the
fevers) all owe their origin to some subtle agent, which enter-
ing the body by divers channels sets up the morbid action we
call disease. This second class of etiological factors I shall
consider in this article.
Whatever different opinions may prevail respecting the
“causa morborum” in fevers, One thing is evident. Some
I62 Morthwesteem /ournal of Homeopmżhy.
agent capable of rapid multiplication, and necessarily in con-
sequence a living Organism, gains entrance into the body and
sets up its work of irritation disintegration and destruction.
I do not know as it makes much difference what we call those
entities, whether germs, micro-organisms, bacilli or miasms.
They have certain properties in common. They are living,
are capable of reproduction in favorable media, are repro-
duced very rapidly and in enormous numbers, survive in the
dejections of the body and fomites of the sick room for an
indefinite period; attack with greater or less vigor every tissue
of the body, and when finally expelled rarely succeed in a
second attack. Each of these toxic agents although general
in its assault on the Organism, yet has its special points of
attack. Thus the poison of typhoid particularly affects the
intestinal glands. Typhus, the sensory nervous system; vari-
ola and scarlet fever, the skin; measles, the respiratory tract;
yellow fever the greater secretory and excretory glands, and
malaria the blood and spleen.
Why each minute organism directs its fiercest assault upon
particular tissues and organs we do not know. It is one of
the profoundest problems in pathology, but as seed sown in
the soil bears each after its own kind, so each of these minute
organisms constantly reproduces in kind and effect, varying
only in degree.
I myself am becoming more and more inclined to accept
the so-called germ theory of disease, particularly in the con-
tagious and infectious diseases. This theory better than any
other explains the characteristic phenomena witnessed. I
may suppose that no one questions the discovery and descrip-
tion of these micro-organisms, their isolation, their cultivation
and rapid multiplication in Suitable vehicles, closely anala-
gous to the tissues of the human body; the induction of a
specific disease by their introduction into a healthy body.
The similarity of results following such introduction (I am
aware that this has been denied) rather lead to the conclusion
that morbid phenomena are the result of the toxic action of
the Organism, rather than as some allege that the organisms
are sequences of pathological changes. &
In considering the Etiology of fevers certain puzzling Ques-
tions arise, Why does one attack, save in one variety, secure
Báiology of Fevers. I63
immunity as a rule from a second attack? Why are all fevers,
save one, self limited? Why do endemics or epidemics vary
so widely in severity and fatality? Whatever hypothesis of
causation we adopt we are confronted by the same difficulty
of solution of these questions. As this article is intended to
be mainly suggestive of discussion, I hope some one will offer
plausible solutions of these, to me, enigmas.
I will now briefly consider the Etiology of ſevers in relation
to preventive treatment.
Preventive treatment may be twofold. First, to prevent.
infective or contagious matter from gaining entrance into the
body. Second, to destroy it after having gained entrance and
before any pathological action has been induced by its pres-
ence. Again, there are other methods of preventing infection;
one by guarding the individual by quarantine and isolation,
and secondly by rendering aseptic the media such as water
and food by which infection can be conveyed. It is the duty
of every physician to make himself thoroughly familiar with
the most effective methods of limiting the spread and stamp-
ing out preventible diseases.
Can we, however, when once the germs of disease have
effected a lodgement, destroy them before they commence
their work of irritation and disintegration, and if so by what
methods? It is evident that it is by no means easy to deter-
mine the presence of the enemy until it becomes manifest by
its effects. But I feel confident that at least in some diseases
we have efficient prophylactics in our materia medica, namely:
Belladonna in scarlet fever; veratrum and cuprum in cholera;
lachesis in diphtheria. Vaccination is an almost certain pre-
ventive in Small-pox, even though the individual has been ex-
posed to infection.
But allowing the truth of the germ theory, can the alleged
germicides be employed as preventives? In surgery they
seem to be effective in preventing the entrance of germs and
by general consent much of the success of modern surgery is
due to aseptic and antiseptic precautions, as well as to the
more thorough cleanliness employed by surgeons.
But it is doubtful if any of the germicides can be employed
with safety in fevers. It is true they might if introduced into
the circulation destroy micro-organisms, but they would also
be likely to destroy the patient.
I64 Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
There is a malpractice case pending in our city, where a
patient drank by mistake a solution of mercuric choride, jr.-
tended only as a gargle to disinfect diphtheria exudate, death
occurring in a few hours.
What bearing does Etiology have in the therapeutics of
fever? We will first consider what force is inherent in the
organism to repel these morbific agencies. The vis medica-
trix nature is not a myth of the ancients. The vital force, so
called in the absence of a better name, is strong to resist
assault and to repel invaders. The stomach tries to turn the
intruder out of doors. The intestinal canal pours out its
secretions and washes them out in a liquid torrent. The kid-
neys eliminate and dilute, the leucocytes attack, destroy and
encyst. Indeed, I think the leucocyte or white cell plays the
most important part in antagonism to disease.
In an able article on Optimism and Pessimism in therapeu-
tics read before this society in 1888, by Dr. C. W. Eaton, he
magnifies the office of the cell, not only in building up the
tissues and structures of the body, but also as the principal
agent in tearing down abnormal structure and carrying away
morbid material. He says our bodies are our structures upon
which are engaged by day and by night millions of Liliputian
workmen, busily tearing out and carrying away the old mater-
ial and replacing it with new and serviceable. This is con-
tinued regeneration of the body, and when this activity
becomes abnormal, disease is the consequence. But I fancy
there is another sphere for cell activity. It will be remem-
bered that many, indeed, nearly all pathologists believe that
disease is the direct consequence of the entrance of micro-
organisms or miasms into the tissues. We may liken them to
an army invading a neighboring territory for purpose of sub-
jugation and destruction. The cells meet them at the frontier,
contest their entrance and defend every avenue and citidel
against their assault. The battle rages with a vigor propor-
tionate to the number and rapid multiplication of the assail-
ants and the vigor and force of the defendants. In many
instances the assailants are speedily beaten back and de-
stroyed; in many others they make headway, destroy the
defenders of the territory and inflict almost irreparable damage
before their progress is stayed. In others they storm this
Ætio/ogy of Fevers. I65
bastion, undermine this vital defence and are finally victor-
ious over life. But if the defenders are ultimately victorious
there are many wounds to heal, and many dead. Cell ac-
tivity alone is sufficient in the majority of cases to combat, to
repel and restore.
But the vital force often needs assistance. Important aids
to therapeutics are hygienic measures, such as nursing, bath-
ing, alimentation, fresh air, proper temperature, etc.
Next in order comes therapeutics, and the consideration of
remedies in fevers and their relation to Etiology bring up new
questions to puzzle and confuse us. Until the advent of the
law of similars and the use of dynamized drugs or dilutions it
has been asserted by hundreds of observers, many of them
physicians, that it is an open question whether more lives
have been saved or destroyed by medicines. The injudicious
and excessive use of powerful drugs in the hands of reckless
or ignorant practitioners doing as much evil as their judicious
and careful administration by skilled physicians does good.
Since Hahnemann’s discovery, the assertion is made that
while none are killed by drugs, many lives are sacrificed for
want of them. Homicide in one case being a sin of commis-
Sion, in the other of ommission.
Are the dynamized or attenuated remedies of Homeopathy
able to render innocuous the poison of germs which cause
fevers, or in other words are they capable of destroying the
exciting cause, whatever it may be, or to arrest the progress
of morbid conditions and again restore normal functional
activity?
If so, can we give a rational description of the modus oper-
and P. The Hahnemann theory of drug pathogenesis sup-
planting and overpowerling disease may be a probable hypoth-
esis, but is it entirely acceptable to reason? Is drug action
always so evanescent as this theory would have us to believe?
I do not think that at present we at all understand how
medicines cure disease. We have learned that under certain
conditions we call semeiology, we, as a rule, get more or less
speedy curative results from certain medicinal substances.
We have also learned that in many cases we are by no means
certain of results; that we cannot explain why different results
should ensue in apparently the same conditions, treated by
the same means.
166 AWorthwestern /ournal of Homeopa/hy.
We may assume that in one case the materia moróż is more
virulent, or the vital force less capable of resistance.
Assuming fevers to arise from enthetic causes or substances
inimical to health and life, entering from without, do our
remedies destroy these substances, or do they arrest the path-
ological changes induced by them? If the latter do they act
by stimulating cell activity in destroying abnormal action, or
may they not act directly upon the inhibitory and excitory
nerve cenetrs as illustrated by the action of certain medicines
upon the heat nerve centers, increasing or diminishing the
temperature of the body.
I think it will be profitable to study more closely the rela-
tion between Etiology and Therapeutics and the more clearly
we understand it the more successful will be our treatment.
I am far from satisfied with my own knowledge of the subject
and have treated it more interrogatively than dogmatically in
the hope that discussion will bring out much to enlighten me.
MEDICAL CHEMISTRY.
BY S. C. DEIAP, M. D., KANSAS CITY, MO.
[Read before the Kansas II omeopathic Association, May, 1890 |
It has been wisely said that the science of medicine rests
upon a tripod, anatomy, physiology and chemistry. That
these branches constitute a necessary foundation upon which
the eductaed physician builds the superstructure must meet
with the ready assent of all those who appreciate the value of
rudimentary knowledge. The surgeon must be an anatomist; all
physicians need to be fairly informed upon physiological
topics; and it is difficult to see a reason why a medical man
should not be thoroughly conversant with the fundamental
principles of chemistry.
From the instant food is taken into the mouth until it finally
becomes tissue, there is not a single proces that is not abso-
lutely governed by chemical law. Gastric juice itself is
nothing but a reagent of certain chemical constituents adapted
to the change of albumen into albumenose under the physical
requirements of warmth, moisture, and the necessary process
of kneading. It is useless to speak of hydrocholoric acid as
Medical Chemistry. 167
an important ingredient of gastric juice if hydrogen chloride
is only known by name. In enterocolitis it is necessary that
the work of digestion be assigned to the stomach. If the
physician be ignorant of chemistry, how can he decide wisely
upon the adaptability of starchy and albuminous foods? If
he understands the fact and process of converting albumen
into albumenose and the ease with which the latter is taken
into the circulation, with absolute rest to the diseased portion
of the alimentary canal, no error can be made. Why is not
potato a suitable food in this affection? Can this question
be intelligently answered by one wholly ignorant of chemical
law and a physiological knowledge founded upon such law?
Chyle is another reegent in the human chemical laboratory.
To fully appreciate it, a larger knowledge is required than the
simple fact that starch, by its agency, is transformed into
sugar. Is this fact invariable? Does it not cease to be a fact
in some for tº:s of disease? What about the conditions of heat,
acidity, and alkalinity? Here are exceptions and modifica-
tions that need to be understood at a critical juncture of an
individual’s life.
Are chemical processes the same under all degrees of dilu-
tion? Can dilution reach a point where chemical processes
become so low as to wholly fail of efficiency? If so, how .
can digestion go on in a stomach that morbidly craves and
received water very frequently during the process of diges-
tion?
It might be in place here to explain how the chairman of
this bureau came to ask me to write a brief paper for it.
Last winter I was called upon to temporatily give a brief
course of lectures upon chemistry and toxicology in the
Kansas City Homeopathic Medical College, in addition to
the work of my special department. Dr. Diedrich being
associated with me in the college, naturally asked me to assist
him at this meeting, and I very inconsiderately allowed him
to inflict myself upon you.
For a month or more I lectured to inattentive students.
Having taught chemistry years ago to pupils who manifested
great interest in the subject, I was more disposed to blame
the class than myself. At any rate, I set myself to work to
ascertain the cause of our trouble. The first damaging cir-
y
168 Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
cumstance that attracted my attention was the fact that not
one student owned a work on chemistry, and what is more,
thought that it was a waste of money to invest in one. I was
chagrined to learn that a physician to whom some of the
students looked for friendly educational advice, said he never
knew any chemistry himself, and gave it as his opinion that
this branch was wholly useless Indeed, I found that a con-
siderable number of the physicians of my acquaintance were
disposed to share in this opinion. It then became necessary
for me to do some “missionary work” as well as to make the
class feel an erroneous idea had taken root. Before the
session closed, I felt that I was not wholly unsuccessful; but
I more than ever appreciated the neglect of an ‘important
branch by a considerable proportion of the medical profesion.
Less latin and more chemistry would enhance many a man's
work at the bedside.
Even literature takes a second place to scientific | facts, as
a preliminary course for the physician. The study and prac-
tice of medicine are so entwined and sustained by chemical
facts and principles, that I fail to see a single reason for a
neglect of this branch. The value of a work on physiology
depends largely upon how much chemistry is embodied in it.
. If life itself is not a manifestation of chemical action, no
scientific hypothesis of its real nature has yet been advanced.
No enlightened botanist would hazard a reputation in attempt-
ing to deny that vegetable growth and decay are governed by
a strictly definite chemical law. A large portion of botony is
chemistry applied to plant growth. Can a physician afford
to ignore a series of facts and principles that underlie, en-
twine, and govern all life below animated existence, if not all
above the vegetable?
We breathe oxygen diluted with nitrogen as atmospheric
air. Oxygen unites with the haemglobine of the blood and the
latter carries it to the tissue requiring it. Carbondioxide is a
tissue exhalation carried by the blood to the lungs and there
discharged through the walls of the pulmonary vesicles into
the inspired air. This is the fundamental process of respira-
tion. From beginning to end, the whole process of respira-
tion is purely a mechanical one. The pathological phase
pertaining to the inhalation of noxious gases and other im-
Medical Chemisłry. 169
purities is one of wide extent and almost purely chemical.
The conditions of the sick-room and the efficiency of disin-
fection requires constant and exact direction from the attend-
ing physician. How can these be given without an intelli-
gent comprehension of fundamental chemical principles on
the part of the attendant? Chemical knowledge useless? As
well ignore any other part of medicine or of science. The
man who is wholly ignorant of chemical principles is a dan-
gerous man in charge of the critically ill. The man whose
professional training lacks this has a hiatus that nothing can
bridge. The worst feature of the case is the fact pertaining
to ignorance in general, as embodied in the proverb “Ignor-
ance is bliss.” As a rule we are far less conscious of what we
do not know than of what we do know. Conscious ignorance
is a valuable but rare endowment. It is entirely natural for
those devoid of a knowledge of the elements of chemistry to
value lightly the relation it bears to the medical profession;
but a natural sequence 1s not always a desirable one. If a
practical knowledge of the chemical elements and compounds,
and a familiarity with the processes of qualitative analysis had
been obtained, fewer difficult pages of physiology would meet
the eye of the student and less embarrassment would annoy
the daily life of the practitioner.
Every physician should be able to make an intelligent ex-
amination of urine in the course of practice. It is not suffi-
cient to ascertain the acidity and the presence of albumen
and sugar merely. When urates or oxalates are found in
excess much light may be thrown on the case. What consti-
tutes excess? The quantitative estimate of the skilled chemist,
or the approximate one of a person not wholly unskilled in
suck work? The former course is open only to those of means;
the latter furnishes information sufficiently exact for practical
purposes and possessed the advantage of being always avail-
able. Biliary matters are not infrequently present in the
urine and when the physician is sufficiently skilled to detect
these he posesses additional resources in diagnosis and treat-
ment. These facts are mentioned more as indications of
utility in the possession of chemical knowledge than as
exhaustive of urinary indications to one who is capable of
interpreting them.
17o , Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
tº
#
Pathogenesy lies at the very foundation of all progressive
schools of medicine. A physician’s knowledge in this direc-
tion is both limitless and necessary. All are perfectly willing
to concede that he should know as much as possible of the
pathogenetic effects of medicine upon the healthy organism,
as well as to possess an exhaustive knowledge of the clinical
effects of drugs upon pathological conditions. Yet these
same individuals practically deny that it is important to know
the history, properties, changes, and laws of combination of
these same substances. The effects upon the organism are
important, but the influence upon each other is rejected.
Why this incongruous discrimination? If the properties of
medicine were better understood, physicians would not order
phosphorus and permanganate of potash in trituration and
lycopodium 3.x in dilution. Homeopathic physicians would
never entertain the idea of using such old-school tinctures as
that of aconite from the dried, wormeaten root. Sun-dried
apples might, with equal propriety, be regarded as identical
with the canned product. The high potency ardor would not
pass normal limits and become a species of hallucination if it
were generally known that more silica and potash are dissolved
from the glass of vials than the medicine contains, with
dynamics cutting as large a figure in the adulteration as in
the original drug.
Therapeutics has been greatly enriched by applications of
electricity. A physician cannot use electricity intelligently
and with effect unless he can properly manage and care for
his battery. Unless he understands the elements of chemistry,
it is difficult to comprehend how he can keep his battery in
good working order and understand the generation and trans-
formation of currents. If there is not more benighted ignor-
ance on the subject of electrical batteries and the nature and
application of the various currents, than any other subject
connected with the practice of medicine, physicians certainly
do themselves grooss injustice in their private conversations
upon the subject. The OHM, the VOLT, and the AMPERE
are among the most unmeaning terms of the English language,
if one should judge from their disuse and misuse. As the
electrical current is a product exclusively of chemical action,
and as its effect is often, if not always, chemical, in its thera-
peutic action, it stands to reason that chemistry cannot be
ignored when dealing with it.
Iriſts. I 7 I
IRITIS.
By W. S. SIMPSON, M. D., GRINNELL, IOWA.
[Read before the Hahenemann Medical Association of Iowa, May, 1890.]
The iris consists of anterior unpigmented endothelium, the
parenchyma or true layer, a posterior pigmented, uveal layers.
The parenchyma is composed almost entirely of loose con-
nective tissues, cells and blood vessells. The cells compos-
ing this layer are pigmented in varying degrees, according to
the different colors of the iris.
The arterial supply of the iris comes from the circulus iridis
major, encircling the peripheral border of the iris; these
branches offsending numerous small branches toward the
pupil, these branches, meanwhile sending off smaller branches
into the substance of the iris. Near the pupilary margain
they form a circulus iridis minor. This arterial capillary
network forms an anastemosis with the venous radicles in the
sphincter pupillae muscle, whence the blood goes directly
over into the veins and is returned by them into the circula-
tion. The blood supply of the iris is very abundant. The
nerve supply which is scarcely less abundant, than the blood
supply, is similarly distributed, and is furnished by the ciliary
nerves. Nothing is known of their manner of termination.
The posterior surface of the iris is covered by a very dark
pigmented layer. Such is the brief outline of the anatom-
ical arrangement of the iris.
In passing to a consideration of the subject under consider-
ation—Iritis, we must bear always in mind that the iris like
all other tissues of the body is subject to hyperaemia. In
this hyperaemic condition the blood vessels become sur-
charged with blood, and the iris becomes dull, heavy and
lusterless. The pupil becomes less sensative to light, and
does not respond to the influence of atropine as readily as in
a state of health. The color of the iris changes from the
increased amount of blood in it, taking on a reddish tint;
thus a blue iris becomes somewhat green, while a brown
changes to a redish brown.
This hyperaemic condition precedes all inflammatory
action.
Iritis is subdivided into three principal varieties, 1st, The
plastic, 2nd, The serous, 3rd, The purulent or parenchyma-
I 72 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
tous. These terms are expressive of the different pathologi-
cal states existing in each separate variety. Specific causes
may complicate these different varieties. Among the first
symptoms presenting in the different forms of iritis are con-
junctivial, and more especially sub-conjunctivial injections,
which is shown by a more or less marked zone of capillary
vessels encircling the cornea. This zone is usually of a
bright rose color, but may assume a slightly blueish or brown-
ish tint; and consists of arterial twigs, running out from the
cornea in parallel lines. The palpebral conjunctivia is
usually the first to sympathize with this inflammatory action,
as is shown by a deepening in the color of this tissue. This
injection is hardly a safe criterion to go by in the point of
diagnosing a case, as it may be almost entirely wanting in .
Severe CalSeS.
Ciliary neuralgia is another pretty constant symptom. The
intensity of this pain is variable, while in some cases it may
be very severe, in others, severe cases, it may be nearly or en-
tirely wanting. It is usually worse at night, and may be con-
fined to the eye-ball or may spread out over the side of the
head, face and into the temple. Photophobia and lachryma-
tion are usually present, but in not nearly so marked a degree
as in affections of the cornea.
Such are the general appearences of an eye suffering from
an iritis. We will now consider some of the symptoms,
presented by the iris itself.
Contraction and sluggishness of the pupil is another very
constant symptom of iritis, and we find almost invariably that
the pupil responds very slowly to the action of atropine. The
iris presents a dull lusterles appearance, differing very ma-
terially from its bright glistening appearance in health.
The discoloration of the iris is partly due to the hyperae-
mia, and partly to the effusion into its substance. In order
to get a correct idea of the changes in color which an eye
has undergone, we should compare the sick, with the well
one, (if but one is affected) otherwise a mistake may easily
be made. The cornea or aqueous may be cloudy, and lead
us to attribute this color to the iris, therefore we must bear
this point in mind.
• The contraction and sluggishness of the pupil occurs in all
Iriſis. I 73
but the very mildest cases. The pupil is unevenly con-
tracted. Thus immobility is partly due to to the engorge-
ment of the blood-vessels, but chiefly to the serous or plastic
effussions into the iris, which impedes the action of the cir-
cular fibers. This same contraction and immobility of the
pupil are found in other conditions besides iritis, as in hyper-
aemia of the iris, keratitis, and foreign bodies in the cornea,
and is then caused by irritation of the ciliary nerves. Gen-
erally the pupil soon looses its circular form, from the effus-
ion of plastic lymph into its edges, and into the substance of
the iris. This exudation soon binds the pupilary edge down
to the anterior capsel of the lense. Only small portions of
the circumference may be bound down, or the whole may be
firmly united, while the pupilliary space may remain clear
and the vision be but slightly, if at all, impaired. In some
cases the area of the pupil is invaded by this effusion, caus-
ing either a total or partial occlusion of the pupil, and a cor-
responding diminution of the vision.
This effusion may be either a thin film or a thick nodule.
The adhesions are not always limited to the border of the
pupil, but may cover more of the posterior surface of the
iris, and in this way produce very strong and firm adhesions.
If the adhessions of the pupil are complete all around, the
aqueous fluid collects in the posterior chamber, causing bulg-
ing of the iris forward into the anterior chamber, at the same
time holding down the pupillary border, giving to the iris a
funnel shaped appearance. Complete adhesions always show
a severe iritis, and may be a cause of secondary glancoma,
and cataract. Lymph may be deposited on the posterior
surface of the cornea, and in the aqueous, imparting to the
latter a clouded appearance. The cornea in these cases
usually remains quite clear, especially in the simple forms;
but the cornea may become implicated in the inflammatory
process. The deposit on the posterior surface of the cornea
usually occurs in the serous form. The vision is often im-
paired. This is due to cloudiness of the aqueous humor
and the fact that the area of the pupil is blocked up by
lymph. If the sight is extensively affected then we must
look out for cyclitis. The accomodation in these cases is
also affected.
I 74 Worthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
t
The simple (or plastic) iritis, may be very.slight in degree,
and accompanied by none or scarcely any of the symptoms,
enumerated above—such as pain, photophobia, lachrymation,
conjunctivial injection, discoloration of the iris, and may re-
main quite unsuspected until atropine is instilled, when we
discover that the pupil responds very slowly to it, and even
dilates irregularly, because of adhesions, which may have al-
ready taken place between the iris and anterior capsule of the
lense. This mild form is often met with after operations, and
injuries: Or the affection may be more severe and all the
above symptoms be present to a greater or less degree. The
adhesions in this form are not so firm, and yield more readily
to atropine than do the other forms.
The serous iritis is chiefly characterized by the absence of
plastic lymph, and by the greater tendency to hypersecretion
of the augueous humor.
The symptoms making the acute form are not very pro-
nounced. The aquous is secreted in greater abundance and
is cloudy, and on close observation we can discover numer-
ous small particles floating about in it, which become depos-
ited upon the posterior surface of the cornea, or drop down
to the bottom of the anterior chamber.
The anterior chamber may be deepened, and the cornea
bulged. This turbidity of the aqueous varies greatly within
a few hours. The cornea may at first appear more brilliant
than when normal, but finally becomes dull and lusterless,
and small punctate points appear on its posterior surface. This
condition is called Decematitis. This deposit may be in the
field of the pupil and interfere seriously with the vision, and
may also produce serious changes in the cornea itself. The
iris is but slightly discolored, and the pupil instead of being
contracted is often somewhat dilated and may be markedly
so. This is due to intraocular tension.
The eye must be carefully watched, and this increase in
tension kept down, as an increase in the tension to any great
extent threatens the destruction of an eye by glancoma. Ad-
hesions in this form are of rare occurrence. Deep seated
eye troubles occasionally accompany this form of iritis.
Parenchymatous or purulent iritis.-In this form the tissues
of the iris are attacked, and become much swollen and
Ariſis. I 75
thickened. Plastic material is thrown out into the iris and
around the pupilliary edge in great abundancé, and extensive
adhesions are found, which are very firm. On account of
this extensive exudation of plastic material into the stroma
of the iris, the circulation is very much impe.'ed, and the
veins become large and tortuous. Along the edge of the
contracted pupil may be found numerous little whitish or red-
dish points or nodules, tying down the edge of the pupil to
the capsule of the lense, or these may form one continuous
chain, and thus form a complete occlusion. The area of the
the pupil is generally blocked up by this effusion. The aque-
ous becomes turbid, and flakes of lymph may be seen floating
about in the aqueous, and sinking down into the bottom of
the anterior chamber forming a hypopyon, which may be
small or large according to the amount of lymph exuded.
This form of iritis may be accompanied by a similar trouble
of the ciliary body and chorid. This is by far the most des-
tructive form of inflammation of the iris.
To these three forms others have been added, but it seems
to me they may all be classed under these three heads; as the
others present no essential point of difference and are only
influenced by the caustitutional taint present in the system,
whether it be specific or otherwise. The other varieties as
classed by some writers are, the syphilitic, the gelatinous or
Spongy, the rheumatic, the sympathetic, the traumatic and
the chronic.
The prognosis will depend very greatly upon the kind of
iritis, the severity of the attack, and the cause of the inflama-
tion. Also at what stage in the disease you may be called to
attend upon the patient. If the case is seen early, before the
inflamation has advanced well, and before the adhesions have
become firm, while they are yet brittle; so that they may be
torn through by a vigorous use of atropine, the prognosis is
in every way more favorable, than after the adhesions become
broad and firm. In the latter case the prognosis should be
very guarded indeed. The prognosis should also be guarded
where there is any constitutional taint to influence, such as
syphilis, or a scrofulous taint. The tendency to implication
of the deeper structure of the eye must also be borne in mind.
If from injury, the nature of the injury, and extent, must be
made account of in summing up your case.
176 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
TREATMENT.—To meet with the best results in the treatment
of iritis, an early diagnosis is of the utmost importance. The
reasons for this are readily seen, if we remember the great
liability of the iris to become adhered to the lens. The diag-
nosis once established, the first and al/ important thing to do
in the line of treatment is to dilate the pupil with atropine.
For this purpose no weak solution will suffice; it must be of
the strength of 4 to 6 grains to the ounce. In ordinary cases
where the iris is not influenced, I grain to the ounce is suffi-
cient to dilate the pupil to its fullest size, but where there are
hyperaemia and inflamation nothing short of the amount above
will do; even in this strength it must be crowded. By this I
mean that it must be instilled into the eye, 5 to Io drops
every two to three hours, continuously until a wide dilation is
obtained, then often enough to keep the pupil thus dilated.
No danger can arise from this forced use, if made with care
It may, under certain conditions, pass through the lachrymal
duct into the throat and set up symptoms of poisoning, in
which event, injections of morphia sulph. is the best antidote,
frequently made, care being taken not to crowd this to the
danger line. Some patients are so susceptible to atropine
that they will not tolerate its use. In these cases severe
inflamation is set up in conjunctiva of the lids, and balls, and
even acute granulations may arise from its use.
If adhesions are already found, it will not be best to crowd
the atropine too vigorously, as this will cause great irritation.
In such cases a solution of Calabar bean may be substituted,
which often accomplishes the result, after we have failed with
atropine. In many of these severe cases we find that the
atropine is scarcely absorbed at all; this is probably due to
increased tension of the ball. In such cases, heat persist-
ently applied will often assist in overcoming this difficulty.
The neuralgia which is an almost constant symptom of this
disease, may be relieved in a great measure by hot fomenta-
tions. They may be either simple hot water, or formentations
of hops, or poppies. These with our remedies will usually
suffice to make the pain altogether bearable, without resort-
ing , to cupping, blistering, and leeching—all abominable
practices, invented by scientific (?) physicians to torture their
already severely afflicted patients. The patient should have
Soz-ZDisamá Coſic. -- 177
sº
the eye bandaged and be put to bed in a dark, warm, room.
This if practicable should be insisted upon. In making this
statement I am reminded that this is an impossibility in the
very large majority of our cases, and that of necessity they
must be treated as out patients. A plain but nutritious diet
should be allowed the patient, free from all forms of stimu-
lants. It may be found imperative to make an irridectomy
in the latter stages, if all other treatment fails, and glaucoma-
tous symptoms should present themselves. Paracentesis is
usually to be preferred to irridectomy.
SOI-DISTANT COLIC.
BY PROF. FRANK KRAFT, M. D., TOLEDO, OHIO.
On June 1, 1890, a messenger came for me from Richard’s
Station, some five miles from here, stating that his little boy
baby, eight weeks old, was troubled night and day with colic;
that the doctor who had confined the wife had called and
given them various medicines to cure this colic; that the
neighbors had suggested and many of them had brought in
remedies; but all this and these without avail, the little boy
kept the whole family trotting day and night with his whining
and crying. Later he was refusing his food; his bowels had
been terribly bound, and his water scant, requiring much
straining to void. The mother began ultimately to suspect
that there was something beside colic the matter with the
baby. So se made a careful examination and concluded that
the child was “breached” some way, but how or where she
could not determine. She sent her husband to the doctor
who had confined her, with this belief. He pooh-poohed the
rupture business; said that her milk made the child flatulent;
however he would call out some day soon and see what is the
matter with its bowels. When this message was brought
home, the mother became indignant and posted a messenger
after me.
I found a large, fat baby, well proportioned and seemingly,
healthy, but fretting and whining; kicking his feet, Squirming
and straining. I held the baby in my arms a few minutes
supposing that presently the diaper would need to be changed,
the mother seeing what I was about, said: “I have just
178 Morthwesteem Journal of Homeopathy.
changed him, doctor; that's the way he goes on all day and
all night; seems to be straining.” I studied him a little while,
got his general history which pointed to nux vom. as a reme-
dy for the totality, then turned him up to examine him thor-
oughly. The first abnormal thing that caught my eye was an
erect penis fully two and one-half inches long, as thick, or
perhaps a little thicker than a Faber pencil, with adherent
prepuce and a pin-hole os. Traction on the prepice caused
great pain to the baby, who flinched and screamed. I said
to the mother that this was the cause of the baby’s “colic,”
and pain; that an operation must be done, but that I would
have to defer operating until the day following, owing to the
feeble condition of the child, and because of its bound-up
bowels; that the operation might prove to be a very simple
one, and again it might be necessary to perform circumcision.
I gave the boy nux vom. in repeated doses, and returned on
Tuesday. *
I found the bowels moving easily, baby feeling better, not
quite so fretful, but the priapism continuing unabated. I ap-
plied a four per cent. solution of cocaine to the orifice, seized
the prepuse with an artery forcep, insinuated a flat, blunt-
edged probe between the prepuce and glans, little by little I
broke down the adhesions; then I stretched the prepuce over
the artery forcep, slipped it back behind the corona glandis,
applied calendulated cold water, and it was done. The pri-
apism disappeared as by magic. I also passed a small rub-
ber bougie into the bladder to make sure of no obstruction.
The baby yelled lustily during the stretching process, but the
instant the congestion disappeared,the “straining” look on his
face also vanished, and he lay in his mother's lap perfectly
quiet. “That's the first time he has lain quiet since he was
born,” said the mother. I left a few powders of arnica, and
directions to retract the prepuce daily to prevent its readher-
ing. And that was all.
My predecessor, an old school practitioner of over thirty
years practice in and around that neighborhood, will lose that
family through his heedlessness, through his lack of proper
attention at the time of the child’s birth, and through his want
of knowledge. \
One of the laughable features of this case is, that the
My Fała/ Case of Midwifery. I79
doctor’s perennial enemy, towit; the neighbors, the old women,
male and female were all wrong and taken by surprise at my
diagnosis; some Smirked and hee-hawed until the use of the
probe demonstrated in five minutes that I was right; now the
wonder has grown how this “sweet-sand” doctor can tell from
the looks of a baby’s face what’s the matter with its penis.
"This exceedingly simple operation has given me more en-
viable notoriety throughout that vicinity than if I had saved
some valuable citizen after weeks of sickness. I have had to
repeat this story so often to inquiring friends, especially of
the female sex—in my families, that I am beginning to be-
lieve myself a hero, and that it is quite a trick to tell phmiosis
from colic.
MY FATAL CASE OF MIDWIFERY.
BY A. C. COWPERTHWAITE, M. D., IOWA CITY, IOWA.
[Read before the Hahnemann Medical Association of Iowa, May, 1890.]
In a practice of twenty-two years I have only lost Qne case
in midwifery, and this under such peculiar circumstances, that
I have concluded to report it to this meeting.
In December, 1874, Mrs. F., aged 32, mother of one child
now four years of age, notified me that she was about two to
three months pregnant, at the same time expressing the opin-
ion that she would never survive her confinement, though she
could give no reason for so thinking. Mrs. F. was in excel-
lent health, but her mind was considerably depressed from
the fact that her husband was in poor health, brought about
largely by previous dissipation. She was also at this time
considerably annoyed in business, being one of the adminis-
trators of her deceased father’s estate, involving the care of
considerable property, and was also guardian of four rather
troublesome minor children. Notwithstanding that gestation
proceeded with no unfavorable symptoms, the lady persisted
in expressing it as her opinion that she would never live
through it, and she did not care to do so. I often tried to
persuade her to feel differently, but such attempts were utterly
useless, and when I would try to laugh away her fears, she
would reply, “Well, never mind; you will see.”
Meanwhile she attended to her social and domestic duties,
and no one outside knew of her presentiment of death. I
I8o AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
must confess that toward the last I began to dread the ap-
proach of her confinement—her persistency had certainly
exerted a depressing effect upon me, though there was no
reason in the world to believe but that we might very safely
predict a happy termination.
On the evening of July 30, 1875, I was summoned, and with
some trepidation I responded. Labor progressed very favor-
ably, and in about five hours a healthy female child was born.
In a few moments the secundines were expelled, and I soon
left my patient, feeling that I had been foolish to be so im-
pressed by her morbid sentiments, and rejoicing over the
happy issue. At Io a. m. next day I called and found both
mother and child doing well, and when I jokingly referred to
the happy termination of all her gloomy anticipations, she
replied with a smile, “We are not through with it yet, doctor.”
At 3 p.m. of that day she was taken with a violent chill,
which lasted about one hour and was followed by some fe-
brile reaction. This soon disappeared, but to my embarrass-
ment the pulse remained weak, at about 120. The mind was
clouded and a muttering delerium set in. The temperature
was not increased, there was no tympanites, or other evidences
of inflammatory action, or of a typhoid condition. This con-
tinued, gradually increasing, until the third day, when the
pulse rose to 160 per minute and was very weak. At 3 p.m.
while I was sitting at her bedside she suddenly raised upright
in bed, and looking at me called me by name, and immedi-
ately lay back upon the pillow and breathed her last. Her
presentiment had come true, and she was gone. No post-
mortem was allowed, though I have no doubt but that it
would have proved barren of results.
Neither the scalpel nor the microscope have as yet solved
all the mysteries of disease, and even those who so idola-
trously worship an often meaningless pathology, must certainly
admit that there are times when science, so-called, is at fault,
and can go no farther—when death claims its victim, though
no trace of morbid anatomy rmay be found, and where we can
only feel assured that the grim messenger came in response
to a silent and unseen force, which had its origin within the
bounds of that higher and mysterious life which presides over
our gross material natures, nor should we be so gross as to
believe there is nothing in disease or medicine except that
which we may see, taste, touch or handle.
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
All communications for publication, books for leview, etc., should be addressed
to the editor, A. C. Cowperthwaite, M. D., Iowa City, Iowa.
Business communications should be addressed to the business manager, F. J.
Newberry, M. D., at the office of publication, 63 First avenue, Cedal Rapids, Iowa.
The Editor is not responsible fol any statements or opinions explessed by con-
tributors.
MEDICAL LEGISLATION IN MONTANA.
One of the most iniquitious medical laws that has been
established is now in force in Montana. According to its
provisions every physician who locates in the state, no matter
how many diplomas he may have, no matter how able a man
he may have proved himself to be in any other state, even
though a physician of world wide celebrity, he must submit to
an examination before a medical board composed of several
allopaths and only one homeopath. It is quite evident how
easy it would be for such a board to discriminate against an
individual, by asking impractical and unusual questions,
questions which not one of the board could answer without
reference to their text books. It is an old an true maxim that
“any fool can ask a question, but it takes a wise man to
answer it.” It is a very plain absurdity to require a man who
has been years out of college to answer technical questions
on chemistry, anatomy, physiology, etc. Not one in a thous-
and could do it. Such a law places a great power in the
hands of a few men, who are given the absolute right to
determine who are qualified and who are not qualified to
practice medicine, and sooner or later this power would be
prostituted for political and personal ends. The following
letter from Dr. Carl V. Norcross, of Butte City, deserves the
attention of the homeopathic profession, and we trust the
writer will obtain the moral support be deserves to aid him in
fighting the constitutionality of the Montana law. Dr. Nor-
I82 .**
AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
cross is a physician in good standing who graduated at the
State University of Iowa after a three years course, having
also taken a special course in the University of Michigan.
He writes as follows:
BUTTE CITY, MONT., Sept. 1st, 1890.
Aditor M. W. Journal of Homeopathy,
DEAR SIR:—Since a year ago when I formerly resided in
this state efforts were made to pass an obnoxious medical law.
I was largely instrumental in its defeat. After that I removed
from the state, and have since returned and again located in
this city, during my absence the present law was passed, and
I now find myself confronted with the necessity of passing an
examination before a board of medical examiners, of which
only one is a homeopath and he has practically nothing to
say. Their object is to shut out all whom they do not wish
to practice, which means to “do up” all homeopaths. As I
am the first to come in the state under the new law, they have
started in on me. I do not propose to submit to such a law,
and of course that means a big law suit, but I have plenty of
influential friends to stand by me and money enough to fight
them. I have engaged two of the best lawyers in Montana.
The case will open October 6th. What I desire now is the
moral support of the homeopathic physicians of the United
States. I am not making this fight for myself alone, but for
the cause of homeopathy. Montana is destined to be a great
state, and it will be a great field for homeopathy, but it would
be useless for a homeopathic physician to come until my case
is finished one way or the other. What I would like is to
have physicians from all over the country send me letters
denouucing the law and giving me encouragement. My
lawyers think such letters would prove of great value. The
more letters I can get the better.
Fraternally yours,
CARL V. NORCROss.
We would be glad if other medical journals would call
attention to this case, and use their influence to secure for
Dr. Norcross the support and encouragement he deserves.
THE DES MOINES INSTITUTE OF HOMEOPATHY.
This institution is not what its name might suggest, a
private enterprise something after the character of the well-
known concern at Indianapolis. On the contrary it is essen-
tially a homeopathic hospital, established more for the benefit
of homeopathy at the metropolis of the state than for any
The Deco/lete Dress. 183
pecuniary gain to its managers, as the following letter from
Dr. Royal indicates:
DES MOINES, IOWA, August 23d, 1890.
EDITOR Journal:—In reply to your inquiry into the reason
for the existence of the Des Moines Institute of Homeopathy,
will say: that the physicians of our faith have long felt the
need of a hospital of our own. It is true we have had access
to Cottage Hospital if our patients were able to pav, but if
they could not pay they were compelled to be treated by our
old-school brethern or keep out. This was done, notwith-
standing the fact, that our patrons were solicited and gave
money with the understanding that all should be admitted.
We therefore united, secured a good building for a hospital,
put an experienced person at the helm and have opened the
door to all homeopaths. We have decided to present a bold
front here at the center of the state and be prepared to take
advantage of anything that will help us to the control of a
state institution for the insane.
Yours fraternally,
GEORGE ROYAL.
The AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy has arranged to
publish clinical reports from the Institute, as well as the
papers and discussions of the Des Moines clinical society
connected therewith
THE DECOLLETE DRESS.
It may be considered by some that the question of dress is
not a proper one to be discussed in the pages of a medical
journal, at least outside of the relation of dress to health, but
we think it about time for the medical profession to raise their
voice against the indecent and degrading “decollete” of mod-
ern society. According to Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, “decent
women never dressed so indecently in our country and our
century as they do in the fashionable life to-day,” and from
the standpoint of both health and morals we protest. There
is no class of persons who can do so much to bring about a
reform in this matter as physicians, if they will only act in
concert and not be afraid of offending their “gilt edged”
patrons. Let medical journals unite in giving battle on this
subject and we doubt not but that they will receive the un-
qualified approval of their readers, who may thus be encour-
aged to lend their aid in overcoming this most vicious of all
184 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
fashions, and most dangerous, because chiefly confined to the
higher grades of society, where an example of purity and
honor among women is to be expected. The writer above
mentioned uses some very forcible language which is well
worth repeating, and ought to be read by every pure woman
in the land, she say:
“Would that some enterprising journal might take the
moral census of this subject as a substitute for prize-baby
competition or guesses on Nelly Bly. We should like to
throw down the gauntlet to the women of America. “Defend
these immoralities! Speak up for yourselves if you can!” I
do not believe that two reputable women in the land would
dare publicly to defend the style of undress which now dis-
grace our sex. The time has more than come for such a pro-
test against this abomination as will Smite women to the dust
for shame. What is to be said? Enter any fashionable
drawing-room and look for yourselves. What is said? Think
of it, you high-born ladies—think of it!
In the most decorous city in our country a lady represent-
ing what may be deservedly called one of the “best” families
in the state, herself a middle-aged, queenly, home-loving
matron, the wife of an affectionate husband, the mother of
grown sons and daughters, wears her dress—but my pen shrinks
from writing what this high-bred lady does. This case, which
represents scores of others, is of importance, because the
offender herself is so unconscious of her offense and so far in
oiher respects above it. There is no life of concealed dis-
honor, no intrigue, no shoddy birthright, no fast-and-loose
views of duty. The woman is otherwise immaculate. How
explain this ethical enigſ, aſ Are Our ladies morally insane,
or mentally? Do they not know what they are doing? And
if not, why not? How shall we characterize the too-low
corsage with some nothing for a sleeve? The lower bodice,
with no sleeve at all? Nudity covered with transparency?
And what is known as the V-back? They are below excuse,
as they are beyond explanation. What moral mania blunts
the sensibilities that ought to fix the standards of a nation?
What dementia deters the “ever-womanly” from “leading us
on,” at least so far that the simplest instinct of feminine
modesty—that which covers nakedness—may keep stroke
with the moral development of the age? Let it be said that
gay women always have dressed improperly. What of it? Is
that any reason why they always should?”
Many of our reader may not appreciate the extent to which
this mania for public indecent exposure of themselves by
women is carried in some of our larger cities, not being con-
Zhe Decollege Dress. 185
fined to the “fashionable drawing-room,” but women actually
appearing on the streets and shopping in what they are pleased
to term an “evening dress,” which most effectually exposes
the charms of their person, and this for apparently no other
puapose than to excite the admiration (and passions) of the
male sex, and the envy of their less fortunate lady friends who
have never been able to develop cymetrical curves and grace-
ful outlines. But a few weeks since we were rusticating at the
capital of the nation where both fashion and lust hold high
dominion. Stepping into a large retail dry goods store one
hot evening to make a trifling purchase, we were somewhat
startled and none the less shocked at the array of exposed
busts crowding about us, “nudity covered with transparency.”
We made a hasty exit (!) supposing we had struck an evening
devoted to the demi monde, but were afterwards informed that
this was not the case, that such exhibitions were of common
occurence, and that likely some of these ladies represented
the highest society in Washington—the wives and daughters
of senators, representatives and government officials, and cer-
tainly representing the highest type of virtue and purity. It
may prove the truth of the sacred axiom that “to the pure all
things are pure,” but we must confess that to the eye and
mind of ordinary mortals in civilized society, there are some
points about the female frame which, though ever so lovely
and desirable, should in the interests of purity, be covered
from the public gaze, their exposure certainly tending to im-
morality and vice. Were the ladies of America taught the
truth of these statements by the family physician, a public
sentiment could be created that would relegate the “decollete”
to deserved oblivion, at least so far as respectable society is
concerned.
RUMEX CRISPUS IN COUGH.—Dr. J. S. Cardoza reports the
cure of a number of cases of cough following the late influ-
enza epidemic, with rumex Crispus 3, after other medicines
had failed. Indications: Dry, teasing cough, very trouble-
some during the day, none at night (euphrasia), cough did
not start until late in the morning, and was bad in a warm or
cool room, in the house or open air, and remained confined
to the larynx, and was more teasing and annoying than haras-
sing.—American Homeopathist.
I86 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
NEWS AND NOTES.
Dr. J. A. Hoffman has removed from Osage, Iowa, to Oak
Park, Ill.
Prof. W. H. Dickinson, M. D., is spending his vacation in
the wilds of Canada.
Prof. W. H. Dickinson, M. D., has returned from a pleasant
summer trip in Canada.
Dr. A. M. Linn, of Des Moines, has been appointed assist-
ant surgeon of the third regiment I. N. G.
Another institution under the homeopathic flag. What is
most needed, however, is one of the insane hospitals.
The Medica/Argus is a new homeopathic publication em-
anating from Kansas City. Dr. F. F. Cassidy is editor and
proprietor.
Have you tried malted milk the superior food preparation
for infants? Malted Milk Company, Racine, Wis., will send
you samples.
Alice A. Goodrich, M. D., has been appointed physician to
the Benedict Home, at Des Moines, with George Royal, M.
D. consulting physician.
Dr. H. H. Crippen, of San Diego, Cal., has removed to
New York City, where he will assume the editorship of the
Aſomeopathic /ournal of Obstetrics.
The fifteenth annual session of the Chicago Homeopathic
Medical College opens September 23, 1890. Dr. J. R. Kippox,
Secretary, 3154 Indiana avenue, will give you information
concerning this institution.
The Homeopathic Insane Asylum at Fergus Falls, Minn.,
was opened July 29, 1890, with 83 male patients, with accom-
modations for 150. Dr. A. P. Williamson, is Superintendent,
and Dr. A. Stanley Dolan, Assistant.
Dr. H. P. Holmes, of Sycamore, Ill., has removed to Omaha,
Nebraska, and entered into partnership with Dr. C. L. Dins-
more. Dr. Holmes will prove a strong acquisition to the
homeopathic profession of Nebraska. f
J. D. Burns, M. D., of Grundy Center, has just returned
from Des Moines, where he has been treated by the Des
Institute of Homeopathy. Dr. Burns is greatly improved
both bodily and mentally and a few weeks more will complete
the cure.
AVews and Motes. 187
Several changes have been made in the faculty of the
Homeopathic department of the University of Minnesota.
H. W. Brazie, Iood Fourth avenue, S. Minneapolis, is the new
Secretary. We learn that the prospects for the ensuing year
are very good.
The Boston Homeopathic Hospital has received a gift of
$1,000 from the State of Massachusetts, secured largely
through the untiring efforts of Dr. I. T. Talbot, who is creat-
ing for himself in Boston, and indeed throughout the whole
country, a monument more enduring than granite.
Frank Kraft, M. D., of Sylvania, Ohio, editor of the
American Homeopathis?, has been elected Professor of Materia
Medica in the Cleveland Homeopathic Hospital College, in
place of Prof H. H. Baxter, resigned. The college authori-
ties have made a wise selection and are to be congratulated.
Dr. Kraft is one of the growing men in the profession, and
has already shown his ability in many ways. One thing goes
without saying and that is Dr. Kraft will teach Homeopathic
Materia Medica, a very desirable qualification in these days
of scientific progress (?)—backward. We cordially welcome
Dr. Kraft to the corps of Materia Medica teachers, and pre-
dict for him a brilliant and useful future.
CORROBORATION OF CHIONANTHUS SYMPTOMS.–“While treat-
ing an obstinate case of recurring headache, and being dis-
appointed in the failure of apparently indicated remedies that
had relieved many times before, search was made for another
drug. On account of intense bruised feeling of the eyeballs
and abdominal pains chionanthus was prescribed. Two
drops of the tincture were put in four ounces of water, and
two teaspoonfuls given at 6 p. m. and again at 8 p. m. Before
the latter hour the pains were much better, but the patient
felt that she ought to have another dose, the abdominal pains
having increased. The latter now became much worse, were
not aggrivated by pressure, and felt coliky. About II p. m. a
stool occurred, with much wind and forcible gushing expul-
sion. The odor was intensely foeted, and the patient com-
plained that the stool burned the anus like fire. The stool
was watery, mixed with scybalae, both being nearly black in
color. A second stool occurred within half an hour, similar
in every respect, and a third one, somewhat lighter in color,
followed in an hour. In the morning a fourth one came,
yellowish-green in color, liquid, and not nearly so offensive.
The headache was gone. As the patient never had such an
experience before, and as the symptoms are given in Lilien-
thal’s 77terapeutics, it is fair to take this as a proving of the
drug.—Dr. J. T. O’Connor, North American Journal of Hom-
eopathy, June.
I88 Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
CLIPPINGS.
WHY IS NOT THIS FAIR PLAY.—In Gratiout county, Mich.,
there are thirty “regulars” and only three homeopaths. The
Board of Pension Examiners of this county is composed of
two of the homeopaths and only one “regular.” The County
Medical Society protests against this state of things. We
think it a poor rule that won’t work both ways. A home-
opathic Senator did it with his little hatchet.—American
Medical /ournal.
Prof. J. D. Buck points to the information afforded by the
clinical thermometer in the diagnosis of Typhoid Fever as
very important. In all acute specific fevers the temperature
is abnormally raised; in Typhoid, the elevation is gradual,
while in most others it is abrupt. Further, if on the first or
second day the maximum temperature reaches Io.4°, the dis-
ease is in some other acute fever, as the temperature only
gradually attains such a degree in Typhoid fever.—Pulte
Quarterly.
KALI IODAT. IN BRONCHITIS.—Kafka cured a case of bron-
chitis with kali iodat. after other remedies failed to relieve.
The symptoms were: Constant cough day and night, loud
rattling of mucus in the bronchi, very hard to expectorate,
much dyspnoea, loss of appetite, tongue coated, stool tardy,
urine diminished, of high specific gravity; temperature
Ioo 2-5°, pulse 92, respiration 3o, Sweating of the forehead,
expectoration of mucus mixed with saliva, hard to loosen;
disease was caused by walking across a bridge at night; later
there developed somnolence, faint feeling and pallor of the
skin. Kali iodat. IX brought about almost immediate
relief and an ultimate cure.—Allgem. Hom. Zeitung, January
9, 1890.
