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·
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A
CYCLOPÆDIA
OF
DRUG PATHOGENESY.
A
CYCLOPÆDIA
OF
DRUG PATHOGENESY.
ISSUED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF
THE BRITISH HOMEOPATHIC SOCIETY AND THE
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMEOPATHY.
EDITED BY
58883

RICHARD HUGHES, M.D. |
J. P. DAKE, M.D.
WITH THE AID OF THE FOLLOWING CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE:
Great Britain.
J. DRYSDALE, M.D.
R. E. DUDGEON, M.D.
A. C. POPE, m.d.
VOL. III.
United States.
CONRAD WESSELHOEFT, M.D.
H. R. ARNdt, M.D.
A. C. COWPERTHWAITE, M.D.
BY
Iodoformum-Sabadilla.
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE BRITISH HOMOEOPATHIC SOCIETY
UBLISHED
E. GOULD & SON,
HOMOEOPATHIC CHEMISTS AND PUBLISHERS,
59, MOORGATE STREET, CITY, E.C.
NEW YORK:
BOERICKE AND TAFEL,
145, GRAND STREET.
1890.
PRINTED BY ADLARD AND SON, BARTHOLOMEW CLOSE.
PREFACE
Iodoformum .
Ipecacuanha
Iris
Jaborandi
·
Pilocarpinum
Juglans cinerea
regia
Kali carbonicum
chloricum.
manganicum
nitricum
Kalmia
Kreosotum
Lachesis
Lactuca
Lappa
Lathyrus
Ledum
Leptandra
Lilium tigrinum
Lithium
Lobelia
•
Lycopodium.
Lycopus
Magnesia carbonica
muriatica .
-sulphurica
Manganum
Melilotus
Menyanthes.
Mercurius
corrosivus.
cyanatus
iodatus
biniodatus
- præcipitatus ruber
•
•
•
CONTENTS.
•
•
А
•
•
•
PAGE
vii
I
IO
18
26
•
•
·
•
•
•
•
•
34
38
40
45
>>
55
57
69
73
86
108
114
115
119
127
130
139
14I
155
181
191
>>
154
196
200
ر,
201
236
260
266
273
278
Mercurius sulphuratus.
Mezereum
Millefolium
Moschus
Murex
Myrica
Naja
Natrum carbonicum
chloratum
muriaticum
nitricum
sulphuricum
Nux moschata
Nux vomica .
•
Strychninum
Enanthe
Oleander
Opium
Morphinum
Apomorphinum
Codeinum
Other Opium alkaloids
Origanum
Osmium
Pæonia
Palladium
Paris
Petroleum
Phellandrium
Phosphorus
•
Phosphorus hydrogenatus
Physostigma.
Phytolacca
Plantago
Platinum
Plumbum
Podophyllum
•
·
·
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
PAGE
281
•
·
·
•
293
310
313
320
322
328
342
343
344
396
402
411
428
439
455
458
459
498
525
528
531
532
533
540
543
545
550
552
553
605
606
625
634
640
642
679
vi
CONTENTS.
Prunus
Pulsatilla
Ranunculus acris
bulbosus
sceleratus
Rheum
Acidum chrysophanicum
Rhododendron
•
•
•
PAGE
685
689
699
700
704
708
709
710
Rhus glabra.
radicans
toxicodendron
G
―
venenata
Rumex
Ruta
Sabadilla
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
PAGE
719
720
""
725
738
747
751
PREFACE.
WITH this third volume we begin to see the end of our task. As
far as we can estimate, vol. iv will not only complete our alphabetical
series of drugs, but will leave space for the Index. How this shall be
framed is a subject closely occupying our thoughts; and we invite
regarding it the suggestions of our colleagues.
There is another matter also in which we should be glad of assist-
We have given no Appendix in the present volume, that all the
supplementary material we have in hand may appear in one collection
at the close of the main body of the pathogeneses. To aid us in making
this complete, we should be very thankful for any references across
which our colleagues may have come in their reading,-still more for
actual observations, in print or manuscript, which we can incorporate
with our own store.
ance.
In sending out the present volume, we have again to acknowledge
with gratitude the aid we have received, both from those already named
as our fellow-workers, and from fresh recruits-among whom we may
specially mention Dr. Clifton, of Northampton, and Dr. E. A. Neatby,
of London.
For the Austrian re-proving of Natrum muriaticum, Dr. Galloway
has kindly allowed us to make use of his translation, prepared many
years ago for the Hahnemann Publishing Society, but never printed.
We are indebted to Dr. Huber's collection for much of what
is found under Mercury and its preparations; to Dr. Sorge's prize
essay on Phosphorus for several of the sections on that drug; and to
Dr. Black's contributions to the Materia Medica, Physiological and
Applied, for a number of observations relative to Nux vomica and
Plumbum.
APRIL, 1890.
THE EDITORS.
T
!
A
CYCLOPÆDIA
OF
DRUG PATHOGENESY.
IODOFORMUM.
Ter-iodide of formyl, CHI3.
I. Provings.—1. a. Dr. UNDERWOOD, Jan. 23rd, 1871, expe-
rienced following symptoms while triturating drug up to 3rd potency:
Feeling of warmth in abdomen and rectum, with slight nausea and
desire for stool (on four occasions); neuralgic pains in forehead (sharp,
worse on stooping), in temples, also sharp, extending to behind ears,
and in 1. knee; dull pains in forehead; aching in decayed teeth
(coming and going quickly); dryness of throat, with rawness on swal-
lowing; rheumatic pain in r. arm, worse when using it; pain along
course of 1. crural nerve; stitch pain on r. side of throat and in r. ear;
flatulent colic; easy perspiration on motion; pain in back, along
spine; dryness and stinging of lips; fine sharp pains all over; pain in
1. elbow and along 1. median nerve, with stitches in 1. shoulder; dryness
of throat, with bitter taste; pain in nerves of 1. hand, worse on
touching, and in 1, chest ; rumbling in bowels; nausea; toothache in
sound teeth; sore pain in r. inguinal region; cough from dryness of
throat. Next m., pain in 1. arm as if bruised, worse when touched.
4. Same, June 13th, took 1 gr. of 2nd trit at 10 a.m. Sense of
stiffness in zygomatic muscles, with slight pain, increased by motion
and bending forward; dull pain in malar bones; sharp pain in upper
teeth; stitches in temples (pain seems to sharply define course of
nerves); weakness of knees on going upstairs; desire as for liquid
stool. At noon repeated dose. Neuralgic pains in various parts of
body, worse from thinking of them; continued pains in lumbar region,
with weakness when straining; weakness and pain in knees, worse
when standing; rheumatic pains in both gastrocnemii and in flexors of
VOL. III.
I
1
2
IODOFORMUM.
legs; stitching pains in head and 1. ear; pain along r. side of dorsal
vertebræ; urine very yellow; stitch in r. instep and head, and in r.
chest through to lower angle of scapula; sharp pain in 1. hand and r.
inguinal region; pain in inside of knees; flatulent colic and cutting
pain in bowels; rheumatic pain in r. arm. During siesta, confused
dreams of accident, &c.; better after sleep; cutting pain in 1. ankle
when walking in open air; pains renewed when riding in cars, and
again in bed, then also cough and wheezing from mucus in throat;
restless sleep, tossing, turning, full of dreams; headache on waking,
pain in eyes, which are bloodshot, objects appear tesselated red (this
disappeared after rising); violent itching of occiput. Took I dr. of
3rd dil. Sharp cutting in r. inguinal region, with desire for stool;
sharp pain in nerves of 1. arm and back; confusion in head, with
slight nausea, feeling of faintness, drawing and pressing in malar bones,
perspiration on head; dull pain in forehead, with shooting in r. ear,
worse on descending stairs; wakefulness, jerks and shocks in nerves
when trying to sleep; unusual susceptibility to heat of weather.
(Trans. of N. Y. State Hom. Med. Soc., ix, 237.)
2. J. H—, æt. 24, proved 2x and 3x dils. Took first (1 dr.) at II
a.m. From time of taking it till e., sensation as of smelling fumes of
iodine, though none had been about him. In 2 h., dull aching,
increasing to heavy pain as from strong pressure, in r. lower maxillary
bone, lasting 20 m.; then same sensation in both temples.
In 4 h.
severe aching in 1. humerus; muscles around bone felt as if severely
bruised. In 4 h. dull sore pain in apex of r. lung; on breathing,
lung felt as if two ulcerated surfaces were in contact. Took I dr. of
3x at 5 p.m. In 3 h. heavy feeling in head and dull aching at vertex.
At n. slept soundly till 1.30 a.m., then woke suddenly, and felt as
though he were smothering; room felt too close, though freely venti-
lated; head very heavy, so that he could not lift it from pillow; 1. arm
pained severely, also 1. leg, particularly at lower half of tibia and
fibula, extending into foot. This became less inh; then sensation
as if something heavy were resting on chest, preventing its free expan-
sion, lasting h., gradually becoming less intense, and as it did so
appearing to diffuse itself in extremities again; herewith also pain in 1.
breast, very severe, at first as if a deep ulcer had formed there, then
like hand grasping base of heart; pulse 88. Restless and unable to
sleep any more till 4.30, then slept about 1 h., and later heavily, so
that on waking he could hardly get roused. In m. head still felt heavy,
aching now and then; pain seemed in bones of skull and mainly on 1.
side; r. eye sore and as if bruised. Metallic taste in mouth for most
of d., teeth feel sore and as if too long; aching in 1. breast at times,
but less severe than last n.; 1. arm and leg pain as if bruised, and as
pain increases muscles feel as if ulcerated. Took another dose at II a.m.;
after 2 h., very drowsy, and remained so for 2 h.; after 9 h. both lungs
feel as if a heavy cold had been taken and had settled there,—soreness
lasting 2 d. after this. For 3 d., flying neuralgic pains at times.
(J. W. HAINES, M.D., Ohio Med. and Surg. Rep., x, 175.)
II. Poisonings.-1. FRANZESKA B-, æt. 26, prostitute, entered
hospital 1876; she is of medium size, well built, but greatly reduced
IODOFORMUM.
3
1
in her nutrition. Physical examination shows no abnormity in heart,
lungs, or abdomen. Between and above the frontal eminences an ulcer
denuding the pericranium. Suppurating gummata on both sides of the
clavicles and on the humerus. On the right clavicle a necrotic bone
protrudes. Large suppurating gummata on the tibia. Prescription:
four iodoform pills twice daily (every pill o'i grm.) and ungu. iodoform.
The result was very satisfactory; she took the pills regularly with the
exception of a few d. when they were omitted on account of gastric
troubles, so that after having taken 278 pills (27.8 grm.) the dose was
reduced to six pills daily. By the close of March all the gummata
were healed with the exception of the large one on the forehead, this
necessitating a continuance of the iodoform. Suddenly on April 9th
(since entering the hospital she had taken 42 grm. iodoform in 80 d.),
after a hot bath she felt very dizzy and weak in the legs, and felt
unable to knit, as diplopia had set in. This lasted 23 d.; a clysma of
vinegar and water brought no amelioration; the pills were left off.
She then began to vomit, followed by deep sleep, from which she can
be roused only with difficulty to take her meals or to answer the phy-
sician; all appetite gone. This again lasted 2 d. On afternoon of
2nd d. transient state of irritation interrupted the somnolence. She
screams out, leaves her bed, but falls down after walking a few steps,
talks nonsense unconnectedly, is unable to hold anything, and sees
everything double, a state which already Rhigini designated as ebrietas
iodi. After a few h. she becomes more quiet and returns to her
somnolence. In 2 d. these paroxysms had reached their acme; the
patient complained through the whole night of headache, vertigo when
sitting up in bed. The talkativeness steadily increased, and fear of
death with anguish was very pronounced. She holds fast to any person
near her bed, and bemoans her approaching death. Her body is in
constant spasmodic motion; twitching of facial muscles, deep inspira-
tions alternating with apnoea; towards evening patient is more quiet
and conscious, but in n. is restless and sleepless, complaining of head-
ache. Next m. she felt decidedly better, only weak, and diplopia was
still present. The functions of the other senses were normal, and the
pupils reacted normally. There is not a paralytic symptom, only
every movement is made slowly and without energy. When she
closes her eyes she cannot stand straight, but oscillates, nor can she
walk well. Thus she remained from the 9th to the 15th, when a
second attack set in with vertigo, vomiting, severe headache, and
exquisite diplopia; but this paroxysm lasted only 1 d., and by the 21st she
could walk alone, and had a good appetite. (ОBERLAENDER, Deutsch.
Z. f. pr. Med., 1878.)
2. A woman of nearly 70 suffered for several years from syphilitic
ulcers of the fauces with a considerably extensive necrosis of the hard
palate. After entering the hospital pil. iodoform 4 twice a day and
pencilling the necrotic parts with tinct. cantharidum (Dieffenbach)
were ordered June 6th. On 14th, after having taken 5 grm. iodo-
form, the first symptoms of somnolence showed themselves. She does
not know what she talks, walks with difficulty, like a person drunk.
The preceding n, was sleepless, with excruciating pains in whole cir-
4
IODOFORMUM.
cumference of the skull. 16th.-Perfect coma, patient sleeps quietly
in bed, arms when raised up fall back in a relaxed condition, eyelids
hardly offer any resistance to finger. She reacts promptly to cutaneous
irritation, trying to ward it off. With great exertion is she roused at
the hour of meals, and swallows mechanically the fluid nourishment.
poured in her mouth; pulse 80, respiration 20; stools regular, some
incontinentia urinæ, the urine showing slight iodine reaction. During
n. she is more restless, delirious, gets up and runs about room and
must be brought back into bed. This comatose state lasted 5 d.
After that, when shaken and loudly spoken to, she tries to open her
eyes and slowly answers after some time. The next 5 d. her state
remained the same; after that her mind became more clear, she com-
plained of headache, and after many questions she described her state
thus: "I always felt tired and worn out; every motion was difficult. I
saw all persons and all objects as through a veil. I recollect the visits
of my physician (but not that of my relations); always suffered severe
occipital pains and scratching sensation in throat, and thirst" (even
touching the occiput and neck was disagreeable to her through all her
somnolence): "During the night I always slept quietly " (when, in fact,
she was very restless). No diplopia was observed in this case.
For a
long time afterwards she complained of vertigo and lassitude. (Ibid.)
2. a. SCHEDE says that there are persons who possess a peculiar
idiosyncrasy towards Iod., which is not to be found out until, without
any warning, it suddenly appears in the most severe symptoms of
poisoning, and may lead to the rapid death of the patient, even though
its application be immediately suspended. These symptoms are divided
into six groups: 1. There may be elevation of temperature to 104°
and more, without other phenomena (so-called "aseptic" fever). 2.
In addition to fever, there may be depression of spirits, headache, loss
of appetite, taste of Iod. in mouth, pulse being often very rapid and at
same time small and compressible. On stopping the drug these sym-
ptoms at once disappear. 3. The pulse-rate may be increased to 150
or 180, and more. In spite of rapid cardiac action and small pulse,
with anxiety, &c., amelioration may take place on stopping the drug;
but there is, nevertheless, great danger. This condition may arise after
the first application of an Iod. dressing, or it may only set in after
toleration has been established for weeks. 4. The alarming rapidity
of the pulse is accompanied by high fever, yet the sensibility is not
diminished, and no symptoms of septicemia arise, but the suspension
of administration is not followed by reaction, and death follows.
After severe operations, although the pulse is very good, rapid collapse
sets in, ending in death. It is, however, a question whether this is
solely due to the iodoform. 6. The most alarming, and, by the rela-
tive frequency of their occurrence, as well as suddenness, most dan-
gerous forms of poisoning, are the disturbances of the cerebral functions,
which either take the form of acute meningitis, or of a psychical dis-
order (melancholia, &c.), and tend to a fatal termination, even though
no particular elevation of temperature take place, and the application of
the drug has been immediately suspended.
b. KÜSTER relates several cases of fatal intoxication from the applica-
T
IODOFORMUM.
5
tion of Iod. in powder to wounds, in which the symptoms were much
the same as those described by Schede, viz. disturbances of the digestive
tract; fever; a peculiar influence on the central nervous system,
characterised by depression, melancholia, dilatation of pupils, apathy,
involuntary motions and urination, hallucination, &c.; rapid collapse
and death. (Lond. Med. Record, x, 177.)
3. KOCHER has found Iod. a dangerous dressing. He has observed
no fewer than 23 cases in which, used in the treatment of recent
wounds, it acted as a poison. The chief symptoms are excitement,
restlessness, and mental depression. The patient sometimes becomes
delirious, and has mental delusions. Attempts are occasionally made
to get out of bed and wander. These symptoms at once cease on
changing the Iod. for some other dressing. The application of Iod. to
a large fresh wound may be followed by total loss of memory and
impairment of speech. In another case, after extirpation of cancerous
disease of the rectum, and application of Iod. to the raw surfaces, the
patient became very noisy and violent, and had what resembled an
attack of acute mania. K- has also observed, after dressing with
Iod., complete loss of consciousness. In this form of poisoning, there
is usually great difficulty in getting the patient to take nourishment.
The bladder has to be relieved by catheterism; the limbs, more parti-
cularly the arms, become stiff and contracted; and finally, in very
severe cases, collapse may ensue. Iod. accelerates the pulse to a high
degree. Notwithstanding this, and the mental excitement and restless-
ness, fever is seldom observed. The patient, after a prolonged toxic
action of Iod., passes into a chronic condition of restlessness, and suffers
much from loss of sleep and impairment of nutrition. The poisoning,
as a rule, is much more severe when coming on rapidly after a surgical
operation, than when it is due to the prolonged action of Iod. Iodo-
form differs from pure iodine in its poisonous effects, as it does not give
rise to any exanthem or to nasal catarrh, or cause vertigo. It often
acts as a poison when it has been applied in small quantities, and when
the amount of iodine given off must be far too small to account for
such toxic effects. Then, again, the symptoms of lodoform poisoning
may persist long after the disappearance of iodine from the urine and
other excretions. (Ibid., p. 236.)
4. In a recent paper in the Allg. Wien. med. Zeitsch. two cases in
which an eruption was the apparent consequence of the external use of
I. have been recorded by Zeissl. An ulcer on the leg of a boy of 3 was
dressed with I., the dressing being several times changed in the course
of a fortnight. At the end of that time the temp. rose suddenly to
105°, and a diffuse erythematous eruption appeared on the flexor aspect
of the upper part of each arm and the inner side of each thigh. The
affected areas were bright red in colour, the intermediate parts of the skin.
being normal. The child was somnolent, and vomited some greenish
yellow masses. On the 3rd d. after the removal of the I. temp. became
normal, and the exanthem gradually faded. During its existence, the
urine gave a distinct iodine reaction, and contained some albumen and
renal epithelium. The applications being resumed, another attack
occurred precisely similar, attended with the same elevation of temp.
2
6
IODOFORMUM.
and albuminuria, disappearing 5 d. after the cessation of the dressing.
Ultimately, however, tolerance of the I. was established. In another
case, I. was applied to a fistula connected with carious bone. After a
week patient was attacked with an eruption like urticaria, sharply
circumscribed prominent red spots surrounded by reddened skin. Some
of the raised spots had a diameter of 2 centimetres. They were espe-
cially abundant on the flexor aspects of the limbs. Urine contained no
albumen. The application was discontinued, and the eruption subsided
in the course of a week. (Lancet, 1882, i, 26.)
5. a. In chronic poisoning by I. the evidences of poisoning develop
very slowly and insidiously. There is malaise and possibly some loss
of strength, loss of appetite, with occasional vomiting, and above all
the patient is weighed down with a sense of depression. There is
usually a moderate degree of fever, and an unusually rapid pulse.
The sleep is at first broken, and there is some wandering at night.
Headache is not uncommon. In time the patient becomes apathetic
and disposed to sleep. He is melancholic, his memory is distorted and
impaired, he is troubled by the dread of death, or some impending
danger, and takes no interest in his surroundings. He remains in a
condition of drowsiness, he wastes, he possibly becomes dirty in his
habits, his tongue becomes dry and brown, he makes no complaints,
Some
and sinks into a more or less complete state of hebetude.
patients in this condition have lost power of their legs, and all control
over their sphincters. Others have been able to be propped up in a
chair, and to move about a little (as occurred in one of my own cases)
until within a short while of death. In the fatal cases the patient
becomes weaker and weaker, and in time utterly vacuous. He
ultimately dies comatose. If the I. be left off, recovery may ensue in
time, even when the symptoms have persisted in a marked manner for
some time. In this phase of poisoning the progress of the case may be
extended over weeks, and possibly over months.
b. In acute cases the symptoms develop much more rapidly, and
they may indeed appear with some degree of suddenness. There is
perhaps, in the first place, some malaise, then complaint of headache,
which is often intense, and of vertigo. The sleep is broken or the
patient is quite sleepless. There is excitement and wandering at n.
The temperature is high without appreciable cause, and may run to
104°, 105°, or 106°. The pulse is remarkable in its rapidity, mounting
often to 150 and 180. There is often albuminuria, the appetite is
greatly impaired, and there may be vomiting. In one instance this
vomiting was very obstinate. The excitement passes into delirium.
The patient has hallucinations, sometimes hallucinations of grandeur,
and his symptoms may approach those of acute mania. Patients in
this condition have been removed to asylums. Among rarer compli-
cations are tremor, stiffness of certain limbs, convulsive movements,
diplopia, and irregular respiration. Patient wastes, and, becoming
more and more prostrated, may sink into a comatose condition and die.
In not a few examples the symptoms have developed suddenly, and
have commenced by sudden fever or sudden and intense headache, or
sudden and unaccountable delirium. In some patients the symptoms
ÍODOFORMUM.
7
have very closely resembled those of meningitis—a circumstance that
has been most usually noticed in children and young subjects.
(TREVES, Pract., Oct., 1886.)
""
6. In a girl, æt. 13, on whom T. had operated for ununited fracture
of ulna, and dressed with I., the temp., which had been normal for three
"The entire forearm became
weeks, rose to 100° in the e. of June 1st.
evenly swollen, œdematous, and a trifle red." The next day a crop
of vesicles had appeared, about thirty in number, very small, limited to
the forearm, and not more numerous in the vicinity of the wound.
The e. temperature remained at 100° for six days. No more vesicles
appeared, and those present soon became pustular, and by the sixth day
were discharging. "On June 5th, a remarkable exanthem appeared.
Its appearance had been preceded by intense headache and giddiness.
With its development in the e., these symptoms disappeared. The
forearm was less swollen. On m. of 6th, “the exanthem covered the
left arm and shoulder, the greater part of the face, and nearly the
whole of the front of the chest, and some parts of both sides of the
neck." "The eruption appeared in the form of patches," consisting
of closely-packed papules, of less size than a pin's head, and set upon a
pink erythematous base. The papules could be felt as well as seen,
and they were paler than the surrounding skin. The patches were
irregularly round, and varied in size from a sixpenny to a half-crown
piece, and the margins were well defined. There were no catarrhal
or other constitutional symptoms after the rash appeared, and the child.
seemed quite well. The eruption was gone the next d. (Ibid.)
7. a. A man, æt. 61, was operated upon for strangulated femoral
hernia. During the progress of the case, on Sept. 3rd, 1881, I. on lint
was inserted into a sinus; on the 7th it was puffed into a sinus. It is
recorded that the patient was emaciating rapidly. On Sept. 20th he
was feeling low, and could eat no food; was dull, heavy, and exceedingly
drowsy, disinclined to make any exertion; wandering at n. 26th and
Wast-
27th.-Temp. io1.6°. Pulse 130. Tongue dry and brown.
ing continues; patient is passing into a hopeless condition of hebetude
and exhaustion. Oct. 1st.-Began to mend soon after the I. was
discontinued.
b. A burn case; a man, æt. 34. Urine contained albumen, granular
and hyaline casts, and triple phosphates. Dec. 12th.-I. applied.
Temp. 101.6°. Pulse 108.
Pulse 108. 16th.-Burns satisfactory, but bronchitis
has set in, and patient is delirious. Pulse 130. 17th.-Temp. 104°.
Urine not albuminous. 31st.-Cough is bad, occasionally delirious, is
emaciating rapidly. Patient got worse and died Jan. 31st. For a
week before death pulse ranged from 145-155. Broncho-pneumonia
and congestion of both bases were found at the autopsy.
c. Burn case; a boy, æt. 4. Admitted Jan. 1st, 1882. Next d. I.
was begun. Temp. 102°; pulse 150. 5th.-Slept very little last n., and
screamed as if suffering from meningitis ; draws up legs a good deal; is
suffering from intense headache. He remained in the same condition
for the next few d. 9th.-Better, less screaming, more conscious.
Temp. 1004°. 10th. Still screaming in a peculiar way. Pulse 144.
12th.-Temperature lower; more unconscious; very restless. 14th.
8
IODOFORMUM.
"Twitching" and "
and "rolling." 25th.-I. left off.
26th.-More
restless, but less crying out; paler; more conscious. 2nd.-Screaming
nearly ceased, takes notice. 17th.-Rational and quite restored to
health.
d. Boy with lumbar abscess, which was opened Jan. 21st. Dressed
with I. wool. Temp. 99′2°. 24th.—Urine 1037, loaded with urates.
Temp. 99°. 26th.-Temp. 104·6° at II a.m. Pulse 138, weak.
Skin hot and moist; vertical headache, drowsiness, nausea; breath
smells of I.; discharge slight and sweet. The wound was washed out
with carbolic acid; this was followed by better sleep, less headache,
and disappearance of the nausea. Urine contains urates, but no
albumen. Feb. 1st.-Went on well till this date. Then pain in
occiput and 1. lumbar region set in. Temp. 103.8°. Patient is
drowsy, and has no appetite. Then he improved again until 17th.
For 36 h. he was drowsy, had headache, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Pulse frequent, full, and compressible. Temp. over 103°. After the
36 h. he improved, temp. fell to 101°, and he seemed himself again on
the 19th. 19th, in e., temp. rose to 105.6°. A punctiform rash
appeared over arms, knees, and dorsal surface of feet. Tongue furred,
throat sore. 20th.-Rash is faint. Temp. 99°. Boy became, and
remained, quite well. (BECK, Brit. Med. Journ., June 17th, 1882.)
8. After dressing a wound of head with I. for 3 weeks (during
which there was nothing beyond loss of appetite) the patient suddenly
began to behave as if out of his mind. The following d. he continued
to talk nonsense, would not take any food, and would not remain in
bed. During next n. he tried to run away, and became violent.
This lasted till m. He was quieter when visited by Dr. Behring, but
answered questions unwillingly and hesitatingly. Dr. B- was struck
with his wild look and his sunken features. The tongue was thickly
coated and not tremulous; no tremor of hands (he had not been a
heavy drinker). Temp. not more than 99°. Pulse 104 and of high
tension. The use of potass. bicarb. as an antidote soon relieved the
symptoms. He was restless next n. but did not wander. On 3rd d.
appetite began to improve. The wound continued to do well. (Deutsch.
med. Wochenschr., Jan. 31, 1884, p. 68.)
9. A patient had insufflation of I. into tunica vaginalis. Suppura-
tion was set up, with mental condition thus described: "Delusions,
dressing himself in strange costumes, imagining himself of a prodigious
height and growing rapidly. His ideas were all of an exalted character;
he imagined he had the best tenor voice in the world, and proceeded
to hire a large concert hall," &c. This patient was sent to an asylum;
recovery took place in four months. (BLACK, Brit. Med. Journ.,
1885, i, 70.)
10. For painful local affections two patients received respectively
twice a day for weeks a pessary and a suppository, each containing
gr. v. of iodoform. After a time "they became so gradually uncon-
scious, and the loss of power so imperceptibly came on, that general
paralysis was feared. They lapsed into a dreamy state, followed in a
few days by complete stupor and loss of power over the sphincters.
They could be roused by great effort to take a little nourishment, but
IODOFORMUM.
9
soon lapsed into unconsciousness. This condition lasted some days,
and passed off, leaving no permanent bad effects." (POLLOCK, Pract.,
1886, ii, p. 138.)
III. Experiments on animals.-1. The large proportion of iodine in
this compound has led to its being ranked among the preparations of
that substance, but a brief description of its action will throw doubts
upon the propriety of this arrangement. Given to dogs in doses of
10-15 gr. it occasions* a sort of intoxication followed by depression.
The animal lies still, and if he is aroused staggers in walking and then
falls upon the side. After a few h. no traces of these effects remain.
If the dose amounts to 50 or 60 gr. prostration and intoxication are
succeeded by rapid pulse, with spasms of the limbs and opisthotonos,
which occur in paroxysms ending in death. The breath smells
strongly of the medicine. These various phenomena appear to show
that Ïod., by its primary action, at least, should be ranked with the
anæsthetics. They give no indication of the large proportion of iodine
it contains. (STILLÉ, op. cit., ii, 859)
2. BINZ found that I., in moderate doses, and especially in cats,
caused narcotic effects. In poisonous doses it produces acute fatty
degeneration of heart, liver, and kidneys, and destroys life with mani-
festations of general paralysis and considerable decline of temperature.
(OBERLAENDER, loc. cit.)
3. The heart's beats (in a dog) were lessened, and the arterial
tension, by the administration of 1 gramme, slightly increased; by
more than 2 grammes tension was slightly diminished.
The tempe.
rature rose a degree or two after a moderate dose; it was lowered by a
large dose, and tetanic spasms came on. Local anesthesia, paralysis,
and diminution of reflex action occurred in the limbs into which the
I. was injected; universal rigidity, persisting after section of the cord,
set in later. From 3 or 4 grammes there followed: First, profound
sleep, photophobia, anesthesia, staggering gait, slight diminution of
superficial and deep reflexes, and contracted pupils. Secondly, spas-
modic paraplegia, with tremor on exciting voluntary movements, per-
manent erection of penis, and cedema of prepuce; later still a tendency
to go backwards, and to turn round in a small space, was noticed.
Thirdly, the animal repeatedly cried out, intense aud general tetaniform
contraction set in, with exaltation of the reflex irritability, clonic
spasms, rotation of body, dyspnoea, and dilated pupils. The convul-
sions were uninfluenced by section of the cord. Large doses also
cause nausea, vomiting, dysenteric stools, albuminuria, and hæmaturia,
lessening of the number of and crenation in the coloured corpuscles,
fatty degeneration of all the viscera, glomerulo-nephritis, intense
hyperæmia of the cerebro-spinal nervous system, especially of the
grey matter, accompanied by changes in the nerve-cells. (RUMMO,
Lancet, 1883, ii, 119.)
*These results are Mâitre's.-EDS.
10
IPECACUANHA.
IPECACUANHA.
Cephaëlis Ipecacuanha, Rich. Nat. Ord., Rubiacea.
I. Provings.—1. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Med. Pura, vol. iii of original,
vol. i of translation. Contains 146 symptoms from self, 46 from 3
fellow-observers, and 41 from authors.
2. Bock took Ip. for 2 d. at intervals of 2 h.; gr. caused after
h. eructations, nausea, increase of saliva, then agreeable warmth in
stomach and rumbling in bowels, at same time slight pinching, burning
of upper lip and tongue, frequent yawning, feeling of weight and
pressure in head, vertigo, pressure in head and forehead, as though the
brain were compressed by two boards; pains in eyes like those in head,
eyeballs seemed forced out of their sockets, and objects appeared in a
mist. I gr. taken 2 h. later caused increased headache from forehead to
crown, at same time sleepiness, pinching pains, distension of abdomen.
2 gr. caused after h. inclination to vomit, pain in bowels, distension
of abdomen, dryness of fauces, pressure on chest, laziness and dimi-
nished thinking power. After 4 gr., violent pinching in stomach, dis-
tension of belly, great inclination to vomit, pressive and spasmodic
pains in r. patella and 1. arm, increased by touching, pinching pains in
1. hip from crista ilii to trochanter major, then some stitches in r. tibia,
feeling as if ants were running in calves, weariness of lower extremities.
8 gr. caused colic pains with rumbling in bowels and feeling of warmth
extending to chest and sometimes accompanied by shooting. Inclina-
tion to vomit, burning pains in forehead, increased by touch. In
larynx dryness, burning, and scraping. 15 gr. caused same symptoms
in a greater degree, especially those of stomach, till inh. vomiting
ensued, thereafter great drowsiness. (Diss. de rad. Ipec., in A. h. Z.,
xxxii, 68.)
·
3. LEMBKE took, Sept. 14th, 7 a.m., gr. rad. Ip. Soon, rumbling
in stomach, warmth in stomach, increased flow of saliva, empty eructa-
tions. 7.30 a.m., same d., gr. Increased saliva, loathing, dazed head,
chilliness, boring frontal pain, pain in umbilical region increased by
pressure, great flow of saliva, with much loathing and feeling as if he
would vomit, abdomen distended and pains constant, feet feel knocked
off (abgeschlagen). Inclination to urinate, though he had done so at
6 a.m. and drunk nothing since, hands cold and moist, very weary,
lazy, dull, and chilly. 8 a.m., inclination to vomit, pinching bellyache,
much sneezing and thin discharge from nose, much thin saliva must
be spat out, boring frontal pain, paleness, sunken features, repeated
attacks of desire to vomit, with freedom from sickness in between,
frequent chills. 8.45, weary, but feels better, good appetite, soon
afterwards soft stool, the 2nd to-day-unusual. (A. h. Z., xxxvii,
125.)
II. Poisonings.-1. A man engaged in pulverising ipec. root, who
was suffering from slight cough and coryza, inhaled during 3 h. a
quantity of the dust, which caused him to vomit three times and gave
him oppression of the chest. Thereupon he left off pounding the
IPECACUANHA.
I 1
drug, but after 1 h. he had the most violent attack of suffocation, con-
striction of windpipe and throat, earthy cadaveric complexion, the
most frightful anxiety during the suffocative attack; these symptoms
increased every instant. Many remedies were tried with partial relief,
but the symptoms recurred in an aggravated degree after 5 h., and he
thought he should be suffocated. After taking a strong decoction of
uva ursi leaves and rhatany root he was almost instantaneously relieved,
and in 1 h. could breathe freely, but the respiratory symptoms lasted
several d., though in a more moderate degree. (PRIEGER, Rust's
Mag., xxxii, pt. 1, 182; Frank's Mag., i, 548.)
• IN A M
FINEST CICE.
2. Mrs. S—, æt. 26, at occasional intervals after her marriage to a
medical man, was affected with a very troublesome shortness of
breathing, attended with a remarkable stricture about her throat and
breast, and with a particular kind of wheezing noise. The fits came
on very suddenly; were often so violent as to threaten immediate
suffocation; and generally went off in 2 or 3 d. with spitting of a tough
phlegm of a disagreeable metallic taste. It was at last discovered that
these attacks occurred whenever Ip. was being powdered or put up.
By keeping her out of the way when this occurred she remained clear
of the fits for 7 or 8 years together, but one e. her husband,
having received a quantity of the powder, without considering opened
it out and put it into a bottle. His wife, not being far off, immediately
called out that she felt her throat affected, and was seized with the
stricture upon her chest, and difficulty of breathing. She was exceed-
ingly ill all n., and when I saw her between 2 and 3 a.m. she was
gasping for breath at a window, as pale as death, her pulse scarcely to
be felt, and evidently in the utmost danger of suffocation. Bleeding
and laudanum had but little effect. After some sleep between 9 and
It she got up, her breathing still very difficult and her eyes looking
red and a little inflamed. There was some abatement of the distress
from this time till e., when it returned in force and continued all n.;
and this history was repeated without change for 8 d., and in a mitigated
form for 6 d. more. She had a slight appearance of the menses about
4 or 5 d. after the accident occurred, although it was about the middle
of the interval; coughed up at times some small quantities of blood,
and had also some mixed with her stools and urine. (SCOTT, Phil.
Trans. for 1776, part i, p. 168.)
PEN
3. In October, 1824, being much lowered by over-exertion, while
putting up a dose of powdered Ip., I was suddenly seized with a violent
attack of asthma, attended with the most distressing dyspnoea and
oppression at the præcordia. In spite of bleeding and active cathartics
the attack lasted 5 or 6 d., and was several times repeated before I
could convince myself that it was due to the drug. After a long
change and rest, during which I was quite free from asthma, I resumed
work in 1826, and, having occasion to take an emetic, chose Ip. wine.
From the moment I swallowed it I felt in throat and stomach a sensation
totally indescribable but as intolerable as if I had drunk melted lead. I
leaped out of bed and rolled over the floor from side to side of the room.
At length I drank copiously of warm water, which produced some vomit-
ing and some mitigation of my intense sufferings. The distress slowly

C
12
IPECACUANHA.
subsided, and settled into one of my worst attacks of asthma. From
this time forward I became subject to them whenever exposed to this
drug or to the fumes of burning sulphur, the paroxysms always begin-
ning with a feeling of irritation of the nasal mucous membrane, which
rapidly spread along the bronchial ramifications. To diminish its
sensibility I practised snuff-taking, and for the last 7 years have
been free from a severe attack. But about 3 years ago I put my
tongue to some liquid in a vial to ascertain its nature; and in an
instant the peculiar burning, indescribable feeling came on in the
mouth, rapidly extending to the fauces, and down the trachea and
bronchiæ; and for 2 h. I suffered greatly and had considerable dyspnœa,
all of which gradually disappeared.
A
b. I observed in some of my attacks a very curious sequela. When
expectoration became free, in the mornings mouthfuls would be thrown
up which any person at first sight would have pronounced to be a mass
of small nearly transparent worms. On close examination I discovered
it to be thickened mucus, which had collected in the small bronchiæ
during sleep, and was now thrown off as casts of these tubes, often in
such quantity as to surprise me that sufficient air could have passed
through the lungs while sleeping for the purposes of life. (ROBERTSON,
Amer Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S. vii, 252.)
4. a. I inherited from my mother's family, with a slender constitu-
tion, a strongly-marked nervous temperament; and, with advancing
years, dyspepsia developed itself. In my 25th year I was the subject
of an attack of pneumonia (autumn of 1822). After my recovery,
which was rapid, my health continued as formerly, until the spring
following, during which and the succeeding summer I had repeated
and severe attacks of spasmodic asthma; arising, as I then supposed,
from the exposure incident to my duties. The paroxysms usually came
on suddenly, preceded by tickling in the nostrils, and sneezing, and con-
tinued from 3 d. to 3 weeks, during which I was unable to remain in a
recumbent position. During a paroxysm, the dyspeptic symptoms
were usually mitigated considerably. In the autumn following, more
than 6 mo. after the first attack, I was led to attribute these paroxysms
to the irritating properties of Ip. when inhaled. I was in the habit of
using the drug freely in my practice, carrying it with me and dealing it
out at the bedside. My attention once properly directed, I soon
established the fact beyond all doubt by actual and painful experiment.
Yet so new and singular was the fact that it was a long period before
I could convince myself that even a single grain floating in the atmo-
sphere of an ordinary room was capable of inducing a violent paroxysm
of asthma, continuing weeks, reducing the strength as rapidly as an
ordinary fever, and only terminating by cough and expectoration.
b. Early in the spring of 1825, I took 3ss of the powdered root in
tepid water, taking the precaution to have it weighed and mixed in a
part of the house remote from my own room, not dreaming that any
other form than dry powder would affect my breathing. In about the
usual time for an emetic to operate, there seemed to be a simultaneous
effort to breathe, cough, and vomit, while neither of these functions
was performed in any degree of perfection-producing a state of suffer-
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IPECACUANHA.
13
La Matan
***
ing totally indescribable by words. The whole muscles of chest and
abdomen seemed in a state of violent irregular spasm-every effort
to vomit being interrupted by an attempt to cough, and notwith-
standing a cold March wind was blowing, it became necessary to open
the windows and support me in an erect position for nearly an hour to
prevent immediate suffocation-an event momentarily expected by my
friends. At the end of about an h., without any previous mitigation
of symptoms, I was almost instantaneously and completely relieved,
and at my own request was laid upon the bed. Breathing was free and
natural, but weakness was extreme; at the same time a burning heat
was diffused over the whole surface of the body, which, on examination,
was found to proceed from a kind of erysipelatous eruption covering
every portion, similar to what is seen after exposing the naked skin to
a burning sun. The patches were circular, and varied from the size
of sixpence to that of the palm of the hand-considerably elevated, with
thick rounded edges, and of a fiery colour. I soon fell into a profound
sleep, which lasted till m.; and there was no recurrence of dyspnoea.
On two subsequent occasions I took a laxative pill containing a grain.
of Ip.; and in both instances, after 8-10 h., a severe paroxysm of
asthma followed, continuing several d. (URIAH TURNER, M.D.,
Bost. Med. and Surg. Journ., xxix, 229.)
INT
KARL LAVAL, 2-2--
5. a. (After relating a similar experience to the foregoing, the
writer adds). It is astonishing, I had almost said incredible, how small
a quantity of Ip., inhaled, will produce the most sudden and violent
paroxysms. A clerk in my drug store scattered a small quantity of
Ip. on the counter, which he brushed off; the doors and windows were
open, and a current of air had passed through the store forh. before
I entered it; in 2 m. after my arrival I was seized with a violent
sneezing, followed almost immediately with a paroxysm of asthma,
which entirely disabled me for the d. Again, a young man in my
office was directed to transfer a quantity of Ip. from a paper to a jar;
I left the office for h. On my return I was almost instantly
attacked with one of the most fearful paroxysms I have ever
experienced; the extreme sense of suffocation, oppression at the
præcordia, a most exhausting nausea, convulsive but totally ineffectual
efforts to vomit, attended with simultaneous spasms of the diaphragm
and muscles of the chest and abdomen, produced altogether a state of
suffering which defies description. In each of these instances the
quantity of Ip. inhaled must have been infinitesimally small.
bu
b. That these effects of Ip. do not depend invariably on the
irritating properties of the powder when inhaled, but on idiosyncrasy,
seems established by the following circumstances. In the summer of
1841, I had a long course of bilious fever. The attack was marked
by no particular symptom of disease of the lungs; but as soon as I
commenced the use of Ip. or of Dover's powder as a febrifuge, I had a
convulsive and harassing cough and dyspnoea; every effort to speak
was interrupted by a spasm of the muscles of respiration, and a sense
of sinking and oppression of the præcordia which constituted, in my
opinion, the climax of human suffering. (PATTERSON, Ibid., p. 411.)
6. M. M-, pharmacien, has never been able to pass through his
ܼܕ
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...
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14
IPECACUANHA.
shop when the Ip. drawer is open without feeling himself strangely
suffocated. He is nevertheless strong and vigorous, not subject to
asthma, and his pulmonary organs in good condition. So great is his
susceptibility that when in his study, separated from the shop by a
sitting room and a good-sized garden, he is yet conscious of the opening
of the drawer containing the powder, and feels the asthmatic effect for
several d. (IMBERT-GOUR BEYRE, Mém. sur l'Ipécacuanha, Paris, 1869.)
7. M. B—, pharmacien, is obliged to leave his house, though
occupying the third floor, whenever Ip. is powdered in the cellar, lest
he should die of suffocation. Once, purchasing some articles of a
wholesale druggist, he felt his usual dyspnoea on the opening of a
certain bag, and had to leave the shop for a time. On his return some
h. later he assumed that the bag contained Ip. The druggist denieu
that it was so, but one of his assistants recognised the bag as having
some d. previously contained this substance, though subsequently it
had been employed for another purpose. (Ibid.)
8. A hospital attendant, æt. 32, strong and healthy, passed through
a room in which a bag of Ip. powder was being emptied into a vessel.
He was immediately seized with dryness of fauces and sense of con-
striction of glottis. Face became red, conjunctivæ injected, thorax
arrested in expiration, speech and cough impossible. In his anguish he
rushed into open air, where he was able to take an inspiration, and
sneezing occurred, and cough without expectoration. In 5 m. facial
redness was somewhat lessened. Conjunctivæ were still injected, and
he had violent headache, sore feeling in pharynx, and some hoarseness.
Mucous membrane of velum and pharynx were much injected, and
showed many small hæmorrhagic points. Breathing regular, 24,
difficult without aid of auxiliary muscles, and noisy. Sharp vesicular
respiration all over lungs, with loud whistling and râles. Expectoration
of a moderate quantity of viscid lemon-coloured phlegm in balls, with
traces of blood. No nausea; pulse 112; temp. normal. On 5th d.
expectoration was purely catarrhal. Then followed a violent bronchial
catarrh, with great exhaustion. After 14 d. he was well. (IDE,
A. h. Z., civ, No. 23.)
$.
AC
Is.
9. a. On June 20th, 1856, I was asked early in m. to visit B-
as soon as possible. He was employed in pounding at one of the city
druggists, and had suddenly lost his sight, with horrible pain in eyes.
Patient was 30, of pretty strong constitution; had served his time in
the army, and had never been seriously ill, save for 13 weeks of inter-
mittent fever in 1851. On arriving, I found him on a sofa uttering
loud cries from pain and loss of sight. He said he had gone to bed
quite well, and slept till 3 a.m.; he was then awakened by a dreadful
pain in both eyes, especially the r. He could not sleep any more, the
pillow was soaked with constant and copious lachrymation, and when
daylight appeared he found to his horror that he was blind. Present
condition,-features expressing pain; eyes closed, lids slightly swollen,
especially r. He complains of acute tearing pains, which especially
affect the r. eye and scarcely reach the forehead. On separating r.
eyelids a gush of tears escaped. Ocular conjunctiva is congested in a
circle, rosy-red, and infiltrated; so is that of lids, but in lesser degree.
70
IPECACUANHA.
15
serum.
Tunica vaginalis swollen; cornea dull and infiltrated, and on closer
examination studded here and there with thickened patches, as if at
these points the tissues were too closely united to be penetrated by the
Iris seemed dull and softened; pupil was contracted and gave
little or no reaction, but it was of a pure black, and without any trace
of obstacle to light,—yet sight was quite gone. L. eye presented
same symptoms, but to much less degree; its sight was little affected.
At first patient had experienced chills followed by heat, and, at last,
after the pains had raged for some time, perspiration. No other
symptoms.
NOVU POSLE

giving
Although patient spoke of having pounded Ip. the e. before, I could
not trace the attack to this fact; and in absence of other exciting
causes considered it the début of a masked intermittent. Treating him
accordingly, pains first abated, then sight returned, so that by noon he
could see and count my fingers held before his r. eye, and in afternoon
he could distinguish the hands on a time-piece. Swelling and redness
continued some time longer, but by e. his condition was very tolerable,
and by the 26th he was well.
b. About 8 weeks after this I was called up for the same cause.
The same phenomena had reappeared, only this time it was the 1. eye
that was most affected, and there was also nausea and vomiting. There
seemed no cause for the attack, save that again on the previous e. he
had pounded Ip. Inquiring now more closely into this matter, I
found that only once before the last occasion had the patient been
occupied with this drug, viz. in January; and he remembered then
having experienced similar symptoms, especially in the r. eye; they
had been ascribed to the entrance of a foreign body. This time I
gave an emetic and ordered entire rest. The symptoms diminished
regularly and without trouble and he resumed his work.
-
c. On March 2nd next year B-came to me very early with his r.
eye bound up. He had again, the previous d. at noon, been pounding
Ip. Inh. he had felt a slight pricking and pressive pain in the eyes;
in e. he could not read because the light blinded him; 5 or 6 times he
saw flames before his eyes, whilst the pains kept on increasing. The
conjunctiva began to redden, but there was little perceptible swelling.
He went to bed at his usual h. and slept quietly till 2, when he awoke
in violent pain with the pillow quite wet. At 3 he could no longer
stay in bed. The r. eye was the worst, it was quite blind; with the
1. he often saw iridescent rings of fire; the pain was incessant and
momentarily aggravated by bright light... The other symptoms were as
before (TAMHAYN, Journ. f. Pharm., &c., 1887, from IMBERT-
GOURBEYRE, op. cit.)
PENTINGA
Na man," je; Thyme by any, do 16 *
bottom a
10. In small or nauseating doses Ip. produces malaise, with shud-
dering, chilliness, yawning, flow of saliva, and eructations. In some-
what larger doses it occasionally gives rise to uneasiness and rumbling
in bowels, and sense of emptiness there, increased secretion of saliva
and mucus, constriction of chest, irritation of throat, dry cough,
occasionally spitting of blood or epistaxis, nausea, and inclination to
vomit. Very soon after it is taken in full doses it excites vomiting,
which is neither very severe nor frequently repeated, nor attended with

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16
IPECACUANHA.
the same degree or
emetic occasions.
in a healthy state.
even kind of sinking and prostration which tartar
In all doses it is apt to relax the bowels, if they are
(STILLÉ, op. cit.)
Via
..
WOMA
11. A native student of the Campbell Medical School, æt. 23,
took, Nov. 26th, 1874, at 6.15 p.m., about 35 gr. of powdered Ip. as
an emetic for acidity of stomach. 6.30, griping in abdomen with a
little vertigo and nausea; had a thin natural motion. Nausea and
vertigo increased, and he felt hot inside. About I nausea was so great
and distressing that he induced vomiting by finger in throat; ejected
matters tasted sour, and consisted of some undigested rice mixed with
à large quantity of mucus, no sign of drug. Vertigo and nausea
relieved, but griping continued and increased. 8, large stool of watery
character with some fæcal matter; felt very weak and lay down on
bed; griping less. 8.45, another loose stool. Felt excessively
weak griping again increased, and within 15 m. he passed another
copious stool on floor, being too weak to walk to closet; stool was
greenish yellow, and spotted over with little bits of thready white
mucus. Griping after this became much less, but patient grew weaker
and lay prostrate on bed. 10, cramps in fingers of both hands; slight
general perspiration. 10.30, suddenly screamed out, complaining of
drawing pain in r. great toe, which was seen spasmodically flexed.
Immediately after, 1. toe was in same condition, then feet, then calves.
Now and then there was some stiffness in neck, especially in sterno-
mastoids. After this spasmodic contractions went on irregularly in
both upper and lower extremities, but more frequently and more
severely in the latter, proving a severe torture to patient. 11.30,
much restlessness; slight general perspiration; extremities somewhat
cold; pulse soft, weak, slow. (Ginger frictions were applied to extremi-
ties, with hot bottles, and a draught of chloric ether and ammonia
administered.) 12, pulse slightly better, but no relief to spasms;
griping increased, and he passed a large watery stool, greenish in colour,
with white mucus floating over it. Within 10 m. another stool of same
character. Spasms became more severe; voice depressed; slight
nausea and occasional retching. Another draught was given at I a.m.;
several watery stools were passed unconsciously in bed; could not
perceive whether he passed any water. No sleep; spasms constant.
2, chlorodyne, 30 min., was given. Another loose stool, of greenish
colour and containing mucus, was passed. After an h., another dose
of chlorodyne. After this patient felt very drowsy, and spasms began
to come at longer intervals; they were also of shorter duration and less
severe. Stools (fœtid) were all the time being passed unconsciously in
small quantity into bedclothes. At 5 a.m. a severe spasmodic contrac-
tion took place in r. foot, and immediately it was followed by a copious
watery stool, with white mucus floating in it. After that (6 a.m.)
bedclothes were changed and there were no more stools; no marked
spasms; no vomiting, only a slight nausea, almost constant for 2 h.
more. (SIRCAR, Calcutta Journ. of Med., vii, 447.)

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V
III. Experiments on animals.-1. Dr. POLICHRONIE (Thèse de
Paris, 1874) has made a series of researches for the purpose of discovering
IPECACUANHA.
17
are as
the mode of action of Ip. and of emetine. His conclusions are
follows:
a. Emetine is the really active principle of Ip.
b. Emetine is a very toxic substance. It kills animals in two ways,
sometimes by the prostration of the nervous system which it causes,
sometimes—when given in small doses-by the intense enteritis which
it brings on.
c. Emetine brings on vomiting only at the moment of its elimina-
tion by the gastric mucous membrane, as proved by the delay of the
sickness, and even more frequently its entire absence, after section of
the two vagi; in this respect it acts quite differently from apomorphia
and tartar emetic, these causing vomiting as quickly when the nerves
are cut as when they are intact.*
d. Emetine has no vaso-constrictor action. (Lond. Med. Record,
iii, 59.)
2. PÉCHOLIER, in his experiments, employed emetine as well as the
drug itself. The animals selected for experiment were rabbits and
frogs, the former because they do not vomit. The following are the
results of the inquiry:
a. I. considerably diminished the number and energy of the pulsa-
tions of the heart in rabbits.
b. It notably reduced the number of respirations in these animals,
as well as the afflux of blood to the lung. Indeed, the pale and
exsanguine state of the pulmonary tissue displayed after death was
remarkable; it was a veritable depletion of the lung.
c. In animals under its influence the temp. of mouth, axilla, and
ear was lowered, while that of rectum remained stationary or rose.
d. In the digestive sphere, Ip. produced efforts at vomiting, hyper-
æmia of alimentary canal, and disappearance of sugar from liver.
e. The action on the nervous system was investigated in frogs. It
reduced promptly the energy of the nervous system, and determined
considerable collapse. The paralysis induced by it showed itself chiefly
in the sensory system; motor nervous power and muscular irritability
were merely diminished and not wholly abolished. (Lancet, April
25th, 1863.)
3. My experience of the effects of emetine is at variance on some
points with that of M. Pécholier. In my cases the respiratory move-
ments were increased in frequency, and the cardiac action was not less
rapid than in health. In the lungs there was always, post mortem,
more or less engorgement with blood, and in one case even lobular
pneumonia was set up. (DYCE DUCKWORTH, St. Barth. Hosp. Rep.,
v, 220.)
* The same results have been obtained by Chouppe (Gaz. Méd. de Paris, Aug.
Ist, 1874).—EDS.
VOL. III.
2
18
IRIS.
IRIS.
Iris versícolor, L. Blue flag. Nat. Ord., Iridaceæ.
I. Provings.-1. a. Dr. W. A. BURT, May 15th, 1865, took 3 gr.
of green root at 3 and 8 p.m. No effect, save locally from acridity of
substance, and an unwonted emission at n. with amorous dreams.
16th.-Mouth and tongue feel as if they had been scalded; natural
stool, but anus feels sore as if sharp points were sticking in the part.
At 8 a.m. 10 gr., so acrid that it was with difficulty he could get his
breath; much salivation (as yesterday); constant distress at anus,
which felt as if prolapsed. At 1 p.m. 20 gr. of dried root; it was not
acrid, but there was great distress in stomachh. after taking it,
lasting 2 h. No other symptoms.
No other symptoms. 17th.-Took 30 dr. of a poor
tincture. No symptoms, save that next m. he felt very irritable on
waking. 18th.-Took 40 gr. of green root. In 15 m. profuse flow
of saliva and tears; mouth and stomach feel on fire; almost impossible
to breathe, it is so acrid; pain and burning distress at stomach, for 1 h.
awful to bear, continuing all afternoon and e., cold water does not touch
it; profuse flow of saliva all d., constant eructations of tasteless gas;
sleep very restless all n., with bad dreams. 19th.-Awoke at 4 with
great rumbling and distress in umbilical and hypogastric regions, and
with great desire for stool, followed immediately by a copious, thin,
watery stool, which could not be retained a moment without much
pain. Mouth feels as if it had been scalded; tongue thick and rough.
At 8 another thin watery stool, with great rumbling in bowels; no
appetite, loss of taste. At 11 took 40 gr. ; acridity not felt so much.
I p.m., great distress in epigastric region, profuse flow of saliva. 2.30,
epigastric distress still increasing; very restless, could not be still a
moment; felt as if he could not live, very much frightened; copious
discharge of thin water from bowels gave no relief; inhaling chlorofom
eased somewhat. 3.15, another large stool, of water tinged with bile,
running from bowels in a continuous stream till nearly 2 quarts had
passed, with great rumbling but no pain. This gave great relief; felt
quite well at bedtime. Sleep very restless; amorous dreams with
emission. Very irritable during next d.; otherwise quite well.
b. Took 50 gr. of green root, chewed it, and swallowed juice at
11.30 a.m.; immediately great burning distress as before in epigastric
region, but not much in mouth; profuse flow of saliva. At 2.30 p.m.
large, yellow, papescent stool, with great rumbling and no pain; in 5
m. more, another large, watery stool; burning continues, it is fearful
to endure. 2.45, flow of saliva abating; another watery stool, with
colicky pains in epigastric and umbilical regions, which lasted for
some h.; every few m. a copious watery stool, with great rumbling in
bowels. By 6 began to feel very faint and exhausted, knees weak and
trembling; anus feels on fire. With stool at 7 some tenesmus; food
rises very sour. At 9, feeling much exhausted, was compelled to
retire. At 4 a.m. great rumbling in bowels, with desire for stool;
had a profuse watery one, followed by great straining with passage of a
IRIS.
19
little mucus.
5, another watery stool, followed by great straining,
with passage of blood and mucus. 5.30, another stool of mucus
streaked with blood, with great tenesmus. 7, stool of water and mucus
with great straining; mouth tastes flat, tongue feels thick. 9, another
copious stool of water and undigested food, with great straining; much
exhaustion; eyes deeply sunken; teeth feel too long, and are very
sore; dull, heavy headache; very hoarse; urine very scanty, of deep
reddish colour; stomach very sour; bowels tender on pressure; loss
of appetite. 10.30, another stool of mucus and water, with great
tenesmus and rumbling; calves pain much in walking; thick flat
taste. 12.45, small stool of mucus, with great tenesmus and rumbling;
almost impossible to walk, limbs are so weak and painful; for last 6 h.
mucous membrane of rectum has been prolapsed, with great smarting
pains. 3, another small stool of mucus, with some tenesmus; urine
very scanty, and burning when voided; constant eructations of sour
gas; flying pains all through bowels. 10th.-Dull, heavy, frontal
headache; flat thick taste; quite hoarse; urine very scanty and red,
causing burning all along urethra forh. after voiding, glans penis
swollen and red; severe backache; teeth all feel sore and elongated.
11th.-Felt quite well; but for two weeks occasional severe pains
would shoot through temples. No constipation followed the diarrhoea.
c. Dr. Burt now proved Iridin, the oleo-resin obtained from the
blue flag. May 26th, 1866, at II a.m., took 4 gr. of Ix trit. At
noon, dull, heavy, frontal headache; by spells, sharp pain in temples;
tight, constrictive feeling of scalp. 3.15 p.m., food rises very sour.
3.30, took 8 gr. 10, soft papescent stool without pain, but with
rumbling; dull frontal headache; very restless at n., dreams of
fighting, &c. 27th.-Much rumbling, with desire for stool; soft
papescent stool without pain; flat taste in mouth; teeth feel elongated
and sore, in back upper and lower molars dull heavy aching pain for
3 h.; pain in forehead and 1. temple, latter very sharp by spells;
passed water but twice in d., very red in colour; restless n., emission
with amorous dreams. 28th.-At 9 a.m. 10 gr. Frequent eructations
of tasteless gas; rumbling all afternoon in umbilical region; pain in r.
kidney for 3 h.; teeth still feel elongated and sore; great desire to
sleep in daytime; fell asleep while reading, and dreamed of dissecting
a woman hanging up by the heels in his office, awoke very much.
frightened, made several ineffectual attempts to get up to shut the
door,—it was a veritable nightmare. 4.30 p.m., 14 gr.
Soft papescent
stool at 9 p.m.; hands hot and dry all d.; restless n., dreams of snakes
and everything bad, emission. 29th.-At 9 a.m. 20 gr. Hands hot
and dry all d.; could not fix mind on study; constant tasteless eructa-
tions; passed scanty urine m. and n. only, with great burning in
urethra forh. after; dull, heavy headache in forehead and temples,
in latter sharp shooting by spells; dull, heavy pain in lumbar region
all d.; soft papescent stool at 2 p.m. 5, took 30 gr. Restless n.,
horrid dreams, great rumbling in bowels; emission with amorous
fancies. 30th.-Mouth tastes flat; tongue coated white; headache as
before, also lumbar pain; urine very scanty and high coloured; very
soft yellow stool, with great rumbling in bowels but no pain. 31st.—
20
IRIS.
Took 40 gr. at 3 a.m. Dull, heavy headache all d.; great pain in
lumbar and sacral regions, almost impossible to walk. At noon 18
gr.; soft mushy stool in e., with usual concomitants; restless n., bad
dreams. June 1st.-Dull, heavy headache; back pains severely, very
much worse on walking. At 8 a.m. usual stool and accompaniments;
constant eructation of gas. 2nd.-Took 5 gr. of the pure Iridin. A
good deal of pain in forehead and temples. 5, severe umbilical colic
every few m. for 2 h.; great rumbling; papescent stool in e. ; restless
n., dreamt of digging up corpses, and finally of falling into a grave,
which woke him up in affright. 2nd.-Top of head has 26 pustules
on it, some of them as large as a three-cent piece, situated on inflamed
base of rose-colour, with red streaks running from one to another;
they contained yellow matter, and were very tender to touch; gradually
disappeared in 4 d. Took 10 gr. at 4 p.m.; headache as usual, also
rumbling, and similar n. 4th.-Took 20 gr. at 9 a.m.
Same sym-
ptoms. 5th.-Same; headache very troublesome. 6th.-Same, with
profuse and frequent urination. 7th.-Backache gone, but this d.
and next diuresis continued. On 8th felt quite well. (HALE, New
Remedies, 2nd ed.)
2. a. About 15 m. after taking 3x dil. uneasy feeling in scrob.
cordis, with rumbling in hypogastrium, nausea, and eructations of
wind. Dull pain in r. parietal eminence, which increases steadily till it
becomes a hammering pain, so much aggravated at first by motion that
for the moment it appears unbearable, but by continued movement it
gradually abates, returning again when at rest. Rheumatic pain in r.
shoulder, worse on motion, especially on raising arm.
X
b. Immediately after taking Ix sneezing, nausea, and slight
vomiting of watery and extremely sour fluid. About 2 h. after, stitch
in lower occiput, more on r.; severe rheumatic pain in whole r. arm
and in r. knee, worse on movement but continuing while at rest;
acute and extremely severe boring pain in r. parietal eminence, causing
him to bend down his head; pain in 1. side, as though ribs were
pressing hard on lower portion of lung, unable to take deep breath for
the sticking and cutting pain it caused; short dry cough, excited by
tickling in larynx, headache much aggravated thereby ; slight toothache
in a warm room; rumbling and uneasiness in stomach, with diarrhoea
but little pain, stools lumpy, brown, and very offensive; sweat over
whole body, particularly in groins; dry cracked lips; sharp cutting
pain in urethra when commencing to urinate. After taking medicine
5 d. several small vesicles appeared on r. wrist, which gradually formed
into pustules, having depression in centre; these dried up in n., leaving
crusts, which remained 9 d. before disappearing.*
I
c. In ↓ h. after taking nearly 3ss of tinct., feeling of rawness in
throat; general languor; ill-humour; inability to fix mind on any
subject; diarrhoea with colic; nausea for 1 h., then several times
vomiting of thin watery fluid of exceeding sour taste; heat over whole
body, then chilliness, with cold hands and feet; head feels very heavy,
with r. supra-orbital pain; eyes dull, severe burning pain in r. internal
* The prover thinks it proper to state that he had been attending a severe case of
smallpox.
IRIS.
21
canthus, eye filling with tears; sense of heat and fulness of head, with
flushed face; whenever attempting to laugh sensation as though a
band was drawn tightly around forehead. Next d., sleepiness with
great chilliness, only comfortable when near a hot fire, and even then
chilly sensations are felt down back; violent tearing pains in r. hip and
knee, also in shoulders, very severe, when worst lasting only about 3
m. ; cutting and stitching in urethra when making water, with coldness
and itching over genitals, itching being worse on scratching; vomiting
of sour matter as before. All n. chilly over whole body, though
abundantly covered; weakness and depondency, thinks he is going to
be very sick, then laughs at his fears, which, however, soon return;
dreams of suffocation and fire; 6 dysenteric stools during n., with pain
and rumbling in hypogastrium. After these symptoms had subsided,
there remained sore-throat and slight headache. (Dr. J. G. ROWLAND'S
provings, in Ibid.)
3. Prover took, at different times, 3x and 1, dils. and mother tincture. (No
further information given.) Weakness and weariness in lower part of back for
several d.; when walking, pain in r. hypochondrium and in several joints; sharp
pain outside 1. arm when moving it; swelling of gums inside under 1. lower molars;
redness of conjunctiva as from cold; for a d. or two much fetid flatulence, which
relieves pain in abdomen; a number of shooting, shifting, aud momentary pains in
joints of hands and feet, worse on motion; boils on back, face, and hands; pain
along posterior part of r. crista ilii; urine more copious; pulse accelerated. ´After
increasing doses, taken more frequently, empty eructations and pain in stomach;
unusual restlessness at n,, sleep disturbed by startings; tensive and sticking pain in r.
shoulder during motion, particularly on raising arm (this set in soon after com-
mencing proving, and lasted 6 weeks after discontinuing medicine); feeling of a
greasy coating over mouth and tongue, early in m.; aching in stomach after drinking
cold water; pains through d. in almost all limbs; same joint pains as before, worst
in e.; in writing, pains in phalanges of r. hand and in end of r. index (observed
several weeks after proving); sharp pains in middle finger of 1. hand, succeeded
instantly by similar pain in axilla of same side (occurring frequently during about
5 m.); diarrhœic stool after breakfast and supper; vexed irritable mood, disposed to
find fault. (Ibid.)
-
4. As No. 3. Pulse somewhat accelerated; headache for 2 d., with great depres-
sion of spirits and general debility,-on 3rd d. pain shot like an electric shock from
r. temple to 1. occiput, and continued for about h.; crampy pains in r. lumbar
region in e., continuing several h., and causing sweat to break out; woke up
unusually early, with dry mouth and general depression; headache occurred irregu
larly for several d. Pimple on 1. middle finger; next d. inflammation had extended
over hand; the d. after it became more violent, and occasioned great pain; swelling
was lanced, no pus found, but it was subsequently formed, and discharged through
opening, round whose edges a fungous growth took place, pain extending up arm.
There was a disposition to a similar formation on the index finger, but the inflamma-
tion soon subsided. During proving urine very copious, and of strong disagreeable
odour; restlessness for 5 n. in succession. (Ibid.)
-
5. This prover (undescribed) took 1, trit. (in what manner not stated). Colicky
pains during e. and n., obliging him to bend forward for relief, and attended with
loss of appetite and great restlessness. Next d. colic continued, but was immediately
removed by a dose of nux vomica; no appetite; restless at n., with troubled dreams.
Next d. constipation (lasting several d.); several pimples on lower extremities and
other parts of body, like mosquito bites; languid and feverish in afternoon, no dispo-
sition to mental or physical exertion. On 4th d. flushed face, fever, drowsiness, loss
of appetite; weakness and languor, with rumbling in bowels; the m. after, thin,
watery diarrhoea, continuing through d., debility and anorexia; diarrhoeic stools
next d., succeeded by umbilical colic in afternoon, ceasing at n. (Ibid.)
22
IRIS.
6. Dr. HOLCOMBE proved an "exceedingly strong" tinct. of root,
taking 2 or 3 dr. 4 times a d. for 5 d. On 1st d. no symptoms but a
good deal of hawking and clearing of larynx. On 2nd nothing but a
slight, dull, stupid headache. On 3rd d. awoke with neuralgic pain in
r. face, with darting stitches in two carious teeth; pain affects chiefly
infra-orbital nerve. No appetite at dinner. In afternoon, severe
colic, first in r. then in 1. flank, with urging to stool. Very frequent,
copious, perfectly limpid urine. Neuralgia passed off in e., and n. was
good. On 4th d. facial neuralgia again, involving all branches of
trigeminus; it began after breakfast, with stupid or stunning headache,
and lasted several h. with great severity. Urine same.
In afternoon
a good deal of fœtid flatulence; two greenish-black stools, with burning
at anus. 5th d.-Neuralgia began again after breakfast, and continued
with terrible severity for 20 h.; violent headache accompanied it, and
general malaise. Urine became less frequent and quite high coloured ;
some disposition to stool, with burning at anus. Worn out by fatigue
and suffering, he inhaled chloroform to get sound sleep, and abandoned
Violent
proving. 6th d.-Dull soreness where neuralgia had been.
call to second stool by sensation as if wind were forcibly distending
rectum; no wind was discharged, but he was relieved after passing a
On
little greenish dark matter attended with severe burning in anus.
7th and 8th d. no symptoms but frequent and painful hawking of
tough mucus from larynx, and burning after stool, gradually diminish-
ing. (Ibid.)
A
7. a. Dr. CONRad WesselhoEFT, while preparing tinct., chewed
(June 19th, 1867) a slice of fresh root. It caused great burning in throat,
with redness, lasting 2 h. He was suffering from severe (habitual)
headache at the time; and this disappeared in h., though hitherto it
had invariably lasted till he went to bed.
I
b. Oct. 29th, at 10 a.m., took 2 dr. of 5x dil. Immediate dizzi-
ness, with pressure in forehead, also toward and out at ears; stiffness
in trapezii; pinching at pit of stomach. After 12 h., rattling of mucus
in chest, not to be raised by hawking. Awoke at n. with severe
tickling under top of sternum, and dry cough, distressing because nothing
could be raised (though the mucus still rattled low down) nor the tickling
reached. 30th.-Mucus at length (10 a.m.) expectorated, with
sweetish offensive taste; obstruction and catarrhal soreness of trachea,
with frequent hawking and tickling cough. A.m., soreness of chest
from nipple to nipple, with tender painful spot on r. border of sternum ;
pain on inspiration. Felt as if he had taken a cold, with lameness of
trunk and lumbar region. While walking early, sudden lameness of
posterior femoral region, causing a limp; in course of m. pain took
direction of 1. sciatic nerve, could not walk without limping; pain
shooting from behind large trochanter down posterior part of 1. thigh
into foot on every motion, particularly when walking, till 4 p.m., when
it passed off. (Never had anything of this nature before.) 31st.-
Slept well at n., but immediately on rising had pain in 1. sciatic, only
in walking, but more acute and with more soreness than yesterday;
leg weak, cannot walk without limping; yet violent exertion, running
or jumping, does not increase the pain more than moderate exercise.
IRIS.
23
Slight hacking cough in m., without expectoration, and some soreness
in larynx anteriorly.
I
c. On Dec. 1st and again on 3rd, prover having a sore-throat such
as ordinarily went on to severe coryza and cough, he took 10 dr. doses
of 3x dil. with the result of speedily extinguishing the trouble; but on
e. of Ist he felt for an h. painful drawing and lameness behind 1. tro-
chanter, extending down to popliteal space, causing him to limp. Pain
recurred slightly next d. also. From 13th to 18th he took daily a
dose of 3x dil. m. and e., beginning with 10 dr. and ending with 25.
16th.—In m., while writing, sciatic twinges behind 1. trochanter,
several times, quite severe, with lameness. On 19th and 20th took
I dil. m. and e., from 10 dr. to 20. Soon after taking first dose,
nauseous feeling in abdomen, like beginning of sea-sickness; a faint-
ness as if intestines were being revolved in wrong direction, lasting
several h. Same sensation recurred towards e. 20th.-In m. stiffness
in back, increasing on sitting down; on rising, violent painful tearing
in loins, making it impossible to straighten body for some moments;
could only gain erect position very gradually. Loins and back between
shoulders remained stiff all m. Úrine thick, of strong odour, and deep
amber colour (owing to excess of uric acid); it flows without force,
and even requires some effort to discharge it, but without pain. (A
similar condition, with costiveness, had prevailed after taking med. for
sore-throat early in month.) Sciatic pains-as if 1. hip-joint were
wrenched or forced to remain long in awkward position-several times in
d. In m., soon after taking medicine, acute pains in head, as if top of
head would come off, felt chiefly in forehead and vertex, after having
been in cold air, and on making quick movements. 21st.-Several
times during d. neuralgic pains like severe constriction round 1. upper
arm, forearm, and thigh; several times neuralgic twinges in hip-joint,
as if wrenched, followed by a burning ache.
d. Jan. 26th, 1868, at 10 a.m. took 10 dr. of tinct. in a table-
spoonful of water. In a few m., heat about fauces, soft palate and
tonsils, soon changing into smarting and burning, relieved by inhaling
cold air; deglutition not painful but more difficult; burning lasted
over 2 h. While walking in e., slight 1. coxalgia. After 8 h. still
difficult deglutition while eating; food seems to stick in pharynx,
requiring several efforts to swallow it. 27th.-At 10 a.m. repeated
dose. Same local effects; heartburn several times in d. and frequent
empty eructations. On Feb. 27th, took 30 dr., with usual but more
prolonged local effects; and thereafter at various intervals several
doses of same, from 20-50 dr., without experiencing anything more
than slight twisting pain in stomach, and very frequent spasms of
œsophagus, with dysphagia-food sticking in throat with choking and
gagging. The rheumatic and neuralgic symptoms were not developed
by the tinct. (Trans. of Amer. Inst. of Hom., 1868.)
8. Mrs. N took Iris (strength not stated) at 10.45 a.m. At
once felt sudden dizziness, soon passing off. In h., slight pain in
bowels with heat and soreness, as after a cold, and with premonitions
of diarrhoea, this for 3 h. After that, arms between elbow and
shoulder became very lame, as after severe exercise, also sore to touch;
1
24
IRIS.
In m.
lameness soon extended to shoulders and back of neck, like rheumatism
after taking cold. Heat of palms; in e. frontal headache with dizzi-
ness occasionally. During n. stiffness and lameness disappeared, but
was followed by sore-throat, with slight soreness of chest.
raised some phlegm. Menses always regular and profuse, appeared 3
d. later than usual, and were scanty.
On another occasion Mrs. N-
took 2 dr. of 5x dil. This also was followed by immediate dizziness,
and subsequent stiffness of trapezius, causing constant shrugging of
shoulders and desire to twist head from side to side, lasting all
forenoon. (Ibid.)
9. Miss I took, Oct. 29th, 1867, 2 dr. of 5x dil. before going
to bed, without effect. Next d. at 5 p.m. repeated dose. Slight pain
in forehead, changing from side to side; heavy feeling in hands and
elbows, as if prover had been drinking wine; pain in back. On 31st,
pain in small of back all d. while sewing, and in forehead at intervals.
P.m., heaviness of elbows and hands, with pain in back between
shoulders, which finally settled in r. arm, between elbow and shoulder.
(Ibid.)
10. Dr. SQUIER took repeated doses of tinct., from 1-20 dr.
Much local burning, with visible redness of throat, ensued, but no
other symptoms save slight dulness of head. (Ibid.)
II. Dr. BUTMAN took same. Besides local irritation, as with No.
10, in 10 m. after first dose pulse, normally 72, was 89. After 3 dr.,
in 5 m. nausea and headache, latter soon subsiding (at other times
felt chiefly in posterior fontanelle). After 12 dr., in 10 m. sleepy,
with dulness and dizziness of head; nausea; belching of much wind.
After 20 dr., in 8 m. sharp neuralgic pains in bowels. (Ibid.)
e.
;
12. Three persons, a woman and 2 men, took the 5x dil. m. and
They were unused to describing their bodily feelings. In the first
the drug caused slight giddiness, coming on suddenly while walking
within doors, and followed by lightness in head; weakness of memory
(in 24 h.); and cramp in l. side, as from a knife, lasting a few m.,
followed after a while by darting pains in bowels. The second had
tightness across forehead; nervous fretfulness, lasting all d.; cramp in
1. side, under ribs. In the third the symptoms were toothache
tongue or gums greasy or slimy in m.; cracked lips; rough throat;
running saliva; bad taste; flatulence; looseness of bowels; pain in
fingers. (lbid.)
13. Mrs.
took 3 or 4 pilules daily of 6th dil. 2nd d., 11
a.m., intense itching of face, worse when warm from exercise. 3rd
d. Great feeling of rawness of roof of mouth just behind front teeth,
worse from hot or cold drinks, eating, touching with tongue, and espe-
cially from onions or cheese; also feeling as if skin of that part were
hanging loose. Feels irritable; dislikes everyone. 4th and 5th d.-
Symptoms all continue. 6th d.-Feeling of loose skin same; rawness
extending backwards; rugæ of palate appear to sight enlarged and pale,
and on r. side two are excoriated. Itching and disposition better. In
e. rawness and feeling of loose skin have extended to throat; rawness is
constant, aggravated as before. In afternoon throbbing pain in both
mastoid processes, for 15 m., followed by tingling there for 3 or 4 m.,
IRIS.
25
then ceasing for 15 m.; warmth of hand slightly relieves pain; neither
pain nor rawness prevented sleep. 7th d.-No itching; disposition
natural; otherwise same as yesterday. 8th d.-On moving jaws
tenderness of mastoid process extending half way down jaw along edge.
of bone. An additional dose of pilules to-day. 1oth d.-Itching of
face. 13th d.-Rawness of palate without feeling of loose skin, after
eating cherries in m. (BERRIDGE, North Amer. Journ. of Homoeopathy,
N.S., ii, 57.)
II. Poisonings.-A lady took 2 or 3 one-grain pills of Iridin for several
d. for constipation without any effect. She felt some slight colic after
each, but finally I was called to her in one of the most severe attacks
I ever witnessed. The symptoms were-facial and general appearance
of anguish; much prostration; pulse feeble and frequent; much mental
depression; frequent and violent efforts to vomit, resulting, however,
in little more than an enormous discharge of air, which seemed to
move off the stomach in very great force. There was cutting pain in
umbilical, passing, as it were, by electric shocks to epigastric region,
followed or accompanied by nausea, straining, and belching of wind;
great commotion and rumbling in bowels above seat of pain, but little
or none below, with no desire for stools. She vomited several of the
pills before she was relieved. (SANFORD, in HALE, op. cit.)
III. Experiments on animals.—1. a. Dr. BURT gave decoction to a
young female cat at 2 p.m. In 5 m. nausea and vomiting of frothy
mucus; stares as if frightened. In 10 m. constant nausea, nothing
but mucus vomited. In 15 m. lies on lounge, seeming quite herself.
Gave 3ss of tinct. (a little wasted). In 6 m. very restless; crying
fearfully; nausea and vomiting. 4.20., retching, mewing, eyes half
closed, breathing very rapid, restless. 4.30, mewing and efforts to
vomit; lies still. 4.36, running across floor with efforts to vomit;
saliva runs from mouth constantly. 4.43, desperate but ineffectual
efforts to vomit. 4.50, nausea and mewing, saliva running profusely.
5, retching; throws her head up and mews fearfully; resp. 72; mouth
wide open. 5.10, nausea and moaning. 5.15, retching and sneezing;
head hangs to floor. 5.30, nausea and vomiting; very restless; resp.
56; does not notice anything; mouth wide open and saliva running
profusely; mews, and appears in great distress. 6, nausea continues,
with great efforts to vomit; saliva runs from mouth constantly; groans
and appears in great distress; nose rests on floor, mouth wide open.
7, still sick at stomach; saliva runs in large quantities; resp. 46.
Gave 3ss more, and she died in 5 m. without a struggle.
b. P.M. I h. after death.-Pupils dilated; lungs very much con-
gested, upper lobes filled with dark venous blood; heart filled with
black blood; stomach much distended with gas, pyloric extremity
covered with bile, as also duodenum; liver much congested, of black
colour, bleeds profusely when cut into; gall-bladder half full of bile;
pancreas very pale; all other organs natural. (Ibid.)
2. a. Same gave a female kitten, æt. 4 mo., at 2 p.m., 40 gr. of
Iridin (a good deal wasted). 2.30, profuse flow of saliva; mouth wide.
open; wants to lie down all the time; breathing very rapid; mews
constantly. 3, mews most fearfully; appears to be in great pain; rolls
26
JABORANDI.
from one side to other; mouth wide open; great dyspnoea; appears to
be dying; secretion of saliva very limited. 3.15, still lying in same
position, mewing at every breath; mouth filled with froth; walked
2 feet, staggering very much; dropped on side; resp. 48. 3.30, tries
to walk, but falls; mews at every breath. 4, cannot stand; lies on its
side; resp. 36; mouth open, filled with froth. 4.15, resp. 48. 5,
gasping for breath, resp. 24; if spoken to mews fearfully, but cannot
get up; in 10 m. crawled 2 feet; went into convulsions, which lasted
1 m., spasms were in forelegs and back; resp. 18; pupils dilated. 7,
on its side, gasping for breath, resp. 18; cannot stand when lifted
ears and legs cold; mews fearfully by spells, as if suffering great pain;
kicks and scratches much. 8.30, appears in great pain; mews at
every breath. 9.30, went into spasms as before; had a watery passage,
and died.
;
b. P.M. 10 h. after death.-Upper lobes of lungs very much con-
gested; heart filled with dark venous blood; liver very much congested,
especially 1. lobe; gall-bladder half full; stomach almost bursting with
gas; whole of intestines filled with mucus, water, and gas; pancreas
red with blood, more congested than any other organ (Dr. Ludlam
examined a portion, and found intense congestion of minute vessels
and extravasation of blood into tissue of gland). (Ibid.)
JABORANDI.
Pilocarpus pennatifolius. Nat. Ord., Rutacea.
I. Provings.-I. When 6 grm. of the powdered leaves are given in
infusion, very soon the face becomes red; the temporal arteries throb
more strongly; then there is a peculiar feeling of heat in the mouth
and on the face, and the flow of saliva begins. In a little while the
forehead becomes moist, and the face more red; then beads of perspira-
tion appear on forehead, cheeks, and temples. The flow of saliva
increases, all the salivary glands successively contributing to this effect;
the mouth is filled with immense quantities of fluid, and expectoration
is incessant; at the same time perspiration covers the face and neck;
then the whole body becomes red and moist, and a pleasant warmth is
experienced; in a few m. perspiration breaks out over the entire
surface, and soon runs down on all sides. Meantime other symptoms
have supervened. The eyelids first become moist, then the lachrymal
secretion gradually augments, and, after collecting in the canthi, rolls
slowly down the cheeks; at the same time there is a copious discharge
from the Schneiderian membrane, increased by the tears which escape
through the nasal canals; moreover, there is increased activity of the
mucous glands of the pharynx, trachea, and bronchi. All these effects
reach their maximum of intensity in about h. after taking the drug,
continuing thus for 30 or 40 m. Lying on one side, that the saliva
the flow
may run more freely, the patient spits 10 or 15 times a m.;
is so rapid that he can hardly speak; the salivary glands are enlarged,
and the mouth becomes hotter. The body is bathed in perspiration,
JABORANDI.
27
I
a shirt is wet through in a few seconds. Then a feeling of comfort or of
weakness, as the case may be, is experienced. Thirst is intense. The
pupils are slightly contracted. By degrees the excessive activity of
the secretory processes is diminished; in 1 or 1 h. the lachrymation,
the nasal discharge, the bronchial expectoration, and finally the flow of
saliva and the perspiration are notably lessened, and the parts involved
gradually return to their normal condition. When the perspiration
and salivation have ceased the subject is prostrated and drowsy. The
parts which secreted so copiously are now very dry, especially the
mouth and pharynx. There is also much thirst. (ROBIN, Etudes phys.
et therap. sur le Jaborandi, 1875.)
2. We made four experiments on 3 healthy lads (with a slight
exception noted farther on) æt. 8—12. We gave 30 gr. of the infused
drug with the dregs, and kept the lads in bed covered with their usual
amount of bedclothes. We carefully examined the effect of the
medicine on the sweating, salivary and bronchial secretions, pulse,
respirations, and temperature. The lad on whom two of the experi-
ments were made was slightly feverish (99°4° to 99.6°).
a. In 3 instances the drug produced perspiration; one lad's skin
remained quite dry throughout the experiment. In 2 perspiration.
occurred in 10-15 m.; in the 3rd case it was delayed for 35 m.,
became profuse in 20-35 m. more, continued thus for 30—90 m.,
and remained slight from 2-4 h.
b. There was some salivation in all cases, and in 2 it was profuse;
but in the lad on whom 2 observations were made the effect on the
salivary glands was very slight. The salivation was much more
profuse in the lad whose skin remained dry. The salivation, when it
occurred to a marked extent, began simultaneously with the sweating,
was greatest when the sweating was most profuse, and lasted as long
as it continued. In the lad who failed to perspire the salivation became
profuse in 15 m., and so continued during 3 h., and then in a less
degree for 7 h.
c. We noticed an increase in the bronchial secretion, indicated by
a loose cough, only in the lad on whom two observations were made,
and in whom but a slight increase of salivary secretion occurred. The
bronchial secretion was much more abundant in the 1st than in the
2nd observation; indeed in the 2nd there was very little cough.
d. In each observation a decided fall in the temperature occurred.
In 2 cases during sweating the fall amounted to 1°, and in another it
reached 2.6°. The observation was begun in the afternoon and con-
tinued till e. The reduction of the temperature persisted for the rest
of the d. ; but in the two m. observations the lowest temp. was reached
about 1 h. after the administration of the medicine. In I
case the
fall began immediately; in another in 40 m., in another in 80 m. In the
lad whose skin remained unperspiring there was a fall of o'6°, which,
beginning 45 m. after the administration of the medicine, lasted only 23 h.
e. In each experiment the pulse became considerably quicker, 40—
50 beats, reached its quickest 25-80 m. after administration, and
acceleration continued more than 4 h. No close relation existed
between the rapidity of pulse and fall of temperature.
The heart beat
28
JABORANDI.
against the chest with increased force, there was distinct throbbing of
the carotids, and the pulse was full as well as quick. In one lad, whose
pulse was intermittent, the medicine entirely removed this irregularity.
f. In those instances in which sweating took place the face became
flushed, and this was most marked when the perspiration was greatest.
The flush involved the cheeks and ears. It soon passed away, and
was succeeded by pallor, while yet the perspiration continued very free.
g. In 3 cases the medicine produced considerable drowsiness, the
lads falling asleep during the observations. They were also a little
sick, faint, and prostrate. The lad who failed to perspire vomited;
the perspiration, therefore, was not due to nausea, nor, indeed, did they
complain of it. The vomiting came on suddenly, and was not repeated.
(RINGER and GOULD, Practitioner, xiii, 387.)
3. a.
We have recently made 37 careful observations; 20 on adults,
æt. 20-45; 17 on children, æt. 3—10. To the adults we gave 60
gr.; to the children 30 and sometimes 60. These investigations have
led to the detection of several new and interesting effects of J. They
show us that children are very little affected by the drug.
In 2 cases
only was the sweating abundant, in 8 it was slight, in 7 altogether
absent. Salivation was generally absent, and never more than to make
the mouth a little moister than usual; and so on with the other effects.
In the adults the effects were as heretofore described. M. Robin finds
that the tears and the nasal secretion are increased, but in only 4 of our
cases was such augmentation appreciable. In 11 cases complaint was
made of pain over the pubes, and in some instances this was severe, and
was generally accompanied by a strong desire to pass water, which
afforded relief. A good deal of trembling, especially of the upper extre-
mities, followed in 2 instances after the administration. One man com-
plained of much throbbing of the head the d. following the experiment.
Many patients complained of feeling alternately hot and cold, or chilly.
One patient to whom we gave it was a nursing woman.
Her milk, pre-
viously scanty, was greatly increased in quantity during the action of
the drug.
b. Mr. JOHN TWEEDY, having applied the extract to his own eye,
finds that it causes contraction of pupil; tension of the accomodative
apparatus, with approximation of nearest and farthest points of distinct
vision; and amblyopic impairment of vision from diminished sensibility
of retina. The effect reaches its maximum in 40 m., and goes off in
1 h. (IBID., Lancet, 1875, i, 157.)
4. JOHN W, æt. 17, drank, at 10.30 a.m., an infusion of ziss.
Just before taking drug skin was dry, temp. in axilla 98.25°, pulse 90.
At 11.10 temp. was 97.9°, pulse 104. Skin was moist over whole
body, face and forehead perspiring profusely. At this time he com-
plained that mouth was filling with water, and said there was mist
before eyes.
At 11.40 temp. was same, pulse 96. Skin was perspiring
profusely; salivation continued. He said he could not see anything
on the other side of the ward, a distance of about 25 ft. ; he could see
anyone standing by the side of his bed perfectly distinctly. Pupils
were unaltered. At 12.10 temp. was 96·6°, pulse 90, skin less moist,
no derangement of vision, no salivation. At I skin was of natural
JABORANDI.
29
moisture, temp. 96.8°, pulse 96. (SAWYER, Brit. Med. Journ., 1875,
i, 174.)
5. Dr. HULL took j of leaves in infusion. The first effect,
which came on about 8 m. after drinking the infusion, and chewing
and swallowing about one half of the leaves, was a profuse flow of
saliva, which continued about 3 h. During this time at least 30 or 40
oz. must have flowed. Following closely upon this came diaphoresis,
which was extremely profuse, the perspiration running off in drops and
saturating everything. In about 1 h. sudden and severe pain was experi-
enced in the bladder, shooting down to the urethra, and causing
exclamations. This was followed by cutting pain in the lower bowel,
though there was no tendency to diarrhoea; it became so severe as to
necessitate an opium suppository, which affordea great relief. About
this time (1 h. after taking drug) cardiac irregularity was noticed, with
great weakness and rapidity of action, and a nervous restless condition,
with constant yawning. There was gradually developed a dimness of
vision; and soon surrounding objects, beyond a couple of inches from
the eye, became indistinct. A watch held closely could be read with
This condition lasted several h., when nausea came on, followed
by severe vomiting, ejecting the contents of the stomach, finally bile,
and then passing off as a continued retching. The unpleasant effects
were counteracted by the administration of whiskey, about zij in water;
and he fell asleep to awake next m. in a weak languid state, with
excessive dryness of mouth and continued thirst. (Phil. Med. Times,
vii, 434.)
ease.
6. Experiment by WM. MARTINDALE on himself; from 60 gr. of
bruised leaf in 5 oz. boiling water, macerated 15 m. Took dose at
11.30 p.m.; in 5 m. felt a glow, increased circulation, uneasiness in
head, became restless and secretion of saliva began to increase; in 15
m. perspiring freely. Salivation and perspiration continued profuse
until sight became blurred-at a distance of 4 ft. could see a face, but
could not distinguish the eyes; at 12.15 near objects could be seen
distinctly, but not distant ones; pupils slightly dilated; pulse 96,
rising to 104. Temp. not taken. Shivering came on about this time
and the excessive perspiration ("a Turkish bath was nothing to it")
continued from all parts of the body; spirit and water was administered.
Saliva required constant ejection; there was a kind of collapsed feeling
to the cheeks. The speech was so affected that articulation was both
difficult and indistinct. I a.m., vomiting ensued and was encouraged;
it was followed by diminution of the symptoms, and after changing
clothes and taking more spirits, at 1.40 fell asleep and slept quietly
until 6 a.m. Felt squeamish all next d. The saliva collected was
distinctly alkaline and measured 16 oz.; more escaped, which was not
measured. (Pharmaceut. Journ., 3rd ser., v., 561.)
7. a. W. L. WATKINS, M.D., æt. 23, health good, not affected
easily by drugs. Dec. 1st, 1875, took 5 dr. of 5x dil. m. and e.
without effect, and repeated dose 3 times next d. with same result ;
which also followed use of 4th for 3 following d. On 6th, began to
take 3x. On 1st d. no symptoms were noticed; but on 7th, 1 h. after
m. dose, felt slight uneasiness in head, which during forenoon increased
30
JABORANDİ.
to pain in occiput, extending to forehead, and lasting till late in after-
noon. Did not take e. dose, but repeated med. before breakfast next
d. About 1 h. after aching began in lower part of occiput, which
increased in severity for 2 h., when it gradually passed off. During
forenoon throat felt dry and inflamed; everything swallowed caused
scraping sensation. P.m., inflammation increased; tonsils slightly
swollen and jaws a little stiff. This soreness lasted 2 d. On 11th
took same m. and e. After latter dose felt restless and anxious; dull
pain in 1. occiput; for 2 h. after going to bed could not get to sleep,
on account of anxious and oppressed feeling in chest. After going to
sleep dreamed of accidents and frights, which woke him up twice
during n. Next m. quite a sore-throat, smarting pain; dull headache,
mostly on 1.; breathing hurried. Sore-throat and headache lasted till
he went to bed; next m. headache had gone, but throat was still very
sore. The feeling wore off gradually during d., and next m. he was
quite well. On 15th repeated dose h. before breakfast, for which it
seemed to take away all appetite, but 2 h. later he became very
hungry. Usual headache came on towards noon, but did not affect
appetite for dinner. Did not sleep well, from restlessness and sensa-
tion of firm pressure on chest, with hurried breathing. Next d.,
exhausted feeling; no headache in m., but it came on during d., and
lasted till he went to bed.
b. On 19th began to take 2x. After 10 dr., in 2 h. heavy dull
pain in lower occiput, worse on 1. side; prostration of strength, even a
short walk causing weariness, hurried breathing, and palpitation.
These symptoms lasted 4 d., headache going off first. On 24th,
repeated dose. Same symptoms, with pain in cardiac region and
anxiety. These symptoms lasted 5 d., becoming less severe each d.
On Jan. 5th took 1, and repeated it at n. without any effect. On 6th
repeated dose. In about 2 h. return of symptoms of head and heart,
with weakness, which lasted 3 d. After this repeated same dose with
like result. On 13th took 10 dr. of tinct. This caused headache
and suffocative feeling. Repeated dose next m. About noon there
suddenly came on throbbing pains in forehead and vertex; then pains.
in chest and around heart, increasing in severity as those in head
became less, heavy pressure on chest, hurried breathing, and great
prostration. The symptoms became so bad that he was obliged to go
to bed; for h. after so doing could only breathe with great difficulty,
and with pains about heart there was severe palpitation. This condi-
tion remained at its height for 2 h., and then gradually abated, so that
he was able to get up in the e. and study. For two weeks subse-
quently he had the headache almost every d. about noon, and the
exhaustion had barely disappeared by the end of this time. (Am. Obs.,
xiii, 345.)
X
8. Dr. W. IRVING THAYER, æt. 39, in perfect health, save that he
has 3 papescent stools daily. July 20th, 1875, took repeated doses of
5-30 dr. of Ist dil. without effect. 21st. Same result from 1 dil.
taken in same way (up to 60 dr.). 22nd.-Made a tinct. of 1 to 5, and
took it after same manner, without effect; but his sleep for this and the
last 2 n. was early and profound. 23rd.-At 9 a.m. 5 dr., and at
JABORANDİ.
31
h.
10 a.m. 10 dr. of tinct. Inh. after last dose dull heavy distress in
pyloric region of stomach, as though some hard, indigestible substance
were lying there. At 11.30, 10 dr., followed by same symptoms, but
most acute. At 2 p.m. 5 dr., and at 4 p.m. 10 dr., which last in 20
m. slightly increased pain in stomach; but a full meal at 5 at once
relieved it. 24th.-Two stools to-day instead of usual three, first
constipated. At 9 and 10 a.m. 15 dr., and after 2nd dose distress at
stomach, a burning pain rather than the dyspeptic ache he expe-
rienced yesterday. At 11 a.m. 35 dr., and at 9 p.m. 40 dr. This m.,
also yesterday, noticed bright red spot on r. cornea, near iris; and in
both eyes a vascular appearance, as from cold or overwork; pupil
normal. 25th.-In usual state. 26th. At 8.30 a.m. 30 dr., at
10.30 a.m. 30 dr., and at 2 p.m. 80 dr. Inh. after last dose,
copious perspiration; pulse (normally 80) 108; temp. 97°. At 3
p.m. 30 dr. At 5, overpowered with sleep while reading; slept
after waking, found cornea injected and quite red. 27th.-Eye less
red. 28th.—At 2.15 and 3.15 p.m. 75 dr. After 2nd dose pulse 94.
At 4.15 p.m. 100 dr. Inh. gentle glow on face, as from exposure
to sun and wind; slight increase in colour. 5, whites of eyes vascular
again. 29th.-For last 3 d. stools have come only twice daily, but of
same consistence. On 30th two stools, but exceedingly difficult to
evacuate, consisting of long, large, and very dark fæces. 31st.-
Between 6.30 a.m. and I p.m. 8 stools, watery, yellow, and coming
with a gush. Felt an emptiness with this diarrhoea, but no pain
whatever. At I took 15 dr., and repeated dose at 2. At 3.25 another
similar stool. At 5 took 25 dr. At 5.25 stool as before, and again at
6; pulse then 100, temp. normal. Felt a little weak, chilly up and
down back; glad to go to bed about 7.30; eyeballs sore on move-
ment; dull throbbing ache at front and top of head. At 9 another
stool. Feverish heat now, beginning in face, extended all over body;
pulse 100. Fell asleep at 9.30, and spent one of the most wretched n.
he ever experienced; smart fever, increased pain in head, general
malaise (no thirst), very restless, talking, moaning, with some delirium.
Stool at I a.m. Took belladonna, with some relief to fever and rest-
lessness; but sleep disturbed by many distressing dreams.
Ate a light
breakfast. Headache, eyeballs very sore, tongue slightly furred. At
10 a.m. took some china. Stool at 2 p.m., yellow, better digested, but
coming with gush. Eyelids stiff and very heavy after an hour's nap,
very profound (as sleep has generally been since beginning proving);
also considerable distress in stomach and lower half of oesophagus,-
this was removed by pulsatilla. 2nd.-Slept quietly and very pro-
foundly; eyes in m. sore on movement. Five painless but watery
stools. On 4th, continuing to have 5 to 10 similar stools daily, took
gambogia 3, two doses of which cured it. (Trans. of N. Y. State Hom.
Med. Soc., N. S. ii, 122).
;
9. a. DRASCHE experimented on a number of patients with infusion
of 3j. Some took it cold, some hot; some took it all at once, some by
instalments. In all there occurred increase of salivary secretion and
perspiration. The salivation always occurred, and was so copious that
in some cases as much as 200-300 ccm. of saliva were collected in
32
JABORANDI.
2-3 h.; it was of neutral reaction, sp. gr. 1002, containing much
albumen. The increased secretion began to appear in 10-15 m. after
taking medicine. The perspiration generally appeared first on face and
chest, in numerous large drops. It lasted 2-3 h. ; not longer, how-
ever, than the salivation. Both sometimes occurred whether the
medicine was swallowed cold or hot, but in the latter case the perspira-
tion was more copious. The patients had at the same time a feeling
of increased warmth and face became red and turgid. The temp. at
the commencement of the action rose from some tenths to 1º C., but
afterwards fell rather below normal. In the beginning pulse was
slightly quickened, but later it became slower. Sphygmographic
tracings showed a very considerable contraction of the arteries during
the action of the medicine. In some patients transient derangements of
vision were observed, and only in a few slight contraction of the pupils.
The urinary secretion was not increased but rather diminished. In some
cases there was urging to urinate, and a tickling sensation in urethra.
No effect was produced on the bowels, but some patients had eructations,
nausea, and inclination to vomit; these symptoms only occurred when the
whole drachm was swallowed at once. There were no after-symptoms.
b. When the drug was given in tincture, the salivation always
ensued, but the perspiration was not always present. When zij of
tinct., corresponding to 3j in infusion, were taken, salivation and
perspiration were very copious. Visual derangements were very slight,
or sometimes absent altogether. The tinct. seemed to be not so
certain in its action as the infusion. (Zeitsch. d. allg. öster. Apotheker-
Ver., May, 1875.)
10. a. Among the incidental effects which have been observed,
mention should first be made of the vomiting which occurs from † h.
to I h. after taking the drug, and which is always preceded by prolonged
nausea. It is extremely annoying and exhausting to the patient, lasts
for a long time, and may readily lead to dangerous collapse. In 41
experiments Riegel observed it 18 times, and 10 times nausea without
vomiting. Lohrisch, in 30 cases, saw violent vomiting 12 times, and
nausea with inclination to vomit 22 times. The nausea showed itself
sometimes immediately, sometimesh. and even later, after taking
the medicine.
b. After the nausea and vomiting, increased frequency of micturition
is the most common symptom, occurring in about 40 per cent. of the
cases. It appears so suddenly, and the desire is so great, that the
patients are absolutely unable to resist it. Now and then a burning
pain in the urethra and small of the back is also noticed, which is so
intense as to draw loud cries of suffering from the patients.
c. The disturbances of vision so frequently noticed are also worthy
of mention. The patients state that they are unable to see distinctly
because there seems to be a veil before their eyes. A few authors claim
also to have observed dilatation (? contraction.-EDS.) of the pupils in
these cases, but Riegel was not able to confirm this statement.
d. In addition to these incidental effects, there also occur not
infrequently hiccup, dizziness, headache, with a kind of stupefaction,
and in some cases, a more or less intense chilliness appearing near the
JABORANDI.
33
close of the sweating, and also gastric and abdominal pains. After the
cessation of the sweating, these symptoms come to an end. In very
weak persons collapse without vomiting is occasionally observed.
(LEWIN, op. cit.)
III. Experiments on animals.—1. a. In animals which perspire, it
has been possible to ascertain that all the secretions connected with the
alimentary canal—the bile and pancreatic juice, as well as the saliva—
are increased. In dogs it produces a copious and sanguinolent diarrhoea.
The urinary secretion, besides, is augmented in dogs; and there exists
also an abundant flow of nasal and conjunctival mucus.
Introduced
into the stomach or into the crural veins, J. dilates the pupil (this,
however, fails to occur when the sympathetic is divided in the neck).
In toxic doses, J. retards considerably the beats of the heart, and some-
times ends by arresting them completely in diastole like muscarine.
Applied directly, however, to the heart of the frog, J. arrests the heart
in systole like digitaline. Atropine destroys its effects on the heart,
and also arrests its salivation and sweating. The temperature of the
animals experimented upon is generally elevated.
b. An infusion of 10 grm. of powdered leaves in 90 grm. of water
was injected into the crural vein of a dog, in three portions, 2—3 m.
apart. Some instants after first injection, saliva began to flow abun-
dantly, and its eyes filled with tears. A little later, vomiting was pro-
duced, then diarrhoea. Sanguinolent mucus escaped from the nostrils.
Pulse was small, unequal, 100; pupils at first enlarged, but soon
returned to normal state. The animal trembled and appeared very
feeble. It died during n. P.M.-Intense congestion of mucous
membrane of stomach and bowels; brain and its membranes also con-
gested. There were ecchymotic points in lung, especially below
pleuræ. (VULPIAN, Path. Exp., i.)
2. a. General nervous system.-Injected under skin of frogs
Jaborandi causes tetanic convulsions, not unlike those of strychnia.
These continue after removal of brain, but cease with destruction of
spinal cord. In 2 dogs narcotised with morphia, and in 2 rabbits to
which chloral had been given, no convulsions occurred. The difference
between the frog and the mammal may have been a question of dose.
No marked effect on the irritability of the motor nerves or of the
muscles was noticed.
b. Circulation. In the dogs and rabbits (narcotised as above)
injection of Jaborandi into jugular vein was followed at once by distinct
slowing of pulse. No initial quickening (as observed by Dr. Ringer
in human subject) was observed. The pulse was diminished to one
third of its previous rate. In the rabbit the effect rapidly reached its
maximum intensity and speedily diminished. During the height of the
effect stimulation of the pneumogastric nerve produced the ordinary
inhibitory results, the heart's action ceasing in diastole and recom-
mencing on the withdrawal of the stimulus. In the case of the frog
the injection of atropine was necessary to cause the heart to begin work
again. Jaborandi, while acting similarly in this respect to physostigma,
does not so rapidly exhaust the inhibitory fibres. A rapid but not very
great fall of blood-pressure occurred in the dog and rabbit. If the web
VOL. III.
3
34
PILOCARPINUM.
of the frog's foot be examined after injection under skin of back of
Jaborandi, the arteries are seen to dilate and the capillaries and veins
to become full and red. The rapidity of the flow diminishes consider-
ably, sometimes amounting to complete stasis over the whole or the
greater part of the web, while the heart is beating 20 per m. The
stasis gives way partially when the heart is revived by atropine. The
same stasis was observed whether the sciatic nerve was divided or intact.
After the injection of Jaborandi into the jugular vein the vessels of the
ear on the side on which the sympathetic was intact were dilated, but
less so than on the side where the nerve was divided. Stimulation of
the divided nerve caused contraction and pallor as usual. The tracing
of the blood pressure was remarkable for the great flattening of the
respiratory curves, a flattening which could not be explained by changes
in the respiratory movements.
c. Secreting organs.—In the dogs and rabbits, very soon after injec-
tion, a thick viscid mixture of mucus and saliva dropped from the
mouth and clear fluid ran from eyes and nose. When a cannula was
placed in the submaxillary duct a flow of saliva like chorda-saliva soon
took place. The secretion soon reached a maximum and speedily
declined. It was unaffected by previous division of the chorda tympani,
and was therefore peripheral in its mechanism. The Jaborandi seemed
rapidly to exhaust the gland, as electric stimulation of the chorda
tympani was followed by a much smaller flow than if Jaborandi had
not been used. In the frog a viscid secretion from the mouth and
from the whole surface of the skin occurred. In the dog, after death,
a large quantity of mucus was found in the trachea and bronchi
and much acid fluid in the stomach. Jaborandi appears to increase
the peristaltic action of the intestines. (LANGLEY, Brit. Med. Journ.,
1875, ii, 241.)
Pilocarpinum.-Alkaloid obtained from Jaborandi.
I. Provings.-1. The first and most constant action of pilocarpium
muriaticum, even in small doses (o'5 cc. of a per cent. solution) is
increased secretion of saliva; it comes on in from 3 to 5 m. after hypo-
dermic injection in upper arm, and lasts hours longer than the increased
secretion of sweat, more rarely does it cease simultaneously with the
latter, and it occurs after doses that cause no diaphoresis. The dura-
tion and quantity of the salivation are proportioned to the strength of
the dose. The diaphoresis, which very seldom fails to occur (and then
from doses not exceeding o'5 cc. of a per cent. solution), speedily
follows the ptyalism, rarely 5 m. later; it begins generally in the head
and gradually spreads all over body, accompanied often by an intense
feeling of cold, so that the patients' teeth chatter and they wrap them-
selves up with warm coverings. The duration of this diaphoresis
varies with the strength of the dose; with our usual dose, I'o cc, of a
2 per cent. solution, the duration of the sweating is on an average 1 h.
if the patient remains out of bed, but can last 2 or 3 h. if he goes to
bed. There is usually a slight quickening of pulse by from 5 to 10
beats, but with the cessation of the diaphoresis it reverts to the normal.
Rarer is an increase of the temperature from 0.5° to 1°, which was
PILOCARPINUM.
35
observed when the patient complained of intense feeling of cold. The
feeling of great faintness is only in short fits, and does not last longer
than the other symptoms (when the infusion of Jaborandi leaves is
taken this symptom lasts 4 or 5 h. longer). Nausea only occurs when
the saliva is not completely ejected. (There is no vomiting, which,
again, is a marked symptom when the infusion is taken.) Contraction
of the pupils occurs later, and survives all the other symptoms by, on an
average, 12 h. On dropping into eye 1 dr. of the 2% solution the con-
traction begins in 10 m., attains its maximum in 20 to 30 m., lasts at
that degree 3 h., and perceptible contraction remains for 24 h. The
loss of weight from a copious secretion for 2 to 3 h. is on an average
2 kilogr., once it was 4 kilogr. (WEBER, Centralbl. f. d. med.
Wissensch., Berlin, 1879, 769.)
2. Made 12 experiments on 10 persons. 3 m. after hypodermic
injection (quantity not stated, probably 1'0 ccm. of 2 per cent. solution)
there came on salivation. This gradually increased, attained its maxi-
mum in 20 m., and remained there 1 h., then gradually declined, but
after 5 h. it was still somewhat increased. In one case the ptyalism was
so great that in 100 m. after the injection 550 ccm, saliva was collected,
of sp. gr. 1005. The amount of sweat during same period was from 500
to 700 ccm. Almost constant was an increase of the laryngeal secre-
tion. From the flow of tears into nose the nasal secretion seemed to
be increased. Once there was dysuria with violent but transient pain
in glans penis. At the height of the diaphoresis the temperature in
anus sank 0.5° to 0.6°; as the diaphoresis declined the temperature rose
gradually to its normal height. The pulse is at first quickened.
Sphygmographic observations showed a marking sinking of arterial
tension a few m. after the injection and before the commencement of
the sweating. Three of the provers had some eructation. In one
case in which the patient expectorated no saliva and probably swal-
lowed it, he vomited a meal taken 2 h. after the injection. In another
case (saturnine paralysis) where there were profuse salivation and
diaphoresis, the patient had intense cold feeling, with trembling of limbs
and constriction of chest. (BARDENHEWER, Berliner klin. Wochensch.,
1877, 7.)
2
3. After injection (hypodermic) of 1 ccm. of 2 per cent. solution,
the action commenced in from 1 to 10 m. The action commenced
soonest when the injection was performed on temporal region, latest
when done on outside of thigh. The first symptom is a quite sudden.
salivation. The salivation attains its maximum in about 15 m., con-
tinues there 1 to 2 h., and there flows from to litre of the watery
saliva. Almost simultaneously, sometimes some m. later there occurs,
along with increase of pulse by from 10 to 20 beats and feeling of
warmth chiefly in the forehead, at the hair border, sweat, which in a
short time extends over face, neck, chest, trunk, arms, and lastly, legs,
lasts about 1 h., but if the patient is wrapped up, from 2 to 3 h. The
weight of the increased secretions is from 1 to 2 kilos. After a few m.
the pulse rises, and as the symptoms of the drug decline the pulse falls
till it regains its normal velocity. When the pulse began to rise some
of the patients complained of throbbing in temples. The sphygmo-
36
PILOCARPINUM.
graphic curve shows at the beginning an increase of the systolic eleva-
tion and a more perpendicular up-stroke, quicker descent of the
kalcrotic limb, and distinctly marked reflex elevation, showing that
the artery swells quickly and strongly and falls together rapidly, signs
of relaxation of artery and quickened cardiac action. This is most dis-
tinctly seen after from 10 to 15 m., and then it gradually returns to
the normal state. The temperature showed a slight elevation, o'5° to
1° at the commencement of the quickening of the pulse, remained
thus until the perspiration was profuse all over the body, then sank
slowly for 3 to 4 h. to from 1° to 2° below the normal. Sometimes at
the commencement of the sweating, sometimes during its course, there
was cold feeling up to marked rigor (whilst the thermometer showed no
decrease of temperature). Some had, after the occurrence of the
ptyalism, great chilliness, that sometimes lasted 1 h. After the remis-
sion of the chilliness the perspiration then set in. In another case the
feeling of coldness only occurred when the ptyalism and diaphoresis
had attained their maximum. In some there was urging to urinate
and occasionally even violent pains in urethra even when not passing
urine. Occasionally there was increased secretion of urine. Nausea
and vomiting were rarely seen. In women whose menses were always
regular they came on 2 d. too soon. Contraction of the pupil after
injection was not very obvious, but when instilled into the eye it com-
menced in 3 to 5 m., and attained its maximum in from 15 to 20 m.
After I dr. only the action on the pupils lasted only 2 to 3 h., but when
several drops were inserted the contractions lasted 24 h. (SCOTTI,
Ibid., 141.)
4. Action begins 2 to 5 m. after injection of 2 per cent. solution.
First, the forehead and face grow red, the veins of forehead swell, then
sweat appears on face and all over body, and becomes very profuse.
Salivation occurs often before the diaphoresis. There is often an
increase of other secretions, lachrymation (the tears come through the
nose), bronchial secretion increased, with loose cough and expectoration,
then almost always increased urging to urinate and increased secretion
of urine; but this is only transient. On the whole, the amount of
urine passed during the 24 h. is diminished. Sometimes there is great
sickness, followed by vomiting. Frequently there is great weakness
and a kind of collapse. The proper effects of the drug last 2 to 3 h.,
then there ensues a feeling of exhaustion, during which the patient
generally falls asleep and wakes refreshed. But this exhaustion some-
times lasts till next d. Before the outbreak of the sweat there is a
dilatation of the blood-vessels, both arteries and veins, of the face and
forehead. The temporal arteries, before scarcely visible, form a thick
projecting cord whose pulsations are visible. The diameter of the
arteries is increased to the double. The veins of the forehead appear
as thick blue vessels. Radial arteries also dilated, and veins of forearm
and hand. The pulse becomes more frequent, sometimes slightly, as
from 80 to 84 or 88, usually to 100, and sometimes from 80 to 120.
The sphygmographic tracing shows increased elevation of the systolic
impulse. An increase of the temperature at the commencement of the
action of the drug from o'1° to o'2° and even o'5° was sometimes
1
PILOCARPINUM.
37
observed, sometimes not. After the sweating the temperature
gradually declined. With Mosso's instrument (plethysmograph) it
was found that the forearm increased in size owing to the increased
distension of its blood-vessels. (LEYDEN, Ibid., 385.)
II. Poisonings.-I. a. Although it has been found in the course of
time that the use of this agent is attended with a number of unpleasant
symptoms, its quality of developing its activity hypodermically causes
it to present such great advantages over the leaves of Jaborandi, that the
latter must be placed much below P. as a diaphoretic. According to
Weber I ccm. of a 2 per cent. solution of the muriate an infusion of
5 grm. of Jaborandi leaves. The quantity of saliva secreted after an
injection varies, according to Lösch, with the individuality of the patient.
The saliva itself is tough, viscid, and often as thick as the white of
egg. The salivation follows immediately upon the diaphoresis. In
this last also the individuality of the patient plays a part, as is shown
by the fact that some are bathed in sweat, while others transpire but
slightly after the same dose. Rigors are now and then observed during
the sweating. Intimately associated with these phenomena is increase
in frequency of pulse, by 30-40 beats. The patients often complain
of palpitation, and very sensitive persons of a feeling of anxiety, which,
however, speedily passes away. Vomiting also occurs, and becomes
very violent when it once begins. According to Lösch, this symptom
occurs once in 5 times in women, but only once in 10 times in men.
It is usually followed by collapse. In children, in addition to vomiting,
Demme saw weakness approaching to fainting, pallor of face, and
distressing hiccup. Burning sensation in urethra or glans penis was
also frequently noticed, usually associated with frequent micturition.
Federschmidt also observed dysuria in 2 instances. During diaphoresis
and salivation, patients sometimes complained of feeling as if their
bladder was too full, and unable to empty itself. When injections were
again practised upon the same persons, these abnormal sensations failed
to appear. Disturbance of vision, characterised by mistiness, frequently
occurs. In some persons this becomes so intense that they are unable
to read large print 6 in. from the eye. There was not necessarily any
coincident increase in the lachrymal secretion. The most unpleasant
of all the incidental effects of P. is the collapse which appears both
during the stage of secretion, and after it, even in robust persons.
may even have a fatal result. The heart must also be watched with
the greatest care, particularly in persons with lesions of this organ, on
account of the well-established enormous acceleration of its action,
which is often attended with irregularity.
It
b. An observation of Rannelt's may be mentioned in this place.
After the subcutaneous injection of o'02 grm. in a patient with uræmia
there appeared next m., after diaphoresis had passed off, a swelling of
the submaxillary glands, to the size of a fist, and also of the parotids
and tonsils, with fever. Under the use of atropia these phenomena
passed off in the course of a d.
c. Great danger is incurred by the untimely use of P. in eclampsia.
Sänger reports 3 such cases, in which the injection of o'02 grm. was
followed by edema of the lungs. In one case, life was saved by the
38
JUGLANS.
antidotal employment of atropia, but death occurred in both the others.
Sänger explains this injurious action of the drug by the deficient
expectoration of the masses of mucus which are formed under its
influence, and their entrance into the lungs. Expectoration cannot be
performed, because unconsciousness and loss of activity are produced
by the eclamptic attacks. (LEWIN, op. cit.)
JUGLANS.
Including J. cinérea, L.; and J. régia, L. Nat. Ord., Juglandeacæ.
Juglans cinerea, butter nut.
I. Provings.- a. Dr. Jos. P. PAINE took, Nov. 20th-24th, 1851, 4 dr. of 3rd
dil. every n., without effect. On 25th, took 9 dr. of 1st. dil, at n. Inh. slight vertigo,
with sinking faint feeling in stomach, extending to abdomen. In 3 h., diarrhoea, with
burning in anus before and after stool. 26th.-2 dr. in m. Pain in 1. chest, feeling of
weakness and debility. 11, slight nausea, with vertigo. 3, yellow frothy diarrhoea,
with tenesmus and burning in anus after stool. Cramp-like pain in hip at n.
b. Dec. 1st.-10
10 dr. of tinct. No symptoms. 2nd.-15 dr. Nausea in m.,
dryness of fauces and sensation as if throat was swollen. 3rd.—25 dr.
3rd.-25 dr. Vivid dreams.
4th.-Aching of both ankles. Stitch-like pain under r. scapula, when stooping;
pain in r. side of fauces. Aching in abdomen after dinner; soon after, diarrhoea
with burning in anus. Aching in lumbar vertebræ, extending through loins and up
spine; also in various parts of body. Feeling of lassitude; aching in arms and wrists,
as if sprained by hard work. 5th.-Aching in occiput, in m. in bed, passing off on
getting up. Numb pain in r. axilla, extending down arm along course of nerves,
lasting 3 h. Pain under vertebral border of r. scapula, increased by moving part,
and by drawing long breath. 6th.-Some scapular and axillary pain; also in r.
knee, felt on going upstairs. 7th.-Still scapular pain; dryness of nose; aching in
wrists, extending up arms; constipation. 8th.-30 dr. By 9th, scapular pain had
become very slight, and by 10th had gone. On these 2 d., constipation. 12th.-
60 dr. at n. 13th.-Aching in abdomen at intervals, with flatulence. Pain in
lumbar and dorsal vertebræ at n. 14th.—Soft stool, with pain and flatulence in
abdomen; aching in limbs; accelerated pulse.
c. Jan. 5th and 6th.-Took 25 dr. of 7th dil. at n., without effect till 8th, when
he had aching in lumbar vertebræ and r. sacro-iliac symphysis; occasional sharp pains
in calves; pain in either hypochondrium; dull aching in r. axilla, extending down
arms, and in r. shoulder. 9th.-Dull pain in 1. arm; occasional shooting pains in
loins; pain under 1. scapula, aching in r. At n., 25 dr. of 3rd dil. Very restless at
n., tossing about a good deal while asleep. 10th.-Dull aching in r. shoulder; in
sacro-iliac symphysis, worse while sitting; and between shoulders. P.m., aching in
lumbar vertebræ, with restlessness; flatulent pain in various parts of abdomen; restless
sleep. 11th.-A.m., painless diarrhoea: 25 dr. of 1st at n. 12th.-Roughness and
soreness of throat; numb pain in wrists and arms; pain in 1. knee and thigh; lumbar
and sacro-iliac pain violent; dull headache for 3 h., worse on r.; burning in eyes;
aching in r. axilla; restless sleep. 13th.-Aching in r. temple, lasting 3 or 4 h. ;
very restless in n.
15th.-Aching in region of inguinal rings, and great soreness
there on rising from recumbent position.
d. Nov. 19th.-Took 5 dr. of 3rd dil., without effect. 20th.-10 dr. of 1st. at
n. Pain in 1. shoulder; oppression of chest, raising of a quantity of black-coloured
blood; great tendency to sleep, frightful dreams; burning in pharynx. 25th.-5 dr.
of tinct. Pain in 1. shoulder, in elbows and knees; soreness of throat; great wake-
fulness; rigid state of muscles of neck; burning in abdomen after stool. (HALE,
New Remedies, 2nd ed., sub voce.)
2. a. L. A. CLARK, student, took, July 27th, 5 dr. of tinct. at 6 a.m. and 12 m.,
and 10 at 5 p.m. No symptoms during d., save that each dose produced burning
and pricking in mouth and throat, asting an h. or two; but n. was very restless,
►
JUGLANS.
39
with frightful dreams. Woke in m. with headache and heavy yellow coating on
tongue. 28th.-10 dr. at 5 a.m., 12 m., and 5 p.m. Same restless condition all n.;
dreamed of being among Indians. Next m. heavy headache; felt weary and
unrefreshed. (All this very unusual.) 29th.-Throughout d. dry burning sensa-
tion of face, with intense erythematous redness; headache; mind so confused that he
could not study; itching and pricking sensation on head, neck, and shoulders. 30th.
-Took same as on 28th, with same symptoms, though redness and heat of face were
even more aggravated. 31st.-As yesterday. Aug. 5th-7th.-Took 20 dr. 3
times, which brought on its full cathartic action, producing 4 or 5 large bilious
discharges in 24 h., without pain or griping. After subsidence of diarrhoea there
came on upper front chest and side of hand eruption like eczema simplex; not
troublesome, except when heated from exertion, when it has same itching pricking
sensation as occurred during proving. (Ibid.)
b. Dec. 13th, 1870.—Took 10 dr. at 7 p.m. 14th.-11 dr. 3 times. Slight frontal
fulness; 1. foot numb whenever he sits still. 15th.—Awoke at 3 a.m., and could not
get off again. Took 12 dr. 3 times. Feeling in forehead continued; headache in e.;
slight umbilical pain; stool dark brown. 16th.-13 dr. 3 times. Sharp rheumatic
pains in both shoulders and wrists; tongue white; stool small and brown; numb
sensation at root of nose; constant yawning, without sleepiness. 17th.-14 dr. 3
times. Dull frontal headache; eyes red and swollen; urination inore frequent and
copious; numbness in nose intense, rubbing relieves; sleep light and uneasy, very
troublesome dreams. 18th.-15 dr. 3 times. Headache continues; appetite ferocious,
wants to eat constantly; throat feels very sore and swollen; dreams as before.
19th.-16 dr. 3 times. Severe ague chill (commencing in back) when sitting
near warm fire, but no coldness of flesh; head itches constantly. 20th.-17
dr. 3 times. Ridiculous dreams all past n.; pricking sensation up and down
spine. Continued to take 3 doses daily, increasing by I dr. each d., up to
Jan. 8th, when he took 36 dr. 21st.-Symptoms as yesterday; stool, hitherto
natural, first part hard and brown, latter part diarrhoeic and greenish-yellow. 22nd.
-Bowels confined; stitching in hepatic region; felt dull and could not remember
what he read. 23rd.-No stool; dull, heavy, umbilical pain; absent-minded, forgets
what he is about. 24th.-Same symptoms. 25th.-Severe dull headache all fore-
noon, somewhat relieved p.m.; bowels moved with great effort, stool hard and brown.
26th.-Stool natural; severe frontal headache. 27th.-Same as yesterday. 28th and
29th.-Unusually sleepy. 30th.-Severe headache, can hardly see; terrible nausea
commencing soon after retiring; last n. death-like feeling, with chills and shudderings
all over body. 31st.-Nausea severe during n., but so relieved to-day that he can eat
quite heartily; otherwise same. Jan. 1st. -Every sudden motion causes everything
to turn dark so that he cannot see; giddy, as though he would faint away. 2nd.
-Wants to be let alone, to do nothing but eat and sleep; cannot concentrate mind
on any one subject; cold chills along spine. 3rd.-Similar symptoms. 4th.—Same
mental conditions; back of neck feels lame; arms itch and burn, with redness of skin,
also redness and flushed appearance of face; eyes feel drawn together; stool soft,
sticky, and dark; coppery taste in mouth. 5th.-Throat feels sore, it hurts even to
swallow water; discharge of thin watery mucus from nose; arms burn and itch,
scratching relieves; scalp itches intensely, has to scratch continually; tongue
heavily coated white; constant headache; considerable burning and smarting on
passing urine (every h. or two). 6th.-As yesterday, but no movement of bowels
and more drowsiness. 7th.-Felt so faint he did not want to get up, but was
relieved of faintness after getting up and moving about; head feels large as a barrel;
coryza and throat symptoms continue; stool hard and in balls; violent itching over
whole body, shifting from place to place. 8th.-Symptoms as yesterday, but more
aggravating. 9th.-Took no more medicine. Sick and weary; symptoms all keep
up; bowels costive with considerable umbilical griping; pulse 90 (normally 75);
thirsty and feverish. 10th.-Fearful dreams all n., waking covered with sweat ; head-
ache less severe; can hardly get a long breath from oppression of chest; stool hard
and dark brown; some chilliness alternating with flashes of heat; headache. 15th.
-Nearly but not quite well. Found he had lost 4 lb. since commencing proving.
(Amer. Obs., viii, 175.)
II. Poisonings.-1. In doses of 1-
In doses of 1-2 gr. Juglandin acts as a drastic purge, pro-
ducing irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bowels; if con-
-
ì
40
JUGLANS.
tinued, it is followed by a peculiar exanthematous eruption, very much resembling
the flush of scarlatina. ´ (PAINE, Veg. Kem., sub voce.)
2. An old lady, after taking 5 gr. of the solid extract daily for 3 weeks, had a
pustular eruption appear on the thighs, hips, and nates, with intolerable itching and
burning. A few pustules appeared on body, face and arms. The eruption remained
for 3 weeks after the drug was discontinued. (P. H. HALE, in Hale's New
Remedies.)
3. A man took 1 gr. of Juglandin 3 times in d. While walking in e., felt sharp
wrenching pain in 1. side, and suffocating sensation in chest, compelling him to
stand still for some m. for breath. This, however, did not alleviate pain, but 5 dr.
of bryonia tinct. did so immediately. Being under impression that pain was from
indigestion, he continued medicine next d. ; and same symptoms recurred about the
same time, again relieved by bryonia. (BURNETT, M. H. R., xxii, 206.)
4. A strong healthy woman took 1st dil. for several weeks for eczema of hands.
It seemed to produce the following symptoms :-" Feeling as if all internal organs
were too large, especially those of I. side; very slight nose-bleed daily, for 5 or 6 d. ;
feeling all-overish,' as if bad illness were coming on; pain in centre of chest at
various times by d. and n., with foreboding feeling at n.,-walking about did not
aggravate pain; very pale complexion." (Ibid.)
Juglans regia. Walnut.
I. Provings.- 1. a. CL. MÜLLER, æt. 24, phlegmatic-choleric temperament, in
good health, took Sept. 22nd, 1842, 9 a.m., 10 dr. tinct. of outer hull. After h.
repeated eructations.—23rd. 20 dr., frequent eructations, sometimes with hiccup,
good appetite. After dinner distended abdomen and discharge of much flatus.
4 p.m., very copious soft stool, latterly nearly liquid, abdomen much distended all d.
-24th. 30 dr., soon violent eructation. After 2 h. pain in 1. side of abdomen
under false ribs, increased by deep breathing, laughing, and stooping, till 6 p.m.
About noon frequent flushes of heat with confusion of head and pressive pain over
eyes, worse on moving. In afternoon frequent yawning and stretching. Appetite
good, no stool.-25th. 40 dr., after h. much eructation, pain in 1. side of abdo-
men only when walking quickly, extending almost all over abdomen, appetite good,
abdomen greatly distended. 7 p.m., stool scanty and hard, with straining.—26th.
No med., abdomen still distended, no stool.-27th. 60 dr., immediately nausea and
feeling of burning in stomach, eructation; on walking quickly dull pain on 1. side of
abdomen, head confused and pain in forehead, especially when shaken and on moving
eyes, till noon. 2 p.m., healthy stool, afterwards disagreeable feeling of tension and
fulness of abdomen.-28th. 100 dr., during forenoon violent loud eructations.
From 11 a.m. occasional flushes of heat and coldness, with heaviness of head, which
increased to pain after eating, but was gone by 3 p.m. After 4 p.m. itching for a
long time on back of r. hand, making him scratch, then on foot, forehead, hairy
scalp, abdomen, but nothing visible on skin. No stool, distended abdomen, much
flatus, profuse discharge of urine. From 9 p.m. till he went to sleep hot head
with cold extremities.-29th. No med. On waking m., tongue furred white, with
bitter, slimy taste. Afternoon, normal stool, much urine. E., burning hot head and
very cold extremities, pulse quick.-From Sept. 30th to Oct. 5th no med., no sym-
ptoms.-Oct. 6th, 9 a.m., 40 dr. tinct. of leaves. Immediately nausea, nasty bitter
taste lasting 1 h., frequent eructations. to a.m., pressive pain in forehead, especially
over 1. eye and in eyes; in nose and head feeling as of commencing coryza, confusion,
sometimes vertigo, but very good appetite and normal stools. From 4 p.m. head
free and light. Passed 56 oz. urine of normal character, no increase of thirst.—7th.
Slimy taste on waking, and tongue covered with white mucus.
9 a.m., 60 dr., after
which violent eructation, distended abdomen, normal stool, 61 oz. dark red urine.—
8th, 9 a.m., 80 dr. Eructation, headache especially over 1. eye; no stool, 64 oz.
urine.-9th. No med. Normal stool, urine 40 oz.-10th. No stool, urine 44 oz.-
11th. Normal stool, urine 38 oz.-12th to 18th. Daily normal stool, urine from
40 to 45 oz. 19th, m., 40 dr. tinct. of hull. Repeated eructation, normal stool,
47 oz. of normal urine.-20th. 40 dr., soon nausea, retching. After 1 h. slight
wandering pains in bowels, confusion of head, burning in eyes.
2 p.m., normal
stool. Thirst, urine 55 oz., passed at six times, once in middle of n., quite unusual.
-21ST. 60 dr., violent eructation and flatulence. After 1 h. confusion and heavi-
――
JUGLANS.
41
ness of head, pain in forehead, especially 1. side, general weariness and disinclination
for usual occupations. After dinner head free and light; no stool, 46 oz. urine.
To-day and yesterday burning-itching in anus, very violent, compelling constant
scratching.—22nd. No med. Forenoon, when sitting, very severe short stitches in
sacral region, making him start, stool very firm, urine 54 oz.-23rd. Nothing but
trequent itching in anus and copious discharge of urine.-24th. No stool. Itching
in anus very severe in bed at n. in fits of about 5 m.; painful stitches in anus, so that
he must frequently rise up, and for 2 h. could not sleep.
b. Sept. 7th, 1844, took 20 dr. of tinct. of leaves. After 1 h. slight drawing in
bowels, abdomen distended, extreme hunger, constant itching on r. hand.
8 p.m.,
after supper, nausea, loathing of tobacco smoke, discontented feeling. In bed there
came on burning and itching on skin of lower extremities, arms, and body, here and
there, with restless tossing about and inability to sleep. Unusually copious urine.—
8th. No med., no symptoms.-9th, m., 50 dr. Repetition of the drawing in hypo-
gastrium, eructation, flatulence. After 1 h. frequent shooting and itching in r. thigh,
in afternoon in fingers of r. hand. 3 p.m., copious stool, followed by burning pain
and pressing in anus, constant urging to urinate, the urine dribbles away involuntarily.
-10th. 50 dr., after 1 n. the drawing in abdomen recurred, with slight pressure in
spleen and eructation, pain in forehead over eyes with giddiness, itching on skin
here and there. On nape small pimples, exuding when scratched (ordinary acne).
In bed, e., excited as if tipsy, felt as if hovering in air.-11th, 9 a.m., 80 dr. After
I
h. drawing and lame feeling in legs and knees, with peculiar weakness interfering
with walking on account of frequent giving way of knees, until noon; a similar but
slighter feeling in r. hand, lasting only a short time. Some pressive pain in forehead.
In afternoon itching in several fingers of r. hand. 5 p.m., peculiar drawing pain in
first phalanx of 1. thumb and wrist, worse when moved, not increased by pressure, as
if dislocated, lasting all e. In bed, same pain in r. big toe, many and restless dreams.
Much urine.—12th. On waking m. pain in thumb and toe still present, that in toe
goes off after getting up, but that in thumb lasts all d., often only when moved, but
occasionally when at rest.—13th, 9 a.m., 70 dr. Thumb still painful. Frequent itching
and burning in anus. 6 p.m., nausea, very bitter taste, collection of saliva in mouth,
frequent yawning, good appetite.-14th. Thumb still sometimes painful, sometimes
the same sensation in r. index. Three pimples on the face. Burning in anus.-
16th. 30 dr., two fresh and larger pimples on mouth. Was travelling till Sept.
24th. The pimples healed up after becoming pustular and forming scabs. In
beginning of October took 3 times at intervals of 3 d. 30 dr. 1st dec. dil., which
caused symptoms similar to those recorded, but milder.-12th and 18th.
30 dr.
tinct., same symptoms, only stronger, appeared. About this time the r. axilla began
to itch and burn, and the skin became sore and chapped. In Nov. the skin was
quite red, desquamated, exuded, and a patch of eczema as big as half-a-crown
appeared, with vesicles at its margin, which burned violently. The eczema became
much worse after getting in a perspiration, sweat and discharge together made the
linen greenish-yellow and stiff. Sometimes the pain was so severe that movement of
the arm was impossible. The increased burning and itching was always attended by
an aggravation and extension of the eczematous patch and vesicles, which came on a
few h. after the burning. In Dec. a similar eruption came in the r. axilla, but never
got so bad as the first. In Jan. a small furuncle appeared on the coracoid process of
the r. shoulder, which suppurated and healed up in a few d., then on Jan. 10th a very
large painful boil came on the biceps muscle about 2 inches above elbow, with a
hard and red areola, that after poulticing discharged much pus and then healed
quickly. Feb. 8th. There appeared on the r. elbow 2 red spots an inch square,
which itched violently, and on which a small yellow ulceration filled with pus
appeared. They lasted about 1 week.-11th. The eczema in axilla not yet gone.—
16th. In r. axilla hardly anything to be seen, but in 1. there is a fresh eruption of
small burning vesicles, which afterwards form a red exuding spot. The burning and
discharge much increased by sweating, and the linen is stained greenish yellow and
stiffened to a large extent.- 18th. A large boil appeared on r. side between ninth
and tenth ribs, with considerable hardness and violent pain; it burst after 9 d., and
discharged thick bloody pus, but soon healed, but left considerable hardness for a
long time. In the middle of February there appeared on the arm, not far from the
seat of the second boil, a red spot, which gradually rose up, at the end of 10 d.
42
JUGLANS.
attained the size of a hazel-nut and felt rather hard, something like a small encysted
tumour or an indurated gland, but quite painless. About the same time as the
trouble in the axilla came there appeared, first on the 1. instep then on the r., a pecu.
liar cutaneous affection, which soon became troublesome, a red itching place the size
of half-a-crown; on it arose small pimples, which became covered with small hard
scabs. The whole spot became gradually elevated and very painful, the small scabs
caused severe pain when pressed on by the boot. When they were scratched off
healthy epidermis was found beneath them. This affection continued till March,
and then gradually went off, but the part remained during the next few months of
a bluish-red colour, and was swollen. By May the eczema in the axilla was com
pletely gone, and also the small hard swelling on the arm, only a red colour remained
there.-May 10th to 16th. Took every other day 30 dr. 1st dec. dil. On the 2nd d.
felt a violent burning and itching, and there came a red spot size of half-a-crown on
the outer side of forearm near elbow-joint, in the centre of which a small pimple rose.
Next d. the red spot had disappeared, but the pimple increased in size, was very
painful, and pus appeared in it, but it disappeared without bursting, and after 6 d. it
was quite gone. He had never before suffered from any skin affection. (Hygea,
xxii, 70.)
2. a. LAURENZ FRITZ, surgeon, æt. 25, venous-bilious constitution, Sept. 26th,
1842, took 10 dr. tinct. of hulls. No symptoms.—27th. After 20 dr., eructation,
distended abdomen, hard stool.-28th. 30 dr., violent eructation, distension and
hardness of abdomen, flatulence, great hunger all d.-29th. 40 dr., yesterday's
symptoms recurred, the flatulence was very troublesome, stool hard, frequent mictu-
rition, double the usual quantity of urine, causing him to get up at n.-30th. 70
dr., after 3 h. pressive pain on 1. side of abdomen, with wandering pinching in bowels,
abdomen very distended and hard, very hard stool, with little relief to abdomen.
Urine copious and frequent.-Oct. 1st and 2nd. Same symptoms, but slighter.
b. Oct. 3rd, 5 a.m., 40 dr. of tinct. of leaves, eructation.—4th. 80 dr., flatu-
lence, rumbling in abdomen, firm stool, tympanitic distension of abdomen, with
unusually great hunger, but not increased thirst, passed 2 or 3 times the usual
quantity of dark red urine, had to get up 3 times at n. to pass it.-5th, 6th, 7th.
Same symptoms.-4th. After coitus slight burning in penis, and there appeared a
chap or excoriation where the prepuce is attached to penis. This increased, and after
8 d. developed into a suppurating stripe several lines in breadth half way round
between glans and prepuce. Then it took on a worse appearance, the ulcer became
deeper, its borders hard, its fundus lardaceous and easily bleeding, it looked very like
a chancre. Often slight crusts formed, but the suppuration continued under these
and they fell off, leaving the suppurating ulcer as before. Thus 19 d. passed, during
which the ulcer continued to increase. After some d, more there was formed on the
centre a firm healthy scab, which eventually fell off, and the skin beneath was healthy.
The ulcer now changed into 2 small round ulcers, in appearance just like syphilis.
These little ulcers became covered with scabs, and when they fell off the ulcers were
healed. The whole
process lasted
37 d.
c. Sept. 7th, 1844, m., took 30 dr. 1st dec. dil. tinct. of leaves, the same 9th
and 11th. Flatulence, eructations, distension and hardness of abdomen, copious
secretion of urine.-13th, 15th, 17th. 20 dr. tinct., same symptoms. On 17th
observed a swelling on 1. cheek and upper lip. (During the last two years had suffered
severely from toothache and gumboils in l. upper incisors, though the teeth were
sound.) Now on the same place there came on swelling without toothache, and after
5 d. the cheek over this part commenced to swell.-24th. On 1. cheek a hard, red,
very painful swelling, in the centre of which, 1½ in. from ala nasi, was a normal,
snarply-defined circular depression, dark red, soft, and yielding. Suppuration
outwards being threatened, the tooth was extracted, and a large quantity of pus was
discharged through the hole thus made. In a few days the swelling and redness
were gone. (Ibid.,
(Ibid., 79.)
3. Dr. M. MÜLLER, æt. 58, of lively, irascible temperament, quite healthy, took,
Dec. 6th, 1842, 8.30 a.m., 10 dr. of tinct. of hulls. After h. slight pain in bowels
above navel. After 1 h. urging to urinate. After 2 h. scanty discharge of clear
urine. After 2 h. rheumatic pain in interior of knee-joint for 1 m.. rendering
walking difficult. After 4 h., contrary to custom, is calm and comfortable, intellec-
tual laziness, no inclination for speaking or quarrelling. After 3 h. no inclination
2
JUGLANS.
43
to drink during or after dinner, he feels a kind of pleasure in keeping his mouth dry.
After 6 h. less urine than usual. After 6 h. cannot have his usual siesta, though he
felt disposed for it earlier than usual; electric shocks in both forearms and hands
woke him up as soon as he began to sleep. Urinates at 4, 6, and 8 p.m., each time
but little urine forms. At supper still without thirst, does not relish his wine, is
inattentive when reading, pulse quicker and fuller than usual. (Ibid., 84.)
4. EDWARD BEGAND, surgeon, æt. 25, of robust constitution, and lazy apathetic
mind, took, Sept. 5th, 1844, 5 dr. tinct. of hulls. No symptoms.—6th.
40 dr.,
eructations, flatulence, distended abdomen, great appetite, hard stool. During d.
frequent short stitches as if in both lungs, not affected by breathing or moving.-8th.
20 dr. tinct. of leaves caused eructation and flatulence.-11th. 60 dr., after h.
violent eructations and rumbling in abdomen; e., pressive pain in head, especially
forehead. Frequent erections d. and n.—12th. 60 dr., eructation and flatulence,
restless sleep at n. on account of itching of skin in various places; many dreams and
erections.-13th. 80 dr., eructation, rumbling in belly, transient stitches in chest
and discharge of much flatus; 8 or 10 erections during d.—From 14th to 20th,
when he took no med., eruption of small red papules, some of which were larger and
contained a viscid fluid (a kind of acne), appeared on neck, face, shoulder, and back.
Frequent erections d. and n., restless sleep and frightful dreams. (Ibid., 85.)
5. OTTO KESSLER, Divinity student, æt. 23, of scrofulous habitus, took, Oct.
7th, 1842, 10 dr. of tinct of hulls. Frquent eructation, distension of abdomen,
rumbling, and flatus, a fluid stool.—8th. 20 dr., abdomen tympanitically distended,
2 liquid stools, head confused and heavy, hawked up much mucus, and must urinate
frequently and copiously.-9th. 40 dr., abdominal distension so great that in spite
of good appetite he dared not eat much on account of the feeling of fulness, no stool,
violent headache (to which he was accustomed).-10th. 50 dr., increase of yesterday's
symptoms, stool after much straining, urine about double the usual quantity, though
thirst was not increased.—11th. Stool hard, urine still copious, abdominal disten-
sion less. (Ibid., 86.)
6. Dr. KÜCHENMEISTER, æt. 26, Sept. 4th, 1844, took 20 dr. tinct. of hulls.
Soon, great eructation, and in afternoon a frequently recurring itching on sternum,
compelling scratching.—5th. 20 dr., eructation, oppression of chest, frequent itching
of hands, and uncommonly good appetite.-6th, 7 a.m., 30 dr. Forenoon, shooting
in 1. hypochondrium under lowest ribs for some m., continual eructations. About
noon, pain interfering with walking in r. patella. During dinner sudden call to
stool, with extreme fulness in abdomen, and on the way home shooting and hindrance
to walking, as if in inner side of condyle of tibia at knee-joint, for 10 m. Then
stool, broken up but not hard, and another at 2.45 p.m.-8th. 45 dr., besides eructa-
tions, fulness of abdomen, pain in 1. leg similar to that of 6th, very transient.—9th.
Dull tearing toothache in carious teeth, worse in warmth of bed, and going off
towards m.-10th. 50 dr., forenoon, a hitherto unknown megrim in a spot on 1. parietal
region, the size of a crown, lasting some hours, and becoming at one time so severe
when speaking that he had to cease; went off after 2 h.-12th, 14th, 16th. Took
each d. 40 dr. Observed the following gastric symptoms: hiccup, especially after greasy
food, to a very violent degree; fulness causing necessity to go to stool; stool m. and
generally again between 1 and 3 p.m., one afternoon 2 stools, never very copious;
flatus that came away chiefly when lying; appetite only once affected, then, though
hungry, he did not relish his dinner. Thirst increased, drank much. An old eczema
which he had had for years on dorsal aspect of thumb, the size of a sixpence, which
had almost disappeared under mezereum, commenced to itch and got red and sore.
(Ibid., 86.)
7. PAUL RADELLI, cabinet-maker, æt. 21, of robust frame.-Oct. 18th, 1842,
m., 10 dr. tinct. of hulls. Eructation and flatus.-19th. 20 dr., sickness and
inclination to vomit, soon followed by pressive pain in epigastrium, and distension of
abdomen. 11 p.m., woke suddenly from sleep, and vomited the food he had taken 3
h. before.-20th. 40 dr., nausea, rumbling in abdomen, flatus, stool with much
straining; copious discharge of urine.—21st. After 50 dr. violent pain all through
abdomen, somewhat relieved by eructation or discharge of flatus; urine so much
increased that he had to pass it 7 times, whereas his usual number was 3. Two stools.
-22nd. 31 dr., much flatus, profuse flow of urine.-26th. 71 dr., could not button
clothes, the distension of abdomen was so great, at same time violent pressure in
44
JUGLANS.
stomach till noon, urinated 8 times in course of forenoon. Appetite very great, 2
stools with great straining.-27th and 28th. Still shooting pains in hypogastric
region when moving and stooping; urine very profuse. (Ibid., 88.)
8. A. KURTZEL, æt. 33, robust, nervous, bilious temperament, took Sept. 26th,
1842, m., 10 dr. tinct. of hulls. Great appetite.—27th. 10 dr., thin stool, confusion
of head, distension of abdomen, frequent eructation.—28th. 30 dr., 10 a.m., soft
stool, heaviness and dull pain in head. 3 p.m., a second thin stool, occasional accumu-
lation of saliva in mouth. From noon, burning hot hands and quick pulse (9 p.m.
108). E., perspiration all over.-29th. 40 dr., confusion of head, 2 liquid stools
before noon, good appetite. 4 p.m., another liquid stool with full, hard abdomen, and
much flatus. E., heat in whole body, pulse 86.—From 30th till Oct. 3rd no med.
Stools regular.-4th. 50 dr., 5 liquid stools with rumbling and pinching in bowels,
but constant good appetite.-5th. 55 dr., 3 diarrhoeic stools with rumbling.—
6th. 60 dr., 2 diarrhoeic stools, tongue white, bitter taste, anorexia and headache.
(Ibid, 89.)
9. CARL TENZLER, medical student, æt. 19, strong, healthy, Oct. 17th, 1842,
took 10 dr. tinct. of hulls. No symptoms.-18th. 20 dr., in e. dull headache after
exertion. Stool normal, urine very scanty.-19th. 30 dr., after dinner abdomen full
and distended, urine scanty.-20th. 40 dr., abdomen very tense and full; after
dinner dull headache. Stools always normal, urine always scanty. (Ibid., 90.)
10. TH. S-, housemaid, æt. 26, menses since 16 always regular.-Oct 21st, m.,
10 dr. tinct of leaves. Slight nausea, and disagreeable feeling of fulness of abdomen.
-22nd.
20 dr., drawing pains in abdomen, nausea and retching.-23rd. 30 dr.,
violent pains in whole lower part of abdomen and nausea all d. with short intervals.
—24th.` 40 dr., abdominal pains very severe, pressing and drawing, aggravated_by
movement, menses came on 15 d. too early, whereupon the pains moderated. For
the next 8 d. the menstrual discharge was profuse and blackish, often large lumps
came away, the discharge used only to last 3 d. She also complained of general
weakness and anorexia.-Nov, 2nd. 30 dr., 2 stools, preceded by pinching.-3rd.
40 dr., 4 liquid stools with pressive pains in belly.-4th. 50 dr.. diarrhoeic
stools with pinching. Urine not increased. The three next d. the stools were normal,
no pain in bowels.-8th. 60 dr., distension of abdomen, with frequent discharge of
flatus, rumbling in bowels, and pressive pains in epigastrium; 4 diarrhoeic stools.—
9th. 70 dr., same abdominal symptoms, only more violent, pressive pains in fore-
head. Appetite good.-10th. 80 dr., diarrhoea and frontal headache, and pains in
abdomen continued for some d. (Ibid., 91.)
11. a. Oct. 1st, 1869, I procured a walnut, and after bruising it, hull and all,
prepared a tincture with 95 per cent. alcohol. On 28th of same month, at 1o a.m.,
I took 5 dr. of this tinct. in 45 dr. of water, which was followed in h. by eructa-
tions tasting of the drug; at 12 took 10 dr.; eructations tasting as after eating fat,
and considerable yawning. 29th, 9 a.m., 20 dr. 3.30 p.m. 25 dr.; no new sym.
ptoms. Bowels confined since commencing proving. 30th.-Had evacuation from
bowels; urine increased at least one half in quantity. At 12 took 30 dr., and at 4
35 dr., followed by eructations and flatulence.~ 31st.—At 10 took 40 dr. At 1 took
50 dr., which was followed in h. by throbbing in both temples, and a sharp pain in
front part of head, relieved by going into open air, and returning on entering the
warm room. Nov. 1st.-Headache continues; increased flow of urine; bowels
confined. At 10 took 60 dr.; at 12 80 dr. Had quite natural evacuation from the
bowels. The increased urination, eructations, and flatulency were now becoming
rather annoying. At 3 took 90 dr., and at 8 had sharp cutting pains in r. hypogastric
region, lasting a few m. At 9 took 100 dr. Slept well during n., and all next d.
had frontal headacbe, with yawning, and great desire to sleep. 4th.-Headache, and
flushed face; no evacuation of bowels; urine diminished in quantity. 6th.-My r.
ear aching, with feeling of fulness, and on 8th my left ear commenced in same way.
I then had a discharge of pus from both ears until Dec. 10th. External part of r.
ear was very much inflamed, and had two large and painful sores on it, similar to those
I had seen on children who had eaten freely of the nuts.
b. Three months later (March 1st, 1870), feeling quite well, I took at 11 a.m.
10 dr., and at 2.30 20 dr., followed in h. with eructations tasting of drug, and
increased flow of urine. At 8 took 20 dr., which was followed by sharp lancinating
pain in forehead for several m.; and after lying awake for an h, that n. slept well.
KALI CHLORICUM.
45
2nd.-At 10 and 12 took 20 dr., and at 2.30 my 1. ear commenced burning severely;
became very red and swollen, and before bedtime a pimple began to form on the
inside; slept well during n. 3rd.-Bowels constipated. 9, took 40 dr.; no new
symptoms. 12, took 50 dr.; 3, took 60 dr. Burning in 1. ear increased.
5, took
70 dr., and at 9 took 100 dr. For 8 d., to 12th, I had a discharge of pus from my
ears (1. more than r.) with severe burning and redness of the external (1.) ear. When
walking, there was a feeling as if something was dropping inside the ear at every
step. During the greater part of the time that I was taking the drug I could not
lay the 1. side of my head on the pillow, on account of the soreness. (For several
years during the winter I had been annoyed with a burning itching eruption on the
lower extremity, always commencing as soon as I would undress. After taking the
Juglans regia I was relieved of that trouble.) (H. L. Sook, M.D., Ohio Med. and
Surg. Rep., iv, 216.)
KALI CARBONICUM.
Potassic carbonate, K.CO.
I. Provings.-I. HAHNEMANN, Chronic Diseases, part iv of original,
of translation. Contains 1650 symptoms from self and five
vol.
others.
2. A middle-aged man took a drop of 12th dil. 3 times a d. for
5-6 d. He then had scraping sensation in throat, which felt dry,
parched and rough; sensation as if there was no air in his chest and
he could not breathe; violent throbbing and beating of heart on least
exertion. (ROBINSON, B. J. of H., xxiv, 515.)
KALI CHLORICUM.
Potassic chlorate, KClO3.
I. Provings.—1. C. W. A. BLAUFUSS, æt. 22, robust, choleric
temperament.-Nov. 6th, 8 am., took I gr. After 1 h. pulse quick-
ened.-7th, 8 a.m., I gr. No symptoms.-9th, 8 a.m., 3 gr. Oppres-
sion of chest with strong heart's beats.-13th, 9 a.m., 10 gr. Imme-
diately taste like vitriol. After 6 h. pressure on epigastrium, pain in
abdomen, cold shudder over back and neck with warm feet. After 2 d.
dazed head.—Time not indicated: Frequently recurring twitching on
lower and upper part of forehead going off after 8 h. Great rush of
blood to eyes. No stool at 10 p.m., when he usually had one. Strong,
almost audible, heart's beat with oppression of chest and cold feet.
Pulse 80. Cold feet and palpitation of heart. Itching all over body,
e. in bed, next morning numerous small red papules. Chilliness in
open air for 2 d. Persistent chilliness. Intolerable heat in bed, e.,
febrile state with violently throbbing pulse and heart. Restless sleep
often disturbed by disagreeable dreams. (MARTIN, Archiv, xvi, i, 182.)
2. G. GRÄFE, æt. 22, sanguine temperament, took Nov. 6th, m.,
I gr. After 12 h. violent diarrhoea, always watery, at last after 6 d.
nothing but mucus evacuated, went off on 9th d. Along with the
diarrhoea, furred tongue and transient weakness. (Ibid., 183.)
46
KALI CHLORICUM.
3. G. F. HILPERT, æt. 22, choleric temperament.-Nov. 6th, 1835,
6
a.m., I gr.
Headache in afternoon.—7th, I gr., and after h. I gr.
No symptoms.-8th, 1 gr. 3 times ath. interval. After 8 h., irri-
tation in nose causing frequent sneezing with increased discharge, also
next d. with jerking in masseter (the nasal symptoms occurred after
5 gr.).-Time not indicated: Pretty severe headache; tension in
sinciput; papules on forehead, very hard dry stool; drawing in thigh
and forearms; great weariness and drowsiness.-15th, m., 5 gr.
Soon, pulse 70 (is usually 64). After 24 h. feeling of strength in eyes.
After 36 h. pain in upper eyelids, papules between lips and chin.
After 48 h. humming in ears, with painful stool, of dry fæces, latterly
mucus and blood, and persistent pain in rectum; another such stool
4 h. later. After 60 h. eyes red and painful, very much out of humour
after cheerfulness. After 72 h. irritation in eyes with rush of blood
into them, violent epistaxis. After 76 h. fæces soft, passed without
pain.-Time not indicated: Increased sensitiveness of whole face,
tearing in root of nose, tickling in canthi of eye; jerking in nerve of
lower jaw at foramen maxillare posticum, transient bitter-sour taste.—
May 9th, 1836, took 1 gr. No symptoms.-10th, 1 gr. No sym-
ptoms.-12th, 1 gr. Frequent sneezing.-21st, 4 gr. After 6 h.
dryness in throat, hoarseness. After 8 h. persistent headache, pressure
in r. and 1. hypochondrium to navel. After 12 h. violent erections
with emissions, chilliness e. through whole body. After 20 h.
voluptuous dreams with emission. After 24 h. itching in urethra,
continued erections with itching on scrotum.-Time not indicated:
Restless sleep, flushes of heat in face.-24th, 4 gr. Pains in head.-
26th, 4 gr. After 20 h. violent coryza. (Ibid.)
4. H. HORN, æt. 21, nervous irritable temperament.
Nov. 6th,
1835, I gr. After 2 h. pain in temporal region. After 4 h. cutting
in stomach. Chilliness for several d.—7th. 2 gr., chilliness.-8th.
3 gr., miliary rash with single painful papules on I. shoulder for 10 d.
13th. 5 gr., after h. cutting headache down to malar bones.
After 2 h. tension over forehead, then sneezing and coryza; pain from
temples into carious teeth, violent pressure in eyes, sneezing, then coryza.
eructation. After 7 h. toothache in upper jaw. After 24 h. hard
stool. After 70 h. epistaxis at n. After 72 h. urine very turbid.
-Time not indicated: Warmth in stomach. Pulse 78 (usually 70).
Chilliness for several d.-May 23rd, 1836, 4 gr. Headache on 1. side
of head. Attack of ravenous hunger, later anorexia.-24th. Chilli-
ness, ill humour, anxiety, hypochondriacal tension of ganglionic nerves
lasts until relieved by epistaxis.—26th. 4 gr., after 24 h. nose bled
twice; great hunger at unusual time. (Ibid., 184.)
I
5. H. KUNZMANN, æt. 26, phlegmatic, in good health, took Nov.
6th, m., 1 gr. Immediately nausea with slight shivering. After h.
eructation. After 8 h. tensive pain in r. hypochondrium relieved by
discharging flatus.-Time not indicated: Turbid urine; shivering
all over. 7th. I gr., after 3 h. flashes of light in both eyes when
coughing and sneezing. Easily intoxicated by beer; urine turbid.—
9th.
2 gr., after 1 h. confusion of head, weariness. After 2 h. vertigo
after strong exercise with congestion of blood to head. After 24 h.
M
J
KALI CHLORICUM.
47
congestion of blood in chest, oppression of chest, violent heart's beats,
pulse at r. wrist full, soft, lazy, 68, intermitting every 25 or 30 beats, not
synchronous with heart's beats, which are 80, strong and regular, at 1.
wrist small, soft, compressible.-11th. I gr., urine turbid.-15th.
5 gr., the urine, previously turbid, became clear. Itching of skin, n.,
next m. small red papules on thighs and shoulder, not in the joints;
they dry up after 40 h., and there then appear some small papules on
face. (Ibid.)
·
6. E. MARTIN, æt. 26, irritable nervous constitution, subject to
rheumatic affections, at present healthy.-Nov. 6th, 1835, took at 6
and 10 a.m. I gr. Immediately persistent bitter taste, cold feeling of
tongue. Soon, slight tearing in r. wrist and along ulna. After h.
pressive pain in r. malar bone under border of orbit, then tension in neck,
cheek, and temple; this recurs after 8 h. After 1 h. violent sneezing,
pricking burning in tongue; expectoration of mucus removes the bad
taste. After 1 h. drawing in root of nose. After 3 h. tongue furred
at back, anorexia, tightness of chest, confusion of head. After 6 h.
repeated. After 12 h. very burning papule on 1. cheek.-Time not
indicated Painful pressure in 1. upper costal region; stool very
sluggish, occurs at 11.30 p.m., liquid stool next m., urine very turbid,
great chilliness, shivering all over body.-7th, at 6 and 10 a.m., I gr.
After h. drawing and tension in r. side of face. After 1 h. violent.
sneezing. After 3 h. liquid stool. After 48 h. a very much inflamed
hang-nail; urine turbid.-Time not indicated: Tension in r. cheek
under eye, extending to ears, afterwards on 1. side; gums bleed readily
when brushing teeth.-10th, 6 and 10 a.m., I gr. After h. drawing
pain in r. cheek, making him sneeze. After 1 h. violent sneezing.
-Time not indicated: Tongue furred at back.
cordis with apathetic disposition and chilliness.
coldness in r. forearm. Itching vesicle on back of r. hand. Great
chilliness. Tranquil dreams of prophecies of death on several n. Sad,
desponding, apathetic disposition with chilliness in e. Sexual desire
very much diminished.-11th, 6 and 10 a.m., I gr. Immediately
bitter taste as usual. Chilliness with stiffness of hands; restless sleep,
full of vexatious dreams. Quiet dreams of death from typhus fever.
12th. 5 gr. Soon coldness in precordial region. After 10 m.
pressure and empty feeling in stomach. After h. eructation with
nausea. After h. roughness in oesophagus. After 1 h. distinctly
perceptible but not quick heart's beats with coldness in precordial
region. After 20 h. much twitching in head and body. After 24 h.
very itching papules with small vesicles on back of 1. hand; disappeared
during d. but recurred next m. After 72 h. rheumatic pains in several
parts.-Time not indicated: Constant urging to stool, which is
normal in character. Great chilliness with shivering.-17th. 5 gr.,
similar symptoms.-May 12th, 1836, m., I gr. K. chl. mixed with
I gr. 3rd trit.
Immediately coldness of tongue and oesophagus for
After 20 m. drawing in r. cheek and gums with a kind of cramp
of muscles of r. cheek. After 1 h. slight irritation to cough in larynx.
After 2 h. increase of saliva. After 3 h. drawing and tearing in both
wrists. Taste of cherry-laurel water with salt.-16th. Same dose.
Pressure in scrob.
Transient internal
5 m.
48
KALI CHLORICUM.
Drawing tension in r. cheek followed by desire to sneeze. Violent
coryza with much sneezing and great flow of nasal mucus.-17th.
Same dose.
No new symptoms.-26th, 6 a.m., 4 gr. Immediately
feeling of shivering. After 3 h. headache in 1. temple; feeling of
warmth in stomach; frequent rumbling in belly with tendency to
diarrhoea. After 6 h. much flatus during d. After 12 h. frequent
urging to urinate.-Time not indicated: Confusion of head when
walking in open air. Drawing in r. cheek with pain in lobe of ear,
worse sometimes in masseter muscle, sometimes under orbit. Sourish
after-taste. Very itching papules and small vesicles on back of 1.
hand, going off during d. but returning next m.-27th, m., 4 gr. After
12 h. itching vesicles on back of r. hand, lasting several d. After
24 h. restless sleep, wakes towards m. from anxious dreams, lying on
back, loudly snoring and breathing with difficulty.-Time not indi-
cated: Tensive drawing in 1. cheek under orbital border. Scraping
in throat. Many not very itching vesicles filled with pus and with red
areola on limbs. (Ibid.)
7. W. OEHLER, æt. 22, of sanguine irritable disposition, took Nov.
7th, 1835, m., 1 gr. Much eructation, with pains alternately in chest
and belly.-8th, 9th, 10th, m., 2 gr. No symptoms.—13th, m.,
5 gr.
Violent cough and coryza. Constant chilliness. After 7 d.
urging to urinate.-May 21st, 1836, 4 gr. After 8 h. flow of mucus.
and saliva, sharp, burning, sour taste, pain in pelvic region, itching all
over body.—23rd. 4 gr., the pain in pelvic region increases, and is
accompanied by diarrhoea, which lasts 10 d., gradually going off.-24th,
4 gr., headache with vertigo. Papular eruption on thigh and r. corner
of mouth. Many dreams of events that occurred during d. (Ibid.)
8. FR. REICHMANN, æt. 20, sanguine temperament, took November
6th, 1 gr. Disagreeable salt sour taste. Soon, sneezing. Swelling of
upper lip. Some eructations, griping in belly. Pulse 74, generally 70.
Coldness of r. arm.-7th. I gr. Soon sneezing; increase of swelling
of upper lip-15th. 5 gr., tension in face with forcing towards eyes,
especially r. side. Urging to stool. On 5th n., epistaxis from r.
nostril. After 6 d. spasm in 1. eye, swelling of lower lip, cramp in r.
index and leg. (Ibid.)
9. F. VULPIUS, æt. 21, phlegmatic melancholic temperament, took
November 5th, 1835, I gr. Sneezing with violent coryza. Pulse,
usually 65, rose in 4 h. to 80, then to 90, for several h.-Nov. 6th.
2 gr., sneezing with coryza, pulse 85.-7th. 3 gr., sneezing with
coryza, sourish taste.-14th. 5 gr. Soon spasmodic drawing in cheek
to maxillary joint, sometimes with tearing in superior maxilla. After
6 h. pulse 85. After 8 h. shooting pain in r. temple, going and
coming; violent rigor, afternoon. After 12 h., in e., violent headache,
goes off next d., spasmodic pressure in maxillary joint, with single
stitches in both jaws and teeth, especially r. side; sneezing with coryza.
After 24 h. pain in occiput, sometimes extending to both jaws; e.,
occasional shooting in various parts of face. After 28 h. vesicles on
lower lip. After 72 h. rheumatic pains in various parts. After 6 d.
pain in r. temple, urine very turbid.—May 18th, 1836. 4 gr., burning
alkaline taste. After 6 h. violent shooting pain in r. knee-joint. After
KALI CHLORICUM.
49
48 h. confusion of head, some cough.-30th. 4 gr., violent coryza.
(Ibid.)
10. F. WERTHER, æt. 23, choleric temperament, took Nov. 6th,
I gr., 7th, 2 gr. No symptoms.-8th. 3 gr., violent itching all over
body. (Ibid.)
II. P. H. WILKEN, æt. 22, sanguine temperament, took June 3rd,
after breakfast, 4 gr. Immediately increased mucus in mouth. After
8 h. some stitches in eyes; empty feeling of occiput with peculiar
feeling in nape muscles, then pain in occiput; anorexia.—4th, after
breakfast, 4 gr. After 10 h. stool rather looser than usual. After
12 h., in e. oppression of chest with feeling as if lungs were slightly
constricted with a narrow thread. Next m. this was nearly gone.
He then took 4 gr. In afternoon the chest pain returned with greater
force, and by e. had become very violent. The following 3 d. the
chest pains continued, but went off on 4th d., when he took 4 gr., where-
upon the chest pains recurred, but again went off in 2 d. Feeling of
uneasiness. (Ibid.)
12. A girl, æt. 25, suffering from faceache, took gr. This
caused dryness in throat and chest with cough and constriction of chest
as from sulphur vapour. (Ibid.)
13. I took a single dose of 5 gr. dissolved in water, and found a
sense of congestion to the head, accompanied by pain of forehead. A
few weeks after, I took a dose of 10 gr., and the same symptoms were
produced, continuing about 2 d. I then waited for a period of some
months, and took a dose of 15 gr. in a glass of water. It first produced
slight acceleration of spirits, followed by congestion of brain to such an
extent that one half of head, face and nose felt paralysed. The sym-
ptoms continued for 2 d., and then gradually subsided. There was
also a loss of taste, being scarcely able to distinguish different kinds of
meat. The muscles of the palate felt contracted, and the mucous mem-
brane of mouth and throat appeared tanned, as from tannic acid. I have
frequently used (while attending scarlatina patients) a solution of K. chl.
as a wash for the mouth in the m.; but if continued for 2 or 3 d. in
succession, similar symptoms to those I have described, but in less
degree, were produced. (OSBORN, Lancet, 1859, ii, 364.)
14. E. T. D—, in perfect health, took Jan. 7th, 1832, 9j, and on
11th, 3j, without effect. On 16th took 3ss, which caused considerable
diminution of appetite, and some flatulence, for several d.
On 21st,
at 4 p.m., pulse 80, took 3j. In an h. pulse was 64; in another h. it
varied from 56 to 65, a little exertion or movement instantly raising
it to latter number; it was also much smaller and weaker. Shortly
after dose, weight, fulness and distension began to be felt in epigastric
region, gradually increasing, with twisting sensation and flatulence, to
10 p.m., when brandy relieved. N. was quiet, but next d. weight and
fulness, with twisting, recurred, amounting to rather severe pain, but
subsiding spontaneously towards n. The same thing occurred on two
following d., requiring opium for relief, and for some d. yet all food
caused uneasiness. For several weeks following prover had hæmor-
rhoidal protrusion, which he had never experienced before. There
4
VOL. III.
50
KALI CHLORICUM.
was also diuresis for first 18 h.
vi, 327.)
(TULLY, Bost. Med. and Surg. Journ.
1
15. W. N. B-, in perfect health, likewise took 9j and 3j without
effect. Jan. 16th, at 7 p.m., pulse 76, took 3ss. In an h. or two pulse
was diminished considerably in force, and about 10 beats slower.
Some diuresis occurred, but n. was quiet. Next d. strong sense of
weight and distension at stomach, with deficient appetite and flatulence.
These symptoms continued through 18th and 19th, so that animal food
could not well be taken. On 21st, being well again, he took at 4 p.m.
3j, pulse 72. In an h. it had fallen, and was considerably smaller and
weaker than usual. It continued at same point to 7 o'clock, rising to
64 on exertion; by 8 it had fallen to 48, and was still smaller and
weaker. Between 7 and 8 copious alvine evacuation. Between 8 and
9 walked mile, and immediately on returning had some heavy
oppressive pain and sense of sinking at stomach, so urgent as to require
speedy mitigation. Pulse now only 36; moderate sweating; 2 oz. of
brandy relieved, and n. was quiet. Next m. weight and pain at stomach.
recurred, relieved by brandy again, but returning after food, and at
length became so severe after a short walk as to require full doses of
opium (up to 20 gr.). Pain had now extended to umbilical region,
and become lancinating; there was swelling, hardness and soreness,
and intolerance of least pressure, in both epigastric and umbilical
regions, with inability to sit erect, and much flatulence and eructation.
By e. the opium had relieved, but a paroxysm of vomiting occurred at
9 p.m. N. was good, and next m. he only felt some vertigo. (Ibid.)
16. DR. TULLY himself took same doses with similar results,
including the hæmorrhoidal protrusion, and rather more diuresis.
(Ibid.)
17. ISAMBERT experimented on himself and others with K. chl.
He found it eliminated rapidly and unchanged, principally by salivary
glands and kidneys. Doses of 1-6 grm. produced no appreciable
results. From 8 or more grm. salivation occurred for 2-3 h. with
saline taste, and salivary glands continued "weak " for 5 or 6 d. A
slight alteration in voice was noticed. The only constant effect on
the digestive function was increase of appetite. In high doses it showed
well-marked diuretic properties. Twenty grm. daily induced frequent
micturition, and slight sense of weight and pain in renal region. Úrine
during whole time of elimination was strongly acid, and deposited
urates abundantly. (Ibid., lxiii, 32.)
II. Poisonings.-I. An inquest held Jan. 16th on the body of Mr.
John S. Tuttle, of Bergen, New Jersey, revealed the fact that deceased
was suffering from phthisis; that he applied to a physician, who
ordered 3viij of K. chl. to be put up in twelve packages, one of which
was to be taken daily in a pint of water. He took 4 powders on 4
consecutive d., when pains in bowels became very severe, incessant
vomiting came on, and finally death ensued. Drs. Booth and Olcott
made a P.M. examination, and found external coat of stomach
inflamed; internal coat was yellow (as was matter he had vomited),
it was soft and could be easily separated off with the handle of the
scalpel, leaving the muscular coat bare. Both witnesses were of