A DIFFICULT CASE OF TURNING RENDERED EASY BY PLACING
THE PATIENT IN THE GENU-PECTORAL POSITION.—Ensor reports
a case to which he was called-by a midwife, and in which he
found not only a hand, but also a foot and a head presenting,
the latter being impacted in the pelvis, having forced down
before it the posterior segment of the partially dilated os and
cervix uteri. The membranes had been ruptured a long time
before, and pains were almost incessant. Efforts to turn with
the patient in the ordinary position were unavailing. She
was then placed in the knee-chest position, so as to allow the
uterus and its contents to fall forward and backward by their
weight. He was then able with the greatest of ease to effect
version by slight traction on the foot and similar pressure on
the head.—British Medical Journal, April 19, 1890.
Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy. I89
NEW YORK, VIA WASHINGTON.
One of the most delightful routes between Chicago and the
East is over the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to New York,
by way of Washington. The trip possesses many peculiar
charms, especially to one whose journeys have never taken
him to the borders of the Southland. The ride through the
Monongahela valley, across the mountains of West Virginia,
and then along the gently flowing Potomac, awakens a keen
interest in the lover of natural scenery. Much of the ground
traversed has unique historical associations. A large part of
this region was debatable land at the time of the civil war.
Across these fields and down along these dusty roads once
marched now the Blue and now the Grey. These valleys
once rang with cheers, now for the Stars and Stripes, and now
for the Stars and Bars. These mountainous heights more
than once echoed the sounds of deadly conflict. Here Gen-
eral Lee's army crossed the Potomac on that carefully planned
invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania which ended so dis-
astrously at Gettysburg. Here Stonewall Jackson directed
his forces on that “grand hunting excursion,” by which he
corralled the Federal forces in Harper’s Ferry and compelled
them to surrender. And here at Harper's Ferry is still seen
the old brick fort where John Brown took his stand in defiance
of the slave-holding power. To one who remembers when
these names were first written in blood, what an excitement
of feeling the mention of them arouses; Antietum, Sharpsburg,
South Mountain, Shenandoah, Harper’s Ferry, Ball's Bluff.
It is no ordinary experience to pass through a region fraught
with such tragic memories.
The train hurries on; and soon there is seen dimly in the
distance a white marble shaft, and then a great white dome,
and then other pinnacles and spires, and Washington is
reached.
Even the most cursory glance at the city is sure to be pro-
foundly impressive. A half hour's drive through the streets
will reveal more clearly than any detailed description possibly
can, those features which have given the city its reputation
and made it, in one sense, the Mecca of all patriotic citizens
of this country. The capitol building, that embodiment of
national majesty, the Washington monument, with its lofty
reach heavenward, the White House, with its deeply interest-
ing associations, the several department buildings in their
massive stateliness, the Smithsonian Institute, the Soldier’s
Home, the broad avenues and beautiful parks,—it does not
take long to view these outwardly at least; and the viewing of
them for the first time, by one who recalls what these public
buildings stand for and the scenes which they have witnessed,
is attended with emotions not easily described.
I90 AVorthwestern /ou/rmal of Homeopathy.
New York is about six hours ride from Washington, and the
road runs through a very interesting stretch of country,
touching at Baltimore, Wilmington and Philadelphia. This
is one of the finest sections of railroad in the world, the speed
of the trains often reaching over sixty miles an hour.—AVorth-
zeyestern Congregationa/ist.
HARVEST EXCURSIONS.
Take advantage of the cheap excursions offered by the
CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND & PACIFIC RAILWAY, to points in Kan-
sas, Nebrask, Missouri, Arkansas, Indian Territory, Texas,
New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Minnesota, Northwest-
ern Iowa, South and North Dakota, Montana and Colorado,
at the low rate of ONE FARE FOR THE ROUND TRIP. Tickets
for these excursions will be sold on Tuesdays Sept. 9 and 23,
and Oct. 14, 1890. They are first-class and good 30 days for
return passage.
If you want to see the country, or secure a home in the
Great West, don’t neglect this opportunity. Be sure that
your tickets read via the C., R. I. & P. Rºy., which has its
own lines to principal points in many of the above named
StateS.
For rates and full particulars address WM. RICKEY, Passen-
ger Agent, Davenport, Iowa, or JNO. SEBASTIAN, G. T. & P.
Agt., Chicago, Ill.
EXTRA FINE PLAYING CARDS.
Send ten (Io) cents in stamps or coin to John Sebastian,
Gen’1 Tk’t and Pass. Ag’t CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND & PACIFIC
RY., Chicago, Ill., for a pack of the latest, smoothest, slickest
playing cards that ever gladdened the eyes or rippled along
the fingers of the devotee to Seven-Up, Casino, Dutch, Euchre,
Whist, or any other ancient or modern game—and get your
money’s worth several times over.
HOME SEEKERs' ExCURSIONS.—Take advantage of the cheap
excursions offered by the CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND & PACIFIC
RAILWAy, to points in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas,
Indian Territory, Texas, New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho,
Minnesota, Northwestern Iowa, South and North Dakota,
Montana and Colorado, at the low rate of ONE FARE FOR THE
ROUND TRIP. Tickets for these excursions will be sold on
Tuesdays, September 9 and 23, and October 14, 1890. They
are first-class and good 30 days for return passage.
If you want to see the country, or secure a home in the Great
Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy. . I 91
West, don’t neglect this opportunity. Be sure that your tickets
read via the C., R. I. & P. R'Y., which has its own lines to
principal points in many of the above-named States.
For rates and full particulars address WM. RICKEY, Passen-
ger Agent, Davenport, Iowa, or JOHN SEBASTIAN, G. T. & P.
Agt., Chicago, Ill.
L'STERINE.—The British Medica/ /ournal, of May 30,
1890, says: “We have received " " a specimen of a pre-
paration manufactured by the Lambert Pharmacal Company,
St. Louis, U. S. A. According to the formula given, it con-
tains the following antiseptics: Thyme, eucalyptus, baptisia,
gaultheria, mentha arvensis and benzoboracic acid. It is a
clear liquid, with an aromatic odor, pungent taste, and misci-
ble in all proportions with water. We have experimentally
proved that it is a powerful antiseptic, preventing the devel-
opment of bacteria and decomposition of vegetable infusions.
Listerine is certainly a very elegant preparation, and will be
found an agreeable antiseptic either for internal or external
use.” It is certainly satisfactory in the extreme to note the
appreciation that the efforts of American pharmacists meet
with abroad. Testimony of the character given by the British
Medical Journal should carry very great weight with it.—Oc-
cidental Medical Times, June, 1890.
The editor of this journal is frequently in receipt of letters
from former students of the S. U. l. and from others, enquir-
ing as to the best gynecological chair. As physicians have
different ideas as to what is the best, the question is a difficult
one to answer except so far as giving one’s own opinion and
preference. Some ten years ago the writer purchased a Marks
chair of standard height and used it up to within a year.
About two years since we determined to buy a new chair, and
spent over a year in testing the different kinds that were
offered, having at one time three chairs in our office at the
same time. The result was quite unsatisfactory, not one of
the new chairs answering our purpose as well as the old
Marks chair which we had discarded. We therefore wrote to
the manufacturers and purchased a Marks chair with all the
modern improvements, and do not hesitate to give it as our
opinion, that, all things considered, the Marks chair is the
best for general office use that can be obtained. A. C. C.
*-4 ºf
“The musical people have all become Homeopathic cranks
since the great Adelina Patti-Nicolini, upon the occasion of
her last visit to Louisville, called in a well-known Homeo-
path to prescribe for one of Mrs. Patti-Nicolini’s aches,”
I92 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
ſ
It is a mistake to suppose that because milk is a liquid food
it is at the same time a drink which is capable of satisfying
the thirst of infants. Although milk appeases hunger, it
makes thirst more intense after it has remained some time in
the stomach and digestion has begun. It is thirst which
causes healthy, breast-nourished infants to cry for long periods
of time, in many instances. There are many cases of indi-
gestion due to weakness or insufficiency of the child’s gastric
juice which would be greatly benefitted, or even cured, if the
child were allowed an occasional drink of water.—A'acific
Aſealth /ournal. &
Nothing so quickly restores tone to exhausted nerves and
strength to a weary body, as a bafh containing an ounce of
aqua ammonia to each pailfull of water. It makes the flesh
firm and smooth as marble, and renders the body pure and
free from all oders.
OPERATION UNDER HYPNOTISM.–E. L. Wood, of Minneapo-
lis, reports an interesting case of osteo-myelitis, in which a
necrotomy was performed without the slightest pain. The
patient was hypnotized some six times previous to the opera-
tion in order to get him under good control. On the morning
of the operation, he was hyptonized in bed, and then led to the
operating-room. The several existing fistulae were explored,
and an incision, some four inches in length made, after which
a large portion of the bone was removed with the mallet and
chisel. The operation was done under antiseptic precautions
and dressed antiseptically. He was then taken back to bed,
and told that he could have something to eat in a few hours.
He remained in a cataleptic state until his meal time, when
he sat up and requested his dinner.—Medical Record, Jan-
uary 4, 1890.
MoUSSENA—A NEW TAENICIDE.—M. Thiel has discovered
in the bark of a legunimous plant, described by Baillon under
the name of Acacia anthelmintica, a substance whose chem-
ical characteristics closely resemble those of saponin (Mous-
senine). The author states that this bark is much more act-
ive as a taenicide than kousso, and is less disagreeable to the
taste. He has employed it in the form of a powder in a
dose from Io to 16 drachms, mixed with honey or milk; or
it may be employed in infusion, of which an ounce may be
taken as a dose, given in the morning two or three hours be-
fore eating. In the evening of the same day, or in the morn.
ing or evening of the day following the taenicide, the paracite
will usually be displaced, followed, after a few days, with re-
moval of their fragments.-Ther. Gaz., from Journal de Med-
ecine de Paris.
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
VOL. II, Iowa CITY, Iowa, October, 1890 No. 7.
INCISED AND PUNCTURED WOUNDS AND THEIR
TREATMENT.
BY W. H. PETIT, M. D., CEDAR FALLS, IOWA.
(Read before the Ilahnemann Medical Association of Iowa, May, 1890)
It is not my intention to go into detail in the treatment of
this subject. There is so much fanciful theorizing with many
in the different plans of treatment of wounds, that should I at-
tempt to present the views in full of even a few of the length-
iest theorists I should consume too much time and make the
association weary of life, and of me.
Authorities tell us that recent solutions of continuity in the
external soft structures of the body constitute the great ma-
jority of wounds, but the term has a much wider definitic ,
eitologically, physiologically and therapeutically.
It is the treatment of wounds, stric//y so called, and as met
with in ordinary practice that this article is devoted.
The most common wound is the incised, and punctured
wounds do not differ enough from the former to materially
affect the principles and law of dressing.
In the case of a clean cut wound, all that is usually required
is to staunch the flow of blood by pressure with a dry absorb-
ent dressing and keep the edges of the wound in close con-
tact. Pressure for a few minutes may suffice to cause adhe-
sion, which at first is a mere mechanical stitching together
rapidly converted into a living bond of union by the process
of organization.
A little goldbeaters skin, or brushing the parts with callo-
dian protects from the air and maintains coaptation.
I94 AVorz/western /ournal of Homeopathy.
If the wound be a little more extensive an absorbent pad or
non-irritating adhesive plaster may be usefully employed to
secore immobility.
In some cases a pliant splint moulded to the parts and left
to solidify is best as it secures immobility.
In larger lesions the precept to be observed in the first
treatment of all wounds becomes especially important: “to
search for and remove all foreign bodies.”
As a general rule, too much inquisitiveness is to be discour-
aged, but if a wound be of a considerable depth it is only by
probing it that foreign bodies can be found.
As a rule the finger is the best searcher, but a porcelain
tipped probe and a magnet have their special uses in detect-
ing magnetic bodies. Whatever the means used, practice all
the gentleness possible.
ARREST OF HEMORRHAGE–One of the first things to do is to
stop bleeding from divided vessels. Too much anxiety about
bleeding from small vessels before the edges of a wound are
brought together, is as a rule, unnecessary, and frequently it is
mischievous.
Most small arteries do not require ligature.
Bring the recently divided soft parts in apposition, carefully
apply bandage, see that the muscles are at rest and in rºost
cases you will have no hemorrhage and get healing by first
intention.
If the oozing be rather more free than can be controlled by
mere apposition of divided surfaces, light pressure by a pad
or sponge squeezed out of ice water, or very hot water, will be
found a very good haemostatic.
As aids to immobility and pressure in the arrest of hemor-
rhage, styptics are valuable, and amongst these may be men-
tioned benzoin, collodion and styptic colloid.
If these simple means be not sufficient to check bleeding,
accupressure, ligature or torsion must be resorted to with a
tourniquit or esmarch bandage according to the circumstances
of particular cases.
Whatever be the means used to control hemorrhage, do not
forget that Position is one of the most important and with this
may be classed immobility and pressure.
WoUND CLEANSING-Dirt is the dirtiest of foreign mate-
Incised and Punctured Wounds. I95
rials, which should be carefully removed before attempting
the apposition of wound edges.
Some authorities claim this should be done without liquid
when possible.
I cannot think so. A good cleansing fluid is alcohol and
water. Iodine added to water is also good, as are others.
ANAESTHETICS.—If wound is extensive, and exploration and
cleansing cause much pain, even with gentle manipulation,
anaesthetic should be used. The first dressing should be right.
The subsequent healing of the wound depends largely on this
dressing. Nothing is more important than to avoid pain
which is a cause as well as a sign of physiological disturbance,
and a very potent factor in the initiation and development
of pathological changes.
DRAINAGE.--Bleeding staunched and wound cleansed, its
edges are to be adjusted and means taken to keep them in ap-
position. This is the time to provide for drainage.
In cleansing the wound include within it as little fluid as
possible, and for this purpose it is well to exercise equable
pressure and to give exit at the dependent angle to fluid as it
is exuded.
Only experience can teach whether the wound can be com-
pletely closed with safety.
Many superficial wounds can.
Deeper wounds must, as a rule, have proper drainage tube
at its most dependent part.
SUTURES.–Sutures are sometimes a necessity in these
wounds and as a rule metal sutures are preferable. The num-
ber and depth depend on circumstances in each case. In
some cases strips of absorbent gauze, soaked in tincture of
benzoin may take the place of Sutures. In others borated or
absorbent cotton over wound and kept in place by properly
adjusted adhesive plaster may save suturing.
CHANGING DRESSING.—When the first dressing is to be dis-
turbed, can only be determined by closely watching constitu-
tional symptoms.
Taking heed of the patients feelings, pulse, change, etc.
Infrequence of wound dressing is most conducive to suc-
cessful wound healing.
I96 AWorthwestern Journa/ of Homeopa/hy.
The safety of one may demand changing the first twenty-
four hours, while many may go a week.
In the treatment of incised and punctured wounds it is
hardly necessary to go very far into the field of antiseptics.
The materials used in all dressings should be and really are
in a measure antiseptic.
One author says the question in wound treatment is not
one of antiseptics or no antiseptics, but of the form and pro-
portion in which they should be employed in particular con-
ditions.
The great antiseptic is life. The living tissues have a natu-
ral preservative power which if guarded and conserved by the
surgeon on physiological principles offers the Surest guaran-
tee for healthy repair, which is only an adaptation and exten-
sion of normal nutrition.
In exceptional cases, in the wound formed by opening a
psoas-abcess when perfect drainage and pressure are imprac-
ticable, the need for antiseptic medication is great.
Here the Listerian method is called for. Ordinarily such
well recognized principles of wound dressing as cleanliness,
drainage, and immobility, infrequent dressing, position and
pressure are sufficient for ordinary surgical practice.
Cleanliness especially is more than “Kin to Godliness”
when applied to surgery.
I am aware that there is a wide difference of opinion as to
the character of the dressing used. Some of our best author-
ities insist upon the dry dressing to the exclusion of all others.
In my personal experience I cannot subscribe to any such
set of teaching.
Absorbent and antiseptic powders such as bismuth and
iodoform, charcoal, earth, and boracic acid, are all indicated
and in many wounds, from their drying and antiseptic action
are all that is needed.
In many other wounds especially such as those of the scalp,
hands, and some of the face my personal experience would
cause me to advocate a moist antiseptic dressing.
One of the best of these is as follows: First sprinkle
boracic acid over surface of wound—then a few strips of sur-
geon lint saturated with whatever antiseptic is thought best,
which may be a solution of eucolyptal, calendula or bichloride
%,
tº The Zhird Stage of Zabor. I97
of mercury. Strength, I part to 2000. Over this fit a cover-
ing of oiled silk—this prevents evaporation and holds the
moisture at least a couple of days. &
A pad of absorbent cotton over the silk and a bandage
Over all, holds all in place—makes pressure—gives a degree
of immobility and will be found a very successful dressing.
THE THIRD STAGE OF LABOR.
BY E. R. JACKSON, M. D , DUBUQUE, IOWA.
(Read before the Hahnemann, Medical Association of Iowa, May, 1890.)
There is, perhaps, no time during the whole course of labor
when the parturient woman is in greater danger than that
which elapses from the birth of the child to the delivery of
the after-birth.
This is commonly called the third stage of labor, though
authors differ regarding it.
From the fact that a large majority of cases only require
slight traction upon the cord and pressure upon the fundus to
end this stage, comparatively little has been written upon it.
One who has seen a few of the exceptional cases, however,
can realize how thoroughly we must be prepared for these
exceptions.
The proper time to deliver the placenta is a point upon
which there has been some controversy. Most writers advise
waiting until natural contractions separate it as indicated
when pulsation ceases in the cord, or the occurrence of expul-
sives pains. To this I object, on account of time, to avoid
danger, and ease of delivery to both patient and attendant.
The busy physician has little time to await the recuperation
of tired muscles. During the earlier stages he must wait and
assist only as nature requires, but then he may save time and
hasten his patient into a condition of comfort. The parts are
numb from the distention and pressure, in most cases the os
widely distended so that the introduction of two fingers is
painless—by hooking them into the edge or a fold of the
placenta, slight traction and twisting which may be given in
this way, with the pressure upon the fundus excites contrac-
tions and the whole thing is done more easily, quickly and
safely than to wait the usual time.
198 AWorthwesteem Journal of Homeopathy.
se
A/
By this means an inversion of placenta with suction upon
the bloodvessels, or a possible inversion of the uterus is
avoided, flooding is less probable, and the expression of Sur-
prise that all is over so soon and so easily, shows plainly how
satisfactory to the patient. It has seemed to me, that after-
pains were less severe, for the placenta is removed imme-
diately after the disposal of the child, before much blood has
passed into the uterine cavity, and the rotatory motion which
one may give by this means brings it away edgewise and with
it whatever accumulations there may have been
Sometimes after tedious labors or when the muscular system
is much reduced by previous ill health, there may be a con-
dition of inertia, and unless there is flooding or other symp-
toms requiring 1mmediate relief, we may wait and allow
remedies to restore some contractile power. There may be
irregular contractions producing the hourglass contraction, or
there may be occlusion of cevix due to spasmodic contrac-
tion without a corresponding contraction of the body.
Remedies may correct these conditions, but if flooding or
complications arise, manual interference will be necessary.
There is another condition called secondary placenta,
whether correctly, I am in doubt, serious results, however,
may follow, and if a continuous flood follows the delivery of
the after-birth an examination will show, either within the
uterine cavity or protruding from the os, the so-called second-
ary placenta, but which is more probably a detached portion
of the membranes; by removing, the flow is readily checked.
Some times the delivery of the placenta is delayed by
adhesions of a part or the whole of its surface—a condition
more frequent in the mind of the attendant than in reality,
yet, when a fact, a source of much trouble and anxiety.
When women have been previously attended by midwives
it is said to have occurred often; but in my experience it has
been rarely the case—small adhesions are perhaps not
uncommon, delaying the delivery a little time and causing
some hemorrhage. This, however, is readily overcome by
grasping the detached border with two fingers and twisting the
mass around.
If the placenta is adherent throughout its whole surface as
sometimes occurs as a result of inflammation or abnormal
Some Characteristics and Phenomena of Fezers. I 99
growth interlocking the villi of the decidual membranes the
removal is difficult and some times impossible. Remedies
may aid the detachment, more frequently, however, the hand
must be introduced and by gradually “insinuating” the fingers
separation may be accomplished. Yet in some cases all
means fail. An old-school friend related a case, in which the
whole surface was so firmly adherent that there was no possi-
bility of separation. Chloroform was administered and every
reasonable effort made by three of our best physicians, but
without success, and they were compelled to leave to slough
away which was accomplished in about two months time.
The question will very naturally arise, might not the result
have been different under homeopathic remedies? While I
have little confidence in remedies for the relief of most of the
conditions named in this essay, the case here is different, and
having to wait the natural separation, may not medicine
greatly hasten that end?
-º-º-º-º- ºf º-º-º-º:
SOME OF THE CHARACTERISTIC AND DISTIN-
GUISHING PHENOMENA OF FEVERS.
BY W. O. CLARK, M. D., WAVERLY, IOWA.
[Read before the Hahneman Medical Association of Iowa, May, 1890.]
The characteristics of a fever are increased heat, rapid
pulse and elevated temperature. From these three distin-
guishing conditions we diagnose our patient as suffering from
fever. But, like the term “bilious,” the term “fever” may
cover a multitude of ills.
To inform our patient that he is suffering from fever may
satisfy the ignorant. But the live, up-to-the-times physician,
like the intelligent sufferer, desires to know the form of fever
with which he has to deal.
To be true, in the early stages he may find great difficulty
in distinguishing the variety, so many fevers being quite sim-
ilar in their initial stages. But, ere many days have passed,
the close student and observer discovers characteristics by
which he can quite readily solve his problem.
In Simple Intermittent Fever we have three marked stages,
the cold, hot and sweating stages. In the cold stage we find
the temperature of the surface of the body below normal,
26o AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
while internally the temperature is above normal, frequently
running as high as Io.4 to IoS degrees Fahrenheit. This stage
may last from a few minutes to an hour or two, following
which is the period of heat. We now have a dry, burn-
ing surface, headache, restlessness, usually thirst and herpetic
vesicles on the lips. The sweating stage is marked by copi-
ous perspiration, and usually a lowering of the temperature
to normal.
These conditions are 'apt to again appear on the next, or
second or third day, and regularly in order as the case may
be quotidian, tertian or quartan.
In the more simple forms the patient may be able to attend
to business, except during the attack; but in the more severe
types we find a marked prostration.
The liver and spleen are enlarged from hyperaemia, the
spleen often attaining an enormous size, even filling largely
the abdominal cavity. º
In Simple Remittent Fever we rarely have but one chill,
but following this chill the temperature is apt to run very
high. There will also be much gastric uneasiness, and dis-
turbance of liver with occasional jaundice. There is more
or less bilious vomit. Bowels at first are constipated, in
about a week assume a diarrhoeic character, the stools be-
ing of a thin, watery and brownish nature. w
There is a continued elevation of temperature, but with
daily remissions, the temperature generally being two or more
degrees above normal during the remission, and one to two
degrees higher during exacerbation than remission, till after
he third day, after which there is but little change. This
ºver usually reaches its height in five or six days, when we
ok for a decline in the temperature and more prominent
symptoms. But when no decline occurs, the disease is apt to
assume a typhoid form.
Here, also, we get the enlargement of the spleen, but not to
the degree that we do in intermittent fever, the tumor seldom
extending below the margin of the ribs. The liver is seldom
enlarged, but often bronzed.
The early stages of typhoid fever are very similar to those
of malarial or remittent fever.
The one strong, diagnostic phenomenon of typhoid fever
Some Characteristics and Phenomena of Fevers. 2O i
is the changes in the agnminated and solitary glands of the in-
testines. These generally pass through four stages, each stage
corresponding to a certain stage of the fever, and usually
each stage being of about a weeks duration. These stages
are, (1). Medullary infiltration, (2). Softening, (3). Ulcer-
ation, (4). Cicitrization. We often find in the same gland
two or more of these stages going on at the same time.
These changes are usually limited to the glands of the lower
part of the ileum, a few feet above the ileo-caecal valve the
glands being found perfectly healthy. In a large number of
the glands, in many cases, these changes never advance be-
yond the first stage. Enlargement of the mesenteric glands
is associated with the changes in the intestines, the greatest
enlargement being found at the seat of the lesions, and marks
the severity of this local disease.
The spleen is nearly always found increased in size, in severe
cases attaining two or three times its ordinary weight. This
enlargement is found more frequently in young than elderly
people. …”
Peritonitis may occur from perforation of one of Peyer’s
patches from ulceration, or from the spleen, caused by hemor-
rhage into the peritoneal cavity. There is danger from perfo-
ration of the intestine after the first week till after the patient
is able to be up and around. Intestinal hemorrhage occurs
in about five per cent. of typhoid cases, and varies from a
mere trace to two quarts. .*
Another marked peculiarity, considered by many authors,
is the variation of temperature during the first two days.
This variation is the rise of two degrees during the day, with
a descent of one degree during the night, this rise creeping
slowly and gradually on, till a temperature of Io.4 to IoS is
reached.
From the seventh to the twelfth days the rose-colored spots
can generally be seen upon the abdomen, and often the chest,
back and limbs. These spots are round in shape, have well
defined margins, slightly elevated, and disappear upon pres-
SUITC.
The invasion of Cerebro-spinal Fever is very sudden. Usu-
ally a chill or chilliness, intense headache, with a drawing or
contraction of the post-cervical muscles. The head is drawn
2O2 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
back, spine rigid, and straightened or curved, perhaps curved
until the head and heels are brought together. The entire .
cutaneous surface is extremely sensitive. There is generally
severe vomiting, sometimes uncontrollable. Pupils usually
contracted at first, then dilated, often the two differing in
size.
There is extreme sensitiveness to light and noise, the least
noise or sound nearly throwing the patient into convulsions.
Pain and noises in the ears, with partial, and often complete
deafness. N.
In one-third to one-half the cases this fever has a rash,
mostly herpetic or petechial in character.
Another marked peculiarity is the pulse, which shows a di-
minished force and volume, and varies greatly from only slight
causes. It is not uncommon for the pulse to go as low as 4o,
or even 27, and then to go to I2O within a very short period.
Old writers claim there was no elevation of temperature;
but since the days of thermometry the temperature is found
to range from Ioo.4 to Iog. Another, and the most unexplain-
able phenomenon, is a peculiar swelling, and often redness, of
the joints resembling rheumatism. The knee, elbow, wrist,
or smaller joints may be affected.
gº
SOME FACTS ABOUT REFRACTION.
BY S. C. DELAP, M. D., KANSAS CITY, MO.
Comparatively few general practioners fully realize the im-
portance of a correct refraction of the eye as a method of
relief from headaches. Eye-strain is very often the source of
so much annoyance to the patient that her life is almost a
continual series of pain, headache, vertigo, nausea, temporary
spells of blindness, nervous irritability and occasionally such
grave affections as chorea and epilepsy.
Homeopathic remedies, carefully prescribed, usually give
relief for a short time and the trouble just as often returns, to
the dismay of the patient and the annoyance of her physician.
In such cases the radical cure lies in the carefully fitted glass.
During my earlier years of practice I was frequently called
upon to prescribe for a very annoying occipital headache.
My success in affording relief was very indifferent, till I
Some Facts About Refraction. 2O3
became tired of the patient and she grew weary of her physi-
cian. After fitting myself for special work my attempts were
again renewed with decidedly greater success. I prescribed
a one-dioptric glass for her hypermetropia followed by com-
plete and lasting relief. In speaking of the case afterwards
this lady stated that she never recollected of being free from
pain in her head—it came with her earliest recollections and
unceasingly accompanied her through more than a score of
years. No remedy gave her even temporary relief till cured
by the glass. This single prescription afforded me more
pleasure than all that had preceded, even if the single fee was
small when contrasted with the aggregate fee for the consoli-
dated attempt.
A case of migraine first enforced upon my mind the dire
effects of eye strain. A married lady, of middle age, had tried
all altitudes from sea-level to that of Leadville, Colorado, in
the hope of finding relief. Homeopaths had exhausted their
knowledge of the materia medica. The uterus had not been
neglected; costly treatment extending over months had been
bestowed upon this organ. Old-school men, with their omni-
present quinine, failed to demonstrate their theory of “Malo-
ria.” The bromides in massive doses, gave only slight relief.
Medical men of all shades of belief found a final refuge in
large doses of morphia, but these were of only temporary
relief. From monthly attacks the periods of recurrence had
become intervals of days only. The case proved one of com-
pound hypermetropic astigmatism. With the wearing of
glasses a new era dawned, a translation as radical as that
attributed to Elijah. She was completely cured of migraine
and life again became a pleasure.
“Sun pains” are another class of headaches that almost in-
variably yield to correctly fitting spectacles. It is a common
experience among those having refractive errors that their
headaches are apt to be worse during the day. In these cases
bright sun-light acts as an irritant to the eye and this irrita-
tion becomes a headache. Often the headache comes on
during or after using the eyes in reading, or sewing, or any
work requiring close application of the eye. Continued use
of the eye in such occupations leads to spasmodic action of
the cillary muscle. This spasmodic contraction is nearly
2O4 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy,
always accompanied by unusual irritation and often by reflex
trouble of unusual character. It is during this condition that
the patient may have attacks of migraine, spells of temporary
blindness, vertigo, vomiting, hysteria and even epileptic seiz-
ures. When the physician is confronted with these symptoms,
and treatment is unsatisfactory, if he will but insert a single
drop of a one per cent. Solution of atropia sulphate in each
eye, for several successive days, he will have found a certain
method of relief, if due to ocular cause, and in the knowledge
of the foregoing facts he need no longer hesitate about what
to do for his patient.
Dr. Edward Jackson, of Philadelphia, an esteemed teacher,
and American editor of the Opt/a/mic Review, says that a
“periodic nervous sick headache” is always caused by eye
strain. No facts have came under my observation to cause
me to doubt the correctness of his statement. In these cases
the uterus may be blamed and cauterized and even impregna-
ted—it may be inspected three times a week, tilted upon pes-
saries, sewed up by the neck, lopped squarely off, still the
headaches will continue, unless the eye be correctly refracted
and the required glasses used.
The degree of trouble is not always indicated by the severity
of the symptoms. From many cases, in point, I remember
that of a young lady who was wrestling with an eight-branches-
a-term school, and with two hours a day upon the piano thrown
in, in order to get along rapidly and graduate early. The eye
became so excessively sensitive to light, that it was necessary
to keep the lids closed when in the light. The trouble proved
to be astigmatism of the Zozvest degree for which glasses are
fitted. The corrective glass was adjusted, followed by perfect
relief of all morbid symptoms, as well as curing an annoying
headache besides.
Strabismus is usually cured by abnormal refraction. An
early correction of the defect will straighten the eye more
effectually than a tenotomy. Even old standing cases may
be relieved by an accurately fitted glass.
Operations may not afford permanent relief unless the
proper glass be afterward worn. The cause continuing to act,
may induce convergence a second time as readily as it did in
the first instance. Several months ago, a physician from one
Some Facts About Refraction. 2O5
of the towns of Missouri sent his boy to me for examination.
The lad was about six years old, had been examined several
times by occulists of reputed ability and treated for granulated
lids. The boy was of the obstreperous type, vowed he would
not wear glasses and obstinately refused to call a letter on the
test cards. Examination with the Ophthalmoscope was re-
stricted to an occasional momentary glimpse of the fundus
between sobs and declarations of his purpose not to be exam-
ined or wear spectacles. A hypermetropia of five dioptries
was diagnosed and the correction prescribed. A few minutes
sufficed to convince him of the utility of glasses and he came
to my office a few days ago almost cured. The treatment
consisted exclusively of the corrective glass. º
A lady whose father was a bigoted divine, was confined to
her room with supposed spinal disease and uterine complica-
tions, as a matter of course. Her father’s mental character-
istics made him a devout allopath and old-school men
exhausted their resources in treating the case. She was not
even spared the hot iron counter-irritant over the spine, nor
the cauterization of the cervix, the plaster of Paris jacket and
confinement to her room for two years, was a more refined
method of treatment. Time mitigated the effects of heroic
treatment as well as the tendency to reflex irritability, and the
patient was permitted to enjoy out-door air and sunshine,
except on occasions when asthmatic attacks were particularly
severe. Ipecac sprays finally cured the asthma. A congested
cervix was treated by glycerole of iodine tampons till a normal
condition was attained; but only perfect relief followed refrac-
tion and the use of a one dioptric glass. Treatment, not
strictly homeopathic, but modified in application as only
homeopathy can effect, accompanied by the carefully selected
remedy during the whole course, wrought a complete trans-
formation in this young lady’s life. It even made an unwilling
convert of her father and other members of the family. It is
my firm belief, in this case, that the original source of irrita-
tion was the hypermetropia and that if the suitable glass had
been worn, there would have been no need of two years con-
finement and no opportunity for the heroic treatment she
received.
A great outcry is occasionally made against our old-school
2 off Morāhzwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
system and its damaging effect upon the eye. Less is said,
perhaps, by oculists than by those who write for ulterior pur-
poses. It is a fact that a very large ratio of eyes are slightly
hypermetropic and almost all are astigmatic in a very low
degree. Fine print, or a poor light, accompanied with a
severe tax upon the eyes in the way of long hours or close
application, will furnish the occasion for these defects to
manifest all the symptoms of a pathological condition. To
my mind it is very rarely the case that these influences will
cause such a defect, but they will undoubtedly accentuate one
already existing, and in many cases develop reflex symptoms.
The remedy consists, not in putting a doctor on the faculty
in each of our educational institutions (for in colleges where
all in the faculty are doctors the most detestable hygiene
exists,) nor in the temporary disuse of the eyes simply, but in
a correct refraction of the eye and the wearing, during work-
ing hours at least, of a glass that will render the refraction
normal and relieves the eye of all unnatural strain.
When abnormal symptoms are in this manner developed it
is often necessary that the warning be heeded to prevent
actual pathalogical conditions. Last fall I examined a man
who came to my office saying that he had lost the sight of his
left eye during one of the preceding nights. The ophthol-
moscope showed an extensive retinal haemorrhage covering
perhaps half the fundus of the eye. He stated that he
belonged to several labor organizations, being himself a con-
tractor, and that he spent a great deal of his time reading,
especially evenings. The opthalmoscope showed a hyperme-
tropia of two dioptrics. He was in robust health, aged forty,
and the heart and arterial system seemed entirely normal. A
similar abnormal condition of refraction existed in the other
eye, with many evidences of eye strain. He had gone to an
optician and the selected glass did not fit. This he had used
for some months. My diagnosis was retinal haemorrhage due
to eye strain. A few weeks later I read an account of a sim-
ilar case in one of the large Philadelphia hospitals where
the same diagnosis had been made by a leading oculist. The
eye was irreparably damaged, but a considerable degree of
import was secured. Such cases enforce the importance of
not neglecting proper treatment before pathological results
occur, especially in such occupations that lead to eye strain.
Some Facts About Refražion. 2O7
An abnormal refraction not infrequently leads to ulceration
of the cornea with all its attendent pains and dangers. Phlc-
tenular keratitis and conjunctiritis are often due to the same
cause. When such cases occur, especially of the recurrent
type, it is always proper to make an examination and at least
exclude this cause.
It is an unfortunate fact, that persons with refraction diffi-
culties are seldom aware of their defect, and when they are,
they unually lack the sympathy of their friends. Persons
come into my office with most annoying hypermetropia
and astigmatism, assuring me that their eyes are especially
good and their sight most exact. They continue to assure
me that they can read all the letters of test type on the card,
even if, on actual trial, they cannot read half. I once had a
lady patient who came for the relief of headache. She, too,
assured me that her eyes were all right, though I soon led her
to the original discovery, that with her left eye, she did not
know her own mother ten feet away. It proved a case of
mixed astigmatism of high degree, and its correction entirely
relieved the patient of much suffering. The cause of this
seeming incongruity is the fact, that a person who has never
seen with perfect distinctness has no correct idea of visual
accuracy. Judgment involves a basis, just as mathematical
calculations require a unit. Comparison without a basis of
comparison is impossible. A Hindoo cannot conceive of
Siberian snow, nor can a Greenlander have any true concep-
tion of tropic vegetation. Admiral Nelson asked his mother
what fear is, while Gen. Hull wholly lacked the endowment of
courage. It would have been as impossible for Nelson to judge
of fear as for Hull to have been a hero. Some persons go through
life with only an apology for sight and hardly become aware
of their defect. If irremediable, they enjoy the Ö/iss of ignor-
ance; if capable of correction we might change the Ö/iss to
Ä/äsfer. *
Experience furnishes the basis of our judgments. If that
basis is erroneous, all judgment founded upon it is valueless.
If experience never gives us a clear visual outline, we cannot
judge correctly of one. Test-types furnish the only readily
available method of ascertaining refraction errors. Of these
none are superior to Snellen's. These should be in every
physicians office, for diagnosis, if not for treatment.
2 o'8 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
TENNESSEE STATE HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL
SOCIETY.
The annual session of the Tennessee Homeopathic Medical
Society convened at Lookout Inn on Lookout Mountain
Wednesday, September 1 oth, at 3 p. m., with the president, E.
H. Price, M. D., of Chattanooga in the chair.
The minutes of the previous meetings were read by the
secretary, W. C. Dake, M. D., of Nashville, and approved by
the society. The report of the Board of Censors through its
chairman J. P. Dake, M. D., of Nashville, resulted in the ad-
dition of the following to membership in the society:
J. T. Ashbaugh, M. D., Chattanooga; W. W. French, M.
D., Chattanooga; G. E. Harrison, M. D., Chattanooga; E.
Lippincott, M. D., Memphis; Wm. Hewitt, M. D., Memphis;
H. Z. Landis, M. D., Memphis; Clara C. Plimpton, M. D.,
Nashville; J. H. Enlow, M. D., Nashville; D. R. Overman,
M. D., Nashville; R. H. Baker, M. D., Watertown; W. E.
Hatchaway, M. D., Maryville; T. H. Hicks, M. D., Knoxville.
A verbal report of the committee on Medical Legislation
was made by its chairman J. P. Dake, M. D., of Nashville,
who said that the Tennessee Legislature had had Medical
Bills presented at each session since the last meeting of the
society, but that all had failed of passage until at the last
session, when a Registration Law was passed. The bill passed
the House as presented; but when it reached the Senate some
amendments were made and it finally became a law by a ma-
jority of one.
He said that it was the intention of the regulars (so called)
to modify the present bill in their own interest at the next
session of the legislature. He suggested that some changes
be attempted by our school, and that the membership of the
Board of Medical Examiners be increased from six to twelve.
He referred to the efforts and success of Dr. H. M. Paine of
Albany, New York, in securing the passage of the New York
Medical Law. Dr. Dake objected to all Medical Examining
Boards and favored only registration laws.
Dr. J. M. Traer asked that if at any time a member of the
Examining Board should resign or die, who had the power to
fill the vacancy. Dr. Dake replied that the Board had the
power to fill the vacancy until the expiration of the members
Tennessee Homeopathic Medical Society. 209
term of office. This statement elicited considerable comment
as to whether in case of such emergency with the Homeo-
pathic member, the regulars would give our school its just
dues. The law provides for one Homeopathic and one Elec-
tic member on the Board to be appointed by the governor.
Dr. J. P. Dake read a paper on Medical Legislation, after
which Dr. W. W. French of Chattanooga discussed the paper
and made some remarks on Medical Legislation. A resolu-
tion was adopted to the effect that we favor a registration law,
but that in case of boards we favored separate boards, and
giving eighteen reasons why we opposed the present Tennes-
see Medical Law and Examining Board in general.
Dr. J. M. Traer read an excellent paper on Infant Feeding,
which was discussed by Drs. French and Lippincott.
Dr. E. Lippincott read a paper, the title of which was
“Foetus Papyraceous.”
A paper was presented on “Gonorrheal Sterility,” by W. A.
Edwards, M. D., of St. Louis, which was read by the secretary.
It was discusscd by Drs. French, Enlow and Lippincott.
Adjourned until Io a. m. Thursday morning.
SECOND DAY'S SESSION.
The second day’s session was called to order by the presi-
dent at Io:40 a. m. An addition of several physicians who
arrived the previous evening and early in the morning were
made to the society.
The first business transacted was the reading of a paper on
“Glonoine Climacteric Flushes,” by Clara C. Plimpton, M.
D., of Nashville. The paper was terse and interesting. It
was discussed by Drs. J. D. Buck, J. P. Dake, W. W. French,
J. M. Traer and E. Lippincott.
Dr. J. P. Dake spoke of his use of Glonoine in Epilepsy.
He gives his Epileptics a vial of the medicine and advises them
to take a dose at the first indication of the Aura,and stated that
it prevents the attack. Dr. H. G. Bayless, of Knoxville, informed
the writer of these minutes, that he knew a physician who
hypnotizes his Epiliptic patients previous to the usual time of
their attacks, and keeps them under the influence for twenty-
four hours.
The next paper presented was on “Cardicic Dyspnoed,” by
E. M. Hall, M. D., of Chicago, which was read by the secre-
2 IO AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
tary. Dr. E. Lippincott spoke of the efficiency of Cannabis
India in patients who were suddenly accustomed on going
to sleep, compelled to jump up suddenly, gasping for breath,
frightened and with an excited heart action.
Dr. Hale's paper elicited much discussion.
Dr. J. P. Dake presented an able paper showing thought
and study, the title of which was “Science as Applied to
Therepeutic Occultism.” His object in using it was to draw
attention to the excellent address of the president of the
American Institute. Dr. Dake’s paper was ably discussed by
Prof. Buck and Dr. D. G. Curtis. Prof. Buck gave the society
an able and interesting half-hour’s talk at this juncture. The
members regretted not having a stenographer present, that
his remarks might have been published.
Dr. G. E. Harrison presented an interesting clinical case.
The case was a malignant growth in the lower left chest,
crowding the heart over to the right side. The patient had
been materially improved and the growth very much lessened
by the local and internal Arsenical treatment, as suggested by
Prof. J. S. Mitchell of Chicago. Dr. W. W. Tydeman of
Knoxville arrived before the opening of the morning session.
Dr. H. G. Boyless of Knoxville and others arrived at this
time, and Dr. Boyless was selected to membership.
The next business in order was the election of officers which
resulted as follows:
W. C. Dake, M. D., Nashville, President; J. M. Frair, M.
D., Chattanooga, Ist Vice President; W. J. Tidman, M. D.,
|Knoxville, 2nd. Vice President; H. W. Bayless, M. D., Knox-
ville, Secretary; T. E. Enloe, M. D., Nashville, Treasurer.
Board of Censors:—H. G. Bayless, M. D., Knoxville,
Chairman; D. G. Curtis, M. D., Chattanooga and E. Lippin-
cott, M. D., Memphis.
The following committees were appointed:
Medical Legislation:—J. P. Dake, M. D., Nashville, Chair-
man; E. Lippincott, M. D., Memphis; F. H. Heiks, M. D.,
Knoxville.
Prevailing Diseases:—J. M. Frair, M. D., Chattanooga,
Chairman; W. W. Tidman, M. D., Knoxville; H. Z. Landis,
M. D., Memphis.
Sanitary Science;—W. W. French, M. D., Chattanooga,
Tennessee Aſomeopathic Medical Society. 2 II
Chairman; B. H. Baker, M. D., Watertown; D. B. Overman,
M. D., Nashville. * Aſ
Surgery:-T. E. Enloe, M. D., Nashville, Chairman; E. H.
Price, M. D., Chattanooga; Wm. Hewit, M. D., Memphis.
Diseases of Women and Children:—Clara C. Plympton, M.
D., Nashville, Chairman; W. M. Biddle, M. D., Columbia; G.
E. Harrison, M. D. Chattanooga.
Materia Medica:-E. Lippincott, M. D., Memphis, Chair-
man; T. E. Enloe, M. D., Nashville; J. I. Ashbaugh, M. D.,
Chattanooga. *.
Climatology:—D. G. Curtis, M. D., Chattanooga, Chair-
man; J. P. Dake, M. D., Nashville; H. Z. Landis, M. D., Mem-
phis. |
The next business being the selection of the place of meet-
ing; Nashville was selected.
An invitation was extended by the society to the Southern
Homeopathic Medical Association to meet with them next
year at such time as could be agreed upon. At this juncture
telegrams from Drs. L. D. Morse, Atlanta, and C. E. Fisher,
San Antonio, were received, expressing good wishes. The
Society extended the usual omnibus vote of thanks to the ho-
tels, officers, etc. The expressions of various members on a
variety of topics were presented, prominent among which
were those of Prof. J. D. Buck, who gave the society an inter-
esting and instructive talk. At this juncture a paper was re-
ceived from W. E. Green, M. D., Little Rock, on “Some Points
on Orificial Surgery in Reflex Disorders,” which was read by
the Secretary. Drs. J. W. Iron and Charles P. Beaman, of
Chattanooga, and J. A. Tigner and B. H. Payns, M. D., of
Rome, Ga., having arrived, the last three were elected to
membership.
The resolution on examining boards adopted the previous
day was re-read for the benefit of those not present at that
time. The meeting was a highly interesting one and all felt
that they had been well paid for attending.
The success of the meeting exceeded the most sanguine ex-
pectation of any of its members. Much interest was mani-
fested throughout and it was a veritable intellectual feast.
After adjournment some time was spent in viewing the
grand panorama presented from the top of the mountain.
The personnel of the meeting was exceedingly good. Prof.
J. D. Buck, President of the American Institute of Homeo-
pathy, an author and lecturer of well merited distinction, was
2 I 2 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
present, and added to the grace of the occasion by the pres-
ence of his wife.
. The veteran J. P. Drake, M. D., who has done so much for
Homeopathy in the South and elsewhere, took an active part
in the proceedings. -
W. W. Tideman, M. D., whose name is a household word
among the Homeopaths of the South, lent dignity to the oc-
casion. **
The President of the Southern Homeopathic Medical Asso-
ciation, Dr. E. Lippincott, M. D., was gathering points with
a view to the success of the Birmingham meeting.
A few ladies were present, about six in all, prominent
among whom was Clara C. Plympton, M. D., Nashville, the
pioneer lady Homeopath of the South, who now enjoys a lu-
crative practice. x *
Dr. E. H. Price made a good presiding officer and was as
calm as a May morning in his deliberations. Dr. D. G. Curtis
has the interest of the society as much at heart as any of its
members, was omnipresent and ever alert for the interest of
the society. Dr. W. W. French entered into the spirit of the
meeting and a medical meeting is destined to success when
he becomes interested in it. He has clear cut ideas on the
subjects on which he speaks, and, like all others who spoke,
is opposed to medical boards in general and especially those
which are disposed to discriminate against homeopathy. Dr.
J. W. Frair has acquired an enviable reputation as a physician
and in a society meeting is easy and happy in his remarks.
Dr. W. C. Dake made an earnest, hard working and efficient
secretary. Dr. H. G. Bayless who is quiet and unassuming in de-
meanor, a comparatively young but an eminently successful
surgeon, was elected secretary and if as successful in this office
as in practice will bring the society to rank with the best.
Much could be said in praise of the Chattanooga physicians
for the interest manifested and courtesies to visiting physi-
cians, for when a homeopath visits their city they capture
him and hold him spellbound until he has seen the grand pan-
orama of views in and around their city. Nature has made
Chattanooga one of the grandest sights on the continent.
Lookout Inn, on the top of Lookout Mountain, commands a
yiew of all the surrounding country. It is one of the most
ZDes Moines Homeopathic Clinical Society. 213
elegant Hosteleries and summer resorts in the South and is
destined to be a popular place of meeting for conventions.
The house is new, nicely finished, handsomely furnished, and
contains nearly three hundred rooms, with all the accommo-
dations requisite to a first class resort, the rooms being large
and airy. The location has acquired some reputation as a
hay fever resort.
DES MOINES HOMEOPATHIC CLINICAL SOCIETY.
The meeting was called to order October 6th, 1890, by
the President, Dr. A. M. Linn. After the usual routine of
business the subject for the evening, Enteric Fever, was dis-
cussed. Dr Goodrich opened by giving brief and clearly the
pathology and etology. She also divided the subject into its
various forms, giving a case of each. The president then called
for personal experience, especially in the present cases.
D. W. Dickinson:—There has been more typhoid fever this
fall in this section than for many years. It has been difficult
to trace it to any unsanitary conditions. The cases have been
pretty severe, causing much prostration, a slow convalescence
and quite apt to be complicated with pneumonia, meningitis,
or one of the many other diseases complicating typhoid.
Although not often met with in young persons, I had a case
in a child four years old. The complication was meningitis.
The child had the following unfavorable symptoms: low mut-
tering delirium, hemorrhage from the bowels, carphologia and
retention of urine. Perfect recovery, in fact never had a case
where indicated remedy gave nicer results, and brought back
to life and health a child whom all thought could not live and
twice seemed to be dying. The principal remedy used was
Arsenicum. For the picking at the bed clothes I gave Hyosc.
Two doses were all that was needed. For the retention I was
called after sixteen hours. I gave Stram. and left orders to
call me in two hours if the desired result was not obtained.
After the second dose the child urinated freely.
Dr. Eaton:—Have never had a case in so young a child.
W. H. Dickinson:—Had four cases in one family; ages were
two, four, six and nine, and all were different in type. Some
dull and apathetic, others restless and delirious.
2 I4. Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
Dr. Royal:—Have had two cases in children under five
years. One was an uncomplicated case and caused me but
little trouble. The other a delicate girl of four and a half years
is a very severe case. At first there was marked meningitis,
the head was thrown back and to the right, the pupils were
dilated and there was severe headache, with paroxysms caus-
ing her to jump and scream with pain. For the headache I
gave Bell. thirty-six hours without any benefit, then changed
to Acteate rac. 3x. The headache as well as the stiffness of the
neck was all gone within forty-eight hours from the first dose
of Acteat. I then put the child on Bry. 6x. Two weeks later
there was suppression of urine. For four days I drew off not
to exceed one gill of urine. I gave, meantime, Hyos., Stram.
and Apis. The nurse gave pumpkin-seed tea, nitre, and hot
baths, but all without effect. I then noticed that peculiar
pale, waxy look of the skin and a little puffiness under the eyes,
so I gave Ars. 6x, five drops in a spoonful of water every
hour. Twelve hours later she passed nearly a pint of highly
colored urine. Have had no further trouble, and I now con-
sider her convalescent. She has been kept on Arsenicum
since. The strangest part to me is that there were no convul-
sions or other symptoms indicating uraemic poisoning.
W. H. Dickinson:—I never saw a case of convulsions in
typhoid fever, i. e., uraemic convulsions.
Dr. Eaton:—To my mind the most suggestive point to be
made in this connection is the surprising headway that is made
against this disease when the warm pack is harnessed up with
the indicated remedy, and the two set to pulling together, any-
one not a theorist but a clinician, knows how difficult it seems
to be forever carefully selecting remedies to obtain a real grip
upon this poisonous and persistent ſever. They will ease it
along to make comparatively safe what would otherwise be im-
minent peril, but they fail to radically break it up and root it
out. Now just this is what I have repeatedly seen done in
well developed, typical, unmistakeable cases of typhoid fever,
where the free use of the warm pack seconded the effects of
the remedy. Under this regime these fevers are actually
stopped and broken up in a way surprising to one who wit-
nesses it for the first time. I do not hesitate to use the pack
twice a day for two or three days, that is, until the fever sur-
renders. -
Des Moines Homeopathic Clinical Society. 2 I 5
D. W. Dickinson:—Give us your modus operandi.
Dr. Eaton:—The usual method for packing. Dip the sheet
into water as hot as the temperature of the body and wrap
him up in it and flannel blankets. It will draw the fire out of
the right side and your patient will find it so grateful that he
will often go to sleep in it.