KALI CHLORICUM.
51
opinion that the medicine was the immediate cause of death. (Brit.
Med. Journ., 1861, i, 159.)
2. Dr. FOUNTAIN took on March 22nd, 1861, at a single dose,
I oz. potass. chlor., with a view of verifying his belief in its innocuous-
ness in large doses. The most violent results followed, viz. inflam-
mation of the stomach and intestines, and a copious diuresis, lasting
several h., followed by complete suppression of urine for 6 d. preceding
his death. (Amer. Med. Times, April, 1861, p. 245.)
3. A little girl, æt. 2 years, took about oz. of potass. chlor. ;
she had severe vomiting, which lasted for 7 h., when she died of
gastritis in spite of all help. Another remarkable symptom of the
poisoning was the profound lethargy of the child, which probably
prevented its showing symptoms of pain. (Brit. Med. Journ., 1878,
ii, 966.)
4. The patient was an Irish girl, single, æt. 20. She was admitted
to N. Y. Hospital April 10th, 1888, at 4 p.m. She had taken on
previous e. two tablespoonfuls of K. chl. by mistake for Rochelle salts.
On admission she was in a state of profound prostration; temp. 99°,
pulse 136, resp. 32. Surface was very cyanotic; breathing rapid, but
not laboured; pulse very feeble. She vomited freely before and after
admission. In spite of whisky, digitalis, and strophanthus, symptoms
grew worse. At 6 p.m. temp. had risen to 104°. During n. bowels
acted 3 times, motions dark brown and semisolid; dark-coloured
urine was passed involuntarily. It was proved to contain many blood-
cells, large masses of altered hæmoglobin, and much albumen. Next
m. temp. fell, and pulse and resp. improved for a few h. By noon
pulse and heart were again profoundly weak, and temp. rose to 101*2°.
There was a very extraordinary colour of skin, conjunctivæ, and lips,
an intense anæmia with a cyanotic hue, and a very distinct sepia-brown
chocolate tint where epidermis was thin; also great restlessness.
Inhalation of oxygen produced no improvement. She slept constantly,
and died 37 h. after poisonous dose. At necropsy, colour of blood was
not materially changed, and a slight hue of jaundice was added to the
anæmic and chocolate colouring. Blood in the great vessels was
liquid, and of very dark chocolate colour. Heart was soft and flabby;
lungs normal, but cut surfaces very brown. Spleen was large and
firm. Kidneys large, capsules non-adherent, surfaces smooth; bladder
contained 3 oz. of urine, of dark brownish-black colour and not at all
translucent. All viscera were coloured like blood. Microscopically,
very extensive fatty degeneration of heart was evident, especially in
papillary muscles of 1. ventricle. Many straight tubes in pyramids of
kidneys were found filled, even to distension, with broken-down blood-
cells and methæmoglobin. Spectroscopic examination of blood revealed.
spectrum of methæmoglobin with much distinctness. Conversion of
hæmoglobin into methæmoglobin explains dyspnoea and altered colour.
(PEABODY, N. Y. Med. Rec., July 21st, 1888.)
5. Man, æt. 53, had been for two years in the habit of taking K.
hl. largely for chronic throat trouble. He looked very pale and waxy.
He fell ill with feverish sore-throat, after having taken more of drug
han usual; became very anæmic, passed no urine, vomited, and was
52
KALI CHLORICUM.
jaundiced. He became steadily weaker, and died comatose. P.M.
appearances were as in former case, but spleen was six times its normal
size. (Ibid.)
6. A healthy young man, æt. 22, had incautiously gargled with a
strong solution of potass. chlor., in course of which he had swallowed a
considerable quantity. The following d. he complained of sickness
and of pain in the sides and loins. Signs of acute gastritis rapidly
followed; nausea and severe pain in the splenic region were the chiet
symptoms. Some enlargement of the spleen detected. Heart and
lungs were normal, but distinct cyanosis, especially of lips and
extremities, was present. Two days after the poisoning severe vomiting
set in and lasted till the end. Icterus followed, but disappeared before.
death. On 4th
On 4th d. severe epistaxis; extreme præcordial anxiety
followed, but without any notable signs in the heart or lungs; and
some rigidity of muscles of extremities was observed. Death took
place on 8th d. Throughout the illness hardly any urine was passed.
Temp. subnormal; pulse fair. P.M., 4 d. after death, revealed brown
colour of blood-vessels; it was normal to spectroscope. Spleen greatly
enlarged, brownish in places, and capsule soft. Kidneys enlarged and
cortical portion expanded. Microscopically, the straight and convoluted
lobes were found filled with numerous brownish, irregular-shaped
masses of hæmoglobin. The stomach showed acute and chronic
catarrh, with a few ecchymoses. The large intestine and rectum con-
tained a large quantity of brownish watery fluid, and the mucous
membrane appeared oedematous. Other organs normal.
normal. (Med. Times
and Gaz., 1883, ii, 526.)
7. a. VON MERING discriminates between acute and subacute poison-
ing by the chlorate. In acute cases—such, for instance, as result from
one large dose, death results in a few hours from decomposition of the
blood, with symptoms of severe vomiting, profuse diarrhoea, intense
dyspnoea, cyanosis, and profound cardiac depression. After death a
chocolate-brown colour of the blood is seen, while the tissues gene-
rally are relatively very little changed. The blood contains methæmo-
globin, &c. With less acute forms death results from the accumu
lation of oxidation products in the organs as well as in the blood,
especially in the kidneys.
b. The following conditions are seen: Greyish-violet petechiæ, icterus,
accumulation of hæmoglobin in the blood, changes in the red corpuscles,
dyspnoea, and cardiac depression; gastro-intestinal disturbances such as
profuse diarrhoea and severe vomiting, the vomited matter being
generally greenish black; and enlargement of the liver and spleen
Functional alterations in the kidneys, such as anuria, occur; the
scanty, turbid urine having a reddish-brown or black colour, and
exhibiting spectra of methæmoglobin and hæmatin, and being also
highly albuminous. It also contains numerous detritus-masses of red
blood-corpuscles in the form of brownish cylinders or flakes. Neuroses
uræmic convulsions, delirium, coma and rigidity of the limbs ar
observed.

c. The subjective phenomena are: Headache, anorexia, tendernes
of the stomach on pressure, pains in the hepatic and lumbar regions
KALI CHLORICUM.
53
intense oppression of the chest, and a feeling of extreme weakness.
After death the characteristic chocolate colour of the blood is noticed ;
the spleen, liver, and kidneys are considerably enlarged and filled with
accumulated products of destruction of red corpuscles. The greatest
alteration is seen in the kidneys, in which both the straight and the
convoluted tubes are filled with cylindrical or irregular brownish masses.
The osseous marrow is brown and contains many decomposed blood-
cells. The gastric mucous membrane is swollen and ecchymosed.
(Lond. Med. Record, 1884, p. 518.)
8. A man, æt. 49, was ordered pot. chlor. on account of a vesical
catarrh following gonorrhoea. He took by mistake 60 grammes (2 oz.)
in 36 h. When seen by Dr. Bohm he was pale and collapsed, in a
condition very suggestive of cholera, suffering greatly from pain over
stomach, and with suppression of urine. Soon after a feeling of numb-
ness and formication in the hands and feet came on, causing great
distress and restlessness. The urine, blood, and the P.M. appearances
were such as have been already described in other cases.
1883, p. 436.)
(Ibid.,
9. Dr. F. MARCHAND has recently published four cases observed
by himself (Virchow's Archiv, Bd. 77, Heft. 3), three of them fatal,
and has found that the P.M. appearances and the microscopic alteration
of the blood coincided with those observed in animals experimentally
poisoned with potass. chlor. The ages of Dr. M.'s patients ranged
from 3 to 7 years. The dose varied from 12 grammes in 36 h. to 25
grammes in 30 h. The symptoms were vomiting, hæmaturia, a more
or less icteric tint of skin, rapid wasting of flesh and strength, delirium,
and coma.
The urine contained quantities of disintegrated blood-
corpuscles. The blood itself was of a remarkable chocolate colour,
which did not alter on exposure to air. The same colour can be
produced artificially by adding chlorate of potash to blood. If the
proportion of the salt be considerable, the blood assumes a syrupy and
even gelatinous consistence, and the red corpuscles tend to agglomerate
into glutinous masses. The spectroscope shows that the lines charac-
teristic of the hæmoglobin have been replaced by a distinct absorption
band in the red part of the spectrum, due to the conversion of the hæmo-
globin into methæmoglobin, an oxidation product of the former. The
poisonous effects of the drug are therefore probably the result of its
oxidising action on the red corpuscles. The débris thereof are either
excreted by the kidneys, colouring the urine brown, or they accumulate
in the renal cortex and cause death by suppression of urine and
uræmia." The kidneys themselves are enlarged, and their surface is
rown, but they exhibit no inflammatory appearances, the main altera-
ion being the infarction of their tubules with corpuscular detritus.
Med. Times and Gaz., 1879, ii, 640.)
10. Hæmoglobinuria produced by large doses of potass. chlor.--
A woman was suddenly taken ill with cyanosis and dyspnoea, and
passed masses of hæmoglobin both per rectum and per vaginam; the
urine and the vomited matter also contained masses of hæmoglobin.
On the 3rd d. of her illness, the patient became slightly jaundiced,
while the cyanosis passed off; on the 4th d. she died. Beyond an

54
KALI CHLORICUM.
enlargement of the spleen, which was painful to the touch, no organ
was found during life the seat of disease. The blood showed increase
of leucocytes, but the red corpuscles showed nothing very abnormal.
The P.M. examination showed all the organs healthy except the spleen,
which was large, soft, and looked like a blood-clot; the blood was
fluid and dark brown; the kidney showed, in the cortical and medul-
lary parts, chocolate-coloured streaks. The microscopical examination
of the kidneys showed the convoluted tubes and straight tubes to be
filled partly with granules and partly with small round discs of the size.
of blood-corpuscles, in which, however, the colouring matter was pre-
cipitated. The glomeruli were perfectly intact. The hæmoglobin
was not found within the glomeruli or in their capsules, but was abun-
dant in the convoluted tubes, whose epithelium in most places was
found intact. The patient had taken for a slight sore-throat about 1
oz. solid pot. chlor. (DRESCHFELD and STOELLS, Trans. Internat.
Med. Congress, 1881, vol. i, p. 398.)
II. AMY W., æt. 3. suffering from purulent ophthalmia, was
ordered, on March 9th, 10 gr. chlorate of potash thrice daily. Much
improvement resulted both locally and generally, and the medicine
was continued until May 11th. The eyes several times seemed nearly
well, but she had relapses due to unfavourable weather. Until May 11th
the med. had apparently disagreed in no way; on this date the dose
was reduced to 5 gr. "On May 18th she came with a very sore
mouth. The saliva dripped from her lips, there were numerous follicular
ulcers on the tongue and inside of lips, and one large one occupied a
surface the size of a shilling on the back part of the dorsum of the
tongue. The salivary glands were enlarged and tender, and the mouth
full of saliva, although the ptyalism was not extreme, nor were the
gums sore.
In the latter respect, and in the existence of the larger
ulcers on the tongue, the stomatitis differed from that caused by
mercury." (Med. Times and Gaz., 1858, vol. i, p. 527.)
12. a. A young man suffering from an acutely inflamed carbuncle.
on the nape took the chlorate in 15 gr. doses every 4 h. for 2 d., and
then had 2 symmetrical ulcers form on the side of the tongue, each
being about the size of a fourpenny piece. There was no general
stomatitis, and the sores healed slowly when the remedy was suspended.
b. To a boy, æt. 8, 8 gr. of the chlorate were prescribed thrice
daily for pustular ophthalmia. After 4 d. the eyes were much better,
but the mouth became affected by most acute ulcerative and follicular
stomatitis. The whole mucous surface was red, and on the tongue,
lips, and cheeks, &c., were numerous grey-based ulcers. The salt wat
not suspended, and in about a week the mouth was well again.
c. A little girl suffering from pustular ophthalmia. Stomatitis resem
bling that of the previous case, though less severe, was induced by the
chlorate. It also disappeared whilst the remedy was continued.

d. A similar case occurred at the Metropolitan Free Hospital, also
in a child. (HUTCHINSON, Lancet, 1858, vol. i, p. 265.)
e. Two years ago I gave the chlorate to a lady pregnant for the
fifth time, and whose previous labours have all been premature. After
using it for about 10 d. she became affected with spongy swelling of
KALI MANGANICUM.
55
the gums, accompanied by small, highly irritable ulcers on the tongue,
cheeks, and gums, and by considerable salivation. These symptoms
disappeared on giving up the medicine, but their appearance was always
attributed by my patient to the use of the chlorate. The lady having
again become pregnant I recommended her to resume the chlorate, but
she had only used it for 8 d. when the same form of stomatitis recurred
in a severe degree, and at once yielded on discontinuing the mixture.
She has never at any other time suffered from sore mouth in any form.
(JNO. TRAILL, Lancet, 1858, vol i, p. 375.)
KALI MANGANICUM.
Potassic permanganate, KMnO3.
I. Provings.—1. a. Dr. H. C. ALLEN, April 24th, 1866, at 10.45 a.m., took 6
gr. In 20 m. hot burning sensation in cardiac extremity of stomach, with peculiar
constrictive smarting sensation in throat and fauces, attended with slight inclination
to swallow, and hot uneasy constrictive sensation throughout whole of œsophagus,
which continued for 2 h., but as it was relieved by eating he attributed it to the irrita-
ting presence of the salt coming in contact with the mucous membrane of the fauces
and alimentary canal. 3.45 p.m., took 10 gr. more. 4, felt burning nauseating pain
in fauces, extending down oesophagus to stomach, attended with dryness and constant
inclination to swallow. 4.20, throat and fauces feel raw and sore, with acute pain
extending to ears on swallowing. 4.40., hot burning pain in stomach which appears
to radiate over the whole epigastrium. 5, continual dryness in the throat, with
slight irritating hacking cough on attempting to swallow. 5.30, deep-seated pain in
lower part of larynx, particularly in region of cricoid cartilage; fauces red and
inflamed, and desire to swallow increasing; whole throat and larynx feels as though
the cavity was constricted, apparently from thickening of the mucous membrane.
25th.-Could take but 10 gr. to-day, as his throat was so painful that it was with
difficulty he could swallow. Soon after taking it felt nauseating sickening sensation
in the stomach, and increase of all former throat symptoms, with loss of appetite and
constipation. 26th.-At 9.40 a.m. took 15 gr. In 15 m. had short hacking cough,
with constant painful urging to swallow, which produced nausea and inclination to
vomit, with profuse lachrymation. 10, rough, raw scraping in the throat, with con-
stant inclination to swallow, which is very painful. 10.30, sharp, piercing pain
extending from throat to 1. mastoid process of temporal bone, apparently along
course of Eustachian tube. 11, constant inclination to hawk up something, which
is ineffectual; mucous membrane of the throat and larynx feels thick, and larynx
very painful. 11.30, throat very dry and raw, and sanious discharge from nose;
nares feel stuffed and full, as in catarrh; discharge is blood-streaked, although he had
no catarnhal symptoms at 9 a.m. Constant, short, painful, hacking cough, and what
little is coughed up is streaked with blood, as if the throat were raw; very little
nausea or pain in stomach compared with yesterday. A great deal of pain in throat
all d., particularly on swallowing, for which there appears to be a constant desire.
Discharge from nares and larynx is streaked with blood, and there is sensation on
hawking or clearing larynx as though surface was raw. 9 p.m., throat, mouth, and
lips in particular, are very dry, the latter smart when exposed to the cold air; urine
more profuse than usual, and has to be voided more frequently. 27th.—Had a rest-
2.30 p.m., took another 10 gr. Inh. increase of same smarting burning
pain in throat, extending along oesophagus, attended with burning pain in stomach.
4, deep-seated sickening pain in stomach, with raw dryness in the throat, and
constant inclination to swallow. 5, during last h. profuse flow of saliva from mouth
(so much as to attract attention, although he had more or less all d., but was not sure
it was caused by drug), with same constant inclination to swallow manifested after
less n.
56
KALI MANGANICUM.
In 20 m.
each dose of drug, but has now become very painful. Uvula, soft palate and fauces
mottled dark red colour, with livid spots here and there. Mucous membrane of
fauces and posterior wall of pharynx feels thickened, and there is constant hawking
up of thick, blood-streaked, tenacious mucus, which appears to be abundant, but in
reality is very little; aching pain in region of cricoid cartilage, aggravated by every
attempt at deglutition. Appetite not much affected, but obstinate constipation ever
since he began to take drug. 28th.-At 6 p.m. took 20 gr. In 15 m. more violent
pains in the throat than he had yet experienced, with nausea and vomiting, first of
contents of stomach, afterwards of thick ropy fluid, which is ejected in large quantities,
but with very little difficulty. Profuse salivation. 6.35, fauces and pharynx are red
and very painful, and efforts of deglutition almost incessant, with profuse flow of
saliva, which is allowed to escape from the mouth on account of the pain produced
by swallowing. Urine very profuse and clear. 7, nausea and vomiting of the same
thick mucus continues; head feels full, face hot, pulse 91, and a profuse perspiration
makes its appearance. Compelled to assume recumbent position. Throat feels raw
and swollen, and is very painful, even when not attempting to swallow. Profuse flow
of watery urine. Slight hemorrhage from nose; feels weak and very much prostrated;
efforts of deglutition incessant and very painful. 8.30, took 20 gr. more.
felt aggravation of all former symptoms; nausea and vomiting to such a degree that
he began to search in vain for an antidote. 9, profuse hæmorrhage from nose; con-
stant, intense, painful inclination to swallow, but cannot do so; profuse flow of
saliva, with burning, raw, smarting, nauseating pain in fauces, pharynx, larynx, and
extending down oesophagus to stomach; vomiting incessant, though painless; every-
thing that is hawked up from the throat is streaked with blood;
streaked with blood; sanious discharge
from nares; posterior nares are painful, and mucous membrane appears to be thickened
so as almost to fill the cavity; speech painful and difficult, hoarse, as though he had
tonsillitis; pulse 94; considerable difficulty is experienced in opening mouth, on
account of soreness of parotid glands and muscles of neck. 9.30, nasal hæmorrhage
not so profuse as before. 10, almost constant flow of ropy mucus from stomach,
Had a
which is ejected without pain, but does not in the least remove the nausea.
sleepless n. ; fever, thirst, but inability to drink, and was compelled to urinate 4 or 5
times (an unusual circumstance with him); urine clear, watery, and in considerable
quantities each time. 29th.-Did not feel inclined to take any more of drug; could
eat no solid food on account of swollen and painful condition of the throat; felt weak
and unable to attend to any business; profuse salivation still continues, but has had
no vomiting to-day; urine profuse; obstinate constipation. Pulse at 2 p.m. 80.
30th.-Took no more of drug to-day, in order to take something nutritious, as he had
been unable to eat for 2 d. Symptoms gradually abating; salivation still profuse,
and throat swollen and very painful. May 1st.-Took 30 gr. at 7.35 a.m.
short time a return of all symptoms previously related, especially inclination to swallow,
which had in some degree abated since leaving off use of drug. No new symptoms
were developed. 11, took 30 gr. Inh. return of all symptoms in aggravated form,
particularly nose and throat symptoms; coughing, or even hawking, brings up
sanious fluid; increased flow of saliva, which runs out of mouth almost constantly,
with more pain and difficulty of deglutition than ever. Nasal hæmorrhage, and vomi-
ting of same ropy fluid, without pain. Pulse at 9 a.m. 95. Head feels dull, throat
dry, painful, with incessant attempts at deglutition, which it seems almost impossible
a m. took
to restrain. Uvula oedematous, and very much elongated. 2nd.—At
gr. Soon felt increase of pain in throat, and constant inclination to swallow. The
vomiting, which had ceased last e., returned in aggravated form, attended with
burning, nauseating pain in stomach and duodenum, which became almost insupport-
able. Salivation profuse; sanious discharge from nares; acute pain in throat, extend-
ing to ears and larynx, and producing titillating cough. 12 m.-Soft palate
swollen; uvula swollen, and looks oedematous and of a dark red colour; whole
throat feels raw, and everything which is raised by coughing is streaked with blood.
3rd.-Repeated dose at 10.30 a.m. Nothing new was developed, but an active
increase of all symptoms previous. Muscles of the neck feel sore, particularly
digastric and stylo-hyoid; and cervical glands opposite hyoid bone are swollen and
very painful. Small ulcerated spots here and there on walls of throat, with stinging,
burning pains. 4th.-At 2 p.m. took 30 gr. more. In 30 m. profuse discharge of
saliva and urine; nausea and vomiting, and terrible weakness and languor, particularly
In a
9
30
KALI NITRICUM.
57
of lower limbs, which compelled him to lie down. Legs feel as though he could not
move them, and tremble when he attempts to stand. Nose feels stuffed and full, and
hæmorrhage sets in on every attempt to free the obstruction; thin discharge from
nares, which excoriates and irritates mucous membrane; throat feels raw, and bleeds
upon attempting to hawk up secretion, which appears to completely fill the cavity.
b. I could take no more of the drug, from a loathing which would almost pro-
duce vomiting to look at it; and although a month has elapsed since I took any of
the drug the simplest taste, or even the sight of it, will produce nausea. I took in
10 d. 221 gr. of the salt. My partner took 51 gr. in 3 d.
d. Pain, heat and dryness of
throat, with constant desire to swallow, although deglutition was painful, were the
principal symptoms manifested. My students did not take so much, but in each case
the throat was primarily affected." (Amer. Hom. Observer, iii, 345.)
KALI NITRICUM.
Potassic nitrate, KNO,. Nitre, saltpetre.
I. Provings.—1. HAHNEMANN, Chronic Diseases, part iv. of origi-
nal, vol. of translation. Contains 588 symptoms from self and 3
others, and 122 from authors.
2. a. I applied a thermometer to the pit of my stomach, and found
that the highest degree to which the thermometer would rise was 98°.
I then took 3j of N. dissolved in 3j of water; 2 m. after this my pul-
sations were reduced from 72 to 64; 4 m. after they were as low as
62, and from that time they began gradually to increase, till at the end
of 10 m, they were at 70, and soon after at 72, the exact number at
which they were before I took the draught. About 20 m. after I had
taken the N., on looking at the thermometer, the mercury had risen
from 98° to 9910, and in 20 m. more it was fallen again to 98°, and
my pulse still continued to beat 72; this was exactly, in every respect,
the state in which I was before I took it. As the rising and falling of
the mercury in all the subsequent trials was extremely regular, I shall
leave out of my narrative of the following experiments the observations
I made on it, and lay it down as a postulatum that whatever power N.
may have of cooling the body, it does not exert it in any perceptible
manner on its external parts.
b. About an h. after I had taken the first draught I took a second.
My pulse beat 70 before I took it, but in 1 m. after no more than 60,
though it soon became quicker, so as at the end of 10 m. to beat 68,
and in a few m. more 70.
As soon as I had taken it I felt a chilliness
all over my body, but more particularly at my stomach, which con-
tinued for about 20 m. to give me a good deal of uneasiness. It then
began to decrease, and in little more than h. was entirely gone off.
c. The next d. I repeated the same experiment. Before I took
the dose my pulse beat 64; the 2nd m. after the strokes were reduced
to 60; the 5th m. after they were 63, and soon came to 64, as before
I took it.
d. The d. following I took a drachm dissolved in 2 oz. of water.
Before I took it my pulse beat 73; the 2nd m. after it fell to 66; the
4th m. after it rose to 69; and from that time became still more
58
KALI NITRICUM.
frequent, till at the end of 9 m. it had recovered its usual strength, and
was at 73.
e. Twenty m. after this dose I took 3ss of N. dissolved in 3 oz. of
water. After 2 m. my pulse was weak, fluttering, and unequal, and
beat about 70 in a m.; soon after I felt a painful sensation at the
upper orifice of my stomach, and on arising from my chair, it was
with some difficulty that I walked through the room; I then returned
to the chair and felt my pulse again; it was now become so quick,
Auttering, and irregular, and my head was so giddy, that I could not
exactly number the strokes it beat, though, as near as I could judge,
they were between 96 and 100; in about an h. every one of these
disagreeable symptoms began to abate, and continued slowly decreasing
all that d.; the next m. when I got out of bed they were entirely
gone off.
f. I dissolved ziss in 3 oz. of water, which I left 12 h. exposed to
the air, and then swallowed; immediately before I took it my pulse
beat 64; the 2nd m. after it beat the same; the 4th m. after it beat
59, and from that time began to increase as in the former experiments
till it came to the standard at which it had been before I took the N.
g. I dissolved 3vj in a quart of water, which I began to drink early
in the m., and by taking small draughts of it as often as I had con-
venience, I finished the whole at 8 that n. without feeling any
uneasiness from it, or being sensible of its having operated any other
way than by urine.
h. Two d. after I dissolved 1 oz. of N. in the same quantity of
water, and drank it in the same time; it gave me no uneasiness, nor
had any sensible effects.
i. Some d. after this I dissolved 1 oz. of N. in 3 lbs. of water,
and took a draught of it every h., except in bed; the whole was drunk
in 24 h.; after 4 or 5 draughts I felt a slight chilliness at my stomach
every time I took it; but this generally went off before the time of
taking the next draught, and on that account gave me but little
pain.
j. I now resolved to try what would be the effect of the same
quantity of N. when every different dose was taken immediately on its
being dissolved. For this purpose I divided 1 oz. into 8 equal parts,
and took one of these parts, dissolved in 4 oz. of water, every 90 m.
The weather at this time was very warm, and therefore the first
3 or 4 doses cooled and refreshed me; the fifth and sixth, how-
ever, gave me a chilliness and pain in my stomach; the seventh and
eighth increased these sharp stinging pains, not only in my stomach,
but through my whole body, which were so violent that for 15 m. after
each dose I could not breathe without feeling a very acute pain on
every inspiration.
k. As I had been able to take 1 oz. of N. with very little incon-
venience when it had been long dissolved, I resolved to make one more
effort to try if I could manage the same quantity, when every dose was
taken immediately after being dissolved. I therefore prepared 8
powders of ziss each, with a design to take one of them every 90 m.,
as in the last experiment; the second dose gave me a chilliness at the
KALI NITRICUM.
59
stomach; the third gave me some of the above-mentioned pains, and
the fourth increased them to such a violent degree that I was obliged
to desist from taking any more.
(ALEXANDER, Exp. Essays, 1770.)
3. RUMMEL proved Ist trit. June 7th, 1837, took, p.m., 6 gr. Soon
after, great heat of face and of upper lip; hands hotter than usual,
without acceleration of pulse. Roughness in nasal fossæ, as if catarrh
was impending. Slight dull hissing in ears. Slight afflux of water into
mouth. 8th.-A large painless pimple on inside of lower lip, which
lasted for several d., but disappeared without suppurating. Drawing
in tibia. At 5 p.m. took 10 gr. Dull pressive pain in r. chest over
false ribs, later going towards pit of stomach, and remaining there
some time, with much eructation and noisy emission of flatus. Some
chilliness and yawning soon after dose; pain as after a blow in hams;
transient tearing drawing in middle finger of 1. hand; pressure on
stomach changes to sensation of hunger. 9th.-On waking, eyes a
little inflamed, as in catarrh, with pressure, especially in 1. Frequent
attacks of tearing-drawing in parietal and frontal bones, with confusion
in head. Stool delayed. Oppression of chest. 10th.-Oppression
continues, especially in m., with pressure at stomach; pricking shoots
in glans penis; some soft stools; towards e. head confused again, with
drawing in sides and front. 11th.-Pressure at stomach and oppression
of chest continue, obliging him frequently to draw deep breaths; con-
fusion and drawing again in head. 12th.-Stomach somewhat painful
in m. and head confused in e. (Archiv, xvii, 2, 123.)
4. SCHROEDER, after having long observed a homoeopathic diet
and satisfied himself as to his perfect health, took, June 20th, in m.,
as much N. as would lie on point of penknife, repeating dose at 9 and
IO a.m. Murmuring in ears, as of running water; borborygmus;
pinchings in transverse colon. 21st.—At 6.15 a.m., a teaspoonful in
warm water. Nausea in stomach, slight burning and pressure,
eructations; scanty soft stool; shootings in 1. sacral region on sitting.
At 8, repeated dose. In e., strong tinnitus in l. ear; pressure of flatus
and feeling as if diarrhoea would set in, a few drops of thin fluid
escaping with wind. 22nd.-At 6.30 a.m., a heaped teaspoonful.
Disgust and shudderings some time after ingestion; nausea in
stomach, burning and pressure recurring and lasting nearly all d.,
slighter towards e. ; pulse frequent, hard; breathing quickened, with
sense of febrile weakness in whole body. At 8.30, a second dose.
Pressure in forehead above root of nose, and sense of tension of skin
there. Starting in muscles of r. arm. At 10 and 11, repeated dose.
Soon after last teaspoonful pinchings in stomach. Painful swelling of
1. épididymis behind and below testicle, to size of hazel-nut; testicles
sensitive and retracted, with pressive feeling within them; pain in
pubic region on touching it; smarting in urethra during micturition, on
finishing act burning pain,-urine reddish; pressure towards both ears.
and temples. 23rd.—In m., pulse quick and hard, breathing accelerated,
with febrile weakness and tremor; p.m., shootings in r. chest between
5th and 6th ribs. In e., pressure and tension in forehead as yesterday
(quite unwonted with him). 24th.-Pressure in stomach, relieved by
eructations, m.; tearings in metacarpal bone of r. index and in wrist.
60
KALI NITRICUM.
Disagreeable hypochondriacal state of mind; he is discontented with
himself and everybody, sad, irritable, and averse to all mental exertion.
(Ibid.)
5. LIER, June 18th, at 7 a.m., fasting, took 5 gr. of N. Nothing
occurred save eructation, borborygmi, and unusual flatulence,-first
extending to following d. 20th.-At same h. repeated dose, with
same result; also much thirst. 8 p.m., pressure and darting pain,
transient, in r. chest. Omission of usual e. stool. Sound sleep till
midnight; after that frequent dreaming, and waking from dryness of
tongue and mouth, with thirst. 21st.-On rising, he is still sleepy
and weary; later, he feels better. At 3 p.m., hard stool, with violent
straining. 22nd.-At 8 a.m., 15 gr. Eructations and flatulence as
before. Anorexia and much thirst; towards noon, sensation as if
œsophageal mucous membrane was covered with thick viscid mucus ;
towards e., vomiting after drinking some Bavarian beer. No stool.
Sleep restless, disturbed by anxious dreams. In m., dryness of tongue
and mouth. 23rd.-During whole m. pressure under sternum; p.m.,
frequent shoots, of brief duration, in l. chest; frequent pressure in
rectum, with hard stool at 6 p.m. Sleep good. (Ibid.)
6. a. FINZELBERGER, æt. 26, June 7th at 6 a.m. took 6 gr. of Ist
trit. Immediately, eructations, sense of heat in stomach. Pressive
headache, especially in frontal region; general relaxation; distaste for
work; and somnolence,—all coming on 3-4 h. after dose, and in e.
Lancinating pain, lasting some m., in knees, elbows, and shoulders,
lasting longest in 1. elbow and increased by movement; it is worse in
afternoon than in m. Lancinations in r. chest, returning 3 times at
abouth. intervals (6 h. after); later, sense of fulness under sternum,
increased by deep breathing, and causing short, dry, hollow cough.
No appetite, much thirst; tongue white and coated; pressure in region
of stomach. Flying heats in face, which is red and burning; then, in e.,
chilliness, with hard and frequent pulse-a febrile state. In urinating,
burning in urethra towards meatus; urine clearer than usual, no sedi-
ment (as there had been before), and quantity diminished. Skin
dry and hot, no perspiration even towards m. Sleep interrupted
sometimes by dryness of mouth and thirst. 8th.-In m., pulse softer,
but still too quick. Frequent paroxysms of cough, generally accom-
panied by expectoration of a solid bronchial mucus, sinking in water
and not dissolving on shaking; during cough, pressive pain behind
sternum, followed by soreness. Distension of epigastric region; taste-
less eructations, once with gush of water into mouth; thirst, anorexia,
tongue white coated. Towards e., fever; tonsils and uvula red
swallowing saliva painful; repugnance for pipe, general depression.
9th.-During n., sleep frequently interrupted by cough and expecto-
ration; towards m., moderate sweat. Sore pain in throat. Same
sensation behind sternum on coughing, and rattling there. The
phlegm seems to come from the depths of the chest. Tongue coated,
no appetite, fulness of stomach. (Three doses of ipecacauanha 3, at
4 h. intervals, checked cough, which was annoying.) 10th.-Sleep
good; two attacks of cough and expectoration towards m.; slight
pain in throat and in r. frontal sinus; dry coryza. Sense of fulness in
KALI NITRICUM.
61
F
stomach, little appetite, tongue clear. Urine very cloudy, soon
depositing a thick yellow sediment. Hard stool. Symptoms of chest
and stomach continuing some d. yet, he took more ipecacuanha, and
they all disappeared by the 15th.
b. On 13th, at 6 a.m., he took 4 gr. of N. Soon after, burning in
stomach, then pressure there; eructations all d. No appetite for
breakfast, but he was thirsty. An h. later, cough lasting h., with
red face, and at last some mucous expectoration; this returned several
times. Pressive pain under sternum all d. ; appetite bad, tongue white-
coated. Frequent sensation as if he would have a liquid stool, but
none came till next d. and then it was very hard. In urinating,
burning at urethral orifice, and frequently sensation of itching in the
glans. Lancinating pain in r. shoulder, then in knees; several times.
pressive pain in frontal sinus; work is distasteful. Towards e., pulse
is hard and somewhat quick. He drank wine in e. ; n. was quiet, and
next d. he had no further symptom. (Ibid.)
7. a. NICOL took from Jan. 1st-8th, 1 gr. of N. each e. in water.
Up to 8th health was perfect; but towards midnight of that d. he had
somewhat violent pain in 1. parietal region of head, which lessened
when he put on a cap. Thinking that other symptoms would follow,
he left off medicine; but nothing further occurred, save that on 15th
he found a dull green spot on 1. side of thigh, where he had had no
contusion. From 23rd to 25th he took each e. 5 gr. 24th.—Weak-
ness and pain in r. shoulder, most in front, only while arm was at rest,
with cracking on movement as if in tendon of biceps; similar pain in
first joint of r. ring-finger, but only during flexion and extension.
25th.-Felt nothing during d.; but soon after e. dose had in 1. knee-
pan same pain as in shoulder, &c., yesterday. After some h. sleep,
awoke contrary to his wont, and experienced slight dull shoots of pain
in front and lower part of 1. chest. Next d. he was well and remained
so but for a coryza.
b. March 13th-21st, took 10 gr. of Ix trit. every e. 15th.—At 6
p.m., sudden desire to cough, caused by tickling to r. of throat-pit, as
if in r. bronchus, eased by slow, deep breathing; it lasted about 1 h.
16th and 17th.—Very well but for the coryza, which had remarkably
increased; and this continued, with hoarseness and cough, till first
week in April. From 19th to 22nd, frequent emission of clear urine,
and occasional rheumatic pain in r. shoulder. From 24th to 27th he
woke 2-3 h. sooner than usual, and his head ached in a warm room.
On 27th, there came on suddenly in m. and lasted till e. severe pain
as if bruised in scalp, and painful beating in occiput and temples,-
former relieved by pressing head strongly. At noon, for about an h.,
pain in bend of r. thigh whenever he went upstairs.
c. April 24th, his health being perfect, took 5ss of N. 27th.-
Had continued well, save for slight painful sensation at inner side of r.
knee, only felt in walking. 29th.-Took 100 gr. Slight sore-throat
in e., which was worse next m. after exposure to cold. May 2nd.—
Health being again perfect, took 100 gr. Previous pain in shoulder-
joint now returned, especially in throwing arm forward.
soft stools (unusual). From May 19th to June 2nd took daily, fasting,
In m. 2
62
KALI NITRICUM.
100 gr.
20th.-Soon after rising, slight epistaxis; p.m., headache.
21st. While in bed, acute headache in r. vertex, as if head would
burst; soon after rising, bleeding from 1. nostril, whereupon headache
disappeared. June 1st.-Slight inflammatory swelling on r. side of
palate. With exception of this, and of slight and transient pains in head,
he experienced nothing. From 5th to 17th each d. 3 gr., taken
fasting. Soon after 1st dose, dull pains in forehead and vertex, most to
1.; they were stronger and more continuous than before. They dis-
appeared towards 10 a.m., but returned after dinner, and lasted far into
e.
From thence till 10th he felt well, and had hardly any headache to
speak of. That afternoon fresh pains in r. hip and ankle, like that of
shoulder, but transient. Next d. these pains were worse, and were felt
also in l. shoulder and ankle, especially on walking; later there was
tensive pain in sterno-mastoid and slight headache on turning head. 12th.
—Joint pains gone, save in 1. shoulder on raising arm, especially if it is
also thrown backward. Sterno-mastoid pain worse. Slight angina and
languor. 13th.-Shoulder same; angina and languor less. Fell asleep
at 8 p.m., during which twitching in facial muscles. On 14th, felt
nothing, but on 15th r. shoulder pained at nearly every movement
of arm.
This lasted next d., but slighter. On 16th and 17th he also
felt occasionally pressive pain in 1. side of stomach in walking.
On 18th,
and from 23rd to 27th, he took 6 gr. daily in m., fasting. 18th.-In
4
h. after dose, pain in vertex, increasing gradually in violence, dis-
appearing in the open air. 19th.-Rheumatic stiffness, somewhat
painful all over, worse in cold, relieved by warmth; gradually passing
off by 21st. On 23rd he felt quite well, but on 24th, being exposed
to a slight current of air, he was seized with violent pain in vertex,
which ceased on getting out of draught. 25th.-Soon after dose,
return of stomach pain in walking. 26th.-Immediately after dose,
slight flying pains in r. vertex; 2 h. later, transient pressive pain in
r. eye, and inh. more a peculiar pulsating noise in r. ear.
27th and
28th.-P.m., while studying, slight pains in r. vertex.
Former was
relieved by application of hand, but lasted 2-3 h., and left heat for
some time after at affected spot. 29th.-Health perfect. (Ibid.)
8. TRAUB took for 9 m. during May 8 gr. of 1st trit. On 2nd d.
occasional dislocative pain in r. hip on walking. 6 p.m., tensive draw-
ing between scapula. 10 p.m., lassitude in legs, especially about ankles,
as after a long tramp. Frequent sneezing during d. 3rd.-Dislocative
pain in r. wrist for 10 m., and similar pain in I. ankle. E., transient
shoots under 1. scapula; paralysed feeling in sacral region. 5th.-In
e., while sitting quietly, need to breathe deeply, and at each inspiration
shooting in 1. chest arresting it,-5 times repeated. No further sym-
ptoms; but a slight falling of the hair so increased during the proving
that he was obliged to discontinue it. (Ibid.)
9. C. MUEHLENBEIN, of " psoric" habit, subject to palpitation, and
altogether in uncertain health, proved 1st trit. in 1836, and again in
1837. On former occasion he was already feeling unwell, and his
symptoms are hardly pure. June 14th, 1837, at II p.m., took 5 gr.
On rising next m. pressive pain in forehead; great languor in whole
body, especially in legs, and sleepiness, so that he woud fain have lain
KALI NITRICUM.
63
down again. This state gradually went off towards 10 a.m. but for
slight pressure in forehead and under r. eye. After dinner, pressure in
stomach; and in e. pains in head were replaced by oppression of chest.
All d. pulse 10 beats above normal. 16th.-Still some headache. At
10.30 p.m., 10 gr. 17th.-7 a.m., pressive headache, extending to occi-
put; lassitude and weakness of legs. In e., more heat in head; agita-
tion; pulse fuller, 80; hoarseness. 18th.—Pressure throughout frontal
region, and occasional dull shoots through it. Great prostration;
shattered feeling all over; hoarseness. 19th.-Repeated dose. Same
symptoms, with heat in face and head. 20th.-Beatings synchronous
with pulse in 1. ear; drawings in extremities; urine cloudy-yellow;
burning at edge of prepuce and smarting on micturition. Till e. violent
headache and drawings in limbs. 21st.-Headache still all d.; burning
on urinating; tearing and drawing in legs. E., hoarseness, dryness of
nose. Headache increased towards e. of next d., and on 23rd inflam-
matory redness and swelling of r. eyelid, for which he inhaled aconite.
He was better next d., and a fresh dose of 15 gr. in e. of 25th caused
no recrudescence of symptoms, which therefore were probably non-
medicinal. On 27th, some oppression of chest and stomach, and
drawings in legs. At II p.m., 10 gr. 28th.-M., great prostration;
legs very weak; same headache as before, and drawings in extremities,
with tickling at orifice of urethra. 29th.-Repeated dose, with head
symptoms only. Sense of cold in occiput accompanied headache
throughout. (Ibid.)
10. FRANKE, May 27th, 1837, took 5 gr. of N. at 9 a.m. Soon
after dose, shivering, renewed at noon. Fulness of abdomen, no
appetite, still he ate with pleasure; after stool fulness went off. 28th.
-In m., fasting, same dose. In 1 h., 2 somewhat fluid stools in rapid
succession. Between II and 12, great somnolence, lasting till 3 h. after
dinner, when he felt obliged to lie on sofa. Sleep then was disturbed
by frightful dreams, and was difficult to shake off. Before it he felt
pain in 1. eyeball as if compressed from both sides. 31st.-Repeated
dose. During n., frequently wakened by shoots through middle joint
of second toe of r. foot, as if from corns (which do not exist). April
1st.-Same dose. Similar shoots frequently during d. in l. foot, which
is equally free from corns. 2nd-4th. Same dose each d., with no
other symptoms. 5th.-Sopor as on 28th, and shooting in 2 outer
toes of r. foot. 7th.-9 gr. Fulness of stomach, and repugnance to
food, lasting till 5 p.m., when it went off after a moderate fluid stool.
8th.-Unusual sexual excitement.
Ioth. At noon, 9 gr. P.m.,
drawing pains in elbow on flexing arm. 21st. At 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
took 5ss of N. Immediately after dose, tickling at various spots, as
if feather of pen were passed over them. 22nd.-At 8 a.m. and 1.30
p.m., 3ss. Nothing but some slight recurrence of old drawings and
itchings. On 23rd and 24th, took 2 doses of 5ss and 12 gr. respectively,
without effect; but stools lately have been of straw yellow colour. 25th.
-Repeated last dose twice. As on 22nd. 26th.-Same, with flatulent
colic and diarrhoea; sleep agitated, full of dreams with frequent waking.
27th. As yesterday; tongue white-coated down to tip. 28th.-Same
state; head confused, face pale; much prostration; tearings in divers
M
64
KALI NITRICUM.
muscles. 29th.-No change; feels sad.
head is still weak and confused.
30th.-Better, save that
(Ibid.)
II. MUEHLENBEIN, æt. 72, took, July 17th, 1836, in m., fasting,
6 gr. of Ist trit. Some h. after, sense of heat in face, without
alteration of pulse; much yawning, lassitude, and inertia; disposition
to crossness; slight headache, or rather confusion of head (strange to
him). Symptoms went off by e., and sleep was not disturbed. On
19th, repeated dose with same results. (Ibid.)
12. KRATZENSTEIN took 3 times in 24 h. 0·53 grm. of N. without
experiencing anything save pressure in stomach, followed, an h. later,
by a soft stool. (Ibid.)
13. ENGLER, Feb. 27th, 1822, took 1 gr. without effect. March 2nd.
-3 gr. Some h. after, copious emission of deep red urine, which after
standing becomes flocculent. 4th.-4 gr. Besides increased urination,
frequent urging to stool, but without result. Same effects from 5 and
6 gr. respectively on 5th and 6th. 7th.-7 gr. at 9 a.m. Frequent
emission during d. of pale and cloudy urine, with same rectal tenesmus.
On 8th symptoms gradually subsided; and on 9th two 8 gr. doses
reproduced them only to less degree. 11th.-10 gr. at 9 a.m. and
5 p.m. Urine redder and more cloudy, without increase in quantity;
rectal tenesmus as before. 12th.- Two doses of 11 gr. without other
effect. 15th.-15 gr. twice. Copious emission of clear urine, with
same but slighter rectal symptoms. (JÖRG's provings, Materialien &c.)
14. HACKER took from Feb. 28th to March 6th doses increasing
from 1 to 6 gr. without effect. 7th.-7 gr. twice. In n. unwonted
perspiration, somewhat copious. 9th and 10th.-8 gr. twice. Fre-
quent desire to micturate, and emission of much foetid flatus. On n.
of 10th recurrence of perspiration. On 11th, 10 gr.; on 12th, 3ss;
and on 13th, 3j, twice, without effect. (Ibid.)
15. HEISTERBERGK took increasing doses as in No. 14 till March
6th without effect. 7th.-7 gr. twice. An h. after 1st dose for a
short time slight cutting in small intestines. From 8th to 12th took
2 doses daily, increasing by I gr. On 10th, at 6 p.m., disagreeable
drawing for some m. in small intestines; stool more fluid than usual.
11th. Same stool but no colic. On 13th, took 14 gr. ; on 14th,
20 gr.; and on 15th 40 gr., twice, without effect save that pulse was
smaller and softer. (Ibid.)
16. KNESCHKE began as last two provers. On 11th he took 10 gr.
twice; 3 semifluid stools with some general colic during last. 12th.
-12 gr. twice. Urine more copious, clear, and watery. 13th.-
13 gr.
Three liquid stools, colic all d., urine as yesterday. (Ibid.)
17. KUMMER'S proving, up to March 4th, was as those preceding
his. On 5th he took 5 gr. at 6 a.m. At 10, slight colic; tongue
covered with white mucus without alteration of taste or appetite;
urine rather copious. 6th.-6 gr. at 8 a.m. At 10, colic, lasting only
a short time, but recurring frequently up to e. Urine copious, and
depositing a red sediment. 7th.-7 gr. twice. In 2 h. after first dose
return of colic, with urging to stool, persisting even after 2 liquid
evacuations. 8th.-A diarrhoeic stool. 9th.-8 gr. Soon sense of
fulness in stomach; p.m., 2 rather fluid stools. 10th.-9 gr. at
KALI NITRICUM.
65
9 a.m. Immediately after, feeling of coldness from mouth to stomach
for some m.; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. nausea and inclination to
vomit. On 12th, 10 gr., and on 13th, 12 gr. An h. after each dose,
nausea. On further increase of dose, urine augmented in quantity,
and formed regularly a reddish cloud. Tongue continued coated to
the last; but taste and appetite underwent no change. (Ibid.)
18. RICHTER, after usual ineffective opening, took on March 5th,
5 gr. During and after ordinary stool pressing and urging at anus.
6th.-6 gr. Same tenesmus, but for 2 h. after stool. N. agitated and
full of dreams. 7th.-7 gr. twice. Soon after m. dose acid taste and
increased saliva, lasting till dinner time. Appetite diminished; abdo-
men was distended, later relieved by much flatus passing; rectal
tenesmus as before. In e. symptoms of digestive canal ceased, but
there was frequent desire to micturate. 8th.-8 gr. twice. Same
history as yesterday. 9th.-Nothing but frequent urging to micturate.
After pause till 14th, took 20 gr. twice; but experienced only the urinary
irritation, and this more slightly than from the weaker doses. (Ibid.)
19. SIEBENHAAR took, April 12th-24th, gr. iij-x without effect.
26th.-11 gr. in m. Increased secretion of urine, and somewhat
intense drawing pain in lumbar region, aggravated by movement of
body, lasting from noon till e. ; increased thirst, and pulse somewhat
quickened. 28th.-12 gr. Same effect; urine more copious and
depositing slight mucous sediment. 29th.-13 gr. Frequent urging
to micturate, dull pain in renal region, thirst greater, and pulse (p.m.)
accelerated. In n. violent griping, and next m. 3 diarrhoeic stools,
followed by constipation till e. of May 1st. May 4th.—13 gr. in m.
During whole d. thirst greater and micturition more frequent than
ordinarily. In n. loud borborygmi, but without colic or stool. 5th.
-14 gr. at 8 a.m. Same symptoms as yesterday, with 2 loose stools
p.m. (Ibid.)
20. JÖRG took 2, 4, and 6 gr. without effect. April 21st.-7 gr.
at 9 a.m. In m. several paroxysms of violent hunger, slight colic of
brief duration; perspired more than usual, and towards e. had a
somewhat fluid stool. 22nd.-8 gr. with same effects, which by next
d. had quite ceased. May 4th.-9 gr. Local cooling effect very
marked; pulse rose 3 beats, but soon fell again. 10-II a.m., the
bulimia recurred, lasting h. at a time, and alternating with slight
cutting about umbilicus. Before and after dinner mouth remarkably
dry, which obliged him to drink repeatedly. Towards e. 2 rather liquid
stools, after (according to his wont) having had 2 natural evacuations
in m. Perspiration again unusually free. 5th.-At 9 a.m., 10 gr.,
with nearly same effect, but also more frequent and copious emission of
brownish-yellow urine. 6th.-12 gr.
Increased diuresis. 7th.-
14 gr.
Áfter initial coldness of mouth had subsided, great dryness
there. Slight umbilical colic, with sense as though stool would follow.
Urine and perspiration as before. After stronger doses, pulse rose 3-4
beats for as many m.* (Ibid.)
21. a. ASSMANN, after having taken from 10 to 20 gr. without
effect, began June 19th, 1823, with 5j in 3j of water at 8 a.m.,
* Jörg had experimented with N. two years previously, with almost identical results.
5
VOL. III.
66
KALI NITRICUM,
having previously eaten only a little dry bread. After 3 m. slight
pressive burning pain in region of stomach, which gradually increased,
and at last became a dull boring there. Soon after 8.30, moderate
cutting pain in bowels, passing gradually along their length. At same
time emission of much flatus and desire for stool, heartburn, and slight
heat all over body. Towards 9, natural stool; therewith began more
frequent urging to micturate (as often as every 10 m.) with little
passing at a time, yet total quantity being in considerable excess.
These symptoms still continued when, at midday, he took another 3j.
There were then added eructations, nausea, yawnings, sadness, weight
in head and bruised pain over whole body. All this lasted till e., and
n. was agitated, sleep heavy and broken. During all next d. hunger,
with disgust for food, pressure and burning in stomach, with some
violent shoots in epigastric region; then weight and fulness at pit of
stomach and lassitude all over body. Urinary and alvine secretions
became normal, but thirst continued. On 29th, at 9 a.m., A— took
zij in zj of water. Scarcely was the N. in the stomach when there
occurred frequent eructations and nausea, without (however) actual
vomiting. Later, slight colic, increasing for h.; at same time
somewhat violent urging to stool, which a normal evacuation about 10
did not remove, and it continued nearly all d.; with it were frequent
and copious emissions of urine. Thirst was violent and constant,
appetite absent. N. restless and sleepless. 30th.-Salivary, especially
submaxillary, glands swollen, hard, and painful, and secretion of saliva
more abundant; weight and pain over whole head (he was not subject
to headache), with lassitude of body generally. There appeared this d.
on face and other parts of surface small vesicles, which filled with pus;
pulse was full, hard, and quick. It was not till 3rd d. after dose that
he felt himself again.
,,
/
b. A having made the foregoing experiments by himself, I
wished him to perform others under my (Jörg's) eyes. May 15th,
1824, at 9.15 a.m., he took 3j in 3 of water. Immediately strong
eructation. Hardly any coldness was experienced locally. In about
8 m. sensation in stomach like the distant beating of an artery.
In 20 m. increased heat in trunk and determination of blood to head;
renewed eructation, slight vertigo and confusion of head. Whole
forehead and cheeks seemed hotter than usual, hands were much
colder. In 25 m. began twistings in belly; at 40 m. pressure in
stomach continued and urging to micturate had begun. Internal heat
had diminished, but heat and congestion of head continued. Towards
11, heartburn, and hunger without appetite but with keen thirst. A few
after taking medicine, pulse fell from 66 to 62, but returned to former
rate after h. After a moderate meal slight aching across eyebrows;
general lassitude and torpor in lower extremities. Between 10 and
12 a.m. 3 emissions of urine, amounting to 3ij in all, though prover
had abstained from drinking. At 3 p.m. he repeated dose. Some
time after, face hot and hands cold; tensive pain across chest; some
shootings on 1. side under ribs and slight pains in head; violent
thirst, also pressure at stomach and colic without stool. These
symptoms continued till 7 p.m. ; and frequent emissions of a yellowish,
m.
KALI NITRICUM.
67
transparent urine, forming a cloud, continued even into the n., which
Next d.
was restless, till towards m. a slight perspiration broke out.
he was quite well. (Ibid.)
II. Poisonings.-I. A woman swallowed a handful of N. in hot
water by mistake for Glauber's salts. Soon after, violent pain came on
in stomach, followed by nausea, and finally vomiting. From moment
of taking dose she began to swell up, and this went on increasing so
fast that in a few m. she had to unlace herself in haste in order to
breathe. Her kerchief had also to be removed, so swollen was her
neck; and the same at length with her dress and garters. A- arrived
within 10 m. of her taking dose, and found this state of things.
Provoking free vomiting, he found pain and swelling diminish; so that
after 5 or 6 evacuations of stomach they had nearly ceased. Inh.
she expelled a fœtus of 2 mo., and therewith blood, not from vagina
only, but also from rectum, with liquid stools and some colic. Next
d. these had lessened, but on 3rd d. they recommenced with violence,
stools seeming to consist of lining membrane of rectum mixed with
Under opiates and emollients they subsided in 2 d. more.
Besides the swelling and pain in stomach, she now felt also violent
pains in all parts of body, but chiefly in lower half of spinal cord.
These almost ceased by next d., but recurred slightly at times. At
the same time she had tinnitus aurium, trembling of whole body, and
extraordinary shiverings, which no hot drinks or coverings would
remove; headache, and such vertigo that she could hardly get safely to
a seat. The vertigo and tinnitus lasted 24 h. ; the trembling nearly 3
d. The mucous membrane from throat to stomach continued very
sensitive for some d. (ALEXANDER, op. cit.)
2. Mad. V, æt. 58, took 3j (by mistake for Seidlitz salts) at 6
a.m. Inh. she complained of her stomach, had nausea, vomiting
after considerable straining, alvine evacuations, then a convulsion in
which her mouth was drawn. Emerging therefrom, she said in a low
voice that she felt very ill, and wished the doctor summoned.
Another convulsion ensued, and a great debility, in which I found her,
with very feeble pulse and cold extremities. In spite of hot and cordial
drinks, the condition of syncope deepened, pulse ceasing at wrists, and
laborious respiration being the only sign of life, save that in an almost.
inaudible voice she complained of a consuming fire in her stomach and
cruel pains in the abdomen, and said she was dying. She actually
expired at 9 o'clock. P.M., stomach was found highly inflamed,
mucous membrane here and there detached, and peritoneal coat of dark
red hue, with, here and there some brown spots. (LAFLIZE, Journ, de
Méd., June, 1787, p. 401.)
3. A servant, æt. 36, swallowed at two doses, h. apart, a solution
of 3iss of N. by mistake. Vomiting and copious purging followed, and
violent pains in bowels. The physician called on account of the
latter gave demulcents by mouth and anus, followed by opium; but
without effect. Patient complained of a consuming fire in chest and
stomach; extremities were cold, pulse hardly to be felt; and she died
60 h. after taking poison. P.M. (2 h.), stomach was found reddened
internally, and dotted over with black spots of size of lentil. At its
68
KALI NITRICUM.
bas-fond was a specially large spot, in whose centre a small perforation
existed. Intestinal canal was reddish within. (SOUVILLE, Auc. Journ.
de Méd., Chir., Pharm., &c., Oct., 1787, p. 19.)
4. Mrs. E-swallowed, March 17th, 1815, 3ij of N. in solution, in
m. fasting. Soon after vomiting set in, at first of contents of stomach,
then of blood. This had gone on for an h. before physician saw her.
Seeing that corrosion had occurred (solution was imperfect) he plied
her with diluent and emollient drinks, all of which were soon rejected,
but ultimately the blood disappeared from the ejecta, and at length the
vomiting ceased. Patient became almost faint from gnawing and
burning pains at scrob. cordis. Her pulse sank in strength and fre-
quency, and a cold clammy sweat broke out, accompanied by shiverings.
Next m. (vomiting having ceased since previous e.) patient much sunk
from violent pains in stomach, which have recurred paroxysmally
during n. 19th.-Better, but had rigors and very burning pains at
intervals all over abdomen. Gradual improvement went on, but
abdomen was still painful up to 24th, and throughout these d. and for
2 or 3 more blood was occasionally seen in stools. Although 2 mo.
advanced in pregnancy she had not miscarried. On April 1st physician
was again summoned on account of involuntary startings in extremities
which had been noticed for some d. They were very general and
constant, and precisely resembled those of chorea; 1. arm and leg were
especially affected. They lasted 2 mo. Patient, naturally of placid
disposition, became easily annoyed, and complained of constant pain in
spine; pulse was small, 90. After 2 mo. gradual improvement set in,
but patient was not well till after her accouchement in October.
Child was healthy, and mother made a good recovery. (BUTTER, Ed.
Med. and Surg. Journ., xiv, 34.)
5. A young girl, having swallowed in error 15 grm. of N., expe-
rienced, besides the usual irritant effects, some of a narcotic character,
as transient blindness, persistent deafness and loss of speech, spinal
paralysis, and tetanus (?). On 2nd d. her symptoms--coldness of
extremities, small and intermitting pulse, drawn features-were such
that death was expected each instant. A critical sweat charged with
N. caused improvement to set in. After 8 d. patient began to hear
and speak, but it was a month ere she could walk. (GEISELER, Hufel.
Fourn., lvii, i, 124.)
6. The late Dr. Alston in his lectures used to relate the case of a
gentleman who was twice affected with a paralysis of the arm after
taking N. for headache. This disappeared when he omitted the
medicine, but recurred after a fresh dose. (D. MONRO, Mat. Med.,
i, 208.)
7. MARIA L—, æt. 28, put (for rheumatism) zij of N. into a
quartern of gin, and took one third at n. and a similar dose next m.
After latter was instantly attacked with severe burning pain in stomach,
and in a few m. vomited and fainted away. She was conveyed to bed,
cold and bedewed with perspiration. She was not seen by physician
till 5 p.m., when vital powers were greatly depressed, and pain in
stomach unmitigated. He ordered an ipecacuanha emetic, which
caused retching all n. Next m. she was much worse, was getting
į
KALMIA.
69
delirious, pain continued, extremities cold but bathed in perspiration,
and she was unable to pass any urine. At 6 p.m. she was found
suffering under most excruciating agony in stomach; was kept in bed
with difficulty, tossed about and raved like a madwoman. Extremities.
were deadly cold, countenance pale and anxious, pulse scarcely percep-
tible. Under emollients and opium by 10-11 reaction had come on;
she was hot and feverish, countenance tinged with an erysipelatous
Alush, pulse 96 and full. She was bled, and next m. was better, but
had passed no water since first m.; there was, however, no distension
of bladder. After an enema bowels acted, and therewith a small
quantity of urine passed. Scarlet rash over face and neck still more
intense. Food continued to give pain and vomiting up to 6th d.,
when Dr. Letheby saw her. He found her covered with rash; pulse
and temp. natural; bowels and kidneys inactive; still great pain in
stomach, extending along oesophagus. Throat was inflamed, and pres-
sure increased pain in stomach. She gradually convalesced, but for
some time complained of coldness and occasional pains and cramps in
limbs. (LETHEBY, Pharm. Journ., v, 357, 1845–6.)
KALMIA.
Kalmia latifòlia, L. Mountain laurel. Nat. Ord. Ericaceæ.
1. Provings.—1. BEHLERT proved drug on 6 persons besides himself. They are
undescribed, but a and c were women.
a reports, from 30th, headache, dizziness, and nausea; shock towards occiput from
back of neck, with heat; pain in forehead (e.), also over eyes, seeming to move
backwards and down neck externally on both sides, then ceasing, and followed by pain
in 1. shoulder; slight aching in forehead, sometimes shooting down to eye-teeth,
worst now in one place, now in the other; frontal headache every d., extending to root
of a r. upper molar; on getting out of bed rending in head, followed by same in
hips and legs, even to feet; tearing in nape; stinging in maxillary bones; itching in
face at n.; stitches in lower chest; uterine pain (such as she had 3-4 years before);
sense of weakness in abdomen, rising up into throat, relieved by eructation, but when
intense soon returning; sense as of running along spine with weariness in legs;
pressing in r. side; rending in shoulder; recurring stitches in hands; stitch from r.
side into hip (e.); stitches in knee externally (e.) and in soles; slight pain in 1. hand
and fingers, also in 1. leg down to heel, where there was twitching.
b. From same,-pain within head, with sensation when turning of something
loose diagonally across vertex; pulsating pain in forehead.
c. From same,-for several d. together frontal headache on waking, sometimes
followed by rending in bones of r. or I. face or on vertex; pain over eyes; rending in
r. forehead passing downwards; stitches in upper maxilla and zygoma; menses, on
4th d. of proving, came 8 d. too early, next time 14 d. too late; scratching in throat,
causing cough, n. and d. (also in a and d, in former with mucous expectoration in
e.); stitches in toes; pain in r. arm and rending in 1. leg, while at rest, going off on
standing up, extending in less degree along whole 1. side and arm; rending in r.
shoulder, 1. arm, r. lower maxillary bone, and flesh of whole 1. leg.
d. From 1st, taken 3 times a d.,-vertigo, on stooping and looking down;
rending across forehead.
e. From 30th,-tearing in 1. forehead, extending to temple.
f. From same,-frontal headache on rising in m., increasing afterwards; rending
from 1. elbow down arm to index, which is flexed in a jerking manner, and from
knuckle of r. little finger up to elbow; pains in r. hand; pain in bones of r. middle
foot.
༡༠
KALMIA.
g. From same,-rawness and scraping in throat, with pain on swallowing, and
throbbing in 1. tonsil.
h. B― himself reports, from 1st,-glimmering before eyes when looking down-
wards, with belching of wind and some nausea all d.; fine stitches, and at n. itching
in 1. side of throat. (HERING, Amer. Arzn.)
2. CLARK proved 2nd dil, on a young woman, who took 2 dr each e. for 6 d.
After some d. more she repeated proving, with similar results. Aversion to move-
ment or exercise; restlessness and frequent turning in bed, unpleasant dreams, talking
and even getting up and walking in sleep; coldness and shivering on two d. in
succession;*pressive pains in whole back of head, with frequent sharp darting pain in
its r. side; pain in head on waking in m., and in e. ; pain at top of head as if tightly
bound with cord; strong pain in temples and forehead; itching of eyes, which sting
when rubbed; pain in eyes, which makes it painful to turn them; sense of stiffness
in muscles around eyes and in lids; tongue white and dry; lips swollen, dry, and
stiff, in m.; thirst, with dryness of throat causing dysphagia; occasional pain across
abdomen; pain in 1. hepatic region; menses late, and accompanied with pains in
loins, back, and front of thighs; sensation in chest, as if strained by lifting; sharp
pain in three upper dorsal vertebræ, extending through shoulder-blade; constant pain
in spine, sometimes worst in lumbar region, with great heat and burning; pain in
shoulder-blades; great weariness in e., particularly in extremities, so that it is nearly
impossible to go upstairs; numbness of limbs as if asleep. (Ibid.)
3. FREITAG proved drug on man named Kummer, otherwise undescribed.
;
a. From 1st dil., a few globules every 2nd d. for 10 d.,—dulness in head (1st d.);
heaviness in r. head for short time but severe; towards e. same sensation on 1. side
strong pressure in r. temple (3rd d.); severe headache at noon of 2nd d., worse on 1.;
cloudiness before eyes (3rd d.); sharp stitches in eyes, towards e. of 2nd d., and in r.
eye in m.,—on 3rd d. same with violent pressing; eyes feeling dim and weak; itching
in eyes; severe stitches in r. ear (n. of 2nd d.); short pains in r. teeth (e. of 3rd d.) ;
violent pressure in 1. neck and at same time in 1. foot; sticking pain deep under 1.
shoulder-blade (3rd n.); drawing pain of short duration at inner side of 1. arm (3rd
d.); pain in whole r. arm, lasting for weeks; pain in 1. wrist, so that hand seems
palsied; pain in all fingers of 1. hand at same time (3rd d.); pain in 1. foot 1st d.,
again, violent, on 10th d.; pain in 1. arm above elbow, and soon afterwards between
elbow and hand, frequently alternating between two places for 1 h., and followed by
pain in both legs below knees, which extends to feet; pain in bend of 1. knee, which
is immediately followed by very severe but brief pain in 1. index, and later in r. foot;
pressing pain in 1. shin, and in muscles of 1. arm, with same in r. foot. These pains
in limbs, continually changing from one place to another, lasted all the time medicine
was being taken, and 3 weeks later.
b. From 30th taken every 4th d.,-vertigo, with some nausea, attended with pains
in head and limbs; severe pressing in temples and on both sides of neck; pain and
throbbing in whole 1. head, with stitches in 1. ear and behind r.; glimmering before
eyes, exactly in line of vision, so that it is impossible to distinguish words while
reading, it seems as if small points were continually moving before eyes, for h. at
3 p.m. of 2nd d., followed by nausea, and then some dulness and aching in head;
pressing in eyes, attended by pains in arms and hands, in lower extremities down to
feet, and sometimes in r. abdomen; stitches under 1. eye;† severe stitches in ears at
4 p.m., followed by pain in arms; pain behind r. ear, and in r. neck and leg; pain
in upper teeth; stitches in tongue; pressing in throat and nausea, with stitches in
eyes; pain in r. abdomen, followed by pain in r. natis (after 6th dose); oppression
of chest,-later with dyspnoea, dulness of head, nausea, and various pains (after 5th
dose); stitches under 1. arm; pains in 1. hand, particularly in palms close to wrist,
and sensation as of paralysis in r. hand (after 6th dose); pain in 1. knee and foot, and
also in r. foot (3rd 'd.); peculiar pains along outside of 1. leg, frequently repeated;
pain in 1. foot (after 5th dose); transient pains in 1. elbow, arm, and knee in m., and
in both arms p.m.,-while lying not felt (3rd d.); pain in r. shoulder, 1. arm (par-
ticularly elbow), and both legs (especially knees); pressing in 1. shin, later in 1.
shoulder and arm, followed by same on r. side; sticking pain in r. index, e., soon
*The other symptoms were felt more or less every day.
+ Kummer's symptoms of head and eyes were worse towards e.,
and in open air.
KALMIA.
71
followed by severe pain in hollow of r. knee and in calf, attended with dyspnoea (after
6th dose); frequent pains in muscles of extremities, with dulness of head, vertigo,
and some nausea; sprain-like pain at times in feet and hands; pressing pains in
whole body (1 h. after 3rd dose). K-'s pains were most severe while moving,
disappearing on lying down. (Ibid.)`
I
2
3
4. HAESELER proved 30th, manner not specified. Fantastic dreams; fluent
coryza with frequent sneezing and perceptibly increased sense of smell; tingling in
salivary glands, immediately after eating, attended with sense of fermentation in
œsophagus and copious salivation; dry skin and cracked lips; continued rising of
slippery mucus in mouth, with tickling in larynx; pressing in scrob. cordis, relieved
by sitting erect, but aggravated by sitting bent, with feeling under scrob. as if some-
thing would be squeezed out; easy soft stool, with pressing in rectum; frequent
emission of yellow urine, in increased quantity; cough, with easy expectoration of
grey, smooth, unctuous matter, which has a putrid saltish taste; oppression and
shortness of breath, which obliges him involuntarily to breathe quickly; sensation as
if spinal column would break from within outwards (Ibid.)
5. REICHELM proved 3rd dil., manner unknown. Irritable disposition towards
e., continuing next m.; oppression in head in e., continuing to some extent next m.;
heat in head (m. of 5th d.); about 10 p.m. in bed momentary shivering without
coldness from vertex to neck, without headache, under scalp, attended with cracking
noise, and with sense of alarm, but without palpitation, as if body were surcharged
with electricity (repeated 4 times in h., and ending with sound as of a horn before
ears); pressing pain in forehead, especially r. (1st d.); sense of pressure above r. eye
(3rd d.); on 5th d. burning and pressing pain about eyes, especially 1., which also
itches, and next m. is inflamed, with burning jerking pain lasting till noon, and then
subsiding; loud tinnitus aurium (4th d.); continued pressing in ridge of nose, with
frequent sneezing (2nd d.); pressing pain in r. face, between eye and nose, p.m.;
severe pressing in molar teeth after 10 p.m., continuing some h.; dull pain in incisor
and eye-teeth; costive for first 2 d. ; on 3rd m. a scanty stool and at noon a soft one;
on 4th a soft stool early, 2 h. later a diarrhoeic, then again a soft stool, all a.m., and
during time frequent ineffective urging; on 5th two soft stools, with much flatus; on
another occasion, after repeated doses, had on 3rd d. while riding momentary nausea
on shifting of flatus, followed by stool with cutting pains in bowels; strong desire to
urinate (9th d.); drawing and sticking in whole 1. neck, p.m., for 8 h.; pressing
below 1. shoulder, in e.; paralytic pain in sacrum at 10 p.m. in bed, with long-lasting
confusion and pain in head (2nd d.); lameness in sacrum, e. in bed (3rd d.); frequent
strong cracking in joints and elbows, p.m.; itching in bend of r. knee (9th d.),
paralytic feeling on shin-bone, p.m.; on 6th d. red spot, size of pea, on outer aspect
of 1. leg, a little below knee, itching excessively, and afterwards burning, succeeded by
a second near it, and next m. a third on r. knee. (Ibid.)
6. Dr. WILLIAMSON proved 2nd dil. Acute pain in 1. temple. much increased
by going upstairs; aching across loins, worse in e. (Ibid.)
7. a. On April 20th, 1834, I made an infusion of recent unbruised leaves, zij to 1
pint of boiling water. At 3 p.m. I took 3ss, then 2 doses of 3j at intervals of 4 h., after
h. 3ij, and at 4.30 3vj. At the beginning of the experiment the pulse was 63, 6
or 8 beats quicker than usual, probably due to a full meal. No decided effect was
noticed at first beyond slight general pricking sensation (as from heat in spring) and
increased tendency to sweating, 5, sleepiness and sensation of warmth through
epigastrium, both of which gradually increased. Went to bed and slept for 1 h.,
awaking dizzy, but took tea as usual. The pricking is worse; it is more conspicuous
in the scalp; it is a sensation of coolness with pricking by innumerable minute points
at the same time, comparable to the effect of peppermint on the mouth. Sensation
of great fatigue in all the muscles, especially when exerted, first noticed in muscles of
mastication, which are excessively fatigued by very moderate exertion. The dizziness
increased and also the fatigue. Soon there began a sensation of gradual contraction
of the stomach, forcing its contents up into the oesophagus, and a feeling as of a ball
rising in the throat, but without nausea. 7, vomiting without nausea set in (with an
action like rumination), recurring every 3 or 5 m. for 1 h., and accompanied with
dimness of sight. Much bile thrown up towards the close. Muscular prostration
was such that I could barely walk across the room. The affection of vision amounted
almost to complete blindness when in an erect position. The action of the drug
·
72
KALMIA.
exactly resembled that produced by veratrum viride both on the skin, muscles, and
stomach. The pulse was not examined again until after the vomiting; it was then
40 per m., and extremely weak and creeping, the artery seeming slowly to contract
and dilate. I was at this time sitting in a chair, and the skin was moist and cool.
Secretion of saliva more free than from an ordinary emetic, but not so profuse as
from veratrum viride. Sensation as if the bowels would act, which did not happen.
The vomiting ceased at 8, but the cool skin, weak slow pulse, dizziness, and muscular
weakness continued unabated until after 9. I then took some good wine, and in
h. was as well as ever I am. During the experiment there was a slight pain in the
forehead, which in another person might have been severe, but I never get a severe
headache from any cause.
b. April 21st I prepared an infusion of the same strength of the bruised leaves.
8.30 a.m., took 3j. At 10, slight vertigo and fugitive glow in different parts of the
surface, with increase of sweating. I thought there was some increase of urine both
in this and in the first experiment. These symptoms, with itching of skin, increased.
At 11.15 glow in epigastrium; fatigue of muscles, legs would hardly bear my weight
on going upstairs; sleepiness. At 11.35, while lying down, the pulse was 35 per m.,
but not so weak as last n. Midday, some feeling of contraction of stomach, not
followed by vomiting. Ate dinner at 1.30. Sleepiness continued till 4, and the
slowness of pulse until after dinner.*
c. July 4th.-Began experiment with tinct. (zij of recently cut leaves to Oj of
alcohol). At 2 and 4 p.m. took 3ij. In about 1h. after 2nd dose glow in epigas-
trium with vertigo and pricking in skin, and some excess of sweating. Vertigo
gradually increased. At 5.15, 3ij. At 6 pulse 48, strength not altered. At 6.15
took 3ij; at 6.30 considerable somnolency. At 7.45 all symptoms worse, skin cool,
pulse 38, weak and irregular. Uneasiness at stomach, not nausea nor yet exactly
same sensation as produced by the infusion. Somnolency worse, and excessive
fatigue of muscles on slight exertion. Vision affected, darkness coming before eyes
every 3 or 5 m., and oftener if in erect posture. Could only take three steps, owing
to vertigo and exhaustion. Slight pain in forehead. At 9 p.m. vomited, with the
ruminating sensation mentioned before; then fell asleep. Woke at 5 and 7 a.m.,
felt well in m., except some frontal uneasiness. Whole quantity of tincture taken, 3j.
d. Jan. 15th, 8 a.m., took 20 gr. of coarsely powdered leaf. At
At 12, 18 gr. more.
All the symptoms resembled those produced in the other trials, but the pricking of
the skin was less pronounced. At 3.30 took 40 dr. of laudanum, which rapidly
relieved all the symptoms. Feb. 27th, took 20 gr. finely powdered; the effects were
just about equal to those produced by 38 gr. of the coarse powder. March 2nd.—
Began with 10 gr., intending to continue the dose every 4 h. for some d., but the
effect in 2 or 3 h. was as great as that from 20 gr. before. I therefore took 5 gr. 5
times a d. for
3 d. Some diaphoresis, improvement of digestion, and itching of skin.
No other secretion affected. Similar effects were again produced by preparation
slightly differently made. It should be noticed that with kalmia the feeling of
fatigue precedes the vomiting. (“W.,” in Boston Med. and Surg. Journ., x, 213.)
II. Poisonings.-1. Two cases of poisoning resulted from eating a pheasant, in
the craw of which leaves of K. were found.
a. In one, h. after meal, nausea with entire loss of sight; continued retching,
and violent pain in crown of head, extending down cervical vertebræ; coldness of
extremities; pulse imperceptible, and when returning, beating only 40 in m,
b. In second case, peculiar noise on breathing, as from spasm of glottis; pallor;
excessive nausea, with dimness of sight; violent pain down back; coldness of extre-
mities; pulse feeble, and only 40 in m. (SHOEMAKER, Mat. Med. of Amer. Provings,
p. 158.)+
* Professor Tully, of Albany, observed the following effects from K. ad-
ministered for subacute rheumatism (dose not stated), viz. : pricking sensation in skin
generally, moderate sweating, warmth in the stomach, relief of pain, and watch.
fulness, then, perhaps, some somnolency, vertigo, and imperfection of vision. As the
doses, though frequent, were not large, vomiting was not produced. Tully considers
this drug analogous to Rhododendron chrysanth.
For Dr. Faust's proving of K. see Appendix to this volume.
KREOSOTUM.
73
1
KREOSOTUM.
A product of distillation of wood tar. Exact composition unknown.
I. Provings.-1. Dr. HARTUNG, æt. 40, took, 8 a.m., 3 dr. rubbed
up with 3 sugar. Eructation for h. Increased peristaltic action
with discharge of flatus. After h., cough with expectoration of
gelatinous mucus. After 1 h., restlessness of whole body, all limbs
vibrated. After 2 h., vertigo, all goes round with him. Gnawing
feeling of hunger. Prickling pain in bowels. After 5 h., slight pain in
forehead. After 24 h., rheumatic stiffness of nape. (A. h. Ž., xii, 33.)
2. IMMISCH, medical student, æt. 18, took, 8 a.m., I dr. All d.
as if stupefied. Dull pain in r. side of head. Shooting pains in
abdomen. (Ibid.)
3. LANGE, chemist's assistant, æt. 22, took 8 a.m. 1 dr., and 2 d. later
2 dr. at 8 and 10 a.m. Chilliness all afternoon. Slow pulse, 47, for 2 d.
Beating in head. Tearing pains in crown, in afternoon. Dull pressure
in eyes. Shooting pain in 1. eye for h. Pale face. Taste of cubebs
and cold feeling on tongue. Violent drawing in 1. forearm. Soon,
violent eructation. After 5 m., whirling vertigo in crown lasting 5 m.
After 1 h., hammering pain in crown. After 8 h., violent throbbing
constrictive pain in r. side of chest, lasting till he went to sleep. After
24 h., blue rings round eyes. After 36 h. exhaustion and weakness.
(Ibid.)
4. KOCH, chemist's assistant, æt. 17, took, 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., I dr.
and 2 d. later, 10 a.m., 2 dr. Ślow pulse, fell from 81 to 63. Imme-
diately, pressure over r. eye for 1 h. Soon vertigo. h. after e. dose,
pressure over both eyes, lasting h. After 12 h., blue rings round
eyes. Restless sleep. Repeated epistaxis. (Ibid.)
5. HEINEMANN, shoemaker, æt. 33, took for caries of superior
maxilla, Kreos. gtt. iv, Sp. vin., 3j, Aq. distil. ziij, m. and e. 15 dr.
He also drew into nostril a portion of a lotion made with Kreos. gtt. xx,
Sp. vin. 3ss, Aq. distil. 3xij. Pale bloated face, white furred tongue,
constipation for 5 d. Scanty and painful discharge of urine. After
3 d., dizziness so that he could not walk or stand long.
Blue rings
round eyes. Anorexia, distension of abdomen. After 4 d., large,
painful, protruded piles. After 5 d., general weakness and faintness.
After 6 d., œdematous swelling of feet. (Ibid.)
6. Sunderstedt, ropemaker, æt. 55, had recently been castrated for
scirrhus of testicles, took m. and e. I dr. Drawing in whole body, stupe-
faction, vertigo; pressure over root of nose for 10 h. Epistaxis. (Ibid.)
7. Dr. SYRBIUS, æt. 38, took, 8 and 10 a.m., 2 dr. Slow pulse all
d., 60. Pressive pains in cyeballs, especially r., felt all afternoon as if
he must tear out eyes, changing in e. to throbbing pain in r. eye.
Taste of cubebs with cold feeling on tongue. Dull throbbing pain in
3rd upper molar, which is becoming carious. Dryness in fauces, it feels
stuck together, all afternoon. Burning in esophagus, great appetite.
Desire for tobacco at unusual time. Pressure in rectum, causing
urging to stool, when only flatus was discharged. Dull pain in chest
for 1 h. at noon. Rheumatic stiffness of nape all afternoon. Dull
74
KREOSOTUM.
3
4
pain behind 1. scapula for 1 h. Pressive pain 2 inches below r. scapula.
Pain of r. shoulder when moving it, all d. Dull, almost gnawing pain,
in r. humerus, with lame heaviness of upper arm.
Painful drawing in
1. forearm along ulna. Immediately (after 2nd dose) shooting tearing
pain in 1. eye lasting & h., recurring after 1 h., but going off soon and
alternating with transient tearing pain in r. eye. After 2 m. whirling
vertigo lasting h., weight in chest with flying stitches. After h.,
backache, tearing pain in 1. temple. Slight pain deep in forehead, all d.
Pressure over both eyes, worst over r. for 5 h. Eructation of air (after
2nd dose). Whirling vertigo. After 2 h., throbbing pain in a small
spot, behind pectorales minores. After 1 h., obtuse pain behind r. scapula,
with feeling of a peg sticking in there, sometimes throbbing, lasting all
d. After 3 h., fulness and tightness of chest, causing him to breathe.
deeply, lasting several h. After 4 h. (2nd dose), phlegm in larynx
making him cough. After 6 h., chilliness, earache (also after 10 and
24 h.). Pain in I. tonsil when swallowing. Dull pain in 1. iliac region,
lasting h., recurring 4 h. later. After 10 h., obtuse gnawing pains
in outer side of 1. thigh and leg, worse when sitting. (Ibid.)
3
4
8. Dr. EICHHORN took Kr. from February 15th to April 20th, with
few interruptions. He began with 3x, then 2x, which produced
hardly any effect, then he took 1x, 5 to 50 dr. pro dosi, once or several
times a d. The primary symptoms were: nausea, inclination to vomit,
flow of water into mouth, slight retching, pressure in gastric region,
empty eructation, pressure over hypogastrium, pinching, discharge of
flatus with relief. The following symptoms occurred frequently:
pressive pains in one or both temples, sometimes pretty severe, pressure
and tension in forehead up to crown, confusion of head with slight
vertigo, frequently out-pressing or dull shooting and also ringing in
ears. All these symptoms lasted but a short time, from some m. to
h., most of them disappeared at once in open air.
When he had taken
the drug 3 weeks, the following symptoms in addition were observed.
Though usually constipated, a stool every 2 to 4 d., after the 3 weeks'
proving became quite the opposite, had a copious, soft, sometimes
pappy stool once or twice a d. At same time had uneasiness, creeping
and urging in rectum, which was only relieved by stool. Also suffered
more from flatus, which came away with stool and was very ill-smelling.
After a few weeks became distinctly thinner and the hair grew much
greyer. On March 19th, i. e. 5 weeks after commencement of
proving, observed a pimple the size of a pea on r. spina scapularis,
painful from pressure of clothes; in 3 d. it had changed to a scab
which soon fell off.-20th. Observed on r. lower eyelid a reddened
tender spot, which next d. was swollen and formed towards inner
canthus a projection the size of a hemp seed on a whitish surface; the
surrounding conj. palpebralis was highly reddened, the lid externally
bluish red and swollen, in e. there were shooting pains in the affected
part.-22nd. Herpetic vesicles commence to form under nose, without
previous catarrh. A small pustule appears in the fold of the r. ala nasi.
The pimple on the eyelid continues unaltered till the beginning of April,
when, on account of catarrh, the proving was interrupted for 8 d., by
which time the redness had disappeared. (Zeitsch. d. Ver. d. hom. Aerz.
Oesterr., ii, 24. 1857.)
KREOSOTUM.
75
None
9. WAHLE proved drug on 3 healthy girls, 2 married women, and 2 men.
of the provers took more than 1 dr. of Kr. 5 to 10 dr. of 1st dil. caused noteworthy
symptoms. Some experiments were made with the 2nd and 3rd dils., which also
caused symptoms. In the schema the provers are not distinguished, and the doses
are not given.
a. Without indication of time :-Whirling in head; if she turns quickly, she is
like to fall. Thoughts leave her easily, they fly away. Weakness of memory, her
thoughts leave her. Headache, as if she had drunk too much the previous day,-like
a board before forehead,-with weak memory. Headache, as if she had been intoxi-
cated, all d. Mental emotions cause her to have headache. Head confused,
throbbing at crown. Slight throbbing under crown anteriorly. Painful pressing in
head. Out-pressing pain in centre of head. Very painful pressing under crown,
Painful out-pressure under 1. parietal bone. Twitching and jerking pains in upper
part of r. hemisphere of brain, occurring at intervals. Confusion of 1. side of head,
with pricking in it, which later involves upper molars. Headache with drowsiness.
Tearing in head and drawing in eyes. Tensive pain in head, aggravated by
stooping. All occiput as if too full, heavy, with feeling as if she should fall back-
wards. Headache, with heat of forehead. In middle of forehead a continual
throbbing and beating, for several d. Tearing in whole head, on 1. side it goes
through temples down into cheek, but on r. side it extends only to superior maxilla.
Tearing in head, with great heat of face and tearing in 1. upper molars; the head-
ache commences when she awakes in m. and lasts 24 h., the toothache intermits, but
always returns, and lasts so long she cannot sleep all n., with heat all over body,
great exhaustion, cross and lachrymose humour and irascibility over every trifle. In
sinciput weight as if something would come out. Drawing shooting pains in head,
going through temples into superior maxillæ, with whirling feeling in head. Wakes
at 5.30 a.m. with throbbing pain in forehead, heat of face, weariness of legs, with
formication in thighs and feet, bitter taste, even food tastes bitter. On stooping,
rush of blood to forehead, and she feels as if she should fall forward. An ulcerative
pain under occipital bone, 1. side. In centre of forehead an outward pressing pain.
A twitching pulsating pain over 1. mastoid process. Under centre of temporal bone
an out-pressing pain. In 1. temple a tearing drawing as if some parts would be
squeezed out, lasting several h. Beating pain in forehead. On stooping all rushes to
forehead, as if everything will be forced out there. Shooting pains in r. temporal bone.
Drawing pains in l. temporal bone, which involve whole head, she feels dazed in
head. In 1. temporal bone beating and throbbing as in a gathering finger, extending
up to crown and downward to middle of lower jaw, also quivering and contraction
in eyelids, with feeling as if they had grown smaller. Under 1. temporal bone
outwards-pressing pain, e. On r. side of sinciput an ulcerative pain. The whole
forehead is full of miliary papules, which cause shooting pain; they are persistent
and never fill with fluid. The hair falls out very much. She feels increased heat of
face with sensation as if perspiration would break out, but face keeps dry. Great
heat of face during noon siesta, with throbbing in cheeks and forehead, the whole
face is brownish red; after resting some time the heat of face goes off, but the head
pains remain and only go off after a cup of coffee or nux vomica 30, at same time
frequent call to make water till next noon. Constant heat of face, in the warm room
she has dyspnoea, she must go into open air to avoid fainting. Tearing in r. side of
face, commencing at angle of lower jaw and extending up to temple, e. Quivering
of eyelids. On eyelids and round mouth itching and smarting, aggravated by
rubbing, it then becomes red; after 8 d. the parts desquamated, the whole lasts 12 d.
Eyelids are red and swollen. Heat in eyes, on looking at bright light the eyes water.
Pressure, burning, and flashing in eyes, with heat and watering, with feeling as if
something were in them; after these pains had lasted 5 h. she lay down, slept & h.,
and on waking the eyelids were stuck together. Eyes always wet, swimming in tears.
Itching in eyes, she must rub them; after rubbing smarting in eyes and the white of
eyes is quite inflamed, with pressure as if sand were in them. After rubbing eyes
they water, the tears are quite hot, and cause smarting of cheeks as from salt water.
Lachrymation; when she rubs eyes they become dry, look inflamed, and smart and
burn. The tears are as acrid as brine. Eyes look as if she had been crying. On
waking, m., the eyes weep, tears are hot and acrid. Watering of r. eye and smarting
of it, whilst the lids of 1. eye quiver and twitch, afternoon, lasting h. Dim, dull
76
KREOSOTUM.
eyes, like a veil before them. All the outer ear is inflamed, glowing hot, bright red,
considerably swollen, with tensive burning pain. In 1. concha superiorly a pimple,
from which the whole auricle becomes inflamed, swells, is hot to the feel, with burning
pain; the whole 1. side of neck is stiff, with tensive pain, he cannot easily turn his
head towards the 1., but can to the r., slight pain through shoulder and down to
middle of arm, at same time inward shooting through all limbs, heat in forehead and
pressure over eyes, as though they would be partly closed. Single pricks as with a
needle in interior of 1. ear. Shoots in r. ear. Itching in ears and also in soles.
Cramp pain in 1. ear. A bubbling, pressing-asunder pain in г. ear. Bubbling and
pinching in r. ear, frequently recurring. Humming in both ears, worst in 1., with
hardness of hearing; sometimes the humming ceases for instants, and then she has
tingling and hissing in head. Indescribable bad smell before nose, with anorexia,
Nose always moist, she must often blow it. Epistaxis of thin, bright-red blood, m.
Epistaxis of thick black blood. Dryness of lips, upper lip desquamates, is always
hot and tense. Upper lip pains as
Upper lip pains as if sore, and is chapped. Dryness of lips as if they
were very hot internally, no thirst. Round r. angle of mouth contractive tension and
burning, with feeling as if r. half of lower lip were drawn towards corner of mouth, e.
On chin and r. cheek pustules, on which yellow, honey-like scabs form.
At n.
tearing in ramus of r. lower jaw, which wakes him up, it extends to the ear, and
causes shooting there. In skin under chin formication, she must rub the place, but
this does not remove it. Drawing pains in gums of 1. upper jaw, the gums look
inflamed. Jerking pains in a 1. carious lower molar, with frequent yawning. Wakes
up at 5 a.m. with drawing tearing in teeth of 1. upper jaw, which later involves
facial muscles and temples of same side, and lasts till noon, the teeth feel raised up
and too long. Drawing pains in all incisors, all d. Drawing pain, beginning in 1.
lower molars, then extending to upper molars; when these pains cease there, they
come into upper incisors. Drawing pain in teeth extends over temporal region.
Slimy in mouth, must always spit much, e. Dry feeling in oesophagus, with scraping,
lasting some h. Scrapy in throat. Scrapy and rough in throat. Pressure in r. side
of throat when she swallows. Rough, hoarse voice, with scrapy feeling in throat.
On 1. side of throat, when swallowing, a sore pain, with feeling as if something were
hanging there which hinders him in swallowing. A choking, painful feeling deep
in œsophagus extends through chest to vertebrae. Loss of taste. Eructation of air
after dinner, followed by spitting of frothy saliva and scraping and raw feeling in
throat for h. Sour eructation. She feels sick, with spitting of saliva and chilly
feeling all through body, not followed by heat or thirst. On rising, m., belching of
tasteless water and mucus, with dryness of nose, heat in fore part of head, as if all
would come out at forehead, cold hands and feet, with thirst. Complete anorexia.
When she goes without breakfast she has a gnawing, followed by retching, which
goes off after eating. She must dress quite loosely on account of tightness over
stomach and scrob. cordis. Violent stitches in heart, causing him to cry out, they
often leave off for 3, 4, or 8 d., and then recur by d. as well as by n. Pain in abdo-
men, such as often attacks her after eating sour things, it is a still pain round the
navel. Ulcerative pain in abdomen on drawing a deep breath. Painful cold
feeling in abdomen, with scanty urine. Pain intermingled with shooting round
navel, as though she had eaten fruit and then drunk. Distension of abdomen, as if
she had eaten too much. Wakes up between 2 and 3 a.m, on account of contractive
sensation in abdomen, she feels as if a lump lay in umbilical region and was twisted
tightly. Drawing pain in abdomen during menstruation. A still obscure pain in
abdomen, which she cannot describe. Her whole abdomen is distended and tight.
Distension of abdomen after menses. Stitches from abdomen down to vagina, like
electric shocks, recurring after some h. Cutting rund navel as though she should
have diarrhoea, she must double herself up, it left off for awhile and then recurred
periodically. In umbilical region she feels a painful lump, which seems to be twisted.
together. In umbilical region a pain as from a chill, and as if diarrhoea would come
on. Painless drawing in upper part of abdomen, extending to sacrum, there causing
labour-like pains, with pressing down towards lumbar vertebræ, at same time flushes
of heat in face, palpitation of heart, quick pulse, ineffectual urging to urinate, the
urine comes at last after much pressing, but is hot and scanty; after the attack
chilliness, cannot get warm, no thirst; these attacks came on every orh, for
24 h.; they are in connection with the lachrymation and disorders of vision in this
KREOSOTUM.
77
way, that the eye-symptoms cease when the labour-like pains come on; when the
pressing ceases, milk-like leucorrhoea drops from vagina. When she rises early and
sits down immediately, she gets a pressive pain in region of spleen which exhausts
her, but if she walks about when she rises in m. the pain does not come; the slightest
pressure there is painful. Pressive pains in hepatic region and gnawing under 1.
short ribs as if a worm were gnawing there. The upper anterior lobe of liver (?)
pains as if from a blow, and causes feeling of fulness, so that she must constantly
raise up her clothes there. Shooting pains in muscles of 1. renal region. Tensive
pain in both inguinal regions when walking. Several successive stitches in rectum
during menses, which dart upwards to 1. iliac region and stay there some time, during
which she must remain standing. She must go to stool twice daily, contrary to
custom, stools quite normal, is usually constipated. Two or 3 stools daily, not
loose. Hard, dry lumpy stool, with much pressing, only every 3 or 4 d. Scanty
urine, she passes scarcely half the usual quantity, though she drinks more than usual.
Urine in a feeble stream. Very scnaty urine. Frequent urging to urinate, but little
passed, and that is clear. Along with the diminished quantity of urine tenseness
of abdomen. At n. must rise to urinate, but passes little. Frequent micturition, but
only a tablespoonful of urine passed at a time. Urging to urinate towards e., and
must frequently rise to urinate at n. Chestnut-brown urine. Ill-smelling, colourless
urine. Hot urine, it smokes, smells acrid, and has a reddish sediment. Reddish
urine, with sediment. Urine often has much white sediment. Frequent micturition
at n. Frequent discharge of hot urine. Must pass water every h., and each time
much clear urine passes. Frequent calls to urinate, and each time before doing so
she has a discharge of leucorrhoea, which stains her linen yellow. Urine very hot,
and scalds her between labia. When urinating burning in vulva. Urinates six or
seven times daily, she has urgent calls, and much urine passes. Spasmodic pains in
external genitals, lasting several h. Smarting itching between labia and in vagina,
she must rub, after which there is burning and swelling of labia, then itching came
every toh., and lasted 4 d. Soreness between labia, and smarting pain. Excoria-
tion betwixt thighs and labia, with burning and smarting pain. Violent itching and
smarting between labia, she cannot refrain from rubbing. Voluptuous itching deep
in vagina. Electric stitches in vagina, which seem to come from abdomen, making
her start, all d. In the m., between sleeping and waking, a desire for coitus, which
she has not had for years. During coitus an ulcerative pain at neck of uterus, where
there is a hard lump posteriorly, less pain in these parts e. than m. During coitus.
both man and wife felt burning pains in genitals, and the man became impotent, the
next d. he had swelling of the penis and his wife had her menses, the discharge
was copious and dark coloured; after they had continued 4 d. she had leucorrhoea,
which stained the linen grey, and swelling of external genitals, with itching, eroding,
burning pains. Prolapsus vaginæ. A d. or two before menses eructation of tasteless
white froth, if she has not this she has vomiting of mucus.
Three d. before menses,
hearing dull. Before menses great distension of abdomen. One d. before menses a
scraping and digging pain round navel, relieved by stooping forwards; when the pain.
subsides there is white leucorrhoea. Some d. before menses excited and restless. Menses
4 d. too soon, very profuse for 3 d., then ceased 1 d., and next d. came on very profuse.
Menses 9 d. too soon. Menses from 8 to 10 d. too soon, discharge dark, profuse, and
lasting 8 d. Menses every 3 weeks, come on slightly, continue 4 or 5 d., and are
very profuse, then for 2 to 4 d. there is bloody ichor, which smells acrid and causes
itching and smarting lof genitals. During menses, flatus smells of rotten eggs.
During menses the stool and flatus remain longer in rectum than usual, she feels their
pressure with discharge of flatus, then her menstrual flow is very profuse and in
clots. During menses dull of hearing. During menses, humming and buzzing in
head, with out-pressing pain, much aggravated by stooping. During menses, much
chilliness. The menses came on with pain in left side of chest inferiorly and
cutting pain above navel. The menstrual discharge is in clots, and very profuse.
On the 3rd d. of menses she got Kr. 6 at 8 a.m., by 4 p.m. the discharge ceased
without any discomfort, and reappeared at the regular time. The menses, which
had ceased 48 h., return with violent pains in abdomen, the discharge is then bright
red, lasts 24 h., and then goes off quietly. The menses, which usually are 9 d. too
early and combined with much sacral pain, were very profuse, and lasted 8 d., were
now scantier, lasted hardly 3 d., and were without sacral pain. Menses not nearly so
78
KREOSOTUM.
profuse as usual. Menses cease for 60 h., and then come on in the forenoon without
pain, after having flowed normally for 5 d. In the 5th n. of the menses she sweats
profusely, but only on back and chest. Three or 4 d. after menses violent spasms in
abdomen, especially iliac regions. Some d. after menses forcing and pressing down.
wards, as though they would return. Leucorrhoea of a yellowish colour, with great
weakness of limbs. A woman who had never had leucorrhoea got, after a 2nd dose
of Kr. 6, a painless white discharge from vagina, which lasted several d. In
addition to menses, periodical leucorrhoea. White painless discharge from vagina.
Leucorrhoea makes whitish-yellow spots on linen the size of a sixpence, is also acrid,
and causes itching and erosion on external genitals. Leucorrhoea stains the linen
like serum, and has a putrid smell. The leucorrhoeal discharge is often quite white,
and smells of fresh ears of corn. Leucorrhoea goes on 4 d. uninterruptedly without
sensation. Sneezing. Sneezing in m. Frequent sneezing, with moistness of nose.
In m.,
hoarseness, which goes off after sneezing. In m., frequent sneezing without
coryza. Fluent coryza, when the air is drawn in by nose it feels too irritating in the
choanæ. Stuffy coryza, which becomes fluent after 12 h., with a scraping, rough
feeling under sternum. Cough, with difficult expectoration. Dry cough, with
scraping in throat and soreness of chest. Cough caused by a feeling as if mucus
were sticking in the middle of the chest, which cannot be got rid of. Under larynx
a crawling which makes her cough. During cough scraping in throat, with a lump
of thick expectoration, e. Constant cough, with great drowsiness, 1 h. of rigor, then
dry heat, during which the child continues to sleep. Cough, with white, easily
expectorated mucus and a scrapy feeling in throat. Whooping cough. In the
centre of chest crawling and tickling, causing dry spasmodic cough, which lasts until
retching comes on, m. Whistling dry cough. Constant easily expectorated mucus
in throat causes an uninterrupted hollow and rough-sounding cough. Cough with
retching, but only saliva comes. Cough, with discharge of urine. When the single
coughs come, the urine spurts away from her. On an asthmatic person going
upstairs the asthmatic breathing resolves itself into an easy expectoration, m.
Dyspnoea, she cannot bring up her breath, it is as if it were held fast in the chest
below. In the lower part of chest a feeling of weight, so that she cannot make a
proper expiration. Quickly recurring oppression of chest, with some transient
stitches in the middle of 1. side of chest. On inspiration a transient pain in middle of
chest, with dyspnoea. On account of heavy feeling in middle of chest she cannot
take a full breath. He must often breathe deeply. Anxious and difficult breathing.
On inspiration the chest feels internally bruised, on account of which she must
breathe less deeply. On inspiring deeply a contractive pain in chest. Frequent
sharp stitches in centre of chest, aggravated by inspiration, thence the stitches spread
over r. shoulder and go with a burning sensation to elbow-joint; on raising arm the
pains are worst in shoulder. Raw pains in lower parts of chest. On pressing on
sternum it is painful in the middle, as though pressed by something hard, felt on
inspiration and then spreading to clavicle and muscles of nape. A painful feeling in
sternum, as though it was very much pressed, felt more during expiration. When
taking a breath she felt a sharp stitch in 1. side of chest, which soon went off and
came into r. side of chest. In the external parts of 1. side of chest a shooting, which
has no effect on respiration, when at rest. In interior of r. side of chest severe
stitches, which take away her breath. At 3 p.m. she had some stitches in r. side of
chest and under r. scapula, which took away her breath and she thought she must
fall. In 1. side, of chest shooting, most observable on turning in bed. In various
parts between ribs periodically recurring shooting pain. Painful shooting across
middle of chest, recurring on rising in m. and ceasing about noon. Violent stitches
in lower part of r. side of chest, lasting several h. Knife-thrusts in r. side of chest,
which go off and return by d. and n., he cannot sleep all n. they are so violent,
causing him to break out in loud groans, they are somewhat relieved by firm pressure
on the part with the hand, but when he removes the hand they recur as violently (in
a hemiplegic). Feeling as if milk came into breasts, which are quite soft, just as
when nursing. Shooting in heart for h. Sacral pains, which go from below
upwards, with heat of palms and soles. Sacral pains worse when at rest, better when
moving. Sacral pain as if after stooping much, aggravated by movement and
stooping. Sacral pains as if her sacrum were broken, which extend to between
shoulders; it feels like a band between shoulders, so that she cannot move arms
KREOSOTUM.
79
One of
without pain, and can hardly stoop, all d. Violent pains in lumbar vertebræ as if
ulcerated, with pressing down in rectum, as if flatus wanted to pass, but none does,
during menses; before menses the pains in back were relieved by movement.
the upper lumbar vertebræ pains as if ulcerated, or as if the flesh were torn away there,
and when she stands up she feels as if something would fall out there. Spasmodic
drawing from lumbar vertebræ, going forwards and down thighs, just like true
labour pains, with great restlessness through whole body. In lumbar vertebræ pain
such as she usually has before menses. Drawing tension between shoulders. Single
stitches betwixt scapulæ, rapidly going and returning. Pains in shoulders as though
she had lain with them uncovered at n. Pains in both shoulders as if they had been
pressed against sharp corners. In back parts of shoulders painful drawing. Pinching
pains on inner side of 1. upper arm. On lower part of r. forearm in the muscles
of ulna a painful drawing down to fingers, and out there, so that she cannot grasp
things properly with this hand, and there is a paralysed feeling in it; it recurs
every half or whole h. Periodical pains in both elbow-joints as if the ligaments were
drawn together and were too short. In lower part of 1. ulna a spasmodic pain ex-
tending into fingers. Drawing pains in 1. forearm extending to fingers. Desquama-
tion of skin of hands, which are quite stiff and stark. Very agreeable warmth in
palms, followed by warm sweat there in bed in m., and recurring several times
during d. The whole r. hand is covered with papules which itch violently, the
itching is worse in e., and in bed.
and in bed. The 1. thumb pains as if stiff and sprained.
Sprain-pain in second joint of 1. thumb. Drawing pains in 1. finger-tips, which feel
as if swollen. Drawing pains in r. ring-finger. In ball of 1. index a pain as if he
had got something sticking in it which is going to suppurate.
In 1. index a paralytic
pain, commencing when at rest, removed by movement. Dying away of first
phalaux of all fingers; they look quite white, and she has no feeling in them. In
1. hip-joint a pain as if the parts were pushed out; when he stood on r. foot the
1. leg felt as if it were too long. In region of crista ilii stitches which traverse
the body. Painfulness of both cristæ ilii and of lumbar muscles as though she had
run a great distance; this painfulness or bruised feeling extends into thighs and down
to calves, when it ends like lightning, but leaves a stiffness or want of freedom in
lumbar vertebræ, m. The crista ilii are painful when pressed on, as though she had
carried something heavy or hard on them. Drawing pains from head of r. femur to
knee-joint, so that she can hardly go upstairs, better when at rest, lasting some d.
Painful drawing mixed with shooting from thigh through legs and soles, worst in r.,
aggravated by movement. The posterior parts of thighs are the seat of tensive pains
as though she had walked a long distance, most felt when walking and stooping.
Blue spots on thighs that look like bruises. Three inches above 1. knee in the fleshy
parts a twitching pain when at rest. From middle of 1. thigh to middle of leg the
parts are painful, as though he had tearing in them and they were still stiff on
moving. Painful tension in fascia lata of 1. thigh. Three inches above 1. thigh in
muscles a pain as if they were too short, worst on stooping and walking. In 1. knee-
joint a dislocative pain so that he cannot stand on this leg alone, and always has a
feeling as if it would knuckle under him. Tearing, boring, and shooting pains in
1. patella, coming in e. with a chill, and lasting all n. till m., when they go off.
Under r. patella an acute pressive pain. Drawing, tearing, and shooting pains, now in
r. calf, now in region of hip-joint, lasting 5 m., then ceasing for a long time, and again
recurring; the pain always comes on with great violence, making her start, at same
time itching and erosion in eyes making her rub them; afterwards the eyes burn, and
much greasy mucus comes into their inner canthi, requiring frequent cleansing. In
houghs red scaly skin like tetter. On legs and knees down to toes a throbbing like
a boil, worst in soles. From knees to ankles, especially in calves, painful tension
when moving, not when at rest. Chilliness from dorsum of foot to above knee.
Painless jerk through 1. leg; the foot was twitched up. Paralytic drawing through
1. lower limb. A twisting-out pain on r. outer ankle when at rest. A sprain-like
pain in 1. tendo Achillis. In 1. heel, when moving, a violent shoot, making her
start and stand still. Weakness of 1. leg, no steadfastness in it. Legs swollen from
calf to front of toes, 1. most; the swelling is oedematous, white, but always cold and
heavy, so that it requires an effort to get along. He has twitching and pinching
pains in all joints. Tearing-drawing and shooting pains from heels, through soles,
out at toes in e. On waking next m. the soles felt like balls when she trod on them,
80
KREOSOTUM.
this goes off a.m. Pinching pains here and there. Cold feet. Sweaty feet occa-
sionally. L. foot somewhat swollen. Heaviness in legs from knees to ankles when
moving, m. Weight in all her limbs with drowsiness. All her limbs ache as
bruised. All her limbs ache as though she had caught a severe cold. All limbs feel
bruised as though she had run a great distance. A working in soles as though she
had walked a long way, with great exhaustion, 1, worst. Gone-to-sleep feeling in
lower limbs. Feeling as if all parts of the body moved when at rest. Blows all
through body, making her start, when asleep at n. Great excitement of whole
body. Burning-itching in soles. Towards e. the itching becomes so violent as
almost to drive her mad. The whole body covered with large pustules like smallpox.
Nettlerash-like wheals break out, last 2 or 3 d., then disappear, during which time
fresh ones always appear. A vesicular eruption (like bug-bites) appears all over
body, only the calves, chest and face were free from them, the itching is worst
between 5 and 7 p.m. and at n. Itching all over body, she cannot help scratching,
on the body the itching goes off after scratching without leaving any sensation, but
on legs and arms it is followed by violent burning. She cannot sleep at n. for heat,
itching and burning all over body. After midnight she wakes, the bed seems too
warm, but if she puts her foot out of bed she is chilled. Weary and weak in lower
limbs as if she had walked a long way. If she has to get up h. sooner than usual
she has a fit of faintness that lasts a whole h. Stretching and yawning as before an
ague fit. Frequent yawning as though she had not slept at all, e. Frequent yawning
with chilliness. All d. yawning with watering of eyes. Very frequent yawning
with watering of eyes. Frequent yawning with pressive pains in forehead and
uneasiness. Very drowsy, she would like to be always sleeping. She is very tired,
and yet cannot sleep, she tosses about in bed all n. till 4 a.m., when the menses come
on at regular time, then she slept 1 h. Cannot get to sleep on account of restlessness
through whole body. Wakes suddenly at 2 a.m. as if she were called, she was wide
awake and had got her menses. Though she wakes often at n. she feels quite rested
in the m. and is quite cheerful. She wakes up 3 or 4 times at n. without reason,
after turning about a little she falls asleep again. Bad sleep, she cannot find an easy
position, the eyes are sealed up in m. She can seldom get to sleep before midnight,
has a feeling as if too tired to sleep, with pains in all limbs. After 3 a.m. she cannot
rest, tosses about. Starts up in affright from sleep. She dreams that something has
happened to her children, which makes her weep and feel very anxious; on waking
she was wet with sweat. Hardly asleep she has anxious dreams. After midnight
she laughs in her dream, she knows not why on waking; she lay without clothes and
was cold, but did not feel chilly. A choking feeling in throat during a dream at n.
She dreamt that she fell from a height. She dreamt that snow was falling, that she
was in the open air, had her baby with her, and was therefore anxious. Anxious
dreams, she is followed by big men who want to ravish her. She dreamt that she had
taken poison, and is much emaciated thereby. Anxious dreams, she sees a small
object before her which grows always larger. All n. anxious dreams. Dreamt of
fire which burnt brightly, which made her very anxious and woke her up. Dreamt
of erections and urging to urinate, and that on trying to do so the glans penis broke
off. She dreams of nasty dirty linen. Feverish all through his body. Shuddering all
through skin. She is easily chilled. She is always chilly, but chiefly so during
menses. As soon as she rests she has chilliness all through body. Chilliness for 3
successive d. Chilliness betwixt shoulders and along back, cannot warm herself at
the fire, during menses. Chilliness beginning between shoulders and going to middle
of sacrum, then sacral pains so that she can neither sit nor lie, but must always walk
about, whereby the sacral pains are relieved, but now pains occur in hips, which go
into middle of thighs and prevent her lying quietly in bed; they are only relieved by
external warmth, exposure to external air increases the hip pains. Alternate chill
and heat with much thirst, uneasiness in all limbs, continuous cough, sometimes dry,
sometimes loose, but very exhausting and painful, it is excited by irritation in lower
parts of chest with formication from centre of chest up to throat; the region of
stomach is much shaken by the cough; at same time a pressive pain on the middle
of the top cervical vertebra, which is aggravated by touch. After the rigor, thirst.
Internal rigor with red cheeks in the warm room. Periodic flushes of heat, the
cheeks become bright red, the redness is sharply circumscribed. Dry fever-heat (the
cheeks look as if painted) all over body, without thirst, and then comes on warm
KREOSOTUM.
$1
In m.
sweat; as soon as this is passed the most violent drawing and shooting sacral pains
come on, which allow no sleep at n. and render turning in bed difficult. Small and
suppressed pulse. All d. stronger pulsation all through body, with a feeling as if
whole body waggled when at rest. Pulse normal, but when he is at rest he feels it
in every part. When sitting and walking a restlessness and chilliness through all
limbs, so that she would like frequently to breathe deeply, but cannot do so.
she is very cross. At music or anything that excites emotion, she feels a tightness about
heart, and cannot help weeping. She is always excited, cross, and wilful. Towards
e. her spirits are quite depressed, and she despairs of ever again becoming well. She
is sick, ardently desires death.
b. Immediately, nausea as though she would vomit, with burning in mouth.
Hunger, which was previously present, goes off for several h. After 10 m., on back
of tongue sour taste. After h., painful pressure over r. frontal protuberance. Over
r. eyebrow an obtuse pressure as with a peg, which extends to occiput. Vomiting of
sweetish water, m., before food. Twitching tearing in r. knee, when at rest.
Weakness as though she had not slept enough, with warm feeling in eyes. After
I
h., on the street she had vertigo, causing staggering, she was as if tipsy, and had to
return home; the vertigo went off in the room. Retching such as she used to have
in the first month of pregnancy, m. Sneezes 5 or 6 times in succession. Feeling
as if mucus stuck in throat, making her constantly hawk, after a while she expecto-
rates sweet-tasting white mucus. In the centre of chest feeling of weight, with
dyspnoea, so that she must often involuntarily take a deep breath. Breathing
difficult, as though chest were compressed, causing her to breathe deeply. From
centre of chest up to throat a burning as though brandy had been drunk, even the
tongue is painful, as though it had been scalded, with heat, redness and tension
of face. In the middle of r. side of chest, 1 inch on sternal side of nipple, a very
painful and obtuse shooting pressure, which goes through the chest and is felt
at apex of scapula. Whilst writing a feeling of cramp in point of r. elbow, nearly
preventing him writing. After 1 h., stupid and empty in head; her thoughts leave
her for instants, so that she knows nothing; this occurs repeatedly during d. In r.
iliac region a frequently recurring pain, which radiates upwards and downwards and
extends into r. testicle. She has a feeling of coryza as though the nasal m.m. would
swell. A pricking pain on back of 1. hand betwixt thumb and forefinger. After
some h., abdomen very much distended but soft, with dyspnoea all d. After 2 h.,
pains in chest as if sternum were pressed in. She is chilly, her hands are icy cold.
Chill all over body, the skin is as if dead, and she feels all through body as if she
had been up all n. and had not slept. Rigor, with flushes of heat in face, drawing
and shooting pains in both temporal bones anteriorly, pressure in eyeballs and a veil
before eyes, hindering vision and making her rub her eyes, whereupon scalding and
acrid tears flow, and the white of the eye looks inflamed. After 3 h., in r. temple
anteriorly tearing and shooting, involving upper and lower molars. Painful feeling
in sinciput as if several hairs were seized and pulled out, felt even next d. After
4 h., in sinciput beating as if with a hammer, and in temples shootings, which
occasionally cease, but always recur; on stooping, feeling as if all would be forced
out at forehead (for 2 d.). On r. side of abdomen, between navel and crista
ilii, some violent stitches, which take away her breath so that she must cry out, when
at work. Urine turbid. In r. palm, betwixt thumb and forefinger, an agreeable
itching, lasting 1 h., not quite removed by rubbing. Chill all over body, so that she
shivers, with great heat of face, bright red cheeks, icy cold feet, feeling of weight from
shoulders to elbows, so that she could not raise arms to head, only felt when moving,
with great crossness, lasting from 10 a.m. till 10 p.m.; slept well, and was all right
next m. A rigor of 5 h. duration, then heat of face and hands and cold feet,
mingled with chilliness, from 2 to 11 p.m. After 5 h., all objects appear dim, like a
veil before eyes, lasting several h. Hot, red ears, which burn, as when one comes
from the cold into a warm room, with cold feet. At 3 p.m. pain in scrobiculus
cordis, as if a thread were drawn through or a small muscular fibre were torn out,
which goes through all limbs, when at rest. After 6 h., stupid in head, she looks
straight before her, she does not know why, and hears and sees nothing and is quite
without thought. Digging in sacrum as though something would come out. After
7 h., towards e., crawling in upper bronchial tubes, causing cough. After 8 h., when
she wants to do something and has walked about a dozen steps, she stops and knows
VOL. III.
6