I had a case about six weeks ago. The man had passed the
prodromal stage at his work. Then came the stage of inva-
sion. The fever was marked and clear. Rhus. was the remedy.
I gave it and the warm pack. I was not obliged to see him
again. The fever was gone in three days and the recovery
was rapid and complete.
D. W. Dickinson:—I am sure we all see the advantage of
frequent sponging and will agree with Dr. Eaton in that .
respect. §
Dr. Eaton:-It is with just that, i. e., Sponging, that I want
to quarrel. The result obtained from the one is entirely dif-
ferent from that secured by the other.
Pres. Linn;–Let us now have the symptoms.
W. H. Dickinson:-They are to be found in all our text-
books and vary so that we could derive but little good from
ther repetition. I would like to get the experience of the
members in regard to a profuse perspiration after the second
week. In my experience it is always a grave symptom.
Dr. Eaton:—Bad.
Dr. Burns:–Always bad.
Dr. Royal:—Never had it occur except in one case and that
was my only fatal case from typhoid.
D. W. Dickinson:—Have a case now, taken from another
physician. This is her sixth week and she profusely sweats.
I don’t know as yet what the result will be.
Dr. Goodrich:-Never had a case of the kind.
Dr. Linn;–Have a case now will not rest any easier for
listening to these remarks.
W. H. Dickinson:—I find in cases where delirium is present
just the reverse. Delirium after the second week is not nearly
as bad a symptom as when it comes early in the disease while
perspiration coming early is not necessarily a bad symptom
as it shows more or less, malaria as a complication.
Dr. Royal:—As far as that goes I have not seen an uncom-
216 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
plicated case since I came West, in 1883. By that I mean the
regular morning and evening variations put down in the
books, in all my cases I have not found one.
D. W. Dickinson:—The writer in Peffer's System of Medi-
cine says that those symptoms are always present in every
true case of typhoid. Not my experience.
Dr. Burns:–I would like to ask Prof. Dickinson if he has
noticed that the perspiration come with cases which are con-
stipated rather than with those in which we have diarrhoea P
W. H. Dickinson:—I have never noticed, cannot tell from
memory, but I would like to say a few words as to the etiology
and especially as to the cause for Typhoid this fall. In wet
seasons the albumenoid ammonia is so diluted that we escape
from the poisonous germs but during such a year as this
where water is law everywhere the A. A. is more concentrated
and the poison more active. I have noticed that in wet
seasons malaria prevails, in dry, typhoid. Another cause I
believe to be sparrows. I had some cases in a house which
was well shaded by trees and where were a large number of
sparrows on the roof. The family all used cistern water but
one, who never drank it, and that one escaped.
Remedies which have been useful this fall.
Dr. Linn:—In the case alluded to, the cause was well water.
There was the malaria, headache, diarrhoea, stools yellow, six
or eight in twenty-four hours. The first symptoms which led
me to think of typhoid were a dark, almost black tongue and
a dusky hue of the skin. The only remedy used was Baptisia,
except Arsenicum, for suppression of the urine. The second
case had more complications so that I had to use in addition
Bry. These then have been my remedies: Bapt., Bry, and
Ars. Had one case of Walking typhoid, where Rhus tox was
the only remedy. *
D. W. Dickinson:—My remedies are Ars., Bry., Rhus., Hyos.,
Bell. and Stram.
C. W. Eaton:-Rhus. almost entirely.
Dr. Royal:—I have used Bry., Rhus. and Bapt. For the
complication, Stram., Acteate rac., and Arsenicum.
Dr. Burns:—I would like Dr. Linn to give me the definite
symptoms calling for Bapt. instead of Bry.
Dr. Linn;–Dark coating of the tongue; discharges dark;
AJes Moines Homeopathic Clinical Society. 217
skin of a dark hue; stupid condition of mind; bowels loose and
the stools dark in color. I have never found the symptom
where the patient is hunting all over the bed to get himself
put together.
Dr. Burns:–The brown tongue and dusky hue always go
together. I never saw a case with a light colored tongue that
ever called for Bapt.
W. H. Dickinson:—My treatment is, first, MILK, second,
plenty of fresh air, and third, the indicated remedy.
All the Doctors present agreed with Prof. Dickinson as to
the utility of milk.
Adjourned one month.
The Homeopathic Medical Department State University of
Iowa opens with fifteen Freshmen, eight Juniors and seven-
teen Seniors, total forty.
The Homeopathic Department of the University of Minne-
sota opens with seven Freshmen, four Juniors and two Seniors,
total thirteen—a.good showing for a young school.
Our readers should not forget the excellent missionary work
being done for homeopathy by the People's Health /ourna/, of
Chicago. This excellent publication is doing more for the
cause of homeopathy than it is for its publishers, owing to the
great expense of publication. We again urge upon the pro-
fession the necessity of giving it substantial encouragement.
The suggestion that we once made that “a few copies distrib-
uted among their patrons each month will do good missionary
work and prove a well-paying Investment,” has been repeat-
edly verified. A physician who took one hundred copies in
1889 renewed his order for 1890 and added this remark:—“I
never invested money that gave me as much satisfaction or
brought me as large returns in proportion to the amount in-
vested.” Another physician renewed his order for a large
number of copies and said:—“the Journal has helped me
where I least expected; brought me eleven new families.”
For the small sum of six dollars a physician can have one
hundred copies sent regularly for one year into one hundred
families. Try it. It will be found the best paying and most
legitimate advertising scheme you ever adopted.—Perhaps it
might be well to say that neither the editor or publisher of the
NoRTHWESTERN JOURNAL OF HOMEOPATHY has the slightest
financial or personal interest in the People's Health /ournal,
neither are we paid one cent for anything we have said on the
subject.
Aº.
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
All communications for publication, books for review, etc., should be addressed
to the editol, A. C. Cowpelthwaite, M. D., Iowa City, Iowa.
Business communications should be addressed to the business manager, F. J.
Newberry, M. D., at the office of publication, 12 N. Clinton St., Iowa City, Iowa.
The Editor is not responsible for any statements or opinions expressed by con-
tributors.
—r
“LIFE INSURANCE AND HOMEOPATHY. ”
Under the above caption “ The Omaha Clinic ’’ attempts to
answer an editorial upon the same subject appearing in some
homeopathic journal, where the latter recommended that the
homeopathic profession boycott all Life Insurance companies
who discriminate against homeopathic physicians. The fol-
lowing is in part the language said to have been used:
“Let the management of these corporations understand
that so long as they refuse our certificates they insult us and
our friends, and we have no use for them. * * * * As long
as they employ as chief examiners men, who use their office
to promote discord and dissension in a community from which
they derive their support, just so long should that community
turn their backs and refuse patronage to their representatives.”
Had the Clinic answered this effusion in the language it de-
served and said no more it would have received the endorse-
ment of all intelligent and thoughtful physicians regardless of
their school of practice. The above language does not rep-
resent the attitude of the homeopathic school. Aside from
the narrowness of the mind that would suggest any species of
boycotting for the remedy of an evil, it is evident that such a
course would be eminently unwise and imprudent, and would
never accomplish the purpose desired, but on the other hand
would more effectually antagonize all life insurance corpora-
tions against the class of men who had no higher idea of
business principles than to recommend a boycott. The
Clinic starts off as follows:
Zife Insurance and Homeopathy. 2 IQ
“In the first place it is a fact, and the homeopathic editor
knows it well, that the community by ifs individual applicants
for life insurance is not a party to the contract existing be-
tween the companies and the physician. The individual rep-
resents simply the raw material, out of which the examining
physician is to manufacture a risk for the company—and this
risk will become a profitable one in the ratio in which the
physician expends his honesty and his skill in behalf of the
company who employs him. It is, therefore, true that the
more skillful and the more honest the examiner is the more
likely will the insurance company profit by the contract. It
is also quite true that such a company, so served, is the one
which will in the end be most apt to fulfil every promise given
to the insured.”
Out of this very true statement of facts the CZenic attempts
to build an argument, based upon the homeopathic editorial
previously quoted, “Why insurance companies do and OUGHT
TO OBJECT to examiners of homeopathic proclivities.” It as-
sumes that the said editorial represents the sentiment of the
entire homeopathic profession, which it well knew was not
the case, but its purpose is subserved as it thereby has an ex-
cuse for perpetrating a tirade of abuse which is carried to such
an extent that it loses all power as an argument and only
shows up the ludicrous position of one whose sole knowledge
of homeopathy, and of the homeopathic profession has been
gained through prejudice and conceit.
“We will simplify our position by admitting that homeo-
pathic physicians have facilities, and the small minority of
them make use of them, to obtain a medical education suf-
ficient to answer the demands of a skillful life insurance exam-
ination. But we echo only the common belief when we join
the majority by asserting that very few irregular physicians
can lay claim to that quality of honesty which strict business
principles call for.”
Such a wholesale attack upon the honor and integrity of
ten thousand homeopathic physicians whose standing both
socially and financially will average well with their allopathic
neighbors does not deserve notice. The “common belief.”
and the “majority” can only refer to the great mass of allo-
pathic physicians, who are so firm in their prejudices and so
violent in their hatred of homeopathy that they can find no
terms too severe, or libel too great to use against it.
“We apprehend, unless a kind Creator has endorsed homeo-
paths et id genus, with qualities differing from the majority of
22 O AWorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
mankind, that there are those among them who are learned
in the fundamental branches of medical science, these as eſse-
z0/here, are in the minority, but a minority differing materially
from that of the regular profession. In the latter, a spirit of
humility !! [From such humility we can devoutly say:-
“God deliver us.” The humble allopathic physician is also
badly in the minority. And who ever heard of an humble
man proclaiming his humility from the house tops P1 is neces-
sarily engendered by their deeper knowledge of medicine.
[give us the proofs oh man of humility your success at the
bedside does not warrant such arrogance. But your next sen-
tence evidences the “deeper knowledge of medicine” you pos-
sess] which is eqz/a/ed on/y by their sense of zweakness in the
/resence of hydra-headed disease, (italics our own.) Not so
with the homeopathic sazan: / He, becomes more arrogant as
his knowledge increases; necessarily so, because assumption of
infallibility of his remedies is an absolute outgrowth of his
claim that his remedies are prescribed in conformity with a
great (?) principle.”
Yet he must admit the truth of this statement. The confi-
dence of the homeopathic physician in his remedies is un-
bounded, and he is in great danger of assuming their infalli-
bility. Indeed it is already pretty generally admitted that fal-
libility lies in the physician and not in the remedy. The
homeopathic physician faces “hydra-headed disease” with a
confidence that his allopathic neighbor who has no principle
either great or little to guide him, knows nothing of. His
own experience and that of his predecessors for nearly a cen-
tury have taught him to what an extent he may depend upon
those remedies which nature has given him for the relief and
cure of disease. He is not obliged through the poverty of his
therapeutics, as is his old school neighbor, to depend on the
advertisements of manufacturing chemists for his knowledge
of drug action, and employ their various proprietary combi-
nations, the actions of which are unknown and only begin to be
understood after thousands of lives have been sacrificed
through inhuman and criminal'experiments. Such is the nat-
ural consequence of having no principle to guide in the ad-
ministration of remedies in disease. The allopaths know this
and for centuries they have been searching for a principle of
cure in which they have signally failed for the reason that they
have ever assumed that such a principle must be based entirely
upon anatomical and pathological knowledge. They have
Zife /m/s2/rance and Homeopathy. 22 I
thus been following an ever distant igniis fatuus that has led
them into the most extravagant and ludicrous errors. Just
now they imagine that their labors are to be rewarded—that
the “microbe theory” is to furnish them with a “great princi-
ple,” of therapeutics, and overturn all that has gone before.
Already is this temple of their imagination beginning to tot-
ter and will doubtless ere long crumble to the dust, only adding
to the mighty ruins of the past, a monument to the weakness
and instability of allopathic therapeutics. Yes, we admit that
the homeopathic physician “becomes more arrogant as his
knowledge increases,” in which he differs from an allopath in
that the less knowledge the latter possesses the more arrogant
he becomes. The Clinic argues that because homeopaths are
incompetent and dishonest, life insurance companies are justi-
fied in not appointing them as medical examiners. Such an
assumption is only the result of prejudice and ignorance and
can have no weight whatever except when the appointing power
is exclusively in the hands of a medical director who like the
editor of the C/inic is unjust and arrogant because entirely ig-
norant of facts with which he might easily become acquainted
did he so desire. The editorial closes with the following
highly moral and exceedingly amusing conclusions:
“We take it this is also the platform for the regular physi-
cian to stand on. He knows his knowledge of man and his
diseases is limited, and so is his power for relief of pain and
cure of disease. No great principle guides him in his efforts
to heal. To believe that such a principle exists is dangerous
credulity, to asserá its existence is arrogance saturated by dis-
honesty. Association with the believer is inconsistent with
good taste; companionship with the asserter at least permits
the assumption of particeps criminis.”
Dr. F. J. Newberry, Business Manager of the NORTHWEST-
ERN Journal OF HOMEOPATHY, having assumed the duties of
lecturer on diseases of the eye and ear, in the Homeopathic
Medical Department of the State University of Iowa, to which
position he was recently elected by the Board of Regents, has
removed to Iowa City, and with him goes the publication of-
fice of the Journal. This will account for the unusual delay
in the appearance of the present number. Advertisers, cor-
respondents and exchanges are requested to note the change
in address.
2 22 AWorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
NEWS AND NOTES.
We are indebted to Dr. E. Lippincott for the report of the
Tennessee meeting appearing in this number. Dr. Lippincott
also calls our attention in very earnest language to the forth-
coming meeting of the Southern Homeopathic Medical Asso-
ciation, which will occur at Birmingham, Alabama, Novem-
ber 12, 13 and 14, 1890. Owing to the weakness of the cause
in the South it is very desirable that this meeting should be
made a great success, which can only be done with the co-
operation of physicians from the North. Let us join with our
Southern brethren in this movement and do all we can to as-
sist in cultivating the soil that is only waiting for us, and
which is bound to yield abundant harvests in the near future.
Our readers will be interested to know that Dr. Norcross
appeared before the Montana examining board, refused to
pass an examination, and was thereafter represented by his at-
torney. In answer to a question from the latter as to the
standing of the College at which Dr. Norcross graduated (S.
U. I.,) the secretary of the board said, “the school was black
listed at one time, but is now in good standing.” We merely
mention this as an argument against these all powerful and
arrogant state boards, who can by the scratch of a pen, “black
list” a college of recognised good standing, just as they can re-
fuse to grant a certificate to practice to any individual from
any whim or prejudice they may conceive.
The homeopaths of New York are again in trouble owing to
the jealousy and unfairness of their allopatiic brethren. As is
well known the Middletown Insane Hospital has justly acquired
not only a national, but also a world-wide reputation for its
humane and successful management in the treatment of the
insane. It being the only hospital in the State affording
homeopathic treatment it has been understood that all insane,
whose friends desired this method of treatment could have
the privileges of this institution. Its national reputation has
also brought to it many patients from abroad. This has
alarmed the allopaths and they now seek to check this growing
popularity by securing from the Commission in Lunacy a
ruling making it impossible for the Middletown Hospital to
receive any patients, whatever, outside of the counties of
Orange, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk and Ulster,
unless permission is obtained from the Commission. No
private patient, even in the counties named, can be received
in the hospital unless permission is also obtained from the
Commission. This ruling cuts off the very source of revenue
by which the Hospital has heretofore been made self-sustain-
ing, and is especially unjust in view of the fact that the enter-
AVezº’s and Możes. 223
*
prise was assisted by private donations to the amount of $50,-
ooo from the citizens of the State who desired to establish a
homeopathic hospital for the insane. The profession of the
State do not intend to allow the usefulness of the hospital to
be destroyed without a protest, as the following resolutions
which were unanimously adopted at the thirty-ninth semi-an-
nual meeting of the State Homeopathic Medical Society re-
cently held in Brooklyn, gave evidence:
WHEREAs, The recent laws relating to the transfer of the
county insane provide for restricting the admission of cases
to the Middletown Homeopathic hospital to the consent of
the State commission in lunacy; and
WHEREAs, The Middletown Homeopathic hospital was
founded and is maintained for the purpose of affording home-
opathic treatment to insane patients residing in any part of
this State, for whom such treatment is desired; and
WHEREAs, It is understood that orders are being made by
the State commission in lunacy for transferring insane persons
to the Middletown Homeopathic hospital without regard to
this important, eminently desirable and humane provision;
therefore,
A'eso/ved, That we respectfully request the State commis-
sion in lunacy to refrain from transferring any cases to the
Middletown Homeopathic hospital, except those for whom
homeopathic treatment is requested, in writing, which request
and reasons therefor are to be satisfactory to the trustees of
said hospital.
A'esolved, That in case patients are ordered to be trans-
ferred to the Middletown hospital in disregard of this request,
the committee on medical legislation of the State Homeopathic
Medical Society is hereby instructed to endeavor to secure
such legislation as shall provide for the free and full transmis-
sion of patients, and those only, both pay and county, from
any part of this State for whom homeopathic treatment is
desired.
A'esolved, That the committee on medical legislation of
the State Homeopathic Medical society is hereby instructed
to secure such amendments of present laws as shall provide
for the admission of one or more homeopathic representatives
to the State commission in lunacy.
Resolved, That homeopathic physicians are hereby re-
quested to notify said committee on medical legislation re-
garding any existing difficulties, of whatever nature, by which
those who desire the admission of cases from any part of the
State to the Middletown Homeopathic hospital are prevented
from so doing, whether on account of overcrowding thereof
or for any other reasons. *
2 24 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
MINNESOTA ITEMS.
Prof. Leonard, assisted by Bafenbier of Boericke & Tafel's
Pharmacy, will conduct Prof. Aldrich’s course to the freshman
class.
Prof. H. C. Aldrich sailed from New York for a three
months’ course in Gynecology with Lawson Tait at Birming-
ham, England.
Prof. W. H. Haviland has resigned his position as lecturer
upon Mental and Nervous Diseases, and gone to Butte City,
Montana. His place is not yet filled.
The University Medical Department opened Monday, Octo-
ber 6th, lectures beginning Wednesday, October 8th. The
• Homeopathic freshman class will number at least eight, three
of whom are graduates of the University Literary Department.
Dr. A. P. Williamson, the new Superintendent of the Fergus
Falls Asylum will deliver to the University class the course of
lectures upon Insanity given at Philadelphia for four whole
years. His whole work has been in that field and making him
an authority upon the subject.
ONLY ONE MORE EXCURSION
And last opportunity for Home Seekers and others via the
Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Rºy, to see the “Great West”
in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas, Indian Territory,
Texas, New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Minnesota,
Northwestern Iowa, South and North Dakota, Montana and
Colorado, at the low rate of One Fare For the Round Trip.
Tickets First-class and good for thirty days for return, will be.
on sale the date of departure, Tuesday, October 14th, 1890.
Don’t forget that by joining this Special Excursion, your en-
tire round trip journey will cost you the price of One First-
class Fare One Way only. Be sure that your ticket reads via
the C., R. I. & P. Rºy, which has its own lines to principal
points in many of the above named States.
For rates and full particulars address WM. RICKEY, Passen-
ger Agent, Davenport, Iowa, or JOHN SEBASTIAN, G. T. & P.
Agt., Chicago, Ill.
DEATH FROM SULPHONAL.—A death has been reported fol-
lowing the use of two fifteen grain doses of sulphonal, the
doses being given an hour and a quarter apart. The fatal
result occurred forty hours after the first dose. The patient
was a woman with melancholia, aet. 28 years. The mode of
death was apnoea.
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
Vol. II, Iowa CITY, Iowa, November, 1890. No. 8.
CAUSES INTERFERING WITH OR ARRESTING FOE-
TAL DEVELOPMENT.
F. J. BECKER, M. D., CLERMONT, IOWA.
(Read before the Hahnemann Medical Association of Iowa, May, 1890)
In the presentation of this subject I fully realize its great
scope, but shall endeavor to confine myself to the practical
portion thereof as much as possible.
For the purpose of obtaining a more thorough understand-
ing of the subject we shall divide the causes interfering with,
or arresting foetal development into: 1st. The pre-existing.
2nd, conditions developed by pregnancy itself, and 3rd, inde-
pendent or accidental.
The pre-existing causes are, no doubt, of the greatest im-
portance to the practitioner of medicine, as the greatest num-
ber of abortions, premature births and imperfectly developed
and unhealthy infants can clearly be shown to be due to their
influence, either directly or indirectly; and, therefore, having
a thorough knowledge of these influences, we are more able
to foresee and avoid unfavorable results.
I am inclined to the opinion that as a general rule the
physician does not lay stress enough upon the general condi-
tions of the mother and as a consequence fails in his efforts
and sacrifices the life of the foetus.
As foremost among the pre-existing causes we will first call
your attention to the various constitutional diseases as found
in scrofula, tuberculosis, syphilis, etc.
How can we expect a healthy well developed infant from a
mother whose system is undermined by either of these great
226 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
disorders of nutrition? Truly some of you may say that a
scrofulous mother often gives birth to large families of chil-
dren. I am not at all inclined to dispute that fact; but let us
inquire into the condition of the infants at the time of their
birth, and we shall find that many of them show very defective
nutrition which has already manifested itself in imperfect
osseous development Qr various forms of chronic inflamma-
tion. Scrofula cannot be looked upon as completely arrest-
ing foetal development except in extreme cases, but it most
certainly does interfere with healthy foetal nutrition and there-
by causes meningocel acrania, hydrocephalus and a great
number of the various deformities by defect, besides predis-
posing the infant to all of the various disorders of childhood
which cause the death of nearly thirty per cent. of all infants
before they attain the age of three years.
Tuberculosis in the mother, is more apt to cause complete
arrest of development and premature expulsion of the foetus,
than scrofula, especially is this the case when it has devel-
oped into the latter stage, and the system of the mother be-
comes so depraved as to render the foetal nutrition inadequate
to sustain life. In nearly all such cases the infant is still-born
or dies within a few hours after birth. But even where tuber-
culosis is still in its earlier stages, and premature expulsion of
the foetus does not take place, we are almost sure of having a
poorly developed infant, in which at some period in life will
be found tubercular degeneration of the lungs, glands or men-
inges of the brain. When the mother is infected with syphilis
whether of recent or chronic origin; whether present as an
ulcerative affection of the uterus or existing as a constitutional
taint in the system, there is an almost invariable tendency to
abortion about the third month. But in exceptional cases
this does not occur and the infant when born soon exhibits
signs of impaired nutrition and generally dies from hereditary
syphilis during the first few years of life.
Among other constitutional causes tending to the arrest of
foetal development we would mention plethora, anaemia and
the various forms of nervous disorders. These do not very
often interfere directly with foetal development, but their
presence especially predisposes to the various forms of local
disorders which so often cause premature expulsion of the
embryo.
Causes Interfering with Faetal Development. 227
The local pre-existing causes of arrested foetal development
are very frequently the outgrowth of, or associated with one
of the disorders of nutrition already mentioned, and when
such is the case we should always, so much as possible, direct
our attention to the underlying constitutional cause.
Among some of the most important local causes we would
call your attention to chronic inflammatory conditions of the
uterus and its appendages. Ulcerations of any portion of the
uterus, whether benign, malignant or specific; nervous sus-
ceptibility of the uterus and ovarian irritation. These act
chiefly by causing a state of chronic congestion of the pelvic
viscera, and this at the regular cataminal dates becomes so
great as to cause placental apoplexy or inflammation which
produces partial or complete detachment of the placenta, thus
destroying a part or all of the foetal nutrition and resulting in
imperfect development or death and expulsion of the foetus.
In the various forms of displacements we have a cause of
premature foetal expulsion which is apt to be mistaken and
looked upon as dysmenorrhoea. There are many cases of so-
called sterility, which are nothing but a succession of abor-
tions due to this cause. Retroversion is the most liable to
produce early foetal expulsion. In these cases the uterus in its
abnormal position cannot expand and permit of foetal growth,
and as a result the embryo is expelled between the first and
third month, frequently passing with clots of blood and escaping
unnoticed. Prolapsus uteri, while not as frequently the cause
of early foetal expulsion as retroversion, does, however, at
times cause abortion, the gravid uterus becoming impacted in
the pelvis before rising above the promentory of the sacrum
and the irritation of such impaction causing contractions and
foetal expulsion. The anterior forms of displacement are not
liable to produce unfavorable results during foetal develop-
ment, as there is no resistance to the normal rising and de-
velopment of the uterus.
Intra-uterine growths, such as fibrous and polypous tumors,
will cause the arrest of embryonic development when concep-
tion takes place, but their presence generally prevents con-
ception and avoids the unfortunate results which would be al-
most sure to follow.
228 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
We now come to consider the second class of causes: Con-
ditions developed by pregnancy itself.
Among the conditions developed by pregnancy and gener-
ally looked upon as natural accompaniments to parturition we
will first mention as perhaps the most frequent, morning sick-
ness. This varies greatly in different individuals, ranging from a
slight nausea after meals for only a few mornings, to the most
persistent vomiting of all food taken during the greater por-
tion of the whole nine months; the debilitating effect of which
not only causes extreme emaciation of the mother, but at
times even the loss of the foetus. Obstinate constipation
where faeces are allowed to accumulate for unusual lengths of
time will cause expulsion of the foetus by becoming a direct
irritant to the uterus. Even vessical irritability may produce
abortion from sympathetic irritation of the uterus.
|Under this section we will also include the various abnormal
conditions of the placenta, cord and foetus itself. Complete
placenta previa, various forms of placental degeneration, hy-
pertrophy, congestion, inflammation or haemorrhage of the
placenta are all direct causes of foetal death. Aside from
these we have numerous abnormalities of the membranes and
foetus itself which may be the cause of local arrest of foetal de-
velopment and result in grave deformities. The most impor-
tant of these are effusion between the membranes, adhesion
of the amnion to the foetus, abnormally small quantity of
amnionic fluid, and local inflammation of the foetus itself dur-
ing ths early months of development. We might here also
include various diseased conditions transmitted from the
mother to the foetus, but as these are the outgrowth of some
pre-existing or accidental cause, we omit them here.
The accidental or independent causes are frequently only
the disturbing influence which rouses into activity some of the
preexisting causes already mentioned, as we are all aware that
what in one case will prove the direct cause of foetal expulsion,
in another case would not appear to have the least influence.
Probably the most frequent in occurrence of the accidental
causes are injuries and strains varying in intensity from
slight over exertion at walking, riding or lifting to the most
severe blows upon the abdomen. These generally cause
uterine hemorrhage by detachment of the placenta and con-
Causes /nterfering with Faeza/ Development. 229
sequent death of the foetus or act directly in producing uter-
ine contractions and expulsion of the foetus.
Violent mental emotions, such as violent grief, sudden sur-
prise, horrible sights, violent anger, etc., may, where there ex-
ists nervous sensibility of the uterus, be the cause of prema-
ture foetal expulsion.
Acute constitutional diseases, such as variola, yellow fever,
spotted fever, cholera, typhoid, typhus, and even extreme
cases of intermittent fever, are frequently the cause of foetal
death, but such is generally not the case unless the vital
forces of the mother are very low and death liable to result.
Certain drugs also will produce violent uterine congestion
and consequent abortion. Among these are aloes, apis,
cantharis, caulophyllum, cimcifuga, Sabine, Secale, and oth-
ers. This fact should never be overlooked by the physician,
and when such remedies are required during the pregnant
state they should aiways be used in attenuation and not too
frequently repeated.
The time at which there is the greatest liability to death
and premature expulsion of the foetus is at the regular men-
strual dates, when there is a natural tendency to uterine con-
gestion, but especially is such the case during the first three
months of pregnancy. It is also a recognized fact that where
there is any marked deformity of the infant, the origin of such
deformity must have been some influence operating during
the early months of embryonic development and before the
foetus was fully formed.
Therefore, if we were to have a case of defective foetal nu-
trition and in consequence thereof a poorly developed and
unhealthy infant, would it not be natural for us to suppose
that the cause of producing such a result had exerted its
greatest influence during the earlier months of development P
Having thus briefly called attention to some of the most
important causes of partial or complete arrest of foetal devel-
opment and the time during which they chiefly operate, the
question arises, what can be done to prevent so great a foetal
mortality as we now have and to improve the intra-uterine
development of infants? In the first place the beneficial ef-
fect of active exercise in the fresh air is frequently overlooked
or the delicacy of the mother during parturition causes its
*
23O Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
neglect. It is always to be remembered that fresh air and
Sunshine are essential to good health, and especially is this
the case during pregnancy, when there is a natural tendency
to disorders of digestion and as a result a general depression
of the vital forces. Secondly, the beneficial results obtainable
by early and proper medication cannot be overestimated.
We frequently derive great benefit, in diseases of infants, from
the administration of some of the anti-psoric remedies to the
mother, and if by maternal medication we can improve the
health of the infant, which obtains its nourishment from the
lacteal secretion of the mother, how much more, by such
medication, ought we to improve the health of the foetus,
which obtains its nourishment directly from the blood of the
mother.
The remedies used in such cases should not be given at
random, but a careful study should be made of the maternal
constitution, and if we can obtain any knowledge in regard to
the tendencies of children already born by the mother it will
be of great importance in the selection of the proper remedy.
Some physicians will say that they seldom know of a wom-
2.Il being pregnant until it is too late for such treatment. That
is their own fault to a great extent. Every mother wants
healthy children, and if you know a mother whose children
are always unhealthy, make it a point to tell her that some-
thing can be done before birth to improve the health of the
infant, and also tell her the proper time for treatment in that
direction, and the next time she becomes pregnant you will
know in time. s
In following this course we not only save the mother a
great deal of worryment and grief during the infancy of the
child, but we insure better health to the coming generations,
prolong life, and truly become benefactors of our race.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PUERPERAL STATE IN
THE PREVENTION AND CURE OF
CHRONIC METRITIS.
BY B. H. O.GDEN, M. D., ST. PAUL, MINN.
[Read before the Minnesota Institute of Homeopathy, May, 1890.]
The importance of the puerperal state—by which I mean
the weeks succeeding parturition—in its relation to the sub-
Arevention and Cure of Chronic Metritis. 23 I
sequent health of the mother, is coming to be recog / ed
more and more.
I wish in this paper to again emphasize the responsibility of
the accoucheur in his position of a preventer of woman’s dis-
eases. In no other department is prophylaxis of greater im-
portance, and the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of cure” is nowhere more truthful, as all who have
struggled to reduce a retroflexed or antiflexed uterus following
parturition, or cure chronic metritis or subinvolution will
testify. Not only is this period of prince importance in the
prevention, but its advantages as a time of cure of uterine
disease is well known.
Hence pregnancy is advocated as a means of cure and
motherhood often becomes the entrance to a greatly improved
physical condition.
In order to understand fully how so much good can be ac-
complished in these few weeks, it is necessary to compare the
pathological processes of subinvolution, or better, chronic
metritis, with the physiological processes of evolution and in-
volution occurring during gestation and parturition.
For purposes of increased growth and nutrition after con-
ception, nature brings about a condition very similar to that
of the pathological lesions of metritis. More blood is thrown
to the parts. The arteries increase in length, circumference
and number. The uterine plexis of veins is very greatly en-
larged. As a result, the muscular fibres are enlarged and
embryonic cells wake to life. Connective tissue takes on new
growth though in lesser proportion. The lymph spaces and
vessels undergo hypertrophic changes. This change is of
much importance in carrying on involution and also explains
the very ready absorption of septic matter in the puerperal
state. The uterus weighs, after delivery, from 22 to 24 ounces
and measures in length from 5% to 7% inches. These changes,
physiological to pregnancy, correspond very closely to those
of the first stage of chronic metritis, viz. –hyperaemia. They
differ mainly in degree. If the retrograde changes—of which
I shall speak—incident to involution, are in any manner dis-
turbed, there results an imperfect or a sub-involution.
Before speaking of the nature of this change and the causes
of disturbance by which a woman formerly in good health is
232 Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
left in a state of semi-invalidism, I wish to refer to the influence
of pregnancy upon a uterus previously affected with chronic
metritis; for the prevention and cure of this condition, so far
as the accoucher is concerned, are the same. It is an often
repeated observation that when chronic inflamation becomes
acute, a cure is much more easily effected. This is practically
what occurs when an enlarged uterus takes on the hypertrophic
changes incident to gestation, with this advantage, that the
change which I have compared to an acute exacerbation, is
really physiological. Consequently at term, the condition of
a uterus previously enlarged is the same as that of a normal
one, with possibly the difference of a greater tendency to sub-
involution and a consequent greater necessity of care during
the weeks of involution. This explains at once the improve-
ment often noticed after a confinement, and my statement that
so far as the accoucher is concerned, prevention and cure of
chronic metritis are the same.
What, then, are the causes ofsubinvolution and the means of
its prevention. Involution is accomplished largely by a pro-
cess of fatty degeneration of the muscular fibres due to a great-
ly diminished blood supply. There are however conflicting
opinions as to the exact nature of the retrograde changes in
the muscle cell, but all agree that the cause is a great re-
duction in the blood supply. It may then be stated that any-
thing which prevents this diminution is a cause of Subinvo-
lution. Nature brings about this diminution of blood supply
to the uterus, by means of its contracting muscular fibres,
therefore, anything which interferes with this contraction also
becomes a cause of subinvolution. These two causes react
upon each other. I believe that these two main causes with
their subdivisions cover the etiology of subinvolution viz. –
I. An interference in the rapid reduction of blood supply
produced by—
(a) Retention of fragments of the placenta.
(b) Laceration of the cervix.
(c) Sepsis.
(d) Periuterine inflamations.
(e) Constipation.
(f) Too early rising.
(g) Too early copulation.
Prevention and Cure of Chronic Metritis. 233
II. Any interference in the contracting of the muscular
fibres of the uterus caused by—
(a) Protracted labors.
(b) General debility.
(c) Nervous influences.
(d) Failure to nurse the child.
(e) Rapid child-bearing.
Let us consider many of these causes in detail.
(a) The pernicious results of retained portions of placenta
are manifest to all and the usual methods of treatment are to
be adopted. I will only say that I think often much harm is
done by being in too great haste to remove the placenta. The
labor may have been long, the physician tired and hurried, and
too much and early traction results in tearing off a portion of
the chorion or a tuft of the placental site, whereas with a little
more time and patience nature would have accomplished a
complete removal.
(b) The tendency of the time is perhaps to exaggerate the
results of a lacerated cervix, but I believe it exerts a marked
deleterious effect upon involution. Not only by becoming it-
self the seat of hyperaemia and inflamation, but by making a
most fruitful nidus for the development and absorption of
septic matter. I do not think it is too much to say that nine-
tenths of all cases of puerperal septicaemia are accompanied
by lacerated cervices. Here again is the need of that
“masterly inactivity” so difficult to maintain. Let us be slow
to rupture the membranes or to apply the forceps until the os
uteri is fully dilated.
(c) In all cases, the benefits of rigid antisepsis are recog-
nized but in cases of lacerations, it is doubly important. I be-
lieve no antiseptic is so effectual or gives such good results as
the Bichloride of Mercury. Creolin may become a good
substitute but as yet is not sufficiently tried.
(d) The great majority of cases of peri-uterine inflamma-
tions, pelvic peritonitis and celulitis in particular, are inci-
dent to septic absorption, and I believe that in perfect anti-
Sepsis is found the means of preventing the disastrous results
following in the wake of lacerated crevices peri-uterine in-
flammations and septicaemia.
(e) Constigation is a factor in producing pelvic hyperaemia
234 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
too often overlooked at this time. As a result of pressure and
distension the rectum is often temporarily paralyzed, and the
accumulated feces prevent by pressure the return circulation
of the veins and lymphatics. Nux vomica, Hydrastis,
Aluminia and Bryonia are often sufficient, but if not an enema,
a glycerine suppository or some mild cathartic, such as
Hunjadia water or Licorice powder should be used to open
the bowels. Do not let the condition remain.
(f) Too early rising with the resumption of household
duties, lifting and caring for the child, are marked causes of
hyperaemia and sub-involution. It requires from six to ten
weeks to accomplish involution. By a careful series of meas-
urements it is ascertained that the end of the first week the
process of reduction has been slow, but is rapid during the
second, at the end of the third the uterus is still two or three
times its normal size, and yet how often by this time are
women attending to all duties the same as before. But more,
in nearly all cases even the end of the fifth or sixth week finds
the uterus still a half larger than normal, and how often will
women whose circumstances do not require it, at this time be
found participating in fatiguing social pleasures. After an
abortion, involution is slower than at term and yet how dif-
ficult it is to induce the patient to observe even the same
length of rest. We need as physicians not only to be fully
persuaded ourselves of the great importance of rest, but to ed-
ucate the people up to a similar view.
(g) I have never seen any statement concerning the next
cause named, viz: Too early copulation, but from one case un-
der observation and from reason, I believe it is a cause often
overlooked.
II. Concerning the second class of causes, viz: imperfect
muscular contraction, I will say but little as my paper is al-
ready long and these causes speak largely for themselves.
(a) Protracted labors weaken the uterine muscle as does
also rapid child-bearing. In such cases, as also those where
much Chloroform has been used, I believe it is a good prac-
tice to give Ergot in substantial doses. Here also the Farra-
dic current of electricity does excellent work. Ipecac, Secale,
Helonias or Aletris may be indicated, but often characteristic
symptoms are difficult to find.
Boracic Acid. ' 235
(b) General debility is best treated before parturition, by
our constitutional remedies. **
(c) The well-known effects of the emotions, grief, joy,
harshness, vulgarity etc., in causing relaxation of the uterine
walls should make the physician and all in attendance defer-
ential, sympathetic, kind and judicious in their speech and
actions.
(d). One more thought and I have finished. There is a
direct sympathy between the breasts and the uterus, and put-
ting the child to the breast nearly always causes a contraction
of the uterus. By measurements it has been ascertained that
involution is always slower in those who do not nurse their
children. Hence, this maternal function is not only a means
of preventing infant mortality but of preserving the mother’s
health. The prevention of disease is the physician’s most ex-
alted function. The responsibility of the accoucheur is great-
est after the child is born. Let him be thoroughly informed
and competent for the highest office which woman entrusts to
him.
BORACIC ACI)).
BY W. A. HUMPHREY, M. D., PLATTSMOUTH, NEB.
(Read before the Nebraska State Society, June, 1890.)
In selecting this substance for a paper I find myself handi-
capped in almost every direction, both on account of its
limited action and the scarcity of literature upon it.
If I succeed in refreshing our memories upon its use, I shall
have fulfilled my most sanguine hopes, and if perchance I
drop a hint or two that is new and valuable, I shall be amply
repaid for my pains.
This substance is also known by the name of boric acid.
The Reference Hand Book of Medical Sciences describes it as
“one of the feeble acids,” transparent, colorless, appearing in
six-sided plates. It is soluble in fifteen parts alcohol and in
twenty-five parts water at 15c., three parts boiling water and
five parts boiling alcohol. In commerce it frequently appears
in shapeless pieces instead of plates. There are few cases of
poisoning from the copious use of boracic acid upon open
surfaces, and two cases of death in washing the pleural sac
236 AWorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
and the sac of a lumbar aboess. The meagerness of these
does not warrant us in saying that it was all due to poisoning
from the acid. No symptoms are given by which we could
determine a case of subsequent poisoning in case one were
suspected. The principal use to which boracic acid has been
put is antiseptic.
While there is considerable claim that it has been overesti-
mated in this direction, it still holds a respectable place
among antiseptics. Sternberry claims it possesses the power
of preventing the development of pus in one half of one per
cent solution. But in the matter of permanently sterrilizing
such organisms, experiments record complete and repeated
failure, even in saturated solution. It is, therefore, regarded
as a fairly efficient antiseptic only, convenient because odor-
less, tasteless, non-irritating, and practically non-poisonous.
Applicable to mucous surfaces it tends to abate the catarrhal
process. This fact is well known to all catarrh specialists,
and is, therefore, found among their favorite local applications
to catarrhal surfaces. I think this class of physicians will
bear me out in the statement, that it has won for itself an
honored place in their armamentarium.
The eye and ear specialist gives it more than passing notice
among those with whom I am familiar. I am sure its place
is not one of minor importance. Having the advantage of
being non-irritating, no risk is taken in its use, and, therfore,
it is often resorted to as a colyrium and as an antiseptic after
surgical operations
We are all, no doubt, familiar with its every day use in otor-
rhrea, where we pack the external auditor canal lightly with
the U. S. C. P. powder or with Wyeth’s impalpable powder.
This latter preparation is very fine and will always prove
Satisfactory where boracic acid is needed as a local applica-
tion. In pruritis pudendi it is said to be very valuable in
proportion of one teaspoonful to a pint of warm water, applied
while warm. It is also valuable as a lotion in many skin
diseases where local treatment is demanded.
In acute cystitis, to its saturated solution, add a few drops
of tincture of gelsemium. This is said to act in allaying the
pain.
Aoracic Acid. 237
Of late its internal use as a remedy for haematuria and
pyuria is attracting some attention. In one case of haema-
turia of long standing, where many remedies had been used, I
gave the saturated solution. After a few days, the blood dis-
appeared and did not return for some time, and then only.
made a slight showing to again disappear permanently. Al- *
though the patient died later of other chronic troubles, there
was no return of the haematuria. * ; :
It is useful in pyuria. I have used it in this capacity some
what and I am pleased with it. . . . . -
To whom belongs the honor of first using the remedy in
these troubles, I can not say, but if it proves as satisfactory
as it has promised, much honor is due him, for it will often
prove beneficial to the suffering and reflect credit to him who
prescribes it for these latter troubles, as they are always
troublesome to treat and alarming to the patient. . . . * , , ,
Considering all these little places in which boracic acid has
proven itself worthy of confidence. I cannot agree that it
should occupy a minor position even as an antiseptic. It
does its work well and fills the bill where it promises to do so,
and, perhaps, if we should heed the still small voice oftener,
instead of looking to more potent agents, we should soon find
it occupying an enviable place among our best of “stand-
bys.” We hope that there is much in store for us in boracic
acid. All that we know of it is clinical, yet we cannot ignore
this kind of evidence entirely, because it is too plain and sat-
isfactory to be thrown aside, even by the most skeptical. If
it can be proven, so much the better. Proving may open en-
tirely new fields of action. Proving would settle whether to
it or borax, belong the laurels so long accorded the latter.
From its apparent action in haematuria, I am inclined to
think the chief source of elimination is through the kidneys.
We know that a person taking borax for a time will lose flesh,
if taken in considerable quantities. I have never known this
to be true of one who had taken the acid. If experiment
should prove, that the acid should fill the place of borax and
not cause atrophy, then we should at once adopt the acid for
our use. If not, nothing may not be gained by its exclusive
use over borax. I have not given it sufficient trial in place of
borax to speak of its merits. k -
To say the least for it, it commands our attention and will
repay our investigation. . . . - -
238 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
KALI PHOSPHORICUM.
BY T. G. ROBERTS, M. D., WASHINGTON, IOWA.
The object of this paper is simply to call attention to Kali
Phosphoricum, a drug that I think is not sufficiently under-
stood or appreciated by the profession. This medicine is one
of Dr. Schussler's tissue remedies, and my knowledge of the
remedy has been obtained mostly from his writings. I have
found the literature of the drug exceedingly meagre. The
leading facts with regard to this remedy are thus summarized
by Dr. Schussler:
“Potassium Phosphate is a constituent of the brain, the
nerves, the muscles, and the blood-corpuscles. A disturbance
in the formation of the molecules of this salt causes:
“ (A.) In the brain according to location, extension, or
intensity of disturbance.
“(a.) Mental depression, manifesting itself by irritability,
vexation, over-sensitiveness, lachrymose tendency, timidity,
shyness, terror.
“(B.) Softening of the brain.
“(b.) In the nerves, laming pains, mostly felt during rest,
better from movement without exertion. Feeling of lassitude
and exhaustion.
“(C.) In the muscle-cells, fatty metamorphosis; in the
muscle juice, or myosine, putrid decomposition.
“(d.) In the blood-corpuscles, too rapid decay of the same.
“Therefore, Potassium Phosphate cures the following dis-
eased conditions: Septic, scorbutic bleedings, mortification,
encephaloid cancer, gangrenous croup, phagadenic chancre,
putrid smelling diarrhoea, adynamic, typhoid conditions, &c.
It probably will also be found useful in shock of the brain.
My experience with this remedy has been principally in
cases of asthma, whooping cough, vertigo, putrid gangrenous
conditions, scarlet fever and mental and nervous depression.
I have seen very good results in asthma in the second and
third triturations. I cannot say that the results have been re-
markably striking in this complaint, yet I think the remedy
has perhaps served me as well as any I have ever used. In
whooping cough it has been of great benefit in cases that did
not seem to convalesce, especially if considerable bronchitic
A all Phosphoricum. 239
trouble has been developed. I have never found any remedy
equal to Kali Phosphoricum in this disorder when the disease
is far advanced and it seems that the cough ought to stop
but does not. The drug has never yet disappointed me in the
treatment of whooping cough. I have also cured with this
medicine some cases of vertigo that had resisted the usual
remedies. When vertigo is the result of gastric disturbances
or fever attends it the remedy is of no avail, but for vertigo
from nervous causes it is by far the most reliable remedy I
have ever used. Dr. Fuchs reports a case of vertigo treated
by Kali Phosphoricum that had lasted for many years. The
patient was a woman 54 years of age and suffered from vertigo
when rising from a recumbent or sitting position or even by
looking up, and she was so afraid she might fall that she did
not dare to leave her room. She was given Kali Phos. 6th
twice a day and was soon able to attend to her duties about
the house and to walk long distances without assistance.
She had taken Aconite, Belladonna, Pulsatilla and Nux Vom-
ica without benefit. In foul Smelling discharges and gan-
grenous conditions, I have used the drug with very good and
sometimes remarkable results. To illustrate its action, I will
describe a case that I have lately treated: The patient was a
young married woman, the mother of one child. She had
been sick for a long time with what several physicians had
diagnosed as abscess of the liver and phthisis pulmonalis.
When I saw her it was thought by all that she had but a short
time to live, and her friends did not expect her to be much
benefitted by my treatment, but I was asked to relieve her a
little if possible. I found her expectorating immense quanti-
ties of sputa having an odor resembling rotten eggs. The
odor was almost unbearable. I could hardly remain in the
room long enough to examine the case. She expectorated
from a pint to a quart of this offensive sputa in twenty-four
hours. She was extremely melancholy and depressed in mind
and was also troubled with profuse night-sweats. She had no
appetite and very little thirst. The terrible odor of the sputa,
the exhausting perspiration, together with the mental depres-
sion, led me to give Kali Phos. 6th trituration. Improve-
ment took place in the sputa in less than twenty-four hours,
and in a few days the odor had almost if not entirely disap-
24O AV orthwestern Journ! of Homeopathy.
peared, the perspiration ceased, the appetite returned, and
she became lively and in good spirits. In a few weeks she
was able to walk about town and to come to my office.
This case for a long time received no other treatment. She
had taken treatment from three Allopathic physicians, but
had received no benefit at all. Kali Phos. was the first and
only remedy that ever removed the foul odor from the sputa.
This case is not well, and doubtless never will entirely re-
cover, but the improvement was very marked, and showed be-
yond a doubt..that the medicine did an immense amount of
good.
This remedy has also been of great service in the treatment
of scarlet fever when the foetor and prostration were strongly
marked. It is Schussler's sheet-anchor in gangrenous diph-
theria, but when the pulse is small, the face pale and Oedemat-
ous, it sometimes fails, and in these cases Schussler recom-
mends Natrum Muriaticum. He thinks the danger in these
cases will justify the alternation of Kali Phos. and Natrum
Muriaticum. I have had no experience with this remedy
in diphtheria. In no class of disorders have I seen better re-
sults than in cases of mental and nervous depression. A
young woman was troubled with great melancholy and mental
irritability and was so quarrelsome that her friends could do
nothing with her. Her natural disposition was mild and
gentle, and as she was so petulent and despondent, fears were
entertained by her associates that she might become insane.
Chamomilla was prescribed for this case with apparently the
best of results, and for a time she seemed well, but after a few
weeks the same train of symptoms returned, and this time
Chamomilla did no good. She was then put under Kali
Phos. 6th, and the results were all that could be wished, and
up to the present time, a period of about six months, she has
shown no signs of a return of her trouble.
In searching the periodical literature of our school, I have
found a number of cases reported in which this drug pro-
duced fine effects in mental disturbances. Dr. Amberg re-
ports the case of a man 80 years of age who suffered from
“severe hypochondriasis and melancholy, with disgust of life
and fear of death, distrust, weeping mood, and similar symp-
toms.”
Aali Phosphoricum. º 24. I
The case had been treated for weeks without benefit, ith
remedies that seemed indicated, such as Nux Vomica, I ha-
tia, Sulphur, Aurum, etc., but was relieved immediately th
Kali Phos., and soon entirely cured.
The medicine is especially indicated in pale, sensitive, i, i-
table, lachrymose persons, hence, often indicated in the dis-
eases of women. The pains cured by this drug are laming,
better with gentle exercise, worse on first rising up or begin-
ning to move.
There is a peculiar condition of the tongue and breath that
especially calls for Kali Phos. The coating on the tongue
looks like slate-brownish liquid mustard, and the breath is
foetid. Putrid foul gangrenous conditions and exhaustion,
great foetor of breath, stools, perspiration and sputa, and
great depression of spirits, constitute the most prominent in-
dications for its use. The following are some of the symp-
toms and conditions that are cured or relieved by this rem-
edy :
Melancholy, depression of spirits.
Noise in the ears from nervous causes.
Predisposition to epistaxis.
Asthma, in frequently repeated doses of 2d and 3d tritura-
tions.
* foetid, coating on tongue like brownish liquid mus-
tarC1.
Diarrhoea with foul putrid evacuations.
Face-ache of nervous, irritable, pale persons.
Gangrenous conditions.
Phagedenic chancre.
Whooping cough, in 20 and 3d potency.
Intermittent fever, with foul, debilitating perspiration.
Feeble labor-pains. & &
Mastitis when the pus is brownish dirty looking, with heavy
odor.
Menstrual colic in irritable, sensitive, pale, lachrymose sub-
iects.
J Delayed menstruation in irritable, sensitive, pale, lachry-
mose females.
Laming pains, better with gentle exercise, worse on first
rising up, or through exertion.
Sciatica, scarlet fever.
Varicose veins, internally and externally.
Vertigo from nervous causes.
Weakness of sight after diphtheria.
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
All communications for publication, books for leview, etc., should be addlessed
to the editor, A. C. Cowperthwaite, M. D., Iowa City, Iowa.
Business communications should be addi essed to the business manager, F. J.
Newberry, M. D., at the office of publication, 12 N. Clinton St., Iowa City, Iowa.
º Editor is not responsible for any statements or opinions expressed by con-
tl ibutol S.
HAHNEMANNIAN THEORIES.
It is remarkable how in these later days of pseudo-scientific
progress, how many would be scientists there are who delight
in picking flaws with the theories promulgated by Hahnemann.