82
KREOSOTUM.
On r.
not what she wanted to do. A spasmodic throbbing pain on inner and lower part of
1. elbow-joint, which occurs in single fits, p.m. From r. tuber ischii down to middle
of thigh on its outer side, drawing pain as if in bone, with chilliness. In the middle
of 1. thigh a penetrating twitching pain, when at rest. After 9 h., spasmodic
drawing from lumbar vertebræ to genitals. After 12 h., drawing tearing, beginning
in middle of squamous suture, going through temple and 1. side of face, involving
upper and lower teeth of that side, lasting several h. Bitter taste in throat, e., takes
away relish for food.
On moving, the whole abdomen is painful as if ulcerated,
going off by rest; these pains last 20 h., and hinder her from sleeping well at n., so that
she must turn about frequently, she then sleeps for a little while and soon wakes again.
Must rise every h. at n. to urinate, and each time much clear urine passes. Violent
urging to urinate, she cannot get out of bed quickly enough to do it, with contrac-
tive pain in vagina. Violent itching in vagina, she must rub herself, afterwards
soreness, the external genitals swell, become hot and hard, and on urinating the
vagina feels sore, e. Sleep at n. disturbed by pressure and burning in eyes, lies awake
till m., then goes to sleep for a little while and wakes with eyes sealed up. After
16 h., she sleeps all n. without consciousness, not usual with her, is quite well in m.
After 18 h., from the gastric region all through the upper part of the body a working
and beating in all blood-vessels, worse on moving. After 20 h., on waking, m., a
fœtid smell before nose. On rising, m., rigor with bright red epistaxis. After
21 h., as if downy feathers hung over eyes, making her wipe them constantly. After
22 h., 2 d. after menses, a contractive pain in vagina, making her start, whereupon a
white discharge took place from vagina. After 24 h., drawing pain in head, so that
the eyes are closed. Pressive pain in sinciput as if all would come out there.
side of head pressive pain, which seems to come from cervical muscles. On looking
for a little while at an object, the eyes become moist, which interferes with vision.
A jerking shooting in r. antitragus, which is somewhat swollen and stiff, and has
shooting pain when touched. Tongue clean but pale and as if withered, with thin
saliva in mouth, no appetite, but much thirst; throat always dry, so that she must
drink much. Bitter taste, m. She has appetite but no relish for food, at same time
feeling of fulness, as though she had already eaten largely. Tightness and distension
of belly, without pain. Pain in abdomen, deep down in abdomen the pain is like an
ulcer, mixed with electric shocks in the internal sexual organs, which cause pinching,
spasmodic pains in external labia, making her start every time the pain occurs,
a periodical pressing proceeding from sacrum forwards, with frequent call to pass
urine, but only little clear urine comes; ineffectual urging to stool and anxious.
uneasiness through whole body, so that the sweat of anxiety breaks out on her,
with ill humour, so that she feels inclined to quarrel with and beat someone;
when these attacks take place while she is seated she must rise up and walk about,
when the pains go off; this state lasts 4 d. Above and round navel a slight pain,
which she cannot describe accurately, or such as follows drinking water after sour
food, with ill humour, lasting 36 h. Drawing, tearing, and shooting in rectum, with
frequent ineffectual urging to stool; after 36 h., with much pressing a hard stool is
evacuated, when all the pains cease. When she presses at stool there occur spasmodic
pains from lumbar vertebræ to r. inguinal region, they extend to r. hip-joint, and are
a great hindrance to walking. She must often breathe deeply on account of heavy
feeling in chest. The whole external chest pains as if pressed in. Drawing sacral
pains down along coccyx to rectum and vagina, where they cause spasmodic contrac-
tive pains mixed with shootings, pains diminished by rising up, but return in fits (like
labour pains), after such attack leucorrhoea like whey gushes from her. A paralytic
pain darts like lightning to 1. hand, so that in a moment she lets fall what she was
holding. In middle of 1. femoral muscles a pain as though she had received there a
hard blow, worst when seated. She is very cross, and must frequently weep without
cause. After 29 h., in lower parts of ear pain composed of several stitches pro-
ceeding from top of r. shoulder. After 30 h., at back of shoulder-joint, stitches.
which dart through whole arm down to fingers; in the latter they cause a sensation
as if gone to sleep, with insensibility and powerlessness, so that she cannot hold
anything firmly in the hand, if she has no stitches she has jerking in hands, with
creeping and heat of them. After 32 h., the scapulæ are painful, as if they had been
beaten. After 36 h., pressive pain in head, all seemed to be forcing out at forehead
with pressure in eyes, extending up to crown. A digging and griping pain roun
with

KREOSOTUM.
83
navel, which goes up into throat and causes her to feel sick and inclined to vomit.
On r. side under false ribs in hepatic region a constant shooting pain for 6 h.
Frequent sneezing, nose not stopped up, and yet feels as if she could not breathe freely
through it. Nocturnal back pains, so that she can hardly lie, they extend over Í.
hip, settle in flank, and involve 1. inguinal region, so that she can hardly raise herself
up, the back pains worse when at rest than when moving. Several successive stitches
in r. ankle-joint, which radiate out to toes and involve the whole foot. When
walking, heaviness of feet. At 9 p.m., chill, first in feet, then in back, head, and arm
when she is chilly up to fingers, with feeling as if those parts were cold, which is not
the case, lasts 1 m. After 42 h., spasmodic pains in rectum, which extend upwards
to iliac region, so that she must walk bent double and must sit down carefully.
After 48 h., obscure pains in whole abdomen, not increased by touch. Under 1.
mamma several successive stabs, as with an awl, which radiate upwards and over r.
mamma, and severe shootings under r. scapula, hindering breathing and lasting 5 m.
After this pain under 1. mamma has lasted 2 h., it darts thence like a sharp knife-
thrust across scrobiculus cordis towards r. side of chest, r. side of abdomen through
thigh and leg, and ends in ankle, all like an electric shock, p.m. On lower part of
upper arm on its inside pain as if she had had a blow, only felt on being touched.
A quarter of an h. after rising in m., the first 2 phalanges of all fingers go to sleep,
there is formication in them like ants, and they are quite white like dead hands, no
feeling in r. index. Weakness in knee-joints, as though they would knuckle under
him, when moving, for 1 h. In r. ankle shooting, worse on moving. From 9 p.m.
till 2 a.m. she lies awake in bed with sacral pains, internal chilliness, and strong pul
sation in head, and tosses about. She is sad, and wishes constantly to weep. After
52 h., burning in soles from 2 p.m. till 3 a.m., these pains recur for 4 successive d. at
same time. After 56 h., drawing shooting on r. side near sternum, betwixt 2nd and
3rd ribs. After 60 h., drawing pain in the upper posterior r. side of ribs spreads
forward and causes shooting in mamma of same side. Tearing in legs from ankles
up to knees, causing tension in calf. After 72 h., on rising, m., mucus mixed with
blood is discharged from vagina. A scrapy, rough feeling under sternum compels
her to cough, and after several coughs she expectorated some grey, tasteless mucus,
whereupon the cough ceased. After some d., when combing hair the scalp is very
painful, especially when she combs over temples, with falling out of hair. Violent,
constant, and very painful stitches in r. side of chest, lasting several d., and much
aggravated by in- and expiration. On waking, m., she felt sacral pains, worse after
rising, extending forwards to abdomen, and these cause a pressing like labour pains,
they go down into legs, cause anxiety and trembling through whole body, with
internal rigor (like irregular labour pains), intermingled with shootings in external
genitals, better when lying, worse when sitting and walking. During first days she
never felt as if she had slept enough in m., all her limbs feel paralysed. After 2 d.,
she has always much heat and watering of eyes. She wakes in m. with desire for
coitus. Periodical drawing in mammæ, going from outer side to nipple. Just above
knees and for 3 inches up tensive pain in muscles, the parts are painful when pressed
on by the hand, as though the flesh were torn, not felt when at rest, r. worst. After
3 d., drawing pains in head from r. frontal sinus to middle of r. jaw, lasting
several h., beginning in m., ceasing at noon, again becoming bad at 2 p.m., and
lasting till e. On r. side of sinciput violent stabs as with an awl, so that she does
not know what she is doing, her thinking power is completely gone, she goes with
this pain to bed, soon falls asleep, and dreams all n. of indifferent things; in m. all
pain is gone; it commences in afternoon. After the pains in arms and legs have
Tasted 60 h. they cease all at once, but immediately afterwards she has great disten-
sion of abdomen, as though she was pregnant, with exhaustion, nevertheless she is
cheerful; she went to bed at n. with the distension, and in the m. was quite well.
A zigzag shooting round navel, lightning-like stitches dart sometimes upwards, some-
times downwards, sometimes across, then a rapid shoot goes to 1. mamma, where it
ends, lasting h. In 1. iliac region, opposite crista ilii, persistent shooting, which
darts down into 1. thigh. At n. pressure and forcing on neck of bladder, such as she
usually has before confinement, causing a feeling all through her as though she
should be confined; this makes her rise 3 times to urinate; each time much hot,
light-coloured urine is passed. After the leucorrhoea has lasted
After the leucorrhoea has lasted 24 h. it ceases, and
she feels exhausted. At 4 p.m. she had stitches in r. shoulder, h. later she had
84
KREOSOTUM.
several stitches in 1. side of chest, and at 6 p.m. she had a very severe drawing pain
in r. foot. For 3 n. never gets to sleep before 1 or 2 a.m., then she sleeps with many
dreams, and on waking at 7 a.m. both arms were asleep up to elbows. After 4 d.,
urine hot and has a disgusting smell, like boiled juniper wood. Just above the
heart violent stitches in chest, which prevent her breathing freely, the pains are
relieved by pressure with the hand, last 1 h. afternoon. Drawing shooting under 1.
short ribs when moving and when at rest, e. Labour-like sacral pains cause fruitless
urging to stool, with distension of abdomen. Burning drawing and shooting,
beginning round ankles and going through soles and toes, the pains are worst in
soles, from a.m. till p.m. Soles of feet as if gathering. After 5 d., drawing shooting
in lower parts of 1. ear, spreading all over auricle. From 4 a.m. till noon must urinate
every h., and half a pint is passed each time. After sacral pains and heat of face
has white discharge from genitals as profuse as menses. Contractive pain like cramp
in r. calf down to ankles. After 6 d., drowsy, much yawning, with putrid taste and
little appetite. Bad sleep, tosses about in bed all n., changes from side to side, and
can assign no reason for her sleeplessness, and on rising m. her whole body was weary,
on the slightest corporeal exertion warm sweat breaks out all over body, she must
frequently sit down to rest herself, when she stands up she collapses, lasting 12 h.
After 7 d., the skin of crown and sinciput is painful when combed and when touched
with fingers, as if ulcerated; when the skin is not touched the pain is drawing, worst
on crown, lasting 24 h. After 10 d., the 3rd d. of menses, at 5 a.m. a puffing and
crackling in abdomen, like dull shots, then very urgent call to stool, with painless
diarrhoea; during d. 7 more diarrhoeic stools, without pain. (Archiv, xvi, 2, 187.)
II. Poisonings.-I. a. On Aug. 29th, 1853, being called to a
young woman, æt. 24, I found her insensible, with a pale face and
frothing at the mouth; the pupils widely dilated, pulse regular, full,
80 per m.; every few m. violent retching, only saliva being brought
up. The stomach had been previously emptied by vomiting. She
had apparently severe paroxysms of pain on the r. side of her face, to
which she violently applied her hand, then again became prostrate.
Her breath smelt strongly of creasote. A large molar tooth on r. side,
lower jaw, had a large cavity in it. I removed the tooth, and she
scarcely seemed to feel the operation; after administering a mixture of
sesquicarbonate of soda and finding her improving, I left her. In the
m. she was better, but pale and weak, the pupils were still much
dilated and the vision imperfect; this lasted several d.
4
b. The patient's own account is as follows:-" Whilst putting a
piece of lint saturated with creasote into my tooth, I accidentally
swallowed it. In less than h. I felt myself 'going very low,' my
eyesight went from me, giddiness came on, and everything looked dark
blue, even the candles, my husband and everything. I felt a dreadful
I vomited and
burning at the chest, and wanted water to quench it.
brought up the piece of lint and some food. I had great pain in the
front of my head, and felt numbed all over. The pain at the chest.
continued 3 or 4 d. I did not know that my tooth had been taken out."
(J. D. JEFFREY, Assoc. Med. Journ., 1853, p. 929.)
2. While experimenting with creasote on patients suffering from
phthisis, &c., I found that if the first dose exceeded 2 or 3 drops,
nausea, vomiting, vertigo, headache and heat of head were generally
the consequence. One patient who began with the small dose gradually
increased to 40 dr. ; any addition to this dose caused extreme giddiness,
insensibility, and vomiting, followed by headache for several d. (ELLIOT-
SON, Med.-Chir. Trans. xix, 217.)
KREOSOTUM.
85
A
3. A child, æt. 2, swallowed from 20 to 30 drops of creasote. It
soon lost consciousness, was unable to swallow, and its breathing was
much obstructed and stertorous, it vomited, and passed urine of a brown
colour, and frothed at the mouth. Evidently in great agony, con-
stantly crying out, finally convulsions ensued, and death in 17 h. At
the autopsy 51 h. after death, the body gave out a strong odour of
creasote; the lips were discoloured, dry, and parchment-like; the
mucous membrane of the tongue, palate, and œsophagus was of a dirty
white colour. The brain and the lungs were engorged with blood, and
the ventricles of the heart full of clots. (E. LABBÉE, Dict. Encyclopéd.
des Sciences Méd., Ire Série, xxiii, 103.)
4. LABBÉE Summarises its action as follows:-From a small dose
there is noticed only a stimulant effect on the digestive tract.
From a
large dose there will first arise gastro-enteritis, with its accompanying
pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, &c.; then will follow vertigo, muscular
feebleness, and circulatory and respiratory difficulties, due to absorption
of the poison rather than to sympathy with the gastric irritation. Next
there ensue effects due apparently to the elimination of the drug, viz.
bronchial irritation, diuresis, dysuria, and even strangury, with black
colour of urine. After a massive dose, in addition to the above, serious
disturbances of the neuro-muscular apparatus arise, such as muscular
weakness, profound disturbance of the sensorium and mind, general
trembling, spasms, convulsions and coma. The circulation and respi-
ration are profoundly affected, the heart's action being slowed, dyspnœa
and suffocation coming on, terminating in asphyxia from excessive
bronchial secretion, and arrest of the heart's action. (Ibid.)
5. Mrs. M. D—, æt. 67, took by mistake 2 drachins of creasote
in a draught at bedtime. She complained of feeling "all on fire" after
taking it. She lingered in great torment from Monday night until the
following Wednesday, at 4 a.m. (Times (London), June 17th, 1839.)
6. a. STRUMPF speaks of a woman of 60 who took “ a considerable
qnantity" of Kr. by mistake. She was immediately attacked by severe
colicky pains, and within 3 h. had upwards of 40 very painful and
bloody stools. She recovered under the use of oil, milk, and opium.
b. When large doses have been continued for some time, they are
apt to occasion dulness, giddiness, fainting, and some excitement of the
circulation, with difficulty of breathing, nausea or retching, muscular
lassitude, yawning, and constipation. The urine is generally augmented
in quantity. Sometimes it occasions difficult micturition, and even
strangury. The vapour, when inhaled, is said to occasion stupor.
Corneliani relates the case of a woman who was attacked with faint-
ness, trembling, efforts at vomiting, palpitation, &c., in consequence of
the continued application of Kr. water to a large ulcer of the leg.
(STILLÉ, op. cit.)
7. Dr. TESTE was consulted, in July, 1845, about an infant of 6
months, which was cutting its teeth badly. Kreosote 6 was given with
great effect for a week; and a phial of the tincture was left in the
parents' hands to use in case of need. Two months later, the child was
brought to him in extreme debility; pulse small and frequent; counte-
nance sadly changed; eyes red and projecting; breath foetid as in
86
LACHESIS.
mercurial stomatitis; entire anorexia, and vomiting; and scanty serous
diarrhoea. The skin was covered with an eruption, prurigo-like on the
forehead, pustular elsewhere; and the chest, hypogastrium, and upper
thighs with round red spots, on some of which phlyctenulæ appeared.
There were also several ulcers with greyish base on gums and at com-
missures of lips, and a notable enlargement of the parotid and sub-
maxillary glands. Inquiry as to possible syphilitic inheritance yielded
decidedly negative results; but it came out that, a week previously, the
child (though pretty well) seemed a little troubled with his teeth, and
had been given the kreosote 6 times a d., since which he had fallen into
the condition above described. The medicine was immediately stopped,
and without further treatment the child speedily recovered its health.
(Journ. de la Soc. Gall., i, 75.)
III. Experiments on animals.-I. MIGNET gave daily to a dog 2
mos. old 8 dr. of diluted Kr. Its depressing effects were visible in the
slow and painful gait of the animal, and the occurrence of frequent
nausea, with tremulousness and emaciation. Cormack found that when
given to dogs in doses of 30 dr. it produced salivation, vertigo, muscular
twitching, and insensibility. The same dose, administered to a rabbit,
occasioned violent convulsions and speedy death. In Mignet's experi-
ments, a dose of zij, administered to a young dog, gave rise to signs of
distress, a fixed look, vertigo, dulness, and indifference. The respira-
tion was laboured, whining, and irregular; a secretion of mucus
appeared to obstruct the air-tubes and hung from the mouth; eructation
and violent retching ensued. At the expiration of 2 h. the breathing
became extremely laborious and interrupted by long intervals, the limbs
were tremulous and jerking, and death speedily ensued. The principal
lesion discovered was universal vascular injection of the gastro-intestinal
mucous membrane. The lungs were gorged with blood, and in the
heart and great vessels this fluid was more firmly coagulated than usual.
(Stillé.)
LACHESIS.
Venom of (probably) Lachesis mutus, curucucu (see Brit. Hom. Pharm., sub voce).
I. Provings.-1. a. HERING. Effects of 1st and 2nd trits. and
symptoms felt during trituration -A kind of ecstasy, as after sublime
impressions or excessive joy, throughout d., he constantly wishes to
talk and do much, and even more seems to be at his command (3rd d.),-
next d. great exhaustion of mind and body; it seems to him during
d. that he had dreamed everything that happens, only somewhat
different; great sensibility, soothing poetry moved him to immoderate
weeping, was obliged to cry for joy (for a great many d.),—after much
crying, pain above eyes; in e., with physical laxity, sleepiness with
inability to sleep, without sitting up he talks a great deal, wishes to
tell stories, constantly goes from one thing to another, during this,
however, he recollects himself and soon knows when he has mixed and
distorted anything, he then corrects himself, but repeats same mistakes,—
thus he is tormented half the e. (1st d.); great inclination to be com-
LACHESIS.
87
municative, extraordinarily vivid imagination, therewith extremely
impatient at tedious and dry things; the more cause for fretfulness,
the greater inclination for humour, jest, satire, and humorous fancies;
so great apprehension while riding in open air that it seemed to him
some evil was impending, it torments him for more than an h. (after
3 to 4 h.); mistrustful and thinking evil; towards e. very unusual
almost crazy jealousy, as foolish as it was irresistible (after 6 h.);
violent scornful mood, without being vexed (1st d.); very remarkable
and persistent indifference and forgetfulness; increased power of
originality in all mental work, increased activity of fancy, scenes and
occurrences throng to him in an unusual amount; no sooner does one
idea occur to him than a number of others follow in quick succession
while he is writing it down, so that he is unable to finish the record.
Vertigo while sitting after walking (2nd d.); rush of blood to head
and vertigo after a satisfactory_pasty stool (3rd d.); much rush of
blood to head (3rd to 7th d.). Beating roaring, m. after waking, in r.
ear, in very frequent attacks, it disappears on shaking finger in ear,
but soon returns, especially in e. (5th d.). Sudden fluent catarrh in e.,
with much crawling in tip of nose, lachrymation, and pressure in inner
canthi, of short duration (1st d.). Itching in nose when eating (3rd
and following d.). Very peculiar scraping-burning feeling posteriorly
on palate, immediately on breathing the dust while triturating; saliva-
tion while thinking about the sensation in throat; the mouth is watery,
sometimes more, sometimes less, as if it came from stomach (1st and
2nd d.). Pinching pain deep in throat, in small spot on r. side of
pharynx, not aggravated by swallowing, worse on pressure (after 1 h.),
returning from time to time (1st d.), but worse in e., when it also
affects larynx; constant pain on empty swallowing, not on swallowing
food, for a month; throat is very sensitive to external pressure (imme-
diately and later, even for a month); throat and neck are so sensitive
to the slightest external pressure that everything about throat is dis-
tressing, no position is comfortable. Little appetite (1st d.), lasting a
week; all appetite in m. has disappeared (7th and following d.); the
usual hunger in m. fails, otherwise very well (4th d.); remarkably
little desire for smoking immediately, and 1st d.; all inclination to
smoke disappeared in a great smoker, though without aversion to it,
for a week; thirst for beer, with complete loss of appetite, in e.
(1st d.); increased desire for wine (but the wine produced less
effect than usual, in one accustomed to it) (1st week); heartburn in e.
after smoking; nausea with eructations; sudden nausea, hiccough,
gulping, and eructations, at last so severe as even to amount to
vomiting of air, this increased to an excessive degree, and lasted
forh., then relieved (after drinking tea in afternoon of 4th d.);
pain in pit of stomach when pressing upon it, for over a week, with
diminished appetite. In m., large quantities of loud flatus, through d.
frequent small quantities (4th and following d.); a fasting sensation, as
if hollow, in abdomen at meal time, without appetite (1st d.). Anus
feels closed; spasmodic pains in anus internally, a short time before and
after stool (6th d.); long-continuing smarting and burning, after usual
stool (13th d.). Diarrhoea every e. for a week, preceded by transient
88
LACHESIS.
pain in rectum, followed by beating as with a little hammer in anus;
sudden diarrhoea, with great urging, about midnight, thin, pasty, exces-
sively offensive, ammoniacal (1st d.); pasty diarrhoea in m. (2nd d.);
scanty, smooth, clay-like stool; blood is discharged while pressing
after a very copious evacuation (11th and 12th d.); stool delayed from
m. till e., after pressing there was only a scanty, unsatisfactory evacua-
tion (Ist d.); the stool constantly close to anus, but only flatus passes
(3rd d.); no stool (1st d.),-delayed, occurring only after smoking,
scanty and pasty (2nd d.). Frequent and increased urging and mictu-
rition, urine dark and frothy (3rd d.), afterwards same, only lighter
coloured; dribbling micturition, a few m. after he was again obliged
to pass small quantity, with much pressure (for a week). Very strong
erections in forenoon (2nd d.); very much increased sexual desire,
without amorousness,-when controlled, it caused great inclination for
mental labour (2nd week); amorousness in m. on waking, with pain
in loins and much bruised feeling (6th d.); amorousness after midday
nap (4th d.); emission at n. (very unusual), with extraordinary
voluptuousness. Secretion of mucus in larynx is diminished, while in
nose and fauces it is increased (2nd and following days); larynx painful
to touch (1st d.); after midday nap trachea seems narrowed, no mucus
can be loosened as usual (1st d.); increased hoarseness while speaking,
voice will not come because something in larynx prevents it, which
cannot be hawked loose, though mucus is brought up,-lasting a long
time, from 5th d. ; constantly obliged to take deep breath from time to
time for several d., especially while sitting (3rd and following days);
acts somewhat upon larynx, so that it is not only very sensitive, but it
seems as though it would suffocate him, it also increased the pain in
back of throat, in e. (Ist d.). For several d. much impediment to
deep breathing from time to time, especially while sitting (3rd and
following d.). Pains in loins after midday nap. Acute tearing in
bones of wrist, at intervals, on side of r. little finger (2nd d.); the
hands, which were bent by contraction of the tendons, began to pain
if she attempted to sew; constant stitches, deep internally, as if in the
bones and cartilages of wrist and metacarpus, also feeling as if some-
thing were crawling in them, renewed by paroxysms (3rd and following
days). Thighs and knees feel bruised in e,; swelling of feet following
redness of them, with fever. Great exhaustion and weariness in e.,
sleepiness, with inability to fall asleep (1st d.); restlessness drives him
into open air, he desires to accomplish much, and begins many things;
very great inclination to lie down, sitting is almost intolerable (6th d.);
feeling of weariness drives him to sleep early; feeling of faintness ;
feels bruised in m. after waking, also after midday nap; feels very
much bruised, with pains in his loins, between shoulders, and in spine,
after sleep (6th d.); feels beaten whole d. (1st d.). Small red points
here and there on fingers, which itch very much (4th d.); a warty
elevation on back of 1. middle finger, after some d., following itching
vesicles, it afterwards disappeared, leaving a scar; a small group of flat
warts appeared on outer side of 1. thumb (9th d.), remaining for a
year; many itching vesicles on outer margin of r. hand, with volup-
tuous burning after scratching (during 2nd week); itching in several
LACHESIS.
89
places between fingers, where, after scratching, hard, shiny elevations
appear, followed by small vesicles, with burning and tension, often
lasting a week; small itch-vesicles here and there on fingers (4th and
following days); small ulcers on elbow; itching, especially on thighs
(3rd d.); pain as if a pimple would form between outer canthus and
temple, on 5th d., disappearing 6th d.; itching in face about eyes and
on cheeks, relieved after scratching, from m. till e.; violent itching, as
though an insect had pierced the flesh, in a very small point on instep.
While obliged to wait for dinner he was attacked by spasmodic
yawning, became pale and faint, had to sit down quietly and eat some-
thing, when he felt better; sleepiness without being able to sleep;
very sleepy in forenoon, after walking in open air, sleeps for some h.,
during which he dreams constantly, it seemed as though the dreams
had consisted solely of very important things, though everything was
forgotten on waking,-he woke refreshed (2nd d.); one e. does not
think of sleep, the next e. overpowering sleepiness; very wide awake
before midnight (1st d.); after going to bed sleepy he is unable to fall
asleep, becomes wide awake (1st d.); goes to bed early on account of
weariness, legs and knees seem bruised, yet is quite unable to fall
asleep because he cannot get into right position, everything seems to
cause pressure in neck and throat (1st d.); wakes very early in m.
after falling asleep late the previous e. (1st d.); constant dreaming at
n., frequent waking, and again dozing and dreaming, but he feels well
in m. (3rd and other days); many dreams, though he woke very early
(5th d.); very unusually joyous, humorous dreams, or poetic dreams
full of inventions, during midday nap; dreams every n. with reflection,
only somewhat diminished after two weeks (7th d.); during d. he for
the first time remembers his dreams, it seems to him as though he had
dreamed of everything that happened to him, and more also which for
the time was forgotten (7th and following days); amorous dreams;
lascivious, disgusting dreams whole n. (6 d.). She was obliged to lie
down whole d. on account of feverish coldness without thirst, heat, or
sweat, in e. some small pustules on elbow which had previously existed
had matured (2nd d., repeated 3rd d.); shivering over back (1st d.);
an agreeable feeling of warmth in e., neither internal heat nor only in
the skin, but a feeling as after a cold bath, or as after coition (1st d.);
palms of hands, soles of feet and abdomen are very hot whole
e., with
sleepiness without being able to sleep, fanciful imaginings, sensitiveness
of throat, cannot endure bed-covers or night-shirt (1st d.),
b. On another occasion,-excited mood whole m. (2nd d.); in e. very
wide awake and talkative, only somewhat checked by a very trouble-
some and persistent pressive-shooting pain near point of r. scapula,
towards spine, deep in back, as if something were sticking in it, worse
by paroxysms, obliging bending backward and also taking deep breath,
not affected by breathing (this continued for a week, recurring
specially after long sitting); pain in small spot in throat at side of
larynx, but somewhat posteriorly; increased appetite, but after eating
he was obliged to lie down; sneezing and fluent catarrh late in e.
(2nd d.); stool pasty, every d. somewhat later, so that, occurring at
first in m., it after a while occurred in e., and then again in m., and so
9༠
LACHESIS.
on (5th and following days for a week); great sexual desire and
amorousness (Ist d.); dreams constant and fatiguing, with frequent
waking all through n., yet he awakes early, and rises refreshed (1st d.).
c. From 30th.-Depression of spirits, with chilliness; depressed and
anxious, with shortness of breath; becomes easily peevish and mis-
trustful, believes himself intentionally injured by all about him, and
attaches the most hateful significance to the most innocent occurrences ;
he sits up late at n. at mental work, with great activity; he is impelled
to productive work in e., although he had been much fatigued during
d. he sits up all n., without slightest sleepiness or exhaustion, writes
with greatest freedom and increased vigour about everything that he
knows, new things constantly throng on his mind,—also next d., after
very little sleep, he is just as excited, it only gradually diminishes
without subsequent reaction of mind (recurring in repeated proving);
constantly obliged to pay attention to his spelling, in a language in
which he is usually fluent; forgetful and indifferent. Confusion of
head; vertigo after rising; vertigo as soon as he goes into street;
vertigo so that he must hold on to something, especially after stooping;
tensive pain in head, as if a string were drawn from nape of neck above
ear internally to eyes, on coughing; rush of blood to head, with flicker-
ing before eyes; rush of blood to head, with beating-roaring in ear;
headache extending into root of nose; headache, with vertigo in e.;
deep internal headache; headache in 1. frontal eminence, deep inter-
nally, as if connected with ear, it is also painful externally on pressure,
as if bruised, in m.; transient drawing from 1. temple to forehead;
stitches in 1. temple and side of head; very painful drawing from one
spot above r. ear to vertex, recurring 5 times with intervals of some
seconds, an h. after eating; sticking in vertex and temples, as with
knives and forks, extending through whole head, with catarrh and stiff-
ness of nape; headache on vertex as if beaten internally, worse on
external pressure; 1. scalp painful to touch. Blue rings under eyes, in
m. ; pain in both inner canthi. Pain in small spot, when touched, in
petrous bone behind ear; during toothache ear is cold, and whole head
feels so to him, though it is warm,—external heat is pleasant; contrac-
tive pain deep within 1. ear, on inserting ear-spoon it is painful as if
swollen; tearing extending from zygoma into ear; itching in ears; can
bear no wind in ear. Sneezing, together with mucus in throat; thin
water from nose, in m.; nasal catarrh comes on in afternoon and is
fully developed by e., with much sneezing; many symptoms end with
coryza; coryza with soreness of edges and tip of nostrils, which latter
continues some time; short-lasting, fluent catarrh (in one who had not
had one for years), at first for only few m. in m., then in e. lasting
longer, whereby all the headache, lachrymation, and stoppage of ears
disappeared, and he felt free from trouble; inability to have a real
catarrh (yet has a constant or very frequent incomplete catarrh); bleeding
of nose (in man of 45, for first time in his life); some drops of blood
from nose; a few drops of blood from 1. nostril, after boring in with
finger; blowing of blood from nose, and bloody streaks in mucus; in
m. nose is very much stopped (disappearing after blowing out mem-
branous pieces, but afterwards returning violently), in e. stoppage was
LACHESIS.
91
;
less; itching in nose on sitting down to eat. Accumulation of water in
mouth; water runs from mouth during violent cough; most dread-
ful taste in mouth, quite intolerable, which makes her think of acrid
poison, though she had never taken poison, somewhat coppery, makes
teeth dull, causes nausea, more in forepart of tongue, which there
seems thicker and worse during eructations (in hysterical woman);
salty taste of mucus hawked up. Tenacious mucus in throat that he
could scarcely raise; hawking of mucus only in e. after tea, instead of
in m., and so much that it seems as though abscess had broken; hawk-
ing of mucus, and extremely disagreeable taste, almost like saltpetre ;
dryness in throat without thirst,-at n. on waking sticking as with a
thousand needles, that threatens to suffocate her; dryness in throat
that impedes swallowing; pain in r. side of throat, always extending to
ear; pain in 1. side of throat, extending to root of tongue, jaw, hyoid
bone, and into ear, so violent in m. after breakfast, that he was beside
himself, therewith tongue was sore on 1. side, with sticking here and
there, gum was inflamed, all teeth painful, 1. side of face and lower jaw
swollen and sensitive to touch, pricking and sticking at small spots in
thighs and legs, disagreeable taste, loss of appetite, and bad sleep; throat
and larynx are painful, even on bending head backward; burning in 1.
side of throat and pit of throat; throat seems somewhat swollen, as if
two lumps as large as the fists came together, only on empty swallow-
ing, not on eating, which latter, on account of this sensation, seemed to
do good; soreness of throat, and also somewhat in pit of throat; sore-
ness internally on both sides of throat in m.; sensitiveness of throat as
if sore, as often after taking cold, with pain in 1. side, worse in e.
feeling of great rawness in throat after exerting it; eating relieved pain
in throat, causing an agreeable tickling; bubbling in throat, above r.
clavicle, also in r. foot, near great toe; difficulty of swallowing saliva,
not of food; swallowing prevented by dryness of throat; if in e., on
lying down, anything touches throat or larynx, it seems as though he
would suffocate, and the pain is much worse. Feeling as when obliged
to wait very long for food, without real hunger; longing for some-
thing, he knows not what, he took at last a swallow of water; though
he has very good relish for food, yet takes very little, it seems as though
he did not need more; longing for neither food, wine, nor tobacco for a
week, he was accustomed to wine and tobacco daily; at times very
good appetite, at times none; eructations and rising of food after
eating; such eructations after dinner that he almost suffocated, they
occurred as often as 50 times, followed by great relief; nausea in
nausea by paroxysms, for 5 or 10 m., in forenoon and after-
noon; nausea after dinner; feeling in stomach as if obliged to
wait long time for food; burning in stomach and hepatic region,
stomach distended, with itching in epigastric region, abdomen dis-
tended, hard as if from eating much, while walking was obliged to
stand still, feeling as though a stone were in upper abdomen and in pit
of stomach, which drew downward as if it would break away, so that
he was obliged to step carefully,-feet became swollen while sitting,
and were cold though burning, therewith offensive odour from mouth,
which he did not notice himself; pressure as of great load in stomach
m.;
92
LACHESIS.
after eating, relieved by eructations and emission of flatus, but the
pressure continues; pain, slight, but very disagreeable, when pressing
upon pit of stomach. Painfulness in 1. side, near pit of stomach;
clothes around hypochondria are very annoying; much rumbling
in abdomen, colic and emission of flatus, after eating, in e.; very
much flatulence; much flatus with loud noise, therewith anus
seemed closed, so that she was obliged to press it out; eviscerated
feeling in abdomen; pain in abdomen in afternoon; burning and cut-
ting in abdomen, with pressure to urinate; fulness in abdomen, after
eating; contraction in abdomen. Protrusion of rectum after stool;
protrusion of rectum, which is thick and proportionately swollen, with-
out great pains,-after it is, with difficulty, reduced, the anus is spasmo-
dically contracted; determination of blood to anus, with hæmorrhoids,
diarrhoea-like stool, and increased itching in anus; burning discharge
from anus, 4 times a d., preceded by cutting colic and urging to stool;
he constantly feels flatus at anus, though he presses out only small,
short emissions from time to time; burning in anus during a stool, also
after stool; spasmodic pains in anus and rectum internally, followed by
natural stool; urging to stool with the fever. Acids, even fruit, after
Lachesis easily cause diarrhoea; stools more frequent than usual (in
one inclined to constipation); pasty stool every forenoon; no stool,
only a somewhat thin, watery evacuation (2nd d.); some mucus, so
acrid that it is painfully discharged from rectum, with voluntary
pressure; intolerable odour to the stool, which, as usual, was somewhat
hard, the odour was scarcely endurable, like asafoetida, but much worse
(like putrefying snakes); the first dose caused constipation, the second
an evacuation; * stool delayed every d. ; scanty, pasty stool, in m., then
omitting 1 d.; no stool for several d., with very good appetite, on
account of which abdomen became hard and distended; no stool for 3
d. (immediately). Much and frequent micturition, urine frothy.
Unusual erections during d.; want of sexual desire and inability for
coition, or very late emission of semen, erections too feeble, for several
weeks; emission during the midday nap; difficult emission of
semen; semen possesses a penetrating odour. Diminished secretion of
mucus in larynx ; it seems as though something should be hawked up,
which cannot be loosened; larynx and whole throat tender to touch ;
a feeling as if something were swollen in pit of throat and would
suffocate him, it cannot be swallowed, with soreness in throat; some-
thing hinders speech, is hoarse, must hawk constantly; cough while
drinking, or after drinking; cough worse after every sleep (in patient.
with mucous phthisis); pressure on larynx caused cough; short
hacking cough; dry hacking cough caused by touching throat, also
occurring in m. after n. sleep, and from smoking with a stopped catarrh,
with blowing of nose and sneezing without relief; a kind of rattling
seemed to be low down in larynx at n. during sleep, in only few
paroxysms, followed again by ordinary breathing, in turn followed by
similar paroxysms, so loud that it awoke his wife, who aroused him
whenever it was repeated; shortness of breath and great prostration;
respiration constricted, after eating a little. It seems as though wind
* Occurring in very many cases when given in various diseases.
LACHESIS.
93
rose up into chest, and became fixed there, relieved by eructations;
burning in chest at n., with pains in sternum; pressure upon chest, as
if it were full of wind; heavy dull pressure in whole of chest; oppres-
sion of chest during sleep; whole chest seems sore, as in violent catarrh,
extending to between shoulders, especially after eating; pains in 1. side
beneath breast. Palpitation. Tensive sensation as if tendons in 1. arm
were too short on stretching it out straight, extending through whole
arm to middle finger, in which it is most perceptible; stitches externally
beneath r. axilla; jerking in 1. hand and leg in afternoon while sitting;
visible pulsation in large portion of ball of 1. thumb, very disagreeable,
afterwards with slight jerking in whole thumb, frequently recurring
and lasting a long time, and continuing to recur for a long time;
violent cramp in the calves at n. towards m., so that it woke him;
sensitiveness of balls of feet on stepping upon them; painful surging
back and forth in toes; crawling and heat in toes of one side. Sudden
jerking together of whole body, starting from below, while sitting;
always after sleep, so stiff that he could scarcely stir or move, rubbing
and stroking by another person did him good, and soon entirely removed
feeling; indolence and heaviness after eating; weary, sick, dejected,
with fulness after eating; great weariness on going out in e., the
accustomed walk seems endless; at meal-time, while walking in street,
so weary that he could scarcely proceed, yet he ate but little; weakness
after supper; suddenly, towards e., deathly weak, with insatiable thirst,
dry mouth, became pale and distressed as if about to be attacked by a
violent fever; physical, not mental exhaustion; physical exhaustion
and weariness, with mental excitement; great physical and mental
exhaustion, especially in m.; transient faintness, with nausea, vertigo
even to falling down, and vanishing of sight for 2 or 3 m. during
breakfast, during d. frequent attacks as if it would return; great
inclination to lie down, especially after eating; became very sick after
drinking wine, also after strong beer; faint-like sensation of trembling;
feels bruised all d.; always after sleep, m. or n., bruised or stiff;
weary, bruised feeling, with catarrh, cough, sore-throat, m. nausea,
rumbling in upper abdomen, &c., as often in warm spring weather;
great longing to go into open air. Sore spots became fungoid, dark red
to brownish, with whitish spots, burning on wiping; red burning spot
on thumb, followed by a large hard vesicle; itching on lower legs,
obliging him to scratch, red wheals appear; after incessant itching
there appears a round, red, very hard lump on back of middle finger,
lasting long time without vesicles and without suppuration, there
slowly forms a small deep point of pus, of which very little exudes,
only on allowing hand to hang down there is a sticking pain-6 weeks
later, after a blow on the lump (which had almost entirely disappeared),
it bled unusually profusely; a large number of small flat warts suddenly
appear on hands (of one who already had several large ones), which do
not disappear; small pimples on face; small pimple on outer portion
of r. thigh, around which for some distance it is extremely painful;
eruption like nettle-rash over whole face (26th d.), it disappeared and
returned; itching hives on legs; erysipelatoid eruption beneath 1. eye,
which first itched at n., when she was wakened with fright about
94
LACHESIS.
trifles, in m. the skin began to redden and swell, and became worse
after mid-day nap, next m. very thick and red, with incessant itching
scarcely to be endured, whole lower lid was swollen, red, and itching,
preceded and followed by beating headache on stooping (rhus relieved);
itching-burning and vesicles on hands and fingers; small clear vesicles
on r. fourth finger; violent itching on r. heel, afterwards on both heels,
then on r. hand and fingers, on top of foot, and toes, always worse and
burning after scratching, followed by small, hard, white, deeply seated
vesicles; small itching vesicles on backs of both feet; groups of deep
hard itch vesicles on r. hand; a large boil on heel, with violent shaking
chill on formation of matter, caused by very slight rubbing of shoe, in
one who had never before had anything like it (after 8 weeks); ulceration
of a nail after a bruise; a slightly brownish-red areola about an ulcer
became blackish blue; old ulcer scars reopened, after a blow the
epidermis easily loosened and would not again heal, suppurated, then
vesicles formed and epidermis loosened all about, the open spots were
dark red, looking like a flat sponge, here and there whitish, burning
after wiping; bleeding of ulcers which then became cleaner; pain in
and about a scar remaining from a fistula on the thigh healed the year
previous; burning in ulcers at n., so that he was obliged to rise and
wash them with cold water; itching in face and hands. Spasmodic
yawning in m.; sleepy in e., immediately after supper, with much.
weariness; so sleepy after dinner that he could scarcely keep up in
spite of pressing business, contrary to his habit he slept for 1 h., after-
wards the troubles in abdomen were worse; she could sleep while
walking and standing; she lies constantly slumbering, as if stupefied,
after pains have passed off; difficult falling asleep for a week; partial
sleep full of dreams; wakes very early in m. feeling well; dreams with
reflection and thought, and of the many occurrences of the d. ; in his
dreams he possesses an intriguing character (which while awake was
in no wise the case); troubles increased after each sleep. Chilly,
indolent, and prostrated, was obliged to lie down flat on the ground
near fireplace, which made him feel better; shivering during the heat;
single paroxysms of shivering; it seems too hot at n., sleep very restless;
first much thirst, then after some shivering, lingering heat without
thirst, during which he desires to be covered, several such attacks in m.
and during d., especially in e., at times transient perspiration (after
several weeks china relieved); every e. feverish, hot palms and hotter
nape, during which the rubbing of other people is extremely bene-
ficial; feeling of glowing warmth in skin of chest; sweats too easily;
sweat too easy and too profuse. (Wirkungen des Schlangengiftes, 1837.)
2. STAPF, from 30th dil. Lively without any cause; lively, social, and
unusually communicative, even with disagreeable feeling of fulness; very easily
frightened, with sensitiveness of brain; extremely irritable; at times can only think
of some fancied worry; peevishness (transient); breaks into a rage about trifles; need
of being very busy, without the slightest perseverance; gladly sits in meditation ;
longing for amusement without, however, experiencing ennui, with lively fancies
about which he himself laughs; ennui with trembling of whole body; aversion to
work; must force himself to attend to business (later action); inability for abstract
thought, not the least persistence; very distracted, while reading, without interesting
trains of thought; weakness of memory, so that it was difficult to pay attention to
|

LACHESIS.
95
;
;
what was said to him; it became extremely difficult to listen to others, though his
hearing was not impaired the words just spoken seemed obliterated; complete loss of
consciousness at times, with cold feet, it returned as soon as feet became warm.
Drawing, jerking, tensive sensation in bones of skull and cheeks, also in lower jaw ;
rush of blood to head, with painful pressure under whole skull, he was conscious of
every diseased tooth, though they were not painful, blowing of bright red blood
from nose, with drawing sensation in nose and frontal sinuses and under whole skull
as if water had been injected into it; deep internal headache; pressive sensation
beneath skull as from taking cold after going out, associated with nausea, it comes
and goes, very much aggravated by stooping, the pain alternates with heat; heavy
spot in middle of head, that goes back and forth as he moves head; pressive sticking
pain in r. side of head; heaviness like lead in occiput, can scarcely raise it from
pillow in m. after waking, with vertigo; numbness and crawling on I. side of head,
as in whole of 1. side,—e. and next m.; round painful spot in centre of head. Feeling
of numbness in concha with good hearing, without roaring, and on pressure it is
also felt in inner parts, afterwards followed by habitual painful pressure and heat;
extremely sensitive to noises; roaring in ears, usually associated with cold feet, very
often. Drawing sensation in nose and frontal sinuses and beneath whole skull. He
has extremely suffering look, face sunken, and as if he had been up nights, till fourth
week. Itching drawing in some teeth of 1. side; transient stitches in front teeth
burning on tongue from ordinary water as precursor of hoarseness and rawness in
throat. Slight swelling of throat, soon disappearing (later); hawking of mucus with
rawness in throat after nap in daytime; pressing feeling low down in throat which
causes salivation if he thinks of it; throat raw as if sore, in trachea by sternum there
seems to be inflamed painful lump, this feeling disappearing after violent hawking of
mucus. Food is relished without real hunger, it is hastily swallowed; a certain
aversion to food with hunger; longing for wine without feeling of exhaustion
stomach almost always digests well, but meat fried in butter causes acid and bitter
risings; painful pressure in stomach, immediately afterwards clawing in anus extend.
ing inward; flatulence first 14 d., not afterwards; pain in abdomen coming from
small of back; fulness in abdomen, especially during first 14 d.; fulness in abdomen
in m. on waking; painful hæmorrhoidal drawings from anus to umbilicus; painful
constriction of anus; painful transient drawings, now in one, now in other side of
anus; pressure in anus both painful and painless. Apparent necessity for stool,
without result, during first period; stool soft, pasty, never slimy. Burning urine,
with hard stool (later action); red sediment in urine, it is never burning and never
very turbid. Red spots on glans penis, margin is congested in two places; red
pimple with itching beneath margin of glans penis (4th d.); profuse secretion
beneath prepuce; frequent transient amorous thoughts, without slightest physical
excitement; emission at n. (4th, 5th, and 6th d.) with vivid and somewhat disagree-
able dreams, but without any unnatural admixture of imagery, with complete waking,
and weakness following only after some h. Hoarseness and rough throat, preceded
by burning on tongue; tickling cough, tickling is at one time in larynx, at another
in chest, at another apparently in cardiac orifice of stomach, mucus is at one time
round and grey, at another tenacious and yellow, at another watery, almost never at
n., always associated with secretion of mucus from nose, cannot get rid of it for 3
weeks; every contact with open air causes violent tickling cough accompanied by
expectoration of mucus, it lasts from 5 m. to 1 h. (later action). Oppression of
chest, suddenly disappearing; oppression of chest in e. during sleep, alternating with
clawing in anus, with cold feet. After stooping he could with difficulty become
erect. Stretching of all limbs; weary pain in all limbs, commencing in knees and
elbows; painful drawing in knee and elbow, extending downward; fixed pain as from
sprain in 1. knee and elbow which does not disappear; pain in elbow as if bruised;
hands feel dead on rubbing them (on dorsa), from 6th d., while washing them
rapidly after eating, it goes off during 3rd week, but again shows itself a few times
in 5th pain in all joints of 1. hand, as after violent exertion, on waking;
extremely painful tearing like a forcible extension of muscles of r. hand, it refuses its
service on attempting to hold anything; fingers are white, without stiffness, all d. ;
numbness of tips of all fingers, first of r. then of 1. hand, also in 5th week, without
cessation, especially violent in m.; stiffness of joints, cannot bend them except very
slowly, afterwards movements are frequently rapid and active, often uncertain and

96
LACHESIS.
clumsy; creaking in 1. knee; cramp in knees on waking; intolerable drawing in legs
lasting a long time; drawing in 1. ankle from leg; nnmbness and crawling in r. toes;
pain in few toes, as after walking all d., with heat of them, preceded by cold feet.
Muscular laxity, exhausted by motion and the most moderate exertion; motion is
very exhausting throughout proving; he is obliged to do everything very rapidly,"
bolts his food, and afterwards is unable to remain sitting; aversion to motion;
decided sensation of weakness in m. in sleep, on awaking general sick feeling, vertigo,
feeling of lead in occiput, can scarcely raise head from pillow, all the joints seem
sprained, pressure in small of back and fulness in abdomen, after h. everything
disappeared, afterwards repeated in less degree; feeling as if paralysed, cannot bend
feet or close hands, at times only on 1. side; slight touch is intolerable, almost puts
him into a rage. Crawling in fingers and calves; crawling in r. shoulder, upper arm,
and beneath shoulder; crawling and pricking in 1. hand and toes, especially violent
in latter, at times in whole 1. side from vertex to toes. Overpowering sleepiness
before and after eating; frequent inclination to sleep at midday (after first week),
during first week, sleep in forenoon; necessity of sleeping before dinner, at times
quite irresistible, this sleep did him good (during first 3 weeks); sleep sound and
refreshing, even if he wakes with bad feelings; was several times unable to fall
asleep, during 3rd week; restless sleep, heavy m. sleep, gets up unwillingly;
dreamt that a person very dear to him had died, he awoke weeping, looked about
him with conviction that he would see his ghost, without experiencing fear. Cold
calves and knees, at times only on 1. side; coldness of feet every d., at times painfully
cold, after which heat sometimes follows; crawling in l. calf, with cold feet and icy
cold ankles; febrile heat, fulness of head, drawing in some teeth and in bones of
face, eyes glistening, indicating exhaustion, with pain in knees as if sprained, next d.
febrile heat with same symptoms, and in addition irritability, extremely restless and
uncomfortable symptoms as in a kind of grippe (influenza), during the attack expec-
toration consisted of tenacious grey mucus, the d. following some catarrh with fever;
orgasm of blood, restlessness, anxiety, pressure upon chest, violent, quarrelsome,
morose, for several d. he involuntarily speaks louder and more distinctly than usual,
thinks clearly and expresses himself well, but has no memory, does not hear or under-
stand what others say to him (later action); disagreeable news causes the most
violent orgasm of blood, still he is at last master of it; heat in ears; perspiration on
feet; immoderate sweat of feet, toes are quite wet in m. in bed; sweat of feet very
much diminished, feet are warm, but not unpleasantly so (later action). (Ibid.)
3. BUTE, from 30th dil. Dilatory, he cannot accomplish his business as usual;
cannot perform anything in an orderly manner; unusual confusion as to time, dated
everything the 26th, when it was only the 6th, and on Wednesday he asked whether
it was Saturday; makes more mistakes than usual in writing. Vertigo in e.; vertigo,
with reeling and attacks of loss of consciousness, as if he would be attacked by
apoplexy, 2 e. in succession; pressive headache with nausea, and with sleepiness;
pressive heavy sensation in forehead, with nauseous vertigo, after drinking wine;
violent throbbing above 1. eye. Eyes feel stiff; feeling as though dust had got into
eyes; inability to open eyes, with heaviness in forehead. L. nostril is internally
somewhat swollen and painful, worse on repeating dose, at last a scab on painful
spot; catarrh, with unusually great stoppage of nose; bleeding of nose, thick, dark-
red blood. Feeling as if gums were swollen; salivation, with burning in throat.
Unusual longing for oysters, and they agree well, for several e. ; eructations of air
(soon); violent pressure in stomach after eating, with feeling of weakness in knees.
Pains in hepatic region; much flatulence. Two stools in m., after the stools weak-
ness, with continued desire for another stool, without result (1st d.). Pressure in
bladder and penis, with frequent need to urinate; constant pressure in region of
bladder and in urethra; constant sticking cutting in forepart of urethra; sticking in
urethra; sticking pains shoot from place to place, from small of back to liver (perhaps
also to kidneys), and thence downward to urethra; sore pain in urethra, in forepart
of penis, in 3 persons. During the heat as of orgasm of blood, he is obliged to
loosen the clothes about the neck, there is a sensation as though they hindered the
circulation of the blood, with kind of suffocative feeling. Cramplike pain in pre-
cordial region, causing palpitation, with anxiety; palpitation causing anxiety (soon
after a dose). Sticking in upper back; constant pressive pain between scapula and
in chest; sticking between scapula; constant simple pain in sacrum and coccyx.
LACHESIS.
97
Stretching of all limbs; painfulness of all limbs, feeling as if beaten on motion;
gnawing pain in all limbs. Pains in hip and thigh, lasting into n., with pressive
heaviness in forehead, so that he is unable to open eyes; pain in muscles of r. thigh,
as after a blow or bruise, after drinking wine, and also renewed thereby; teeling of
weakness in knees after eating, with pressure in stomach; stitches in knees when
walking. Weakness after breakfast; feeling as though body were overwhelmed by
a disintegrating tendency, with sinking of all the torces; he is in a suffering, emaciated
condition, very weak and prostrate, and constantly inclined to rest; tremulous
sensation over whole body as from anxiety, without real anxiety. Sleep prevented by
itching; sleepiness after breakfast; unusual sleepiness in m. after breakfast, with
great prostration, stretching, and much spitting of saliva. General sensation of
coldness, with actual coldness and longing for fire. (Ibid.)
4. BAUER, from 30th dil. Dilatory, disinclined for any mental work. Confusion
of head (after 1 h.), with heat and violent congestion (after 2 h.), lasting till after-
noon; vertigo, with reeling towards 1. side, in m. inmediately after rising; vertigo
with pressure in eyes; rush of blood to head with confusion; rush of blood, with
heat in head; headache, first over whole forehead, afterwards becoming more concen-
trated towards 1. frontal sinus; headache over eyes, extending to root of nose (after
2 h.), and lasting nearly all d.; headache in l. frontal sinus, as if sore; pulsating pain
in r. temple, that extends into r. orbit; two transient stitches in r. side of head, as if
starting from a scar on that side (immediately); tensive pain in r. occiput, afterwards
extending to orbits and down into nasal bones; tension and then drawing pains in an
old scar above г. ear, at n., as though it were painful on sudden and sharp changes
in the weather; painfulness of whole 1. head; painful sensitiveness in 1. temple from
vertex down, and in 1. half of face, when touched, or on moving the muscles, as, for
example, laughing, chewing, &c., a sensation as if skin had been burnt by great heat
of the sun, which was not the case, lasting 3 d., gradually disappearing. Eyes seem
to be thicker (swollen ?) than usual, even to other people, they look as though one
had been weeping, e.; pressure in eyes, aggravated on moving them, as though
orbits were too small; pressure in and above eyes, also skin of forehead is painful
externally to touch; itching in and about eyes, with heat in them, in afternoon and
e., was obliged to rub them a great deal; violent itching in l., with pressure in both
eyes and dizziness, disappearing after coffee. Violent sneezing for about 2 m. (after
3rd dose), frequently (immediately after 4th dose); catarrh, dry in e., which next
m. on waking had disappeared, with burning in upper lip,-in n. towards m. again
some catarrh, which on waking disappeared; some drops of blood from nose on
blowing it in e.; a spot just above 1. ala nasi painful to touch without anything
being visible; itching in nose, in e. Hot lips. Drawing in second upper r.
back tooth, which was sound; gum of two lower back teeth is painful; gum is
painful from warmth in mouth; very transient prickling feeling on tongue imme-
diately; transient pain on curtain of the palate, while yawning; accumulation
of water in mouth. Slight pressure in throat at times. Diminished appetite;
no relish for smoking; eructations of air; feeling as though heartburn would
occur (after a few m.); pressure in stomach at n. and in m.; so that he was obliged
to rise up and at last stand up, relieved by profuse emission of flatus, 3 n. in
succession. Stitches in 1. hypochondrium; transient stitches in hypochondria from
r. to 1. side. Jerkings in anus in quick succession. Urine of strong odour, with
perspiration in axillæ. Some jerkings in penis; testicles seem quite hard, with
relaxed scrotum; increased irritability of sexual desire. Larynx feels obstructed by a
foreign substance; pressure in larynx. While riding in a carriage, pain in chest and
tickling in larynx, provoking hacking cough; bubbling sensation in chest; some
jerks in chest. Painfulness of 1. scapula, as from a dull pressure. Heaviness of limbs.
Sudden stitches in tips of fingers. Some tearing in 1. thigh, from above downward;
jerking at times in I. thigh, after 4 h., with painful drawing in 1. leg, from above
downward; pain as from sprain in r. knee; gouty drawing pain in I. knee while
sitting. Drawing in lower legs from above downwards. Inclination to lie down;
feeling of weariness. Eruption on 1. upper lip; small pustules filled with matter
on r. brow and face; biting in various parts of skin, as from ants; sticking-
itching in various parts of body; itching as from burning nettles on 1. thumb and
index-finger, followed by formation of two pimples, as from insect bites (though there
had been no insect), with violent burning after scratching, lasting 3 d. Sleeps over
VOL. III.
7
98
LACHESIS.
usual time; restless sleep and many dreams, with anxiety; many dreams of his home,
with an anxious feeling as though some evil had happened to him; sleep restless.
Disagreeable feeling of warmth over whole body without perspiration, in e. ;* strong-
smelling perspiration in axillæ, smelling like garlic. (Ibid.)
;
5. BEHLERT, from 30th dil. Vertigo while sitting (1st d.); headache extending
into nose; fine- and deep-sticking headache; headache in forehead, at times (5th d.);
writhing in forehead above r. eye (1st d.); sudden shooting in forehead (followed by
throbbing headache that she has often had formerly); tearing-sticking in forehead,
across, above eyebrows; tearing in forehead above eyebrows, also as if in the bones,
in m. (5th d.); tearing extending upwards from ears to temples. Stitches in eyes,
also hot burning stitches; something shoots from brow down into the lashes (3rd d.);
sticking in r. lid from above down to the lashes (1st d.); hot stitches shoot internally
from brows down to lashes, first in l., then in r. side (4th d.); flickering before eyes,
as from threads, or rays of sun. Throbbing in bones behind ear; ringing in ears,
and some whirring as from insects, and tearing; roaring in 1. ear (1st d.); whirring,
as from insects in ears (2nd d.), it seems to extend back into head (5th d.), and con-
tinues to 7th d. Tensive burrowing beneath r. nostril, followed by biting across
under nose (1st d.); tearing from upper part of r. forehead to nose (7th d.). Feeling
of stiffness in malar bone coming from cervical glands; feeling as though something
were screwing and burrowing in r. zygoma, also in flesh (4th d.); tearing in zygoma
extending into ear (7th d.); burrowing beneath 1. ear near jaw and in sterno-mastoid,
as in erysipelas, followed by same sensation on other side, e. (4th d.). Fine constric-
tion on l. side of root of tongue (5th d.); burning and dryness on palate, with thirst
(after taking acids); pressure in palate as if it came from stomach (5th d.). Dryness
in throat, with thirst and nausea; feeling as if tendons were drawing throat up to
palate, with pressure as after swallowing astringent pears (3rd d.); pressure in throat,
as though a plug were in it (after acids); pressure in throat as from something
astringent; pressure in l. cervical muscles, especially sterno-mastoid, extending upward
and round head, like a headache; throbbing in front, in cervical glands, afterwards
extending up into malar bones, which feel stiff. Burning eructations of dry air
nausea with vomiting and thirst; burrowing as from a worm in stomach; sensation as
though something were drawn up into a ball in stomach and intestines, almost every
d.; pressure in epigastric region, extending towards heart; pressure in pit of stomach
while lying down, but especially on moving; stitching extending from stomach to
chest; feeling as though something were gnawing in stomach, though without pain,
followed by gnawing in both sides, extending across under ribs deep in abdomen
(3rd d.); jumping throbbing in pit of stomach, and extending up under ribs,
followed by sensation as though something pressed from pit of stomach towards
heart (3rd d.). Sticking in the sides beneath ribs (2nd d.); gnawing on both sides.
beneath ribs, deep in abdomen; tearing in r. of abdomen (7th d.); tearing from both
sides of abdomen towards middle, deeply seated (3rd d.); stitch near r. ilium extending
internally through abdomen and chest into 1. shoulder, the same also on other side,
from the 1. below to the r. above (6th d.); gnawing pain in lower portion of inguinal
region, near bone, disappears and returns through whole d. (2nd d.). Pressure in
anus as for stool, followed by a somewhat soft stool (after vinegar); throbbing in
anus and small of back. Tickling-itching extending from thighs into genitals, which
became swollen, with a voluptuous sensation, sexual desire, and tickling, then a
cramplike contraction in uterus, extending into r. side of abdomen, thence into
breast (in a circular direction), with heat and apprehensiveness,-together with these
sensations there is a tickling in anus, which extends into region of kidneys, and
thence up to between the shoulders, as if between the skin and flesh. Twisting or
turning about in pit of throat (4th-6th d.). Pain extending inward in lower portion
of ribs; pressing pain extending from chest to stomach; stitches through chest from
abdomen to shoulder; soreness of chest ; stitches in lower portion of forepart of chest,
extending inward (1st d.); burrowing like a worm in forepart of r. side of chest,
extending towards 1. side, and seeming to be in stomach, afterwards a stitch as if
extending from stomach internally upward between the flesh and bones in middle of
* In a cold climate, and at a cold time of the year.
+ She had a similar sensation several years before, which now reappeared after
taking Lachesis.
LACHESIS
99
chest to vicinity of breasts; feeling as though labour pains extended up into the
breasts, almost every d. (causticum relieved); pressure beneath breast, and drawing
extending upward (4th d.). Feeling of constriction about heart. Sticking in back
from below upwards (1st d.); tearing in scapula, more in r., also in shoulders
(7th d.); tearing between shoulders and in cervical vertebræ (4th d.); pain in small
of the back, with yawning and stretching of the arms and legs, as in fever (after
acids); burning, apparently between the skin and flesh, seeming as though it came
from small of back (after acids); sticking-burning in small of back, extending
upward; throbbing in small of back and anus, with drawing in all the limbs.
Stretching of limbs and feeling about heart as if it were constricted (after acids);
frequent tearing pains in both arms and legs, with cramp ; twitching in arms and legs,
and at same time creeping from 1. shoulder to head. Arms so weak that she is
unable to to raise them, they fall down again; pains in arms as if internally in bones
(after acids); sudden tearing downward through arms (4th d.); turning about in the
muscular margins of axillæ, more towards r. side, as in erysipelas (3rd. d.); tearing
through r. arm, less in 1. (5th d.); stitches from abdomen to shoulder; tearing in
bone of upper arm, and outward through flesh (after acids); tearing in forearm
(7th d.); aching in joints of wrists, extending to elbow (6th d.); cramp between
metacarpal bones of 4th and 5th fingers (3rd d.); gnawing and crawling in bones
and flesh of r. 3rd and 4th fingers, also under nails, as though something were
boring and burrowing from backs of fingers through and through and upward, but
without pain. Drawing extending up legs; frequent tearing in thighs, extending to
the knees, as if in bones; she was obliged to move feet up and down, otherwise legs
would jerk up and cause uneasiness in whole body, together with tearing extending
up leg (5th d.); sticking in legs with changes of wind and weather; tearing extending
up the leg, with uneasiness in the knees; feeling in the r. calf as if asleep, afterwards
in whole leg (7th d.); she was obliged to move feet, otherwise legs jerked upward
intolerably, followed by fine drawing extending up leg like a crawling; tension in
tendons beginning at heel (before a snow-storm); cramp in forepart of foot; cramp-
like feeling in foot, which draws up toes (4th d.); feeling as though something were
digging beneath r. toe-nails and pushing them up; drawing extending from toes
upward; stitches as with needles in toes, extending upward (5th d.). Stretching of
the whole body, commencing in the toes and going to the fingers; tearings, now in
one place, now in another, on several d. Red pimples here and there on body, with
at times tickling in them, scratching causes pain, tickling is worse in bed, she is
unable to sleep on account of the biting-itching, is frequently wide awake (1st n.);
desquamation of skin of forehead, with biting-itching; biting in the lobule of the
ear, afterwards pimples on it; several small pimples on forehead and cheeks (some d.
after dose); burning in skin (after taking acids); sticking-burning everywhere in
skin, especially starting in small of back; sticking in skin commencing rather deep
in flesh, and sticking outward through skin; very fine stitches deep in skin, extending
outward through it. Yawning (3rd d.); yawning with stretching; yawning with
nausea, and dryness of throat, as if thirsty. Chilliness in back, commencing in small
of back; cold feeling on r. ankle (7th d.); creeping from 1. shoulder to the head; a
kind of fever commencing at 3 a.m.,-drawing from the toes upward and urging to
stool, with frequent soft stool during the whole time, then drawing in r. side and in
the anus, extending up into chest and r. region of kidneys, with some sensation of
warmth, together with pressure in the chest and sighing (and a pressure about the
heart lasting a few d.), followed by chilliness and stretching, with some thirst, shaking
chill in open air, afterwards a creeping from anus up into the head, with dulness,
vertigo, roaring in ears, dazzling before eyes, weakness of the arms, crawling about
and twitching in flesh, even in bones, together with yellow colour of face,-frequently
recurring, always after taking vinegar; a feverish condition always after eating
salt things. (Ibid.)
·
6. DETWILLER, from 30th dil. Giddy pressive headache; headache in fore-
noon; violent itching on scalp and over whole body. Violent pain in r. eye in a
person who had been blind more than ten years, though without pain; fog before
eyes, in e. a bluish-grey ring, about 6 inches in diameter, around the light; a
beautiful bright blue ring about the light, filled with fiery rays (2nd d.), fiery ring
with fiery rays (3rd and 4th d.). Swelling of face with much heat and redness ;
rning pains in face; swelling of cheeks and redness of whole face, repeated after
JorM

100
LACHESIS.
I
2nd dose. Gums bluish red, swollen, and very painful; swelling of gum
of upper
front teeth, with throbbing pain in it, e., next d. it was worse, with burning and throb-
bing; violent painful swelling of gum of anterior lower incisors, 3rd d., disappearing
on 5th d.; gum is painful, with toothache; aphthous and denuded spots on mucous
membrane of buccal cavity, preceded by burning pain and rawness (3rd d., relieved
6th d.); burning and throbbing pain in mouth (2nd d. after 2nd dose); violent
burning in mouth and swelling of lips and gum (3rd d.); violent burning pains in
mouth and face; rawness in mouth and throat; disgusting bad taste in mouth
(3rd d.). Burning in throat; rawness in throat, without hawking of mucus; difficult
swallowing of food and drink, as from hindrance in region of cardiac orifice, small
quantities only can get into stomach after long intervals. Violent pain in region of
spleen while driving, obliging him to stretch out straight, which afforded a little
relief, lasting 2 d., but only while so travelling; stitches in 1. side extending into
chest, so that breathing was very difficult; distension and tearing in abdomen for
4 h., with chilliness; intolerable pains in abdomen with burning and distension.
Disagreeable, dry, scraping feeling at epiglottis and vicinity (1st to 4th d.); hoarse-
ness with burning in throat; respiration difficult on account of stitches in chest.
Stitches in nape of neck and in whole back for 3 d.; sticking in r. arm, with feeling
as if it were asleep, with violent itching in both arms, hips, and lower limbs, disap-
pearing gradually in 10 d. after 2nd dose. Feeling as though arms had fallen asleep,
with sticking in them; violent tearing in 1. shoulder, extending through arm to tips
of fingers in m. (immediately after 2nd dose, and again on 3rd d.); tearing in joints
of r. hand (4th d.). Swelling of 1. leg and foot. Boils inch in diameter near
spine, with violent burning-throbbing pain, disappearing without suppuration; itching
near 1. eye; violent itching on 1. arm; violent itching on hips and lower limbs. Very
violent general chill, with tearing and distension of abdomen; a febrile chill with
thirst and pain in forehead, in e. (Ibid.)
7. GROSS, from 30th dil. A kind of loss of ideas. Headache with vomiting
of food; violent headache, with flickering before eyes, as if nasal catarrh would
break out; pressive headache for 2 d., on 3rd d. congestion to head, with flickering
before eyes in wonderful angular jagged figures, followed by headache and difficult
hearing; tearing in head; boring and sticking on vertex. Eyes become weak,
at a distance he still sees well, but near very indistinctly, especially in e.,-on
reading flickering before eyes, and letters become indistinct. Cracking in front
of ears.
Catarrh and cough with easily loosened expectoration, with moderate
heat of head and hands, dim eyes, violent palpitation of heart, together with
rash over whole body, having appearance of small spots without being elevated,
as large as point of a pin, sleep at n. restless, with moderate perspiration; frequent
attacks of catarrh, which, however, did not fully develop; blowing of blood from
nose, with troubles in trachea. Very bad colour of face, and general discomfort ;
pain in face, tearing above orbit, with vomiting of food.* Toothache extending
through jaw to ear; raging, jerking, tearing, dull sticking in roots of lower teeth,
often extending through upper jaw to ear, periodic, always after waking from sleep,
soon after eating, also from warm and cold drinks. Crawling in throat at n., causing
a short, incessant, hacking cough, during d. sore-throat was still worse. Pain in
throat on taking hold of it, extending even to nape of neck, with sticking always on
swallowing, and scraping on swallowing bread, as if everything were raw, together
with dryness of throat, without actual dryness of tongue. She loses all appetite,
especially for bread and rolls, the usual milk causes nausea, yet everything has a
natural taste; no appetite for breakfast; smoking always causes nausea, for 16 d.
(in one accustomed to it); nausea and pain in stomach. Vomiting; vomiting of
food; forcible vomiting of all food, with pain in head and abdomen; vomiting of
blood; much pain in pit of stomach, constant nausea, with qualmishness and
diarrhoea; she was attacked with the most frightful cramps and pains in stomach
every e. at 5 o'clock, with violent eructations, retching, and vomiting, though only
some mucus was raised, also at other times nausea, with coated tongue and pain in
stomach; pressure in stomach, more or less severe, extending from pit of stomach
into chest, as if one would be taken with colic, or as if from incarceration of flatus.
Abdomen distended as if internal parts were greatly dilated; abdomen frequently
* In a girl at puberty who was pale, with loss of appetite.
Maou

LACHESIS.
101
much distended, with disagreeable sensation as if inner parts or ligaments from
stomach were very much stretched,-on this account she was obliged to wear the
clothes, especially about the stomach, very loose, otherwise it was very distressing,
and even in bed she was obliged to loosen and pull up the night-dress to avoid
pressure, she dared not lay arm across abdomen on account of pressure
a certain
tension and flatulence in abdomen prevents her from walking far; violent cramps in
abdomen during menstruation, it seems as though a knife were thrust through
abdomen; colic with vomiting of all food; attacks of colic after confinement with
return of other previous symptoms; pain in intestines caused by shock of cough.
Discharge of blood from anus. Natural evacuation, followed again by diarrhoea;
diarrhoea-like stools 5 or 6 times daily. A few d. before and after menses urine at
first clear, after standing awhile deposited thick sediment like a beaten egg,-there-
with peculiar sensation in bladder, not exactly painful, but very disagreeable, and
associated with a certain desire to urinate. Emissions 3 e. in succession, which never
happened before, followed by decided weakness and even headache; emission several
times at n. and profuse sweat; menses recurred after 3 weeks (they usually returned
every 28 d.). Feeling as though a plug were fixed in larynx, which moved up and
down, with a short cough, is unable to lie down, blows bloody and purulent matter
from nose; if lungs are irritated in any manner, as, for example, by tobacco smoke,
a violent irritation frequently causes uninterrupted cough for a m., so that chest is
most violently racked, and all the blood driven to the head and face; spitting of
blood; unable to get breath, must sit up, then rattling of mucus with alternations of
coldness and heat in pit of stomach, and general chilliness and flushes of heat, risings
into œsophagus with efforts to vomit, whereby only mucus is raised, which collects
in the mouth in large quantities (after 48 h.); the chest feels swollen, with violent
pains in it, dares not touch it at n.; pains in 1. side beneath breast, &c. A former
paralytic and sprain-like pain in small of back became far more acute; dull stitches
(jerks) in small of back on every motion, so painful that they distorted the features.
Limbs stiffly outstretched, head bent back, eyes distorted, for ½ m.
A kind of para-
lysis of 1. shoulder in m. on rising, as from lying in an uncomfortable position, it
however continues and afterwards recurs, but especially in m. when dressing and on
bending arm backward; tearing in 1. hand, extending into upper arm. A former
tearing in 1. hip returns; posterior portion of thigh, especially towards knee, becomes
painful as if swollen, knee is swollen with intolerable pain, especially in hollow,
chiefly on touch; knee is thick, painful on standing, he can scarcely walk, and only
after walking awhile is it endurable; tension in knee, stretching it out was very
difficult; frequent violent tearing in feet, especially in e., with heat in them.
Con-
stant and fatiguing labour does not agree with him, he soon becomes weary; weak.
ness, especially of arms,—of legs; great weakness now and then during d.; great
weakness in m. after rising, she constantly desired to sink down again, on the
slightest exertion the arms sank down exhausted, therewith she felt her heart beat,
often also in e. she was very weak, so that she could not remain up long; he would
constantly sink down from weakness. Constantly very sick for 10 d. before the
menses, constant beating in temples, headache, and cutting in abdomen, so that she
feared the occurrence of the menses every moment; after confinement all her former
troubles (pain in 1. side beneath breast, tearing in r. foot, violent headache, and
attacks of colic) became again more violent, though only transient. Papular
eruption on r. forearm, afterwards over whole body; pustules, especially on thighs, as
large as head of a pin, surrounded by a red areola, some of them as large as cornea;
a red spot as large as hand appears on 1. shoulder and exudes moisture, small vesicles
suppurate and break; itching between fingers and on knees. Great sleepiness after
supper, he can scarcely keep awake, and in m. he awakes late; sleeps over the usual
time next m.; he is unable to sleep on account of internal restlessness; abdomen and
chest seem swollen, violent pains in chest so that he dares not have anything rest on
the chest; sleep at n. restless, with moderate sweat, catarrh, cough, rash; sleep very
restless, on rising in m. weakness over whole body, especially in arms and feet, after
bad sleep she rises less exhausted than after good one; he awoke at n. about 1 or
2 o'clock, sleep was so light that he heard everything, and from then till m. he was
unable to sleep again, therewith he easily became peevish and mistrustful, with no
appetite for bread. Soon after dose feeling of coldness in stomach, as if an inter-
mittent fever which he had formerly had would suddenly return; violent fever every
102
LACHESIS.
e., with loss of appetite and headache, internal chill with external heat, in e. great
febrile heat which lasted all n. ; moderate heat in head and hands, with nasal catarrh ;
frequently very hot hands and feet with frequent violent tearing in latter, especially
in e., she does not know where she shall put her feet in order to find a cool spot;
slight transient orgasm in chest; perspiration at n. with catarrh and cough; profuse
sweat at times at n. (Ibid.)
8. KUMMER, from 30th dil. Vertigo while standing, going off on sitting, in m.;
dull sensation in head, with nausea, p.m.; feeling of heaviness in head, at 11 a.m.;
feeling of fulness in head all d., some headache next d.; pressure in forehead; head.
ache in both temples. Some aching burning of eyes; aching of eyes, especially 1.;
pressure in 1. eye, afterwards in r.; pressure on r. eye and r. side of forehead,
soon afterwards in 1. temple, a similar pain on r. side of face, as if in a tooth of
upper jaw, afterwards in 1. leg and foot in e. ; pressure on 1. eye and r. shoulder,
immediately, in m.; itching in eyes. Sneezing and very violent catarrh (3rd
d. after 3rd dose), lasting several d., at one time nose was quite stopped, at another
only one side, and then again open and fluent. Pressure in side of face, upper
jaw, and head; dry lips. Crawling in a tooth of r. upper jaw; dryness in
mouth and constriction; unpleasant taste in mouth, like meal or paste; nauseous
taste in mouth, as from stale fat, without having eaten fat. A pain on r. side of
throat; hard pressure on both sides of throat; throat feels closed, as though some-
thing were sticking in pharynx, can scarcely swallow saliva, after supper, lasting all
n. and next d., food and drink cause no difficulty, but saliva can scarcely be swal-
lowed; difficult swallowing at times; pressure in r. side of throat, as from external
Acute
pressure. Nausea and unpleasant feeling as if poisoned, whole afternoon.
pain in abdomen, as if on short ribs, worse on inspiration; peculiar feeling in 1. side
of abdomen, like a violent tension. Hoarseness, with cough; alternations of head-
ache, hoarseness, and tickling in throat in e. on lying down, and violent cough,
together with frequent pains in limbs and other parts; difficult respiration almost all
d. Pain in short ribs, first in r., then in l., then in 1. elbow, then extending to hand;
pains beneath short ribs on breathing; decided pain in 1. side; stitches in 1. side of
chest; needle-like stitches in 1. side and 1. hand. Pain in ischia. Pain in limbs,
after profuse catarrh; drawings in 1. leg from hip to knee, then in r. arm from
shoulder to elbow; pains as if pressed from without, sometimes very violent, though
always transient, in arms, hands, legs, feet, lasting a whole week, together with
itching in eyes, and on 6th d. violent catarrh; jerking in hands and lower extremi-
ties. Paroxysmal pains in r. arm like pressing in bones; pain in elbow, extending to
hand; pain in elbow, as if ulnar nerve were pressed hard (as if nerve were bruised)
pain in ball of r. thumb; stitches in tips of fingers. Feeling of weariness in legs;
short, transient, pressive pains in 1. leg, just above knee, afterwards below it, extending
to foot, afterwards in r. arm and r. ear, in e. while sitting; stitches in r. knee, in I.
leg; pains in 1. leg below knee, still more in ankle, at same time in 1. arm; pressure
in 1. leg and foot after headache; pain in fore part of 1. foot, as if it were pressed
between boards; occasional pain in all the toes, sometimes of r. foot, sometimes of 1. ;
stitches in 1. great toe. Pains here and there when coughing; rheumatic pain, first
in 1. side, then in r., and frequently alternating, at times from r. to 1. and back again,
but always in different places, in the shoulder, arm, wrist, hand, lower extremities,
knee, calf, foot, and teeth; some needle-like stitches, often very violent, in various
parts of the body. Heat of the face; hands disagreeably dry. (Ibid.)
9. REICHHELM, from 30th dil. Indifferent and disinclined to work in forenoon.
Confusion in head in m., with heaviness and blowing of blood from nose, with headache
in forenoon and congestion of head, especially on stooping and walking, in afternoon;
confusion of head in m., with inability to think correctly, does not disappear after sleep,
but remains, with weakness in all the limbs, till e. (4th d.); slight momentary vertigo, at
times, on closing eyes, at 11 a.m. (after 1 h.); heaviness of head in m., followed by pain
in vicinity of r. eye (2nd d.); rush of blood to head, in forenoon, on stooping, together
with headache on r. side, extending towards occiput (17th d.); rush of blood to head
for a few h. in forenoon, especially on stooping, preceded by headache above r. eye
(5th d.); rush of blood to head in afternoon, immediately on stooping, very violent
(7th d.); constriction of head above ears, and pressure in both temples towards ears,
not persistent (after 1 h.); violent pressing pain and congestion to head, in m.
(16th d.); sudden violently pressing pain about upper portion of head, in e., worst in

LACHESIS.
103
I
I
temples, where he feels every step on walking; headache near r. eye (4th d.);
ressure above 1. eye in forenoon (11th d.); pressure, quite severe, in 1. temple,
asting the forenoon; sudden headache on I. side, continuing during forenoon
(15th d.). Eyes are painful on reading; painful burning eyes; pressure about eyes;
aching pressure about eyes, on r. side, extending towards occiput, with heaviness,
confusion, and congestion, especially on stooping (2nd to 17th d.); inflammation of
r. upper lid, as if a stye would form in e. ; lids of both eyes inflamed, with burning
pain, r. upper lid the most, eyes are painful, especially when reading (2nd d.);
itching pains in lids (5th d.), which disappear, but return as a pressive pain in eyes
(15th d.); burning pressure in eyes themselves (18th d.); swelling like an incipient
stye (that he had only seldom had) in l. lid, like small pimples, but more prominent
and not so deep in skin, acute sticking pressure in r. upper lid, lasting abouth.;
some burning-itching pains in the lids. Cutting pain in upper part of 1. outer ear,
not very perceptible except when touched, in e., most painful during 1st n., lasting
over 8 d.; stitch-like itching in ears. Yellow mucus from nose and throat, following
stopped catarrh d. previous, preceded for a week by hoarseness and mucus in throat.
Pressive pain on r. malar bone, more towards eye, also on r. knee towards inner side
(12th d.). Much mucus in back part of throat, then in nose, mostly with sweetish
taste (2nd to 14th d.); can endure nothing tight on throat, nausea is at times caused
thereby (8th d., and lasting 2 weeks). He awoke at 2 a.m. with general nausea and
oppression of the chest, pressure in stomach, and, after an h., violent vomiting,
followed by some colic, afterwards again violent spasmodic vomiting, at last
vomiting of bile, with transient vertigo, accompanied by profuse sweat,-from 6 to 9,
diarrhoea 4 times, together with burning in urethra on urinating, followed next d. by
general weakness and pressive headache; feeling of emptiness in stomach in afternoon,
and hunger, though he had eaten well at dinner; peculiar feeling of emptiness in
stomach at n., although he had eaten a good supper; pressure in pit of stomach (after
1 h.), associated with drawing-pressive sensation downward into abdomen towards
umbilicus, painful to touch, lasting about 4 h., with feeling of warmth in chest.
Tensive pressure beneath pit of stomach, extending towards umbilicus, in the after-
noon, lasting 1 h. Pressure upon bladder to urinate at noon, same repeated next d.
in e., with emission of some semen (or prostatic fluid), which looked milky; cutting
in urethra; great desire to urinate at n., slight cutting in urethra and pressive sensa-
tion in testicles from above downward, as if a hernia would protrude, lasting 4 d.
Pressive pain in r. side of scrotum in m., lasting about 24 h. (7th d.); pressing
dragging upon testicles, not violent, lasting 2 h. in e. Constant hoarseness (from 2nd
to 14th d.), with much mucus in back of throat and a sweetish taste,-on 15th d. some
mucus is loosened, and a discharge from nose takes place, especially in m.,-on 16th
d. in m. almost a stopped catarrh, afterwards whitish yellow mucus in nose and
throat. Tightness of chest (10th d.) following pressing pains in chest the d. pre-
vious; pressing pains in chest, lasting whole afternoon, together with pressing pains
towards stomach; in e. frequent pulse, and at n. pains in chest (6th d.),—
still more on next m., afterwards violent pressing pains. Pulse increased, full and
hard, after moderate exertion, with profuse sweat in e. Sensation in 1. elbow, when
touched, as painful as if a piece of glass were sticking in it, though nothing was to
be seen, lasting 2 d. Pressive pain in r. knee, extending inward. Weakness in m.
in all limbs, inclined to sleep, general exhaustion, even to lying down, better after
lying down, therewith inactive, sad, disinclined to work, indifferent or gloomy, as
after a night's debauch, physically prostrated and mentally indolent (2nd to 16th d.);
sticking sensation over the whole body, loins, face, in e., worse in n., also lasting
next d. (after 3 doses). Pimples, especially on hairy portion of genitals (2nd d.);
several pimples on body (8th d.), afterwards here and there on genitals, arms, face,
&c.; pimples on arms; sticking-burning inflamed tetter as large as a pea on a toe on
r. foot that was somewhat exposed to pressure, the pain lasted 8 h., the spot 3 d.;
pimples half as large as a pin's head on face, with pus, afterwards also on upper lip
beneath nose, on brows, and on chest, they disappear next d., but return (also on
other parts) for a week; itching on body as from ants, especially on loins (18th and
19th d.) (following phosphoric acid as an antidote), the itching was the same as had
* After phosphoric acid, ineffectually taken as an antidote.
After phosphoric acid,

104
LACHESIS.
occurred in a former proving, immediately after Lachesis; sticking-itching o
whole body, face, and scalp, as from ants, in afternoon, worse at n., accompanied b
burning pain, and lasting till next forenoon, but then without burning. Inclination
to sleep, with weakness in all limbs, in forenoon (3rd and 9th d.). A feeling of
warmth externally in lower chest, r. side, as from a stove* (1 h. after dose), it
extended after ½ h. as high up as axilla, lasting h., with pressure in stomach; per-
spiration profuse, with increased, full, hard pulse, after moderate exertion, in e.,-on
previous and following mornings was physically relaxed. (Ibid.)
10. ROEMIG, from 30th dil. Does not remember what has just happened;
dulness in head, so that he could remember nothing that had just happened, feels con-
fused in head and distracted. Pressure inwards in forehead, it disappears in open air
and on moving about, but returns when sitting still in house (2 e.). Bleeding of
gum; feeling as of pepper dust on tongue, with accumulation of saliva in mouth,
immediately; salivation, with biting on tongue. Nausea an h. after dinner, and in
afternoon; nausea at times almost amounting to vomiting, with kind of aversion to
food, and with headache, for several d., the nausea is very peculiar, as if it were in a
single place in stomach, extremely disagreeable, immediately caused by looking at
sugar of milk, even at a globule, and even by thought of it. Pain transversely across
umbilical region, in m., immediately after rising; sticking from within outward, in 1.
side of abdomen in e. Great itching in anus, in m. Thin stool in m. (after a few
d.). Urine dark yellow, of colour of new copper coin, staining linen yellow, and
depositing cloudy sediment, for several weeks. Want of sexual desire for several
weeks. Stitches in 1. nipple. Indolent, disinclined for business or study. Pain as if
burnt on different places on tibia, at first itching, but after rubbing there appeared
rather sensitive spots as large as a shilling, with dark blue-red margins and dry scurf;
itching and papulous eruption on elbow-joint; itching over whole body,-in various
places, especially lower leg and loins, also on upper arm, in e. Very sleepy in after.
noon; falls asleep early in e.
11. WESSELHOEFT, from 30th dil. Impatient, desires positive answers when
this is not practicable; unusually contentious and obstinate, so that he quarrels with
everything about him; so quarrelsome that he disputes with a mother about the age
of her daughters, and affirms the younger to be the elder; writes a letter with numerous
mistakes in spelling, without noticing them himself (in one who hardly ever made
such mistakes). The throat feels swollen when swallowing; rawness in throat and
swelling, painful on swallowing, especially on drinking; liquids cause more difficulty
in swallowing than solid food. Stitches low down in fore part of abdomen. Cough
in e. ; violent, dry cough in e., with pain in trachea and horrible taste to expectoration
as after eating salt fish. Itching on sides and short ribs towards umbilicus, in m.,
where there are red spots like bug-bites, increased in e. while walking, still worse in
bed, at same time there are white hives on 1. scapula, also involving whole back, on
next m. these hives were red (3rd and 4th d.); small pimples. not unlike the vesicles
of scabies, on face. (Ibid.)
·
12. KEHR, from 30th dil. Congestion to head (8th d.). Burning in eyes (after
8th dose); flickering and jerking in r. eye, with violent congestion to head,
relieved by moving about in open air. Stopped catarrh and dryness of nose.
Frequent eructations of sour water an h. after dinner.
after dinner. Hæmorrhoidal troubles, with
rush of blood to head (after 8th dose). Constipation (after 8th dose). Frequent
desire to urinate, without much discharge, drawing pains in small of back, which
extend to hips (after 7th dose). Larynx affected; cough in e. ; dry cough in e., and
always with first cough a stitch through air-passages. Drawing pains in sacrum;
intolerable drawing in sacrum and down into legs, especially noticed in ischia,
frequently in e.; drawing extending from sacrum up back; drawing extending from
back to hips, with urging to urinate. Drawing pains in shoulder-joint, in e.
Jerkings; paralysed feeling, especially in knee-joints, which gradually goes off while
walking. (Ibid.)
13. KOTH, from 30th dil. Throbbing in both temples, in m. on waking,
lasting h. (2nd d.). Pressive pain in r. orbit on moving lids (5th and 6th d.); he
frequently wipes r. eye, thinking there is something on ball, with pressive pains in
orbit; dimness of r. eye by candlelight, as if dust were on ball (5th and 6th d.), worse
* In a hot climate, and at a hot time of the year.
LACHESIS.
105
after a new dose; slight dimness of both eyes, more of r. Thundering in both ears.
Throat feels swollen always on swallowing, for h., afterwards again pain on
swallowing; pressure in throat on swallowing, as if a painful lump were in it; throat
feels ulcerated on swallowing. Three watery stools, with burning in anus, in e.
(2nd d.). Stitch through trachea, irritation to cough and dry cough. Pains in
Once in e.,
small of back, as if lame and weak. Vesicular eruption on 1. nostril.
violent chill, with chattering of teeth, and a feeling as of trismus. (Ibid.)
14. MATLACK, from 30th dil. Aching or pressive headache deep in forehead
and 1. temple. Feeling as if a crumb of bread remained sticking in throat, obliging
her to swallow, somewhat relieved by hawking; audible beating of carotids, and
feeling of throbbing in chest and abdomen. Hunger, cannot wait for food; feeling
of great hunger in stomach, as though one had to wait a long time for food.
Rumbling and gurgling in abdomen; feeling of emptiness in abdomen. Soft stools
of a bright yellow colour (6th d.); a soft but consistent stool (3rd d.). Frequent
micturition. Cough seems to be excited by increased secretion of fluid in larynx.
Throbbing in chest and abdomen. Rheumatic pains in posterior portion of thigh.
Small red pimples on forehead near root of nose. Sleepiness in forenoon. Burning
in palms of hands and soles of feet. (Ibid.)
A
15. DE YOUNG, from 30th. Tensive pain in head, better from pressure.
roaring in it, it feels hot, much sneezing and fluent catarrh and hard stool (after 7th
dose); tensive pain in whole head, better in open air and from pressure, with an
indolent, hard stool (after the 6th dose); headache, with nasal catarrh, full, hard
pulse, and drawings in legs, pain as if swollen in angle in front of styloid process,
worse when pressing upon it. L. half of tongue swollen, feeling as though it were
effect of mercury, soon after rheumatic pains. Swallowing difficult, it seems as
though something were in throat that obliged swallowing (after 9th dose); swelling
of r. cervical muscles, painful when taken hold of (after 4th dose). Larynx swollen,
sore, raw, scraping somewhat also on pressing upon it, at same time is obliged to
swallow (after 9th dose), the same on following d. rather increased; larynx seems
tensively swollen, and swallowing is difficult (4 h. after 6th dose); some hoarseness
for several d. Stitches in chest; stitches through chest, when coughing; stitches in
1. chest, not much worse on inspiration and coughing, afterwards some drawing pain
in r. metacarpus, soon disappearing; stiffness and pain on pressure at insertion of
sterno-mastoid muscle; stitches in 1. side of chest, worse when coughing and breathing,
together with sticking pains in 1. knee, drawing in fibula and down into foot, stitches
in r. ankle. Swelling of muscles of forearm, painful when grasping anything, 1 h.
after 3rd dose, disappearing during n.; tearing along ulnar side of 1. carpus and
metacarpus, extending to tips of both outer fingers, it is not so violent on r. side,
still worse on 2nd d.; sticking pains in both hands, soon disappearing. Paralysed
feeling in both recti muscles of thigh, which also feel swollen, disappearing overnight;
drawing pain, as from swelling, in both knees, a sticking (after 1 h.); crawling pain
in r. knee down forepart of tibia to dorsum of foot and toes; drawing pain from
both knees to tarsal joints; pain in tarsal bones; stitches in r. malleolus. After 7 doses
symptoms became violent and constant, especially headache and catarrh, he then
smelled of Lachesis 30th, whereupon everything was speedily relieved, especially the
catarrh, and after 3 to 4 d. it disappeared. Small tubercles on r. forearm (5th d.),
these gradually extend over whole body, except face, chest, and abdomen, very violent
itching at n. in bed, afterwards eruption assumed different character, partly larger,
like nettles, hives, or insect bites, partly, after scratching, becoming like scarlatina,
or roseola, or prickly heat, and disappeared the 2nd d. (in June). (Ibid.)
16. HELFFRICH, from 30th. Dull headache in forehead (after 2nd and 3rd h.).
Difficult hearing. Qualmishness, with feeling as if he were very sick, was awakened
thereby from a sound sleep, lasting several m. (4th d.). Pain as from a sprain in r.
wrist, in e., on exerting it (5th d.). (Ibid.)
17. SCHMOLE, from 30th. Sticking drawing pain in r. eye, extending up to
vertex, in afternoon, lasting several m., eyes sensitive to light. Whole r. side of
throat is in a very painful condition, and slightest pressure with finger increases the
pain. Qualmishness and aching in abdomen and epigastric region, as if he would be
faint, a few m. after 4th dose, was obliged to loosen his clothes. Pain in abdomen,
in umbilical region, as from diarrhoea, all d. Urging to stool at times without result,
after 3 days; absence of stool, followed at last by scanty stool after great pressure,
106
LACHESIS.
with pains as if sphincter would be forcibly pressed asunder. Overpowering sleepi
ness in e., even during very interesting conversation with his friends can hardly keep
awake; sleepy in e. earlier than usual; very sleepy in afternoon; dreams the whole n.
concerning occurrences and business of d.; dreams of being accnsed of theft,-of a
haughty earl, on whom he is determined to take vengeance, and therefore he has
knives lying ready at hand in order to make use of them when the earl comes and
shows himself insolent. (Ibid.)
18. LINGEN, from 30th. Catarrh, which would not develop for long time, at last
came on fluent, with sneezing; a sore spot beneath the nose that bleeds very much.
(Ibid.)
19. Dr. H. B. FELLOWS took for a cough, being otherwise well, 5 pellets of 30th
at 9 a.m., July 4th, 1864. Soon after noon began to feel great heaviness and
lassitude all through body, particularly in back and legs; this increased in afternoon,
but after supper partially passed off. Retired soon after 9; legs still ached all
through, but especially about knees. 5th.-All well till after breakfast, when legs
began to ache as on previous e.; they also felt very heavy. Same feelings, though in
less degree, in shoulders and arms. General lassitude more marked than yesterday.
Felt better after dinner. In e., while walking, pain deep in 1. ear, or between ear
and throat, worse when putting temporal and masseter muscles in tension; this pain
soon subsided, and one came just above 1. external malleolus, increasing on stepping,
and lasting some time. On 6th and 7th lassitude still persisted, but he otherwise felt
well. (Am. Hom. Rev., V, 411.)
20. Dr. METCALF prescribed for a young lady, suffering from chronic headache,
a dose of Lachesis 30 every n. for 6 n. At the end of the time she complained of a
new and annoying symptom. After taking 2 or 3 doses she had every evening from
about 9 o'clock a little fluttering, nervous cough, apparently excited by tickling in
the larynx, unattended by pain, expectoration, or any symptom of a cold. It came at
no other time, and ceased on her going to sleep. The Lachesis was discontinued, and
the annoyance disappeared. (N. Am. Journ. of Hom., ii, 158.)
II. Poisonings.-1. The following are given by HERING as effects of
bite of snake. Loss of consciousness, with vomiting and purging; loss
of consciousness (2 d. after), with somewhat irregular motions of limbs,
covered with cold, clammy sweat, pulse small, slow, almost imper-
ceptible; loss of consciousness with loss of strength and disappearance
of the pulse. Vertigo (chronic result); a condition similar to intoxi-
cation. Expression of pain in face with coma; face swollen, generally
puffy; dryness in mouth and thirst. Constant inclination to vomit,
with anxiety and oppression of chest. Neither stool nor urine for
7 d. (secondary effect). Pulse small and rapid, with hot skin. Bitten.
limbs became inflamed and swollen. Faintness and coldness, so that
all the limbs became stiff, and he sank to the earth powerless (after
2 h. he was found as above, and died in spite of all remedies: from bite
of a serpent, "boschmeister," similar to the curucucu, in an Indian who
had been bitten above elbow). He falls unconscious to ground, as if
struck by lightning, has an involuntary stool and vomits; intolerable
pains extending from the hand that is bitten to the chest ; the place of the
bite became gangrenous, hands and fingers became swollen and insensible,
the inflammation extended to arm, swelling to shoulder, here and there
gangrenous blisters (arm was amputated). Constant sleeplessness, very
much exhausted. Constant fever with dry skin, dry mouth, and
constant thirst; dry burning skin, dry coated tongue, constant thirst,
small rapid pulse, weak eyes. (Op. cit.)
2. While engaged in a hand-to-hand conflict with yellow fever last
year, I received a hurried call fifteen miles away to see a case of
"snake-bite." My informant was a brother to the victim, and in
LACHESIS.
107
sore.
response to my questions said: "Hain't bin doin' nuthin. Hain't
no whisky on the mountain, and hit's a dd copperhead, doctor."
Now this reptile is deemed by all mountaineers the most vicious and
dangerous-striking silently, swiftly, deeply, and often fatally. I had
never treated a case of this character, and therefore gladly seized this
opportunity of witnessing and learning something new. So, turning
my yellow fever patients over to a co-labourer, I rode to the cabin of
my new patient on the mountain, and arrived about 7 h. after he had
received his wound. When I entered the room the pitiable, trembling
victim was lying on a couch before me. He was about 21 years old,
heavy built, of sanguine-lymphatic temperament.
His r. arm was
bandaged, and his hand covered with saturated tobacco. Standing by
his side I remarked the following symptoms: Trembling all over,
rigors, hurried, laborious breathing; flushed face, eyes bloodshot and
suffused with tears, great anxiety, voice tremulous and weak, extre-
mities cold, pulse 110 to 115, small, jerky, wiry. Laying his hand over
his heart, he said: "Here, doctor, I suffer the most. Hit's powerful
I know I'll die." Heart's action tumultuous, slight nausea,
tenderness over the epigastric region, intense headache, photophobia,
severe aching in back and limbs, tongue flat, spongy, with red edges;
much mucus. When I had stripped off the bandages I discovered two
small, penetrating wounds on the dorsal surface of the hand, near the
knuckle of the second finger, about three fourths of an inch apart, from
which oozed a watery substance, and around which the tissues were of
a greenish hue, shading off into yellow from the wound. His hand
was considerably swollen, as was also the arm up to the shoulder. I
was surprised to see in the totality of the symptoms such a fac-simile of
the train of terrible symptoms I was combating in the city. The case
was a miniature mirror, reflecting, as it were, the condition of my
patients in the city. With much confidence thought sped along the
track of theory to conclusions; from conclusions rapidly to action,
thus: First stage of blood poison; its similar, first stage of yellow
fever. Decision: Acon. 1st, I dr. to 5 oz. water; 1 teaspoonful
every 30 m. till reaction sets in and perspiration freely follows, then
every h.
I ordered his hand plunged in as hot water as could be
borne; hot bricks around and extra clothing over the patient. Result:
Free perspiration in 1 h., with great improvement in his condition.
Passed n. comfortably, and at 9 a.m., 24 hours from the time he was
poisoned, I found him resting easy. A marked yellow tinge of the
entire surface, with eyes and tongue deeply tinged; a general stiffness
and soreness, with "tired feeling," took the place of the intense pain
of the few hours previous; heart still painful. The next day he was
up, presenting all the appearance of one who had shaken hands with
"Bronze John" upon short acquaintance and could not let go; a deep
yellow pervaded the entire surface of his body. A month later I met
the patient again. His hand was still puffy, with a general soreness
upon pressure. (D. G. CURTIS, M.D., Amer. Hom., Nov., 1879.)
108
LACTUCA.
LACTUCA.
Lactuca virosa, L. Strong-scented lettuce. Nat. Ord., Compositæ.
I. Provings.-1. Man, robust and healthy, made several experiments.
a. In Feb., e., he took 10 dr. of tinct. Immediately slight vertigo; in 10
m. hammering burning pain, transient, at a small spot in r. chest; on retiring,
sensation as if body swam in bed; sleep profound, but full of dreams; m., in
bed, flying pinchings in epigastrium; after 8 h, on rising, head empty, with
pressure from within outwards, in forehead and orbits; 2 h. later some dull
shoots, and afterwards tension in 1. ear; p.m., while sitting, painful vibration in
limbs. Without note of time,-weight and pressure in occiput; vision a little
troubled, with burning in eyes; after a soft stool, pressure in anus; after moderate
exercise slight bubbling and oppression in chest; when he sneezes, whole chest feels
sore; sense of heat in some fingers, leaving weakness in them; drawing in arms,
especially from elbows.
b. In March took 20 dr. in m. During first hours some dull shocks in temporal
region; soon after, slight burning in throat, dull drawing in r. elbow; in h.
transient pinching above eyebrows; in h. humming and fulness in head, stool, with
feeling of weakness and general lassitude, he would like to sleep, yawns and has flow
of saliva into mouth, of acid taste; in 3 h. sense of pressive weight in abdomen after
breakfast; in 1 h. biting pain in inner angle of 1. eye; in depth of chest sense of
constriction, with weight, oppression, and heat, increasing and diminishing periodi-
cally through d.; in 24 h. desire for stool, with feeling of great weakness,-stool
is, however, scanty and difficult; in 8 h. nausea and cramp at pit of stomach; on 1st
d. transient drawing in anus; after working a short time in his room, felt as poorly
and weak as after great fatigue; dull drawing and sense of weakness in r. arm; on
3rd d., great oppression of chest, with periodical constrictive pains at various points.
Coryza, which leaves in nose a sore feeling, with dryness.
c. In April took 30 dr. Soon, sneezing with sore pain in chest. Inh. sense
of creeping and tension in face; in h. painful pinching in belly after breakfast;
spasmodic tensive pain in muscles of r. side of neck; in 3 h. eating bread and butter
leaves bitter taste in mouth; soon after, on sneezing, violent painful burning in chest,
which afterwards changes into pressure; in 1 h. stool with general weakness, yawn-
ing, desire for sleep, and watering of mouth; in 2 h. dull shoots in r. chest, which
leave there sensation as of convulsive twitching; on 1st d. frequent eructations, and
dull drawing in 1. upper arm; on 1st and 2nd d. burning pain in lids, especially of r.
eye, with disturbed vision and dilated pupils; frequent eructation.
d. In July took 20 dr. m. Soon after, pressive pain, with sensation of enlarge-
ment in globe of r. eye, and weakness of eyes; in h. and 3 h. twitching in 1. thigh;
in 1 h. dull and weighing-down pain in occiput; in 2 h. tearing pain in r. forearm,
followed by sense of paralysis in little finger; in 3 h. same in r. temporal region; in
I
5
h. sudden development of a painful spot near crown, pain aggravated by pressure;
from 1st to 4th d. considerable collection of urine in bladder, causing pressure
there; on 1st d. sense of fermentation in chest, causing sudden but transient oppres-
sion, followed by spasmodic pains externally; on 2nd and 3rd d. slight cuttings and
pinchings at different parts of abdomen.
e. In Sept. took i gr. of milky juice triturated with milk-sugar. In some m.
heat of face, with sense of swelling and tremor of lips; in h. constriction and pres-
sure in upper part of chest, with oppression and desire to yawn and stretch; in 20 m.
tension in muscles of neck, both sides; in h. acrid and sour eructations. Without
note of time,—vertigo and heaviness in limbs; compressive pain in occiput; slight
and transient heat in eyes; paroxysmal drawing in ears; saliva more copious than
usual; dull shoots in lower part of r. chest, going towards back; frequent attacks of
oppression of chest, as if weight were upon it, obliging deep breathing (yawning and
stretching relieve momentarily); painful twitchings in hands; dull drawing pain
and sense of stiffness in r. leg, ascending sometimes to haunch; drawing and stagnant
feeling in r. leg, especially in repose.
f. In Dec. took 3 gr. of spirituous extract in water. Soon after, vertigo and
LACTUCA.
109
weight in head, especially at back, lasting a long time; some sharp shoots under 1.
false ribs; much eructation; in h. same from r. hypochondrium to back, leaving
dull pain; in 1 h. sense of fermentation rising from abdomen to chest; whole chest
is full, painful, as if bruised, and he feels a slight tremor there; while sitting bent
forward, frequent desire to breathe deeply; in 2 h. stool, preceded by urging and
pinching; in 8 h. slight quivering of lips; on rising from seat, tension in hams and
thighs as though they were broken; in 10 h. pressive pain from within outwards,
continuous in 1. temporal region, sometimes extending through whole head; on 1st
d. slight burning in eyelids while writing; humming in ears, e. in bed; pressure and
fulness at pit of stomach; periodical pinchings above umbilicus, increased by crossing
thighs (also 2nd and 3rd d.); strong pressure in middle of chest, and at other parts of
it, with constriction (also 2nd d.); dull shoots from 1. chest to scapula; pressure and
working in chest, compelling rapid breathing; trembling and weakness in legs; on
2nd d. less appetite for dinner; during and after meal, strong pinchings and cuttings
in epigastrium, forcing him to bend double; insufficient stool; sense of pressure and
tenesmus in vesical region; dull drawing at root of penis (also 3rd d.); tickling in
throat, compelling cough several times; cold feet (also 3rd d.); but little sleep,
without particular agitation; 3rd d., a pinching in bowels caused by flatulence; on the
first days, collection of viscid mucus in throat and increased secretion of urine; 5th d.,
repeated severe stitches through spleen. Without note of time,—some acrid eructa-
tions p.m.; oppression of whole chest, constrictive and dully lancinating pain, fixing
itself in upper part of 1. chest, whence periodically it spreads farther; in walking in
open air, strange sense of weight on chest; a constrictive pain periodically traverses
back in different directions; lethargic sleep at n., he cannot awake in m.; extreme
vexation at trifling cause.
g. In Jan. took 4 gr. of same. Inh. vertigo in a warm room and sensation
as if head were too full; after some h., in open air, he feels extraordinary lightness;
in 8 h. urging to urinate, with periodical drawing in glans, traversing whole body;
in 12 h., after slight mental strain, pressive frontal headache, involving eyes; on ist
d., in m., vertigo on moving briskly upper part of body, and, while at rest, trembling
and pulsation of head; all p.m. pressive weight in occiput; sight periodically troubled
for a moment by a slight veil, which spreads over eyes; whole afternoon pressive
weight in occiput; slightest cough shakes head painfully, and for a long time leaves
there murmuring and pressure; some dull shocks in hypochondria, especially r.; on
2nd d. painful erections in m. in bed; wakes with pressive frontal headache.
h. One tablespoonful of fresh juice, with water, taken on different occasions.
Soon after dose, uncertain and staggering gait; within h., head as if too large,
dilated, with slight vertigo; sense of coldness in region of stomach, not disagreeable;
during first hours mental work impossible; sense of tension and pressure in occiput,
with heat in forehead and cold hands. Ist d., very painful drawing at a spot on r.
parietal bone, hurting when touched; viscid phlegm in throat; frequent disgusting
eructation which causes transient cold feeling in oesophagus; dull shocks and shoots
in r. hypochondrium, more rarely in 1.; soon after food, gurgling in abdomen and
sometimes slight pinching; sense as of fulness in abdomen, especially r., impeding
respiration, relieved by emission of wind either way; stools and urine more copious;
sometimes slight burning in urethra, especially at orifice (also 2nd d.); a little rough-
ness and some scratching in throat; respiration oppressed, with need to breathe
frequently and deeply (also 2nd d.); drawing and tension in nucha, shoulders, and
muscles of neck (also 2nd d.); periodical drawings in different parts of body (also
2nd d.); great sleepiness, with frequent yawning; momentary chills run along back
and head, face being warm; great oppression of chest wakes him at times during
n., he sits up in much anxiety, and in m. is very fatigued. (SEIDEL, Journ. f.
Arzneim., ii.)
2. ERNST, æt. 34, took 20 dr. of tinct., and observed,-in 1 h., weight in head,
with flying shoots in (especially 1.) forehead; in 3 h. dull headache. Without note
of time, frequent need of breathing deeply. (Ibid.)
3. ESPE, æt. 36, took 10 dr. Inh. violent pressure in region of orifice of
stomach; in h. borborygmi, especially about navel; in 1 h. violent pressing in
orifice of stomach; in 2 h. pressive pain in hepatic region; in 4 h. pressive pain in
forehead, increased by heat of room, and dryness in mouth without thirst; anxious
full feeling in chest; in 6 h. violent cuttings with painful gurglings in whole belly,
IIO
LACTUCA.
followed by mucous diarrhoeic stools; in 11 h. digging pain in hepatic region and
oppression of chest, with dull pain under sternum; in 12 h., with frontal pressure
there is lancination, as from thrusts with a blunt knife; in 14 h. difficult respiration,
with pressive pain in pit of stomach; on 1st d., burning forehead, with pressive and
burning pain, e.; belly tense, especially in region of liver, all e. ; anxious sensation
of fulness in chest, beginning 4 h. after dose, becomes stronger in e.; very sad
humour; n. much agitated and full of dreams; next m., in bed, dull drawing pain
in chest, increasing when he rises; head confused and heavy; pressure in stomach
before taking food; hepatic region swollen, and pressure there causes a tensive pain;
little sleep during 2nd and 3rd n. from dyspnoea and pressive pain in chest; on 6th
d. disagreeable hot sensation in throat. (Ibid.)
4. a. THEILE, æt. 24, took 2 gr. of alcoholic extr. Inh. headache, slight,
transient, drawing, from temple to forehead; in h. slight oppression of chest, sides
and front, followed by sensation of heat in rest of thoracic walls; soon after, end of
tongue painful as if burnt, and pricking under r. arm. On 1st d. slight sensation of
burning in gullet, e. ; on 1st n. sleep full of dreams, contrary to his wont; on 2nd
d. head confused in m.; acute drawing in r. spermatic cord down inside of thighs;
a cough with easy expectoration, which existed before the proving, becomes dry,
squeaking, and painful; slight pressure under sternum, especially when hand is
applied there. Without note of time,-horripilation as under all hairs.
b. Same took 40 dr. of tinct. Soon, tip of tongue painful as if burnt (and 2nd d.).
During first hours, in breathing deeply air does not entirely fill chest, without the least
pain; on 1st d. peculiar indescribable odour in nose, with similar taste in mouth;
slept well, but had bizarre dreams towards m.; on 1st and 2nd d. very frequent emission
of urine, clear as water; frequent cough. Without note of time,-pricking pain
under skin in nucha, which little by little fixes itself on a small place in r. scapula.
c. Same took 4 gr. of extr. For several d. shooting in r. axilla, as if a small
sharp-pointed body were there, pain increasing on pressure with finger and on lifting
arm; on rising in m. great weakness of limbs and disinclination for work; on 1st d.
some prickings in anus towards e.; on 2nd d. dizziness on rising; end of tongue
painful as if burnt; strong drawing from r. spermatic cord to glans. Without note
of time,-deglutition a little painful, with sense of rawness and burning in uvula;
sleep profound and without dreams; continual shooting in r. axilla as from a pointed
body increased by pressure and raising arm. (Ibid.)
5. PIPER, æt. 22, took in 6 d. from 16 dr. to 3ss of tinct., and 10 gr. of extr.
Inh. slight horripilation (on 4 occasions); in h. pain in 1. vertex; pit of
stomach is contracted, and there is set up in stomach a slight pain, which pressure
increases; in 1 h. confusion in forehead; soon after, sense of heat in stomach, with
nausea mounting into throat and spoiled taste at root of tongue, after h. changing
to icy coldness in throat and stomach; constriction under tongue, as when one has
sucked ink; on 3rd d., peculiar tearing-asunder pain on end of nose, p.m. Without
note of time,-headache p.m. (on 2 occasions); during some m. humming in 1. fore-
head; painful indefinite sensation in occiput and soon in whole head, all the m.;
peculiar tearing-asunder pain at end of nose; need to breathe deeply; on 4th toe
sensation as if there was ulceration under nail, without any external sign or tender-
ness on pressure; formicating itching on toes of 1. foot and fingers of 1. hand; desire
for open air; frequent yawning; lassitude for 12 h. (Ibid.)
6. HENKE, æt. 28, took 10 dr. of tinct. About 8 h. after dose a severe indispo-
sition began, becoming febrile (with pulmonary symptoms) on 3rd d. and lasting 8 d.
and more.
[As it is far more probable that this illness was of idiopathic origin
than that it was excited by a small single dose of a mild medicine like L., we have
omitted the symptoms.-EDS.] (Ibid.)
7. a. NETOLITZKY took 4 gr. of extr. in m. In 1 h. head a little confused; in
1 h. feeling of fulness in chest under sternum, rather on r. side towards clavicle,
obliging deep breathing; in e. sense of weight on chest and of fulness in trachea;
next m., on waking, in upper front thorax sensation as after muscular fatigue, felt
internally (especially to 1.) as well as outside; unwonted repugnance to work, ill-
humour, he cannot remain quiet.
b. Same took 6 gr. In h. he seeks a long time without finding object; on
moving head quickly sideways while bathing face, dull internal pain above 1. temple,
felt at every fresh movement for 2 h., less in repose; in h. some transient pleuritic

LACTUCA.
III
shoots about chest; soon after, urging to cough; in 1 h. several empty eructations;
dryness in trachea compelling deep breathing, dull pain in 1. chest by middle of
sternum, inciting to deep breathing, which, however, increases it, soon after transient
pain of same kind on r. side; in 3 h. some brief attacks of hacking increasing above
pain; urine more copious for 1st 24 h. (so also in 7. a.); on 2nd d. pressure on
both sides of chest, aggravated by inspiration, m. Without note of time,-sensa-
tion of dryness and scraping in larynx and upper chest, latter subsides, but fulness in
trachea persists, relieved by bending backwards; dull, transient pain in deltoid and
pectoral muscles extending to shoulders. (Ibid.)
8. a. HELBIG, æt. 31, took 40 dr. of tinct. Inh. a little headache, head as if
full and confused; in 3 h. piercing drawing pain from r. submaxillary gland to
tongue and ear; in 5 h., on stooping after dinner muscæ volitantes before eyes.
Without note of time,-smarting in eyes, especially outer canthi; contraction in l.
hypochondrium, lasting several h., specially during repose; sudden shoot across 1.
hypochondrium after a meal; here and there in limbs slight subcutaneous pain, almost
like prickings.
b. Same took 70 dr. In 2 h. tightness in lower part of chest, making him
dread to take a deep breath which causes a jerk. In 7 h. on coughing, pain in
nucha; on 1st and 2nd d. constrictive pain at lower and back part of arm, hindering
movement. Without note of time,-biting in eyes, especially in outer angles, com-
pelling rubbing, but exacerbated thereby; sudden pain in lower 1. molars as if a
tender tooth had been twisted; pain in sole of l. foot as if he had trodden upon a stone,
felt at rest, ceasing on walking; penetrating, constrictive, jerking pain in neighbour-
hood of flexures of body (especially in e. and m., and at rest), but felt more on
extensor side; here and there pinching and pricking biting under skin, in sudden
attacks; constrictive pains here and there in limbs, embarrassing their movements,
of short duration, and changing to other parts.
c. Same took 120 dr. In 3 h. strongly pressive pains in one side of head, as if
on bones; tearing pain in middle finger of either hand. Without note of time,—he
has to urinate oftener than usual. (Ibid.)
9. PREU, æt. 34, took himself and gave to a young robust woman 5-10 dr. of
tinct. Inh. afflux of saliva; deglutition difficult, not as from obstruction, but as
from refusal of muscles to perform their functions; in h. sight feeble, eyes as if
covered with a cloud, which, however, disappears when gaze is fixed on an object;
shooting at point of exit of submaxillary nerve; pressure at pit of stomach, with
gurglings and borborygmi, with eructations which relieve only slightly and emissions
of flatus which help more, changing soon to a slight anxietas, concentrating itself
more under sternum, and alternating continually with sensations of heat and cold;
continual craving for air; chest cannot bear any pressure, keeping upright relieves
it; in 1 h. mucus collects in pharynx; shootings in pylorus; roughnesss in larynx and
after reading aloud in throat; dry cough shaking chest and occiput; in 2 h. pressive
frontal headache becomes stronger and stronger, and is accompanied with sensation
as if whole brain were loose; a small place on vertex is painful, especially externally
(clavus, in the feinale prover); sense of fulness in abdomen; cough becomes stronger,
attacks more prolonged, with expectoration of mucus; pain in spinal marrow even to
cauda equina and streaming along coccyx; in 12 h. voice somewhat increased in
volume; after vexation stupefying frontal headache, violent contraction of throat and
disposition to weep; on 2nd d. swelling of lymphatic glands of lips; sense of sinking
in abdomen, m.; after an erection in m. swelling of a lymphatic vessel in penis,
lasting several d. Without note of time,-cloudiness and vertigo, without confusion
of judgment; head confused for 12 h.; roaring in ears; tightening at pit of stomach,
causing real præcordial anxiety; dyspnoea for 12 h.; thorax as if compressed and
drawn in, especially when sitting bent forward; something urges him to keep on his
legs. (Ibid.)
10. A woman, æt. 26, who had had a child, took 20 dr. of tinct. In h. head
goes round and round (for h.); on 1st d. sense of oppression at chest involving
heart, p.m.; sense of sinking in chest afternoon and e. Without note of time,-fre
quent eructations during d.; increase of appetite in m.; at n. deep sleep, but accom-
panied by distressing dreams, waking with heavy dreams; emissions of urine more
frequent and more copious. (Ibid.)
11. A girl, æt. 15, took 20 dr. Soon after head empty and giddy, so that she