They are as Lilliputians striving to entangle a giant in the
meshes of a fabric woven from their own conceit and ignor-
ance. In their own littleness they fail to appreciate the
greatness of one who stands so far above them, or compre-
hend the truths which he has unfolded. As a rule these fel-
lows pretend to believe in and practice the law of cure as
expressed by the maxim “similia simiſiózes curanzur,” but
would discard as erroneous all the collateral features of hom-
eopathy which Hahnemann considered essential to a proper
understanding and perfect application of the law of cure. As
a matter of fact, however, it has so far been pretty plainly
demonstrated, that those who rejected the various theories of
Hahnemann were also not remarkably faithful in their adhe-
rence to the law itself. They consider it a law of cure, but
not the law of cure, and assume a license to deviate from it
under se many conditions and circumstances, that their
adherence becomes an exception rather than a rule. Crude
drugs, alternation, poly-pharmacy, palliatives and expedients
are their methods, rather than a straight and pure application
of the principles of homeopathy. Were they sincere and
faithful in their acceptance and application of the law of
similars, no one would contend for a moment, that they must
Aſahnemanmiam Theories. 243
necessarily accept and adopt all the collateral doctrines of
homeopathy. These have all been found to rest upon natural
laws, - which operate in unison with the law of cure.
Nor can an investigator justly pass judgment upon the
truth of any or all of these theories until vigorous experiment
and observation shall have proven their falsity, which has
never yet been done.
In endeavoring to harmonize new theories with those
already known, man is liable to err, and actually does err in
a majority of instances, even though the original theory may
be true beyond contradiction. Few hypotheses and attempts
at explanation have endured long, and it is a fact of daily
acknowledgment, that one hypothesis gives place to another
in all sciences. All scientific discoverers have entertained
numerous conjectures, some of which time has verified, others
it has overthrown. On this point Hering says: “Whether the
theories of Hahnemann are destined to endure a longer or
shorter space, whether they be the best or not, time only can
determine; be it as it may, it is a maſter of minor importance.
It is the genuine Hahnemannian spirit to totally disregard all
theories, even those of one's own fabrication, when they are
in opposition to the results of pure experience. All theories
and hypotheses have no positive weight whatever, only so far
as they lead to new experiments, and afford a better survey of
those already made.”
We have been led to the above remarks through having
read a paper prepared by W. M. Decker, M. D., of Kingston,
N. Y., and read before the recent semi-annual meeting of the
New York State Homeopathic Medical Society, at Brooklyn.
Dr. Decker proposes, that we “officially cast off some of our
false therapeutic principles.” That “we cling to the sou! and
spirit (italics our own) of homeopathy as to an eternal truth;
but we may change some of its old garments and keep up
with the times,”—New York medical times.
These garments he denominates as “rags,” and proceeds to
name them. First, he mentions the “potentiation of drugs by
trituration and succession.” He cites Lycopodium as an ex-
ample of where a drug acts better in higher triturations,
according to Hahnemann’s observation, and claims that in
this drug trituration only thoroughly breaks “up the micro-
f
244 Mor//western /ournal of Homeopathy.
scopic and flinty sporules of the plant, in which the active
principles reside,” and “if other drugs are rendered more
efficacious by succession trituration, the reasons for it are
generally understood, and are known to be other and different
reasons than those which Hahnemann assigned.” Such a
dogmatic assertion is no proof whatever. All agree, that the
successive steps of trituration and succession, by more min-
utely dividing and sub dividing drug particles, increases drug
power—increases drug potency. This, however, of itself, will
scarcely accountsfor the wonderful power exhibited in some
of the so-called “inert drugs” in the higher potencies. If,
therefore, Hahnemann or any one else tried to explain this
power by attributing it to some dynamic agency where is the
harm? No one need accept the theory if they do not wish to
do so, nor need they sneer at it as a “rag,” that should be
cast off. The second “rag” that Dr. Decker proposes to for-
ever dispose of is “high potencies.” He admits that “this is
a tender question.” Indeed it is a tender question, especially
to those who like the writer have for over a quarter of a cen-
tury witnessed the wonderful effects of high potencies in the
treatment of disease. Axperienzia est maximum doceſſ, and
there are too many of the old guard left to surrender to a few
upstarts of the present rising “scientific” generation. They
will indeed “fight, bleed and die for high potencies,” even
though the fiat goes forth from Dr. Decker and his like, that
this “rag must go.” Homeopathy does not require a belief
in high potencies, but it permits it, and the fact can scarcely
be gainsaid, that from the days of Hahnemann until now,
those who have believed in and used high potencies have
been the best and most successful practitioners. The writer
is not one of those who are usually classed as “high potency”
physicians, indeed most of his practice has been, and is, with
the lower dilutions, but he stands ready to admit, that the
best cures he has ever made, and the best cures he has ever
seen made by others, have been wrought with the much
abused high potencies. It is not a “blind and erroneous
faith,” but rather a faith that results from pure and unadul-
terated experience, which no discovery of either scalpel or
microscope will ever be able to shake. The statement, that
“faith has no proofs, but only itself to offer,” may be satisfac-
Des Moines Homeopathic Clinica/Society. 245
tory to the gross materialist, but the faith of him who uses
high potencies is founded upon proofs the most substantial
and satisfactory—the proofs of clinical experience. The last
“rag” on Dr. Decker's list is Hahnermann’s “Psora theory.”
True the Corsican had not yet discovered the itch acarui's
when the psora theory was promulgated, and to some extent
Hahnemann reasoned from false premises so far as the “itch”
alone was concerned, but doubtless he intended all the time
to include under the term itch a variety of eruptions, based
upon a constitutional. dyscrasia, which eruptions are now
accorded distinct appelations. Whether the doctrine be “un-
sound” or not, it must be admitted that it has had a most
salutary effect upon the therapeutics of certain constitutional
diseases, which have for their external sign some form of skin
eruption. If it be true that there is no such a thing as
“psora,” it is never.heless true, that anti-psoric remedies
have in the past, and do now, work out most wonderful results
in exactly the line of application designated by Hahnemann.
Dr. Decker closed his paper with an exhortation to the society
to denouſ, ce the above named doctrines as unsound “and
unitedly set ourselves right before the world.” To this end
he introduced a series of resolutions, which were promptly
tabled by the society, and, be it said to the credit of homeo-
pathy in the empire state.
DEs MOINES HOMEO PATHIC CLINICAL SOCIETY.
The November meeting of the Society was called to order
by the President, Dr. Linn.
Before taking up the regular work of the evening, Dr. Royal
presented a surgical case—that of a girl fourteen years of age,
whose right hand had been run through two heavy iron roll-
ers. The treatment and result will be given when the bureau
of surgery reports.
The bureau on heart and lungs then reported by D. W.
Dickinson, chairman, who read the following paper on
asthma:
“I take up the subject of asthma for several reasons. 'Tis
often said, ‘Oh, he has the asthma, there is no use going to a
doctor for that, he can’t do anything for it; or, “no one dies
246 Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
from asthma, so no use doctoring for it. The physician too
says “I cannot cure, only relieve you;’ also allows the popu-
lar opinion in regard to the mortality of asthma to influence
the study of his case, hence makes a careless prescription.
A singular case coming under my observation caused the pre-
ceding remarks to pop into my head and determined the pre-
sentation of the subject and case to-night,
“Asthma is a neurosis, is not dependent upon structural
lesion; a violent form of dyspnoea, characterized by wheez-
ing respiration, the expiration being greatly prolonged. The
term until within late years was made to cover many diseased
conditions due to other pathological changes, which inaccu-
rate methods of diagnosis did not reveal.
“Heredity is the principal predisposing cause. The excit-
ing causes act in one of two ways. Either directly upon the
pneumogastric nerve or are reflected upon it from more or
less remote organs or parts. In the first are, various poisons,
enlarged bronchial glands, low temperature, dust pollens, va-
pors, gases, Smoke (as that of cigaretts inhaled) emanations
of various animals. In the second class are, dypepsia, uter-
ine, ovarian or renal disorder, as suppression of urine.
Coition has lately been put in this class.
“Being a functional neurosis, there are no characteristic
anatomical changes. Emphysema and evidences of chronic
catarrh are due to secondary affections. The pneumogastric
nerve does not disclose any change in its substance either,
to account for the phenomena of asthmatic attacks. In giv-
ing the symptoms of an Ordinary seizure we cannot be briefer
or more to the point, than to quote the language of Trous-
seau, who has been there and so ought to know. An individ-
ual goes to bed feeling as well as usual, and drops off quietly
to sleep, but after an hour or two he is suddenly awakened by
a most distressing attack of dyspnoea. He feels as though
his chest were constricted or compressed, and has a sense of
considerable distress; he breathes with difficulty, and his
breathing is accompanied by a laryugo-tracheal whistling
sound. The dyspnoea and sense of anxiety increasing, he
sits up, rests on his hands, with his arms put back, while his
face is turgid, occasionally livid, red or bluish, his eyes prom-
inent and his skin bedeved with perspiration. He is soon
Des Moines Homoepathic Clinical Society. 2.47
obliged to jump from his bed, and if the room in which he
sleeps be not very lofty he hastens to throw his window open
in search of air. Fresh air, playing freely about, relieves him.
Yet the fit lasts one or two hours, or more, and then termin-
ates. The face recovers its natural complexion and ceases to
be turgid. The urine, which was at first clear and was passed
rather frequently, now diminishes in quantity, becomes red-
der, and sometimes deposits a sediment At last the patient
lies down and falls asleep.
“The next day he may feel well enough to pursue his work,
but more frequently he is confined to the house, the slightest
exertion being sufficient to cause dyspnoea ; during the fol-
lowing night there is a repetition of the paroxysm. If un-
checked by treatment, the disease may continue a long time,
until, as in other nervous affections, it wears itself out.
“Usually the attacks come on without warning; but some
are warned by an ill defined feeling of discomfort, or dis-
ordered digestion, or sense of dryness of mouth and pharynx,
or an itching of the skin, or a constriction of the throat, or a
profuse secretion of clear urine, or by coryza, sneezing, lachry-
mation.
“The diagnosis is easy when a perfect picture of the disease
presents itself in an otherwise healthy individual; but unfortu-
nately too often organic disease of the lungs or heart compli-
cate the trouble. It must be distinguished from bronchitis,
emphysema, dyspnoea due to cardiac disease, spasm of the
glottis and Croup.
“Prognosis. It is rare for death to occur during a paroxysm;
the consequent emphysema, dilatation of the heart and dropsy
tend to shorten life. In the treatment I have had occasion
to use but few remedies; arsenicum, anti. tart., hyos., and
ipecac, being the principal ones. In very severe paroxysms
I have occasionally used amyl nitrate, successfully ameliora-
ting the anguish of the attack. Brief indications for the
above mentioned remedies are: For arsen.:—praecordial anxi-
ety, restlessness, burning pains in chest, a wheezy dyspnoeic
state; also in the intervals, there is cough, accompanied by
expectoration of frothy, transparent viscid fluid,or when com-
plicated by chronic bronchitis, cardiac disease or emphysema.
“The singular case I alluded to baffled me for some time,
248 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
but after I learned incidentally through the mother that most
attacks were preceded by retention of urine, I gave arsen.
with such marked success, that, while formerly she had from
four to twelve paroxysms before being relieved, she now
rarely has more than two.
“Ipecac is most frequently used. Has great dyspnoea,
constriction of throat and chest, constant cough, rattling of
mucus, nausea and vomiting, surface of body cold and damp,
and face pale.
Anti. tart. is used more in the intervals, when there is
abundance of the secretions and difficult expiration.
“Hyos. has loss of breath and oppression of chest, must sit
up, frequent and scanty urination. It relieved promptly in
two cases with above symptoms.
“A host of remedies must be consulted, when we come to
consider the many reflected causes.
“Diet, clothing and climate should each be consulted and
suited to the individual case.
“In addition to the above, I have had two cases in which I
am sure tobacco was the cause. I think. the smoke caused
congestion and thickening of the mucous membrane, and in
-this way narrowed the capacity of the tubes. I have no doubt
also that it had a profound action on the vagus. This man
smoked from twelve to fifteen cigars daily.”
Dr. Royal—Did you cure or help these cases, and if so
what did you give?
Dr. D. W. Dickinson—Hyos. gave some relief but has done
no permanent good. I doubt if anything can in the worst
C3 SCS.
Dr. Eaton—I have been especially interested in the paper
of the evening; first, because of its hopeful tone. We have
often failed to give such cases proper attention because we
considered them hopeless. I am sure hereafter we shall have
more courage. In the second place, I am interested because
the case was cured by ars. I think in most cases of asthma
our anti-psoric remedies are the ones which will cure. I have
a case of a lady who has been badly afflicted with asthma. I
asked her to give me an account of the first attack. She re-
plied: “I was badly worked down and at my brother’s wed-
ding I contracted a severe cold, but instead of dying with
sº
Des Moines Homeopathie Clinical Society. 249
tuberculosis, as the rest of my family do, I got up with asth-
ma, and have suffered with it ever since—over fifteen years.”
Her reply, to my mind, was wise far beyond her knowledge.
The lodide of calcium has been of very great help to her.
The fact that some kidney trouble, in this case, led to ars.
as the curative remedy, very happily illustrates T. F. Allen's
remark, that, “The greater the value of a symptom for pur-
poses of diagnosis, the less its value for the selection of the
remedy.” It requires a great amount of careful study to find
the proper anti-psoric remedy, but once found the results it
will produce are remarkable.
Dr. Royal—I have been interested both in the paper and in
Dr. Eaton's remarks, which I heartily endorse. Dr. Dickin-
son has, however, eliminated some of the remedies I had in
mind by confining asthma to the pneumonic form. I want to
say, nevertheless, that the iodide of arsenic is the remedy I
have the most confidence in. My old professor, St. Clair
Smith, reported a few cases in the January number of the
AVorth American /ournal for 1889. Since then I have used it
more or less. I will cite one case. An old man with valvu-
lar lesions of the heart suffered about every three weeks with
asthma. They lasted about two hours and left him very much
prostrated. He used cactus for the heart trouble and anti.
tart. for the asthma. On one occasion I was called and gave
ars. iod. 3t. The relief was prompt. He took some about
three times daily and about a month after said to me: “That
last remedy beats cactus for my old heart trouble. I want
some more.” He reported some time later that it had nearly
cured the asthma.
Napthalin—I reported a case some time ago, to this society
of the result of Napthalin in bronchitis and headache. I
have also found it useful in asthma. In one case there was
intense dyspnoea. You could hear the wheezing from the
adjoining room. I thought ipec. would surely help, but it
did not. Mosch. 3x helped at once and has nearly cured the
patient. I find it will help most where there is coryza with a
dull frontal headache. Two cases had spasmodic cough and
ronchitis, with a good deal of rattling in the upper part of
the bronchial tubes.
250 AWorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
j
A 5 per cent. Solution of salicylate of cocaine used as an
injection, has been recommended by the old-school in the cure
of asthma.-London Zanceſ, May 15th, 1886.
Inhalation of menthol—A 20 per cent. solution of menthol
and olive oil has been used. The trouble with the remedy is,
that it is liable to leave a headache for the patient to look
after the next day. A proof, I think, of the homeopathicity
of menthol for a certain dull heavy headache, which it cured
when the menthol pencil was so much in vogue.
Dr. Linn—I have a case on hand now which shows the ten-
dency to heredity. The paternal grandmother had it for
seven years. The father had it. The maternal grandmother
had it, and one aunt on the mother's side had it. Lobelia
Ix has so controlled the attacks that they do not last more
than one-fourth as long as they did. This child is three
years old. The aunt came to me for treatment. There was
the aggravation after sleep, could not lie down at night, and
could bear no clothing about her at all tight. I gave lach.
This gave a prompt answer. Some time after she contracted
a cold, v, hich produced a cough in the a. m., with tough
mucus. Kali bich. helped the lach.
On one other case where the same three symptoms were
present, lach. helped me out nicely. These are the only two
cases where lach. ever did any good.
At this point the President said there was other business to
attend to, and the discussion was cut short.
Adjourned for one month.
BOOK REVIEWS.
TokoloGy.—A book for every woman, by Alice B. Stockham,
M. D.; illustrated, revised edition, Chicago, Alice B. Stock-
ham & Co.
This admirable work is already well known to many of the
profession. While all may not agree with the author in some
of her quite radical views concerning tokology, nevertheless
the book is an exceptionally safe one to put into the hands of
an expectant mother. The respective chapters are entitled as
follows: Painless Childbirth; Conception; Foetal Develop-
ment; Pregnancy, signs and Symptoms; Diseases of Pregnancy;
*s.
Aook Rezſzezws. * 25 I
Indigestion, Nausea, etc.; Constipation; Headache, Neuralgia,
Heartburn; Hygiene of Pregnancy; Dress; Bathing; Diet;
Exercise. Chastity in the Marriage Relation. Ventilation.
Rest. Parturition. Dystocia. Post-partum Disease. Infants,
their care at birth and during early infancy. Diseases of
Infants. Abortion. Menstruation. Diseases of Women.
Change of Life, Dieteties, etc.
The advice given is, as a rule, plain, sound and sensible;
the remarks on dieteties are especially good, and the remedies
recommended are homeopathic. It is certainly “a book for
every woman,” and deserves the endorsement of the profes-
S1 OIl.
THE DECLINE OF MANHooD—Its causes, the best means of
preventing their effects and bringing about a restoration to
to health, by Alvin E. Small, A. M., M. D., late President
of Hahnemann College and Hospital, Chicago, etc.; fourth
, edition, revised and enlarged. Chicago; Gross & Del-
bridge, 1890.
This once popular book has been out of print for some
time, and we are glad to see it brought out again in so neat
a form. The title page well indicates the scope of the book,
and that a fourth edition is called for is evidence that the
efforts of the late Dr. Small, in this important direction, are
fully appreciated.
PAMPHLETS RECEIVED.
A REPORT OF CASES TREATED BY ABDOMINAL SECTION.—By B.
F. Betts, M. D., Professor of Gynecology, Hahnemann
Medical College of Philadelphia.
Tears of the vagina during parturition, and their immediate
repair, by W. E. Green, M. D., Little Rock, Ark.
Transactions of the Maine Homeopathic Medical Society,
at its twenty-fourth annual meeting, held at Bangor, June 3,
1890.
No better or more reliable Homeopathic preparations can
be obtained than those found at the establishment of the
Zwarts Pharmacy Co., 320 North Fourth street, St. Louis,
Mo. The managers have had long years of experience in the
pharmacy business and know exactly how Homeopathic rem-
edies should be prepared. f
252 Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
NEWS AND NOTES.
Correspondents and exchanges are again requested to note
the change in address of the N. W. Journal of HoMEoPATHY,
from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City.
The Supreme court of Montana have refused to grant a
writ of mandamus, compelling the State Board of Medical
Examiners to issue a certificate to Dr. Norcross. The case
will now be carried into the District Court. A prominent
attorney writes, that public sentiment is entirely with Dr.
Norcross, whatever may be the decision of the court.
The new homeopathic hospital at Iowa City, has already
proved a decided success. Most of the time it is overcrowded,
and efforts are already being made to secure the building of
an additon early in the spring. If any of our readers have
wealthy patrons who would be willing to aid so important a
charity, we should be glad to correspond with them.
We are pleased to be able to inform the readers of the
Journal, that we have arranged for the publication of a series .
of articles on the “Elements of Surgical Pathology,” by Prof.
J. G. Gilchrist, M. D. Prof. Gilchrist is one of the ablest
teachers and writers on surgical pathology in the homeopathic
school, and we are confident that his articles on this subject
will be a desirable feature of the Journal. Each article will
be complete in itself, but the series will be so arranged in
consecutive order, that together they will form a systematic
treatise upon surgical pathology.
W. S. Gee, M. D., Professor of Materia Medica in the
Hahnemann College of Chicago, died November 11th and
was buried November 13th. Dr. Gee had been in failing
health for some time and last spring went to Denver, hoping
that a rest and change would restore him. But they proved
unavailing, and about two months ago he returned to his
home to die. Dr. Gee was a fast rising man in the profession
and had few superiors in his special line of study. He was an
ardent and faithful Homeopathist. His loss will be greatly
felt by the profession, and especially by the college with which
he was connected.
While the country went Democratic the Children’s Home in
Des Moines went Homeopathic. The Allopaths have for
years cooly assumed control of each institution established in
the city, but ladies in charge of the Children's Home have
finally come to the conclusion, without solicitation, that
Homeopathy is best for babies, and offered the medical con-
trol to the Homeopaths. D. W. Dickinson has charge for the
AVezes and Mozes. 253
first three months, to be followed by Drs. Linn, Royal and
Eaton. There are at present thirteen children. This and
the Benedict Home with forty patients put fifty-three cases in
the hands of the Homeopathic brethren in Des Moines.
The roster of the University of Minnesota, as officially
printed, stands as follows: Seniors, four (4); Juniors, two (2);
Freshmen, nine (9); being less than twice the number last
year; besides teaching homeopathic therapeutics to eight (8)
dental students.
Last year over half of the junior class of the
dental department S. U. I., about forty in number, took their
Materia Medica lectures in the Homeopathic department.
This year it was evident, that practically all of the class
would come over to homeopathy, which fact alarmed the
faculty of the medical department, who at once exerted their
power and influence over the dental faculty, and prevented
the terrible catastrophe, to the great dissatisfaction of many
of the dental students.
We are in receipt of a very courteous letter from Dr. C. S.
W. Thompson, of Helena, Mont., in which he sustains the
action of the State Board of Examiners, and thinks we have
been misled into assuming the attitude we have toward that
body. He says that there are two homeopathists upon the
board, one being secretary and the other treasurer, and that
the law creating the board had the full endorsement of the
homeopathic profession of the state. Dr. Thompson consid-
ers the medical law of Montana entirely just in its provisions,
and that there is no reason why homeopathic physicians
should hesitate to locate in the state from any fear of injustice
being done them by the Board of Medical Examiners. It is
hardly possible to consider a law just, that requires a graduate
of a medical college in good standing, to pass an examination
before he can be allowed to practice his profession within the
state. The NoFTHWESTERN JOURNAL OF HOMEoPATHY will
continue to make war upon all laws of such a character,
whether in Montana or elsewhere. The Montana board have
certainly been guilty of one piece of gross injustice in the
past, and this makes all their actions more open to suspicion.
The sooner the homeopathic profession cease endorsing such
arbitrary legislation, the better it will be for homeopathy and
for the public at large.
A meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Southern Hom-
eopathic Medical College was held Wednesday, October 22d,
and a faculty for the new college, the first and only Homeo-
pathic medical college south of Mason and Dixon’s line and
east of the Mississippi river, was selected. For some years
254 AVorſ/western Journal of Homeopathy.
the advisability of establishing a Homeopathic medical col-
lege in Baltimore has been a debatable question with the bulk
of the profession; but, with the growing South and its possi-
bilities and the recent progressive development in this city, it
is not thought that there is any longer a question about the
need for such an institution. Already the Homeopathic Hos-
pital is an assured succe-s, and having had a “God-speed”
from some of the foremost men in the profession, the Homeo-
pathic physicians of Maryland have decided to open next au-
tumn a college, properly equipped to fill the need. The fac-
ulty for the new college is as follows: Dr. Elias C. Price, in-
stitutes of medicine; Dr. N. W. Kneass, gynaecology; Dr. C.
H. Thomas, clinical medicine and physical diagnosis; Dr.
John Hood, hygiene and sanitary science; Dr. Eldridge C.
Price, materia medica and therapeutics; Dr. Robert W.
Mifflin, pathology and practice of medicine; Dr. O. Edward
Janney, paedology and Orthopaedic surgery; Dr. Henry F.
Garey, ophthalmology and otology ; Dr. Henry Chandlee,
physiology and neurology; Dr. E. H. Condon, anatomy; Dr.
F. C. Drane,..obstetrics; Dr. C. Wesley Roberts, Washington,
D. C., pharmacy; Ex-Judge Henry F. Garey, lecturer on med-
ical jurisprudence. The chairs of principles and practice of
surgery and of operative and clinical surgery will be filled at
a future meeting of the board. Dr. F. C. Drane was chosen
dean of the faculty and Dr. Henry Chandlee registrar. The
college will be conducted according to the principles advoca-
ted by the American Institute of Homeopathy, and in com-
mon with all other Homeopathic colleges in the United States,
viz.: a preliminary examination and a graded course of three
years will be required.—Baltimore American.
ELECTROLYSIS IN THE TREATMENT OF STRICTURE OF THE
RECTUM.—Dr. Robert Newman, in concluding a lengthy com-
munication on this subject, advances the following proposi-
tions based on his experience: I. Electrolysis in the treament
of stricture of the rectum is not a panacea; on the contrary,
failures may happen; and probably will ultimately fail if the
stricture is due to carcinoma. 2. Electrolysis will give im-
provement to the rectal stricture when all other means have
failed. 3. Electsolysis will cure a certain percentage of cases
without relapse better than any other modes of treatment,
and without the necessity of an after-treatment or using
bougies. 4. The best chances for a cure are with the fibrous
inflammatory strictures. 5. The best mode of treatment is by
a metallic bulb as negative, weak currents, and intervals of
four days to two weeks.-Journal of the American Medical
Association, May 17, 1890.
AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy. 255
“Dr. Foulon, the bright and clever Collector-in-chief of the
contributions literary as well as financial for the C/inica/
A'eporter, reads the editorial writers of the homeopathic
journals a lecture, the upshot of which is, that the contribu-
tors ought to be the editors, and that the reader cares nothing
for individual editorial opinions; in short that the ideal medi-
cal journals is a conglomeration of personal experiences at
the bedside, paste-pot, Scissors, and ads. This view is not a
new one. We all know that the AV. Y. Zºrzózzzze would have
been just as ably conducted and have proven just as powerful
for good without Horace Greely as with him—if the contribu-
tors and advertisers had “run” the machine. We all know
that Meissonier's paintings would have attracted quite as
much attention, and brought an equal sum, had the signature
of “John Smith, pinx.,” been used, and the hanging been in a
Fifth street (St. Louis) auction sale of paintings, instead of
the Paris Solon. We all know that the Medica/ Aza would be
just as popular and successful without Gatchall as with him;
and the AVorth American Journal without the keen and
incisive logic of a Dillon; in fact, we have not a case in point
in The Hahnemannian Monthly, which has fallen from its
previous high estate under Pemberton Dudley with an opinion,
to its present highly scientific assortment of learned disquisi-
tion and ads. and—nothing else? Therefore, to be cock-sure
for our pattern, we turn to Dr. Foulon's April number and we
find first “The Gospel of Homeopathy,” which is not contrib-
uted, being really an editorial, holding up the Znternational
Medica/ Annual to mild ridicule. Next we find a reverend
gentlemen enlightening the homaopathic granuates on Spiritual
Work. Then follow an extract from the Mass. Medical /our-
na/, and another one from the Weekly Medica/ A'eziezey–let’s
see, both are homeopathic journals, are they not? Then Dr.
Gallavardin (not Dolly Varden) of Lyons, France, is trans-
lated with some very original homeopathy into a number of
pages of this issue. The homeopathy of “Briefs” appeals
instantly to the most cursory reader. We’ll say nothing
about the ads just now. Oh, indeed, yes, sir, the best homeo-
pathic journal is edited by the contributors.”—Am. Homa-
Aathis?, Vune, 1890.
Please remember that the publication office has been re-
moved to Iowa City, and in addressing the business manager,
Dr. Newberry, direct to him at 12 North Clinton street.
Physicians are rapidly becoming familiar with Horlick’s
Malted Milk, and we have yet to hear anything but words of
praise for this excellent food for infants and the sick,
256 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
Drs. Drake, of Mt. Pleasant, and Hubbard, of Marion, are
doing extensive work in orificial surgery.
.*
Dr. Chas. Deady, one of the senior surgeons of the New
York Ophthalmic Hospital College and an oculist of exten-
sive practice, has removed to 59 West Forty-ninth street, New
York.
Dr. Sherman, the Homeopathic pharmacist, is sending his
goods broadcast throughout the United States. We were re-
cently informed by a prominent New York physician that he
used nothing but Sherman’s triturations.
The Central Iowa Homeopathic Association will meet at
Marion the last week in December. Dr. Hazard, of Anamosa,
is the President, and Dr. Walters, of Cedar Rapids, the Sec-
retary of the Association. An interesting session is predicted.
The Taylor & Myers Pharmacy Co., of Io9 East Seventh
street, Minneapolis, Minn., are meeting with excellent suc-
cess in placing their goods with the Homeopathic practition-
ers of the Northwest. They make a specialty of their Coco
Calisayo Tonic, Steymol-Hydrastis, and Glycroles of Hydras-
tis and Calendula.
BURLINGTON ROUTE TO THE WEST.-The only railroad run-
ning dining cars and through sleeping and reclining chair
cars from Chicago over direct lines of its own to Omaha,
Lincoln, Cheyenne, Denver, and all principal sections of Ne-
braska, Colorado and Wyoming. Tickets via the Burlington
Route can be obtained of any ticket agent of its own or con-
necting lines.
CLIPPINGS.
PRURITUs ANI.--Dr. Dawson finds the following of greater
service than any other treatment: * w
R. Hydrarg. Chlorid Cor. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I grain.
Aquae----------------------------- 4 Ounces.
M. Sig.—Use locally.
EARACHE.-
R. Olive Oil, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I Oll ſløC.
Chloroform - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I drachm.
Mix, shake well; pour twenty-five or thirty drops into the
ear, and close it up with a piece of raw cotton to exclude the
air and retain the mixture,
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
VOL. II, Iowa CITY, Iowa, DECEMBER, I890. No. 9.
CHRONIC END OMETRITIS.
BY O. G. TREMAINE, M. D., IDA GROVE, IOWA.
[Read before the Hahnemann Medical Association of Iowa, May, 1890.]
I shall treat this subject not from an exact theoretical stand-
point but from a clinical one. Agreeable to this view I shall
include under this head both general and cervical endome-
tritis.
Success in the treatment of endometritis depends very large-
ly upon the success in removing the cause, and in treating the
attendant complications. This is so clearly evident that it
will be, at least to those of you of experience in this line, un-
necessary to apologize for the fact that this paper is quite
largely taken up with the treatment of the patient in general
and the complications of endometritis. In the language of
Dr. Runnels you have not been long in the practice of
gynecology, if you have not found out that it is a many sided
art, and that many things must come to your aid if you are
going to cure your patient.
I do not believe that the major part of a woman’s organism
lies in the pelvis. That in the treatment of endometritis all
that is necessary is to clearly understand the exact nature and
extent of the inflammation, and consequent tissue changes and
to skilfully apply the properly chosen local treatment with
judicious use of general tonics. I understand that the uterus
and ovaries are in fact the center of a woman’s organism but
suffer in common with the head, lungs, heart, or stomach
when the system is deranged. That a vigorous, healthy
woman ordinarily will have a healthy uterus and an anaemic,
258 Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
sickly women will have, if overtaxed, a weak or diseased
uterus.
I believe that if the homeopathically indicated remedy is
potent for the relief and cure of pneumonia, gastritis enteritis,
or an essential fever, it is equally so for the relief and cure of
endometritis—except that this organ is when diseased
especially and peculiarly subject to exacerbations, which so
seriously tend to perpetuate the disease.
Some of the leading causes of these exacerbations are men-
struation, abuse of the sexual function, abortion, too frequent
child-bearing with lack of care at such times, and styles of
dress, which are non-hygienic, non-physiological, unreasonable
and a reflection upon the good sense of American women.
While I wish to emphasize the value of medication in this
disease, clinical experience abundantly dermonstrates that in
severe cases it is absolutely necessary to combine judicious
local treatment with carefully chosen remedies.
Tn this, as in other fields of practice, it is necessary forus to
individualize each case. Routine treatment is neither scien-
tific or successful. Each case must be studied and treated by
itself.
We, as homeopaths, should remember that since the loca
disease is frequently the result of an impoverished, diseased
or cachetic system; or, if first local, that it effects the entire
system. We have such a wealth of remedies that we can do
much more for our patients by internal medication than our
old school friends. While we delight in learning much from
them concerning pathology, local applications and surgical
procedures, we must remember that very frequently we can so
materially relieve Our patients by remedies that it is not
necessary to use some of the harsher means, or so long con-
tinue local applications. e
What we can do in the line of cure depends not so much on
how advanced or serious the endometritis, as on the previous
state of health, native vigor, and general nutrition. Patients
suffering from chronic diseases are very desirous of knowing
at the first thorough examination, not only what the diagnosis
is, but more especially what can be done for them. It is
necessary to learn the family history, personal history, the
cause, or causes, which have been leading factors in pro-
Chronic Endomeſ riſis. 259
ducing and perpetuating the disease, mode of life and amount
of work usually performed.
Health is an indefinite term. One person may apparently
be free from disease and yet be frail with small reactive and
restorative powers. Another may be vigorously healthy with
large amount of endurance and great reactive force. Given
the same pathological condition in two persons, with so widely
different constitutions, and there will be much difference in
the ease and rapidity with which they can be cured. These
things must all be known before we can give an opinion.
Correct diagnosis and prognosis is, indeed, one of the corner
Stones in successful gynecological practice.
Cases suffering from strumous or tubercular diathesis are
especially difficult. Also those from syphilitic or gonorrhoeal
taint.
No one will deny that there is such a thing as a catarrhal
dyscrasia. Many persons owing to this are very prone to
pharyngitis, bronchitis, cytitis, from slight exposure.
There is no doubt but that the endometrium is similarly
affected. In such cases medication is all important and local
treatment disappointing in results.
There is no question but that the hardest cases to treat
successfully are those which are complicated by severe chronic
metritis. Quite a proportion of such cases in which the size
of the organ is two or three times as large as normal and has
been for years, frequently can not be entirely cured and con-
sequently the endometritis will also in a measure continue.
In many of these cases it is impossible to separate clearly
cause from effect, or decide when first consulted, how much
can be done for the patient.
Those next hardest to cure are those in which severe peri-
metritis has caused much adhesive deposit, especially if of
long standing. In some cases which, while they do not seem
very serious, do not do well. The cause will be found to be
ovaritis. It is not uncommon to find cases in which sub-
jective and objective symptoms point to uterine diseases
when, in fact, the principal lesion is in the ovaries.
Cervical lacerations are quite often present, sometimes as
the original cause, in other cases simply aggravating the
principal disease. Inseparately connected with this disease
26o Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
are these and other complications. Sometimes endometritis
is the cause, sometimes it is an effect. Sometimes a vicious
circle has been produced by exhausting or disturbing cause,
or causes, and the entire reproductive system seems diseased.
No one, save he whose hobby is ovaritis, or metritis, or endo-
metritis, or stasis from portal emgorgerment, or rectal diseases,
could diagose the real pathological state.
In the treatment of the diseases of women I believe that
persistent constipation and diseases of the rectum are much
overlooked and neglected. It is impossible to have a free
circulation in the uterus and a sluggish one in the colon and
rectum. Constipation not only impedes venous flow within
the rectum and colon but in the same way it directly in-
fluences it in the uterus. Fecal accumulations in the colon and
rectum not only press upon the uterus or crowd it out of
position, but by increased vascularity it is renderedhe avier.
Sluggish circulation in the pelvis indirectly affects the portal
circulation. This in turn impairs the appetite as well as
digestion. It is not for me to decide here between cause and
effect, but in most serious cases of endometritis persistent
constipation obtains. See to it, that you relieve the con-
stipation. Hygenic measures are here all important. Dietetic
instructions, if faithfully followed, are of much value. Water
imbibed freely on empty stomach especially in early morning
favor this end. Also exercise in the open air and vigorous
friction over the abdomen when not painful. Habit has much
to do with this. Patiently continued enforced regularity is of
almost surprising value. To exercise, diet, drink, and regular
habits, add the indicated remedy, and constipation can
usually be thoroughly and continually relieved without the
use of harsh drugs. I repeat it, do not consider persistent
constipation a trifling symptom. Physiological and pathològi-
cal knowledge as well as clinical experience attests its im-
portance.
I believe rectal diseases are more frequently present than
recognized. Haemorrhoids, fissures and ulcerations must be
treated. I wish to emphasize this point. Gynecological
practicioners to be successful must often treat rectal diseases.
Hygienic advice must be carefully given and the necessity
of obeying it emphasized. Care during menstruation should
Chronic Andometritis. 261
be emphasized. Heavy work should not be done. Sick
women should not do well women’s work. To allow patients
to do heavy house work, run up and down stairs, carry heavy
children almost by the hour, run the sewing machine several
hours a day, sweep the whole house when the spirit so moves
her ; or, if from the wealthier walks of life, to be out half the
night three or four nights every week, wear the smallest corset
she can breathe in, and the highest heeled and narrowest soled
shoes she can walk in, eat all sorts of rich food at all hours,
is to make it probable that she will remain a patient of your-
self or some one else.
To those, who believe that all local treatment should be
done away with, or reduced to a minimum on moral grounds,
I have only to say, such considerations are out of place to a
pure, high-minded physician. “To the pure all things are
pure.” “Evil is to him who evil thinks.”
Except with young girls, is with me simply what is necessary,
what is best. Any unnecessary medical work of any kind is
wrong as it involves fees which are not earned.
To give unnecºssary local treatment is doubly wrong, a
wrong done the woman, and it also brings ill-gotten gains. I
would use any line of treatment, any means to cure which are
right and proper, without paying homage to esthetics.
I believe, however, that in many cases of uterine disor-
ders, which are treated locally, the local disease is to a large
extent, an expression of the general condition and should be
treated as such.
- Begin local treatment with hot water injections, when indi-
cated. I say when indicated, because this treatment has been,
and to some extent is yet, used as a specific for uterine disor-
ders. Hot water is indicated by marked engorgement es-
pecially if accompanied with much pain or soreness. It is
quite efficacious in restoring tone to the pelvic circulation.
Confine it to its sphere, and use it thoroughly, when patients
will obey faithfully. As, ordinarily taken it is of no use, save
for purposes of cleanliness. The recumbent posture, hips
somewhat elevated, plenty of water warm enough, a fountain
syringe and patience in its use are needful. The injection
should first be used every day, after work or exercise for the
day is done. Very frequently this treatment will disappoint
262 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopa/hy.
the physician because not taken as ordered. When patients
can come to the office twice a week the glycerine tampon is
more reliable.
The introduction of wool, as now prepared for such use,
into gynecological practice greatly increases the value of this
form of treatment. It retains its elasticity and not only by
keeping the uterus raised in the pelvis, does it favor free cir-
culation; but it also with practice and Sims' speculum becomes
the beat of temporary pessaries. Most pessaries irritate, wool if
properly used does not, most pessaries do not fit the patient,
this with its marked elasticity does. This soft comfortable
support to the uterus relieving much irritation, while it also
keeps the medicament in close contact with the cervix, fills
what has long been “an aching void” in gynecological
practice.
In making tampons do not take a piece of wool or cotton,
or a part of each, tie a string around it most anywhere and
consider it a proper tamp on. The wool can be so picked
apart as greatly to increase its elasticity. Make it so that the
upper part will embrace the cervix. Some must be so made
as to support the uterus and not slip away. Others so as to
keep the cervix back. In other words fit the tampon to the
patient. Coming into use as it did just as some leading men
were trying to overthrow topical appliances, it is the means of
doing much to demonstrate to earnest, unbiased physicians,
the marked utility of such treatments.
Used with boroglyceride or a smaller proportion of boracic
acid in glycerine it can be worn three to five days without be-
coming rancid. I have spoken of the tampons as glycerine
tampons because glycerine is of benefit in nearly all cases
where a tampon is needed. It sometimes disagrees,
usually from impurities in the glycerine, but it is sometimes
due to some idiosyncrasy of the patient. If so, use hot water
freely, then medicine in a cerate or powder. In many cases
pure glycerine is equally as good as any of the glyceroles, yet
frequently hydrastis, pinus Canadansis, tannin, sanguinaria,
calendula, belladonna, or hamamelis as indicated, do good
service as glyceroles.
Many cases originating in the cervix whether from inflamma-
tion or laceration, in which the inflammation has involved the
Chronic Endometritis. 263
/
body of the organ, can be cured with local treatment confined
to the cervical canal. The number of cases requiring topical
application to the cervical canal is much greater than to the
body of the organ. Applications to the cervix can also be
repeated more often and with greater impunity.
The subject of intra-uterine medication is a broad and
serious one. The fact is, that our homes are full of girls and
women who are sufferers. The need for far better health of
many women is imperative. I believe the reaction against
intra-uterine medication is going too far. Truth in this, as
in most other serious problems, is found on middle ground.
I wish to say, while endorsing some of the harsher means of
cure, which are naturally somewhat antagonistic to our views
of medical treatment, that I may have been converted to this
faith much against my original belief and early teaching. In
my earlier practice I confined myself to the milder drugs and
much diluted preparations of the stronger ones, and faithfully
persevered in their use, believing the stronger ones to be
harmful. I also viewed the os-internum with profound respect
not venturing to pass it, or invade the privacy of the tissues
which it guarded. Much of what money I have earned and
all of what reputation I may have made in this line, has been
since my conversion.
Intra-uterine treatment should at first be mild and tentative
in order to test individual susceptibilfty. There is very great
variation in point of sensitiveness in different patients. /
With some, very slight manipulation excites unexpected dis-
turbance, others bear any reasonable manipulation or appli-
cation with scarcely a symptom of irritation. But while I
warmly endorse some of the hasher means of cure in carefully
selected cases, I must earnestly protest against the routine in-
discriminate and careless use of these agents.
Since this disease is not one of actual danger, a physician
has no right to use any agent or means which involve risk to
life. It should be a cardinal principal in gynecological
practice, that in trying to do our patients good we do them no
harm.
Where cases originate from laceration of cervix it must be
repaired, when from flexions or versions, the displacements
must if possible be corrected. It is my experience that when
264 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
3.11 original flexion or version is serious enough to be a main
factor in producing endometritis it is, in a large proportion of
cases, difficult to correct and maintain in position. Unless
this can be done or approximated, treatmerit will not be en-
tirely satisfactory.
As a rule dilitation of the cervical canal preparatory to
treatment is unnecessary. It is already dilated by the disease
in most cases demanding such treatment, dilitation is, how-
ever, sometimes necessary. Application of the stronger agents
immediately after dilating, are more apt to be followed by ir-
ritation than at other times. Dilitation is occasionally of
value as a curative agent especially in cases of stenosis or of
flexion. For curative purposes I prefer slippery elm tents for
slow dilitation. For rapid dilitation the expanding dilitators
or Allen’s pump. The graduated steels sounds are un-
necessarily harsh. There is too much added traumatism from
the use of the tenaculum. The piercing of the tissues, the
traction with it sufficient to equal the force used in forcing
the sounds through is all unnecessary. I believe their use in
this way is unscientific. -
The application of medicine to the endometrium by in-
jection has in it an element of danger, and so should not be
used. The use of the cotton wraped probe or application is
equally thorough and safe, the probe used in this way should
be very flexible. The milder remedies can be applied more
often than the stronger ones. Most of the glyceroles men-
tioned are at times useful, applied directly to the endometrium.
Iodine is beyond all question the leading remedy for local
use, with carbolic acid a respected second. I believe these
two to be of as much or more value than all other drugs.
The iodine is perhaps more pointedly indicated in the strum-
ous dyathesis. As a rule the more advanced and chronic the
disease, the stronger the iodine should be used. With
coarse phlegmatic women stronger than with nervous sensitive
ones. Ordinarily I use in connection with intra-uterine treat-
ment tampons saturated with glycerine, or one of the gly-
ceroles. The strength of the iodine should be carefully
chosen. Some cases needing free use of Churchill’s tincture,
others doing best with dilutions of glycerine and ordinary
tincture. I use these dilutions all the way from one-eighth
Chronic Endometritis. 265
iodine to three-fourths or four-fifths. I ordinarily use carbolic
acid with iodine in varying strength, from one-eighth of the
acid up to iodized phenal. Occasionally after curreting, or
in stubborn cases using the acid pure.
These drugs can be applied at intervals from five to ten
days. Should not be applied nearer the menstrual period
than two or three days after or four or five days before. The
mucus must first be carefully and thoroughly removed, I say
thoroughly, as sometimes this is difficult. The medicine
must be applied thoroughly to uterine walls. This is only
possible by much practice and care. In this, as in other
things, experience is valuable. It is sometimes necessary, or
at least, best to use a cervical speculum. Iodine is also of
decided value applied freely to infravaginal portion of cervix;
and in cases of old perimetric inflammation to the vaginal roof.
I can not agree with Palmer, when he says, (Am. System
Gynecology.) “that intra-uterine treatment is decidedly con-
tradicted when the uterus is more or less fixed from inflamma-
tory exudations or adhesions.” I have frequently used it in
such cases in connection with free use of Churchill's iodine to
vaginal roof, and glycerine tampons to cervix, and have had
excellent results with it. Begin treatment by applying iodine
to vault of vaginal and to cervical canal only. After a few
applications in this way, by carefully graduated treatments we
can usually treat the endometrium safely and successfully.
Some cases of cystic degeneration within the cervix, and of
exuberant granulations must be removed with the curette or
treated with nitric acid. Sometimes it is best to first curette
and then apply nitric acid
The curette is at the height of fashion to-day. Some think
it is the one thing needful in treating endometritis. Thomas’s
dull curette is in my opinion the only one fit for common use.
The sharp one certainly has its place. It should for the rare
cases, or hands much skilled in this work.
The curette should not be used when the tissues are very
tender, or marked evidences of peri or pari-metritis are pres-
ent or susceptibility of patient not known. The curette should
be used in recent cases originating from retained fragments of
placenta, in those complicated by fungosities, in cases in
which decided roughness of endometrium can be detected
266 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
and in all cases which do not respond to continued intra-
uterine treatment.
I would thus limit its use. Do not allow it to become a
routine treatment. Directly after its use apply thoroughly
carbolic acid, iodized phenal or iodine. Repetition of the
curetting is quite often necessary. As a matter of prudence
this should be done at the patient’s residence and she should
remain in bed several days. This precaution is not always
necessary in milder cases. In fact it can sometimes be con-
sistently done at the office.
There is no question but that Sims speculum, or some modi-
fied form of it, is far the best for gynecological examinations
and operations. Also that a considerable proportion of cases
can be best treated with it. Most of us, however, can not af.
ford to keep an assistant, and Sims speculum is a poor affair ex-
cept it be held properly. I make considerable use of Sims as
modified by Thomas and improved by Mann.
With it we can unaided make thorough intra-uterine appli-
cations, and can place tampons in cases of flexion, version or
prolapsus much better than with any speculum in the dorsal
position. The Thomas-Sims is not, however, as good as the
Sims held by a trained assistant. I question the dictum of
those who declare that all scientific gynecological work should
or must be done with Sims. In cases where it will do as well,
I find the dorsal position and bi-valve speculum the most
convenient.
The knowledge necessary to enable one to
prescribe intelligently for gynecological cases must be as
broad and deep as for general practice. While knowledge of
the exact pathological state is of much value in choosing
remedies, we do not and can not prescribe correctly without
giving symptomatology the principal place. The successful
gynecologist must be a close student of the entire materia
medica. }
Be careful in choosing the remedy. Having chosen it
continue its use for sometime, to allow its action to become
exhausted. I believe we change remedies too often in chronic
diseases.
I can simply emphasize the value of some of the leading
remedies which have done me good service.
Clinical Verifications. 267
SEPIA.—Our leading remedy in cases essentially chronic.
CALC. CARB.—A magnificent remedy for faulty constitutions.
The leading anti-dyscrasia remedy. HYDRASTIS.—Possesses
great restorative qualities. When indicated it increases the
appetite and digestion, improves assimilation of food and aids
in imparting nutrition to all the tissues of the body. In
passive chronic hyperaemia of the uterus it is especially use-
ful. The potencies above 2x. have been in my hands of little
use. I now give it in Ix, or more often one-half to five drops
of the fluid preparation, or tincture. ARSENICUM.—Most em-
phatically a faithful remedy. When indicated can always be
relied upon. CIMICIFUGA.—Particularly useful for the woman
who always hurts somewhere. PULSATILLA.—A remedy of
considerable value, but too often given as a routine remedy,
when some other is better indicated. HELONIAS.-Frequently
useful for those who are worn out with hard work and are
continually conscious of having a womb. NUX VOM.—Is
often needed in early treatment of the case for constipation.
. It is frequently a nux constipation.
I had wished to say more concerning remedies, but have
already trespassed upon your patience. The greater need of
the present, is more earnest, enthusiastic study of our materia
medica. Many of its treasures can only be utilized by patient
searching, and tiresome comparisons.
Most of us do not study materia medica enough. This is
especially true in gynecological practice.
CLINICAL VERIFICATIONS.
BY WM. E. LEONARD, M. D., MINNEAPOLIS.
1. Mitric Acid. On the evening of July 28th last, I was
summoned to Mrs. A, a widow, passing through the climact-
eric, in great suffering from a felon involving the palmar sur-
face of the last phalanx of the left thumb. She had nursed
and poulticed it for ten days or more, and had scarcely a
nights sleep during that time.
The swelling and redness was considerable, with indications
for the bistoury. This was freely used down to the bone, and the
poultices continued, with Hepar 200 hourly. For two weeks
thereafter under all manner of poultices, and with thuya, mer-
268 Morthwestern Journal of Aſomeopathy.
curius, silicea, fluoric acid, etc., each having a fair trial, that
thumb kept her awake nights and gave her almost constant
pain during the day, although discharging freely a laudable
puS.
August IIth. Exuberant granulations are springing up
around the surgical opening, which increase until they equal
the thumb in size. The pus becomes scanty, thin and sanious,
with the peculiar odor of carious bone. The thumb is still
extremely painful to the touch and the granulations bleed
upon being handled; the pains are of a dragging character up
the arm and are worse at night. A physician in council, as
well as myself, insists upon surgical interference, lest she lose
that phalanx. But the patient (the widow, by the way, of a
prominent homeopathic surgeon of New Jersey, twenty years
ago) utterly refused the knife again, declaring that I could
find a remedy to cure 1t up “without cutting,” if I would only
keep on trying. Thus challenged as a prescriber, I selected
AVitric Acid 200, dose every three hours. Within twenty-four
hours, the pain so far diminished as to permit some sleep; the
discharge gradually ceased, and the granulations shrank away
entirely. The remedy was continued for two weeks more or
less. When I last saw the thumb, early in September, it
was entirely healed, only a numbness remaining on its palmar
surface. This has since disappeared also.
During the worst stage of this affair, a similar “felonious”
inflammation of the forefinger of the right hand began, and was
very painful. That too was subdued without poultices, by the
AVățric Acid.
The constant poulticing was a hindrance to the proper pro-
gress of the case, nor do I permit it usually, provided the
case comes to me early enough.
It is but fair to state, that before the indications were
clearly defined, or before I recognized and followed them,
some sleep was obtained by small doses of morphine. In her
strained, nervous state, this also served to delay the final
CUITC.
MoRAL.—If the extreme sensitiveness and nightly pains of
the physical change she was undergoing, had suggested the
remedy in the beginning, much trouble would have been saved.
II. Opium, AVux, Arnica and Oleander. M. is a little girl of
Clinical Verifications. 269
five years, who has been in my charge from birth, and whose
family tends very decidedly to brain troubles. A sister of
about two years died within twenty-four hours of acute men-
ingitis. There is a most marked scrofulous history on both
sides, her father and his sister having stiff joints from exten-
sive chronic synovitis, and her maternal grandfather having
died of an erysipelas in the course of a large chronic ulcer of
the leg.
When she was but eighteen years old, my record shows the
following condition: Nov. 13, '86, “This p. m., after coming
from a ride, she seems to have considerable difficulty in walk-
ing; her limbs suddenly give out, and she stumbles and acts
as though just learning to walk. After her nap, she is better,
but still hestitates and stumbles in walking,” Later, in her
third summer, after a long ride in the sun, or whenever she
plays too hard, or gets overwrought nervously, she begins to
stutter, look cross-eyed, and drags her feet in walking. She
is always peevish and easily provoked to tears, or quarrelsome,
during such spells. Opium, high, one dose each night, has
sufficed to quiet these threatening symptoms, supplemented by
rest and careful diet. Sometimes she had hallucinations, which
persist for days; e.g. extreme fear of some one behind her,
chasing her, so that she runs into the house screaming.