I 12
LACTUCA.
fears she will fall, as if she had passed a night without sleeping; in 1 h. shivering in
a warm room; in 2 h. dull headache, especially in forehead; on 1st d. in 1. parieta
bone a fixed dull pain on a small spot, p.m.; repugnance to food at dinner-time, and
some nausea; heaviness of legs; on 1st and 2nd d., from time to time a little dry
cough; legs frequently numb. (Ibid.)
12. A girl, æt. 16, took 1-2 gr. of extr. with quite insignificant results save
great lassitude and sensation of sinking in stomach. (Ibid.)
13. A girl, æt. 19, took 2 gr. Inh., while working sudden obscuration of
sight, her stitches ran together, but after a moment's rest she feels better (several
times repeated in course of d.); feeling of cold and creeping in pit of stomach
with several eructations; in first hours a shudder runs along back and head; on 1st d.
dull headache with great indolence and physical prostration; after dinner gurglings
in abdomen, and some dull shoots in præcordial region; sense of oppression of chest,
she must often breathe deeply and rise up and expand her chest for relief, in open air
chest feels freer; she goes to sleep in afternoon while working; at n. sleep profound,
but accompanied, contrary to her wont, with vivid dreams. Next period occurred
about 6 d. in advance. (Ibid.)
14. A young woman, æt. 22, took 2 gr. Immediately and during d. several
eructations at a time, recurring frequently, and relieving somewhat oppression of
chest when present; in h. sensation of fulness in abdomen with periodical gurglings
and emissions of wind; in 1 h., on each movement of head swaying and swinging in
head so strong as to threaten giddiness from it, and must close her eyes to make it
cease; on 1st d. several dull shoots and sense of weight in r. hypochondrium; two loose
stools, contrary to wont; sense of weight as from stagnation of blood in legs while
sitting; great weariness and drowsiness all d.; she is sad, the least thing irritates and
vexes her; titillation in throat, with sensation of tightness all over chest and com-
pelling frequent cough (also 2nd d.). Without note of time, she passes more urine
and more frequently, she must even quite unwontedly relieve herself at n. (Ibid.)
I
15. a. A married woman, æt. 30. took 2 gr. of extr. Soon after, several drawings
and twitchings in arms; in 1 h. head empty, with dulness; in first hours feebleness of
sight lasting a few h. at a time. ; on 1st d. fixed dull pain at small spot on 1. parietal
bone, p.m.; two soft stools; drawings in limbs and back; lassitude and somnolence,
contrary to her wont; on 1st and 2nd d. periodical cough in short paroxysms,
shaking abdomen; anxious oppression of chest with tendency to breathe deeply and
to yawn;
dreams much at n.; 2nd d., stool delayed 12 h. and hard.
b. Same took 20 dr. of tinct. Soon, slight burning in throat; in h. slight
roaring and sense of fulness in head and ears; in 1 h. a little roughness and some
scraping in throat; on 1st d. she had, as it were, an immense weight on chest, she
must loosen her clothes, which seem too tight, breathing is difficult; several drawings
Without
from sacrum towards groins, e.; slight shiverings during d.; sad humour.
note of time, she urinates more abundantly and more frequently, and must even
relieve herself (contrary to her wont) at n.; menses 4 d. too soon with cramp in
abdomen. (Ibid.)
2
16. After o2 grm. Lactucarium* austriacum pulse fell from 75 to 62 in 1 h.,
eructation, slight confusion of head, dryness of mouth, hoarseness, drowsiness,
diminished temperature of hands; cheerful disposition as after-effect. In doses of 1
grm, and upwards it causes stupefaction, vertigo, dilated pupils, sopor. (SCHROFF,
Pharmacologie, 537-)
17. FRONMÜLLER observed, after doses of 10 to 30 grs., in most cases increased
rapidity of pulse and breathing, increase of temperature, diminished secretion of urine;
in some cases vertigo, confusion of head; rarely tiresome dreams and noise in ears.
(Ibid., 538.)
18. WIBMER took 2 grm. of extr. After 10 m. slight pressure in frontal region,
gradually increasing, and at last becoming intolerable. After h. diminished ability
to think and general drowsiness. After h. there still remained some dull headache,
which lasted a good while longer. (Wirk, der Arzn. u. Gifte, iii, 200.)
19. SCHNELLER and his companions proved L., taking to 30 gr. of extr. at a
dose. The sole results were: Confusion of head; drawing pain in forehead.
Nausea and eructations (soon). Sensitiveness of umbilical region (soon); distension
*The inspissated juice.
B
3
4
LACTUCA.
113
of abdomen (soon); diminished peristaltic action of bowels. Stool scanty and dry.
(Zeitsch. d. Ges. d. Aerzt. zu Wien, 1847.)
20. Doses of gr. iij-v of lactucarium caused a peculiar indescribable feeling of
lightness of the whole body. Gr. vj-viij increased the feeling of lightness, caused
dilated pupils, but no narcotic symptoms. Gr. vj, taken immediately after a meal, caused
derangement of digestion, pressure in stomach; following d. slimy mouth and furred
tongue. He felt rather disinclined for work, and cross. After a similar dose e, he always
slept well and woke much refreshed, but on repeating this dose several successive e. he
soon felt very exhausted and looked ill for several d. On taking a similar dose every 3 or
4 h. all d. the pulse sank from 73 to 67 and at last to 60; the temperature fell simul-
taneously about 230 R. Sleep restless and not refreshing. Gr. x to xv caused nausea,
pressure in stomach, and outbreak of cool sweat, oppression of breathing, cold feeling
in chest, great exhaustion, vertigo, considerable dilatation of pupils, yawning and
stretching of limbs. Next n. sleep long and restless; on waking weariness and great
prostration as though he had not slept. Pupils very dilated, tongue with a thick
slimy coating, taste flat, no appetite, great discomfort, pressure in stomach, pains in
shoulders, and peculiar weakness in legs, so that he often staggered when walking,
Occasionally diarrhoea, sometimes constipation. Symptoms removed by a few dr. of
acetic ether followed by a glass of hock; coffee had less effect on the symptoms.
After 9j there was great dilatation of pupils and imperfect sight, which continued
several h. after a sleep of 15 h. On waking, great prostration, pain in limbs, hands
and feet cool for several h., anorexia. (ROTHAMEL, Heidel. kl. Annal., v, 2, 284.)
II. Poisonings.—1. On March 15th, 1876, a family of 4 sat down to supper at 7,
a salad consisting of dandelion, chicory, and wild lettuce (Lactuca vir.) being served
up. They all partook of the salad, except one, the uncle, who rejected the lettuce
leaves, eating only the dandelion and chicory. They went to bed at 9, and the uncle
slept well and experienced no ill effects. A workman, one of the number, æt. 25,
and of robust health, was waked up about 11 o'clock with sharp, colicky pains, soon
followed by nausea and vomiting, which lasted all n. He fell asleep at 5 a.m., but
in m. was astonished to find himself unable to distinguish objects clearly. He was
unable to read either small or large print. The mother, a woman of lymphatic
temperament, had colic all n., but vomiting did not set in until 12 h. after the meal.
The vomited matter consisted of the supper, including the salad. Her vision was
affected like that of the workman. A healthy and intelligent boy of 10 was the
other victim. About midnight he became affected with lively delirium, which
increased until m.; he jumped about on the bed, sang, and played all sorts of pranks
without their being able to quiet him. He had no colic and no vomiting. Dr. Boé
was called at 7 a.m., and was struck with the unusual appearance of all three. The
pupils of all of them were widely dilated, especially the child's, in whose case only a
narrow rim of iris was visible. They were entirely unable to see anything clearly.
The child, who was very intelligent, endeavoured to read the letters forming the
heading of the newspaper; he mistook M for P and O for V. The effort caused
considerable congestion of the eyes. In the delirium he had hallucinations, seeing on
his bed a soldier, an inkstand, &c. All 3 had several liquid stools.
At midday
they were in the same state, but by 5 p.m. were improving. The child was still
delirious, however. This lasted till 4 a.m. the following d., when he fell asleep.
By 8 a.m. next d. they were well, except the boy, who had some headache; some
slight dilatation of the pupils persisted in them all. None of them had any fever or
any
other abnormal symptoms. (Bull. Gén. de Thérap., xc, 368.)
2. TOTT, in the case of an Italian, whom he was treating for a slight febrile
attack, with great sleeplessness, observed, after 2 gr. of lactucarium given at 9 p.m.,
great weakness, insensibility, general relaxation, pain in limbs, distorted features, pale
face, dyspnoea, diarrhoea, trembling of hands, vertigo, staggering gait, nausea, white
tongue, inclination to vomit, and sleepiness, but inability to sleep. (Rust's Mag.,
xliii, 143.)
VOL. III.
8
114
LAPPA.
LAPPA.
Arctium Lappa, L.; Lappa major, Gaertner, officinalis, Allioni. Burdock. Nat. Ord.,
Composite.
I. Provings. 1. a. Dr. JEANES, æt. 45, took about 11 a.m. 2 or 3 dr. of 2nd dil.
in zj of water. There followed tickling in rima glottidis, with loose-sounding cough,
but no expectoration; pain about 1. 6th and 7th ribs; chilliness; pain in lower
extremities, as if fatigued; severe tingling, with acute cutting pain under sternum,
about insertions of 4th and 5th ribs, and extending across chest; oppression of chest,
especially in sternal region, with shortness of breath on exertion.
b. "Wishing to take a drink of water before retiring to bed, I took the tumbler
which had contained my forenoon dose, and rinsed it well. I then drew and drank
one or two tumblers of water. I had not taken it a m. before I was affected with the
chest symptoms already described, with (in addition) aching of throat and violent
constrictive feeling; pain in head, extremely rapid pulse, with intermission about
every 2nd or 3rd pulsation; pain in region of heart, and at same time in anterior
muscles of r. thigh, also in back about 8th dorsal vertebra. The pulse became fuller
and slower, but seldom went more than 2 or 3 pulsations without an intermission;
bowels were opened 2 or 3 times, as if purged, with some abatement in violence of
symptoms; mind much agitated, more from the distressing feelings than from fear
of death, which nevertheless is present. Symptoms continued violent and distressing
through greater part of n." (Hahn. Monthly, iv, 51.)
2. a. Dr. R. P. MERCER, July 2nd, 1860, took 10 dr. of a strong tinct. in water on
rising from bed in m. and before bedtime. During greater part of d. slight uneasiness
in abdomen, with rumbling and rolling about in bowels. 3rd.-20 dr. m. and e. as
before. During d. slight numbness and tingling in dorsum of 1. foot. 4th.-30 dr.
m. and e. Same sensation in foot. 5th.-Much dreaming in n. (unusual); woke
with dull gnawing pain in 1. hand, extending from wrists to ends of fingers, also
intermittently in knee-joint. These pains were relieved by motion, but came on
again during rest. Took 30 dr. in m. During d. pains in hand and knee continued,
involving r. hand; also at times sharp sticking pain in r. elbow and over 1. eye,
sometimes extending to top of head. 6th.-Woke in m., after a n. of dreaming,
with white-coated tongue. Took 30 dr. in m. Pains continue, and affect also both
feet and hip-joints; pain in abdomen is still felt shortly after each dose; tearing
down in bowels, before stool. 7th.-N. as last. Took 40 dr. No fresh symptoms.
8th.-Discontinued drug, being called away from home, but symptoms continued as
before, those of head being somewhat aggravated. At times through d. sharp,
shooting, stunning pain, as if struck by a hammer, at base of occiput immediately
behind ear. After a few d. pains gradually subsided, lingering longest in hands and
lower extremities.
b. On 16th, 10 dr. m. and e. Shortly after first dose usual abdominal uneasiness.
Pains in hands, knees, and ankles, which had not entirely left, were slightly aggra-
vated by noon, and again after e. dose. 17th.—10 dr. in m. Pains in hands, and in
knees extending to ends of toes, quite annoying; pain in forepart of head, sometimes
subsiding, then coming on again with sharp shooting stitches, and gradually settling
down into its former dull, heavy ache. In e., 15 dr. 18th.—At 6 a.m. 20 dr. In
n.
h. slight pain in abdomen; pain in hands and feet continues; sharp shooting pains
in elbow-joints, extending down to hands; darting pain in shoulder; heavy laming
pain in r. groin. Sharp shooting pain in base of occipital bone, extending up into
head; ear-ache; pain in hypogastric region. At 9 p.m. took 25 dr., and retired for
Pain worse for a time after going to bed, but subsided after an h. or two, and
sleep was good. 19th.-At 6 a.m. 30 dr., and at 11 a.m. 35 dr. Nausea and pain
in abdomen after taking food; sharp sticking pain in shoulder, extending along
clavicle and sterno-mastoid; sharp constrictive pain in and above elbow. At 9 p.m.
40 dr. Acute colicky pains in abdomen and in region of liver. 20th.-At 5 a.m.,
and at 2 and 9 p.m., 50 dr. Symptoms as yesterday, with addition of twitching pain
at times in muscles of chest. Appetite increased. 21st.-No medicine. Symptoms
LATHYRUS.
115
as heretofore. 22nd.-Symptoms considerably relieved, some altogether subsided.
These were
Pains in joints still quite perceptible, especially those in hands and feet.
the last to leave, continuing still for several d. (Ibid., xviii, 147.)
3. Mrs. H, æt. 24, mother of 3 children, now nursing one of 2 mo., leuco-
phlegmatic temperament, mild and good-hearted disposition. Took 5 d. of first dil.
every 4 h., with idea that it might benefit infant's crusta lactea. Next d. headache
set in, principally over 1. eye; she described it as a full, pressing feeling as if eye
would be pushed out of head; also pain in whole frontal region, constant, worse on
stooping. After taking drug for 4 d., at 10 p.m. chilly sensation as if cold water had
been poured over her, with continued thirst; next d. felt chilly all over, particularly in
back, abdomen, chest, and head; great thirst, feels as if ague would set in. The
following n. sweat over entire body, with exception of head; during sweat feels
chilly internally, surface being warm. She now discontinued medicine. Next n.
sweat again; and following d. discharge of bright red blood from vagina took place,
and lasted all d. Next d. was free from all symptoms; and being assured that
medicine was innocuous took all left (about 60 dr.) at a single dose. This was
followed immediately by continuous chilliness lasting all d., with great thirst and
soreness in whole region of liver, and severe frontal headache; also great pain in r.
shoulder, so that it was impossible to lift arm. In e. slight fever and at n. sweat.
Next m., still headache and pain in shoulder, and liver so sore she could not lie on r.
side. Between 1 and 2 p.m. a regular paroxysm of chills and fever set in, with
increase of same symptoms, followed by excessive perspiration; thirst during all
stages. In e., pain in r. shoulder being extreme, sanguinaria was given, which
relieved; and next d. she was quite well. (UHLEMEYER, St. Louis Clinical Review,
ii, 370.)
LATHYRUS.
Lathyrus sativus and L. cicera, L. Teori, kesari (Ind.), pois de brebis (Fr.).
Nat. Ord., Leguminosa.
II. Poisonings.-1. In 1829-31, the wheat crop failed in a district
of India. During these three years the teoree (or kesaree), the
Lathyrus sativus of botanists, remained uninjured, and thrived with
great luxuriance. In 1831 the natives reaped a rich crop of it from
the blighted wheat-fields, and subsisted upon its grain during that and
the following years. In 1833, the younger part of the population,
from the age of 30 downwards, began to be deprived of the use of their
limbs below the waist by paralytic strokes, in all cases sudden, but in
some more severe than in others. No person once attacked has been
found to recover the use of the affected limbs. All stated that their
pains and infirmities were confined entirely to the parts below the waist.
They described the attack as coming on suddenly, often during sleep,
and without any warning symptoms whatever; and stated that a
greater number of young men were affected than young women.
(SLEEMAN, Rambles, &c., of an Indian Official; from Brit. Journ. of
Hom., iii, 257.)
2. Three brothers, æt. 28, 20, and 10 respectively, ate daily for
several weeks flour of L. mixed with Indian corn. The following
effects were observed:-The gluteal muscles and those of the lower
extremities were obviously emaciated, while the upper limbs retained
their natural appearance. While lying in bed, extension and abduction
of the legs could be well performed, but flexion and lifting up the limbs
were difficult. In the eldest patient, the 1. extremity was decidedly
116
LATHYRUS.
weaker than the r. The youngest could stand and walk; to do either
was difficult for the eldest and impossible for the remaining patient,
without a firm support. All three when walking threw the chest well
forward, the haunches projecting behind, so that they seemed literally
to fall from one part to the other. They also misplaced the feet,
which by two of them were brought too close to the median line, and
sometimes passed beyond it, causing their legs to cross each other and
tangle up; the third and worst affected, on the contrary, walked very
bow-legged. The whole weight of the body rested on the metatarso-
phalangeal articulations, the heel never touching the ground. Walking
backward was similarly effected, but was still more difficult. When
told to stand steady, two of them obeyed with great difficulty, and
for a few minutes only, if not firmly supported; they swayed widely
forwards and sideways, and seemed in constant danger of falling; they
instinctively sought to keep their balance by pressing with the hands
upon the hips. Shutting their eyes while standing or walking in no
wise modified their attitudes and movements. (CANTANI, L'Art
Médical, Aug. 1874.)
3. The first symptom of illness in several cases of poisoning by L.
cicera, as observed by Brunelli of Rome, consisted of debility and
tremor in the legs; the patients had the appearance of being drunk,
more especially after meals, when the lathyrus bread had been the only
food taken. If the use of the bread were then discontinued, the people
got quite well again; but in those whom poverty obliged to go on with
it for a month at a time, the disease made rapid progress, and after 2 or
3 mos. presented the characteristic aspect of spastic paralysis. There
was great stiffness in the legs and impaired power of walking; the
steps were short, and the feet dragged on the ground; the legs were
approached to one another by rigidity of the adductors of the thighs;
the toes were contracted in flexion, and the heels lifted from above the
ground by contraction of the gastrocnemii. Muscular nutrition was
not impaired; there was no affection of the sensibility or of the special
senses, the sphincters or the brain. The tendon-reflexes were exagge-
rated, more especially as regards the rapidity with which the leg was
jerked forwards on percussing the patellar tendon, and less so with
regard to the extent of the movement produced. These symptoms are
due presumably to sclerosis of the pyramidal strands of the cord.
(ALTHAUS, Brit. Med. Journ., 1884, i, 984.)
4. The following are the histories of two cases reported by
GIARGIERI of poisoning by bread made with flour of vetch (L. sat.
and L. cicera). The patients were brothers.
a. L. A—, æt. 17, had an excellent personal and family history; for
a year past his diet had chiefly consisted of bread made with vetch-flour.
At times he had also eaten the vetches green, causing nausea, vomiting,
giddiness, singing in the ears, stupidity, &c. These symptoms gradually
increased, and he noticed a tremor of the upper extremities, which
became exaggerated on taking up or putting down anything. He
gradually lost power in his legs, which felt heavy, with vague pain,
formication, and sense of cold. When admitted, he was not able to
stand without the support of a stick. On inspection the legs were not
LATHYRUS.
117
wasted, but the abductors and flexors felt hard and contracted. His
gait was uncertain and staggering, the r. leg being rather the stronger;
he lifted his feet with difficulty, often dragged them, and put them
down suddenly and forcibly as if they were heavy weights. The floor,
he said, felt irregular, and he was obliged to keep his eyes fixed on the
ground to guide his feet. He rested all his weight on a stick. With
his eyes shut his movements were still worse, and he felt as if standing
between two abysses. Without his shoes, too, he walked worse.
In bed he could not sit up without helping himself up with his arms,
nor move his toes, nor flex or extend the foot on the leg, or the leg on
the thigh, or that on the pelvis completely. Sitting on a chair he could
not extend his legs, nor cross them. The tendon-reflexes were exagge-
rated, voluntary movement of the abductors and adductors and rotation
of the foot were impossible. Tactile, thermic, dolorific and electrical
sensibility were perfect. The temperature was normal. Nothing
could be seen in the blood at first or after cultivation. The urine was
normal, there was a slight increase of urea.
In
b. În M. L. T—, æt. 11, brother of the above, the symptoms were
much the same, but less advanced. In the movement of the lower
limbs it seemed that the execution of the will was opposed by the
spasm of the muscles antagonistic to those which should perform the
movements. The tendon-reflexes were exaggerated in both cases.
(Lond. Med. Record, 1883, p. 436.)
5. In the Indian Annals of Medical Science for July, 1859, Dr.
Irving reports some cases of poisoning by L. He had assembled
together all the lame people from several villages near Allahabad-
about 50 men in all. Without exception, they all stated that they had
become paralytic during the rains, in most cases suddenly so; and
several stated that it had been during the n. Men who had gone to
bed quite well had awoke in the m. feeling their legs stiff and their
loins weak, and had never recovered. At first the lameness was
trifling, and amounted only to unsteadiness of gait and slight stiffness,
chiefly of the knees. After a time the muscles of the thighs commenced
to ache and feel weak, and also the loins. All denied having had
severe pain; while ascribing their malady to the lathyrus bread, the
patients considered the conjunction of rainy weather as necessary to
produce it, as they had been exposed to the wet about the time of the
disease. They had no symptoms of fever, the spleen was enlarged in
only one of the patients, and there was little or no wasting of the
muscles of the legs. Males were more frequently affected than females.
The upper extremities are said not to be affected. It is to be observed
that the ground is swampy in the neighbourhood where the paralysis
prevails, and that the water used is highly impregnated with saline
ingredients. (Ranking's Abstract, vol. ii for 1860, p. 89.)
6. PROUST reports 10 cases of lathyrism seen by him in Algeria,
and remarks upon the great similarity of all the cases both in the sym-
ptoms, mode of onset, &c. His résumé is as follows :-In all the cases
the onset was sudden, often after a cold damp n.; the patients suffered
from pains in the loins, often extending to the lower limbs and sometimes
to the upper limbs, in which slight trembling occasionally occurred. In
118
LATHYRUS.
some cases anæsthesia (sometimes complete) of the lower extremities
existed, and in all cases more or less motor paralysis; incontinence of
urine existed in all the cases and some interference with the generative
functions in most. The gait was characteristic and peculiar; the foot
was extended and adducted, the heel being raised off the ground; the
muscles of the lower limb were contracted, and the deep reflexes
exaggerated, both of knee and foot. The anesthesia and the affection
of the urinary and genital organs tend to lessen or disappear, and in
some cases the patients have perfectly recovered without any treatment.
Some patients are reported to have had vertigo and weakness of the
arms; in animals attacks of suffocation and of wheezing ("roaring ")
are common. The author attributes the condition to a transverse
myelitis due to hæmorrhage, and followed by degenerative changes.
(Bull. de l'Acad. de Méd., 2º S., xii, 829.)
III. Observations in animals.-I. Cases recorded by Principal
McCall, of the Veterinary College, Glasgow.
Án
a. An aged horse died suddenly. Autopsy:-The mucous mem-
brane of pharynx irregularly congested, some parts dark coloured, some
red, some apparently healthy. There was considerable serous exuda-
tion in the submucous tissue, also irregularly distributed; similar con-
ditions some distance down trachea. At the division of the bronchial
tubes the membrane was again congested, and in the small tubes it was
completely black. Lungs congested; bronchial tubes contained a
fluid mixture of mucus, blood and air. Heart enlarged and pale; near
apex, on 1. side, was an irregular patch of darker colour; pericardium
was dark and contained fluid. The stomach contained a large quantity
of food, very dry, and of a disagreeable odour. The mucous membrane
was irregularly congested.
b. Another animal was minutely examined during life. At rest it
seemed in perfect health. After a slight exertion, it presented follow-
ing symptoms-It stood with forelegs forward, neck stretched, elbows
out, breathing laboured; could hardly stand. Mouth kept wide
open and tongue out. Each respiration was accompanied by a loud
sound coming entirely from larynx. Profuse sweat all over; pulse
quick, irregular, and intermittent. Impulse of heart increased; venous
pulsation; vibration felt over larynx; temp. normal. When at rest
these symptoms disappeared as quickly as they had appeared. These
animals had been fed on a diet containing Lathyrus sativus. Two
horses fed similarly for experiment developed similar symptoms to the
above.
c. Another horse was fed on as large a proportion of the food as it
would take, at first chiefly lathyrus, but subsequently less than half. An
eczematous eruption appeared on back and withers. The pulse-rate
rose from 52 in health to 70-80 after feeding for 50 d. ; the respiration
lessened in frequency (after first increasing for a few d.) from 14-9
when at rest. On exertion pulse 154, resp. 28. By the 32nd d.
limbs very weak, fell more than once; hair fell off rapidly; no parasite
found. Autopsy :-Peritoneum healthy, contained Oss of red-coloured
fluid like serum. Stomach nearly empty, food of acetic odour; walls
thickened and irregularly congested, in some places nearly black ;
"
LEDUM.
119
mucous membrane was separated from subjacent tissue. Intestines
contained undigested food firmly adherent to walls, which were thick-
ened; mucous membrane as in stomach. Pericardium irregularly dis-
coloured, 2 oz. of same kind of fluid as in peritoneum. Heart large,
soft and irregularly marked, valves healthy. Lungs healthy, trachea
also; larynx irregularly congested, especially about glottis ; liver dark,
soft and friable. The absence of marked respiratory symptoms may be
accounted for by the fact that the horse had been kept at rest and was
killed before the disease had itself produced a fatal result. The blood
on microscopical examination showed no micro-organism during life.
The ganglionic cells of the motor cornua of the cord were diminished
in number and atrophied, especially just under the medulla, where the
neuroglia was increased, and some of the cells had undergone pigmentary
degeneration, and had lost their processes. Also, thickening of coats of
small arteries in the grey matter. The muscular fibres of intrinsic
muscles of larynx, though still striated, showed fatty change, between
the fibres much fat; muscles of left side were most affected, especially
crico-arytenoideus posticus. Heart-muscles similarly affected. (Prof.
McCall enters into an elaborate and conclusive argument showing that
the poisoning is due to some specific poison of the lathyrus, and neither
to diet nor to bacilli administered along with it.) (Veterinarian, 1886,
pp. 789-801.)
2. Messrs. LEATHER and SON report cases very similar to the above.
The post-mortem examination revealed to the naked eye chiefly the
result of asphyxia. Microscopically in one case several of the intrinsic
laryngeal muscles of the 1. side were fattily degenerated, and the 1. re-
current laryngeal nerve was smaller than the r., and fibrous on section.
In 3 cases examined, the 1., and in 2 of them also the r. recurrent
nerves were atrophied and fibrous. The motor cells of the medulla
and the vagal and accessory nuclei were noticeably atrophied. The
motor cells of the cord were atrophied and degenerated as the above
case, and the neuroglia was increased in the grey matter. In one case
early descending changes were found in the upper part of the lateral
columns. In the grey matter especially the arterioles were thickened.
(Veterinary Journal, April, 1885, p. 233.)
LEDUM.
Ledum palustre, L. Wild rosemary, marsh tea. Nat. Ord., Ericaceæ.
I. Provings.-1. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Med. Pura, part 4 of original,
vol. ii of translation. Contains 186 symptoms from self, 148 from six
others, and 4 from authors.
2. LEMBKE took, Aug. 12th, 1848, 7 a.m., 5 dr. tinct. 8 a.m.,
eructation of air with smell and taste of med. Chilliness in back,
repeatedly; head dazed and giddy. 9 a.m., pressure in r. zygoma and
r. toes. Drawing in bones of head, r. side, coming and going. Pres-
sive pain in pit of stomach, increased by drawing in abdominal integu-
ments.—13th, 6.30 a.m., 10 dr. Heaviness in sinciput. Nausea,
120
LEDUM.
eructation of air. Pressive pain in lower part of 1. leg, r. knee, lower
part of 1. upper arm, 1st phalanx of r. middle finger, thoracic wall under
r. nipple, worst when walking. Wandering cutting pains in abdomen,
increased by drawing in integuments. Nausea long continued. In
bones of 1. leg, especially their lower part, severe pressive pain, when
sitting forenoon, which lasts 2 h. Chilliness in back.
Chilliness in back. Boring in r.
inner ankle in bed, e.-16th, 6.30 a.m., 15 dr. Drawing in lower
part of bones of forearm. Shooting in anterior part of 1. shoulder-joint,
and occasionally in lumbar muscles. Eructations with taste of med.
Dazed in head. In 1. middle finger feeling as if nail were raised up by
pressure from below, prickling in tip of finger; this feeling continues in
every position of hand, and varies in severity, lasts some h. Much
saliva, constant nausea. Drawing in r. tibia. Nausea, weak feeling,
general perspiration, which becomes cool, with cold hands and feet, and
horripilation through back from 12 till 1.30 p.m.—18th, 6 a.m., 20 dr.
For last 3 d. pains at junction of nasal cartilages with nasal bones, most
when touched; in each nostril much thick mucus; breathes with
difficulty through 1. nostril, as if m.m. were swollen. For some d. on
1. temple and cheek some red painless pimples, slightly elevated. 6.45
a.m., tearing in frontal bones and 1. toes, and in joint of r. big-toe.
Much saliva, nausea, yawning, cold hands, frequent chill through
back. Drawing in 1. tibia, posterior border of r. scapula, r. deltoid
muscle where it is attached to humerus, in muscles along dorsal
vertebrææ, in r. parietal bone, r. toes, soft parts above 1. knee. 8 a.m.,
pressive feeling in chest; drawing in 1. side. Noon, pressure in r.
ankle-joint. Painful feeling of weakness in 1. leg, and pinching in
tendons and dorsum of 1. foot. 12.30 p.m., sneezing several times
caused by tickling in 1. half of nose. Constant nausea. 3 p.m.,
tearing on dorsum of r. foot. Shooting in ball of 1. foot and above 1.
knee, and above r. wrist on its dorsal aspect.-19th. Frequent sneezing,
much nasal mucus, pressure in forehead, occasional drawing in knees.
Tearing in frontal bone, 1. side, e. No stool.-23rd, 6.30 a.m., 30
dr. 6.45 a.m., rumbling in belly. 7.15 a.m., confused in sinciput,
increased saliva; while sitting persistent pressure on chest and behind
7th and 8th 1. costal cartilages, peculiar obtuse pressure on both sides.
of larynx. 8.15 a.m., pressing in 1. elbow, tearing in frontal bone. 9
a.m., frequent call to urinate; eructation of air, anorexia, warm
feeling in stomach. Shooting in larynx, bringing tears into eyes.
Drawing alternately in 1. leg, r. knee, 1. hip-bone, 1. thoracic wall, 1.
lower jaw-bone, r. wrist. No stool and less urine to-day.—24th. On
rising m. pain in r. knee when moved. 6.45 a.m., 40 dr. 7.15 a.m.,
pricking at orifice of urethra, dazed and heavy in sinciput, boring in 1.
lower maxilla, drawing through 1. leg; nausea and increased saliva.
Tearing from lower part of 1. upper arm, through elbow to upper part
of forearm, repeatedly, pressure in dorsal muscles r. side, also in great
trochanter and os ischii, 1. side. Pressure on upper part of chest
impeding breathing, tearing in 1. tibia; pricking in borders of r. eye-
lids towards inner canthus; tearing in frontal and parietal bones;
shooting and tickling in larynx; pressure in temples, worst in 1.,
pricking in 1. eve towards inner canthus. 8.15 a.m., shooting in 1.
LEDUM.
I2I
2nd and 3rd toes. Drawing in r. ankle and muscles about 1. shoulder-
joint, severe tearing in r. humerus. 9.15 a.m., frequent chill through
back with cold hands. 3 p.m., pain in joints and limbs, increased by
taking wine. In e. the shooting in 1. tibia, and pressure 1. temple and
1. knee increase. 9.15 p.m., drawing in l. 4th and 5th metacarpal
bones. Urine scanty.—25th, m., shooting in 1. knee. 10 a.m., tearing
in r. metatarsus and in frontal bone. Pressure in bone behind 1. ear.
Boring in upper border of 1. zygoma. Frequent call to urinate all d.
9 p.m., pressive pain in 1st joint of both big toes.—26th, 6.30 a.m., 50
dr. 8 a.m., drawing under scalp from crown and sides to forehead,
great chilliness in back, cold extremities. The chilliness first between
shoulders, later in lumbar region. Increased saliva. Shooting in
colon, drawing in joint of r. big toe, in l. hip-joint, in frontal bone.
Call to urinate all d. Much borborygmus. Tearing in 1. sole towards
its outer border. Pricking in r. big toe. Dull pressure deep in sides
of lumbar vertebræ. Shooting in r. shoulder-joint, with pressure in
muscles running over it, more when at rest. 10 a.m., voluptuous
tickling in orifice of urethra repeatedly. Tearing in upper part of 1.
ankle-joint. Boring in frontal bone, l. side, and I. temple. Drawing
in dorsum of r. foot, boring in 1. trochanter and tuber ischii. 4 p.m.,
several times during d. violent cutting pains in umbilical region, with
drawing in of abdominal integuments. All symptoms worst when at
rest. Stool firm and scanty. Boring in r. parietal bone. Obtuse
knocking pains in and behind sternum.-27th, 8 a.m., knocking boring
pains in and behind 1. trochanter, drawing in r. forearm. 10 a.m., boring
in first joint of r. thumb, with stiff feeling. Frequent call to urinate
all d. Small pimples at root of nose. 4 p.m., severe boring in r.
maxillary joint. 6.30 p.m., boring in 1st joint of r. big toe. Drawing
from 1. thigh to knee. Occasionally during d. commencement of
nausea, but appetite good. Shooting in 1. knee, boring in r. ankle,
instep, and toes.-28th, m., boring under 1. elbow, in r. ankle while
sitting. 3 p.m., repeated boring in 1. temple. 4 p.m., pressure in 1.
side of lumbar vertebræ. 4.45 p.m., drawing from r. axilla to inner
side of upper arm. Obtuse pressure in lower part of radius and ulna
extending to wrist and metacarpus for a long time. Tearing in r.
parietal bone, in bones above 1. ankle, with tired feeling in tibia under
r. knee, in l. heel. Boring in 1. lower maxilla, then in 1. tibia. 5 p.m.,
pricking in top of r. big toe.-29th, 6.30 a.m., 40 dr. 7 a.m., tearing
in r. metatarsus, drawing in 1. fibula, dull boring through frontal bone,
pressure in r. zygoma, in r. external ankle, when sitting. 7.45 a.m.,
eructation of air repeatedly, much rumbling in abdomen, chilliness in
lumbar region, shooting and pressing in Ist joint of r. thumb and ring
finger when at rest, shooting in 1st joint of 1. big toe; pressing-in in
1. temple. Obtuse pressure in 1. of lumbar vertebræ. Pricking in
upper and inner aspect of r. upper arm. 8.30 a.m., painful stiff feeling
in 1. wrist, elbow and knee. Pressure in r. maxillary joint, 1. thoracic
wall. Feeling of plug in throat making him swallow, repeated at n.
on going to bed. 9.30 a.m., pricking at end of urethra, calls to
urinate very frequent all d., increased saliva. Tearing in 1. parietal
bone. Noon, painful weakness above 1. elbow and in 1. knee, frequently.
122
LEDUM.
Pinching in outer border of foot, spreading to dorsum of foot. Scraping
in throat, e. Cutting burning pain in skin above nose-root, in a small
spot. Drawing in flexor aspect of r. toes when sitting.-30th, 7 a.m.,
20 dr. Yesterday and to-day burning and redness in the fold of skin
between alæ nasi and cheek. 8 a.m., shooting in orifice of urethra,
call to urinate, drawing in frontal bone. 8.30 a.m., drawing above 1.
elbow, 1. tibia, dorsal muscles, 1. metatarsal bones, shooting in Ist joint
of r. big toe. 9 a.m., tearing on inner side of 1. ankle-joint, nausea,
boring in r. knee on inner side of patella. 9.30 a.m., obtuse pressure
in pit of stomach increased by drawing in abdominal integuments,
cold feeling in lumbar region, borborygmus. 10 a.m., boring in 1.
tuber ischii and 1. tibia above inner ankle, boring in 1. parietal protube-
rance, heat in head, especially sinciput, with weight. Pressure deep in
1. side of lumbar vertebræ. Abdomen distended by flatulence, eructa-
tion of tasteless air. Boring in r. instep under inner ankle, and in 1.
1st and 2nd cuneiform bone when walking, painful shattered feeling in
muscles at back of 1. thigh to knee, when walking and standing, tension
in lower part of both calves when walking. Unusual warm feeling in
jaw, which is not warm to touch, shooting in skin on lower border of
r. nasal bone. Noon, pressure in r. pectoral muscle going into upper
arm, stiff feeling in 1. knee and ankle-joints when walking, distension
of upper part of abdomen, with dull pain for 1 h., severe shooting in 1.
sole when walking, boring in lower jaw. 2.30 p.m., painful stiffness
in 1. muscles of nape, relieved by moving neck, drawing from neck to
r. shoulder, pressure in r. elbow-joint, shooting in 1st joint of r. big toe
repeatedly. In posterior part of 1. crista ilii dull pressive pain when
walking for 1 h., drawing in 1. palm, pressure in frontal bone repeatedly.
E., pressure in r. finger-joint. The last 2 n. uneasy dreams, urging to
urinate all d., not at n., sometimes quantity of urine increased.—31st,
7 a.m., 10 dr.
10 a.m., sinciput confused, some unsteadiness when
walking, especially on rising from stooping. Much eructation of air,
obtuse pressure in pit of stomach, pressure and drawing in shoulder-
joints and 1. forearm, pressure in r. temple, heat and pressure in sinciput,
boring pressure from forehead into eyes. Drawing in legs, r. thigh
superiorly and externally, when walking and when at rest. Pressure
in r. thoracic wall in various places, drawing in lower part of calves
very frequent, also when walking. Drawing in 1. toes.
Obtuse pres-
sure and tearing in 1. knee and tibia when in bed, e., boring in 1.
zygoma, in frontal bone above r. frontal protuberance.-Sept. 1st,
6.30 a.m., 40 dr. 7 a.m., boring in r. tibia below arm. Obtuse
pressure on sternum. Pricking in tip of tongue. I p.m., much noisy
wind in bowels, and discharge of flatus. Pressure in bone and soft
parts behind r. ear and above 1. elbow-joint. Heaviness and giddiness in
sinciput, tearing in frontal bone, and parietal bones above ears. Constant
nausea, pricking in borders of eyelids towards inner canthi, dull pain
in pit of stomach, increased by pressure, tearing along r. tibia. Tickling
pricking at orifice of urethra, pricking in rectum, pressure in various
points on each side of sternum, continual desire to urinate all d.
Boring pressure in first joint of 1. big toe. Compression on lower parts of
both calves, on sides of tendo Achillis, on 1. forearm and shoulder-joints,
LEDUM.
123
repeatedly. Violent boring in coronal suture, urine increased, bright
yellow. 1 p.m., shooting in thoracic wall under arms, drawing in legs,
violent scraping in 1. tibia when sitting, boring in 1. angle of jaw.
4 p.m., boring in jerks in middle of 1. femur when sitting. E., obtuse
pressure in r. wrist.-2nd, a.m., pressure in both femora and behind r.
ear. Tearing along 1. tibia p.m., later in lower anterior part of both
legs. Weight and obtuse pressure in sinciput. Shooting pains in
various parts of r. thoracic wall.—3rd, m., pressing and bruised feeling
in l. forearm. Tearing in lower front part of 1. leg, p.m.
Pressure
above r. eye, severe pressure on r. shoulder-joint; drawing in 1. lower
maxilla. 6 p.m., pressing on inner side of 1. patella. Boring in 1.
heel. Drawing in external soft parts of r. thigh. Boring in 1. nasal
bones. Tearing in anterior aspect of 1. forearm. On I. border of
sternum, between 3rd and 5th ribs, pressive blows into chest. Boring in
Ist joint of 1. thumb.-4th, 7 a.m., 50 dr. 8 a.m., giddiness in fore-
head. Shooting in joint of r. big toe. Weight and pressure in temples
and sinciput. Much urging to urinate all d. Severe pressure on front
of 1. shoulder-joint. Pressive feeling on chest, affecting breathing.
Boring in zygomata and 1. great trochanter, then tearing down into
thigh. Shooting in joint of 1. big toe. 9.15, tearing in 1. scapula, in
anterior surface of r. leg bones and above r. knee. Boring in sacrum.
Chilliness in lumbar region. Pressing on bladder and urging to urinate.
Stiffness of r. nape muscles. Tearing in 1. tibia, shooting in tuber
ischii. 4 p.m., pressure in parietal bones and r. shoulder. Obtuse
pressure on top of 1. toes for 1 h.-5th. On rising, m., shooting in first
joint of r. thumb, and violent pain in bones of 1. instep, making walking
and treading painful, later tearing in 1. tibia. I p.m., boring in r.
lower maxilla. Passive bruised pain in r. elbow extending to forearm,
and in 1. metacarpus. 5 p.m., drawing in lower part of 1. calf and
deep in 1. sole.-6th, m., pressure in bone of 1. instep and lower part
of leg. E., boring in r. zygoma and 1. lower jaw.-7th. Yesterday
and to-day on waking, when lying on r. side severe deep-seated pain
between 4th and 6th costal cartilages on r. of sternum, increased by
inspiration and pressure. 6 a.m., tearing 1. metatarsal bones. 6.30 a.m.,
boring in 1. crista ilii. 7 a.m., 50 dr. Boring in r. thigh above
patella, repeatedly. 7.45 a.m., pressure and tearing in upper part of
upper arms. Penetrating stitch between 1. ribs and crista ilii. Shoot-
ing in Ist joint of r. big toe. Pressure in forehead. Drawing in 1. side
of tace, and above 1. temple to forehead. Boring in r. lower jaw and
zygoma. Obtuse pressure deep in sides of lumbar vertebræ. 4 p.m.,
pressing in both temples. Stiffness of 1. side of nape. Frequent
micturition of straw-coloured urine all d.-8th. Boring in zygoma.
Rain in chest as yesterday. E., boring in r. tibia, drawing in under
aspect of toes.-9th, 10 a.m., boring in r. big toe. Tearing in bones of
1. leg. 6 p.m., in chest, constriction with cutting pain as though the
parts in centre of chest were tied together with a thread, making him.
hold his breath. Shooting in 1. lung.-10th. Boring in r. cuneiform
bone; m., tearing along r. tibia. E., emissions on 2 successive n.-11th,
6.45 a.m., 80 dr. Some pressure in stomach. 7.15 a.m., paralytic
bruised pain in shoulder-joint. Great urging to urinate. Drawing in
124
LEDUM.
1. metacarpus. Heat and weight in forehead, pressure in r. temple.
Shooting in inner canthus of r. eye. Pressure in 1st joint of r. big toe.
Dyspnoea and oppression of breathing when sitting. 8.30 a.m., obtuse
pressure in stomach and behind sternum. Pressure in lower angle of 1.
scapula. Boring in 1. inner ankle and metatarsus, drawing in r. tibia.
Obtuse pressure in dorsum of r. foot, in lumbar vertebræ, between 1.
scapula and spine. Drawing in lower part of r. calf and on 1. upper
arm. 6 p.m., drawing in all bones of skull. On waking at n. pressure
in 1. knee.-12th. Pressive pain deep in belly, increased by pressure
all m.
All d. urging to urinate, tickling in glans penis. E., boring
in 1. metacarpus. Drawing in 1. upper arm and lower part of 1. thigh.
10 p.m., tearing deep in r. thigh.-13th, m., shooting in r. side of
thorax when inspiring. 8 a.m., drawing in 1. metatarsus into toes.--
14th-15th, m., when walking severe pain in joint of 1. big toe, making
walking painful. Pressure and drawing in 1. knee.-16th, m., pressing
in 1. elbow and obtuse pressive pain in 1. metatarsus extending to toes.
Pressure in 5th metacarpal bone. I p.m., obtuse pressive boring on
border of r. orbit.-17th, 6.30 a.m., 80 dr. 7.30 a.m., tearing in r.
leg, boring in r. ankle, left zygoma, both sides of 1. tendo Achillis.
Much eructation of air, urging to urinate. 8 a.m., drawing in r.
metatarsus extending to toes, and in middle of r. ulna. 9 a.m., boring
in 1. tibia and angle of r. lower jaw. Drawing, pressure, boring in
frontal bone. Obtuse shoots in rectum. 10 a.m., pressure in middle
of 1. radius. Shooting in joint of r. big toe. Pressive bruised pain in 1.
elbow and shoulder-joint, later in r. wrist. 2 p.m., pressure in 1st joint
of 1. thumb and shooting drawing in r. metatarsal bones. Shooting in
lumbar region. 3.30 p.m., bruised pain in r. elbow-joint extending to
upper part of forearm.
4 p.m., pressive pain in 1. knee extending into
posterior and external soft parts of thigh. Pricking in tongue's tip
inferiorly. 6 p.m., bruised pain in upper part of 1. upper arm. Repeated
pricking in orifice of urethra. Drawing in 1. side of frontal bone.
7 and 11 p.m., compression in lower part of 1. leg. All d. frequent
urging to urinate, but urine not increased in quantity.-18th, 8 a.m.,
boring pain in frontal bone. 9 a.m., pressing in upper part of 1. upper
Persistent dull pain in stomach increased by pressure. Boring
in metacarpal bone of r. thumb and in its joint. 2 p.m., pressure in r.
scapula, later in sides of r. elbow. 4 p.m., pressing twisting pain from
1. elbow-joint through deep parts of forearm into wrist-joints. Pressure
under nail of r. big toe. 4.30 p.m., obtuse pressure on anterior and
external side of middle of 1. thigh. Pressing in r. wrist-joint, later in
Ist joint of r. big toe. Drawing in lower part of 1. calf. Drawing
with cold feeling in lower incisors. N., emission without dream.-
19th, m., tearing in 1. side of frontal bone. Occasional shooting in
thoracic wall on either side of sternum. 9 a.m., obtuse pressure in
lumbar vertebræ. Bruised pain in 1. leg, above r. knee, in r. forearm, in r.
metatarsal bones, and above r. wrist.-20th, 8 a.m., tearing in r. tibia.
Obtuse pressure in lumbar region. Tearing in bone over 1. eye.
Drawing in lower part of r. fibula, over r. eye. Tearing in 1. ankle-
joint and metacarpal bone of little finger. Bruised pain in r. knee and
in middle of 1. forearm. Shooting in first joint of 1. big toe and in ball
arm.
LEDUM.
125
of r. big toe. Boring in Ist joint of r. thumb. E., pricking in 1. thoracic
wall.—24th, 7 a.m., 5 dr. Tearing in frontal bone, zygoma, meta-
carpal bone of thumb. P.m., pressure in the thoracic wall.-25th, m.,
tearing in frontal bone, r. elbow, lower part of 1. calf, r. knee.-26th,
10 p.m., sudden attack of great weakness followed by chilliness for 3 h.,
skin felt cool, trembling of all muscles, head hot and heavy, pulse quick
and small. Frequent waking at n., tossing about, confused dreams,
frequent micturition with cutting pain and much pain in limbs, cranial
bones, thoracic wall.-27th. Woke early (4 a.m.), extreme weakness
all d., much chilliness, painful sensitiveness of skin on touching limbs or
scalp. Violent tearing pain in parietal bones, heat in sinciput and redness
of face; shooting in throat, swollen tonsils, pulse quick and small,
crossness.—28th. No more chilliness, but the previous symptoms
of Ledum remained. Was quite well on 29th. (A. h. Z., xxxix,
Nos. 21 and 23.)
3. LEMEKE made a second proving of Ledum in 1865.—May 7th,
6.30 a.m., 10 dr. 3 p.m., when sitting, pressive pain in 1. knee
repeatedly.-8th, 7 a.m., 10 dr. Pressive pain in upper part of 1. tibia
extending downwards when sitting. 6 p.m.. drawing in l. toes, pressure
in r. temple.—9th, 9 a.m., 20 dr. When sitting drawing and pressive
pains alternately in knees, shoulders, flesh of thighs, legs. 8 p.m.,
when sitting same pain in r. toes and 1. shoulder.—10th, 9 a.m., 20 dr.
No symptoms.-11th, 8.30 a.m., 30 dr. Pressive pain on 1. tibia and
calf. 9 a.m., drawing in r. toes. Heat of back, head, and cheeks,
small black spots hover before eyes. Pressure in knees and ankles
alternately, suddenly coming and going. Great heat in hands with
distended veins, and in cool open air, pressure in r. thumb-joint, later in
r. big toe. 3 p.m., some very sharp stitches through tongue. Pressure
in r. big toe joint. 6 p.m., drawing and pressive pain along posterior
surface of 1. thigh, several times when sitting. Pressure in knees, r.
metacarpal bones, upper part of 1. side of chest, pressure in ankle-joints.
All these symptoms in irregular succession lasting a few seconds and
recurring several times. 7.30 p.m., painless feeling of stiffness in r.
fingers. Persistent pressing-as under pain in r. leg, when sitting.
Boring pain above 1. eyebrow, drawing in teeth of r. side.-12th.
Pressure in 1. elbow. 4 p.m., drawing in r. tibia. Drawing-asunder
pain in r. toes. Towards e. the pains increase in knees, tibiæ, ankles,
shoulders. 7 p.m., great pressure in knees when walking.—13th, 6 a.m.,
scraping and tickling in larynx, much dry short cough, after which the
tickling continues. Soon afterwards pressure in r. ankle-joint when sit-
ting and in tips of r. toes. 7.30 p.m., pressive pain in 1. knee, bruised and
heavy feeling in 1. arm, especially elbow, worst when at rest. Same
feeling in wrist and ankle-joints. Drawing pain in 1. side of forehead and
1. calf, pricking in 1. sole. 9 p.m., all pains gone.-14th, shooting in l.
tibia, later boring pain in 1. side of forehead.-15th, 10 a.m., when
walking in street feeling of vertigo as though the body swayed to one
side; this lasted 10 m. Later shooting and burning in tip of tongue.
Towards e., when sitting pressive pain in knees and wrists. 8 p.m.,
pressure on dorsum of r. foot. 9 p.m., drawing in 1. metacarpal bones,
and feeling of stiffness when moving fingers. Severe pressure in 1. outer
126
LEDUM.
ankle, drawing pain in r. toes. Pressure in r. arm above elbow, also on
ulnar aspect of 1. hand. Painful heaviness on moving r. shoulder-joint.
-16th, 8.30 a.m., pressure in 1. clavicle. Drawing in 1. elbow and
a feeling of weight in 1. arm, especially elbow. Pressure in 1. knee;
all these symptoms frequently repeated. 7 p.m., pressing-asunder
pain in 1. hand, needle pricks in 1. toes, pressure in 1. ankle-joint,
bruised and heavy feeling in knees, r. thigh, 1. arm, lasting some m.
and changing places. All symptoms when sitting or when the limbs
are at rest, thus in arms when walking, not in legs. Pressure in lowest
cervical vertebræ increased by bending head forwards. Needle-pricks
under nail of r. thumb. Painful weight in r. arm, sometimes more in
shoulder or elbow, relieved by moving joint; same in 1. knee and leg.
These pains also felt in bed at 11 p.m.-17th. Some of previous
symptoms, also boring and drawing pain in 1. tibia when walking. For
some d. two pimples on forehead. Very painful compression in
muscles of r. forearm; after some h. same in muscles of r. leg on its
outer side and near ankle. Stitches in bend of 1. elbow. E., pressive
pain in various joints and in metacarpus. Tearing in 1. occiput.—
18th, 6.30 a.m., 30 dr. After h. persistent drawing, pressing pains,
particularly in lower extremities, feeling of weight in knees, shooting
in calves when walking. Heavy feeling in arms, especially elbows.
Dull pressure on 1. side of head, with weight in head. Bruised
pain in shoulder-muscles. Pressure on anterior part of 1. shoulder-
joint. In head wandering dull pressive pains. Repeatedly deep in
cardiac region dull pressive pain, pressure in muscles of r. forearm and
upper arm. Drawing and shooting in outer border of 1. sole, in
muscles above r. patella when walking. 9 a.m., compression in
1. knee. 10 a.m., attack of vertigo. All d. one or other of the above
pains in limbs and head with feeling of heaviness and weariness.—19th,
4.30 a.m., wakened by a noise, felt pressive pain in calves. 7 a.m., on
rising same symptoms more persistent, also in wrists and knees. Com-
pression in muscles of 1. upper arm and in ankle-joints. The former
pain in heart recurs frequently.-19th. Same symptoms, and at
3 p.m. pressive and drawing pains, especially in posterior and outer side
of 1. thigh and in muscles of 1. forearm. Stitches in r. pectoral muscles
on drawing a deep breath. 10 p.m., boring in 1. temple and 1. side of
frontal bone when reading. Severe pressure in 1. shoulder relieved
by moving arm; immediately afterwards in r. ankle and wrist, which
changes into heaviness of whole arm, worst when at rest. Though
no more Ledum was taken the same symptoms continued more or
less to 9th June, when a dose of camphor put an end to them.
(N. Z. f. h. Kl., x, 113.)
II. Poisonings.-I. Dr. SALZER prescribed a lotion of L., 10-12
drops in 4 oz. of water, to a patient suffering from the worst kind
of "prickly heat." The patient applied it on going to bed and
fell asleep, soothed, he thought, by the aqueous application. He
awoke in 2 or 3 h. with the usual prickling sensation, but did not
repeat the application on account of the following symptoms, which he
attributed to repelling the eruption. He felt a quite extraordinary
dryness of the mouth, a clogging sensation in the throat, and a more
LEPTANDRA.
127
or less heavy breathing. These symptoms strikingly resembled those
of the pathogenesis of L. (Calc. Journ. of Med., ii, 295.)
LEPTANDRA.
Leptandra virginica, Nutt. Black root, Calver's physic. Nat. Ord., Scrophulariacea.
I. Provings.-1. a. Dr. BURT, on Jan. 29th, took 1 gr. Leptandrin
at 10 a.m. 12 (noon), constant dull frontal headache, worse in
temples; constant distress in lower part of epigastric region and umbi-
licus, by spells there are sharp cutting pains in same parts. Took 2
gr. at 3 p.m. Slight frontal headache, with dull aching sensation in
umbilicus. Took 3 gr. 6 p.m. Constant dull frontal headache, very
severe, deep in region of causality; constant dull aching distress in
umbilicus; at times are very sharp pains in same region. Took 4 gr.
9 p.m. Frontal headache has been very severe; eyes smart and ache
very much
; same pain in umbilicus; feeling very gloomy. Took 5
gr. 30th.-Feeling very tired; slept middling well, awoke several
times, with severe frontal headache. Took 6 gr. 7 a.m. At 10, dull,
slight headache, with slight distress in umbilicus. Took 8 gr. at 12
(noon). Constant, dull headache, very much worse in regions of
causality; eyes sore and smart severely; constant aching distress in
umbilical region. Took 10 gr. at 2 p.m. Had to ride ten miles on
horseback, did not notice any symptoms. At 6 p.m. took 15 gr. 9,
same effects on head, eyes, and abdomen. Urine slightly acid, no stool
to-day. 31st.-Restless n. after 12, pains and distress in bowels pre-
venting sleep; feeling very languid; dull pain lower r. hypochondriac
region; tongue coated yellow along centre.
Took 20 gr. 8 a.m.
Stool, first part hard, black and lumpy, afterwards soft and mushy. At
12 (noon) slight frontal headache, eyes smart very much, frequent dull
aching pain in lower r. hypochondriac region near gall-bladder, with
dull aching distress in umbilical region, and rumbling in bowels.
Took 25 gr. at 2 p.m. Dull aching distress in whole of liver that
extends to spire, most in region of gall-bladder; great distress in whole
of the bowels, with sharp cutting pains, rumbling and desire for stool,
stool soft and mushy, followed by very weak feeling in bowels and
rectum. 5, frontal headache; eyes smart a great deal; constant,
burning aching distress in region of stomach and liver; dull aching
distress in umbilical and hypogastric regions. Took 25 gr. at 9 p.m.
Dull frontal headache, which is very deep in cerebrum; eyes smart very
much; burning distress in whole of epigastric and hypochondriac
regions; constant dull aching distress in umbilical and hypogastric
regions, with very sharp pains every few m.; feeling very weak and
faint; constant, dull aching pain in r. inguinal region, which passes
down to r. testicle, the pain hard to endure; dull aching in lumbar
region; urine rather scanty, and does not affect blue litmus paper.
Feb. 1st.-Restless n. after 12; skin hot and dry, with frequent pain.
in bowels; eyelids agglutinated; unpleasant flat taste in mouth, tongue
128
LEPTANDRA.
coated yellow along centre; great rumbling and distress in hypogastric
region, with a profuse, black, very fetid, soft, papescent stool, with
slight pain in bowels afterwards; feeling very languid. At 6 a.m. took
30 gr. 11, frequent dull aching distress in umbilical and hypogastric
region. Took 40 gr. at 2 p.m. For the last 2 h. has been in awful
pain and distress in umbilical and hypogastric regions, which drinking
cold water aggravates very much; dull aching burning distress in
region of gall-bladder, with frequent chilliness along spine; great dis-
tress in hypogastric region with great desire for stool; very profuse
black stool, about consistence of cream, with undigested potatoes in it;
this gave great relief, but was followed by great distress in region of
liver, extending to spine; it is of a hot and aching character, with chilli-
ness along the spine. 5, slight frontal headache with sharp pains in
temples; there has been very constant distress, with very sharp pains
by spells, in lumbar region. 10, slight frontal headache, with sharp
pains in temples; constant distress with pains in whole of abdomen,
since 5 p.m., but for last h. the pains in umbilical and hypogastric
regions have been awful to endure, with rumbling and great desire for
stool; very profuse, black, fetid stool, that streamed from the bowels,
and could not be retained a moment, which gave great relief, but did
not stop the pain altogether. Urine very red, does not affect blue
litmus paper. 2nd.-Slept soundly, feeling very languid, both wrists
are lame and ache quite severely, 1. aches the most, pain lasting until
noon; tongue coated yellow along centre, flat taste in mouth; imme-
diately after getting up very severe aching distress in epigastric region.
At 10 a.m., distress in stomach constantly getting worse, cannot sit or
stand still, it is so severe; food rises very soon; the painful distress in
stomach has been unendurable all forenoon, a hard, aching, burning
sensation appearing to be in stomach. 9 p.m., distress in stomach has
not been so hard, but has had severe pains in umbilical region all after-
noon; urine neutral, no stool to-day. 3rd.-Slept soundly; awoke at
5 a.m., feeling very hungry, with great pain in epigastric region, which
continued till after breakfast; frequent pains in epigastric region all d.
4th.-Slept well; great desire for food; stool, first part natural, second
part soft and mushy.
b. February 5th.-Awoke 2 a.m., feeling very hungry, has a
great appetite. II a.m., took 20 drops of fluid extract of Leptandra.
12 (noon), dull frontal headache; profuse secretion of tears; dull
aching distress in stomach and umbilical region. 3 p.m., slight head-
ache, constant aching distress in umbilicus with sharp pains by spells,
sharp cutting pains near gall-bladder. Took 30 dr. at 4 p.m.; dull
frontal headache, with sensation as if hair were pulled at; good deal of
distress in stomach and bowels, with burning sensation. 6 p.m., dull,
aching distress in umbilicus; took 40 dr. 10 p.m., there has been
much distress in umbilicus, with great burning distress in back part of
liver and in spine; soft mushy stool; took 50 dr. 6th.-Slept well;
arose once in n., and immediately felt sick at stomach, with deathly
faintness; tongue coated yellow, flat taste in mouth. 7 a.m., took 60
dr.; 10, slight headache; great distress in small intestines and desire
for stool; soft stool, very fetid and black; took 70 dr. Noon, dull
LEPTANDRA.
129
VOL. III.
aching distress in umbilical region, with very sharp pains by spells; took
80 dr. 3 p.m., slight frontal headache; eyes smart a good deal; constant
dull aching pain in cardiac portion of stomach; great distress in
umbilicus; took 100 dr. 10, slight frontal headache, with neuralgic.
pain in r. temple; eyes smarting constantly, with dull pains in eyeballs ;
very severe pains in stomach and small intestines, with great distress.
and desire for stool; stool soft, very fetid and mushy; very gloomy
´and irritable all d.; took 120 dr. 7th.-Up all n. with a patient;
had
very severe pains in umbilical and hypogastric regions; stool at 3 a.m.,
whĺch ran as a stream from bowels, followed by very severe cutting
pains in intestines. 8 a.m., very severe frontal headache, almost
intolerable on walking; great distress in stomach and all the small
intestines, with great desire for stool, that could not be retained one.
moment,-it ran as a stream from bowels, very fetid, containing large
quantities of mucus, followed by severe pain in hypogastric region;
took 160 dr. 10 a.m., there has been constant and very violent
frontal headache; great distress in stomach and small intestines, with
frequent pains in umbilicus, causing him to feel very faint and weak;
great rumbling in bowels; stool that could not be retained, consisting
of water and large quantities of mucus and little yellow matter, followed
by very hard pains in umbilicus; very giddy while walking; quite
weary and languid, could hardly walk. 12 (noon), severe frontal
headache; constant dull burning aching distress in whole of bowels,
with frequent pain and rumbling, and great desire for stool; stool of
water and mucus, followed by very hard pain in hypogastric and
umbilical regions; another very profuse, thin stool, with large quantities.
of mucus; very weak and languid, compelled to go to bed. 5, slept
2 h., awoke with great distress in whole of bowels, and great desire for
stool; profuse watery stool mixed with mucus, that could not be
retained; another stool of water and mucus, with part natural fæces,
very fetid. 6, another stool containing large quantities of mucus,
followed by sharp cutting pains and great distress in umbilical region;
feeling very weak and faint. 9, another profuse stool that could not
be retained, followed by severe pains in bowels; very severe frontal
headache. 8th.-Slept soundly; feeling very languid; tongue coated
yellow along centre; dull aching distress in bowels, during the n. had
frequent pains in umbilicus, with much rumbling all d.; no stool;
great appetite. 9th.-Loss of sleep last n., and feeling bad to-day;
frequent pains in bowels all d., with severe headache; no stool. Next
d. Slept well; feeling very well, excepting frequent pains in umbilical
region; soft, yellow papescent stool, preceded by pain in umbilical
region. (HALE, New Remedies, 2nd ed.)
X
2. A student of Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, informed
me that in the fall of 1865 he took, while in good health, several
doses daily of Leptandrin I, for about two weeks. During the experi-
ment he had a severe attack of jaundice, accompanied with clay-coloured
diarrhoea, headache, and the symptoms usually seen in such cases.
could not remember any further details. (Ibid.)
He
9
130
LILIUM TIGRINUM.
LILIUM TIGRINUM.
L. tigrinum, H. K. Tiger lily. Nat. Ord., Liliacea.
I. Provings.-1. Dr. S. P. GRAVES, æt. 37, took-2 h. after
eating-5 dr. of 3x dil. of tinct. of flowers. In about 1 h. felt dull
pressive pain in 1. side, apparently about heart; coldness of outer 1. leg,
as though cold wind was blowing upon it; dulness of r. head, increasing
to sense of pressure, inclining head over to 1. side. These symptoms
gradually increased for about 6 h., then gradually abated, when he fell
into a sleep which continued about 4 h., from which he was suddenly
aroused by pain in 1. side, as if heart were violently grasped, inter-
rupting pulsations of heart and breathing. It was relieved by rubbing
and pressure, and grasp gradually relaxed. Tingling of legs set in, and
continued during 2nd d.; heart-pain was better in m., but worse in
afternoon and on lying down at n., aggravated by stooping, leaning
forwards, or bowing. After all symptoms had passed away, took
second dose, before eating. Same symptoms returned, less marked, but
of longer duration. Pain in heart continued for more than two weeks,
gradually abating, and at last felt only on bending body forwards.
Urine on 2nd d. after each dose was copious and high-coloured. (Dr.
W. E. PAYNE'S provings, Trans. of Amer. Inst. of Hom., 1867.)
2. a. Dr. J. W. SAVAGE took, Feb. 20th, 1867, 30 dr. of tinct. on
sugar at 3.30 p.m. Pulse was then 76. 6, dull, heavy, or pressive
pain in region of heart; sharp pain in both knees, on inside, extending
towards front at point of connection of patella with rectus tendon.
Pain was confined to a small spot; he never felt anything of the kind
before. 7.30, pulse now 88, took 30 dr. more. Both lower limbs
below knees feel dull, heavy, and full, with formication and shifting
pains; pulsations in both feet; slight nausea; cardiac pain continues;
dull and occasional shooting pains across small of back, lasting short
time. Pains all seem to occupy small spots, as if produced by hard
pressure with ends of fingers on parts. 9.30, pulse 88, repeated dose.
Quick pain in both ring fingers and corresponding toes at same time,
passing off in a few seconds. 10, moving of flatus in bowels, with
rumbling and feeling of fulness; nausea, with great desire but inability
to vomit; bubbling sensation in r. hypochondrium. There was slight
pain in bowels all n., with rumbling and violent emission of flatus, also
Next m. abdomen
sensation as though diarrhoea was about to occur.
Soon stool,
was tender to pressure. 7.30 a.m., took 30 dr. more.
dark and hard, followed by a good deal of heat in rectum and anus,
with slight pains in abdomen; weakness and pain in knees when
walking, especially on ascending; dull and heavy, with occasional
quick, pains in lower limbs below knee; small spot on inside of 1.
thigh very painful at intervals; dull boring pain on top of l. foot; nausea,
with inclination to vomit, and frequent hawking of mucus from throat;
great distension of bowels, with much upward and downward escape of
flatus (this is a constant effect of drug); heat and pressure in hypogas-
trium. 11.45, 30 dr. more, pulse 72. Constant heavy feeling in
LILIUM TIGRINUM.
131
cardiac region all afternoon, and pain in ankle-joints, worse on moving.
6, sharp pains in inside of 1. thigh, over femoral artery, about 2 in.
below Poupart's ligament. 22nd.—No medicine; pain in thigh, flatu-
lence and lameness in ankles gradually diminishing. 23rd.-No
symptoms. 7.30 p.m., 30 dr. Flatulent distension of stomach and
bowels, with rumbling, returned; also heaviness in cardiac region, and
palpitation when lying on 1. side in bed at n.
b. "The heart symptoms now became so troublesome that I was
obliged to discontinue further use of the drug. The symptoms were
always much worse at n., giving me, comparatively, but little trouble
in the daytime. The heart's action was intermittent, every intermission
followed by a violent throb, causing an involuntary catching of the
breath; at the same time the blood rushed up through the carotids to
the head, producing great heat and a crowded feeling of head and face.
These symptoms followed me for more than a month; indeed, so con-
stant were they that I became alarmed, fearing I might have misjudged
the case, and, instead of medicinal symptoms, I was really suffering
from an organic disease of the heart. But a physical examination of
the heart's action, by a brother physician, put my mind at rest on this
point." (Ibid.)
3. F. G. BARKER, æt. 30, took, May 9th, 1868, at 8 p.m., 6 dr. of
tinct.* in water. In about 1 h., having been reading and writing,
experienced slightly confused feeling in head, with little pain. This
increased after going to bed, and there were slight rushing sounds in
both ears.
About middle of n. woke suddenly, with coated feeling in
mouth and throat, and had to rise and empty bladder (very unusual).
Same thing happened again at 5.45., when also he had continued heavy
feeling in head; steady, though not severe, pain in lumbar region;
and intermittent sharp pain across hypogastrium. Slept again till 8,
when bladder had again to be relieved. 10th.-Continued lumbar
pain, though sensibly growing lighter; it was occasionally transferred
to between shoulders. Sharp, though not severe, pain over 1. eye
almost continuously during forenoon. 11.45, lumbar and eye pain
almost gone, but some still felt between shoulders; took 8 dr. No
effect, save slight increase of eye pain. 4.30, repeated dose; eye pain
increased, and lumbar pain recurred; urine remarkably clear and pale;
drowsy early in e., and could not work. Ith.-Árose late, very
much distressed with pain in lumbar region, which lasted through d.
and did not cease till e. 12th. At 5.40 a.m. took 8 dr. again, without
effect. 13th.-At 6.30 a.m., 12 dr. In middle of forenoon, intensely
sharp pain in r. side, between hip and false ribs, extending to umbilicus,
and becoming a sort of colic, so severe as to render a full deep breath
intolerable; was almost obliged to stop work (type-setting). Pain
lasted till a little past noon, when it stopped suddenly. (Ibid., 1868.)
4. a. Miss
teacher, æt. 42; had not menstruated for 2 years,
but had enjoyed uninterrupted good health. Sept. 3rd, 1867, at 8.30
a.m., took 5 dr. of tinct., and repeated same on two following d.
From 6th to 15th took 10 dr. daily. Hitherto no effect. 16th.-At
>
* The tincture used in this and the following proving was made from stalk,
leaves, and flowers.
132
LILIUM TIGRINUM.
8.30 a.m. 25 dr. In 2 h. pain commenced in forehead above eyes,
severe for more than an h., then gradually abating. 20th.-Took 30
dr. in course of 2 h. Pain in sacrum, with sensation of weight and
downward pressure in hypogastrium, which continued with some
severity till 26th, worse when standing. 26th.-Took 30 dr. Dis-
charge of bright-red blood from vagina, with dull heavy pain and great
weakness in small of back and loins, continuing four following d. Took
no more medicine, and does not report again till 15th, when she felt
constant nausea, with sensation as of a lump in centre of chest, which
could be moved down by empty swallowing, but ascended again when
effort was over. Bearing down continues, with severe pressure in
rectum and at anus, and constant desire for stool, but with every effort
to evacuate the bowels, urine only was discharged. Sensation as if a
hard body were pressing backwards and downwards against rectum and
anus; standing on feet aggravated, and increased desire to go to stool.
(These symptoms were somewhat relieved by walking in air, and
riding.) Bowels feel as if distended; trembling sensation in abdomen,
with chilliness; cold feet and hands; loss of appetite; aversion to
coffee, nauseated on thinking of it, though it was habitual and favourite
drink in m.; frequent passing of urine in small quantities; faint in a
warm room, and on standing, with cold perspiration on back of hands.
and on feet; cannot see objects distinctly; depression of spirits, con-
stant inclination to weep, with fearfulness and apprehension of suffering
from some terrible internal disease, already established; weakness and
trembling of bowels, with loss of strength; very sleepy at other times
than usual sleeping hours. 20th.-Above symptoms having still
increased, prover submitted to examination per vaginam, when uterus
was found low down, fundus tilted forwards, and os pressing backwards
on rectum, allowing but difficult passage of index between. Helonias
gave partial relief in 1 d., complete in 3 d.
Ix
I
b. Dec. 17th and 18th, took 15 dr. of 1, dil. 3 times without effect.
19th.-Took 20 dr. at 10 and 3. În 1 h. after last dose, felt sharp quick
pain in 1. chest, with fluttering of heart. 6, sharp pain over 1. eye,
abating after an h., but continuing all e. 21st.-Awoke free from
pain. 9 a.m., 25 dr. Frequent attacks of palpitation; dull pain in
sacrum; loss of appetite, aversion to bread and coffee. 22nd.—2 p.m.,
25 dr. Dull pain in forehead over eyes; low-spirited; aversions con-
tinue; dull and constant pain in back, between hips, with pressing down-
wards at anus, which continued to 26th, not much relieved on lying
down. 26th.-11 a.m., 30 dr. Dull pain in forehead, over eyes, com-
menced at noon, and continued about 2 h.; pain in back and nausea;
no appetite; depression of spirits; disposition to weep. 27th.-30 dr.
Pain in sacrum all d.; disrelish for food, especially bread, and repug-
nance to coffee; on going to bed cold feeling in back, as if cold water
were poured upon it. 28th.-In m. on awaking 1. chest was of bright
red colour and hot to touch. II a.m., 30 dr. 2 p.m., dull pain over
eyes, continuing about 2 h.; same in small of back and sacrum all
afternoon and e. No desire for food; special dislike to bread continues;
depression of spirits with continual inclination to weep; pressing in
rectum and anus; cold chills in back, particularly after going to bed at
LILIUM TIGRINUM.
133
n., with hot flushes towards m. 29th.-1 p.m., 30 dr. Pain in back
all e., till after midnight, when it abated somewhat. Symptoms now
became so annoying that proving was suspended. Usual appetite for
bread and coffee did not return for nearly three weeks. (Ibid.)
5. a. Mrs. N. W—, M.D., being in ordinary good health, began,
Oct. 1st, 1869, by taking 3 dr. of 3rd dil.* 3 times daily. First
noticed she was more active; things went easily. No other effect for
4 d., unless it was increased sexual instinct; then sweetish nausea,
with fulness of abdomen, particularly after eating, even after small
quantities. Food does not increase the nausea; no desire to vomit.
On 6th d. moral symptoms were developed, did not want to be pleased,
no care to talk or read; desire to sleep; slept well, but had unpleasant
dreams. Omitted medicine 2 d.; nausea and full feeling subsided. At
intervals, skin of abdoinen feels stretched and stiff; sore pain in upper
chest. On 7th d. took 5 dr., and in a few m. nausea much increased,
with same bloated feeling in abdomen, particularly hypogastrium,
with some tearing from ovarian regions down both thighs; darting
pains in different parts of head. Ate, but without appetite; restless,
and desire to be doing something, but no ambition; sense of pressure
in vagina, and pain at top of sacrum extending to hips. On 8th d.,
worse on going to bed; cannot go to sleep; wild feeling in head as
though she would go crazy; dreaming all n.; better on rising; con-
stant nausea. On 10th d., pain in r. iliac region, better during motion;
head grows wild after keeping quiet a little while. At 2 p.m. took 5
dr., increased depressing weight over pubes, after supper; knees ache.
b. Prover came to Dr. Dunham on 22nd to state her symptoms,
her mind being so affected that she could not record them. There
came on 20th, and increased up till now, a sensation in pelvis as though
everything were coming into the world through the vagina. Last n.
sensation was very distressing, and not relieved by change of position.
The dragging downwards is felt in stomach, and even in shoulders;
not relieved by lying down, but worse when standing up. There is
disposition to place hands on hypogastrium and press upwards (also to
inhale forcibly) in order to relieve dragging sensation; likewise, aching
and pressure across lumbo-sacral region, and some pressure upon
rectum; pressure also on top of head, with crazy feeling; she wants
somebody to talk to her and entertain her (very unusual); feels
nervous, wants to cry from feeling of irritation and of something wrong
in pelvis and abdomen; feels hurried and yet incapable, as if she had a
good deal to do, and could not do it. She is thirsty, drinking often
and much. Her bowels are naturally regular; but now she has alter-
nate loose and solid stools, several during d., and constant feeling as
though she must have a stool, resulting from sensation as though some-
thing were pressing on anterior walls of rectum at and near anus. She
cannot get to sleep at n., but lies with eyes wide open; grumbling pain
in r. head and teeth. Her pelvic pains are worse during, but still more
after, motion. She is somewhat tender to pressure in ovarian regions,
especially r.
c. (Dr. Dunham now continues report.) 23rd.-Aching in pelvis.
* The tincture used in the remaining provings was prepared from the pollen only.
134
LILIUM TIGRINUM.
$
as if not in uterus but around it. She feels constantly two spots
corresponding in position to ovaries, which ache and feel like coals of
fire. Same dragging sensation as before. 25th.-After reporting on
23rd (10 a.m.), desire for stool, and during d. stool every h., lumpy,
small, diarrhoeic, with wind; constant tenesmus, she could sit at stool
for ever, therewith burning in urethra, with tenesmus there also, and
smarting after micturition. Helonias relieved, but she has still to-day