Again she is extremely shy and diffident when among strangers.
The only warning the mother has of these nervous disturban-
ces is an indigestion, always following a voracious appetite,
and marked by a peculiar “mapped tongue,” as though the
membrane were denuded in patches. AWux, in these early
stages, sometimes anticipates, but not always, the nervous
spells.
Some six weeks since, while playing in the hay mow, she
accidentally slid down one of the chutes and fell some ten
feet, landing in a stall under a horse's nose. She was pale
and unconscious for a time upon being carried into the house,
and on awakening, was found to be bleeding from the right
ear. A deep sleep seemed to restore her, although she went
about weakly and tottering. On the second day after this
accident, she developed a very strange lack of memory and
continuity of thought. She would stop in the midst of a sen-
tence, or interpolate the word, and be entirely unable to com-
27o Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
plete the idea, and when sent upon an errand would forget,
entirely what was wanted. There was also decided deafness
upon the right side. Upon her mother's consultation with
me, Arnica 200, was prescribed in occasional does and seemed
to set these jangling nerves in tune. For weeks she seemed
quite well. t
. Suddenly, after a day of excitement, she soiled the bed
several times at night, explaining to her mother that she did
not mean to, for she thought she was only “going to make a
noise.” This went on more or less eacb night for ten days,
when her mother applied for relief. The usual indigestion,
with its peculiar tongue, was present, a variable appetite, and
this new condition, undigested particles in these involuntary
stools.
Entire absence of pain seemed to exclude A/oes and Veraž.
a/ð. the nearest remedies according to the repertories; besides
the stools of aloes are of a jelly-like mucus, while these were
thin and watery. Apocynum canzaab. is very similar, but
o/eander was given, two or three doses of the 200th. So
prompt was the relief, that I conclude that the following con-
ditions were corroborated:
A reguenz, small, Žarály indigeszed stoo/s at night, on attempt—
ing to pass ſlatus.
I have been somewhat minute, but I hope not tedious, in
detailing this child’s conditions, because impressed with the
necessity of carefully meeting such conditions in like growing,
sensitive children, with the homeopathic remedy, in order to
prevent serious results, or even death itself. These earlier
and decidedly indefinite manifestations, pointing to acute
brain irritation and perhaps local inflammation, and, as Hahne-
mann would say, to a psoric inheritance, can only be
thoroughly met and removed, thus restoring the equilibrium
of development, by the appropriate homeopathic remedy—at
least, that is the only safe way discovered thus far. I.et one’s
ideas of the pathology of such conditions lean to a tuburculous
origin, or what not, such deep acting remedies as those used
here, or as Dulc, Zy.coſº, Su///iur, etc., whose symptomatology
are full of such indications, are powerful to relieve and with-
out cavil put off the evil day so often predicted by officious
relatives in somewhat these terms: “Oh! that child will never
grow up. She will die young of brain trouble.”
The Elements of Surgical Pathology. 271
In no other class of complaints does painstaking research
into the materia medica pay as well in the results obtained.
Too often are we “of little faith” as to the possibilities of
careful medication in the developmental stages of childhood,
or, perhaps, more often are we too indolent to hunt for the
most similar remedy. -
THE ELEMENTS OF SURGICAL PATHOLOGY.
- BY J. G. GILCHRIST, A. M., M. D. -
INTRODUCTION.
Preliminary to the study of any given subject, the student
should have some accurate conception of the nature and scope
of the proposed inquiry. Accordingly the first question to
present itself on the present occasion is: What is surgery?
On careless or superficial examination the question would
seem to be one easily answered, but such is far from being
the case. One class of practitioners connect the word with
its ancient significance,and restrict its use to conditions that
may or do call for purely mechanical or instrumental treat-
ment. If this were true, it would not be long ere surgery
would include only accidents, deformities, or defects possible
aleviation by art. Another class would make it include
all morbid conditions that are characterized by objective
phenomena. This would give such a wide range, in these
days of diognastic “instruments of precision,” that the physi-
cian, as distinct from the surgeon, would find himself left with a
very limited and narrow field, and one that would grow even
smaller year by year. Neither of these definitions, therefore,
can be considered satisfactory, albeit each of them posesses a
part of the truth. The strict application of the word, in
accordance with modern practice, would put under the head of
surgical affections all morbid action, resulting in radical tissue-
change, whether degenerative or constructive (chiefly the
latter), occurring on the surface of the body, or accessible
interior parts, together with deformities, acquired or inherited,
and accidents of all kinds. Thus while lithiasis, when con-
fined to the kidney, is a purely medical affair, stone in the
bladder, on the contrary, is as eminently surgical. The nu-
cleus from the vesical stone may be derived from the kidney;
272 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
however, and if at its first formation its fate and destiny could
be foreseen the renal lithiasis would be surgical and not med-
ical. Inasmuch as a large proportion of vesical calculi do
originate in deeper portions of the urinary tract, urinary
lithiasis is commonly classed among the properly surgical
affections. It would seem, therefore, that a categorical ans-
wer to the query cannot be made, at least, in the present state
of the science; the classification of morbid conditions, into
medical or surgical, is purely arbitrary, and cannot be other-
wise; custom, and an indefinite standard have made a classi-
fication that is quite generally accepted, and with that we
must at present, be content. This refers, of course, to condi-
tions of the body in which no question of mechanical or in-
strumental treatment has admission; in others there is no
debate.
Another preliminary question presses for answer, viz: What
is pathology? This, fortunately, can be more readily and defin-
ately answered, nevertheless there are a few who entertain
views and opinions very wide of the truth. The etymology of
the word sufficiently defines the ground to be covered, that is
a “discourse on suffering or disease.” Thus we find that
pathology is literally the natural history of morbid action, in-
cluding objectivity; etiology, remote and immediate; character
of the lesion, construgfive or destricutive; as well as furnish-
ing data to trace to their source all purely subjective phe-
nomena, estimate their value, and determine their significance.
Therapeutics have the closest relationship to pathology, if
one would escape becoming a mere routinest and experimen-
talist, and prognosis is something unattainable if the study of
the fundamental principles of mordid action is ignored. Even
morbid anatomy, which some consider the whole of pathology,
has a significance to the scientist that seems to be entirely
unsuspected by a respectable minority in our branch of the
therapeutic art. With this definition of pathology, to be util-
ized later—we must pass to the next quesion, one of the first
importance to the subject in hand, namely: the essential
nature of morbid action.
I. THE NATURE OF MORBID ACTION.
Wherever we find evidences of life, everywhere in the or-
ganic world, among plants as well as animals, we find a certain
standard of health or normality, and various departures from
The Elements of Surgical Pathology. 273
that standard. The lower the organism, the simpler the con-
struction, the greater freedom from abnormality; in propor-
tion as the organism is of higher grade, complex in structure,
so do we find the liability to morbid action increased.
Neither in races, species, or individuals do we find absolute
immunity from disease; the most simple types of plant life
have some forms of departure from the normal standard.
This tendency to abnormality, therefore, would seem to be
inherent in the organic world, the differences apparently one
of degree, dependant upon complexity of structure. The
student would naturally desire to know the exact nature of
this morbid action, and the reasons for the multiform differ-
ences, not only in degree but in kind, that are everywhere
presented to him. Inasmuch as the various morbid processes
are at once recognized as simple departures from a standard
of health, an almost unanswerable question confronts him at
the outset, viz: What is health? Or, to put it in more concrete
form: What is life? This is a question that has in all ages
occupied the minds of thinking men, and yet for scientific
purposes it is as far from solution to-day as at any time in the
past. We are perfectly familiar with the phenomena attend-
ing the fertilization of any germ, but why such contact with
the fertilizer results in such marvelous development, we can-
not tell. In spite of the boasts of science, the facts remain
that the beginning of all scientific study is with a hypothesis;
reasonable no doubt, but still hypothesis. The atom, about
which so much is said, the very foundation of chemistry and
biology, is an inference merely, certainly a reasonable and
necessary one, but none the less hypothetical. While the
exact modus operandi of the forces of life are apparently indes-
coverable, yet our knowledge of the evidences are so satisfac-
tory that we are justified in assuming certain necessary condi-
tions as preliminary to the facts that are partly explainable.
The first fact we have to do with is the beginning of life on
the atomic plane, and the successsive development of the com-
plete organism from the atomic commencement. Thus we
find that the organic body is composed of an association of
organs, these of certain tissues, these again of certain cellular
structure, and these of molecules, which may be held to
represent the material or physical unit. But beyond the mole-
274 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
cule is the atom, which is at once the chemical and the vital
unit. The organism having once been formed, does not con-
tinue to the close of its existence unchanged and unchange-
able; far from it. It is not in the same state, even as to the
proportion of its elements, from hour to hour. There is a
continual waste going on, from the beginning of life to its
close, greater after full maturity at all times, and occasionally
varying as the exigencies of life vary. Thus when sleeping,
or when the organization is in repose, the waste is reduced to
the minimum; when exercising, or when any physiological
function is operative, it is greater; still greater does it be-
come under the influence of acute mºrbid action. If this
represented the whole of the phenomena of life, the organism
would soon perish, as the excretion through the various
emunctories, gasseous, fluid, and solid is literally something
enormous. There must be some provision for compensation,
and this is found in nutrition. As waste goes on, repair, in
normal states, is commensurate; not equal, but equivalent, de-
pending upon conditions. Thus in youth, repair exceeds
waste; in old age, it is certainly below the standard of waste.
Disease, accident, unusual exertion, fasting and the like, simu-
late old age. All this, as a matter of course, being elementary
physiological knowledge, might go without saying, but for the
sake of a proper premise. Now, roughly stated, health repre-
sents a proper equilibrium between waste and repair. Given
excessive growth, and we have constructive morbid action,
represented by most tumors, and syphilis; given excessive
waste, relative or actual, and we have destructive processes,
such as ulceration and some forms of suppuration, and atrophy.
Now here comes in the first fact, if it is allowable—in the
genesis of morbid action: It commences on the atomic plane.
The first departure from the standard of health, must be some
functional loss; a functional disturbance cannot occur without
a structural lesion, near or remote, minute or otherwise, as
circumstances may determine. In other words, the initial
lesion in any given morbid action, must be a loss of equilib-
rium in waste and repair, impaired nutrition.
Another fact must claim attention. The organism once
formed, its parts differentiated, repair of lost parts can only
take place by organization of elements from the remains of
The Elements of Surgical Pathology. 275
that part, if there are any, or from parts of similar structure in
contiguity. Thus epitheleum can only come from epitheleum;
connective tissue from a similar matrix. Bone may occa-
sionally be derived from cartilage, by osseous metamorphosis
of chondroid elements, but this is, to some extent, represent-
ative of the original process of organization. The fact, of
pathological value, deducible from this, is that morbid action
originates not only on the atomic plane, but is purely local;
the whole organism is impressed from a central lesion, and not,
as some seem to think, a general abnormality later becomes
localized. Thus when we find on epithelial growth in a loca-
tion foreign to epitheleum, it shows that the germinal element
has been conveyed there, and not that existing tissues have
undergone change. The tissue change must not be considered
the “disease,” in any sense. It is the result of morbid action,
a consequence of what we call disease.
This is a question that will be reserved for future discussion,
the bare statement must suffice at this place.
Now if morbid action represents a loss of equilibrium in
the forces of life, prominently nutrition, and commences at a
definite point, atomic in character, the question that is next
confronted will be: what are the causes for the commence-
ment of any particular morbid process? The answer, it is
believed, can be satisfactorily given. There is a large party
of students who attribute, if not all, at least a number of dis-
eases to the specific action of material contagion; some of
them, in fact most of them, think they find this mažeries moróż
in minute organisms, microscopic bodies of various forms,
vegetable spores, and a class of microbes roughly grouped
as bacteria. There is another large class, who look for the
first cause of disease in some vital disturbance, almost inde-
finable,entirely disassociated from material causation. Between
these two widely separated bodies are numerous smaller ones,
holding opinions son:etimes of the form of a compromise,
sometimes differing totally from either. As is too often the
case, the great difficulty one desirous of impartiality encoun-
ters, is the dogmatism and positivism of the disputants. The
impression given is that one or the other party must be right.
Careful study, it would seem, and a decent conservatism,
appears to suggest that neither are right, wholly right, and
276 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopa/hy.
also that neither are wholly wrong. Undoubtedly there is
such a thing as purely material contagion; just as undoubtedly
is there such a thing as a purely psychical disturbance, one,
also, that may and has not only produced most extensive
tissue change, but even destroyed life. Shock, is a case in
point. The probabilities are that etiological factors are of
great variety, and no single class of causes can be considered
even as leading. It does not require much study to show,
that in pathology, as in physics, every operation of force must
produce a ralated effect; the same cause, the same effect,
modified, of course, by the energy or quantity of the force,
and the resistance of the body on which it is suspended.
Thus heat will always burn the tissues, but the degree of burn-
ing is proportionate to the intensity of the heat, the length of
its application, and the manner or form in which it is applied.
The part of the true student of science must be, to avoid
radicalism at all times, and in no department of science is
radicalism so dangerous as matters of pathology.
The above has especial reference to the bacteriological
theory of causation, which has a most numerous following all
over the world to-day. For a time the medical man who
refused to accept the teachings of this school, was almost
denied the right to express an opinion. But as time went on,
a most remarkable change became apparent. Experiments
made at one time would seem to prove the absolute correct-
ness of the theory of bacterial specificity; similar experiments,
apparently under equally favorable circumstances, would fur-
nish only negative testimony; but, still other experiments, as
carefully made, apparently, and by as competent observers,
gave results utterly controverting those of the bacteriologist.
As an illustration: one celebrated ovariotomist, under the
most rigid and strict so-called “antiseptic” methods, would re-
duce his ratio of mortality so notably, that no doubt seemed
possible that end and means were related in the character of
cause and effect. But here comes another, in utter defiance
of all the rules of practice of the former, who produces equally
good results. Now if the statements of the bacterial origin of
disease are always true, (because the fundamental principle is,
that the spores germs, and bacteria anywhere floating in tee
in the air in enormous quantities, finding entrance into an
The Elements of Surgical Pathology. 277
open wound, or lodging on a surface capable of absorption,
must produce certain specific effects,) what becomes of this,
when we find notable cases, where all these conditions exist,
and such effects do not follow? Nay, more than this; it has
been thought by many that absolute exclusion of these “spe-
cific” bodies exposes the sufferer to danger; that they are
essential to recovery. In support of this cases are cited in
which their presence has been shown in large numbers, and
yet recovery has been perfect, and uneventful; and other
cases, shown, to be perfectly the reverse, that have terminated
disastrously. One thing all must admit: When measures are
not taken to exclude bacteria, they are always found in
morbid conditions where the bacteriologists claim they are
specifically causative. The fact, however, shows their rela-
tion to the disease, and not whether it is a causative one or
not. Notwithstanding the assertion is loudly made, it is far
from a proved fact that they represent anything more than
consequences, unless they may be vehicles. Indeed the con-
viction seems to be quite general, that their chief practical
value is one of diagnosis, and that the part they play, in
many cases, at least, is in the interests of repair; in fact, they
are scavengers. In what remains to be said, in later chapters,
this is the position that will be taken: As to surgical pathol-
ogy, bacteria must be considered as one of the diagnostic
and pathognomonic features of the peculiar morbid condition;
that as to specificity, the most that can be said of them is
that they may be carriers or media of contagion,
In periods of epidemic diseases, the air is found, it is said,
unusually full of organisms supposed to be the very fons eſſ origo
morói, and yet comparatively few of those exposed succumb
to the influence. There are instances, however, where the
opposite is true in both directions; that is, no epidemic with
abundant bacterial conditions; and no bacteria, with virulent
epidemic. But accepting the first proposition as generally
true, as is the fact—how is the immunity of the few to be
accounted for. The answer must be, differences in individual
receptivity. For instance. The forces of life have chiefly to
protect the organism from assaults on its integrity; next to
repair the consequences of disease, injury, or loss. The more
perfect what is called the physique, the more completely these
278 AWorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
g
purposes are fulfilled; on the other hand, any dificiency in
vigor or vital harmony, must, in the nature of things, render
vulnerable, not only lessening the opposition to morbid influ-
ences, but rendering recovery and repair correspondingly
tardy and imperfect. Nevertheless, there are organisms that
seem to be so delicately balanced and adjusted, that slight
disturbing influences produce profound derangement, even
while the ordinary exigencies of life are easily and normally
opposed. These differences in appreciating morbid impres-
sions, represent differing degrees of receptivity, as it is called;
the differences are not due, at all times, to a plus or minus in
the individual organism, so much as to purely personal idio-
syncracy or peculiarity rendering one more susceptible than
another. The answer to the query is now easy, if this be
admitted, that the occurrence of disease in an organism shows
a yielding in the natural powers of resistance, which is speedy
or slow, depending upon the receptivity of the individual.
Recovery from the consequences of the morbid action must
be determined by a calculation of the same considerations.
If, therefore, the active principle of disease is material and a
specific contagion, none could escape if exposed to its influ-
ence, at least there could be no complete immunity; the
degree of morbid action is entirely related to the intensity,
or length of exposure, or quantity of the morbific agency,
added to or manifested by the receptivity of the individual.
For instance, all “lying in women” have lochial discharges,
and have had since the days of Eve. Out of these countless
millions an insignificant per centage have had septic infection.
Now here are all the conditions of septic disease in the
utmost abundance, with bruised and fissured surfaces added
to make it certainſ Yet all know, that as long as the genital
surfaces remain excretory no infection occurs; if they become
absorbant, however, from supression of the lochia, then we do
have septicaemia. So it is not a violent supposition that the
prevention of septic conditions in the lying-in woman is not
to destroy or prevent the production of septic elements, but
to prevent their absorption. So-called “antiseptics” will not
do this, we shall see later, but the preservation of the health
of the woman and the tissues concerned will do so.
We have reached a point, now, where we can summarize
Pamphlets Received. 279
the theories laid down: The health of the body being de-
pendant upon a just proportion between waste and repair,
and this interchange or nutrition occurring on the atomic
plane, any disturbing influence must be exerted on the same
plane, which influence may be either exciting, or maintaining
or both combined. The products of the morbid action must
be considered (when contagious) as vehicles or media of con-
tagion. When bacteria are present in these products, they
must be considered as consequences of the morbid action,
and may convey the morbid principle to unprotected organ-
isms in their character of vehicles. The possibility must not
be lost sight of, that the bacteria may be conservators merely.
PAMPHILETS RECEIVED.
The Fourth Annual Report of “Helmuth House,” from
September 15th, 1889, to June 15th, 1890.
Report of the Bureau of Organization Registration and
Statistics of the American Institute of Homeopathy, session
of 1890. By Thomas Franklin Smith, M. D., Chairman.
Reprinted from the transactions. *
To the Legislators of the Southern States. An appeal from
the Southern Homeopathic Medical Association for Nonsec-
tarian Medical Plegislation.
Politics vs. Medicine. A reprint from the New England
Medica/ Gazeźe.
Hysterical Amblyopia, by James A. Campbell, M. D. A
paper read before the American Institute of Homeopathy,
June, 1890. Reprint from the Clinical Aeporter.
Fifth Biennial report of the Board of Health of the State
of Iowa, for the fiscal period ending June 30, 1890.
A Repertory of Convulsions, by E. M. Santee, M. D. H.
Hitchcock, M. D. publisher, New York, 1890.
The Massachusetts Homeopathic Hospital has recently re-
ceived a donation at the hands of a wealthy lady, the sum of
$500,ooo. Dr. Gilchrist, secretary of the Iowa State Hospital
is searching for some person with benevolence in his heart
and lucre in his pocket, who will contribute one-fiftieth of that
sum for the erection of a much needed addition to the hospital
at Iowa City.
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
All communications for publication, books for leview, etc., should be addressed
to the editor, A. C. Cowperthwaite, M. D., Iowa City, Iowa.
Business communications should be addressed to the business manager, F. J.
Newberry, M. D., at the office of publication, 12 N. Clinton St., Iowa City, Iowa.
The Editor is not responsible fol any statements or opinions expressed by con-
tributols.
WHAT NEXT P
Some two or three years ago the medical world was pro-
foundly startled from its normal state of repose, by the an-
nouncement that a celebrated French physician, Bergeon by
name, had discovered a new and successful treatment of
tuberculosis by means of gaseous enemata. Without inquiry
into the nature of the treatment, or any attempt to solve the
zazionale of the method, the entire medical profession hastened
to adopt it, readily grasping at anything that promised, how-
ever falsely, to solve the problem of the treatment of a dreaded
and supposedly incurable disease. But unfortunately even
gas could not long keep the balloon inflated, and while for a
few weeks it soared very high, and manufacturers all over the
world were forced to their utmost exertions in supply-
ing the extraordinary demands for “Bergeon's apparatus,”
yet but a few weeks elapsed before the whole thing collapsed,
the treatment having been found to be utterly worthless, and
thousands of the aforesaid “apparatus’s” could have been, and
can now be bought at an enormous discount.
A little later another distinguished French physician an-
nounced his discovery of the famous “elixir of life” the sub-
cutaneous injection of which would restore youth, and add
years of life and happiness to the age of man. Again the
“scientific” wing of the medical profession was greatly elated,
and millions of animals lost their lives in order to furnish these
gentlemen with the necessary ingredients to carry on their
Whaz AVeacz 2 281
beneficient experiments. But, alas ! almost before they
could get to work the absurdity as well as the danger of the
experiments became so apparent that they could obtain no
victims upon which to experiment, and the great discovery at
once passed into merited oblivion.
Just now the world of scientific medicine is in a great com-
motion over the alleged discovery of a method of cure for
consumption, said to have been recently discovered by Dr.
Koch of Berlin. Not that this wonderful remedy, which Dr.
Koch denominates “lymph” has ever cured a case of con-
sumption, or ever had a chance to do so, but from some soft
of bacteriological reasoning it ought to do so, and therefore
the announcement of the discovery is made. The method it-
self has not been published but remains a secret within the
laboratory of Dr. Koch. Better had it been if the announce-
ment had also remained a secret until thorough and patient
investigation had proven the merits of the discovery. If re-
ports are true this would not have answered the purposes of
the alleged discoverer, who is obtaining great notoriety and
rapidly filling his purse with the money of suffering victims,
who like drowning men catching at straws, are ready to do
anything that promises a restoration to health. How differ-
ent was the course pursued by Hahnemann, who, though con-
fident of the truth of the law of cure, hesitated to make it pub-
lic, and did not do so until ten years of patient investigation
and experiment had proved that he was correct beyond a
question. Such is the method of a true scientist. Hahne-
mann's discovery has already stood the test of a century,
which has not been the case with any of the numerous medi-
cal “discoveries” that have since been made. Yet the very
men who have ever rejected and ridiculed Hahnemann's dis-
covery are now wild in their enthusiasm over that of Dr.
Koch. Hundreds of delegates from societies and colleges as
well as private individuals are making a pilgrimage to Berlin
to witness the effects of the treatment. Even Harvard College
sends a delegate. Let us sincerely hope in the interests of
suffering humanity, that the new discovery will prove all that
has been claimed for it, and that it will not meet the fate of
other discoveries of a like nature that have preceded it, but
ift he latter should be the case, as it most probably will, we are
constrained to ask our “scientific” friends—“what next?”
282 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
MASSACHUSETTS HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL
SOCIETY.
We are in receipt of an invitation to attend the semi-cen–
tenial anniversary, reception and banquet of the Massachu-
setts Homeopathic Medical Society. This event marks an
important epoch in the history of homeopathy in this country.
When we consider what fifty years of steady progress has done
for homeopathy, we can hardly realize the possibilities of the
future. While owing to the indomitable energy and persever-
ance of some of the profession in Massachusetts—notably the
indefatigable Talbot, who has built for himself a monument
more enduring than granite—the history of homeopathy in
that state involves more progress, and more public achieve-
ments than almost any other state, nevertheless in a measure
the history of the advancement of homeopathy in Massachu-
setts during the past fifty years, has been its history every-
where in this country. From a feeble beginning it has grown
to be a mighty power, with its colleges, hospitals and public
institutions extending from ocean to ocean, its little band of
a few hundred practioners increased to nearly twelve thous-
and, and its patrons numbered by the millions, including a
large portion of the educated and wealthy citizens of almost
every community. The committee of the Massachusetts
Society have issued the following circular:
“In December, 1840, three physicians assembled in Boston
and formed the Homeopathic Fraternity. As its numbers in-
creased and its circle widened, it was called the Massachusetts
Homeopathic Fraternity. Later it received the name of the
Massachusetts Homeopathic Medical Society, and in 1856 it
was incorporated by the Legislature of the State. It will be
fifty years this ensuing December since the beginning of the
Society, and it seems fitting that its semi-centennial anniver-
sary should be marked in an appropriate manner. For this
purpose the undersigned have been appointed by the Society
a special committee of arrangements. When we consider
that within a few years the state has established a Homeo-
pathic Insane Hospital at Westborough, which contains over
five hundred patients; that it has in the last year given
$120,000 for the enlargement of our Massachusetts Homeo-
pathic Hospital; that a single legacy has this year been given
exceeding in amount $150,000, and which will be used for the
support of the hospital; that the city has contributed a large
Massachusetts Homeopathic Medical Society. 283
f
site of land on which to erect a Homeopathic Dispensary,
and that generous donations have been given therefor; that
five hospitals have been established in various cities in the
state, in which both homeopathic and allopathic treatment
are equally provided; that a medical school has been estab-
lished in connection with Boston University which has proved
very successful, and has added large numbers of well educated
physicians to our ranks; we have many causes for gratitude
and rejoicing.
The committee propose, therefore, that on the 23rd of De-
cember, 1890, the nearest time practicable to the exact anni-
versary, a banquet should be held at the Hotel Vendome, in
Boston, at which shall be invited not only the members of
this Society but some of the most distinguished physicians in
our ranks, together with such public men as have shown by
their acts a warm interest in the progress of homeopathy,
and those friends who have taken prominent parts in founding
and sustaining its institutions. Communications should be
sent to the secretary of the committee, J. WILKINSON CLAPP,
M. D., Io Park Square, Boston.”
At the last meeting of the Association of American Medi-
cal Editors, the report says that “The statement that Dr.
Hills, (of the New York Medical Times,) had, within the past
year, renounced homeopathy, was received with applause.”
Yet this same renegade gives monthly lectures to the homeo-
pathic profession as to what they ought or ought not to do,
and in the garb of a reformer is doing all in his power to dis-
credit the principles of homeopathy and disrupt its organiza-
tions. The worst of it is, that many thoughtless homeopathic
physicians are giving him aid and comfort in his nefarious
designs.
At the same meeting, Dr. Hills was present at the banquet
and responded to the toast:
“Medicine–Broad Enough to Include Every Honest
Member Desirous of Benefitting Humanity.”
It is a remarkable fact that the most enthusiastic members
of the homeopathic profession are old school graduates and
practitioners who have had their eyes opened to the better
way. In the graduating class of the writer, the most en-
thusiastic homeopaths, and those who delighted to see the old
school “jumped upon” the hardest, were several physicians
who had been in practice for years as allopaths.
284 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
UNIVERSITY HOMEOPATHIC DISPENSARY,
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
CLINICS. Jäll, Fth, Mār, April, May, Jult, July, Allg, Sºn't, Totals,
Eye and Ear, daily, 236/281/232|17o I 79|214|233|216|I64|1925
Woman's, semi-w’kly, 1782 13|144|Io.4|I43||135||143|Io5|122|I287
Medical, semi-weekly, I I I I Ig II 7|168||132|II4|145|I5o 1481204
Children’s tri-weekly, 43| 36|| 65| 52| 45 t& 54|II 2 92 517
Surgical, semi-weekly, 62. 59| 68 63| 46 32| 74 4o 6o 504
Nervous, semi-weekly, - - - - - -| 4o 2 I 43 57| 18| I]- - - 18O
Totals, - - - - - - - 63ol.7.45|676|570579|562|7O 1633|59656I 7
This total of 5617 prescriptions in nine months (253 days),
gives the average of over 22 patients daily.
In this time Z 227 mezzy cases were registered, an average of
almost 5 each day.
The largest number of prescriptions were made in Feb-
ruary, 745.
The smallest number of prescriptions were made in June,
562.
The average monthly attendance in all clinics has been
624, or in the various clinics, as follows:
Eye and Bar,. ------------------------------------ 2I4
Woman's, ---------------------------------------- I43
Medical, ----------------------------------------- 1.33%
Children's, --------------------------------------- 57%
Surgical, ----------------------------------------- 56
Nervous, ---------------------------------------- 2O
The number of out-door visits since Jan. 1st, has been 57.
Since this Dispensary was opened, July, 1888, up to January
1st, 1890, the following is the summary of the work:
PRESCRIPTIONS MADE. Asi, 18 MOS, IAS 9 MLS, TOlăls,
Prescriptions made, - - - - - - - - - - - 647.o 5617 12087
New cases recorded,. - - - - - - - - - - I 753 I 227 298o
Out-door visits, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - II5 57 172
This comparison shows that each case required an average
of 4 prescriptions only. It also shows a per centage of growth
nearly doubling every 9 months.
WM. E. LEONARD, M. D.,
Manager Pro Tem.
AWezes and Możes. e 285
NEWS, AND NOTES.
Dr. Charles Gatchell, of Ann Arbor, editor of the Medica/
Ara, is obtaining a well deserved notoriety in his fearless and
successful exposure of that great humbug—mind-reading.
The December number of the Medical Argus, published
at Kansas City, gives an excellent portrait of that nestor
of homeopathy, Dr. Samuel Lilienthal, whom all homeo-
pathists delight to honor. We join with the Argus in wish-
ing him long life and prosperity.
We are in receipt from the Hahnemann Publishing House,
of Philadelphia, of a copy each of the second edition of
Farrington’s Clinical Materia Medica, and of Gentry's Rubri-
cal and Regional Text-Book on the Materia Medica of the
urine and urinary organs, both of which will be reviewed in a
succeeding number.
The Homeopathic Envoy for December is on our table, and
deserves something more than a passing notice. It is pub-
lished at Lancaster, Pa., and is exactly what its name indi-
cates—an envoy for homeopathy, a popular missionary jour-
nal ably, edited and doing good work amongst the heathen,
especially of Pennsylvania and New York, but equally useful
in the less benighted regions of the west. The present num-
ber is of exceptional interest, and ought to be widely circu-
lated as a missionary document.
Gov. Boies appointed Prof. W. H. Dickinson, M. D., a
member of the Iowa State Board of Health, to fill the unex-
pired term of the eclectic member resignèd. The eclectics
are in a sort of a family quarrel and could not agree upon a
candidate. The governor became disgusted with their antics
and as the law does not require the appointment of an eclec-
tic he appointed Dr. Dickinson, much to the satisfaction of
both the old school and the homeopathic members of the . .
board. This gives the homeopaths three members, though
this is of no especial advantage, the question of “school”
never having influenced the members of the Iowa Board in
any manner whatever.
BURLINGTON ROUTE TO THE WEST.-The only railroad run-
ning dining cars and through sleeping and reclining chair cars
from Chicago over direct lines of its own to Omaha, Lincoln,
Chéyenne, Denver, and all principal sections of Nebraska,
Colorado and Wyoming. Tickets via Burlington Route can
be obtained of any ticket agent of its own or connecting
lines. -
286 AVorzhzwesze??? Journal of Homeopathy.
BRIEFS,
Dr. Mumaw, the medical exchange man, is now located at
Detroit, Mich.,
Dr. H. C. Aldrich, of Minneapolis, is in London pursuing
medical studies. -
Over 90 per cent. of all cases of blindness is caused by
ophthalmia neonatorum. t
Per-oxide of hydrogen has no superior as a cleansing appli-
cation in suppurative diseases of the middle ear. *
“The Malted Milk as a food for infants has no superior”
are the words of a physician of long experience.
The genial agent of Zwarts Pharmacy Co., of St. Louis, was
a recent caller. He reports his firm as rapidly “coming to
the front.” - º *
Dr. Sherman’s triturates are becoming deservedly popular.
A trial order sent to the Doctor at Milwaukee, will receive
prompt attention.
Send to the Taylor & Meyers Pharmacy Co., at St. Paul,
and get their prices on medicines and supplies. Their goods
are thoroughly reliable. o
Correspondents will please bear in mind that the publica-
tion office and Business manager’s address is now at 12 N.
Clinton street, Iowa City. - -
A TENNESSEE doctor is credited with delivering two child-
ren with a pair of shoemaker’s pinchers, using, the curved
handles as obstetric forceps.
Use your nasal speculum in all cases of nasal catarrh.
This little instrument will often tell you why your remedies do
not give you the desired results.
The State Homeopathic, Hospital at Iowa City, is in a most
flourishing condition, and is an important auxillary to the
homeopathic department of the State University.
A cold bath every morning is one of the surest preventa-
tives from taking cold. Commence with a warm sponge bath,
and gradually work up until able to stand a bath of 40° or 50°.
The profession in central and eastern Iowa will please bear
in mind the meeting of the Central Iowa Homeopathic Asso-
ciation at Marion, Dec. 29th. A most interesting meeting is
predicted. - -
Ariefs. 287
“Acute Glaucoma” is the title of a reprint from the New
England Gazette, by Dr. A. B. Norton, of New York. The
discription of this disease is clearly made and the treatment
well marked out.
Chicago is the banner homeopathic city of the country.
We were recently informed by one in a position to know that
three-fifths of the paying practice in that city is in the hands
of the homeopaths.
The homeopaths of Illinois are making strenuous efforts to
secure representation in one of the State Insane Hospitals,
and knowing the energetic character of the profession in that
State we doubt not their success.
Diphtheria is again prevailing extensively over the country.
The indicated remedy gets ahead of the swabs and large doses
of iron every time. The quarantine law against diphtheria
, and kindred diseases is very rigid in Iowa.
What is the matter with “Homeopathic” when speaking of
our school? We notice that some of our exchanges outside
of the New York Medical Zºmes, use the term “new school”
as a synonym for homeopathic. Stand by your colors, gentle-
men
The profession in the old school have “discovered” medi-
cinal properties in a preparation made from the stingers of
bees. They have also “discovered” that Rhus Tox. in minute
doses is an excellent remedy for rheumatic troubles. “Nough
said.”
The Chicago Homeopathic College is reported by Secretary
Kippax to be in an exceedingly healthy condition. With a
very large class, and with its own, as well as the Cook
County Hospital clinical advantages, it is reaping a deserved
patronage.
The doctors disagree as to whether drink at meals is an in-
jury or a benefit. One of our most eminent authorities has
lately issued a manifesto that will enable us to continue our
tea and coffee, as he declares that drink at meal times is a
great aid to digestion. \
Did you see the recent comparisons made in the official re-
ports of the old school and homeopathic hospitals of Mel-
bourne, in the death rate from typhoid fever? The old school
institution lost 18.1 per cent. to a loss of 7.2 per cent. by the
homeopaths, and figures won’t lie.
The Hahnemann association of Louisiana has set on foot a
movement for the establishment of a Homeopathic Hospital
288 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
in New Orleans. The South has not been keeping step to the
music of progress in our school, and all the friends of the true
faith in the North will be pleased to learn of this step in the
right direction.
The South affords numerous openings for ambitious homeo-
pathic practitioners. In fact, there are to-day in every part
of the country, two openings to a good homeopath, to one for
an allopath. Not long ago an allopathic physician was la-
menting to the writer that he had not studied homeopathy.
Said he, “If I had it to do over again I would study homeo-
pathy if I did not believe a word of its teachings, for there are
so many more opportunities for a homeopath to put out his
shingle than there is for a member of our crowded school.”
The Polyclinic, the New York post graduate school has
closed its doors to the homeopathic profession, and hence-
forward graduates from homeopathic colleges will knock in
vain at its portals; another specimen of the “tolerance” of
our allopathic friends. At the time the writer took a course
in this institution, it was receiving a large slice of its support
from homeopathic practitioners. It showed not the slightest
hesitancy in receiving our money when it was a struggling
institution, but now that it has grown strong it turns a cold
shoulder toits former friends. But homeopaths can console
themselves in knowing that they have institutions that renders
it useless to call upon allopathic aid in any line whatever.
ANAIDOTE FOR ARSEN ICAL POISONING.—A readily prepared
antidote for acute arsenical poisoning is the following :
R. Liquor Ferri Tersulphat- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 OllriceS.
Aquae Destillat-------------------------------- 2 Ollil CeS.
M.
R. Magnesia--------------------------------- 2% drachms.
Aquae Destillat ---------------------------- 8 ounces.
M. Sig.—Mix the two solutions and give a tablespoonful, diluted every
five minutes as required.
FINE PLAYING CARDS.–Send ten (10) cents in stamps or
coin to John Sebastian, Gen'l Tkt. and Pass. Ag’t CHICAGO,
ROCK ISLAND & PACIFIC RY., for a pack of the latest, smooth-
est, slickest playing cards that ever gladdened the eyes and
rippled along the fingers of the devotee to High-five, Seven-
Up, Casino, Dutch, Euchre, Whist or any other ancient or
modern game, and get your money’s worth five times over.
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
VoI., II, Iowa CITY, Iowa, JANUARY, 1891. No. Io,
SOME MISTAKES (?) OF HAHNEMANN.
BY ROBERT N. TOOKER, M. D., CHICAGO, ILL.
At the last semi-annual meeting of the New York State
Hom. Med. Society a paper was read entitled “Some Thera-
peutic Principles Now and Previously Held by the New School
of Medicine, which are Unsound.”
The paper closed with a series of resolutions, which on
being submitted to a vote were, as we think, very properly
tabled. The paper, however, now that it has been published,
is open to discussion, and it is worthy of more than passing
notice because it is a very clever statement of the position
held by those who are skeptical regarding our School of Med-
icine or only half believe its tenets. The author is evidently a
man of thought and culture. His introductory lines are full
of epigrams and aphorisms. He shows us in brief phrases
the folly of offering sacrifices to wooden idols and he leads us
to infer that, however dearly cherished they may be, all our
dolls are stuffed with saw-dust. He then gives us to under-
stand that to be wise and consistent we should straightway
empty out the saw-dust, either by punching out the eyes, or
tearing off his legs, or by some other process, amounting to
mutilation or destruction. *
Hippocrates, Galen, Paracelsus and Brown and all of the
other great medical luminaries have shone brightly for a
season and then their light has turned to darkness. Many
modern theories are found to be untenable because untrue, or
4 By W. M. Decker, M. D. Kingston, New York. Published in November number
of New York Medical 7"imes.
290 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
need constant revision because only half true. For example:
extirpation of the ovaries is not always and necessarily fol-
lowed by sterility; air in the veins does not always cause
immediate death. Ergo, the modern teaching of physiology
is erroneous or at least defective. Even the Bible has been
several times revised; and now the Presbyterian Church is
overhauling Calvin and his creed.
As this species of iconoclasm is getting to be so general,
our author wonders why we do not take the “Organon” and
its author and give both the benefit of a thorough shaking up.
So long as all our other idols are found to be hollow and de-
lusive why spare this one? We are called upon to “officially
cast off some of our false therapeutic principles” and revise
our faith as well as our work.
Hahnemann, he concedes, was a careful observer, but—he
was not infallible. He taught immoral truth, but the clothes
wherewith it was once clothed are now tattered and thread-
bare, and in this new era of light and knowledge “should be
discarded as rags.” These rags are itemized in the series of
resolutions to which I have before referred, and which read
as follows:
“A’esolved, That in the opinion of this society the theory of
potentiation of drugs, as taught by Hahnemann in the “Orga-
non” and in his other writings, that is, the doctrine that the
more drugs are attenuated by successive trituration, or the
more they are diluted and succussed, the more their power
and effectiveness is increased, is hereby declared unsound and
unreasonable in principle, except the fact that the division of
drug matter is accomplished.
“Resolved, That all symptoms attributed to provings with
high potencies are of doubtful reliability, and therefore they
are not trustworthy guides in practice.
“Resolved, That, in the opinion of this society, the theory of
the psoric origin of chronic diseases, as set forth by Hahne-
mann in the “Organon' and in his other writings, is erroneous,
and, therefore, as a basis for treatment, it is misleading.”
Let us...consider these resolutions in reverse order.
The psoric origin of chronic diseases, as a theory, was not
original with Hahnemann, and in some respects it is incon-
sistent with his more essential teachings. Even if it were
Some Mistakes (?) of Hahnemann. 29 I
original with him it would not be discreditable. It has not
yet been displaced by another more worthy or more helpful.
It has quite as much to recommend it as the germ theory. It
is far less complicated and has fewer inherent inconsistencies.
Take the psoric theory at its worst; pass it through a half
dozen German crucibles; boil it; bake it; freeze it, and toy
with it; whisper about it for a few years; then send it over to
France and have it covered over with French polish; put it
under a binocular microscope; stamp it with some newly
invented hieroglyphics and the medical world will go crazy
over it. In due time some royal cretin will command all of
his medical attendants to adopt it; will endow hospitals and
colleges to teach and propagate it, and confer emoluments
and decorations upon those who best succeed in befuddling
the doctrine and rendering it incomprehensible to the average
understanding.
But the psoric theory is not now and never was a part of
homeopathy. It has no essential or vital relation to the New
School of medicine.
Discard it if you please, or retain it if you will. We have
no objection to either course,
The second resolution is only worthy of consideration
because Hahnemann in his dotage and some of his disciples
in their early enthusiasm believed it and taught it. As the
great majority of the followers of Hahnemann, however, at
the present day, have seen its falacy and have already dis-
carded it, there seems to be no special harm in giving it
official and respectful burial in the resolution as formulated.
Let it be properly entombed and plainly labeled in the lan-
guage which Hahnemann was so familiar with—“resquiesca?
in face.
It is with the first resolution—in their regular order—that
we desire to take issue, for herein lies the pith, the kernel, the
spirit of homeopathy. The doctrine of the attenuation or
dynamization of drugs by which they are rendered more
efficient as medicines, as promulgated by Hahnemann, and
believed in by his followers, is one of the fundamental and
essential parts of homeopathy. It is this that gives it indi-
viduality, makes it sui generis, and differentiates it from all
other systems and dogmas. That trituration and dilution
292 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
have been carried to extremes by fanatics is admitted; that
there is a limit to these processes beyond which it is folly to
go with any expectation of curative results is freely confessed.
It is conceded that a point is reached in dilution—variable
or varying, according to the drug, when credulity alone would
warrant its employment as a medicine. But that the various
dilutions have a therapeutic action, distinct from, and in
many drugs at variance with, those same drugs in a crude
form, is a fact so well established, so generally admitted by
all schools of medicine, that it seems like folly to elaborate
or illustrate it. The most prominent and widely known of
Old School authors, teachers and practitioners, are those who
most distinctly and clearly recognize and utilize this truth;
and their prominence as teachers, authors and practitioners
is in direct ratio of such recognition.
As a medical dogma, it is no longer exclusively ours. It
has been appropriated by others to such an extent that it has
almost lost its pedigree. Only those of its own household
know its parentage. It matters not that the doctrine of
attenuation has been abused and misunderstood. It is not
its fault that it has often been carried to the point of ab-
surdity.
In spite of this, it has withstood the abuse, ridicule and
calumny of nearly a hundred years, and will continue to
stand for ages to come. Stripped of sophistry and verbiage,
the doctrine of attenuation is simply the division of drug
substance and the breaking up of its atoms or particles toº
such an extent that its essential characteristics are brought
out and developed.
Every drug has its own individuality. It differs from every
other drug, in smell, in taste, in form; and it differs in its
effects upon the human body whether in health or disease.
The object of attenuation, whether by trituration or dilution,
is to bring out and develop these distinctive characteristics
of each individual drug. It does more than this. It brings
it into closer harmony with the subtle characteristics of dis-
ordered vitality. Some drugs, it is true, have little individu-
ality, so little active, inherent force, that trituration or dilu-
tion develops nothing because there was nothing there origin-
ally to develop. One would not expect any great output
Some 4/7 stakes (?) of Hahnemann, 293
from calostrum or lac caninum. But who will claim that
calcarea carb. in the third or sixth attenuation is not vastly
more potent as a medicine than crude carbonate of lime?
Who, that has ever tried the experiment, will argue that crude
phosphorous is as valuable therapeutically as our dilutions or
triturations of this same drug?
I have seen some very happy results from the one thous-
andth attenuation of nitro-glycerine (glonoin), but I should
have hesitated to administer it in its crude form (glycerine
nitrate). What Old School physician would consider quick
silver as good a medicine as calomel; or what member of the
New School would not prefer the second or third decimal of
any of our forms of “mercurius” to either?
These are but a few of the multitudes of examples that
might be mentioned to illustrate the fact that a drug or a
substance may not be available at all as a medicine in its
crude form, but yet may be made to yield incalculable good
by trituration or dilution. Indeed, the use of crude and
powerful drugs in a material or tangible form is, to use an
old illustration, like attempting to tune a piano with a crow-
bar, or to repair the delicate mechanism of a watch with a
sledge-hammer.
But let us hear what our author has to say on this point.
He says: *
“The first rag to cast off of homeopathy is potentiation of
drugs by trituration and succession.
“Hahnemann was a careful observer. He noted the fact
that certain drugs, for example lycopodium, which is in the
crude form, or lowest triturations, was inert, became active
or potent at the sixth or higher triturations. This latent
power or influence, which was manifested by lycopodium at
or above the sixth trituration, Hahnemann attributed to the
triturating process; but subsequent light has revealed to us
that successive trituration does not add any power to lycopo-
dium which it did not originally possess. On the contrary,
all that trituration does for lycopodium, is to thoroughly
break up the microscopical and flinty sporules of the plant,
in which the active principles reside. And, according to the
old method of trituration, this was more completely accom-
plished at the sixth trituration than at the first; and so the
2.94 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
sixth was more potent than the first; or, to correct the phra-
seology, the sixth was not more potent than the first; but it
was more suitable and better adapted as a means to an end.
To make a rough comparison, it is like removing the shell of
a cocoanut in order to utilize its meat. The cocoanut is just
as potent before its shell is off, but not so useful.”
If homeopathy shall succeed in convincing the medical
world of the propriety of shucking its therapeutic cocoanut,
it will be entitled to universal gratitude so long as the world
needs medicine and a doctor to administer it.
Conceding, for the sake of argument, that the psoric theory
is a worthless delusion, and that “all symptoms attributed to
provings with high potencies are of doubtful reliability,” there
yet remains to homeopathy enough of truth—to immortalize
its founder and call forth the enthusiastic plaudits of mankind
to the end of time. \
It should be remembered that when Hahnemann first pub-
lished his new doctrine (1796) the pharmacists of Germany
dominated medicine. The popular physician was he who
prescribed the greatest number of drugs in the largest of
practicable doses.
The physicians were poor; the pharmacists were rich.
They persecuted Hahnemann untill he quited his native city
in disgust, because he tried to teach the profession that it was
the meat and milk in the cocoanut and not the shell that was
of therapeutic value.
The followers of Hahnemann since his day have been try-
ing, and are still trying, to teach the same doctrine. The
lesson, however, has been but half learned as yet, and after
the germ theory, which, in the not far distant future, will be
looked upon as the greatest medical delusion of the century,
shall have had its day, the lesson may have to be learned all
over again. Another Hahnemann may have to arise and
bring about another revolution, or rather effect a restoration
of the very same doctrines he originally taught a hundred
years ago.
The search for a materies morói, whether living or dead,
animal or vegetable, which is now progressing, especially in
German and French laboratories, has crazed the medical
world, and for the time being, has blinded it to the true prin-
Some Mistakes (?) of Hahnemann. 295
ciples of medicine based upon physiology and clinical
experience.
The present era will add an amusing, if not instructive,
page to the history of medical delusions. The future historian
will wax merry over phenic acid, blue glass, the Brown-Se-
quard elixir, the treatment of tubercular phthisis by water,
and especially over the Bergeon method of filling the intes-
tines with sulphuretted hydrogen.
He will wonder at the credulity of the age, as well as its
gullability, as he describes the popularity of “mind curers”
and so-called “Christian scientists”—the Medical Nihilists
of the Nineteenth Century. He will grow wroth as he
describes how again the pharmacists dominated the schools,
and forced them to use their secret and patented nostrums.
He will wonder at the absurdity of giving such remedies as
antipyrin, antifebrin, exalgine and phenaticine for the relief
of pain, while doing nothing for the diseased condition caus-
ing pain. He will point out how the status of medicine was
never before so unstable and unsatisfactory as evidenced by
the disposition almost everywhere exhibited to rush headlong
after every new discovery, and to discard the old for what-
ever, may be new.
But from this state of affairs there will come, there must
come, a reaction. The present hallucination will be dispelled;
the old paths will be found again, and followed with pleasure
and success as in the past. ty
We are fully aware of the difficulty experienced by the
sceptical mind in trying to understand how an infinitesimal
dose of a given drug can have any decided and curative
action in a given case of disease.
This difficulty lies primarily in over-estimating the real
value of what we presume to know. The chemist talks glibly
of organic elements, organic compounds and equivalents.
He analyses our foods, and tells us all about their ultimate
composition. But what chemist after taking an egg to pieces
can take the resultant substances and reproduce the egg.
Analysis is one thing, synthesis is quite a different thing.
The one is easy, the other in the nature of things is impossible,
for life alone can reproduce life products.
Organic chemistry with all its vaunted power and knowl-
296 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
edge, knows but little of the chemistry of life. During the
French Revolution, a commission composed of French chem-
ists of the highest repute pronounced gelatine more nutritious
than albumen. In 1841, another French Commission, with
Majendie at its head, declared gelatine to be utterly devoid
of nutritive value. The latest and highest authority on human
physiology declares that starch is unfit for infant food, but in
spite of these dicta one of the best infant foods—one of the
most assimilable, nutritious and valuable—is a food com-
posed very largely of gelatine and arrow-root.
Why is it that some of our juciest fruits require the dryest
of soils, while others, the dryest, will only grow in abundance
Of water?
I have it on reliable authority that a gardner can only raise
mushrooms by enriching his soil with a certain combination
of manures. He may make a bed of mold and mix with it
pure ox-dung, but no mushrooms will spring up from seed
placed in that bed. He may make another bed of like pure
mold and horse-dung, but still no mushrooms will grow on it.
But let him make another bed wherein he shall mix his mold
with horse and ox-dung combined, and under proper circum-
stances as to light and heat, the same as in each of the other
cases, and from the slightest impregnation of the bed, at one
corner thereof, if you please, with “mushroom spann,” which
is so intangible that it cannot be discovered in the mold
which encases it, to be even a microbe, and twenty-four hours
will gladden the gardner's eyes with a plentiful crop of mush-
rooms springing up all over the bed and for weeks continuing
so to do. Why this is so no one can tell. Chemistry is silent.
It cannot answer the question. It is a vital phenomenon and
cannot be explained on any purely chemical hypothesis.
It was Hahnemann’s belief that disease was a disturbance of
the vital forces; that it was essentially dynamic in its nature;
that it was invisible, intangible, impalpable.
It is the same thing now that it was a hundred years ago,
and just as as amenable to the same treatment now as then.
The ideal system of medicine, is that which touches most
deftly the inharmonious chords of life and most delicately
assists nature in her ever active efforts to repair the workings
of a broken or disordered mechanism. -
AEŽilepsy. 297
That drug is a medicine which possesses curative power.
That medicine is best that cures most quickly, safely and
pleasantly.
Homeopathy does not ask for faith, nor does it depend on
credulity. It is neither nonsense nor nihilism. It is either
scientific or all medicine is a delusion.
The action of drugs upon the sick; the clinical study of
pharmacy was inaugurated by Hahnemann.
He of all the great physicians noted most carefully at the
bedside the effect of his medicines and deduced therefrom a
law of cure.
Before we discard the garments in which the Master clothed
his thought and presented it to the world, let us be very care-
ful to make a thorough examination of them and be very sure
that they are really “rags” and unworthy of further preserva-
tion.
Sometimes it happens that cast off clothing contains that
which on close inspection turns out to be of unexpected and
surprising value.
EPILEPSY, THE RELATION OF “ORIFICIAL
SURGERY” THERETO.
BY J. H. DRAKE, M. D., MT. PLEASANT, IOWA.
[Read before the Hahnemann Medical Association of Iowa, May 1890.]
Dr. Hammond says, “Epilepsy, although only a symptom
of a morbid condition, must for the present be considered as
a disease, for the reason that we are not able to designate,
with certainty, its exact seat, or the nature of the lesion which
exists.” J
It is characterized by paroxysms of more or less frequency
and severity, during which consciousness is lost, and which
may or may not be marked by slight spasms or partial or
general convulsions, or mental aberations, or by all of these
circumstances collectively. The essential element of the
epileptic paroxysms is loss of consciousness. Without that
there in no true, fully formed epileptic paroxysm.
The principal object of this paper is to bring to your notice
four cases of epilepsy, coming under my care in less than one
year as you will observe by dates, in all of which the morbid
conditions had been considered as a disease, and the disease,
298 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
or cause of the moróid condition not observed or considered,
and the treatment a failure.
Case NO. T. Michael O’C whose father came to my
office October 31, 1889, said his son Michael, fourteen years
old, was having “Fits” five and six times a day, and was get-
ting more violent every day, and if something was not done
to help the boy soon, his wife would lose her mind from worry,
as they did not feel safe to leave him alone one moment. He
had been treated for a long time by an allopath physician,
and last by a homeopath, for heart and brain trouble.
I responded at once accompanied by Dr. Boynton who
was associated with me at that time. We made a very close
and careful examination of the boy’s head, eyes, throat, ears,
nose and heart, but could not find any trouble except a
slightly irritable heart, which I did not consider sufficient to
cause epilepsy. You will, however, before I am through, see
that the cause of the boy's epilepsy comes very near at heart,
to a man's heará, if not a boy’s.
We, therefore, went to the lower orifices of the body. On
reaching the penis, I at once discovered the cause of all the
trouble. An extreme case of “Phimosis” with adhesion of the
mucous membrane to the glans penis entire, encasing a roll
of Smngma back of the glans, as large as a lead pencil, and as
hard as old cheese, literally choking the boy to death. I ex-
plained to the parents the cause of the fits, and advised an
immediate operation, to which they readily consented.
On Nov. 2nd, two days after my visit, the parents brought
the boy to my office, where, assisted by Dr. Boynton, I operated,
making a short cut, broke up the adhesion, cleared away the
smegma, cleansed the parts well, put in sixteen stitches and
let the boy go home. Advised no medicine to be given.
Result, not a symptom of a paroxysm since the operation
was performed.
Case No. 2. Max Baldwin, son of baggage-master at C. B.
& Q. depot, six years old, was brought to my office Nov. 16,
1889. Symptoms similar to case No. 1, except he had a
paroxysm at night, every night about midnight. Sometimes
one hard paroxysm, other nights two or three light ones,
more like nervous or frightened spells. (Case No. 1 was
never known to have any trouble after bedtime.) We
Epilepsy. 299
operated same as case No. 1. Adhesion was not as extensive,
smegma softer, with very offensive odor. Child has grown
strong, and has not had any symptoms of epilepsy since.
Case No. 3. Miss W eighteen years of age, from Win-
field, Iowa, come to our office accompanied by her mother,
who stated that her daughter had been having falling fits for
more than two years, and was always worse the week before,
and during the menstrual period, and said she was getting
worse every week, or month at least, so they did not feel safe
to leave her alone night or day. She was very nervous, mind
becoming weaker each month. Local examination per vagina,
disclosed a very small uterus, apparently lifeless, OS very
small and spasmodically closed. Examination of the rectum
showed a similar condition, a spasmodic contraction of the
sphincter ani, so intense that I could scarcely introduce the
the index finger, well lubricated, and considering the nervous
connection between the rectum and the sexual Organs, we con-
cluded that work on one orifice would not avail much, if
anything, without completing the work on both. We therefore
anaesthized the patient, and commenced by gently but com-
pletely dilating the sphincter ani. Then we commenced the
dilitation of the uterus by introducing Sim’s graduated uterine
sound, finding the depth of the uterus 2% inches, following
the Sim's sound with plain steel sounds, beginning with No.
3%, gradually and as rapidly as we could change from one
number to another, until we reached No. 18%, which filled
the cavity of the uterus firmly, the full length of the cavity.
Considering No. 18% her size, we did not attempt any further
dilitation. Kept her in bed and quiet for about seven days,
gave virburnum opu. mother tincture, seven drops three times
per day. Under this procedure the patient recovered, and
has been well ever since. --
Case No. 4. Little Charley B sixteen months old, was
brought down from Albia, Iowa, March 20, 1890. The little
fellow was very thin in flesh, and very nervous and fretful.
Never had seen a well day in his life. Had had several spasms
during this time, and at times showed very epileptiform con-
ditions. He never made water without crying from one to
two hours, the water only coming away in drops, to which the
mother had called the Dr.’s attention many times. His
3oo Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
answer was invariably, “put him in a pan of warm water and
he will be all right that way. Indigestion is his trouble. We
will get his stomach fixed up and he will be all right again.”
But the poor little fellow never came all right until we an-
aesthized him and took off about one inch of the foreskin.
Broke up the adhesion, back of which we found a smegma
formation imbedded into the penis, and resembling very much
diphtheritic membrane and ulcers. We cleansed with car-
bolized water, as before, put in fourteen stitches, and in one
week I called to remove the sutures,(as they were silk,) found
the parts almost entirely healed, the child looking so much
better that I would not have known it to be the same and the
mother stated it had slept every night after the operation, the
first real might’s rest during its whole life of sixteen months.
Was it right to operate, or should I have treated the morbid
conditions as a disease? These cases were selected, from
many others on account of difference in age, and similarity in
appearances or symptoms, and to stimulate the thoughtless,
reckless, or careless physician to study the cause and not rely
upon the treatment of morbid conditions alone, until it is too
late and the child’s brain has been depleted to the extent of
idiocy or the adult has been driven mad, and imprisoned
in the insane asylum.
THE EI,EMENTS OF SURGICAL PATHOLOGY.
BY J. G. GILCHRIST, A. M., M. D.
II. THE NATURE OF MORBID ACTION.
Sufficient has now been written to determine that morbid
action is what the term literally expresses, unhealthy action
of the forces of life. The consequences of such action are
always a tissue-change, more or less pronounced, and it will
appear that such change is irreparable. The tissue-change
may be in one of three directions, viz: Construction, as in
tumors, destruction, as in ulceration, metaplastic, as in fatty
and calcareous changes, or trophic, in modified nutrition, as
in atrophy and hypertrophy. A new tissue being laid down,
lives like any other tissue, but as it is unfitted for purposes of
the part or the organism, the individual must suffer a greater
The Elements of Surgical Pathology. 3OI
or less functional loss. Thus a morbid action in the kidney,
that destroys the proper tissue by displacement with a new
tissue, must necessarily destroy the organ, and the organism
thereby be deprived of an essential factor to its well being.
The consequences are practically the same in destructive or
degenerative morbid action. A heart which has become
fatty, has lost its ability to carry on its function, just as surely
as though its muscular elements had been displaced by
Scirrhus, suppuration, or gangrene. *
t must be apparent, and no argument can possibly be re-
quired to enforce it—that a morbid action once set up, the
wis medicatrix natura about which so much was formerly
said, can do little to arrest, and as little to repair. The new
tissue exists under the same conditions that the normal tissue
did. The destroyed tissue, can only be imperfectly replaced.
The degenerated tissue cannot be made over; it must remain
unchanged and thus cripple the part, or undergo destruction.
The sole function of the zis medicatrix must necessarily be to
protect the organism from the assaults of morbid action, to
oppose its extension when once operative, or to repair, as far as
possible, such damage as may be done. The repair, we shall
see in a later chapter, is never reproduction; it is never more
than a compromise. The local and structural defect must
operate as a functional weakness, and future morbid action is
more readily set up. The lesion leaves a scar that remains
during life.
Of course ,the foregoing must be considered as a simple
statement of principles to be elaborated in the succeeding
pages of this work. The attempt has not been made to argue
the questions at issue to a conclusion. The statement, how-
ever, opens up another question of Surgical interest, that
of antisepsis, so called. The views expressed above would, of
course be incompatible with the modern theories of antisep-
sis as the word is commonly used. The common meaning of the
term is the destruction of bacteria and germs in the air, dress-
ings, and appliances surrounding Surgical cases, as well as the
various putrefiable elements that may also exist—and the de-
struction of such elements that may nevertheless find lodg-
ment in the body of the patient. A sepsis, a far better term,
simply implies, that an injured tissue or part is put in the best
3O2 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
possible condition for recovery, by the exclusion of anything
that may undergo putrefaction or decomposition. It is hard
to force the two terms into a common meaning; in fact they
may be considered antagonistic. Let us see:
A wound is literally aseptic when there is an entire absence
of any of the conditions of putrefaction; it represents a condi-
tion of active repair. The use of the term antiseptic rather
refers to an attempt to neutralize putrefactive factors already
present. It represents a state, therefore, of active or threaten-
ed degenerative processes. In the one case we have a typi-
cally normal wound, discharge, granulations, and general con-
ditions favorable to, and indictive of perfect repair; the other,
if repair is not defective or arrested, has at least some condi-
tions present that may prejudice the perfectness of the pro-
cess. The conditions of defective repair may be of many
kinds, inherent in the individual, the part, or the injury, or in-
troduced from without, accidentally or by design. One of the
most common means in these days—by which interrupted or
delayed repair may be brought about, is no doubt the vicious
practice of so-called antisepticism. This, I think, is not difficult
to establish. It is a principle in Surgical pathology, that be-
fore active repair commences in a wounded tissue, all foreign
material must be removed. This material includes devitalized
tissues and blood-clots as well as material derived wholly from
without. The sooner this process of elimination is effected,
the sooner will repair commence; as a consequence the nearer
this end is reached in the dressings, the earlier the active re-
pair commences. Now, if care is taken to remove all devital-
ized tissue, all clots of blood, spicules of bone, and other for-
eign material, and to delay closing the wound until the sur-
faces are dry, and all hemorrhage has ceased, in a normal
state the wound is left in a condition of asepsis. Again, the
closer surfaces are approximated that are designed to be
united, the shorter the time required for repair, and the less
expenditure will there be of vital effort, and reparative mater-
ial. So having secured approximately perfect asepsis, perfect
coaptation claims equal consideration. Now the conditions
of speedy repair are secured; the next step will be to facilitate,
at all events avoid interference, with the sources of supply.
Anything which would have the effect to secure a supply of
*::
The Elements of Surgical Pathology. 3O3
e
reparative material and to promote its organization, would
have the effect of facilitating repair, the conditions of which
have been already secured. With these facts before us there
can be no question that the one thing necessary is a good
vulnerary, or to go a little further, is something that hastens
physiological repair. Now the so-called antiseptic school
commit a grievious error from this point of view, whichever
of the two positions they take, that is, a germicidal treatment
or an anti-ferment or antiseptic. In either case they employ
agencies, which if their effect is in the desired direction,
must at least retard repair; cell-proliferation, the life of
repair, is arrested in one case, and suspended decompos-
ition in the other. The results are practically the same
in either case, yet it is quite possible for a mere germicide to
arrest all production and by so doing promote a rapid de-
composition of the devitalized material, even if this decompo-
sition does not occur, the arrest of cellular change (or even
molecular or atomic) leaves foreign material in the wound
that certainly cannot facilitate repair. But there is another
side to the case; the agents that are supposed to have this
antiseptic property, are necessarily toxic, the toxicity increas-
ing with the potency of the antiseptic property. Thus we
find that the innumerable agents that have risen, flourished
and decayed, have all been responsible for more than one
death, deaths directly traceable to the agent. FRITSCH (Cen-
tral: fur Gynak:—) has shown lately, that healthy surfaces re-
sist bacterial infection, and hence the great desideratum is to
preserve healthy states of wounded parts. He claims that
these so-called “antiseptic” agents injure the tissues to which
they are applied, and thus by reducing their vitality, render
them incapable of resisting bacterial influences.
It is unnecessary to pursue this subject farther at this time;
there will be frequent occasions to refer to each and all of these
topics in subsequent pages. The fact must be apparent to
all, who are not blinded by prejudice, that asepsis and antisep-
sic are very different things; that the former is always desired
by good surgeons, everywhere and at all times; the second,
while it may be antiseptic is not by any means aseptic; may
even be quite the reverse. The best “antiseptic,” in the mean-
ing of the term its admirers attach to it, is a good vulverary,
with a consequently prompt repair.
3O4 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
©
Finally a word must be said of the significance and value of
Semeiology, in a study of Surgical pathology. Symptoms are
signs of morbid action, that can be recognized by the exami-
ner, without the aid of the patient, thus objective in character,
or that are felt or experienced by the sufferer, purely subjective.
There can be no question in the mind of any experienced
practitioner, that for all purposes the objective group must
take the first rank. While it is true that the “totality” of the
symptoms are to be taken in every case, for purposes of diag-
nosis, prognosis and treatment, it is equally true this “totality”
is not secured when a large part of the most important class
of symptoms is ignored, as is the case when the thermometer
microscope, ophtholmascope urinary tests and the like are
not employed, nay, even discountenanced. Subjective symp-
toms are of value, unquestionably, but to make them of
any value; too much reliance must not be placed upon
the mere statements of sick persons, as the sources of error
are numerous. There are so many provocatives to misstate-
ment, some intentional, others involuntary, that as a rule no
merely subjective symptom should be accepted that cannot
be verified by objective phenomena. One of the first lessons
the young practitioner should be required to learn is that there
cannot be a symptom without a definite and specific reason;
such a thing as a fºre/y “functional” symptom is an absolute
impossibility. A lesion may be most minute in character, per-
haps at times, in the present state of the art, indiscoverable;
it may be contigious or remote, but under all circumstances
any departure from the standard of health, even to the most
insignificant extent, some definite organic lesion must be pre-
sent. There are some, and strangely enough in each of the
widely separated wings of our school of practice—the so-call-
ed “mongrels” and the equally so-called “Hahnemannians”—
who are unable to see this fact as plainly as scientific students
should see it, one will deride it because his ideas of morbid
agencies is restricted to comparatively gross material sources,
few in number; the other, apparently, because the admission
would seem to admit too much “materialism” into the discus-
sion. For the benefit of each let attention be called to the
unvarying law in nature all around us; the same causes inevi-
tably produce or are followed by the same effects; the condi-
The Elements of Surgical Pathology. 305
tions being identica/ (not similar) the results are unvarying.
Take crystalography, and we find the same crystals produced
in the same way; the least variation of the crystalization shows
a variation correspondingly in the conditions. It is safe to
assetr, as all careful scientific students will admit, that for
any definite symptom characterizing any morbid condition, in
any stage of its development, there is a single and definite
cause. Nay more, every pathognomonic initial lesion, is
succeeded by a certain train of symptoms, to the end of the
case, that are and must be the same at all times, differing only
in degree, as the potency or quantity of the morbific agent, the
facility of its absorption, the receptivity of the individual, or
the conditions of his surroundings may modify them. Certain
morbid conditions are noteworthy as examples: Carcinoma,
veneral contagion, and scorbutis are cases in point. What we
know of groups of symptoms, whether appearing simultaneous-
ly or consecutively, we should know of single “keynote” symp-
toms appearing at any stage in the course of any form of mor-
bid action. We shall then require a reproving of our materia
medica,in which all the diagnostic appliances of ‘precision” are
employed, giving the symptoms in the order of their occurence,
with the “constants” duly emphasized. In such a materia
medica there would be some of the elements of scientific ac-
curacy, and the chaotic subjectivity would be brought into
proper subordination to the governing objective indicies.
Something of this we can do in advance of the reproving;
merely clinical work has done not a little already. By sys-
tematic effort to detect the meaning and source of each con-
stant symptom, interogating its successors as the case proceeds,
noting coincidently the result of treatment, we will gradually
accomplish for therapeutics, what has already been accom-
plished in cerebral pathology by similar means. This much
must suffice to lay down the lines upon which the present work
is to be projected. Morbid action will be shown to be a per-
version of nutrition, determinable by disturbing influences of
various, almost innumerable variety, mechanical, material,
chemical and even physical, originating in an atomic molecu-
lar and cellular abnormality as a center, and developing by
extension therefrom over large areas, even the whole organism
becomes diseased. That whatever part the bacteria take in
306 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
the natural history of morbid action, general or special, they
are possibly not specifically causative. That in Surgical prac-
tice asepsis is something very different from the popular idea
of the “anti-septic” methods. Finally, as far as possible, illus-
strate the sufficiency of pure Homeopathic therapeuties, not
forgetting to point out lines of experiment that will increase
its efficiency by adding definiteness to its application, and at
the same time simplyfying its methods.
DISTANCES TO WASHINGTON.—From St. Louis to Washing-
ton the distance is 89.4 miles; from Cincinnati to Washington
553 miles; from Chicago to Washington 813 miles. This is
via the bee line followed by the B. & O. Railroad, the most
picturesque as well as the most direct route from the Missis-
sippi River to the Atlantic Seaboard, stretching across level
and fertile prairies, amid hills and valleys, over mountain
crests, along banks of historic rivers, through teeming cities
and bustling towns. The through B. & O. trains, with full
Pullman equipment of Sleeping, Parlor and Buffet cars, run from
St. Louis to Washington in 29 hours; from Cincinnati to
Washington in 18 hours; from Chicago to Washington in 25
hours. Sleepers from all points run through to New York
from the West without change. At Washington connection
is made with the B. & O’s matchless Royal Blue Line for Bal-
timore, Philadelphia and New York. These Royal Blue trains
consist of the staunchest and finest Coaches, Parlor and
Sleeping cars ever built by the Pullman Company; are vesti-
buled from end to end, and are protected by Pullman’s im-
proved anti-telescoping device, which makes every car as safe
as it can be made by man’s ingenuity and skill. All the cars
are heated by steam and lighted by Pintsch gas. They are
the fastest trains in the world, placing New York and Wash-
ington within five hours' reach.
The Glenmary House for the Insane is a private retreat re-
cently opened at Owego, Tioga Co., New York, and it is to
be conducted under strictly homeopathic management. The
medical superintendent is Amos J. Givens, M. D., late of the
Middletown Asylum. It has been proven that the chances
for an insane person being restored to reason is greatly im-
proved under homoepathic management. If you have friends
whom you do not desire to have incarcerated in a large state
hospital you cannot do better than correspond with Dr.
Givens.
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
All communications for publication, books for leview, etc., should be addlessed
to the editor, A. C. Cowpelthwaite, M. D , Iowa City, Iowa.
Business communications should be addressed to the business manager, F. J.
Newberry, M. D., at the office of publication, 12 N. Clinton St., Iowa City, Iowa.
The Editor is not lesponsible for any statements or opinions explessed by con-
tributors.
VICTORY IN MONTANA.
State medicine has received a very black eye in Montana,
and all lovers of medical liberty will rejoice. Dr. C. V. Nor-
cross appealed to the district court from the action of the
State Board of Examiners in refusing him a certificate to
practice medicine in Montana because he refused to submit
to an examination before that board, which he did on the
ground that he was in possession of a diploma from the Homeo-
pathic Medical Department of the State University of Iowa,
which was a regular medical college in good standing, and
that therefore, the Examining Board had no authority, and
could not in the nature of the things have authority, to re-
quire him to submit to any further examinations in order to
establish his acquirements as a physician, or his right to prac-
tice medicine in Montana or elsewhere. Judge Hunt rendered
the decision, in which, after reviewing the law and the facts,
ordered the board to give Dr. Norcross his certificate. The
opinion of the court is very interesting, but is of too great
length to reproduce in these columns. The court holds that
while non-graduates may be required to pass an examination,
that persons holding diplomas from reputable medical colleges
may not be made subject to any such examination. The
opinion says that according to the claims of the board a grad-
uate “is in no better position than one who has not had such
educational advantages. But such was not the intent of the
law, and such a construction would do violence to the spirit
308 Northwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
and reason of the bill itself. Graduates are especially provid-
ed for as presumed to be men of learning, and to have had
sufficient tests of their qualifications made before they got
their diplomas. In other words, the diploma is the evidence
of the same skill that the applicant must show who is examined
by the board, but who has no diploma.”
This is the point we have contended for, and is the only
sound view of the question that can possibly be taken. The
diploma must be the standard of medical qualification.
Throw all the safe-guards possible around the diploma, but
when once obtained the possession of the diploma should for-
ever settle the right of the individual to practice medicine. The
sooner all laws to the contrary are abolished and simple regis-
tration laws are enacted in their stead the better it will be for
all concerned. We extend our congratulations to Dr. Norcoss
on his complete victory which is not only of great value to
himself but to the entire profession.
A NEW MEDICAL COLLEGE.
We have heard for some time past that a new homeopathic
college had been organized at Cleveland, but not having been
favored with a copy of the announcement we were not aware
as to all the facts in the case. From the following extract
taken from the New York Medica/ 7%mes it is evident that the
new college is not a homeopathic college after all. It says:
“The prospectus and first announcement of the Cleveland
Medical College has been received. This College has been
founded, we believe, by ex-professors of the Homeopathic
College, and will doubtless to a certain extent take its place.
We are pleased to see, naturally, that the new College has no
sectarian designation, and that it is proposed to teach the
zºhole of medicine instead of a part, as is done in some schools.
It is announced that the materia medica as given in the
United States Dispensatory will be taught, as well as the art
of applying drugs in accordance with the theories of
Hahnemann.
“We do not hesitate to say that this plan meets our views
exactly, as it is what we have been advocating for years. It
is a source of gratification to the Times to observe that the
A Wew Medical College. 309
seed which it has been casting broadcast these many years has
taken root, and that we are to have medical union at least so
far as the teachings of this college is concerned.
“The College has our best wishes, and will have such sup-
port as we can give it, and we urge our friends everywhere to
use all possible influence to make the school a success.”
Comment is scarcely necessary. It is enough to know
that the new college receives the sanction and support of the
New York Medical Zºmes. That is enough to damn it in the
eyes of every true and consistent homeopathist, and as the
college appears to make no claim to be homeopathic and dis-
cards the name, it is to be hoped that it will at once receive
the emphatic disapproval and condemnation of the profession.
The Clinical Reporter, after quoting a part of the abstract
above given, uses the following very forcible language:
“We have hitherto refrained from saying anything about the
Cleveland row, not only because, at this distance, it was diffi-
cult to form an impartial opinion of the merits of the contro-
versy, but also because we had hoped that “cooling time”
would bring about a reconciliation between the warring
factions, provided outsiders did not add fuel to the flames.
The article from which we have quoted above, and which
seems to be “inspired” by the faculty of the new institution,
shows, however, that we have not here to deal with a fight be-
tween homeopaths, but with a conspiracy of homeopathic
renegades to insidiously stab homeopathy and its best interests.
Silence therefore ceases to be a virtue—it becomes criminal.
“We say ‘insidiously stab,” because, while we do not deny
the right of the Medical 7?mes, or of those who, like it, enter-
tain half-and-half views to teach those views either through the
press or from a college chair, we know the alumni of the old
homeopathic college at Cleveland were appealed to by the
seceders on the ground that their new institution was in
reality the old homeopathic college, so far as faculty and in-
struction were concerned, and we know further that the very
large majority of their students matriculated under the im-
pression that they were matriculating in a bona ſide homeo-
pathic college, instead of an institution run by ex-homeo-
pathists with the United States Dispensatory as a basis and
the Organon as a blind.
“Now that the mask has been thrown off, we think it our
duty to condemn the fraud, and call the attention of the
members of the inter-collegiate association, and of the Ameri-
can Institute of Homeopathy, as well as that of homeo-
pathists everywhere to its true character. We thank the Zºmes
3 IO AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
for authoritatively stating the true character of the new col-
lege. We have no quarrel with the Times for it is outspoken.
We shall have none the new college, if it will sail under its
own proper colors— but we insist that it shall be made to
do that—and then we shall be interested in learning how
many students it gathers!”
CORRESPONDENCE.
A LETTER FROM BOSTON-SEMI-CENTENNIAL OF THE MASSA-
CHUSETTS HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY.
BOSTON, Dec. 24, 1890.
Aditor AV. W. Journal of Homeopathy:
In compliance with my promise I will give you a brief ac-
count of the semi-centennial anniversary celebration held by
the Massachusetts Homeopathic Medical Society last evening.
It consisted in a reception and banquet at the Hotel Vendome
to which were invited not only the members of the society,
but some of the most distinguished physicians in the ranks of
homeopathy, together with public men who have shown in-
terest in the progress of that branch of medical science, and
friends who have taken a prominent part in founding and sus-
taining this institution devoted to homeopathy.
Previous to the banquet there was a reception in the large
reception room of the State suite of the famous Back Bay
hostelry. The receiving party was composed of Dr. Jas.
Hedenberg of Medford, the President, and Drs. J. K. Warren
of Worcester and A. J. French of Lawrence, Vice Presidents
of the society; Governor Brackett and Lieutenant Governor
Haile. The guests and others as they arrived were presented
to the receiving party by the gentlemen of the Reception
Committee. It was 7:30 P. M. when the company to the
number of about 250 proceeded to the tables in the State ban-
quet room.
The menu card contained the well known mottoes of the
homeopathists, “Die milde macht ist gross” and “Similia, sim-
ilibus, curantur;” also the Society’s seal containing the motto,
“Certiorem medendi usum maluit.”
It was 9:30 P.M. when President Hedenberg rapped to order
his rising being greeted with applause, and opened the post-
Correspondence. 3 If
prandial exercises by an appropriate address of welcome, after
which he introduced as the first speaker of the evening, Dr. I.
T. Talbot, Dean of the College, whose address was so replete
with historical facts and statistics of interest to the entire pro-
fession that I will quote it in full.
Mr. President, Zadies and Genzlemen: A thought has been
in my mind which may have been in the minds of others this
evening. It is on the difference between then and now. Just
fifty years ago, on a “Tuesday evening at the full of the moon,”
three physicians in this city, differing in certain ideas from the
opinions of their fellow physicians, met and formed a little
fraternity in which those ideas could be freely considered.
Now we, their successors, holding similar ideas, have assem-
bled here, nearly one hundred in number to every one then,
to congratulate ourselves on the development and spread of
those ideas and the broadening, harmonizing influence they
have exerted upon the profession. This increase in our num-
ber has not been sudden and accidental, but gradual and
legitimate. Thus, beginning in 1840, while there were but
three homeopathic physicians in this city of Boston. We find
that in 1850 there were fourteen, in 1860 thirty, 1870 fifty-two,
188o ninty-two and in 1890 one hundred and forty—then three,
now I 4o. The State of Massachusetts had then six of such
physicians, now 6oo; New England then I2 now I 200, and the
whole United States then I2O, now I 2,000. But it is not in
numbers that the contrast ends. The whole character of the
profession has changed. True it is that scattered all down the
ages there have been broad, noble-minded men whose light
even time has not extinguished. Then, 50 years ago, such
men existed, but the mass of the profession were, must I say it,
narrow, unreceptive, and opposed to new ideas or radical
changes in theory or practice; now behold the difference.
Whatever is new or startling finds many physicians springing
forward anxious to be the first to prove it true or false.
Then Hahnemann was alive—in Paris—driven from his
fatherland, not for any lack of learning or skill, but because
he presented ideas and methods of practice entirely at vari-
ance with the usual ideas and practice of the profession. Now
see the thousands of distinguished physicians who flock to Ber-
lin to investigate the ideas and practice of Koch, more radi-
cal than any that Hahnemann ever presented. Hahnemann
suggested belladonna in Small doses as a prophylactic, a pre-
ventive of scarlatina. For this he was treated in the most
abusive manner. Koch proposed the injection of minute doses
of a substance to cure or antidote consumption and the pro-
fession rush to him in thousands to ascertian the possible truth
of his discovery. If the comparisons between Hahnemann
A
312 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
and Koch seems strained, we need to but turn to Jenner and
Pasteur—the one by innoculation with lymph from the cow to
save the world from the horrible ravages of small-pox is re-
ceived with abuse, invective and denunciation, while the other,
who proposes in a similar manner to rid the world of hydro-
phobia, now finds at once thousands of inquiring students.
I need not here repeat the history of Hahnemann's trials
and sufferings. To us it would be an oft-told tale, but I may
speak of that noble, iearned and proud-spirited man who first
brought to America a knowledge of homeopathy, and of whose
trials, sufferings and almost martyrdom even our own mem-
bers hardly know. Hans Barch Gram was born in Boston
near the close of the last century. On the death of his father
his mother returned to Amsterdam her native country where
in the University of Copenhagen young Gram received his
education, and attained high honors and a Government ap-
pointment in the medical profession. Becoming acquainted
with and convinced of the truth of homeopathy he relinquish-
ed all his honors and emoluments that he might carry to the
new world, the country of his birth, a knowledge of this boon
to humanity. He came bearing the highest testimonials of
ability and character, and was received cordially by the most
distinguished physicians of New York. But when he pro-
pounded these new medical doctrines, so utterly at variance
with those generally accepted, men shook their heads and said
he must be crazy. When by his learning, method and logic
he showed that he was not insane, and, moreover, that he fully
believed these new doctrines, then they called him a fool, and
when others, convinced by his arguments, began also to be-
lieve them, then they called him a charlatan. Gram a charla-
tan! He who had relinquished all to benefit his native coun-
try, a quack! Summarily he was expelled from medical socie-
ties to which he had been welcomed, and friendly doors were
closed on him forever. He was despised of men. The strug-
gles were too great for him; his proud spirit could not bear the
calumny his brothers heaped upon him. Disappointed, dis-
couraged, dispirited, almost broken-hearted, he struggled on
through poverty and suffering to death. A nameless grave for
many years was his resting place, till a friendly hand placed
on it a monument to record the obligation of a hemisphere.
In New England the struggle to introduce homeopathy,
though less pathetic, was not less severe. To hold opinions
which are not believed by the mass of the profession and to
advocate them at the cost of professional friendship and the
exclusion from colleges, hospitals and dispensaries requires no
little bravery. The men who formed this fraternity were brave
men. The names of Samuel Gregg, Wm. Wesselhoeft, Josiah
M. Flagg, Chas. Wild, C. M. Weld, Milton Fuller, George Rus-
Correspondence. 3I3
sel, David Osgood, John A. Tardell, Daniel Swan and others,
who were early members of this fraternity, convey to all who
knew them the assurance of uprightness, honor, learning and
professional integrity, and we their successors have reason to
feel proud that under the most trying circumstances they stood
boldly forward in the cause which they believed to be right.
Then there was not a homeopathic dispensary in New Eng-
land, perhaps not in this country, where the young physician
could gain experience and at the same time give valuable ser-
vice to the poor and needy. Now such dispensaries are to be
found in almost every city, wbile in our own Boston the dis-
pensary established in 1857 has provided for more than 200,
ooo of her people and given more than 500,ooo prescriptions
to the sick poor. Then there was not a hospital in the United
States to which the sick could resort and have homeopathic
treatment; now more than Too of them are prospering and do-
ing philanthropic work. We all know of our own Massachu-
setts Homeopathic Hospital. How for sixteen years it strug-
gled for a foothold, and how for the last twenty years it has
done faithful and increasing work, giving its benefits to suffer-
ing humanity. More than $200,ooo has been raised and ex-
pended upon its buildings and land while it has cost more
than $300,ooo to sustain it. But the greatest encouragement
here tonight, that which gives hope and courage to homeo-
pathists the world over, is that this institution, which has so
faithfully and successfully cared for its more than 50oo patients
has this year for the first time received generous aid from the
state, to the amount of $120,000, with which to erect addition-
al buildings sufficient to well accommodate more than three
times its present number of patients. The cost of sustaining
this under its largely increased amount of work is certainly
enough to make even the stout hearted fearful. But with the
occasion has come the gift from a most generous friend of the
hospital, the late Mrs. Moering, which will do much to lighten
its burdens and to strengthen our faith that if its labors in the
future are as well performed as they have been in the past, the
community will not allow it to lessen its usefulness from lack
of funds.
Of our literature I must not omit to speak. Then it was .
all comprised in a very few crudely translated volumes and a
small attempt at a medical journal; now a library of more than
500 volumes on the subject of homeopathy is accessible to
physicians, and 26 medical journals of our school are regularly
published in this country. Then medical instruction in this
country was a pitable state, and every physician looks with
shame and mortification upon the conditions of our medical
schools of that time. But poor as they were, they did not lack
abuse of homeopathy, and there was not one in which any
3I4 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
6.
medical students could obtain the first glimpse of homeopathic
knowledge; now there are established in our country thirteen
well-equipped medical schools which teach all branches of
medical science, including homeopathy. Our own Boston
University School of Medicine, with which many of you are
So familiar, has no reason to feel ashamed of its record. Be-
ginning at a time when students were admitted in most schools
without examination and required but two short terms to
reach the doctorate, this school demanded a thorough prelimi-
nary examination and three years continuous study in the
school. I am proud to say that every homeopathic college
in the United States has adopted a similar curriculum and
that many allopathic schools are rapidly following our exam-
ple. In a profession so important as that of medicine, where
knowledge or ignorance may make all the difference of life or
death, thorough instruction becomes in the highest degree
important. Realizing this, all our homeopathic schools have
united in adopting a curriculum of the most complete charac-
ter and covering a period of four full years.
My friends, with such a record and such prospects have we
not occasion to rejoice at this close of our first half century
of society work? With such differences between then and
now, what may not the next half century accomplish for us
and for the advancement of medical science? We have
nothing to fear from injustice or opposition in the future, and
our success will continue just in proportion as we are faithful
and true to our principles and our calling; just in proportion
as we bring to bear energy, earnestness and self-devotion and
show to the world by our results the value of our principles
and our efforts.
Dr. Conrad Wesselhoeft was next presented. He said that,
owing to the lateness of the hour, he certainly should not
enter upon any rehearsal of the history of homeopathy, but
should confine his remarks to two points: Why are we a cli-
que? Why are we separated from another class of physicians?
Why do we have a distinctive name? Why is a distinctive
name written over the portals of our college and our hospital?
Secondly why is our system not universally adopted?
Why do we exist? That is an easy question to answer. A
few years ago there was a system to what might be called
“half” medicine, which consisted of bleeding, purging and
drugging. The practice of this theory created a fear of the
physician, and he become the bugbear, instead of the beloved
friend, of the family. There arose a cry in the community at
large of, “Let us have something better than that.” There
arose a spirit which demanded that disease should be cured
speedily, thoroughly and by gentle means. Hahenmann
understood that cry, he understood the spirit of the age,
Correspondence. 3I 5
he interpreted the meaning of the cry aright, and he said;
“Yes, let us have it;” and the system developed which we to-
day find so beneficial. Out of his desire to cure wholly grew
the maxim which bodes good today. “Similia similibus, cur-
antur.” Out of the idea of curing speedily grew the idea of
doing away with useless medication.
What are some of the reasons why homeopathy is not uni-
versally adopted? First, dogmatism took the place of scienti-
fic reserve. Dogmatism means standing still. We are too
dogmatic. There is great room for progress. It is a question
of how far this principle of “similia, similibus curantur” is a
universal law. Second, we need a more accurate pharmacy.
Third, we need to perfect our testing of drugs. Our methods
of testing or proving drugs although in use for Ioo years, are
not perfected as they ought to be.
Our system is not an exclusive system invented by one man
to outdo the rest of the world. The position which it has
really taken, which it now takes, and which it will continue to
take, is not that of a defiant and exclusive method, but we
hold that it is a method among other legitimate methods. It
only claims a place among other methods, it only claims lib-
erty to develope itself. It developes materia medica in place
of surgical specialties of the old school. We must have our
eyes open, and if we find that “similia similibus, curantur” has
its limitations, we are in duty bound to use other methods.
Let us have unity where we have certainty; let us have len-
iency in doubtful matters, but in all things let us be charita-
ble. [Great applause.]
Dr. Wesselhoeft was followed by Lieut. Gov. Halle who
spoke for the commonwealth of Massachusetts, and then
Mayor Hart spoke for the city of Boston.
Brief remarks were also made by Collector Beard, Col.
Charles R. Codman and Dr. Geo. H. Munsell of East Boston,
the latter an allopathic physician. Collector Beard, in the
course of his remarks, said that in the Legislature of 1884 he
had something to do with the bill which created the Homeo-
pathic Asylum at Westboro, and declared that he was very
glad that the Legislature had supplemented its work then by
the donation to the HC meopathic City Hospital. “I think,
too,” said Mr. Beard, “that a school representing so much of
character and ability and having a clientage so numerous and
representing so much of the intelligence and wealth and in-
flunence of the community deserves recognition from the Na-
tional Government in the National House.” [Great applause.]
3 to AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
It was after II P. M. when the speaking cance to an end.
The entire affair was a decided success and well worthy the
occasion it was designed to commemorate.
HUB.
Editor AV. W. Journal of Aſomeopathy.
The medical law, now in Montana, spoken of in the N. W.
JOURNAL of September, is also in force here in Minnesota, I
am ashamed to say, and such a law is a curse and an imposi-
tion on the people, for it shuts out all chance of getting better
or more skillful physicians into our State.
I know a number of good cities, where physicians of both
schools could do well, and often the question is put to me,
why don’t you send us a homeopathic doctor, one could
do well, etcP The fact is, physicians will not submit to the
imposition of an examination, after they have earned a
diploma, after years of hard study.
Such a law is an insult to Medical Colleges, for it virtually
means that the faculty of these Colleges are not competent to
judge the qualifications that are necessary for a person to
attain to be competent to practice medicine. I am sure that
a college chartered by the State, making its business to teach
and qualify men and women for the medical profession ought
to be competent to judge of the medical knowledge of its
students, more than an appointed board, made up by political
influences.
Who is it that has been the means of such a contemptible
law? I will tell you, it is the “moss backs,” the incompetent
fellows who are afraid of competition. Yes, these fellows live
in fear that some bright, well read physician will settle among
them and run them out of practice.
If the people at large realized just the facts of the cause of
this law, they would rise in their might and put it down.
Medical Colleges should unite and protect their graduates.
The student pays his money, stays at college until he
graduates, and he should be legally qualified to practice any
where in the United States. Now isn’t this common sense?
W. H. FISHER, M. D.,
Le Suer, Minn.
Correspondence. 3I 7
Faitor AV. W. Journal of Homeopathy.
Enclosed find one dollar ($1.oo) for which please send to
me the N. W. Journal one year commencing with the
October number.
Though the Journal be but an infant in years, its growth
and influence proves it a success. It is warmly welcomed
among the Journals of my table. Vol. I. is already bound and
in my library, though it was near the end of the year before
learning of its birth and existence, being in the State of Mis-
souri, so far removed, presumably. However, hope hereafter
it will make its appearance regularly.
Some six months ago, a lady aet fifty-five about, came into
my office and requested me to examine her eyes, stating that
she did not expect any thing could be done for them, particu-
larly the left one, as she had not been able to see from it for
ten years, and vision had been impaired for twice that length
of time. There was complete opacity of the cornea, and ap-
parently lifeless, lusterless condition of the sclerotic coat.
Though she did not expect anything done for this eye, there
was experienced a sympathetic irritation of the other eye that
gave great annoyance to sight as also much pain at times for
which she sought relief. Belladonna 3x was given three times
a day, with the suggestion that she, try for at least one month
one powder of silicea I 2x daily as a matter of experiment.
This she did with the result of much relief to right eye, after
which continued silicea I 2x once daily for another month,
when to my surprise she returned, stating her eyes were much
better and that she thought she could detect objects between
the left eye and light more distinctly and that it was “making
a fool of her” as she expressed it, when she would approach
objects. Since then the same treatment has been continued
and though they have removed to another part of the State,
she reports improvement as Surely progressing. Some four
months since she had her sister, who lives in the north part of
the State, write me as to her eyes, which appeared to be simi-
larly affected. She stated her age to be fifty-four, had been de-
prived of the sight of one eye since seven years of age so as
not to distinguish objects. Silicea I2x was also given in this
case. Directions to take One powder of two grains each day.
No other medication whatever, and the reports are equally or
3.18 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopa/hy.
more encouraging than in the first case, though both are
most gratifying and do not wish' to give up the treatment, but
feel very sanguine of ultimate relief. Is the 12x of silicea the
cause of improvement? Should be interested in hearing
from others with any like experience. Lycopodum 200c has
cured two cases of aneurism for me.
C. W. PyLE.
NONE OF MY FUNERAL.
The International /ournal of Surgery, for June last, has the
following paragraph in regard to the late meeting of the Medi-
cal Editors Association: º
“The banquet which followed the meeting, and was suppos-
ed to have been tendered by the local editorial fraternity, was
rendered decidedly “indigestible’ by an unexpected assessment
of $2 collected from each banqueter before the soup was servi
ed, and an additional $5 from more than a dozen of us later
on when it was announced that the caterer had an unpaid bal-
ance of $66, against those who had just enjoyed the hospital-
ity (?) of Nashville’s medical editors. Somebody said “Rats,’
but we paid for our ‘experience,’ and only kicked amongst
ourselves.”
Although the editor of this journal has on previous occas-
ions been agreeably entertained and greatly interested in the
meetings of this Association, Owing to a difference of opinion
with the Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, he had
no part or parcel in the last meeting, at which Bro. King seems
to be somewhat disgruntled. However, he begs leave to res-
pectfully tender his regrets that Bro. K.’s digestive organs
were impaired to any great extent by the “Kentucky treat.”—
AWashzyż//e Pracázázozzer.
Dr. Koch gets the hardest blow yet from the Veteran Ger-
man surgeon and scientist, Professor Virchow, who, in a lec-
ture recently delivered before the Berlin Medical Society, de-
clared that in twenty-one post-mortems held upon patients
who had died after receiving injections of the lymph, he found.
these injections had increased the number of bacilli in the
body and caused them to migrate to previously unaffected
parts, thus virtually generating a new affection. All of which
goes to show that when one has his bacilli cornered he ought
to be satisfied.—A/emphis Commercial.
Avorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy. - 7
Physical Exhaustion
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W. H. DHCRHNSON, WI. D., = E; - Consulting Physician.
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GEO. ROYAL. M. D., Mental and Nervous Diseases.
CHARLES WOODHULL EATON, M. D., Surgery.
ALICE A. GOODRICH, M. D.. Diseases of Children.
D. W. DICKINSON, M. D., Diseases of the Heart and Lungs.
NELLIE R. HARRIS, M. D., Diseases of Women. ..
W. S. SIMPSON, M. D., Diseases of the Eye and Ear.
Address all correspondence to -
Charles WOOdhull Eaton, M. D., SBC'y, Des Moines, IOWä.
The National Medical Exchange
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8 - AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
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AVezws and Ayotes. 3 IQ
CENTRAL IOWA HOMEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION.
The above association held its semi-annual meeting at the
office of Dr. D. R. Hindman, M. D., Marion, Iowa, Dec. 29.
After a sumptuous repast served by Mrs. Hindman the society
was called to order by the President, Dr. Haggard of Ana-
II, OS 3.
Two new members were elected, Dr. Murch of Belle Plaine,
and Dr. Busenbark of Marion.
Papers and cases were presented by Prof. Gilchrist of Iowa
City, Dr. Laurence of Storm Lake, Dr. Loizeaux of Dysart,
Dr. Newberry of Iowa City, Dr. Murch of Belle Plaine, Dr.
Busenbark of Marion, Prof. Coggswell of Cedar Rapids, Dr.
Hindman and Dr. Hazzard. The discussions were lively and
many excellent points were drawn out.
Several clinical cases presented added to the interest of
the meeting.
The attendance was good and this society is to be congrat-
ulated upon the interest taken in it by the physicians of cen-
tral and eastern Iowa.
The next meeting will be held in Cedar Rapids in July, 1891.
NEWS AND NOTES.
Dr. Leavitt, of Butte City, is an old-school physician, and a
member of the State Board of Examiners of Montana. He
has the reputation of being eminently just and unprejudiced in
his dealings with homeopaths. In an interview with the Ama-
conda Aſera/d some time since he made the statement that the
Homeopathic Department S. U. I. had been black-listed by
the state board of Illinois, and this statement went the rounds
of the Montana papers. Dr. Leavitt was written to in regard
to the matter, and after making an investigation found he had
been mistaken, and made the amende honoraëſe in a recent in-
terview with the same paper as follows: “Dr. Leavitt was
asked as to the present standing of the homeopathic depart-
ment of the Iowa State university, and said it is good. In re-
ply to a question if he ever said the institution had been black-
listed, he answered: “Yes, but since then, upon investigation,
I find that my informant was mistaken, and that the standing
of the institution has been invariaby good.”
We have no apology to offer for occupying so much space
in this number with an article copied from the AVezw York
Medica/ 7?mes. Dr. Tooker has in his well-known convincing
32O AWorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
and felicitous manner so ably handled the subject that we
think the article deserves publication in a homeopathic jour-
nal. We regret that an oversight in proof reading occasioned
the leaving out of the proper credit to the AW. Y.Medical Times.
Dr. C. M. Dinsmore, of Omaha, died Dec. 8th of diabetes,
complicated with a large carbuncle located in the sacred reg-
ion. Dr. Dinsmore has been a power in medical legislative
matters in Nebraska and his loss will be greatly felt, as there
are so few men competent and willing to make the sacrifices
necessary to engage in that kind of work. Dr. Dinsmore was
also an active member of the Committee on Legislation of the
American Institute of Homeopathy.
DIED.—At his home in Iowa City, Jan. 2d, after a lingering
and painful illness, Joseph C. Cowperthwaite, aged 71 years.
Many of the Alumni of the S. U. I. will read the above notice
with deep sorrow. Father Cowperthwaite has been for twelve
years Cruator and Librarian of the Homeopathic Department,
and had won the love and respect of the students during all
this time. Of late years his health had been failing, but he re-
mained steadfastly at his post until he could bear up no long-
er. Even the class of 1890 can bear testimony to his many
acts and words of kindness and encouragement.
BRIEFS.
In England the term of medical study has been advanced
from four to five years.
The “grip” is said to be prevailing again in various parts of
this country and Europe.
Dr. H. A. Mumaw, 256 Randolph Street, Detroit, is about to
publish a Worlds Directory of Homeophatic Physicians.
Dr. Kent has organized a Post Graduate School of Homeo-
pathy in Philadelphia with a faculty of nine professors. The
first session will probably be opened in March next.
The following officers were elected by the Chicago Academy
of Medicine at a recent meeting: President, R. N. Tooker, M.
D.; Vice-President, A. H. Wales; Secretary, Emmett L. Smith.
The Colorado State Board of Health has ruled that diplo-
mas of schools not having a compulsory three years course of
not less than five months in each year, will not be accepted
after July 1, 1893.
Our old friend Dr. J. J. Thompson has resigned his position
as resident physician and sold his interest in the Lincoln Park
Ariefs. 32 I
Sanitarium, Chicago, to Dr. E. H. Pratt. Dr. Thompson
will spend the next few months in the medical centers of Eu-
rope.
Koch's lymph is being experimented with in Chicago, New
York, Philadelphia and other cities of this country. The pa-
tients in the Philadelphia Hospital for Consumptives would
not allow the experimenters to touch them with their little
Syringes.
One person in every three in New York receives his medi-
cal aid free, through the numerous free dispensaries and
charitable institutions, and the physicians with good reasons,
complain bitterly thereat. There are well educated physici-
ans on the east side, who, on account of this competition, are
obliged to accept fees that a western physician with a country
practice wouldn’t think of looking at. The lot of the country
doctor is not the hardest one of all. It is a fact that more
practioners according to the number in the smaller towns
amass a competency than do those in the large cities.
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This institution enters this year upon a new enlarged sphere of Medical Education.
Its new buildings with the finely appointed Free Surgical Hospital and an
abundance of service are arranged with a special reference to a new
Post Graduate Department.
For announcements and information address
PROF. L. L. DANFORTH, MI. D.,
T. F. ALLEN, MH. D., L.L. D., Dean. I49 west 44th street, New York City,
{} NORTHWESTERN JOURNAL OF HOMEOPATHY.
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the cale aud preservation of the teeth.
•–FTHE--ſºr--É Ter --
Diseases of the Uric Acid Diathesis.
Zamóerſ’s Z////azed ey//drangea.
KIDNEY ALTERATIVE--A NTI-LRTHIC.
Formula—Each fluid drach of Lithiated Hydrangea represents thirt
grains of FRESII HYDRANGEA and three grains of CHEMICALLY PURE BenZO
Salicylate Lithia. Prepared by our improved process of Osmosis, it is invari
ably of definite aud uniform theraputic strength, and hence can be depended
upon in clinical practice. -
R}ose—One or two teaspoonsful four times a day, preferably between meals
Urinary Calculus, Gout, Rheumatism. Brighat’s HPāsease, Hºiabetes, Cystitis
Haerºnaturea, Album remuria, and Wesical Mrritations Gebherally.
o—cº-CTTT–o
VW* have prepared for the convenience of physiceans
Dietetic Notes suggesting the articles of food to
be allowed or prohibited in several of these diseases.
A neatly bound book of these Dietic Notes, each note
perforated for the convenience of physicians in detachiug
and distributing to their patients. Mailed gratis on re-
quest, together with our lates compilation of case reports
and clinical observations, bearing upon the treatment of
this class of diseases. ‘. . . . .
much sugar, tea and coffee, in mode
TNIETETIC NOTE. — A mixed die
should be adopted, the nitrogen;
ous and saccharine articles being use
in limited amounts. -
Allowed. — Cooked fruits
withou
ation. Alcoholic stimulants, if use
at ali, should be in the form of li
h
Lambert Pharmacal Company,
314 N. NHain Street,
ST. L. OlúJHSs IWHO.
wines, or spirits well diluted. Th
free ingestion of pure water is in
DOrtant.
Avoide.—Pastry; malt liquors an
sweet wines are veritable poisons 1
these patients.














The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
Vol. II, Iowa CITY, Iowa, FEBRUARY, 1891. No. II.
CONTUSED AND LACERATED WOLINDS.
BY T. F. H. SPRENG, M. D., SIOUX CITY, IOWA.
[Read before the Hahnemann Medical Association of Iowa, May, 1890.]
From a clinical point of view, these wounds should be class-
ed together. As a rule the edges of the wound, in both, are
so injured as to be irregular, and the seat of ecchymosis, and
in both, before repair can practically begin, sloughing in the
Surrounding tissue is to be expected. Zacerated wounds are
generally produced by a tearing process, and are recognized
by the great irregularity of the lacerated tissues from the skin
downwards, which irregularity is due to the difference in de-
gree of elasticity of the parts torn.
In confused wounds the tissues are more bruised than separ-
ated. The area of injury in contused wounds generally ex-
tends far beyond the area of the breach of surface. In lacer-
ated wounds the area of injury is more localized, except where
muscles and tendons are involved.
Owing to the confusing force the vessels are so affected at
the seat of injury as to favor the coagulation of the blood
about their open mouths, or so interfere with the flow of blood
that there is much less primary hemorrhage than in wounds of
the incised variety. Secondary hemorrhage, however, is much
more likely to occur in this than in any other variety of
wounds. This is due to the contusing force, often primarily
injuring an artery, but not opening it, yet so destroying the
vitality of its coats as to set up an inflammatory, sloughing,
or ulcerating process, and thus cause secondary hemorrhage
Subcutaneous contused wounds, such as are produced by a
! º * : * &T,
ºl. 56 ‘Cºº
322 AVorthwestern /ournal of Aſomeopathy.
blunt instrument, the passage of a wheel over the part, or
other force, are oft times more grave than those in which a
breach of surface exists. This can be best demonstrated by
studying the effects of such kind of injury upon the abdominal
and pelvic viscera. An unbroken and apparently uninjured
outside surface often covering a fatal subcutaneous rupture of
a solid viscus or a laceration of a hollow one. Contused
wounds may therefore be regarded as more dangerous in char-
acter than lacerated wounds. It is impossible to estimate the
gravity of any case of contusion from mere inspection of the
patient. The weight and velocity of the missile, or the dis-
tances fallen, the posture in which the injury was received,
etc., should be ascertained.
The pain immediately following a contused wound is usual-
ly slight. There is numbness of some dgree, followed by
heavy aching or throbbing during the inflammatory stage, and
accompanied by loss of function. The inflammatory symp-
toms are simply those occuring after any traumatism with less
tendency to become septic or suppurative in the contused than
in the lacerated variety.
Shock, as a rule, is proportionate to the amount of injury
inflicted, some of the exceptions to the rule are contusions of
the breasts, testes, and large joints, slight bruises of these
parts sometimes induces shock in an unusual degree.
Treatment.--The principles upon which the treatment of
contused, lacerated or open wounds is based are the same as
those given by my worthy colleague in considering the treat-
ment of incised wounds, with perhaps some modifications in
their application, due to the altered circumstances in which
they have to be carried out. In a deeply lacerated wound
the surgeon will carefully cleanse it and arrest bleeding as he
would in an incised wound, but he would not, with the same
exactness adjust the surfaces and apply sutures as where he
looked and worked for quick union. This change of treat-
ment is necessary in contused and lacerated wounds, for there
must necessarially take place more or less sloughing and dis-
integration of tissue. Thus it becomes a very important mat-
ter to leave the wound open for the free discharge of all such
tissues as well as for the drainage of the fluids which must be
poured out in the reparative processs. Absolute rest, perfect
Confused and Zacerated Wounds. 323
limmobility of the wounded part is of as much importance in
this as in any other variety of wounds. Fix the wounded part
in the position that will be most agreeable to the patient and
at the same time conducive to the healing process. Make
ample provision for draining the wound from its deepest point.
Be particularly careful in dressing these open wounds. Sep-
tic matter is very readily absorbed by them before the process
of granulation has commenced. In all such wounds where
quick union is an impossibility, the dressing should be applied
in a manner to allow free egress of all secretions without dis-
turbing the parts. As a primary dressing I am in the habit
of employing surgeon’s lint Saturated with calendula tincture
and calendula cerate. This dressing is covered with absorb-
ent cotton, this to be held in position by a retentive bandage.
In the dressing of larger wounds where very copious secre.
tions are to be expected and where there might be danger
should these secretions be confined, the opening of the drain-
age tube is left free. This primary dressing being properly
applied the wound should remain undisturbed for several days,
perhaps a week may be allowed to elapse before a second
dressing ſleed be Iſlade. Alway S-have a good excuse for re-
dressing a wound. It is very necessary to keep a wound clean,
but it is just as important to keep it at perfect rest in order
that the reparative process may go on undisturbed.
In contused wounds where there is much extravasation of
blood great benefit may be obtained from the application of
cold, together with gentle pressure, a favorable position for
the return circulation, and rest. *
Where the contusions are more superficial, dry heat, as
great as can be borne, applied intermittingly, is effective and
is sometimes more grateful than cold. Moisture should not
be conjoined with heat for the reason that it softens and re-
laxes the tissues, and, although this might give comfort by
somewhat relieving tension, it would do harm by permitting
still further effusion.
Should you be called to a case where there is great disin-
tegration and pulping of the tissues, where there is a lack of
pulsation in the large vessel beyond the point of injury, and
probable gangrene, or where there is local tension from extra-
vasation or serous effusion which interferes with the circula-
324 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
tion, your better judgment would lead you to withhold the
cold applications since the vitality of the part is already too
much reduced, but you would apply local warmth, elevate the
limb somewhat, wrap it in cotton-wadding and place hot bot-
tles about it.
The severest cases of contusion may demand immediate
amputation, or subsequent gangrene may call for a similar
operation.
The constitutional treatment will be as varied as in the
treatment of all diseases under our system.
Aconite and arnica will be called into use most frequently,
the former to prevent congestion and inflammation, or, where
these conditions already exist, to modify them, and the latter
to relieve the soreness and the bruised feeling.
Who that practices homeopathy and has had occasion to
prescribe' armica for injuries, falls, blows, etc., that has not
realized its powerful action on the muscular, serous and cellu-
lar tissues and tendons. And with a similar force does it act
upon the capillaries, stimulating their absorbing power, es-
pecially after having been weakened by external injuries
Ledum is useful aſter armica when the latter remedy fails to
relieve the soreness. It is also suited to injuries inflicted by
pointed instruments.
Rhus Tox. should be thought of where an injury involves
the ligaments of a joint rather than the soft parts.
Hypericum will prove to you and your patient a Godsend
where convulsions follow a blow or concussion; where there
is threatened lockjaw from wounds in the soles and hands,
and where in lacerations the excruciating pain shows that
nerves are severely involved.
AN UNUSUAL EFFECT FROM EATING ONIONS.
BY THOS. LOWE, M. D., SLAYTON, MINN.
At 3 p.m., May 14, 1890, was called in haste to see Mrs. F.,
whom I was informed had spells of such deep sleep that it was
almost impossible to awaken her.
he history of the case is as follows: The preceding day
her husband had procured some onions, of the seed, multiplied
variety, which had been plucked tops and all, having sprung
An Unusual Effect From Eating Onions. 32.5
up from bulbs which had been in the ground all winter; they
were partaken of quite freely by the different members of the
family for supper, which meal was served a short time before
retiring. At retiring the members of the household, consist-
ing of five adults, felt nothing unusual. On awakening about
2 a.m., Mr. F. noticed that his wife was lying in a peculiar
position and not sleeping naturally. He tried to arouse her,
but to no avail; becoming alarmed, Mr. F. aroused others of
the family and all tried in vain for over an hour before
she was finally awakened. During her somnolent condition,
her hands were clenched between her thighs, her head was
thrown backward. At the strenuous efforts to awaken her,
she would open her eyes and look around in a bewildered
manner making a low, muttering sound, seeming to come from
low down in the throat, and then drop to sleep again. There
was, however, no stertorous breathing. At the end of about
an hour she was awakened, feeling very dull, heavy and sleepy.
She, however, aroused, dressed herself and was about the
house for a short time in the morning; but being evercome
with an intense desire for sleep she again lay down at about
8 a. m., and was soon in the same condition she had pre-
viously been in during the night; the only difference being,
that there seemed to be much less rigidity of muscles, the hands
not being clinched, and head not being thrown back only to a
slight extent, similating more nearly natural sleep. The
friends were successful this time in arousing her in about
twenty minutes, by sprinkling her face with cold water and
putting her feet in hot water. During both of these spells
urine was voided involuntarily. When I was called at 3 p.
m., found patient in bed, said she felt no pain anywhere
except headache of a dull character through the forehead and
temples, face looked somewhat flushed, eyes dull and heavy,
complained of a heavy dull feeling all over the body, was still
very sleepy, but her friends had not allowed her to go to sleep
since their last experience at 8 a. m. She also complained of
a thick numb feeling at root of tongue, although that organ was
normal to all appearance except on each side, which showed
plainly the imprints of the teeth, where it had been lacerated
to some extent during her state of unconsciousness. There was
still some nausea present when I visited her. She had vomited
326 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
quite freely after each spell, the vomited matter had the
appearance of bile and tasted very bitter to her. Tempera-
ture was 99°, pulse 84 and strong. She seemed quite bewild-
dered and could not remember past events distinctly. She
informed me that she had often noticed before that the eating
of onions caused her to feel sleepy, but never before had had
such an experience as this with them. In fact had never had
anything like this before in her life.
She is to all appearance a strong and healthy woman, about
25 years of age, fair complexion and above the medium in
height and size. She had not, however, been feeling strong
since the birth of her child some four weeks previous, having
been troubled somewhat with headaches and indigestion.
This condition of her health may have tended to render her
more susceptible to the influence of the onions than she
otherwise would have been.
Other members of the family also felt a sleepy sensation
after eating the Onions and also nausea, but none vomited or
had any of the marked symptoms experienced by Mrs. F. I
gave Nux Vom. and Bell. in hourly alternation. Mrs. F.
went to sleep as usual the night following my visit and slept
naturally. The next day she was apparently as well as usual,
except thaf she had a slight back ache. Her urine assumed
a milky color for a few days, but gradually returned to the
normal.
Now, whether the patient’s idiosyncracy for onions, coupled
with her condition of health at the time, or the variety of the
vegetable eaten had most to do with the result, I am unable
to say, but think both conditions combined were productive
of the symptoms manifested.
THE EI.EMENTS OF SURGICAL PATHOLOGY.
BY J. G. GILCHRIST, A. M., M. D.
III.
SEMI-PATHOLOGICAL CONIDITIONS.
In nothing connected with medical literature has time
worked such a change as in the meaning attached to words;
in some cases it is entirely reversed, in another, after number-
less changes, it has gone back to the original, in still others
Zhe AE/ements of Surgical Pathology. 327
the wisdom of the first use and meaning has been confirmed
by a greatly extended meaning. These changes are brought
about by an increasing knowledge of the forces of health and
disease, making necessary a continually increasing vocabulary.
Many words are still used, from habit, or want of better, that are
very far from expressing the facts of the case. Thus we find
a class of semi-morbid conditions that are distinguished by
terms that are indefinite as used, and which may mean, and
sometimes are forced to do so, processes that are purely path-
ological. These conditions are such as represent a simple ex-
altation of function, some transient pertubation that involves
no tissue change, and leaves no structural lesion behind. Of
course the disturbance constitutes a “lesion,” and gives rise
to symptoms, thus becoming, from that point of view, path-
ological; but inasmuch as they, at the same time, represent
puerly normal action, due to a natural exigency of life, can
hardly be considered pathological. But these states are al-
ready related to pure pathology, while not morbid in them-
selves, from the fact that they are often, in fact always the
commencement of tissue-changes clearly outside of the do-
main of physiology, constituting a boundary line that is easily
crossed and on very slight provocation. The frequent occur-
ance of these slight departures from the standard of health
may lead to genuine pathological conditions, and being pre-
cursors of such graver lesions, must necessarily engage the at-
tention of all students of surgery.
F. IRRITATION.
The forces of life we have seen have a double purpose and
are ever engaged in a double work; the maintenance of life
and health, opposing disturbing influences, and secondly to re-
pair the results of disease or accident. Disease itself must
always be esteemed a confession of the defeat of the forces of
life, either temporary or permanent, notwithstanding few es-
cape being brought into morbid conditions at some period
of their existence. When the departure from health is tem-
porary, under favorable circumstances, nature is ultimately
triumphant, but the victory may be materially hastened by
the aid of art, leaving, unfortunately, a reasonable doubt as
to whether anything has been contributed by the surgeon in
328 Morthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
bringing about the happy result. In the other case when the
condition may be considered permanent, in a sense, the lesion
is such that the structural and functional integrity of the part
is forever destroyed, as far as nature’s efforts to cure are alone
considered, and if victory is secured at all it is at fearful ex-
pense and with permanent loss. To repeat, disease is not to
be considered an essential element of life; and in spite of ap-
parent recovery, every attack that is associated with structu-
ral lesion leaves an indelible impress of its operation, and to
a certain extent shortens the life of the sufferer in proportion
to the disturbance of function.
The prophylactic function is operative just so long as per-
fect equillibrium in the forces of life is maintained; as a vir-
tue carried to excess may become a fault, just so may a phy-
siological function becoming exagerated pass into a patholo-
gical state. Thus a transitory irritation of the eye may result
in a simple and short-lived conjunctivitis; prolong the irrita-
tion, or repeat it frequently, and the transient hyperaemia be-
comes inflammation, with possibility of grave injury to the
organ. In the one case we have a simple protest against the
irritant; in the second a yielding to its influence, and a con-
sequent Joss to repair. It has been said that “a perfectly
healthy individual never knows that he has any organs,” their
functions being carried on in such a silent and orderly man-
ner that no feeling of discomfort is ever produced. To know
that one has an organ, in this sense, is to know that “some-
thing ails it.” A perfectly normal stomach, one that never
suffers abuse, may on an occasion have an unusual amount of
work forced upon it by some indiscretion or excess in eating,
the task is performed at some expenditure of force, and if not
too frequently repeated, only a temporary inconvenience is
experienced. The organ of sight may be overtasked until it
becomes so sensitive that every effort is made to protect it
from that light which before was grateful to it. In either
event there is increased amount of blood in the part, and
some of the ordinary symptoms of inflammation, but no struc-
tural change has taken place, no lesion is discernable, and
the duration of life is not visibly shortened or imperilled,
either in the part or the organism as a whole. The Latin
word irritare, from which our word irritation is derived, sig-
The Elements of Surgical Pathology. 329
nifies to “fret,” to “pull,” to “excite,” and admirably ex-
presses what may be defined as a temporary exaltation of
function.
There is another condition in which from long continued
debilitating influences, local or general, anemia results. The
same conditions of irritation of the starved parts now exists
as when the state is hyperaemic. In either case there is a
protest against insufficient nutrition, both as to quantity and
quality. In the one case there is deficiency in the amount
and corresponding deterioration of the elements; in the other
there is no lack of quantity, but the innutrition exists from a
post perfection of the blood so often characteristic of hyperae-
mia. Whatever the condition may be, however, as to supply
of blood, plus or minus, the peculiar characteristic of irrita-
tion is fuuctional exageration without structural change.
The sensations of the patient, the subjectivity does not rep-
resent pain, but unusual susceptibility; a simple illustration is
thus given by BILLROTH. (Surg. Path. 53.) “You now see
my occular conjuctiva of a pure bluish white, like that of any
normal eye. Now I rub my eye till it weeps, and the conjunc-
tive becomes reddish; perhaps with the naked eye you may
see some of the larger vessels—with a lens you will also see
the finer vessels full of blood. After five minutes, at most, the
redness has entirely disappeared.” Here has been no pain,
no change in tissue, no change in function; a slight, very
slight elevation in temperature, a momentary excess of blood
in the part and the whole process passes away. When there
is positive pain, and the function is slightly ſerverted, the
condition ceases to be one of simple irritation and becomes
some kind of pathological state.
It is the fashion to speak of irritable bladder, irritation of
the spine, or irritation of the brain or heart, when an actual
pathological condition is understood. It is true the anatom-
ical characters are not always understood, but there is more
than a simple exaltation of function; there is a permanent ab-
normality, perhaps due to causes operating at a distance.
Thus it has long since been shown that irritation of a sympa-
thetic ganglion will produce excited action in the organs or
tissues under its influence; a section of the nerve will produce
cessation of action. Now in irritable heart, if we look for the
33d AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
cause in the heart itself we may find nothing, and determine
that it is true irritation. If we remember the teachings of ex-
perimental physiology, we will extend our investigation to the
inferior cervical ganglia, and the roots of the par vagus, and
often will find some lesion here that at once places the car-
diac irratibility in the pathological group. When the exalted
functional action is intermittent, at least not constant, and no
local or general lesion is discoverable that might operate as a
cause, the term is proper and eminently suggestive. The
moment some structural change occurs, however, no matter
how slight, so that some effort at repair is demanded, at that
moment the condition is something more than simple irritation,
and it becomes pathological, probably inflammatory.
THERAPEUTICs: Conceiving irritation to be the very com-
mencement of organic change, and knowing, experimentally,
the sphere of action of aconife, viz.: commencing in vasomotoro
irritation, with suppression of excretion, followed by reaction-
ary exaggeration, we find this remedy of the first importance;
in fact it almost rises to the dignity HEMPEL sought to endow
it with. Unquestionably, as all practitioners know to be the
case in simple coryza, a timely dose of aconife would often
short what would later become something serious. This rem-
edy may be stated as the pure 'simillimum of true irritation,
while the condition remains physiological.
SYMPATHY.
Sympathy is a word derived from the Latin “Sympathia”—
which is supposed to be of Greek origin—meaning “with’” and
“suffering,” or feeling “corresponding to that which another
feels.” In medicine it is a term used to indicate the appear-
ance of subjective symptoms at a point remote from the pri-
mary lesion. It is a condition clearly connected with irrita-
tion, so much so, in fact, that it demands simultaneous con-
sideration. Instances are common, in the practice of every
physician and surgeon, of distant parts assuming the symptoms
of the primary lesion, even taking on some of the objective
characters. For instance, parotitis, translated to the testes;
pain in the knee or heel, in hip-disease, glandular enlarge-
ments in the axilla, in cases of felon; bubo, in gonnorrhrea or
syphilis, inflammation of one eye following lesion of the other,
The Elements of Surgical Pathology. 33 I
and very many others. The question has attracted much at-
tention, and under different names, prominently “reflex
pains,” has formed the subject for much discussion. In the
outset, as far as glandular enlargements are concerned, we
must remember that true sympathy represents a simple exal-
tation of function, as increased waste to dispose of; when
new tissue is laid down, as occurs in the case of specific dis-
eases, the term sympathy is not proper, inasmuch as there is
an actual structural change.
As to sympathy proper, the questions that press for an an-
swer are: does it depend upon (a) continuity of structure, (b)
similarity in structure and function, or (c) the nature of the
nerve-supply? These questions are as far from a satisfactory
answer to-day, perhaps, as they were fifty years ago, and yet
employing a legitimate Scientific hypothetical method of rea-
soning, a solution may be found; it is very probable, however,
that continuity, identity of structure, and nervous relation are
combined in producing the result, there being no single fac-
tor of causation.
It is well known that certain tissues are more prone to take
on morbid action than others, apart from purely traumatic in-
fluences; it is not difficult to conceive, therefore, that causes
Operating to produce parotid Swelling might exert the same in-
fluence on distant parts of similar structures, accident, per-
haps, determining its position in One part rather than the
other. Certainly this seems to be true of many forms of lym-
phatic enlargement. An injury is received by a finger, and
considerable inflammation ensues. Later some one or more
of the glands in elbow, or higher, becomes enlarged and similarly
inflamed. There may be no trace of inflammation between the
injured finger and the swollen gland and yet the latter is dis-
tinctly attributable to the former. It can be explained in two
ways: First, there is continuity and similarity of structure.
Second, the inflammation as we shall see later—representing
a chemic-physiological process, and extending by material
contagion, the fluid in the lymph spaces carries the morbid
action directly to the gland, which becomes enlarged and
tumified from the increased effort at elimination made neces-
sary.
Mervous connection has a notably prominent part to play in
332 Avorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
the continuance and establishment of sympathy. Forces in
the body are affarent and efferent, the same force never act-
ing in both ways, at the same time, particularly in a normal
condition. The force which determines the circulation of the
lymphatic is efferent, from the periphery towards the centre;
the force which governs excito motor phenomena is affarent,
from the centre to the periphery. The force in either case is
generated at the source of the current, and expended at the
end of the route. Thus when a nerve is irritated at its root,
the primary pain is at the point of ultimate distribution.
Again from sudden terror the heart, from “shock” is con-
tracted, and we have the bloodless surface as the first indi-
cation, followed by the suffusion of a return of normal circu-
lation. An irritant is introduced into the lymphatic circula-
tion, at some distance from a gland, and yet one of the earliest
symptoms is swelling of a gland nearer the centre. By fol-
lowing out a line of argument suggested by these facts, the con-
clusion is irresistable that sympathy is due to both continuity
and similarity of structure. The reflex symptoms never ap-
pear in a direction contrary to the normal direction (that is
central, as regards nerve lesions, or peripheral when lymphatic),
except, it may be, as purely secondary phenomena, or under
some strong revulsive condition. In other words, as long as
the natural condition remains, an absorbing surface will al-
ways absorb.
The pain in the knee, often among the earliest symptoms of
hip-disease, is explainable on similar grounds. There is in-
flammation in the hip, involving most of the structures, but
until a later period pain is only felt in the inflamed locality on
pressure, or some local irritation accidental in kind. It is felt
lower down for the following reasons: The irritation being at
the roots of the nerves that terminate in and about the knee,
pain is peripheral on the same principle that governs the elec-
tric telegraph; the operator’s key does not produce noticeable
results anywhere along the wire, but at the end of the route.
Here is the influence of nerve supply. Again, the /ascia Zała
is continuous from the hip to the knee, and we have continu-
ity of structure playing an important part. Finally, the liga-
ments of the hip and knee are anatomical analogues, and our
chain of causation is complete.
Frraža. 3.33
When we add to these familiar instances such additional
ones as irritation of the ear producing cough; of the nose
lachrymation; of the fauces vomiting, and many others that
might be adduced, we are forced to conclude, that in many
cases, at least, all three of our queries must be answered af-
firmatively; in all cases. however, two or more of the condit-
ions must be associated to produce the result.
“God and the doctor we alike adore,
But only when in danger, not before;
The danger o'er, both are alike requited.
God is forgotten and the doctor slighted.”
Every physician will testify to the truth of the above from
Ben. Johnson, as far as the doctor is concerned, at least.
The Des Moines Homeopathic Clinical Society held its reg-
ular meeting Jan. I 2, 1891, the President, Dr. A. M. Linn, in
the chair. The subject for discussion was “Diphtheria,” pa-
pers being read by Drs. W. H. Dickinson, Geo. Royal, D. W.
Dickinson, and A. M. Linn, which will appear in future num-
bers of this journal, they having been crowded out this
month. §
Some of the secular papers are claiming that Koch’s treat-
ment is only applied homeopathy. One of our prominent
physicians advises him to make a little higher potency of his
lymph, and perhaps some of the disastrous effects of his treat-
ment will be prevented.
ERRATA.
DECEMBER NUMBER.
Page 271, line II, add “of” after “possible.”
‘‘ 272, ‘‘ 24, read "destructive” for “districutive.”
‘‘ 275, ‘‘ 2, ‘‘ ‘‘epithelium” for “epithelcum.”
“ 275, “ II, “ “an” for “on.”
“ 275, “ 12, ‘‘ ‘‘epithelium” for “epithelcum ”
“ 276, “ Io, “ “related” for “volated.”
“ 276, “ 12, ‘‘ “expended” for “suspended.”
“ 278, “ 1, “ “deficiency” for “dificiency.”
JANUARY NUMBER.
Page 303, line 4o, read “vulnerary” for “vulverary.”
“ 304, “ 16, erase comma after “value "
“ 304, “ 34, after “should see it” add “semi colon.”
‘‘ 305, ‘‘ 5, read “assert” for “assetr.”
“ 305, “ 37, ‘‘ “psychical” for “physical.”
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
All communications fol publication, books fol leview, cto , slıould be addressed
to the editol, A. C. Cowperthwaite, M. D., Iowa City, Iowa.
Business communicationis should be addi essed to the business manager, F. J.
Newbel ry, M. D., at the office of publication, 12 N. Clinton St., Iowa City, Iowa.
The Editor is not lesponsible for any statements ol opinions expressed by con-
tl 1butols.
MEDICAL LEGISLATION IN THE SOUTH.
One of the most noticeable features of the recent meeting
of the southern Homeopathic Medical Association at Bir-
mingham, was the adoption of a stirring appeal to the legis-
lators of the Southern states for non-sectarian legislation. It
is understood that the appeal was prepared by Dr. F. H.
Orme, of Atlanta, Ga., Chairman of the Committee. It is
an exceptionally able document, full of facts and arguments
that cannot be controverted, and put together in that happy
and convincing manner characteristic of Dr. Orme. After
an appropriate introducion and an explanation and defense
of “sects” in medicine, the appeal mentions the misrepresen-
tations concerning homeopathy, and then shows conclusively
that homeopathy leads in elevating the standard of medical
education. It then shows the necessity for making the ap-
peal in the following language:
“The chief reason for the issuance ot this appeal lies in
the fact that for years there has been a systematic effort in
progress on the part of the old school to have such legisla-
tion in the different states as shall give the power of de-
Claring who shall practice medicine into the hands of bodies
composed of its own members-—a course which is upon the
face of it sectarian and unjust. The avowed object of this
plan, as stated by “leaders,” is to do away with “sects.”
Already something has been accomplished on this line, for in
several of the states boards composed of members of the
one dominant school exist, who have to pass upon the merits
of those of schools to which they are opposed, and who are
Medica/ Zegis/a/ion in 4/le Soul/. 335
entirely at their mercy. This is, to say the least, intimidating
and unfair, and accounts, in a large degree for the small num-
ber of homeopathists in the southern states. It is a crying
evil, repugnant to the sentiment of fair play, which is a jewel
dear to the American heart.
“Not from his enemies, a man
With any show of reason, can
Expect fair, honest dealing.”
“While our legislative friends may not be aware of it, it is
well known to those who have watched the progress of events,
that very determined efforts have been and are being made
under the auspices of the American Medical Association—
the allopathic national body—upon different pretexts, princi-
pally those of elevating the standard of medical education
and the protection of the dear people—to secure boards of
examiners of the one school. Where this, on account of its
manifest unfairness, or too strong opposition, is not attempt-
ed, a show of fairness is made by offering minority represen-
tations to other schools. This, while not always operating
badly, is considered a delusion and a Snare, and can never
be accepted. If boards must be allowed, the only fair and
satisfactory way would be to have a separate board for each
of the three prominent schools in medicine. This would in-
volve a large amount of machinery, with a difficulty in some
cases of finding enough qualified physicians of some of the
schools to constitute a board, and would be objectionable in
many ways, although not so intolerable as mixed boards with
minority representation. A majority can always find pretexts
for oppressing the minority, and no plan which places a mi-
nority at the mercy of an unfriendly majority should be thought
of for a moment when there is a sincere desire to be just, and
especially when there are easy ways of avoiding so unneces-
sary and unjust a method.
“While fairness has been, and may at times be shown to
members of an opposite school, too much should not be ex-
pected in this way—an animus of a different sort may be
dominant. Hostility suspended may be resumed. Unfair-
ness certainly has, at times, been shown and may be looked
for again. It is not in accordance with the fair and liberal
policy of our government, and is not compatible with sound
ethics, to give to one school the power to dictate who shall
and who shall not practice medicine and surgery in a state.
Promises of non-sectarian action cannot be relied upon. It
is easy for the lion to invite the lamb to his lair or his maw
with the assurance of safety, but the acceptance of such an
invitation would indicate more than lamb-like innocence.
“We have a telling example of what a medical sect in au-
thority may do in the action of the allopathic directors of
336 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopa//y.
the medical department of the army of the United States in
tyrannically excluding all but members of their own
school from examination for appointments. In some Euro-
pean countries, laws passed at the instigation of physicians
of the old school, practically debar members of other
schools from practice.
“Allowance should be made for the imperfection of human
nature, and it is obviously indiscreet and inconsistent to sub-
ject a newcomer, a prospective competitor in a business
way—to the judgment and will of antagonistic examiners
whose jealousy of the very superiority of his qualifications
may effect his down-fall.
“To require a graduate of another School to appear for
examination before a bourd of “regular” physicians, or a
board with a minority representation, is an encroachment
upon civil rights, and is a procedure which will not be ap-
proved by a conscientious American legislator. It involves
at least a menace—hence it is intimidating and unjust. That
it is objected to by other schools should be enough to seal
the fate of such a proposition.
“The fact is the people do not ask for boards for their pro-
tection, nor are the people often benefitted by them. They
are generally sought for by portions of the profession when
some sectarian object is in view. When it is found that some
hoped-for advantage is not to be gained, the clamor for boards
in the interest of the dear people, and “the elevation of the
standard of medical education” ceases. This has been the
observation of those who have watched these movements
with attention. g
“In some of the Northern States, where homeopathy is
strong, sectarian attempts at the formation of boards have
been defeated so often, that efforts in this direction have
ceased; and in some of the Southern States the laws are fair
alike to all, being simple registration laws, or, laws allowing
homeopathic applicants to be examined by physicians of the
homeopathic school of medicine. No complaints of unfair-
ness can be made in these latter cases—still, the Homeopath-
ic Medical Association, after considering the whole subject,
has taken ground in favor of a good “registration law” in
each of the States as the best general plan. Each State,
however, must determine what is most suitable to its own
needs.
“Such a registration law as is referred to would make it
necessary that every medical practitioner should hold a di-
ploma from some regularly chartered medical college,
without regard to sect or school —- the same to be
registered, under oath, in a book kept for the pur-
pose in the office of the clerk of the county court, and open
Medical Zegis/aſſion in the South. 337
at all times to examination by the public. The register should
also bear a statement, by applicant under oath, as to profes-
sional history; where born; at what place or places, and for
what length of time in practice; with what medical associa-
tion connected, and such other facts as the legislature might
determine to require.
“This does away with the evils of boards, which are many—
and they certainly are not neeessary; for, with all the disad-
vantages of accepting diplomas from chartered colleges as
warrants for practice, the disadvantages of boards have been
found to be still greater. There is difficulty in securing good
men to serve—indeed, the best are rarely as competent as ex-
aminers, as are the college professors, whose attention is more
constantly given to the subject.
“The embarrassment of the situation of a physician who
has to pass upon the merits of a neighbor, or, perhaps, the
Son of an influential ratron, is a point not to be overlooked;
and many considerations of this character will readily occur
to the mind of a reflecting person. It is not strange, then,
that boards have been found to be inefficient, partial, partisan,
and odious; and that they have in many cases, after years of
trial, been dissolved and obliterated in the face of hard fights
on the part of the mercenary members who were chiefly in-
terested in fees.
“It has been the custom of the so-called “regular” or allo-
pathic School to speak in terms of disparagement of members
of other schools, to class them as “irregulars,” and to use
even less creditable epithets in regard to them—to treat them
as unworthy of consideration when law making was in hand;
but at times they have found that the eclectics and homeopath-
ists are a host in the land—so great in number, and so influ-
ential, indeed, as to force them to make reasonable conces-
Sions. Homeopatic and eclectic boards for the examination
of applicants for license to practice of their respective
schools, have been established in some of the states where
boards have been abolished, and a registration law—the pro-
per systern—has been adopted.”
The appeal then gives at considerable length some import-
ant historical facts concerning homeopathy, which we have
not space to reproduce. It the n asks: “Shall justice and
fairness prevail?” and closes as follows:
“But the question with legislators is not with especial re-
gard to the superiority of one system over another; it is to
what is fair and just and becoming in law-makers. It is un-
questionably the right of any individual to select an allopathic,
an eclectic, homeopathic or other adviser. Shall this right
be practically denied? To indicate that he shall have only an
338 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
opportunity to select an allopathic physician, would be as in-
consistent as to dictate his selection of help in any other case
in which he might require assistance. The law of the “sur-
vival of the fittest” is the only proper rule for legislators to
apply in this case. It is an encouraging sign, as well as a
strong argument in favor of this appeal, that the general press,
which is the palladium of civil rights, has invariably declared
itself on the side of fairness when this subject has been under
discussion.
“Whenever old school physicians in legislatures are ap-
proached, they admit they have no right, as legislators, to be
partizans for their own school, and generally declare that they
will not approve any sectarian bills. The trouble is, they are
not always reached, and that bills really objectionable do not
strike them as such. The craftiness of the framers of the bills
—which are drawn with sectarian purpose—is not discovered;
therefore the Southern Homeopathic Medical Association ap-
peals in serious earnestness to the legislators of the Southern
States to be watchful, and to scrutinize with vigilant care all
bills offered regarding the regulation of medical practice in
any way.
“In the Northern and Western States homeopathy is strong,
and can prevent injustice; in many of the Southern States,
partly by reason of sectarian legislation, it is not so, and
homeopathic practitioners are not at hand to detect and ex-
pose misrepresentations, and to advocate the cause of fair-
ness. Surely an appeal of this sort will not be disregarded—
but will be all-sufficient.
“The Association asks legislators to bear in mind: That,
it is not “the people” who are proposing special laws or
boards of censors for their protection, but that such proposi-
tions emanate from members of the dominant school. and are
lobbied through legislatures with sectarian purpose—and that
there is a general movement in this direction which should be
defeated;
That, minorities have rights in the exercise of civil privi-
leges;
“That, states cannot consistently, in religion or in medicine,
favor one creed or system more than another, or permit one
school, whether of small or large proportions, to exercise, le-
gal functions which are liable to militate unfairly against
other rival schools or systems;
“That, to confer the right of licensure upon one school of
medicine alone would be as manifest a violation of civil rights,
and as irrational as it would be to allow one religious de-
nomination (Catholic or Presbyterian, for example) to deter-
mine what ministers should be ordained, or have the civil
right to perform the marriage ceremony;
Correspondence. 339
“That it is far from safe to accept statements to the effect
that this or that bill “is satisfactory to the other schools;”
“That no bill can be acceptable, whatever its pretense of
'fairness, which places examinations in the hands of members
of one school, or which provides for a helpless minority repre-
sentation on a board of examiners;
“That it is positively true that good, efficient physicians of
Other schools, who would be valuable accessions to any com-
munities, have been and now are deterred from entering states
where the medical legislation is illiberal and sectarian, and
opposed to a free competition, by reason of the establish-
ment of boards of examiners of the one so-called “regular”
School.
“Finally, the Association appeals to all legislators, as con-
Scientious and patriotic Americans, to keep well in view the
fundamental principles of our government, which provides
justice and protection for all, and is especially careful of the
rights of minorities; and it asks with confidence and as a right,
to be guarded and protected against the machinations and
encroachments of a designing majority sect.”
CORRESPONDENCE.
MEDICAL LEGISLATION IN WISCONSIN.
SHELL LAKE, Wis., Jan. 26, 1891.
Aditor AW. W. Journal of Aſomeopaž/y:
At the last session of the Wisconsin legislature, an effort
was made by our brethren of the old-school to secure the
passage of a medical bill similar in its general provisions to
those adopted in some other states, though less stringent than
the Minnesota law.
The bill was defeated, almost wholly by the Eclectics if I
am correctly informed, while the homeopaths of the state
allowed themselves to be beguiled into silence by glittering
promises of fair representation, equal benefits, &c. As to the
sincerity of these promises we need only to refer to the duplic-
ity practiced upon our friends in Minnesota, by means of
which the too trustful victims were bound hand and foot.
At some time during the present session the Wisconsin
legislature will again be asked to pass this bill, with some
slight modifications. The scheme is well laid, and copies of
the proposed bill are being sent to physicians of all schools,
340 AVorſ/western /ournal of Homeopathy.
asking their co-operation in the interests of the profession,
and, more especially, for the protection of the dear people.
Strange that our philanthropic friends never perceived the
danger to the public until new schools of practice developed
more enlightened methods of treating diseased humanity, and
by so doing rapidly found favor with the people. Then these
animated fossils cried out “quackery!” and at once apppealed
for legislative protection.
Wisconsin legislators who give the matter only a casual
thought will easily fall into the pit which the allopaths have
digged for them, for the bill is artfully worded, and has an
outward appearance of fairness, but as one of the chief con-
spirators remarked to his allies while discussing the measure
in “secret session” at Madison, “we must first pass the bill in
its present form, and Zack on our amendments afterzward.”
Let us examine some of its provisions: Sec. I makes it the
duty of the Governor to appoint “five reputable physicians,
each a graduate of a legally chartered medical institution in
good standing, and practicing medicine in the state of Wis-
consin, who shall constitute the State Board of Medical
Examiners.”
We are not informed as to who will examine these “Examin-
ers,” to determine whether or not they are qualified thus to
sit in judgment, but are left to infer that such qualifications
are guaranteed by the fact that each is the holder of a diploma
from “a legally chartered medical institution in good stand-
ing.” One might Suppose that the sauce which sustains life in
the goose would also prove nourishing to the gander; but when a
victim is dragged before this august body of political plum
devourers, and presents to them a diploma from a reputable
medical college—perchance the same college that gave birth
to One or more of the physicians composing the board of
examiners, he finds his troubles are but just begun. Section 4
provides, that every candidate must produce a diploma,
“issued to him by a legally chartered medical institution,”
which is certainly a reasonable requirement; but this is not
all. It further provides, that he must submit to an examina-
tion in nine specified branches of medicine, and as many
more as the board may see fit to prescribe. Why should a
candidate be required to hold a diploma if it cannot be
Correspondence. 34i
accepted as evidence of his qualifications? In other pro-
fessions a diploma from an institution of learning, chartered
by the state, carries with it some demand for respect. Are
lawyers, teachers, and other professional people who graduate
from state universities and other chartered institutions of
learning compelled to undergo such examinations as are
being demanded of medical practitioners? Most assuredly
they are not. Do the people ask for such unjust discrimina-
tion against the medical profession? They do not. It is
simply a demand of the numerically stronger school in medi-
cine for such laws as will enable them in time to crush out
the newer schools.
Sec. 4 also provides, that “license shall only be granted by
the consent of not less than three members of the board.”
As the old school numbers about two thirds of the entire pro-
fession of the state, they have declared their expectation of
furnishing three of the five examiners, which will give them a
working majority of the board, and leave the other schools of
medicine practically without a voice in licensing of candi-
dates. The same section fixes the sum to be paid by the
candidate for license at ten dallars. Every graduate of a
medical college has once paid into the treasury of the college
a fee for final examination, and diploma attesting his fit-
ness for practice. Now he is asked to pay a fee of ten dollars
and be re-examined every time he changes his location to
another state.
Sec. 7 defines what persons shall be deemed as coming
under the requirements of the law, and includes any “obstet-
rician” who shall assume the duties thereof for fees or com-
pensation;” but declares that “nothing in this act shall apply
to women engaged exclusively in the practice of midwifery.”
What absurdity . A man must spend several of the best years
of his life in study, expend hundreds of dollars in books,
college fees, and outfit for practice, must produce a diploma,
and then pass a technical examination at a cost of ten dollars,
besides travel fees, hotel expenses, &c., before he is allowed
to practice obstetrics for a fee; but any old ignoramus of the
female persuasion may hang out her professional shingle as
midwife, work at reduced rates, decry doctors and “book
learnin,” and go on destroying infants and ruining the health
342 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
of mothers, and who shall molest or make her afraid? I am
personally acquainted with one of these vampires who proudly
boasts, that she “never looked inside of a doctor book,” and
from the character and results of her work I believe her state-
ment true. Why attempt to shield these women, and allow
them to practice one of the most important branches of medi-
cine without any preparation whatever? If we are to be pro-
tected by legislation let us be protected against petticoats as
well as pantaloons. The only protection needed by the peo-
ple is to require al/ practitioners of medicine to graduate
from a legally chartered medical college, and let the state see
that its cºlleges maintain a proper standard of attainments.
The fact is, that the colleges took the initiative in raising the
standared of medical education, and almost without excep-
tion are now requiring a thorough preliminary education,
followed by four years of study in medicine. Examinations
by State Boards are not proper criterions by which to judge
a physicians ability. Many a man who leaves college with
head crammed with a stock of technicalities which will en-
able him to pass an examination of the utmost severity, finds
after a few years of active practice that he has lost from
memory a vast number of these useless encumbrances; and
though he has acquired in their stead a fund of experimental
knowledge vastly more useful in the sick room, he finds him-
self utterly unable to pass the examinations required by some
of the State Boards. In fact one just leaving school has a
far better chance of obtaining a state license than a grayheaded
veteran of thirty years practice. Let every honest physician
oppose all such worse than useless legislation. The people
are competent to judge of a physician’s merits by the results
of his labors, even though the law ignore the subject entirely.
The sluggard and the charlatan soon find their proper level.
Nature teaches the survival of the fittest, and nature is usually
right. All advancement in science is made by men who
think differently from their predecessors, and medical science
is no exception to the rule. From the days of Hippocrates
until the present era of medical investigation in new channels
was inaugurated, aud new schools brought new ideas into the
world, the science of medicine was practically dead. The
progressive ideas put into successful practice by the modern
Correspondence. 343
schools have brought them so rapidly to the front that our
old school brethren have finally awakened from their long
sleep, but being unable to shake off the lethargy of their
awakening, they call piteously for the legislature to assist
them in the capacity of wet nurse. Casting principle aside,
they seek to accomplish by the gag what they cannot achieve
by honest competition. Homeopathy asks for no protection
further than equal rights, and is willing to risk the battle
against overwhelming numbers unaided. We enter the lists
and throw down the gauntlet to whoever may choose to pick
it up, asking only for fair play, and that the public be per-
mitted to act as referee. L. A. Wolcott, M. D.
QUERY FOR DR. DRAKE.
KANSAS CITY, Jan. 28, 1891.
Will Dr. Drake please tell us, why he was satisfied with
finding an irritable sphincter, when searching for a cause for
what he called epilepsy? Would it not have been more in
accordance with scientific methods to go farther and look for
the cause for the irritation of the sphincter? And, finally, would
it not have been more rational to attribute the assumed
epilepsy to the same cause that produced the sphincter con-
traction. J.
THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMEOPATHY AND THE INTER-
NATIONAL HOMEOPATHIC CONGRESS,--SECRE-
TARy’s NOTICE.
Editor AV. W. /ournal of Homeopathy:
The American Institute of Homeopathy will hold its forty-
fourth annual session and celebrate its forty-eighth anniver-
sary, in conjunction with the fourth quinquennial International
Homeopathic Congress, at Atlantic City, New Jersey, begin-
ning on Tuesday morning, June 16th, 1891. In accordance
with action taken at its last session, the Institute will trans-
act, as far as possible, its necessary routine business on that
day, and the Internattonal Congress will assemble on the fol-
lowing morning. The sessions of the latter will occupy the
morning and afternoon of each day (Sundays excepted) until
Tuesday, June 23d. This arrangement of the business of the
Institute makes it necessary that all the standing and special
344 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
• committees should have their reports in readiness before the
opening of the session. But it should be noticed that all
scientific reports of committees and bureaus appointed last
year will be deferred until 1892, thus giving place to the
scientific work of the congress.
All members of homeopathic medical societies will have
equal rights as members of the congress. and equal privileges
in the transaction of its business and in its discussions under
such rules as may be adopted for the government thereof.
The transactions will be published by the American Institute
of Homeopathy and furnished to physicians on such terms as
may be decided by the executive committee.
It is expected that the proceedings of the congress will be
of the most important and interesting character. While Gen-
eral Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and the specialties, will
have their place in the discussions, the interests of homeo-
pathy will furnish the main topics for consideration. It is
proposed that one entire day, “Materia Medica Day,” shall
be devoted to the subject of the homeopathic materia medica,
and the consideration of questions pertaining to its present
status and its further improvement. Homeopathic Therapeu-
tics will also claim a large share of attention, while some of
the subjects upon which the homeopathic school is known to
hold a distinctive position, will be presented and considered.
The Essays and Addresses on all of these subjects will be
presented by physicians carefully chosen by the committee
having the matter in charge, and the discussions will be par-
ticipated in by some of the physicians most distinguished in
each department. Arrangements are in progress to secure
reports of the condition and advancement of homeopathy in
all the countries of the civilized world.
A word as to the place of meeting. Atlantic City, as is
well known, extends for a distance of two or three miles along
the sea-coast of New Jersey, sixty miles southeast of Philadel-
phia, with which it communicates by three lines of railway
and scores of trains daily, most of which make the distance
in ninety minutes. New York and Baltimore are within four
or five hours ride, while within a radius of four hundred miles
there are nearly four thousand homeopathic physicians.
Atlantic City has, during “the season,” a larger patronage than
Aooſé Á'ezyżews. 345
any other of our sea-coast resorts, her visitors coming from all
quarters of the country, but chiefly from New York, Philadel-
phia, Baltimore and the West and South. She has ample
hotel accommodations for twenty-five thousand guests.
The United States Hotel, which will be the headquarters of
the congress and the place of meetings, is a new structure,
located one square from the beach and within full view of the
ocean. It has accommodations for eight hundred guests, and
the “pavilion” in whicn the congress will assemble, is a large
room on the first floor with a seating capacity for eight hun-
dred persons. The meeting of the congress will occur during
“the season,” but the United States Hotel will be practically-
at our exclusive disposal.
The scientific and social features of the meeting, and the
attractions of Atlantic City as a health and pleasure resort,
render it probable that this congress will be by far, the largest
gathering of homeopathic physicians ever convened. It is
especially suggested that the occasion will furnish an unusual
opportunity for our physicians to combine the profit of a
scientific convention with the pleasures and benefits of a
vacation, both for themselves and their families.
PEMBERTON DUDLEY, M. D.,
General Secretary, A. I. H.
S. W. cor. 15th and Master Sts., Philadelphia, Pa.
BOOK REVIEWS.
A CLINICAL MATERIA MEDICA. Being a course of lectures de-
livered at the Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia,
by the late E. A. Farrington, M. D. Reported phono-
graphically and edited with the assistance of the lecturer’s'
manuscript, by Clarence Bartlett, M. D., and revised by S.
Lilienthal, M. D. With a memorial sketch of the author
by Aug. Korndoerfer, M. D. Second edition. Philadel-
phia: Hahnemann Publishing House, 1890.
We gladly welcome a second edition of this valuable work.
There are but few changes from the first edition, though a
number of symptomatic indications for drugs have been add-
ed. The editor, Dr. Bartlett, has done his work well. We
cordially agree with him when he says in the preface to this
edition: “The editor cannot refrain from expressing his ad-
miration of the thoroughness of the work of its distinguished
346 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
author. A review of the index shows that more than four
hundred drugs were considered by him; many of these re-
ceived but minor mention, while others he treated in extenso,
as their importance warranted. The therapeutic index
shows, moreover, that hardly a class of ailments to which
humanity is liable but what has received more or less atten-
tion. The therapeutics of diseases like scarlatina, diphthe-
ria and typhoid fever, as to be expected from their impor-
tance, were thoroughly considered. Others, but seldom met
with in actual practice, were given but a passing notice. In
all his teaching Dr. Farrington showed himself to be a prac-
tical physician, fully alive to the demands to be made upon
the needs of the student on entering practice.” The book is
from the press of Sherman & Co., which is a sufficient guar-
antee of its excellent physical qualities.
THE RUBRICAL AND REGIONAL TEXT-BOOK OF THE HOMEO-
PATHIC MATERIA MEDICA, Section on the Urine and Urinary
Organs, by William D. Gentry, M. D. Philadelphia: Hahne-
mann Publishing House, 1890.
Dr. Gentry, who has earned a well deserved reputation in
giving to the profession his valuable Concordance Repertory,
now proposes to edit a materia medica with the above title,
the present volume only covering the symptoms of the urine
and urinary organs, other volumes to follow if the present ven-
ture proves a success, which it certainly will if every homeo-
pathic physician entertains the same views as Dr. Gentry re-
garding the unreliability of our present works on materia
medica, and the thorough reliability of his own. Could we
have the entire work as proposed by Dr. Gentry it would un-
doubtedly prove a valuable addition to our literature on this
important subject. The volume is beautifully gotten up, as
are all that emanate from the Hahnemann Publishing House.
BRIEFS.
Dr. A. H. Felch has removed from Minneapolis to Beatrice,
Nebraska.
Glycerine administered in large quantities will produce
poisonous symptoms.
A bequest of $25,000 has lately been received by the Pitts-
burg Homeopathic Hospital.
The Illinois State Homeopathic Medical Association meets
at Springfield, May 12, 13 and I4, 1891.
Dr. Holmes, late of Sycamore, Ill., succeeds to the prac-
tice of the late C. M. Dinsmore, of Omaha.
&.
Ariefs. 347
A Chicago medical publication complains of too low fees
and too much competition among the physicians of that city.
Among the recent deaths of prominent Homeopathic phy-
sicians in the Northwest, is that of Dr. C. M. Dinsmore, of
Omaha.
There is danger of cholera spreading to this country next
summer, so health authorities say; this disease having found
firm foothold in Europe.
Two-thirds of the physicians say that it is a return of la grippe
that is with us at present. Whatever it is, it is making busi-
ness lively for the western doctor.
\
Dr. Sherman's triturates are being used throughout the
United States with uniform satisfaction. Send a trial order
to his Milwaukee, Wis., pharmacy.
Iowa Homeopathists should bear in mind the meeting of
the Hahnemanian Society of Iowa, at Des Moines, in May.
Make your arrangements to be there.
The Zwart Homeopathic Pharmacy Co., of St. Louis, while
a recent comer in the western territory, is reaping unbounded
success. Reliable goods always wins.
The malted milk manufactured by the Malted Milk Co.,
Racine, Wis., is one of the best foods for infants, dyspeptics
and invalids. Samples sent free to physicians.
[...] A St. Louis doctor sued an estate for a bill for medical at-
tendance at the rate of $1 oo per day for over forty days, and
the court directed that the claim should be paid.
The recitation plan instead of lectures is used in the French
medical colleges. This plan has also been largely adopted
in the New York Ophthalmic College. It works admirably.
Prof. C. H. Coggswell of Cedar Rapids, was chosen a dele-
gate from the Central Iowa Homeopathic Association to the
American Institute of Homeopathy at Atlantic City, June
next.
The Taylor & Myers Pharmacy Co., of St. Paul, dealers in
homeopathic supplies, are rapidly “coming to the front.”
Physicians who try their goods once are their firm friends
thereafter.
The friends of Dr. E. H. Pratt all over the country will
regret to learn of his recent affliction in the death of his
little eight-year-old son, from injuries received by being run
over by a street car. $º
348 * AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
W
A war has commenced in certain quarters against the life
insurance companies that discriminate againt Homeopathic
examiners, which a large number of the so-called old-line”
companies are doing at present, although the Northwestern
Mutual Life, of Milwaukee, AEtna Life, of Hartford, and
many other reliable companies make no such discriminations.
A fact which many Homeopathic physicians and their friends
are bearing in mind when placing their policies.
A petition to the legislature is being circulated in Michigan
to cut off the appropriation to the Homeopathic Medical
Department of the State Institution at Ann Arbor. We will
trust to the Homeopaths of Michigan to block this move-
ment, as they have numerous similar moves of the opposition
within the past twenty years.
For SALE.—A $2,000 cash practice in one of the best cities
of Minnesota; within forty miles of St. Paul; population 35oo;
only homeopathic physician in the city. Terms easy. Ad-
dress, Taylor & Myers' Pharmacy Co., St. Paul, Minn.
The city physician who did not get himself interviewed by
the daily press in regard to his opinion of Koch’s lymph feels
slighted. A valuable chance for advertising (strictly within
the code you know) was lost.
Owing to the well-known modesty of the business manager,
he has refrained from mentioning in these pages to several
hundred subscribers who are in arrears for nearly two years,
that it takes money to keep even a medical journal sailing.
A new homeopathic medical college, under German-Ameri-
can auspices, will shortly be established in Chicago. A com-
pany has been formed for the same with capital stock of $30,-
ooo. Dr. John Malok, Dr. Louis Hagenor and Emma Quand
are backing the enterprise.—Medical Visitor.
PRURITUS ANI.-
R. Hydrag. Chlor. Mitis- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I drachm.
Balsami Peruv - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1% drachms.
Acid. Carbolic---- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2O grains.
Lanolin - - - - - - - - - - * - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I OUIIlCC.
M. Sig.—Apply once or twice a day, after sponging with hot
Water.
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
f
Vol. II, IOWA CITY, Iowa, MARCH, 1891. No. 12.
STATEMENTS NOT ARGUMENTs.
BY J. W. HINGSTON, M. D., NORTH PLATTE, NEB.
[Read before the Nebraska State Homeopathic Medical Association, June, 1896.
In presenting this paper to this body of learned medical
men and medical women, I shall not presume to offer to them
anything that is especially new on the subject of materia med-
ica. Being as I am, one of the most if not the most western
representative of this society in the state, I have not that op-
portunity for observing new and peculiar cases enjoyed by
my more metropolitan friends. A practice, consisting essen-
tially of that of a country town, does not give the varied op-
portunities of thoroughly trying the powers of the new and
untried remedies. Thus am I left to rehash that which has
already been hashed.
As chairman of the Bureau of Materia Medica, I sent out
in September last, a letter to each member of this bureau,
asking his aid and cóoperation in making this the banner bu-
reau of the meeting of 1890. Out of six, I got a response
from three, one of whom wrote as follows: “I regret that I
am on that bureau. None could have been less to my choice.
If I contribute a paper at all it will be on “Our Materia Med-
ica.’ I think I can safely promise you a short paper, but I
am afraid it will not flatter the subject or redound to the
credit of Homeopaths.” *
Why should any homeopathic physician regret his position
on this bureau? Why should it be so far from his choice that
it could not be farther? Why should a paper written by him
}
35o Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy. .
not flatter the subject? Why should it not redound to the
credit of homeopaths, himself in particular I presume? A
homeopathic physician so greatly regret that he is on that
bureau which distinguishes us all as a scientific body from
that babel of men calling themselves “regulars,” that he is led
to exclaim that “nothing could be farther from his choice!”
How wondrous strange! A believer in similia, a follower of
the lazy, a conscientious prescriber, a physician in act as
well as in name, writing a paper that will not flatter that
which has given him the name he has adopted, nor redound
even to his own credit! This is more than an anomaly!
I am proud to be chairman of this Bureau of Materia Med-
ica. I am proud of you who profess allegiance to, believe in
and use that materia medica. Of some of you I am more
proud than I am of others. I regret that I am unable to of—
fer you better material than this paper contains, though I am
collecting substantial facts from my experience with our mate-
ria medica that I had hoped to present at this meeting, but
they are not yet ripe. I still hope to give you this material
at a future conclave. In my isolated situation, when difficul-
ties confronted me, when intricacies demanded careful analy-
zation, when dangers sprang up in menacing form, when
death itself stalked in horrible threatening shape before me,
my patients and my patient’s friends, I have had to rely on
myself. And I am glad to say I “possessed the courage of
my convictions.” When others of you have had opportunity
to consult with your confreres, I have scanned the pages
of Hering, I have read the teachings of Dunham, I have
studied the lore of Allen, I have pondered on the written
teachings and cheer of the fathers who are dead and the sons
who are living.
-
* * * * Thus have I sped
“My work, in silence on * *.”
I propose to present you merely a few gleanings from others
and a few cases from my own experience, by which I wish to
show that the controversies within our own borders over our
materia medica are illegitimate—are without foundation in
fact. It is a sad commentary on the friendly feeling toward
each other that should characterize those working along the
Statements not Arguments. 35 f
same path of science, that their discussions so frequently
take the form of contentions.
In a late number of the Medical Advance, Dr. Fisher, by
reputation known to most of you, in reference to the treat-
ment of pernicious intermittent fever, asks the editor of that
journal how, after berating the southern homeopaths for using
quinine in that disease, “he treats like cases.” It appears to
me that Dr. Allen's answer is entirely evasive. The question
is plainly asked: “How do you treat a case?” Mark you, not
“how would you?” And the answer is: “I object to the use
of quinine for”—a stated number of reasons. Dr. Fisher ex-
plicitly asks for facts, Dr. Allen gives little more than theory;
Dr. Fisher asks for art, Dr. Allen gives him science. Now,
though I have the greatest respect for Dr. Allen as a man and
a physician, though I hold Dr. Allen inferior to no one living
as a close prescriber, though he quotes scripture—“If they
hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be per-
suaded, though one rose from the dead,” yet I do claim that
he is not only unfair but unreasonable, while such answers
only tend to convert honest points of differing into points of
ſanatic dispute.
If Dr. Allen would be reasonable, I believe he could read-
ily convert many of these men. I presume many of them
could give the same reasons for prescribing quinine in perni-
cious intermittent, that I would give for using Bell. in scarlet
fever—I always administer it when no other remedy is clearly
indicated. I claim that this is not unscientific. It is not
necessarily prescribing for the name of a disease. I think
that from the known action of quinine on the system it must
be the frequent similimum to these dangerous fevers. I have
seen but one case. Here it is from my case book:
“May 13, 1882, Mr. C , age 38, blonde; every spring and
summer for 4 years he has had chills and fever. Quinine,
quinine, quinine without relief. Highly prejudiced against
homeopathy; a favorable feeling toward myself. Sallow, a
poor appetite; slightly constipated. Chill every day when
going home to dinner about I I:30 o'clock. Still, if he started
home earlier the chill was liable to take him on the way.
Chill not overly severe and without shake, but excessively
tired and exhausted, compelling him to sit down by the way.
Then numbness and finally unconsciousness for one half to
tº
352 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
"w.
two hours. Would waken with commencing fever which was
not great but long lasting and accompanied with serve, ham-
mering headache. Sweat not severe. Considerable thirst all
the time—prodrome, chill, fever, sweat, apyrexia, Pres. Nat.
mur. 30, No. 35 pellets, 6 night and morning. May 17, I was
summoned in great haste to his residence. When I arrived
about II:30 p.m. found him unconscious and cold, blue
veins standing out on face, rattling, snoring breathing. As I
was learning from his wife that as he had been feeling unu-
sually bad that morning he had started home much earlier
than usual and had gone into a very severe chill soon after
his arrival, he awakened and said, ‘I feel hungry;’ an unknown
thing, his wife said. I was about to questión him further
when he went into a most dreadful shake and complained of
his back aching high up. On attempting to place my hand
over the painful location, he cautioned me not to touch his
backbone as it was very sore. Almost immediately he be-
came again unconscious. I never, before nor since, saw such
a condition. I would surely have thought the man would
die, but was somewhat comforted from the knowledge of his
previous attacks. As it was, I had grave fears for his life,
and his wife assured me that he certainly would die. She al-
ways knew and said he would die in one of these attacks, and
this was much worse than he had ever before been. She im-
plored me to give him some quinine, assuring me he would
be able to swallow it if I put it in his mouth. I said I would
do so. I had been studying Wilson's monograph and remem-
bered that quinine has the symptom of soreness of the spine
to pressure. I gave him a third decimal trituration, one or
two grains dissolved in water and allowed it to trickle and
gurgle down his throat. We applied hot applications and
rubbed and worked over an hour when the collapse left and
he began to get feverish and 'soon after he partially awakened
into a delirium. I left more of the quinine trituration to be
given less and less often as he got better. Next day he was
vastly exhausted, in bed, but escaped the chill. Under an
alternation of the china Sul. 3xt. and sac. lac., he gradually
recovered to a more perfect health than he had known for
many months, and so far as I know, never had another chill.”
Again quoting Dr. Allen as a representative of hundreds of
others: “When quinine is indicated by its characteristic
symptoms, it will cure in the 6, 12, 30, 200 or Iooo potencies,
just the same as arsenic or any other remedy. There never
need be resort to massive doses of the drug.” Here is a
statement that was good enough to give the student when Dr.
Alſen was Professor of Materia Medica in the University of
Statements not Arguments. 353 ,
f
Michigan. The student and pupil is supposed to take as true
—consider as axioms—many bare statements of the professor
and teacher. But men who have long since passed through
college life.and are now learning in the school of experience
require these statements proven.
I will briefly recite two other cases:
CASE I. Miss 3, age 23. Syphilitic history of 3 years.
Allopathic treatment from many hands. Ulcers from the size
of a silver dollar to half that of the palm on left breast, back
of shoulder, right thigh, and smaller ones in various other
places. These were either syphilitic, mercurial or mercurio-
syphilitic, though no mercury had been taken for over a year.
She was badly scarred from head to foot. Allow me to omit
full symptoms, but suffice to say a Sulphur case from first to
last. No homeopathician could give anything but sulphur.
I gave the drug in the 55 m., Fincke, the bottle washer's
preparation, 8 pellets night and morning. In twenty-three
days there was not a sore on the body. It is six years since
then and the patient is still well.
CASE II. Mr. , age 25, unmarried. In his own words,
“running down.” First prescription, no matter what, gave
no relief. Afterward learned that a said to be soft chancre
had been cured (?) by an allopathic physician, by powder ap-
plication and internal medication, though for some time the
sore insisted on returning. This was ten months before. The
general symptoms called for Puls., which I gave low. In less
than a week a nodule appeared at the seat of the old affec-
tion. This developed into a typical hard chancre. Sac. Lac.
was given. In another week things were looking bad. The
local sore was serious. Secondary symptoms were fast ap-
proaching. I now come to the point that I prescribed Merc.
sol., because Merc. is nearly always the remedy for syphilis
and no other remedy seemed clearly indicated. The results
were happy. Improvement in general condition followed fast.
But the patient went through loss of hair, sore throat, and a
general train of syphilitic symptoms. As some symptoms—
a severe attack of acute rheumatism for example—turned up,
I gave other remedies. But, time after time, I was compelled
to return to Merc. sol., and this always when the distinctive
syphilitic symptoms were predominant or becoming again
more pronounced. Not only that, but no preparation higher
than the second decimal trituration would have any effect. I
did not try lower. The patient was, in the course of a year,
restored to a more perfect condition of health than he had
been for years. Four years have elapsed and there is not a
sign of the disease in the system.
354 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
If my case is worth anything, where stands the claim that
large and massive doses of quinine are always needed in per-
nicious intermittent? or, what of the theory that the higher
potencies are always curative when the remedy is indicated
by the law of similars? or, is it necessarily unscientific to con-
sider the name of the disease in the selection of the remedy?
I could go on and furnish facts and arguments like these,
but it is not my purpose to prove or disprove the theories or
claims of anyone. I wish simply to show that these contro-
versies are not discussions; that, in the differences of opinion
among our men, each should be more careful not to malign
the other as a knave or traduce him as a fool; that, when an-
other differs he may differ honestly; that mere statements will
not convince; that seeing is believing, Dr. Allen and the bible
to the contrary; that the best way to convince one of another
mind to one’s own way of belief is to present proofs in the
shape of facts that are tangible, and in the form of results-
that are better. In the words of Dr. Leavitt, “Let physicians
be frank in their teachings (and discussions) without regard
to the effect on homeopathic claims. If animated by true
motives, we are not endeavoring solely, or mainly, to estab-
lish the verity of certain dogmas; but, like honest philoso-
phers, we are seeking the truth. We feel sure that a grand
and simple cure for disease has been discovered; but we don’t
know that it is yet universal, and applicable to all organic
and inorganic substances now employed as remedies.” I can
conceive that it is possible, that in those congestive and per-
nicious chills and fevers there is an acute malarial poisoning
that finds its antidote in quinine, while in the milder, slower
and more chronic cases there may be a chronic- and more
dynamic effect of the poison requiring, sometimes one and
sometimes another remedy for its cure. I do not advance
this as my belief, but is there not a possibility of it contain-
ing a grain of truth? Would any high potency strict homeo-
pathist think of antidoting the acute effects of opium poison-
ing by administering a single dose of Nux vom. high? Or,
would any low potency allo-homeopathist be guilty of en-
deavoring to cure a case of chronic opium constipation with
a cup of strong coffee? I think that all must know that table-
-...sº-
Experience with Diuretin. 355
*
spoonful doses of Carbo veg. pulv. would be valuable aid in
the very first stages of poisoning by rancid meat; and I
think abundance of proof can be gathered of the great effi-
-cacy of Carbo veg. high in curing the remaining effects of
the morrow.
Time will not allow me to discuss all the points of disputa-
tion within our borders, such as the single dose, the low po-
tencies for acute, and the high potencies for chronic disease,
the backsliding to allopathy, the allopaths stealing our lore,
local applications of medicines, the adjuvants of heat, cold,
poultices, etc., the administration of opiates in painful or in-
curable diseases, and so on. But I do think that much dark-
ness on doubtful points would be cleared up, many vulnerable
points where the allopaths are now prodding and wounding
us would be made invulnerable, many recruits would be added
to our ranks, many unseemly disputes and contentions would
become valuable and kindly discusions, if each one of you
will analyze your own convictions and beliefs, impartially and
honestly endeavor, by substantial facts and personal expe.
rience, quoting failures and successes alike, giving all particu-
lars and reasons-for your every step, try to show how and
where others are wrong, honestly wrong, you having the char-
ity to believe that others may be honestly mistaken, you ac-
knowledging that it is possible that your tenets may be proven
to be wrong, remembering to “Prove all things; hold fast that
which is good,” and forgetting not the words of Confucius:
“What we know, to know that we know it; what we do not
know, to know that we do not know it: this is knowledge.”
EXPERIENCE WITH DIURETIN.
BY E. M. HALE, M. D., CHICAGO.
This drug is made as follows: Salicylate of soda and theo-
bromine are mixed in equal parts. It is a light gray powder
with an acrid bitter taste. The dose, as prescribed by Kor-
itschoner of Vienna, is “four grammes (60 grains) a day.”
He says “this may be inëreased and is well borne even when
taken for months. Even in cases of chronic Bright’s disease
it hardly ever causes nasuea or giddiness, only when large
doses are given—8 to Io grammes daily—it causes slight an-
356 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
guish (slight anguish is good) and palpitations, and in some
rare cases diarrhoea. Collapse is only threatened when its di-
uretic action is too powerful, just as we witness it after em-
ptying the ascitic fluid too rapidly by puncture. Though its
action failed in desperate cases (chronic morbus Brightii,
dilation of the heart from arterio scherosis, fatty degeneration
of the myocordium and tuberculosis of the lungs,) in six other
cases it acted well after the failure of calomel, strophanthus,
degitolis and kali aceticum. In nearly forty cases its results
were excellent. In two patients with hydrothorax and chronic
Bright’s disease the dose was gradually increased to eight
grammes, and one passed in sixteen hours 12,000 c. c. (400
oz.) of urine. The ascites and oedema of the lower extremi-
ties disappeared-so rapidly that he was threatened with col-
lapse, proving that the drug ought to be given cautiously, and
as soon as the diuretic effect is established, the drug may be
suspended, as diuresis still keeps on several days; a fact which
was most frequently observed in dropsies of cardiac origin.
In several cases of Bright’s disease, instead of acting on the
kidneys, it caused a copious watery diarrhoea, which, without
weakening the patient, removed the dropsy, and which stop-
ped when the drug was left off. In two cases of scorlatinous
nephritis the epithelial and h yaline cylinders disappeared.
There is hardly any contradiction to its use and its trial may
be recommended in every case of dropsy.”
The above is very characteristic of the assertions of those
who believe that in order to get the curative effects of drugs
their use must be carried to the limits of pathogenitic action.
I must differ from the writer when he asserts that the collapse
is caused by the rapid removal of water. In some rare cases
I admit such might be the case, but generally I believe the
collapse to be due to the effects of the salicylate of soda,
which, in such doses as 4 grammes daily, would cause collapse
oftener were it not combined with theobromine which is nearly
identical with Caffeine and acts as an antigionistic. The ac-
tion of this drug on the bowels closely resembles that of Ela-
terium and apocynum cannabinum.
Soon after reading the above experience I had a case of
cardiac dropsy without any renal disease. It was a chronic
Fæperience with Diuretin. 357
valvular disease, and the woman had had 'dropsy several times
which I had succeeded in removing with various remedies as
they were indicated. But this last attack was rebellious to
all. Elaterium promoted a serous diarrhoea, but caused such
nasuea and colic she would not continue it.
I concluded to try diuretin and gave it in the doses above
recommended: 15 grains three times a day. After using it
four days there was only a slight increase of urine, but there
occurred at 6 p. m. every evening a violent, throbbing, bursting
/headache which lasted until after midnight. She believed it
was caused by the drug and refused to continue it. As soon
as it was discontinued the headache ceased. After a few days
I persuaded her to take half the usual dose (7 grains) three
times a day. On the second day the headache returned and
she ceased taking the drug, nor could I persuade her to take
even one grain at a dose. By this time the ascites had in-
creased enormously, and I proposed tapping, but as she would
not consent, I tapped her in another way. Under the use of
one ounce of Epsom salts in one ounce of water before each
meal, the acites soon disappeared.
Notwithstanding I failed so remove the dropsy with diure-
\
tin, I got a valuable pathogentetic symptom which will enable
us to cure a periodic headache of that peculiar character and
modality. *.
I determined when I tried this drug again to use it in smaller
doses. It was proposed in a Io per cent. trituration with su-
gar of milk. $
A case soon presented. A child six years of age had an
attack of catarrh, followed by suppuration of both ears, with
high temperature for a week when the mother called my at-
tention to the urine which was smoky and scanty, as after
scarlalina. There had been no eruption or sore throat, red
tongue or desgumation. On examination the urine was found
to contain blood, hyaline and granular casts and albumen. In
a few days general anasarca occurred and endocarditis ap-
peared, with feeble, irregular action and cyanotic paleness.
The urine decreased to scarcely two ounces a day. I pre-
scribed Io grains of the Io per cent. trituration in ten tea-
spoonsful of water; a spoonful every two hours. In twelve
- • i
358 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
-*
hours the urine voided was twelve ounces; the next twenty-
four hours it amounted to sixteen ounces. I then stopped the
drug and gave strophanthus; two drops every four hours,
which soon regulated and strengthened the heart. The urine
soon became normal in quality and quantity, and he is fairly
convalescent. .*.*
This case should teach us that we cannot always safely fol-
low the ipse dixit of those who introduce new drugs. They
are too likely to make assertions not warranted by experience.
They do not base their deductions on a sufficient number of
cases nor give a trial to smaller doses more frequently re-
peated.
The mysteries of drug action are not yet understood, but it.
is well known that very large doses often have a contrary ef-
fect to small and repeated doses. Witness the action of calo-
mel, which, according to many competent-observers, will, if a
large dose is given, absolutely arrest the excretion of bile,
while very small doses often administered is a potent cholo-
gogue. I am satisfied that the large doses of diuretin given
in the first-case actually decreased the already scanty urine,
while in the last case the small doses did all that an ideal di-
uretic is supposed to do.
THE EILEMENTS OF SURGICAL PATHOLOGY.
By J. G. GILCHRIST, A. M., M. D.
f IV.
HYPERAEMIA.
Closely associated with irritation and sympathy, are two
opposite states of the blood, having particular reference to
nutrition. They are hyperaemia and anaemia. Unlike irrita-
tion, however, each of them has a place in pathology, not
only as a precedent condition, but as essentially pathological
Aer se. Each of them, again, may be purely physiological,
and their phenomena be of daily, even hourly occurrance in
a perfectly healthy body.
A/ethora, from the Greek (“to be full”) is a term used to
indicate a state of general over-supply of blood. It may
refer to quantity or quality; in the greater number of instan-
The Elements of Surgical Pathology. 359
i
ces, probably, the blood is both increased in bulk, and richer
in formative elements than the needs of the body requires.
Hyperamia, also from the Greek (“over” or “above,” and
“blood”), is a word to describe a state of local excess of
blood, the territory limited. It is physiological when accom-
panying functional activity in a part, or repair of injuries, and
a study of this form will also give the general characters of
the condition. -
ea—"
Viewed as a purely temporary and accidental occurrance,
or as associated with purely mental emotions (as in the act of
blushing), the process is exceedingly simple, and has no path-
ological significance whatever. The same may be said of the
increased blood-supply to the stomach and digestive apparatus
during digestion. But when it results from injury, or from
morbid influences, one of two things is evident; either that
the state will pass over into inflammation, or the hyperaemia
will remain as a reparative process. In either case the
blood will undergo a notable change, and assume some char-
acteristics not present under other circumstances. When
inflammation results the characters are such as will be found
described in a later place; when repair alone is demanded,
and when the act is purely physiological, transient or acci-
dental, the conditions are as follows:
Experiments have shown that irritation of nerves governing
the circulation of the blood, as it is influenced by contrac-
tions of the vessels, varies with the point of irritation, i. e.
whether it is peripheral or central. The blood circulates in
the vessels through the combined agencies of the hearts con-
traction, the dilatation and contraction of the vessels them-
selves, the automatic action of the muscles lying in close re-
lation, and, to some extent, the action of gravity, in remote
localities. The dilatation of the muscles is due almost -
entirely to intra-vascular pressure from the blood forced in
by the hearts action, the muscular fibres having no power to
dilate the vessel other than by ceasing to contract or oppos-
ing the intra-vascular tension. The contraction of these fibres,
however, is under the control of the vaso-motor system,
which, I am of the opinion, has a partially inhibatory influence,
the direct stimulus to contraction ts probably the same as in
, 360 Morāhzwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
the case of the heart itself. I am aware that STRICKER, of
Vienna, holds a different doctrine, which will be found fully
elaborated in the Znternational Cyclopædia of Surgery, Vol. I.
He there attempts to show that there are two sets of vaso-
motors, one dilating and the other constricting. His argu-
ments are ingenious, but almost entirely unsupported by
demonstrable facts, being furthermore opposed, it seems to
me, to the usual if not uniform principles of vital mechanics,
if the term may be allowed. It is not shown that a vessel, or
any other tubular organ, has been observed to expand or
dilate independently of the introduction of interior tension or
pressure. Now a direct irritaticn of a part, as a prick with a
needle, or the application of a concentrated acid, will show a
momentary contraction of the vessels, at times so short in
duration that it may entirely escape detection. If the irrita-
tion is central, however, say at the ganglia or root of the
nerve that supplies the system of vessels under observation,
the immediate effect is dilatation. This difference is not
without significance.
The contraction of the vessels, in the first instance, is due
to a sudden, almost tetanic muscular effort, the subsidence of
which leaves the fibres exhausted or momentarily paralyzed.
In the second case, when the irritation is central, the vessels
are dilated from a suspension of nervous energy at its source,
the muscular fibres becoming relaxed from this cause. These
different states will require separate study.
A constriction, even momentary, in the course of the cur-
rent of the circulation, will not have the effect that narrowing
the channel of a river would have, which is to increase the
rapidity of the current; it retards, during its duration, the
whole current of the blood. This retardation is followed by
a corresponding quickening of the current upon the release
from the constriction, only to a certain extent, during which
time a greater quantity of blood passes through the part than
is usual, for a moment raising the temperature slightly, and
giving an increase of color in superficial parts. Now the
plasticity of the blood depends upon the relative amount of
albuminous element present, and the reparative ability of the
blood is directly in relation to the same consideration; an
The Elements of Surgical Pathology. 36 I
amount of blood compressed into a space ordinarily occupied
by half that quantity, will contain, as related to the tissues of
the part, double the amount of plastic material. This induces
a change in the character of the blood peculiarly fitting it for
reparative purposes. More than this: The dilatation being
of longer continuance than the period of contraction, the im-
pulse to the circulation is lost, at this point, from the inaction
of the muscular fibres and the larger amount of blood is
slower in passing threugh the dilated vessels than before the
contraction occurred.
This has still another significance. The territory affected
by this dilatation while furnishing ample accommodation for
the influx of the increased amount of blood, has no increased
facilities for letting it out. This works as an additional bar-
rier to the restoration of the equillibrium, and makes the
period of dilatation far exceed in duration that of contraction.
Furthermore all of these various interruptions greatly adds to
the plasticity of the blood, increasing as SIMON says, its
“fibriniferous character.”
What has been said may now be summarized as follows:
Local or peripheral irritation causes primary contraction and
secondary dilatation of the vessels involved. The dilatation
increases the plasticity of the blood. The increased plasticity
so alters the characters of the blood, that reparative material
is at once at hand to repair the damage done by the irritanti.
The continued action of the irritant, as in wounds, or the
frequent repitition, as in habitual pressure or friction, causes
such a lesion that the demand for repair induces what the
old pathologists called “adhesive inflammation,” but what is
now known to be a purely physiological process as given
above. ->
Supposing the irritation has been so great, or of such a
character, that the capillaries are torn, or, from intra-vascular
tension, are ruptured, and extravasation occurs into the sur-
rounding tissues, we have the same state of affairs intensified.
The coagulation of the effused blood forms a material or phys-
ical barrier to the continuances of the circulation. The con-
ditions are now favorable to inflammation, but whether it shall
be set up, or active repair, will depend upon other contingen-
cies to be studied in the future.
--
362 AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopaſhy.
- \
It may be noticed at this time, however, that there is a
condition in hyperaemia, particularly when attendant upon
processes of repair, that might lead careless students to sup-
pose there was some identity in the processes; this is the
appearance of white blood-corpuscles in the tissues of the
part. We will learn later that in the case of inflammation these
lymphoid bodies make their escape through the walls of the
vessels by vital processes apparently inherent. In the case
of traumatic hyperaemia the escape is made, as elements of
the blood, through the wounded vessel. One represents an
accident, the other a design, and are consequently not identical
etther in method, purpose, or significance.
This is a fair resume of the state of knowledge of hyperae -
mia where there is no pathological alteration in the blood, and
where the irritation is peripheral. Let us now enquire what
the differences are when the irritation is central, as in blush-
ing.
Central irritation is, as has been already remarked, pro-
duces primary dilation of the vessels under the influence of
the nerve or ganglia irritated. The condition is similar from
mental emotions with this difference, however, that the pri-
mary disturbance is in the heart, whilst, when other causes
prevail, the heart partakes secondarily. For instance, under
central irritation muscular action in the middle coat of the
vessels is suspended; it is not a localized condition, but ex-
tends throughout the whole system of vessels under observa-
tion. For the reason that it is general, the volume of blood
in the part is greatly increased, the suspension of contractility
resulting in a relatively slower egress than ingress. When this
is evanlescent a strong contraction at once comes on, empty-
ing the vessels as fast as they were filled. The sudden rush
of blood in these enlarged vessels to some considerable ex-
tent empties the sources of supply interior to them, automat-
ically causing a deep or hurried inspiration, having the effect
to cause an equally forcible cardiac contraction, which in-
stantly fills the partially depleted vessels, perhaps increasing
the tension. The tension being increased there is a stronger
reactionary contraction than usual, the effect on the vessels
being slightly anaemic; and this oscillation goes on until
The Elements of Surgical Pathology. 363
equillibrium is restored. Now in all these conditions there is
no change in the character of the blood, for the double rea-
son that there is no retardation in the velocity of the current,
and no lesion to repair. The process is purely one of irrita-
ºbility, a temporary exaltation of function.
Suppose the heart is primarily affected by mental emotions,
the first effect, in some instances, is an interruption of rhythm,
followed by a powerful and spasmodic contraction, forcing an
unusual amount of blood into the vessels, producing extraor-
dinary increase of tension. There is no special irritation of
the muscular fibres now, they do not necessarily partake in
the cardiac irritation, the vessels being dilated simply from
the suddenly increased quantity of blood thrown into them.
This sudden distension is followed by reactionary contraction,
and pallor succeeds the primary flushing of the surface. The
Áind of emotion, for reasons not understood, exercises a pecti-
liar influence as fear, joy, etc., the expression of which is well
known, and the explanation readily found in the foregoing
paragraphs.
There are circumstances where in lieu of irritation of a
nerve there is actual paralysis, as when a trunk is divided or
strongly compressed. The vessels now dilate as when from
irritation, but it is permanent; the blood circulating in the part
only by the impulse derived from the heart, the action of
gravitation and the slight pressure of surrounding muscles; the
contractility of the vessels is lost. If the current happens to
be ascending, as in the cranial region, gravitation is not only
lost as a factor in the circulation, but is turned into an op-
posing element. Under these circumstances stasis of the
blood is imminent, a point has bean reached where hyperae-
mia almost inevitably passes over into inflammation, and our
studies in this direction have reached their limit.
We are now prepared to understand that the prodroma of
morbid states are not necessarily morbid in themselves; they
are simple functional excitements which may cross the line
and become organic lesions, or subside, leaving no trace be-
hind them. Thus the irritant, tangible or intangible, material
or emotional “frets,” or excite the part under its influence;
the continuity, contiguity and nervous relation with other
364 AVorthwestern /ournal of Homeopathy.
parts, near or remote, induces a sympathy in the purturbed
function; the combined effect of irritation and sympathy in-
duces more or less hyperaemia, or vascular excitement and
other conditions now determine the result.
What has been written, however, of these fundamental pro-
droma of pathological states, must not be considered as the
sum total of the knowledge of the day, or even as more than a
simple preface to an immense field for study. The topic is of
as much interest to the physician as the surgeon, and must en-
ter more or less into all his conceptions of etiology. It is im-
possible for the student of surgery to shun this enquiry, as it
includes the elements of the science of his calling.
THERAPEUTICs:–The greater number Öf cases of hyperaemia
being purely physiological in character, there is nothing of a
therapeutic nature to be considered. When, however, the
danger line is approached, either from long continuance, too
frequent repetition, or unusual energy of the excitement, treat-
ment is demanded. Considering hyperaemia of this character
to be secondary upon irritation, a comite must stand at the head
of remedial agents. In the absence of particular indications
to the contrary, this remedy can always be given as long as
the case is one of pure hyperaemia. Should it pass over into
some pathological condition, the indications for remedies will
be a matter for future consideration. The condition being
one of plethora, however, belladonna would outrank aconite in
the majority of instances. There are instances, however, of
plethora being due to definite causes, as errors in diet and the
like, in which some other remedy would have a closer relation;
these are not only pathological, but non-surgical, having no
relation to the present discussion.
- The Chicago Homeopathic Medical College has inaugura-
ted a special course for practitioners, commencing Monday,
March 30th, and continuing two weeks. The course will be
strictly clinical, and in which the entire faculty of the college
will take part. The entire range of subjects in which a prac-
titioner will be interested will be presented, including orifi-
cial surgery, gynaecology, operative surgery, diseases of eye
and ear, etc. Further particulars may be learned by address-
ing the Secretary, Dr. Kippax, 3154 Indiana av., Chicago.
The Northwestern Journal
OF HOMEOPATHY.
All communications for publication, books for review, etc., should be addressed
to the editor, A. C. Cowperthwaite, M. D., Iowa City, Iowa.
Business communications should be addressed to the business manager, F. J.
Newberry, M. D., at the office of publication, 12 N. Clinton St., Iowa City, Iowa.
The Editor is not responsible for any statements or opinions expressed by con-
tributors.
THE STATE SOCIETY MEETING.S.
Only a few weeks more and the time will have arrived in .
most states for the annual state society meeting. In all pro-
bability the experience of the past will be repeated. About
ten per cent. or less of the physicians will be in attendance.
They will represent the wide-awake, aggressive element, those
who uphold the principles of homeopathy and make it a
power in the land, those without whom homeopathy would
have been dead long ago, strangled by oppressive legislative
enactments. The homeopathic school is now in the midst of
a great battle. The truth of its doctrines are generally ad-
mitted, and it is now the popular system of practice in
all intelligent and refined communities. The battle for this
Supremacy has been fought and won, but a battle is now rag-
ing from Maine to California, in which the homeopathic
School is being forced to defend its existence and rights.
The enemy is not conducting an honorable warfare, for they
well know that this would insure their immediate defeat, but
they are resorting to tricks, subterfuges and deceit, which re-
quire great Sagacity, prudence, alertness and a well organized
defense upon the part of the homeopathic school. This or-
ganized defense can only be effectively carried on through
our various state societies. Were it not for the power we
possess through these state organizations it would soon be-
come a very difficult if not an impossible thing to practice
homeopathy in this country. Every homeopathic physician
should realize this truth and lend their aid to the cause by be-
coming an active member of the state society.
366 Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
CORRESPONDENCE.
THE INTERNATIONAL Hom(CEOPATHIC CONGRESS.
AEditor of the AW. W. Journal of Homeopathy:
The American Institute’s Committe on the International
Homeopathic Congress is endeavoring to give direction and
character to the essays and discussions of the congress, and
to this object more time and energy have been devoted than
to any other part of the committee’s labors. It would seem
that as the themes and discussions of a national medical as-
sociation naturally take a broader scope than those of a local
society, so the work of an international congress should be
more comprehensive and far-reaching than even that of a na-
tional convention. This committee is, therefore, seeking to
bring before the approaching congress some of the highest
and broadest questions that confront our profession in all its
departments. It is important that the congress should dis-
cuss, for instance, some of the broad and imperative issues of
modern surgery, rather than the technical details of some
minor or major operation; the influence of the law of cure in
a whole realm of maladies, rather than the indications for this
or that remedy in some particular disease; the construction
and promulgation of a Materia Medica, rather than the symp-
toms of an individual drug. To this end the committee has
labored, and thus far with most flattering prospects of brilliant
success. Papers bearing these classes of subjects are in
course of preparation by physicians selected from among
those best qualified for the work, and others, equally distin-
guished in the various departments, have consented to take
leading parts in the discussion of these papers.
In order to correct a misapprehension, it may be stated that
the object of the committee is to serve the congress, not to
control it. Undoubtedly the congress will adopt and enforce
rules of its own, those governing the reception and discussion
of essays included. This committee does not deem itself au-
thorized to reject any paper that may be offered on any med-
ical or surgical subject whatsoever. It aims to include pa-
pers of a certain character, but not to exclude anything. All
essays, whether prepared at the instance of the committee, or
as voluntary contributions, must be passed upon by the con-
Correspondence. - 367
gress or its delegated authority; but the committee will prob-
ably recommend and urge that such of the essays as are more
or less in harmony with the above mentioned views, shall take
precedence of others, and it is quite likely that these will oc-
cupy nearly all the available time of the session.
Notice is hereby given that to insure the publication of the
title of any paper in the “Annual Circular and Programme,”
said title must be in the hands of the undersigned on or be-
fore April 5th, and the paper itself should be sent as soon
thereafter as practicable, to the chairman of the committee,
Dr. T. Y. Kinne, of Patterson, N.J., in order that provision
may be made for its discussion.
PEMBERTON DUDLEY, M. D.,
Sec'y of the Committee and General Secretary of the A. I. H.
Cor. 15th & Master streets, Philadelphia, Penn.
CLINICAL RESULTS IN IOW A CITY.
Aditor Journal.
The college year just closed shows the following results in
clinical work: -
Surgical clinic cases, 59; operations, 42; medical clinic-—
cases, 32; eye and ear clinic—cases, 56; obstetrical cases, 2;
total cases, 149. . . . "
The results are: -
Cured, 69; relieved, 34; unrelieved, 7; died, o, under treat-
ment, 39; total, I49. .
The surgical cases included two laprotomies; 3 amputa-
tions of thigh; extirpation of 9 tumors; 5 herniotomies; 5 se-
questrptomies; I excision of nearly the whole tibia, and many
others equally interesting. *—s - T
The support of the profession has been generous, and is in-
creasing year by year. Surely the clinical record of the pres-
ent year is as good as could be asked, and the fact of personal
contact with each case presented is one highly appreciated
by our students. ,
J. G. GILCHRIST,
Secretary of the Hospital.
368 Northwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
THE NECESSARY PEROXIDE OF HYDRO GEN.
[Read in the Section of Surgery and Anatomy, at the Forty-first Annual Meeting of
the American Medical Association, held at Nashville, Tenn., May, 1890.]
BY ROBERT T. MORRIS, M. D., OF NEW YORK. –
[Published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, Chicago, August 9th,
1890, page 216.]
Stop suppuration! That is the duty that is imposed upon
us when we fail to prevent suppuration.
As the ferret hunts the rat, so does Peroxide of Hydrogen fol-
low pus to its narrowest hiding place, and the pyogenic and
the other micro-organisms are as dead as the rat that the fer-
ret catches when the Peroxide is through with them. Peroxide
of Hydrogen, H2O2, in the strong 15 volume solution, is al-
most as harmless as water; and yet, according to the testi-
mony of Gifford, it kills anthrax spores in a few minutes.
For preventing suppuration we have bichloride of mercury,
hydronaphtol, carbolic acid, and many other antiseptics; but
for stopping it abruptly, and for sterilizing a Suppurating
wound, we have only one antiseptic that is generally efficient,
so far as I know, and that is the strong Peroxide of Hydro-
gen.
Therefore I have qualified it, not as “good,” not as “useful,”
but as “necessary.” In aboess of the brain, where we could
not thoroughly wash the pus out of tortuous canals without
injuring the tissues, the H2 Oz injected at a superficial point
will follow the pus, and throw it out, too, in a foaming mix-
ture. It is best to inject a small quantity, wait until foaming
ceases, and repeat injections until the last one fails to bubble.
Then we know that the pus cavity is chemically clean, as far
as live microbes are concerned.
... In appendicitis, we can open the abcess, inject Peroxide of
Hydrogen, and so thoroughly sterilizing the pus cavity that
we need. -lot fear infection of the general peritoneal cavity, if
we wish to separate intestinal adhesions and remove the ap-
pendix vermiformis. Many a patient, who is now dead, could
have been saved if Peroxide of Hydrogen had been used when
he had appendicitis.
The single means at our disposal allows us to open the most
extensive abcess psoas without dread of septic infection fol-
lowing.
In some cases of purulent conjunctivitis, we can build a lit-
tle wall of wax about the eye, destroy all pus with Peroxide of
Hydrogen, and cut the Suppuration short. Give the patient
ether, if the H2 O2 causes too much smarting. It is only in
the eye, in the nose and in the urethra that Peroxide of Hy-
drogen will need to be preceded by cocaine (or ether) for the
purpose of quieting the Smarting, for it is elsewhere almost as
- bland as water,
The Necessary Peroxide of Hydrogen. 369
It is possible to open a large abcess of the breast, wash it
out with H2O2, and have recovery ensue under one antisep-
ticdressing, without the formation of another drop of pus.
Where cellular tissues are breaking down, and in old sin-
uses, we are obliged to make repeated applications of the
H2 O2 for many days, and in such cases I usually follow it
with balsam of Peru, for balsam of Peru, either in fluid form
or used with sterilized Oakum, is a most prompt encourager
of granulation.
If we apply H2 Oz on a probang to diphtheritic membrames
at intervals of a few moments, they swell up like whipped
cream and come away easily, leaving a clean surface. The
fluid can be snuffed up into the nose and will render a foetid
ozoena odorless. tº
It is unnecessary for me to speak of further indications for
its use, because wherever there is pus we should use Peroxide
of Hydrogen. We are all familiar with the old law “ Ubi pus,
iói evacua,” and I would change it to read “Obi ſus, ibi, eva-
cua, iói hydrogenum peroxidum infunde.” That is the rule.
The exceptions which prove the rule are easily appreciated
when we have them to deal with.
Peroxide of Hydrogen is an unstable compound, and be-
comes weaker as oxygen is given off, but Marchand’s 15-vol-
ume solution will retain active germicidal power for many
months if kept tightly corked in a cold place. The price of
this manufacturer's preparation is about 75 cents per pound,
and it can be obtained from any large drug house in this
country. When using the H2 O2 it should not be allowed to
come into contact with metals if we wish to preserve its
strength, as oxygen is then given off too rapidly.
H2 Oz must be used with caution about the hair, if the color
of the hair is a matter of importance to the patient; for this
drug, under an alias, is the golden hair bleach of the nymph’s
despare, and a dark-haired man with a canary-colored mous-
tache is a stirring object.
Dr. George Norton died at his residence, 154 West Thirty-
fourth street, January 31st, at the age of forty years. Dr. Nor-
ton graduated at the New York Homeopathic College in 1872,
and almost immediately devoted himseif to the specialty of
diseases of the eye and ear. At the time of Dr. Norton's
death he was senior surgeon of the New York Ophthalmic
Hospital, professor of ophthalmology in the homoepathic col-
lege and editor of the /ournal of Ożhthalmalogy and Otology.
Dr. F. F. Cassedy has removed from Kansas City, Mo., to
Minneapolis, Minn., and taken the Medical Argus with him.
37ó Morthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
BOOK REVIEWS.
A PRACTICAL MANUAL OF GYNAECoLOGY, G. R. Southwick, M.
E., assistant professor of obstetrics in the Boston Univer-
sity school of medicine; L. M. Rotunda hospital, Dublin.
Boston: Oatis Clapp & Son, 1891. Illustrated.
While it does not so say upon the title page, yet this is a
second edition of this book, the first appearing some two
years ago. We notice a number of alterations in the text and
some very important additions, notably the respective chap-
ters on massage in gynecology and electricity in gynecology,
both of which are of great practical value. The book through-
out shows very careful study and research. Each subject is
well handled, and the therapeutics are full and complete. Dr.
Southwick is one of our rising gynecologists, and his book
shows him to possess practical knowledge and ability in his
specialty far above the average. The book is fully illustrated,
and its physical execution excellent.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK FOR THE YEAR 1890, Vol. xxv. Edited
by the secretary: John L. Moffat, M. D.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH SESSION OF THE HOMOE-
OPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA,
held at Philadelphia, September 17–19, 1890.
These volumes, like their predecessors, are a welcome ad-
dition to our literature. They represent the two oldest, larg-
est and most enthusiastic state organizations within the hom-
oepathic school. In each of them the essays and discussions
are of an exceptionally high order, and reflect credit upon the
profession of the Empire and Keystone states.
BCENNINGHAUSEN’s-THERAPEUTIC POCKET BOOK for homeo-
pathic physicians to use at the bedside and in the study of
the Materia Medica. A new American edition by Dr.
Timothy Field Allen. Philadelphia: The Hahnemann Pub-
lishing House, 1891. Price $4.oo.
To the older members of the profession “Boenninghausen”
is a familiar name, but in these later days the name is seldom
spoken, and but few of the younger members know to whom
it refers. Dr. Allen deserves the thanks of all conscienti-
ous homeopathic physicians in giving to us a new and revised
edition of this, the very best of all repertories. In those good
old days when a homeopathic physician was known by his be-
ing a homeopathist and by the superior results of his practice,
Boenninghausen’s Therapeutic Pocket Book was his constant
companion, and often studied at the bedside as well
as in the office. Now-a-days this is not the case—a homeo-
AVezes and Możes. 3.71
pathic physician would be ashamed to study his repertory at
the bedside, if indeed he were not ashamed to study it at all.
Deluded by the seductive promises of science, falsely so-
called, he is being led away from the simplicity, purity and
perfectness of true homeopathic therapeutics, and it often be-
comes difficult to distinguish the difference between the
method and results of his practice and that of an allopath.
Let us hope that this is an opportune time to bring out a new
edition of “Boenninghausen,” and that it may in a measure
aid in restoring a tendency to study our cases and prescribe
according to the totality of the symptoms. Dr. Allen has
added new remedies “to bring the book up to the present
time.' These additions really represent the advance of hom-
eopathy since Hahnemann’s period. The additions surpass
in number the remedies contained in the original. Many,
indeed, are not excelled in importance by any of the older
ones. In making these additions, clinical experience has been
consulted freely, and symptomatologies have been scrutinized
by the light of this experience.”
The book contains nearly five hundred pages, bering printed
on fine paper, and is handsomely bound in flexible morocco.
NEWS AND NOTES.
The Hahnemann Medical Association of Iowa willl meet in
Des Moines May 12 and 13, 1891.
We are pained to learn of the very serious illness of our old
friend Dr. D. S. Smith, of Chicago.
The Nebraska State Homeopathic Medical Society will
meet in Omaha, June 3, 4 and 5, 1891. -
The third annual commencement of the Kansas City homeo-
pathic medical college occurred Friday, March 13.
Dr. J. H. Drake has removed from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, to
Sioux City, Iowa, where he has opened a sanitarium.
The fifteenth annual session of the Missouri Institute of
Homeopathy will be held at Kansas City, April 21, 22 and 23,
189 I.
W. F. Burg, M. D., formerly of Burlington, Iowa, is located
in Denver, Col., having formed a partnership with Dr. N. G.
Burnham.
The thirty-second annual commencement exercises of the
homeopathic medical college of Missouri were held Thursday,
March 12, 1891.
372 Worthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
Dr. A. B. Norton, brother of the late Geo. T. Norton, and
associated with him in business for the past ten years, has
succeeded to his practice.
Dr. J. B. S. King, of Chicago, the well-known and popular
humorist, is now associate editor of the Medica/ Advance, a
valuable addition to that journal.
G. S. Muirhead, M. D., (S. U. I '91), has located at Marion,
Iowa, and taken the practice of Dr. W. A. Hubbard, who goes
to Cedar Rapids for the purpose of engaging in his specialty
—orificial surgery.
By a codicil to the will of the late Mrs. Fogg; dated Decem-
ber 21, 1890, the New York Homeopathic Medical College
and Hospital is one of nine institutions sharing equally the
sum of $100,ooo.
The sum of $5,000 has been given the Rochester (N. Y.)
Homeopathic Hospital by Mrs. Arthur C. Smith and Mrs.
Henry H. Perkins, in memory of the donors' mother, Mrs.
Atkinson. Would that a similar gift might be made to our
needy Iowa hospital.
The profession in Baltimore are wide awake. They now
have a college and well equipped hospital, and in the interest
of these have commenced the publication of a monthly jour-
nal known as “7%e Homeopaž/lic Advocate and Health /our-
ma/.” The initial number is very creditable.
The annual reunion and banquet of the Hahnemann Medi-
cal College, of Philadelphia, will occur Tuesday, April 7th,
189 t. The occasion will be one of special interest as it will
celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the graduation of the
President of the association, Dr. J. P. Dake, of Nashville,
Tenn.
Miss Gertrude M. Brundage, of Patchogue, L. I., and T. E.
Dickinson, of Dubuque, Ia., the former a freshman in the
medical department and the latter a junior in the homeo-
pathic school, were drowned Wednesday night, December 24,
1890, while skating on the Huron river about two miles from
the city.
The first announcement of the post-graduate course of the
Cleveland homoepathic hospital college has been issued in att
tractive form. The course opens March 31, and will consis-
of instrumental obstetrics, gynaecological and practical sur-
gery, ophthalmology and otology, physical diagnosis, prac-
tical medicine, materia medica and Organon, nose and throat,
urinalysis, and orificial Surgery.
~,
AWezes and AVožes. 373
The thirty-first annual commencement exercises of the Hah-
nemann medical college and hospital of Chicago, were held
in the Grand opera house, at 2 p. m., of Thursday, March
19th, and the annual banquet on the evening of the same day,
in the banquet hall of the Auditorium building. The annual
meeting of the alumni association, occurred Wednesday even-
ſing, March 18th. Ninety-six graduates received their diplo-
Iſla S. *~.
The Board of Regents of the State University of Iowa at
their recent meeting made some important changes in the
titles of most of the chairs in the homeopathic department.
This was done entirely at the earnest request of the dean,
who wished to be relieved of the duties of the chair of diseases
of women in order to devote his time and energies exclusively
to materia medica and therapeutics. Surgical gynecology
was added to the chair of surgery, while the medical diseases
of women were added to that of obstetrics where they pro-
perly belong. The lectures on diseases of children will be
given by Prof. Newberry. The faculty now stands as fol-
lows:
A. C. Cowperthwaite, M. D., professor materia medica and
therapeutics; W. H. Dickinson, M. D., professor theory and
practice and clinical medicine; J. G. Gilchrist, M. D., professor
surgery and surgical gynecology; C. H. Cogswell, M. D., pro-
fessor obstetrics and diseases of women; F. J. Newberry, M.
D., lecturer on opthalmology, otology and paedology.
The fourteenth annual commencement of the homeopathic
medical department of the State University of Iowa was held
March Io, 1891. The annual address was delivered by Rev.
Horace W. Tilden of Des Moines. His subject was: “The
value of the professional spirit in human life,” which he dis-
cussed, in an eminently thoughtful and scholarly manner, hold-
ing the close attention of the vast audience from the first word
to the last. The degree of doctor of medicine was conferred
by President Schaeffer upon the following persons:
Miriam A. Blakeslee, Topeka, Kansas; Charles A. Brown,
Waterloo, Iowa; Alice B. Cline, M. D., Kansas City, Missouri;
George S. Coon, Osage, Iowa; C. C. DeMarsh, Fairfield, Iowa;
Wm. Goldsworthy, Boulder, Col.; Lelia O. Goldsworthy, Boul-
der, Col., George W. Hardesty, Lincoln, Neb.; F. D. Humph-
rey, Iowa City, Iowa; Edgar C. Lewis, Lincoln, Neb.; Bart
• McKee, Hobbieville, Ind.; George S. Muirhead, Traer, Iowa;
Charles L. Paisley, Burlington, Iowa; Myron Phelps, Council
Bluffs, Iowa; A. V. Swetland, Atlantic, Iowa; A. H. Swinburne,
Humboldt, Iowa; Mary Whiting, Iowa City, Iowa.
This constitutes the largest class ever graduated by this col-
374 *. AVorthwestern Journal of Homeopathy.
lege, which, in all respects, is closing the most successful and
satisfactory year of its existence. The new hospital has af.
forded clinical advantages never before realized, and this has
had much to do in bringing about the general prosperity of
the department. A number of alumni and physicians from
various parts of the state manifested their interest in the col-
lege by being present at the commencement exercises.
The Wisconsin legislature has recently passed an act creat-
ing three boards of medical examiners, representing the Wis.
consin State Medical Society, the Homeopathic Medical-
Society, and the Eclectic Medical Society of the State respect-
ively. Each board is to consist of three members who shall
serve for three years, their terms being so arranged that one
shall be retired each year, his place being filled by the appoint-
ment by the governor of a new member from a list of candi-
dates submitted by the respective societies. These boards
shall hold meetings for the examination of candidates on the
second Tuesday of July, October, January and April. The
several boards must submit to the supervisor of medical ex-
aminations, who cannot be a practicing physician, lists of
questions for examination in the usual branches, and from
these lists the supervisor will select at random the questions
for each examination, and present the same to the candidates.
Each candidate must present to all three of the boards satis-
factory evidence of good, moral character, that he is more
than twenty-one years of age, that he has obtained a compe-
tent common-school education, that he has studied medicine
three years, including two years in some legally incorporated
medical school, and that he holds a legitimate diploma con-
fering the full rights to practice all branches of medicine and
surgery in some foreign country. Each member of these
several boards shall receive a compensation of ten dollars a
day for each day actually spent in the performance of his
duties as examiner, and in addition shall be paid for legiti-
mate expenses. The secretary of each board shall receive
the additional sum of three dollars for each and every candi-
date examined. The Supervisor of medical examinations,
who shall not be a practicing physician, is to be appointed by
the governor, and will hold office until his successor shall be
appointed. He is to receive one dollar for each license to
practice medicine granted by the boards. No one, not pre-
viously entitled to practice medicine under the existing laws
of the state, will be permitted to practice after the first day of
July, 1891, unless he has received a license from one of the
legally constituted board of medical examiners. Any candi-
date who fails at one examination will be allowed to appear
before the board again after an interval of six months.
*.
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