the bearing-down-a pulling upwards and forwards from tip of coccyx,
downwards and backwards from spines of ilia. Disposition to muse
and dream, seems asleep and afar off, mental faculties benumbed so
that she is indisposed for work; headache in occiput and over eyes.
Increased desire for meat, and has eaten much. 26th. All yesterday
pressure on bladder; aching in r. ovary kept getting worse, feeling as
if knife inserted there ripped down groin and front of thigh; pain
extended over lumbo-sacral region, and she had to lie and cry herself
to sleep; pain extended up to r. hypochondrium and was somewhat
relieved by pressure on ovary. This m. no pain, but the sore sensa-
tion which follows pain; diarrhoea continues, also irritation of bladder,
but she can control this by determining not to micturate; legs ache,
causing her to twist and turn. It seems as if the symptoms came on
worse as soon as she gave up active control over herself, e. g. when she
tried to sleep. She thinks effects of medicine are passing off, because
first symptoms, such as pain in occiput, are coming back. 28th.-
Menses occurred yesterday, as usual, and regularly, and continued
normal as long as she kept moving, but as soon as she came to rest the
flow ceased. None this m. She cannot think, acts without thought;
feels hurried, walks fast instinctively; is forgetful, cannot decide for
herself, must depend on others. November 2nd.-She noticed on
29th some heart symptoms, not definite. On 30th, after walking,
sudden fluttering sensation there. There is now hurried forcing
feeling, with faintness and fluttering as though she could do nothing,
but must put by her work and sit still; seat of sensation is apex of
heart, and twice she had sharp pain there. Great weakness in legs.
She feels as if she must breathe quick, yet she does not. Prover feels
that her whole system has been profoundly affected by the medicine;
"she is not the same person that she was ;" she feels hurried, and yet
cannot do much, has no heart or strength to attend to business, which
has not heretofore been a burden to her; she feels discouraged, but no
longer has ideas of suicide as she had about 8th day of proving.
3rd.-Gets out of breath going upstairs, must stop and rest; appetite
tremendous, especially for meat; does not care to be alone (contrary
to wont), but does not dread it; sexual instinct, ordinarily dormant,
now much excited; wits languid, intuitions dull. Bloating of
abdomen continues. Can repress her symptoms and disregard them if
she keeps very busy, but as soon as she ceases her occupation they
recur with great intensity. 4th. Much sweating in axilla, espe-
cially r. (noticed before); burning itching on swell of both deltoids;
heart symptoms passing off, felt now only on fast walking.
d. From 4th to 7th felt quite well, but on 7th bearing-down
sensation recurred, and was followed by thin acrid leucorrhoea, leaving
¡
LILIUM TIGRINUM.
135
a brown stain,-these symptoms worse from afternoon to midnight;
therewith mental depression and emotional irritation as before,—this
came upon her like a sudden cloud. On 11th was in same state, with
constant burning pain across hypogastrium, sense of irritation in
womb, and great irritability of temper. On 12th leucorrhoea had
ceased, but sense of irritation remained. Menses recurred on 14th
(i. e. after only two weeks' interval), scanty, dark, and thick. Mental
symptoms continued up to 22nd. From 30th onwards a third series
of Lilium symptoms came on,-passional excitement and hurried
feeling, aching and burning pain in ovaries (distinctly defining these
organs in her sensations) with aggravation at n., and diarrhoea in m.;
then despondency and mental depression; then hurried feeling and
impulse to work without real desire for it. With the ovarian irritation
(always worst p.m.), there was pressure on bladder, urine being high-
coloured and scanty: she could pass it every h. Dec. 8th.-Con-
stant burning in back. On introducing finger into vagina she found
the os, which usually is so high as to be almost out of reach, now low
and tilted back, pressing on rectum, while fundus lies on bladder. She
now took platina as an antidote, and the Lilium symptoms gradually
passed away. (Ibid., 1870.)
1
6. Mrs. A. F—, M.D., took, Nov. 20th, 1869, zij of tinct. at a
single dose. Had no symptoms for 2 weeks, but then came on chills
creeping down back on going to bed every n. for a month, followed
by violent beating of heart and throbbing of carotids, preventing sleep
while lying on either side. These, and still more other symptoms
ranging from Jan. 12th to April 5th, 1870, are very dubious effects of
drug. (Ibid.)
8.
7. Mrs. C. le B—, M.D., from Nov. 24th, 1869, took two doses
of 3rd dil. daily for 6 d. Dull frontal headache all 1st d. 2nd d.,
dull headache beginning in forehead and going all through head,
worse on 1. side; severe pressure in r. eye for 2 h.; chilly feeling all
over body. 3rd d., same headache, mostly confined to forehead;
yawning and stretching; severe chill towards e, causing great pain in
and about heart, going through to under scapula; pain constrictive,
heart feeling as though squeezed in a vice; blood seems all to have
gone to heart, causing feeling as if she must bend double; can hardly
walk upright; there with nausea. All these feelings removed on
getting into a warm room. 4th d., same headache; stupid feeling;
nausea, transient, suddenly coming and going; heavy dull feeling in
stomach, pains in r. ovarian region, a gnawing dragging sensation,
worse on walking, a feeling as if something were shaking loose there
whenever r. foot was planted firmly; also gnawing pain in lumbar
region, worse in bed and lasting all n.; sight (prover is hypermetropic)
much worse than usual. 5th d., still headache, lumbar and ovarian
pains, and nausea; sight worse, eyes very painful, smarting, must close
them often; light pains, darkness pleasant. 6th d., eyes still bad, and
though, no more medicine being taken, other symptoms gradually
subsided, eyes took 4 weeks to return to their normal state. (Ibid.)
Mrs. B—, student of medicine, took daily from November 1st
dr. of tinct. at 6 a.m. Each d. " nervous symptoms" came on
a.
5
136
LILIUM TIGRINUM.
about
3 p.m., getting worse at every recurrence. Trembling of knees
was prominent among these; on 3rd same tremor involved abdomen,
lower back, and hands. When walking joints seem to lack synovia;
she can almost hear the crepitus. On 4th everything in the least
exciting causes cold hands; there is paralysis or stiffness of fingers, so
that she can hardly hold a pencil firmly enough to write. Menses
delayed. After last dose symptoms gradually wore off.
b. Dec. 7th, took, 2 h. before dinner, 12 dr. and at 8 p.m. had to
leave company on account of cutting pain in bowels, so severe that
she had to take nux, which relieved; extremities cold and clammy ;
sudden chills not followed by fever, but with fulness of head. Woke
next m. tremulous and weak as after an illness. On 9th menses
appeared, scanty and of short duration; appetite failed. Dec. 13th-
15th.-Fulness of head and pressing from within outwards as if con-
tents would issue from every aperture, also aching of flesh and bones
throughout body; latter recurred on 24th and 25th, with great sore-
ness. Effects of last dose did not seem to wear away till after nearly
4 weeks.
9. Mrs. J. F—, student of medicine, took 5 dr. of 3rd dil. twice on
March 22nd, 1870, without effect. 23rd.-8 dr. twice. No physical
effects, but an h. after 2nd dose she noticed a nervous tremulousness,
and inability to apply mind to any subject steadily; could not think
clearly or remember well. 24th.-16 dr., 3 times. No marked change
in feelings till afternoon, when she had severe pain in back, much
nervousness, inability to apply mind, depression, disposition to weep,
headache. On each d. increased secretion of urine. Took no more
medicine till April 4th, when, feeling remarkably well, she took 12 dr.,
which was quickly followed by tremulousness, and peculiar pressive
headache. (Ibid.)
10. Mrs. L. B. C., M.D. "Oct. 8th, 1869, I took for one week
5 dr. of 3rd dil. n. and m. without effect; then doubled dose for
another week. Now for a week have felt utterly incapacitated for
mental work or physical exertion; feel like sitting quietly without
speaking or being spoken to, or compelled to think; dull heavy feeling
in head; everything seems unreal to me: my eyes look wild, and my
husband fears I may become insane." After writing above stopped
medicine, and within 24 h. all nervous symptoms ceased, but next
period was not one fourth as much as usual, and was followed by
profuse bright yellow leucorrhoea, so acrid as to excoriate whole peri-
næum. For some time after continued to have severe attacks of pain
in uterus, lasting about 1 h., during which she could not bear to he
touched or moved, even jar against bed was torture, and she could not
endure weight of clothes upon pelvic region. On examination womb
was found anteverted.* (Ibid.)
II. Dr. LILIENTHAL, æt. 54. "October 30th, 1869.-Lilium seems
to be a cumulative medicine; it takes a long time to get any symptoms
from it. I have taken in the last few d. nearly 3j of tinct. without
great results.
Last e. felt irritable, sleep broken by disagreeable
dreams; arose earlier than usual, not refreshed by sleep; head feels
* No. 10 also experienced out-pressing headache as in 8 b.
LILIUM TIGRINUM.
137
full, especially over eyes; reel and stagger when walking, with inclina-
tion to fall forward; outward pressure in whole forehead; cold chills
run over face; feel chillier than in cold weather, with hot congested
sensation in chest; usual cigar is nauseous and causes waterbrash
dull pressive aching from 1. temple over ear to occiput, in paroxysms,
with steady dull frontal headache, especially over 1. eye. 31st.-Feel
well, except for a little chilliness; in e., burning in forehead, with
burning pressing pains, especially over 1. eye; grumbling bellyache,
with little inclination to stool; not so irritable, but want to be let
alone, and not troubled to answer questions. Ist.-Felt pretty well
during d., but taciturn and reticent; between 5 and 6 p.m., burning
pressing headache returns, more in r. side of forehead, increasing in
strength as e. passes on. 3rd.-Took 3ss. During forenoon chilliness
over face, followed by fever, congestion to chest, and slight momentary
spasmodic twitchings around heart; dull pain in 1. temple, extending
thence to forehead, with vertigo, especially when walking. Whole
afternoon feel as if intoxicated, staggering forwards; dull in head,
obtuse, cannot find right word, forget what I want to say; eyes full of
water; face, especially forehead, flushed and hot, and pricking sensa-
tion in skin of forehead. 4th.-Engaged in fresh air in forenoon, and
no symptoms observable; felt bright and clear in mind. E. passed
in warm
room; old headache returned, with some lachrymation;
sensation as if a rubber band were stretched tightly from temple to
temple, with old pricking sensation in forehead. 5th.-Was called
out in n., and after lying down again was miserable and restless;
everything seemed too hot. In m. dulness of head, a kind of dizziness,
more in eyes, before which there seems a veil; impossibility of getting
a clear idea; oppression and heat of chest-a kind of ebullition; must
go into fresh air for relief, when headache becomes worse; steady pain
in lumbar spine, spreading both ways to kidneys, continuing all d. ;
slight stitches occasionally in r. hip-joint; staggering gait, have to
exert myself to utmost to walk straight; chilliness from face down-
wards; burning hot urine, seeming more like oil than water; burning
stinging frontal headache, with same feeling as of an elastic band
stretched over it; mind so muddled that I feared to lecture,-never-
theless, the more I spoke the better I was able to concentrate my mind
on my subject; eyes feel as if full of tears all d.; disinclination to
work, and lassitude in lower extremities; oppressive and congestive
feeling in chest, increased in e. ; irritable, depressed in body and mind,
and unfit for work. 5th.-An h. after rising, pressive pains at angle
between forehead and 1. temple, digging down into orbit, making me
wink; pains spread over whole 1. hemisphere of brain; congestive
chill, continuing whole forenoon, in fresh open air, it commenced in
face and extended downwards; lassitude in thighs; compressive sensa-
tion in chest, with choked feeling, as if I would suffocate, but would
feel relieved if the blood could be discharged, which seems shut up in
heart-slight relief by deep sighing; heart feels heavy; pulse small
and weak, as if blood did not reach radial artery in usual quantity; low-
spirited, and not relieved by work. 7th.-P.m., usual headache;
tearing pains in muscles of 1. upper arm; frequent urination during d.;
;
138
LILIUM TIGRINUM.
but urine not so hot. 8th.-Same symptoms, with smarting in urethra
during micturition; if desire to urinate is not attended to, there is con-
gested feeling in chest ; rousing of sexual desire, which has been dormant
for years.
12th.-Felt well for last 3 d., save for a trifling headache
every e. Awoke this m. irritable; increase of headache, which became
severe towards noon, passing from forehead and temples to occipital pro-
tuberances, pain dull, pressive, heavy, continuing whole e. and through
n., with sense of burning internally and externally; again chills running
down from face, and congested feeling of chest. Felt burning hot all
m., with queer, half-waking dreams; when awake time seemed much
prolonged. 13th.-Woke unrefreshed, with fulness and weight in
forehead. During d. make mistakes in speaking; eyes heavy and sight
dim; legs weak, as if unable to support body; dull pressive pain under
sternum to r., relieved by sighing and pressure; screwing pain in 1.
occipital protuberance, with drawing in 1. nucha, which increased on
going to bed to burning sensation, whole neck feeling lame and tired;
pain in head shifts about, at last concentrating in 1. temple. Frequent
urination. 14th.-Restless sleep, full of dreams; emission towards m.,
extremely rare. Woke with same dull headache. Palpitation and
beating of arteries, felt only while lying in bed or during siesta;
amelioration of most symptoms in fresh air. During d., momentary
twitches in 1. temple. From 15th onwards headache continued during
d., worse in e., gradually lessened from 22nd, and on Dec. 1st leaving
only tenderness in 1. forehead and temple. (At this spot since a slight
sunstroke some years ago, I have suffered from pain during the hot
season, or after excessive mental labour, neither of which causes were
in operation now.)" (Ibid.)
12. Mrs. M—, æt. 28, took 2 dr. of 1, dil., April 3rd, 1869, every
2 h. After a few h., sensation as if a hard body were rolling around in
stomach, continuing several h., but passing off in n. 4th.-Took 4 dr.
every 6 h. Fine pains, sometimes gnawing, in r. chest, with feeling of
lameness and soreness of muscles, and desire to stretch parts; lameness
extended through to scapula of that side. 5th.-6 dr. every 6 h.
Gnawing and fine pains increased, and extended over to 1. side. Voice
much affected when attempting to sing, could not control it. Chest
pains continued through 6th, but by m. of 7th had disappeared Took
6 dr. Bowels confined since 5th; pain in lower sacrum. Confusion
and dimness of sight, with disposition to cover eyes and press upon
them. 8th.—10 dr. In 15 m. pains in r. chest returned, with pressure
and sense as of weight on chest. Craving appetite; dry hacking cough
in e., better in open air; pain in lower part of back, and griping in
hypogastrium, followed by 4 loose stools the Ist d., and continuing the
3 subsequent d., with great languor. (Ibid.)
II. Poisonings.-1. Fanny B—, æt. 4, passed an anther of the
common yellow tiger lily into her r. nostril. There occurred at once
profuse discharge of yellow-coloured mucus from the nose, soon
followed by vomiting, first of chyme and then of mucus, coloured yellow.
The child then wanted to go to sleep. Dr. Warren reached the patient
at 6 p.m., August 13th, 1862, about an h. after the accident. The
child appeared sleepy, but was easily roused, and was intelligent.
LITHIUM.
139
i
Vomiting of mucus tinged yellow occurred while Dr. W- was present.
The symptoms did not seem at all alarming. Dr. W- was called
again at 10 p.m. Evacuation of the bowels had occurred, at first
natural in appearance, then yellow coloured, like the discharge from
nose and stomach, and finally bloody. Opium and brandy were pre-
scribed. Patient was seen next m. A dejection, quite bloody, had
occurred between 1 and 2 a.m., and after that the discharge was
checked. The child seemed languid and sleepy; no vomiting or
wandering. Eyes had a dull reddish injection. At 4 p.m., same. 8,
condition unchanged; r. nostril nearly closed, mucous membrane of
both nostrils very pale, some discharge of thin clear mucus.
Next m.
(15th), child looked brighter; eyes same; no urine passed during last
24 h.; slightly feverish; no delirium. 7 p.m., still no urine passed;
several stools, dark coloured and very offensive. Some fever during d.,
slight delirium and startings, some nausea. 16th.-Shortly before I a.m.
she had had a large, dark-coloured, and very offensive discharge, and
immediately began to sink. She died a little before 4 a.m., about 59 h.
after passing anther into nostril. (Bost. Med. and Surg. Journ., lxvii,
279.)
LITHIUM.
Lithic carbonate, Li, CO
5.
I. Provings.-1. C. L. K-, effects of triturating drug. Pains in eyes as if little
grains of sand were in them, decidedly greater in 1. eye; later, stitches in г.
(HERING'S provings, Am. Hom. Rev., iii, 485.)
2
r.
2. a. HERING took gr. of 3rd trit. Pain in 1. side of head and malar bone,
sticking-burning sensation from below upwards (6 m.); head painfully confused
(10 m.); headache like a stitch in r. vertex, which is sensitive when touched (2 h.);
pain in 1. parietal bone (3 h.); headache superiorly, r. side (e. of 1st d.). In г.
inner canthus cooling sensation (5 m.); pain inwardly above globe, over external
canthus (6 m.); burning-sticking sensation over r. eye outwardly and in r. molar
teeth (20 m.); twitching drawing pain round r. eye, especially on outer side, and
deep in orbit,-sunlight blinds him upon streets, on a dull d. ( h.); sore pain in
margin of upper r. eyelid, a feeling of dryness (2nd d.). Pain in bone behind 1. ear,
extending somewhat towards neck and further (2 h.). Coryza (h.). Pain in a 1.
lower molar (e. of 1st d.). Sensation in throat as if it would become sore (h.);
soreness of throat on r. side when swallowing, for 1 h. (8 h.). Sticking-burning
sensation in epigastrium, going from below upwards (10 m.). Violent pain horizon-
tally in hypogastrium (h.). Violently painful dull stitch in perinæum, from
within outwards, when walking (8 h); itching in anus, very sharp, sudden, and
short (10 h). No stool till 2nd d.; diarrhoeic stools m. of 4th d., followed by dark
reddish-brown urinary sediment. Sensation as if bladder were affected (20 m.);
sensitive pain in region of bladder, a sharp pressure, more on r. side, like flatulent
colic (2 h.); later visceral tenesmus, to which he is subject, occurred. Gentle
twitching to and fro in spermatic cords and vesical region (24 h.); pain at root and
r. side of penis, with throbbing stitches while sitting (2nd d.). Violently painful dull
stitch from within outwards, worst from above downwards, in sacrum (10 h.), and
pressure there internally as with a dull point here and there, most on 1. side (e. of 1st
d.). Pain near insertion of r. pectoralis major, at margin of muscle ( h.); pain in
metacarpal bone of 1. little finger (e. of 1st d.). Itching-burning pain on small spot,
first of knee, then of r. hip, then of thigh, then of little toe, and itching-sticking
pain internally on 1. thigh,-knees are weak, and pain on going upstairs, and there
is also pain in r. calf from above downwards and in r. foot (twitching) from heel
140
LITHIUM.
forwards (h.); ankles pain when walking, frequent urging pains, of moderate
severity, of sticking character, from within outwards, ending in burning itching in
small spot on 1. side (e. of 1st d.). Shudderings over body.
b. Same took 5 dr. of 1st dil. of L. causticum. Pain on r. side superiorly, later
on 1, side (2 h.). Now and then toothache on r. side posteriorly (3 h.). Striking
decrease of appetite up to 4th d.; slow belching; eructations before dinner, then
pain in 1. parietal bone-with eructations, painless but unpleasant tensive pressure on
small spot towards right of and below epigastrium. No stool 1st d. Passes less
urine, though he drinks as much as usual. After 4 d., on lying down, violent dry
cough, compelling him to sit up,-tickling comes from small spot low down in
throat, cough in short paroxysms, very violent and exhausting, ceases gradually.
Paralytic stiffness in all limbs and whole body, also slight pains here and there, some-
times becoming more violent, and lasting for several d. together (3 h). On e. of
1st d. intense itching on whole inner side of r. thigh, also on small spots on adjacent
parts, and in 1. middle finger. (Ibid.)
3. A young lady took 1st trit. Headache in 1. vertex, a kind of stitch; also
fulness at pit of stomach, she could not endure pressure of clothes upon parts, pressure
of hand upon it would have made her vomit; she had never felt so before (2nd m.).
(Ibid.)
4. a. Dr. NEIDHARD took a small vial of 1st dil., half in e., half next m. After
1 h. gentle pressing pain in 1. forehead and subsequently over eyes, with heaviness
of whole forehead and pressure in liver,-pain becomes gradually worse and extends
to 1. side, with nausea. Unusually easy stool on 2nd m., and offensive flatus and
diarrhoea on 2nd n. Pain in sacral region (1½ h.).
b. Same took 3rd dil. in e. Heaviness in sinciput, especially in frontal eminences,
whole of 2nd d. Urine redder 2nd d., scantier 3rd d. Sudden shock or jerk in heart
at times (2nd d.). Lax feeling of whole body, especially in knees and in sacral
region, also general heat in whole body (2nd d.). (Ibid.)
5. Dr. GEIST took 5th dil. for 3 m. in succession. On 1st d. immediately pres-
sure from without inwards in both temples, same also in middle of chest towards
both sides; on 2nd d. same, with confusion of head and painful pressing outwards in
1. abdominal ring; on 3rd d. confusion only, with pain in sacrum on standing.
Weakness of sacrum when standing writing at a high desk (2nd d.). Pain and
weakness of feet (2nd d.) Restless dreams (2nd n.). (Ibid.)
6. a. Mrs. P- took 6th dil. for 2 d. Wakened early by pain in abdomen,
followed by diarrhoea, repeated about 6 times during d.; gentle pains on two
ensuing d.
b. Same took 5th dil. twice daily for 3 d. Pain in 1. temple, extending into
orbit, began 1 h. before dinner, with gnawing in stomach, passed away while eating,
but came back about 15 m. after, and at same time was felt in r. temple,-fulness
remaining in both temples whole afternoon (3rd d.). Pain in r. face from root of
tooth which had been sawn off towards temple, not severe but long-lasting (1st d.);
same pain in 1. face on 2nd d., going into 1. ear and causing earache, with slight
transient pain in 1. temple; some pain in r. ear, with fulness in temple, lasting whole
afternoon and e. (5th d.). On 2nd d. of menses there occurred uncertainty of vision
and an entire vanishing of r. half of whatever she looked at,-it was the same with
both eyes when tested, therewith pain over eyes and tension as if bound in temples,
ceasing while eating, but returning as pressure and lasting till she went to sleep (after
proving). Easily nauseated before meals while driving (5th d.). From 1st to 3rd d.
gnawing sensation in stomach before mealtimes, relieved by food, on 1st d. increasing
almost to vomiturition; sense as if heavy hard body were in stomach, for short time
after supper (3rd d.). Pain in abdomen (1st d.). Menses 3-4 d. later, and dimi-
nished. In m. after rising she bent forwards over bed, and felt instantly very violent
pain in region of heart (5th d.). On 4th d. pain, or rather feeling of soreness in
small spots on r. side of spine below loins, sensitive to touch, continuing all d.
5th n. same sensation, changing to dull pain in sacrum, and lasting till she got up.
Now and then rheumatic sensations in legs (after proving). But little sleep, without
restlessness.
on
c. Took doses more.
3
Transient pain in 1. temple, then in r. brow, during slow
driving. Pain now and then in r. brow, also in r. thigh (3 d. after ceasing to take
medicine); pain at outer end of r. brow, gradually extending to temple and about
LOBELIA.
141
ear (10-12 h.). Restlessness in stomach and pain and weight over brow, towards e.,
lasting till she fell asleep. Pain in r. thigh in front and towards outside, in small
spot as if at insertion of a muscle; pain through hollow of 1. foot, extending horizon-
tally to outside of foot, and thence along leg to a little below knee,—most violent and
persistent when walking (24 h. after last dose); rheumatic pain in r. foot, beginning
at heel, and extending to mid-foot.
d. Took one dose more. Tension in temples and weight in forehead towards e.
Heat in eyes; eyes pained during and after reading, as if dry, and lids especially
were sore. Menses again later and scantier. Pain in heart. Pain in 1. hip in n.
Pain in 1. foot as in previous evening. (Ibid.)
LOBELIA.
Lobèlia inflàta, L., Indian tobacco; L. cardinalis, L., cardinal flower; and L. syphili-
tica, L., great blue lobelia. Nat. Ord., Lobeliaceae.
I. Provings.-1. Dr. S. R. DUBS took 10 dr. of concentrated tinct.
of L. cardinalis in water at 10.10 a.m. Local burning caused by it
lasted till n. In 20 m., sticking, like pricking of needles, in 1. sole,
shooting inwards; for few m. 30 m., same sensation above r. knee.
11.30, dryness of nose, with fulness, followed by sneezing. 12, severe
stitch in 1. chest, compelling him to press with hand to moderate it, as
it nearly took his breath, and lasting about 10 m. 12.15, same pain
in 1. hypochondrium, so sudden and violent as to make him cry out,
relieved by pressure, lasted 5 m. 3 p.m., tongue raw and sore, very
red, especially at tip, where a blister formed; throat sore and dry, with
disposition to swallow, as also to hawk up phlegm; headache, dull and
distressing, with fulness in forehead and base of occiput-latter peculi-
arly painful; pain increased by motion or shaking head. 5, severe
pricking pain with itching in 1. heel, so great as scarcely to be borne ;
headache increased; throbbing and weakness in lower extremities, so
great as to induce him to lie down; hot sweat on forehead, with throb-
bing in that part and at base of occiput; stiffness of nape; dull pains in
both upper maxillary bones, with aching in molar teeth; whilst lying
down, great sleepiness, with difficulty in falling asleep; constant
dreaming, with extreme tightness of head; starting in sleep, with
jerkings of hands. 7.30, unpleasant sticking pain in epigastrium,
which lasted 5 m. 9, very little pain in forehead, but pain is still
throbbing and almost insupportable in occiput and nucha; soreness in
eyes, with smarting and slight watering; great repugnance to light of
lamp. 10, oppression of breathing, with dull distressing pain across
base of chest, relieved by beating lightly on part with hand; dull
heavy pain in and near epigastrium, with sensation of weight or load;
languor of whole frame, with weakness as from sprain across kidneys.
11.30, slight shooting pain in forehead, with eruption of small vesicular
pimples in its centre and upper part, they feel sore on passing hand
over them; pain in occiput now very slight; disposition to sing, which
he was continually doing whilst walking up and down room. 12,
thirst for cold water, Oss of which much relieved tongue and fauces,
and also chest. Next d. (6 a.m.) head feels light, with dull pain in
forehead and occiput. 8, eyes burning and watery, with dread of
142
LOBELIA.
light, they feel sore on closing them; mouth and fauces dry, with raw
and distressed feeling extending down to epigastrium; some nausea, no
appetite for breakfast. Throughout d. great debility of whole frame,
especially of lower extremities, which are so much fatigued by any
exertion that it is with difficulty they can be dragged along, knees
bending under him in walking. On 3rd d., still local effects and
weakness of legs; also, oppression of breathing throughout d., with
sticking pains on taking a long breath, and pricking pain in 1. lung,
coming on several times in d. and lasting several m. each time, pricking
also in l. calf and heel. Most of above symptoms continued, though
with less intensity, for 2 weeks, and it was at least 3 weeks ere
stomach recovered its usual tone and good appetite returned. (Mat.
Med. of Amer. Provings.)
2. Dr. JEANES proved L. inflata* on self and 3 following persons,
manner not stated. Symptoms accredited by self are,―vertigo, with
nausea; pain in occiput; dull heavy pain passing round forehead from
temple to temple immediately above eyebrows; pain in 1. parietal pro-
tuberance; severe and frequent itching in angles of lids; aching in 1.
ear; shooting into 1. ear from painful spot in throat about 1 in. to 1. of
larynx on level of lowest cartilage; soreness of throat; drawing
pain in r. throat, extending upwards to ear; flatulent eructation, with
sense of heat and acidity in stomach; feeling of weakness in stomach;
pain in r. hypochondrium,—in loins,—about 3rd-5th dorsal vertebræ ;
chills down back, with heat in stomach; prostration of strength; pulse
smaller and weaker. (Ibid.)
3. GEIST. Dull feeling in occiput; outward pressing in both
temples, at same time dull pressing pain in flesh just above 1. elbow,
and hand feels as if paralysed; chilliness of 1. head, with feeling as if
hair would rise on end; pressing pain in eyeballs; itching in angles of
1. lids; smarting of inside of lids; peculiar drawing feeling from r. side
of mouth to r. eye; chilly feeling in 1. cheek, extending to ear; draw-
ings in lower jaw; dull pressing pain in 1. molar teeth and temple;
drawing pain from r. throat upwards to ear; flatulent eructation, with
sense of acidity and heat of stomach; some pain in hypogastrium;
sticking pain in r. renal region; frequent short dry cough; tightness of
chest, with heat in forehead; inclination to sigh, deep inspiration;
short inspiration, slow expiration; peculiar feeling between tickling
and smarting in larynx, like irritation to cough, which, however, seldom
occurred, and then was accompanied by feeling of oppression; pain in
chest; burning feeling in chest, passing upwards; slight deep-seated
pain in region of heart; pain under mid-sternum; pressing pain at 1. of
lower sternum; feeling of drawing from 1. nipple to axilla; rheumatic
pains between scapulæ; slight drawing pain between scapulæ, following
slight muscular twitches over 1. ribs near spine; pain, only when
touched, in muscles of r. arm, in space of width of hand, preceded by
slight rheumatic feeling in shoulder; fine crawling stitches within r.
deltoid; paralytic feeling in r. arm; pain in r. elbow-joint; pressing
pain on outer middle part of thigh, and at same time constrictive feeling
in head; pain in 1. leg while sitting; feeling about knees of pain and
* The remaining provings, to No. 17, were all made with this species.
LOBELIA.
143
stiffness, as from fatigue; cramp-like feeling in 1. gastrocnemius and in
hollow of 1. foot. (Ibid.)
4. LINK. Pain in head; flow of clammy saliva; hiccup; sense
of oppression at epigastrium, as if stomach were too full, worse on
pressure; dull pain in abdomen; oppression of chest; pain under
mid-sternum; sleep disturbed by numerous dreams and frequent
wakings. (Ibid.)
5. WILLIAMSON. Vertigo, with nausea,—with pain in head and
trembling agitation of whole body; pains through head in sudden
shocks; pain and soreness in r. eye; pungent taste in mouth; dryness
of mouth and throat; burning in throat; eructation of acid fluid with
burning sensation; burning in stomach; sensation in abdomen, as if
diarrhoea was about to occur; whitish soft stools; scraping sensation as
from passage of a rough hard body during stool; discharge of black
blood after stool; aching pain in urethra; smarting of prepuce; sense
as of lump in throat-pit, impeding respiration and deglutition; severe
rheumatic pain in r. elbow-joint; prickling sensation through whole
body extending even to fingers and toes. (Ibid.)
6. Z-s, a physician, took tinct. in teaspoonful doses every 15 m.
till nearly 3j had been consumed, without producing vomiting. He
had-general tightness of chest, with short and somewhat laborious
breathing, and disposition involuntarily to keep mouth open to breathe ;
with this indescribable feeling about stomach, compounded of nausea,
pain, heat, oppression and excessive uneasiness. After 24 h. weakness
of stomach and disagreeable taste in mouth, somewhat similar to that
of a solution of corrosive sublimate. (Ibid.)
7. N. N. KERMES, æt. 26, dispenser to the homoeopathic pharmacy
at Leipzig, and of lymphatico-venous temperament. When a youth,
had an obstinate attack of ophthalmia, and 4 years ago had pneumonia.
He communicated to me the following account of his proving of
lobelia, commenced on the 14th of February, 1839. At 9.30 a.m.
took 30 dr. of tinct. in 2 or 3 oz. of water, which was immediately
followed by scraping pain in throat, passing off in 3 or 4 m.
After
10 m. headache with slight vertigo, occasional transitory stitches in
temples, distension of abdomen accompanied with quickened breathing
(lasting about 15-20 m.), and increased secretion of urine. The
headache lasted until nearly midday. At 4 p.m. took 20 dr. in 3j of
water. The scraping in the throat came on at once, but not so
severely as last time; after 1 h. distension of abdomen and shortness.
of breath set in; after 1 h. irritation to cough, soon passing off. An
unusual frequency of micturition was noticed during d., and also in n.
and next d. (NOACK's provings, Hygea, xv, 45.)
8. DR. ALPHONS NOACK, of Leipzig, began his proving March 4th,
1839, being in sound health. At 7 a.m. passed 12
At 7 a.m. passed 12 "loths" (loth
oz.) urine of moderate acidity and specific gravity. At 7.15 took
10 dr. of tinct. on an empty stomach, pulse being 70. Immediately
after, scraping feeling in throat on swallowing, as tongue touched hard
palate, passing off in about 6 m. At II a.m. pulse 50, 7 "loths" of
urine voided, like that passed in early m. Took 20 dr. on sugar,
causing immediately burning in throat, which developed into a scraping
144
LOBELIA.
and lasted about 12 m. At 12.30 pulse 60. At 3.15 p.m., having
noticed nothing striking in his condition, took 50 dr. on sugar, pulse
being 63. The scraping in throat came on more severely than before;
5 m. after dose pressure in pit of stomach was felt, like a weight; after
5 m. more scraping seemed as if it would change into nausea, but there
was merely a threatening of this; 13 "loths" of urine were passed, a
trifle lighter in colour than before. By this time there was a sort of
pressure, as from a foreign body passing down length of oesophagus ;
in places it was more severe, for instance, just below the larynx. From
this spot a twisting sensation like peristaltic movement extended down to
epigastrium, and pit of stomach and spot below larynx were, throughout,
the most sensitive regions. At same time two easy eructations of gas;
no distension of stomach or abdomen, but slight rumbling in bowels.
Swallowing did not affect the pressive pain in pit of stomach, which
gradually decreased, and seemed as if it would end in a sensation as if
a plug extended from epigastrium back to spine at same level. This
pain disappeared at times, but soon returned with twisting sensation
which started from pit of stomach and the spot near spinal column,
and proceeded r. and 1. through mediastinum, missing oesophagus
altogether; deep inspiration gave relief. By 5 there remained only
trifling pain in back, hypochondria, and epigastrium, felt on turning
trunk; as if central tendon of diaphragm were put on the stretch.
This all gradually disappeared. At 3.45, pulse 62, and at 7, 68. No
action of bowels; urine was passed four times (one of which was before
first dose), making a total of 45 "loths," only 32 of which were voided
after proving began, the average for a healthy adult being 60-80
"loths
"" per diem. On going to bed at 10 no inclination to urinate;
the morning's urine, under a temp. of 11° R., had deposited a bright
red sediment on the vessel, and by next m. small brown crystals were
found. Under a magnifying power of 200 diameters they looked in
size and shape like large currants, and resembled a conglomerate
gland. 5th.-Nothing remarkable noticed; pulse, 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
75, usual stool II a.m.; urinated six times and passed 70 "loths ;"
urine as a whole was of paler colour than before (except that of early
m.), and it yielded no sediment by next d. 6th.-7 a.m., passed
of urine. 9th, took 80 dr. tinct. without sugar; p. 63;
loths
first burning, then scraping in throat, and flow of saliva, due to
disagreeable taste of tinct.; also nausea and slight eructations, tasting
of medicine (after 5 m.). After 10 m. scraping in throat passed into
pressive sensation; p. 63. 9.30 a.m., slight heaviness in occiput,
spreading in h. to forehead with same intensity and soon disap-
pearing. 9.45, normal stool, and 8 "loths" of urine. In addition to
above symptoms slight pain in abdomen and rumbling set in, with
discharge of very offensive gas. Pulse at 9.30, 53; at 10.45, 55; at
1, 63; and 2.15, 61. Midday meal taken with usual appetite.
2, 12 "loths" of urine of high specific gravity, continued discharge of
flatus. 3.15, took 102 dr. of tinct., followed by usual burning and
scraping, by increased secretion of viscid saliva (1 h.), and by nausea
and eructations, pulse being 58. 5 m. later pressure in oesophagus
and epigastrium returned slightly, much less than d. before. Some
(c
""
20
LOBELIA.
145
oppression, necessitating deep breathing, slight abdominal pain and
rumbling, offensive flatus, eructations (sometimes forcible) and nausea,
lasting until bedtime, were all that was felt after this dose. P. 58 at
5 p.m., 72 at 8. Urine, 5 p.m., 9 "loths"; 9.30, 10 "loths," of
pale yellow; in the 24 h. 69 "loths" passed in five times; it had
not deposited a sediment by next m. After next d. condition normal
in all respects. (Dr. Noack examined for albumen with perchloride of
mercury, and found a precipitate resembling that substance, but it was
not confirmed when tested subsequently with other reagents.) (Ibid.)
9. A medical student named BIRKNER, æt. 23, of middle height
and vivid colour of cheeks, and of a scrofulo-venous constitution. He
had suffered from various ailments as a child, including scarlatina
followed by dropsy; was long in weak health, and had some deviation
of the spine. Two years previously he suffered from hæmorrhoids,
which, however, entirely disappeared. He suffers in winter from slight
catarrh, and is habitually constipated, not having an action of the
bowels oftener than every 2nd d.
a. July 25th, 1839, took 4 dr. at 7 a.m., pulse 56, followed at
once by scraping in throat and warmth in stomach. In open air felt
pressing pain in occiput lasting until midday. After dinner pulse 68,
and in e. 59. Hiccup several times about 6 p.m.; about 8 some return
of occipital headache; stool as usual in e. No change in urine either in
quantity or quality. 26th.-8 dr. at 7 a.m.; at once dryness in throat
and warmth in stomach. Slight headache, especially on going upstairs.
Towards e. hiccup. Pulse and urine as usual. 27th. Took 16 dr.
at 7 a.m., followed by dryness in throat. On moving, confusion of
head, especially at vertex. Pulse and urine normal, but urine has a thin
film, like a mist, upon it. Stool in e. as usual. 28th.-No medicine.
Pulse, m., 56; after dinner, 70; e., 64. Urine normal.
No sym-
ptoms all d., nor the 2 following d.
b. Aug. 24th.-10 dr. at 7 a.m. At once scraping in throat,
eructations and sensation of burning rising from stomach; warmth in
stomach. After eating great dryness and scraping in throat, not
relieved by drinking, and lasting 1 h. Pressure in stomach after a
small meal. In e. heat of face and peculiar dull tension in head.
Pulse, m., 56; after 1 h. same rapidity but rather small, and in e. 76.
Urine normal. Stool in e., although bowels had acted the d. before.
Sleep good. 25th.-20 dr. at 8 a.m.; at once heartburn, with flow of
water in mouth; burning in throat, soon changing to feeling of dry-
ness and lasting all forenoon. Towards e. heat, and tendency to sweat,
especially about face. Distension of abdomen with painful rumblings.
Severe pressure in epigastrium. Sensation of fulness in chest, with
somewhat short and superficial breathing (24 respirations per m.).
Abdominal respiration appeared to be entirely absent. Pulse, m. 55,
midday 82, e. 90; feebler than usual. Urine normal. About 9 p.m.
bowels acted, stool more pappy than usual. 26th.-No dose. Slight
nausea in m., going off after a draught of water. During d. much
distension with slight rumbling, tendency to sweat, feeling of languor,
and slight pain in chest, aggravated on deep breathing. In e. heat and
dull headache towards back of head. Urine normal and stool again in
VOL. III.
IO
146
LOBELIA.
e. of a natural appearance. Pulse rather more rapid. 27th and 28th.
-No dose; no symptoms except on 27th slight tickling below inferior
extremity of sternum on deep breathing, and on 28th scarcely notice-
able tension in region of lambdoidal suture. No stool either d.
c. Sept. 1st.-40 dr. at 7 a.m. Pulse was 58 before dose; imme-
diately after, scraping and painful soreness in throat with sensation of
constriction of oesophagus passing from below upwards. Frequent
eructation with flow of water in mouth. Embarrassment of breathing;
respiration somewhat quickened, and accompanied with sensation as if
insufficient, necessitating occasionally taking a deep breath. The
abdominal breathing appeared lessened, and it was more than usually
difficult to hold his breath. After 1 h. pulse 74; in afternoon 83,
and at 10 p.m. 76; otherwise normal. After food fulness, pressure
in region of stomach, rumbling in abdomen and slight confusion of
head, which increased in e. to severe pressive headache with con-
siderable heat of face. The difficulty of breathing lasted only 2 h.
Bowels acted, urine normal. 2nd. No dose. Pulse, m., 56;
midday, 75; e., 68. Urine normal, no stool. In m. peculiar trem-
bling in abdomen, as of an antiperistaltic movement in stomach,
but without nausea. Pressure in occiput, relieved by taking off his
hat. Breathing again feels insufficient, otherwise natural and easy.
Loss of appetite. Experiment broken off. (Ibid.)
on
IO. ISIDOR MÖRZ, M.D., æt. 29, in robust health; small in
stature; dark complexioned with yellow tinge; of melancholy tempera-
ment; and tolerably sensitive. Had tertian fever in Italy, but now
quite well except for some degree of constipation. Feb. 6th, 1840.-
Took 20 dr. in bed soon after waking; immediately felt considerable
and penetrating burning scraping in throat from anterior palatal arch
to larynx, causing, after h., frequent hawking of an abundance
of mucus. After an h. only slight scraping, which appeared to
be felt more at r. side of larynx, but was always worse
swallowing. The scraping was perceptible until 11 a.m., gradually
getting less, and in afternoon nothing was left of it. 7th.-Painful
dreams in night, not, however, interrupting sleep. At 6 a.m. took
20 dr. ; same scraping as before, but less burning. Soon after there
was a very painful feeling of twisting in præcordial region lasting from
5-8 m.; less mucus in throat than d. before. At 8 a.m. moderate
scraping, lasting only until 9. No other symptoms all d. 8th.-20
dr. in bed; some scraping as before, but less severe. 9th.—30 dr. 6
a.m.; besides scraping, frequent yawning for 2 or 3 m. after dose,
internal restlessness, copious flow of thin saliva soon filling mouth;
severe painful feeling of twisting in præcordium; nausea with cold
sweat on head, especially face, and great inclination to vomit, which
did not occur. This nausea, &c., lasted 5-8 m. and gradually passed
off entirely inh. Quite well after this. 10th.-At 6.30 a.m. 30
dr.; some scraping at once, and 2 m. later yawning, stretching,
sweating of face, flow of saliva, slight inclination to vomit, and
twisting pain in stomach. These last three symptoms less severe than
d. before. 11th.-10 dr. at 9 a.m.; slight transient scraping, as well
as a sort of loathing in stomach itself. At II a.m. same dose; no
LOBELIA.
147
;
more symptoms, excellent appetite for dinner. At 4 p.m. 10 dr. again,
after which sensation of loathing returned, not more strongly but
lasting longer. 12th.-Distressing dreams in n. At 8 a.m. 15 dr.
Besides the scraping, violent and frequent hiccup came on 3 or 4 m.
after dose, occurring about 20 times together, gradually lessening in
intensity and disappearing. Frequent hawking on account of collection
of mucus in throat. Took 15 dr. more at 4 p.m.; slight scraping
only. 13th.-2 doses of 15 dr.; no new symptoms. 14th.-At 9
a.m. 50 dr. in a glass of water. Nausea both before and after dose
h. later yawning and violent scraping in throat; frequent stretching
and trembling in stomach, lasting 1 h. Good appetite at noon.
Repeated dose at 3.30 p.m.; more burning than scraping for h.
Loamy taste left in mouth. 15th.-At 6 a.m. 75 dr. in water;
nothing noticed beyond loathing and transient scraping. No stool for
1 d. At night all sorts of dreams. 16th.-At 9 a.m., 100 dr. in a
glass of water. Transient scraping and loathing and shivering lasting
till 11 o'clock. Several times belching of wind. Good appetite at
dinner. Took 150 dr. at 3 p.m.; scraping, shivering from the loathing
feeling, frequent belching, feeling of weakness and trembling of
stomach, lasting longer than before, no more symptoms after 2 h.
Subsequently on several d. prover took more frequent doses of tinct.,
but did not obtain any new symptoms or striking increase of old ones.
In consequence of this he brought his experiment to a close. It is
especially noticeable that, in this case, small doses affected the throat
chiefly, while large doses acted principally on the stomach. This
agrees with the experience of American physicians. (Ibid.)
II. LAURA ECKH, æt. 21, born of healthy parents, slenderly built,
with florid complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, tranquil disposition, and
soft voice. Menstruation was regular, and accompanied with spas-
modic pain, which had been present every month since she had
amenorrhoea some years ago. Never seriously ill, digestion good,
sleeps quietly, dreams but little, of regular habits, and in good health.
The only noticeable peculiarity is that her hands perspired somewhat.
May 1st, 1840.-Took 6 dr. overnight, and had scraping in throat at
once and slight empty eructations in h.; she passed a restless night,
dreaming much. On awaking in m. cutting and drawing pain in
abdomen. 2nd.-At 5 a.m. took 6 dr., thereupon scraping, chills all
over, pains in loins (h. after dose), soon passing off; appetite good.
In afternoon, after a short walk, pains in back and belly, worse than in
m.; also pain in chest and burning of eyes. Tiredness in back and
heaviness of head all d. Before retiring took 6 dr.; no symptoms
beyond scraping and eructations. Slept well. 4th.-No dose; no
symptoms since last note. Took 6 dr. this m. Slight scraping and
eructation. After breakfast pain in belly and back, especially the former,
and pain in chest also. All symptoms disappeared in i h. 5th.-
Took no med., but the pain in back and belly came on. 6th.-9 dr.
Scraping, with abdominal pain, worse from eating. Took 9 dr. more
on going to bed; restless sleep, with anxious dreams. 7th.-9 dr.
this m.
Same pains as before, with fatigue of limbs. Inh. later
repeated dose with less effect than before. At 3 p.m. 20 dr.; pain in
!
148
LOBELIA.
belly and severe pain in loins. At 6 p.m. 30 dr., and less result still.
After supper some pain in abdomen. Before going to bed, 40 dr.,
followed by scraping, eructation, restless sleep, and on awaking next
m. cramp in calves. 8th.-No dose. Slight pain in belly and loins.
Half h. after breakfast burning pain under r. breast, extending to pit
of stomach, at first limited to an area about size of nut. When she
moved sharply, took a deep breath, or sneezed, it caused a feeling as if
something became displaced, and then went painfully back to its
place again. Apart from these aggravating circumstances, the pain was
only a slight burning. Towards midday the area of pain enlarged, in
both directions, and in site of original pain a severe boring sensation
developed. After dinner the pain increased, but passed off in about 1 h.,
returned with increased severity about 4, and extended from before-
named spot right through body to back and under r. shoulder. The
painful parts felt as if paralysed, she could not move them; the pain
and weakness passed off in about 1 h. Passed restless n. with anxious
dreams after having taken another dose of 50 dr. Nothing noticeable
to report of next menstrual period. (Ibid.)
4
12. Dr. G. OTTO PIPER, of Dresden, July 13th, 1840, took 2 dr.
at 5 a.m. fasting, and at the same time next d. 4 dr. Slight retching
followed the scraping, which, with constriction and elevation of
pharynx, lasted 1 h. 26th.-6 dr. At midday severe tearing in
fibula from below up to knee, on both sides. 17th, gtt. 7; 18th,
gtt. 8; 20th, gtt. 10; 22nd, gtt. 16. In forenoon severe constrictive
pain in 1. posterior iliac region, scarcely permitting of its being touched
Painful heaviness of
or moved. Unusual languor until towards e.
genital organs. 23rd.-On awaking same condition, lasting till 9 a.m.
During forenoon perfectly well. 24th.-20 dr.; the condition of
genital organs came on in e. again, but less severely. 25th.-Quite
well. Could not continue the experiment on account of the burning
and scraping, much more severe than that from Mezereum, Ledum,
Polygonum, and Euphorbia; and the nausea arising from the large
doses lasted until noon, and prevented the prover from attending to his
work. (Ibid.)
13. BARRALLIER's experiments, Ist series; dose, 5 dr. in water at
8 a.m., fasting.
a. A young man, æt. 20, in good health, pulse 72. Nothing
noticed on taking the dose except sensation of pricking in the throat,
lasting several m. At 10 a.m. headache, gradually increasing in
severity. 11 a.m., decided sleepiness, slept until 3, and awoke with
Headache
headache worse. 3.30, sharp colic, with 3 diarrhoeic stools.
and colic lasted a great part of the night.
с
b. Healthy subject, æt. 27, pulse 74. At once piquant flavour in
mouth, as from tobacco in powder; at 9 a.m. slight sensation of con-
striction in thorax; normal condition rest of d.
c. Healthy subject, æt. 20, pulse 58. During 1st h. nothing
noticed. At 10 a.m. slight colic, increasing until e., followed by 4
large liquid stools; annoying borborygmi; no appetite all d.; pulse
unchanged. Towards e. general malaise, with perspiration and con-
striction of thorax. These symptoms did not last long.
LOBELIA.
149
d. Healthy subject, æt. 29, pulse 74.
throat at once. At I p.m. slight colic, then
waking colic became severe, followed by 2
pulse fell to 58 per m., but remained full.
p.m. (Bull. Gén. de Thérap., lxvi, 76.)
6
14. Second series. Dose, 10 dr. in water.
Piquant feeling in the
heavy sleep for 1 h. ; on
diarrhoeic stools, when the
All symptoms gone by
a. Subject in robust health, æt. 25, pulse 76. On ingestion
disagreeable piquant sensation in mouth, especially at tip of tongue
and back of throat, lasting abouth. At 10 a.m. slight headache,
gradually getting worse; drowsiness, pulse weaker, 60, became small
and occasionally intermittent. Painful constriction in region of
sternum; pupils slightly dilated. In afternoon all these symptoms
disappeared except the drowsiness.
b. Subject, æt. 28, pulse 70. At once similar sensation to previous
experimenter. 9 a.m., constriction of thorax, mental inactivity, and
inaptitude for work, muscular fatigue. 11, slight colic.
II, slight colic. Afternoon
normal.
c. Subject, æt. 20, pulse 72. Immediately eructations and distres-
sing nausea, lasting 15 m.; headache and thoracic constriction in
afternoon, and general weakness in e.
d. Subject in robust health, æt. 20, pulse 70. For an h. or two only
felt result of local contact of liquid and some nausea lasting about 1 h.
At 10 a.m. slight dilatation of pupil and considerable sense of tightness
of thoracic region, as from a tight band round chest. This tightness,
which occasioned very obvious embarrassment of breathing, lasted
about 20 m.; towards e. intense headache. (Ibid.)
15. Third series. Dose 20 dr. in water (2 spoonfuls).
a. Healthy subject of good constitution, æt. 47, pulse 68. Sensation
of roughness and dryness in back of throat, eructations and distressing
nausea until 9 a.m. A few seconds after eructations left off a very painful
constriction of thorax set in, especially at lower part; pulse fell to 56,
was small and irregular. Præcordial anxiety, action of heart occasionally
tumultuous. This very painful condition lasted h., and was accom-
panied with severe headache and drowsiness. Pupils dilated, anorexia
all d. Stool easier than usual.
b. Subject, æt. 27, of good constitution, pulse 72. Nausea on
swallowing drug; feeling of weight in epigastrium, eructations, con-
striction in region of sternum and of larynx; dysphagia. 10 a.m.,
intense headache, sleepiness, dilated pupils, disturbed vision; pulse
irregular, 58; no appetite. (Ibid.)
16. Fourth series. Dose 40 dr., fasting, in 2 spoonfuls water.
a.
Dr. BARRALLIER, of good constitution, æt. 47, pulse 66. Very
disagreeable piquant sensation on swallowing dose, nausea and inclination
to vomit difficult to repress, painful eructations, very distressing general
malaise, præcordial anxiety, extreme difficulty of breathing caused by
severe constriction in centre of chest hindering respiratory movements,
dysphagia, hoarseness of voice; at same time vertigo, headache,
disturbed vision, pupils dilated, constant nausea, walking difficult,
pulse 50 per m., small and irregular. This condition of discomfort
was succeeded after about 1 h. by heavy sleep, disturbed, however,
150
LOBELIA.
by the least noise; some colic in the afternoon, with dislike for food;
during n. unrefreshing sleep, interrupted by hallucinations. (Ibid.)
17. Dr. NORTON, on March 22nd, about 1 h. after breakfast, took
3ss of tinct, followed in an h. or two by slight nausea. 23rd.-Took zj.
Slight nausea only. 24th.-Took zij after breakfast. Nausea all m.
uneasiness or feeling of lump or weight in stomach for a few moments;
about noon burning pain in back as if in posterior wall of stomach;
nearly all the symptoms disappeared towards e. 25th.-Took ziiss.
Eructation immediately after, repeated several times during d. Nausea
and sensation of a lump or weight, as if from undigested food. A
sensation of warmth or burning all over stomach; rumbling in bowels
and passage of flatus downwards. No appetite for dinner; dryness of
fauces; spitting at intervals. Amelioration of all symptoms towards
e. ; enjoyed tea. (Brit. Journ. of Hom., xvii, 464.)
sense
18. Provings of L. syphilitica.-Dr. WILLIAMSON took 2nd dil.,
10 dr. twice a d. for 3 d. On 1st d.,h. after first dose, pain on
1. side of head, over coronal suture; dryness of 1. half of palate;
as of lump in upper part of œsophagus; hiccup; transient pain over
1. kidney, and soon afterwards in 1. hypochondrium; heavy pain in
1. radial muscles; p.m., pain in both mastoid processes, first felt and
worst in r.; drawing sensation under r. eye; sense of dropping under
1. cheek-bone, pain in r. maxillary joint and in middle of r. lung; after
2nd dose, return of pain over coronal suture and in radial muscles, but
of r. arm.
On 2nd and 3rd d. acute pain along r. temporo-frontal
suture; smarting itching of 1. internal canthus ; dryness of throat, with
sense as if pharynx was open like a funnel; three loose stools; increased
quantity of urine, with free discharge. On 4th d., awoke at 3 a.m.
with flatulence, but inability to pass it from bowels, and again at 6
with violent pain in stomach, and pain and borborygmus in bowels,
followed by copious watery stools, with tenesmus and soreness in anus;
had four similar attacks during d., and they became so violent that he
took podophyllin twice, which arrested the diarrhoea, and the pain.
gradually subsided during e., but pain in stomach and distension
increased, with hunger and water-brash. On 5th d. felt as when
suffering 13 years ago with dyspepsia, temporarily relieved by drinking
cold water; jolting of an easy carriage gives pain in stomach and both
hypochondria; boring pain in r. orbit, and soreness of eyeballs when
turning them; flushed face, with heat, when lying down; bleeding of
gums with putrid taste; rheumatic pain along r. clavicle, and over r.
inner ankle; stiffness of nape from looking up; sense of coldness with
aching in both knees through d. On 6th d., headache after dinner
with flushed face, drowsiness and lassitude, and inability to sleep when
lying down, somewhat better on going into open air; drawing pain in
r. cheek-bone; morning hoarseness and cough; pain under 1. breast;
sore pain in joints of 1. big toe; at n. restless sleep with frequent
wakings, and headache continuing till daylight. (HERING'S provings,
Hahn. Monthly, vi, 520.)
19. Dr. JEANES took 5 dr. of 2nd dil. Immediately pain in region
of 1. tonsil. During 1st h., in this order, pain about junction of 6th r.
rib with sternal cartilage; continued itching in 1. ear; constrictive
LOBELIA.
151
;
feeling of mouth and tongue, especially at 1. commissure of jaws; pain
in region of 1. kidney; confused feeling, with slight aching, in head, and
frequent mistakes in writing and spelling; very considerable aching of
r. shoulder and fingers whilst writing; itching of 1. internal canthus ;
pain in both hips occasionally (also after several h.); coldness of hands
and heat of forehead; sinking feeling in stomach, followed by borbo-
rygmi; stitching-drawing pain in 1. anterior lumbar region; aching in
cartilage of sixth 1. rib; pain in fleshy part of last phalanx of 1. great
toe; pain in 1. chest near axilla, with aching in 1. shoulder and arm;
stiff numb feeling in r. palm; stitching pain in 1. temple; burning in
r. eye; stitching pain in r. renal region; itching in 1. external canthus
pain in 1. ear; soreness of r. eyelid; great soreness, rawness, pricking,
dryness of palate, extending forwards through whole mouth; feeling
as of foreign body under r. upper lid, with smarting and burning;
itching and smarting in fore part of urethra; stitching pain in 1. tibia;
flashes of heat in back, shoulders, and face, with burning of ears; slight
pain in region of pylorus; pain between shoulders and neck, both
sides; stitching pain in r. back, passing from 8th rib downward; pain,
acute and sticking, in 8th dorsal vertebra. After 60 m. thick mucous
secretion in throat, with diminution of the very unpleasant feeling of
constriction, rawness, dryness, and soreness (which, however, had not
gone off 11 h. after). In 65 m. pain in lower part of r. tibia and in
r. ankle.
In 2 h., perfect dryness of lips, and feeling of dryness and
sensitiveness of nostrils, so that inhalation of air (at about 60°) creates
a painful feeling; pain in 1. heel. After 7 h. pain in cardiac region,
severe about sunset. After 10 h. pain in inner edge of 1. scapula.
On 2nd d., painful irritation within nose, which is sensitive to cool
air; frequent sneezing, with severe and painful jarring in breast and
larynx, latter feeling as if stretched almost to bursting, with copious
discharge of thick mucus from both nostrils; renewed secretion of
thick mucus in throat, with snuffling and hawking, still further dimi-
nishing soreness; borborygmi just below epigastrium for hours, most
after dinner; pains in abdomen, most below umbilicus, followed by
diarrhoeic stools in afternoon and e. ; a small quantity of urine, which
he is compelled to retain for some time, causes pain in bladder, when
evacuated it is of deep amber colour; much tickling about top of
larynx, with disposition to hacking cough. (Ibid.)
20. I. W. B- took 1st-5th dil. In 1 h. pain in 1. parietal pro-
tuberance. In 1 h. pain just anterior to cartilaginous margin of
short ribs. General aching in head. Cutting pains in back under
false ribs, forwards and upwards, not noticed after going to bed.
(Ibid.)
21. Dr. NEIDHARD took 5 dr. of 1, at 4 p.m. In 5 m.
In 5 m. dizziness,
particularly in moving about, lasting 3 h., and oppression in forehead
above eyes; soon dull aching in forehead over eyes and especially nose,
lasting, with slight intermissions, till e. ; also slight aching from back
of head down nape. On 2nd d. took 10 dr. m. and e. After 1st dose,
in 15 m. heaviness over eyes, like a weight, but no pain; in 1 h. dull
pain in forehead over eyes, increased by reading and writing, less severe
than on previous d. ; also oppression over eyelids and slight drowsiness.
152
LOBELIA.
After 2nd dose, in 10 m. slight aching over eyes, especially 1., and
increased secretion of mucus from throat. (Ibid.)
II. Poisonings.-1. A lad, suffering from constipation, had had lobelia
inflata administered to him. Dose unstated. Symptoms :-Pulse
quick, small, easily compressed, tongue white furred, abdomen tympa-
nitic but not painful. Did not appear seriously ill. At 3 p.m., after
having been in the country, was seen to be worse, was pale, ghastly,
and anxious, as if from a great shock ; skin mottled; no pulse at wrist;
heart's action very feeble, and its sounds scarcely to be distinguished
from each other; breathing extremely laboured; abdomen tympanitic;
senses dull, but he answered questions. Vomited matters were olive
colour, and “not unlike the coagulated blood deposited from beef-tea."
Stools scanty, and contained membranous shreds in large quantity.
P.M. (40 h. after death).-Peritoneal surface of intestines completely
covered with lymph in large quantity; intestines adherent everywhere,
but separable by the finger, and presenting a vascular pinkish and
slightly granular appearance; liver of a blackish colour; gall-bladder
moderately filled with inspissated black bile, containing numerous
minute needle-shaped crystals. Internal surface of stomach greatly
inflamed—inflammation especially recent at the cardiac orifice, also
marked and recent at pylorus. The large and small intestines more or
less inflamed throughout, but very recently in the duodenum and upper
part of jejunum, in which was found a large incipient chronic ulcer.
Papillæ of tongue enlarged, pharynx and oesophagus congested, several
lumbrici found in intestines and oesophagus, fæces but slightly coloured
with bile. Lymphatic glands and pancreas congested, both kidneys
congested and watery. Bladder empty, capillary injection at neck
thereof. Old pleuritic adhesion and about a pint of serous fluid in
pleural cavity. Entire surface of mucous membrane of respiratory
tract shows signs of old and recent inflammation; fibrinous clots found
loose in larynx. Brain and membranes greatly congested, no fluid in
ventricles. (Med. Times, xx, 147.)
2. Child, æt. 2, found dead in bed; had received doses of Lobelia
from herbalist. Limbs flexible, face scratched as if the child had been
suffering severe pain, as the mother said was the case. Penis much
discoloured, extremity intensely red. The doses of medicine nearly
"strangled" the boy, so that the mother gave only half doses.
P.M.-Small quantity of serum in peritoneum; liver pale; gall-bladder
distended. Stomach contracted, empty, injected, especially near
pylorus, corrugated longitudinally; duodenum slightly injected.
Mucous membrane of bladder and urethra injected. Kidneys, spleen,
and pancreas healthy. Pericardium held 6 drachms fluid. R. ven-
tricle distended with fluid blood, 1. empty. Lungs healthy. Mem-
branes of brain very vascular, veins especially distended, also vessels of
cerebral substance; ventricles contained a considerable quantity of
serum. Spinal cord and membranes similarly affected. (Brit. Med.
Journ., 1860, ii, 799.)
3. a. In full medicinal doses, say 20 gr. of powder, L. acts as a
powerful nauseating emetic, causing speedy and violent vomiting,
attended by distressing and persistent nausea, and sometimes by purging,
* Y
The two
-
LOBELIA,
153
copious sweating, and great general relaxation. These symptoms are
usually preceded by giddiness, headache, and general rigors.
b. In excessive doses, or in full medicinal doses too frequently
repeated, the effects of L. are those of a powerful acro-narcotic poison.
Extreme prostration is first induced; then great anxiety and distress,
followed by convulsions and death. The earliest effects are pain in
back of head, with feeling of fulness, tightness, and giddiness; these
are followed by general tremor, with prickling sensation throughout
body, nausea, and profuse perspiration. Violent emesis, if not already
present, soon ensues. The painfulness and giddiness in head generally
alternate with the nausea; and on the occurrence of profuse diaphoresis
the head symptoms usually subside. Great prostration of strength and
relaxation of the entire muscular system now set in, accompanied by
heavy despondency and fear of death. There is much thirst; the hands
and arms are thrown about, and the sufferer rubs or beats his stomach ;
the secretion of saliva and of mucus is increased; there is dryness,
burning, and rawness in the throat, and frequent and difficult degluti-
tion, with irritation of the oesophagus and oppression of præcordium.
Extreme spasmodic difficulty of breathing attends these distressing con-
ditions, and there is great flatulent distension throughout abdomen,
especially in neighbourhood of navel, with frequent eructations, and
flatulent discharges from bowels. At same time urine is very profuse,
and causes a smarting sensation along its passage. Most other secre-
tions are likewise increased. Pulse is irregular, quick, and feeble; or
regular, slow, and full. Before profuse perspiration sets in, there is
generally a feeling of great restlessness, with distension of abdomen,
and irregular and spasmodic respiration. The cheeks are usually
suffused; the pupils are dilated, and the eyes become more brilliant.
The senses are rendered more acute; the brain is generally excited;
the mind wanders, sometimes lapsing even to wild and furious delirium,
although a calm and placid sensation pervades the system generally.
The evacuations are seldom increased in frequency. The patient
mostly remains quite still, since to move causes return of the sudden
and violent vomiting, with additional prostration. After a time he
gets short periods of sleep, or sinks into a semi-somnolent condition,
and out of one of these sleeps he awakes quite well. (PHILLIPS,
op. cit.)
4. From a teaspoonful tinct. Lobel. inf. Dr. Cutler, a chronic
sufferer from asthma, experienced great relief to breathing; a 2nd and
3rd spoonful occasioned vomiting and a kind of prickly sensation
through the whole system, even to the extremities of the fingers and
toes. This soon subsided, leaving the patient very well. (BIGELOW,
Am. Med. Botany, i, 183.)
с
5. Rev. Dr. Manasseh Cutler writes :-"The leaves chewed in the
mouth are, at first, insipid but soon become pungent, occasioning a
copious discharge of saliva. If they are held in the mouth for some
time they produce giddiness and pain in the head, with a trembling
agitation of the whole body; at length they bring on extreme nausea
and vomiting. The taste resembles that of tartar emetic." (Memoirs
of Amer. Acad. Art and Science, 1785, i, 484.1
с
1
154
LOBELIA.
III. Experiments on animals.-I. Experiment made by Mr. Curtis
and Dr. Pearson, of Maryport. Six hedgehogs and four cats were
experimented upon; sometimes an aqueous solution, and at others a
tincture was used. The tincture was much more powerful.
a.
June 18th, 1849. Tinct. Lobel. 3iij=gr. xxiiss administered to
a hedgehog at 2.30 p.m.; collapse rapidly came on, and the respirations
increased from 16 to 31 per minute. In 1 h. tremor of the limbs was
very evident, and in 3 h. it struggled as if in great pain. Respiration
continued languid until 5th d., when after zij more the animal died at
once. P.M. 24 h. after death. Mucous coat of stomach intensely
inflamed and corrugated, small intestines inflamed throughout, espe-
cially at upper part; vessels of mesentery enormously distended,
external surface of both mesentery and intestines being intensely red;
liver of a sooty tinge in places. Gall-bladder empty, urinary bladder
intensely inflamed, not much distended (as in some other cases).
Heart contained black fluid blood; lungs much engorged, and their
pleural surfaces discoloured in patches as if from inflammation.
Trachea and bronchi much inflamed; injection of brain and membrane.
In one case the rectum was intensely inflamed, and the other intestines
much inflamed. An injection (per rectum) had been used here. In
others it was noticed that the pyloric end of the stomach was especially
inflamed. In all the respiration was much increased in frequency and
embarrassed.
11
b. July 2nd, to a cat, small and "thriveless" in appearance, 3j of
infusion=gr. xv was given by mouth at II a.m., vomiting followed in
4 m. Respiration increased to 44 per m. After vomiting had ceased,
another 3j was given, causing vomiting and purging. Dose repeated
at I p.m.; at 2 evident prostration; urine voided with pain and
difficulty. At 3, a rocking movement was observed in the antero-
posterior direction, in paroxysms of 3 m. duration, with short intervals;
9, less collapse, tremors continued. 2nd d., II a.m., zij administered
and retained. 4 p.m., rigors and rocking in lateral direction, almost
incessant. 5.30, lying on side and breathing slowly. Died 341 h.
after 1st dose. Much of the fluid was returned by vomiting. Vomiting
occurred also (in another cat) when the drug was inserted under the
skin. P.M.-Vessels of mesentery gorged; peritoneum rose red and
streaked with vessels; mucous membrane of stomach inflamed, espe-
cially along lesser curve and at pylorus; intestines inflamed, especially
ileum, which with jejunum contained black blood; colon inflamed, no
blood, vessels of rectum large and engorged with blood, rectum con-
tained much mucus. Liver pale here and there, rest much injected,
extravasation here and there. Substance of kidneys pale, vessels.
injected (surface vessels). Bladder nearly empty, inflamed throughout,
especially neck; pericardium contained large quantity of fluid; r.
heart contained a small quantity of blood; I. empty. Lungs gorged
with blood and contained soft nodules; vessels of brain nearly empty,
structure natural. (Lond. Med. Gaz., 1850, N. S., xi, 285.)
2
2. Mr. Procter administered grain of lobelina (alkaloid of L.) in
solution to a cat. In less tha n. it occasioned violent emesis and
much prostration, from which e animal fully recovered in 3 h.
LYCOPODIUM.
155
Again, I gr. in 3j of water was introduced into the stomach of a cat by
means of a tube. Immediate and total prostration was the consequence,
which inh. rendered the animal almost motionless; its pupils were
much dilated. It gradually recovered its strength, but the effects of
the poison were evident for 15 h. afterwards. No emetic or cathartic
operation was produced. (STILLÉ, op. cit.)
3. According to the investigations of Ott, L. in moderate doses
first increases the blood-pressure by acting as an excitant on the peri-
pheral vaso-motor nervous system. This primary effect is not of long
duration, a fall in the blood-pressure soon occurs, the peripheral circu
lation is so embarrassed from weakened power of the heart and
obstructed pulmonary circulation that oxygenation of the tissues is
rapidly impaired, and a marked reduction of temperature takes place.
(BARTHOLOW, Mat. Med. and Ther., sub voce.)
LYCOPODIUM.
Lycopodium clavatum, L. Club moss. Nat. Ord., Lycopodiaceae.
I. Provings.—1. HAHNEMANN, Chronic Diseases, part iv of original,
vol. of translation. Contains 1608 symptoms from self and 7 fellow-
observers.
2. A. HUBER, Surgeon, æt. 31, of sanguine temperament, who had 2
years previously suffered from colicky pains and rheumatism, but was now
perfectly well, took for 8 d. every m. and e. 5 gr. 5th dec. trit.—1st d.
Head confused as if intoxicated.-2nd d. Occasional slight frontal
headache.-3rd d. Painful confusion of forehead m., mouth slimy,
throat bitter, scrapy and rough. P.m., when driving in carriage
frontal pain and pressure in stomach, the latter soon went off, but
recurred at n. when lying on back, with difficulty of breathing, these
symptoms went off on lying on side; stomach very sensitive to touch and
felt swollen.-4th d. M., head stupid as from intoxication. After
dinner exhaustion and drowsiness, with burning in eyes, disinclination.
for conversation, dimness of vision as through a veil; tongue white,
papillæ prominent, frequent attacks of nausea with trembling of limbs
and quickened pulse.-5th d. N. very restless. After waking, dis-
charge of fœtid flatus, constant pain about navel with diarrhoea of
yellowish watery fluid. E., after coitus violent burning in glans and
prepuce; when lying he had continual urging to urinate, the urine came
away in drops and burnt like fire.-6th d. N. better. M., transient
but violent shooting pain in rectum. During d. frequent, sudden,
frontal pain with nausea and exhaustion, prostration, drowsiness and
pale yellow complexion.-7th d. Sticky dryness in mouth, frequent
yawning and constant nausea, accumulation of mucus in throat with
inclination to swallow, heaviness in chest when going uphill, great
weariness of body, crossness and irascibility. On inside of both thighs,
close to scrotum, from inguinal canal backwards to perinæum, several
brown spots in skin.-8th d. M., when smoking as usual, heartburn
156
LYCOPODIUM.
and such extreme sickness of stomach that he had to lie down again.
Walking is very painful because the above-mentioned brown spots on
bend of thigh are much inflamed and cause violent burning pain.—
9th d. No med. The spots on bend of thigh are fiery red, swollen,
and burn painfully, especially when touched and walking. They
remained for 2 d. longer, then gradually went off. (Z. d. Ver. d. hom.
Aerz. Oest., 1857, i, 333.)
3. ELIZAB, HUBER, æt. 24, married, delicate constitution, took for
8 d., m. and e., 5 gr. 5th dec. trit.-1st d. No symptoms worthy of
notice.-2nd d. Menses came on at regular time preceded by slight
abdominal pains.-3rd d. Restless sleep at n. M., pain in frontal
region. Nausea, flow of water into mouth, palpitation of heart and
quick pulse.—4th d. Slept well but was a long time getting to sleep.
M., mouth slimy, almost continued nausea and pain in umbilical
region, with pressure on chest.—5th d. Slept well. During d. head-
ache with stupid feeling, flushes of heat, bitter taste, nausea, great
general weakness so that she thinks she must sink down.-6th d. Sleep
undisturbed. During d. burning heat of body, especially palms and
soles, followed by general sweat and exhaustion, at same time dazed-
ness of head, pain in temples, and bitter, slimy, pasty taste.-7th d.
Heat rising up from abdomen over chest to head, with burning of 1.
side of face, great anxiety and cold sweat on face. She must go into
open air, at same time is weak and prostrated. (Ibid., 335.)
4. ÚT. HUBER, æt. I, suffered soon after birth from emaciation
and fœtid diarrhoea. He recovered after a few months of hom. treat-
ment and is now a picture of perfect health. For 5 d. he got, m. and
e., 2 gr. 5th dec. trit.-Ist d. Nothing observed.-2nd and 3rd. d.
Face looks puffy and is distinctly pale yellow, repeated attacks of heat,
when the forehead feels hot to touch, great exhaustion.-4th d.
Very restless sleep with hurried breathing. During d. burning heat on
forehead, pale yellow complexion, puffy face, dull, dim eyes and white
tongue, six yellow watery stools, increased urine, rapid heart- and pulse-
beats, very weak, cannot hold up head. Cries and is frightened when
put on his feet, trembles, and wants to be carried. The whole muscular
system is soft and lax, he is quite out of humour, the slightest opposi-
tion causes crying and sobbing.-5th d., n. very restless, he breathes
quickly, works with hands in sleep, and starts frequently. During d.,
in addition to the gastric symptoms there were: Increase of weakness,
so that he can no longer sit, but on trying to do so sinks together; he
weeps when one feels his thighs, is considerably emaciated, has fluent
coryza and coughs frequently. No appetite or thirst; belly tympani-
tically distended and repeated diarrhoea. Passes urine of an ammoniacal
odour every instant, moves his limbs about as in St. Vitus's dance.
Next n. very restless, sweat all over body, cold cheeks and forehead.
-6th d. No med. Symptoms as yesterday, only the r. leg near
ankle is considerably bent. The choreic movements continue. During
day-sleep, profuse general sweat, very quick pulse with cold face and feet.
Abdomen very distended, stools yellow and loose, he weeps often, is
cross and is long of going to sleep e. Sleep quiet and perspired
profusely.—7th d. M., more cheerful, 1. eye stuck together, tongue
LYCOPODIUM.
157
cleaner. Wants to drink often, and much foetid flatus is passed. All
other symptoms much improved.-8th d. Quiet sleep at n., is
cheerful and wants to walk alone. Is still weak and looks ill. All
other symptoms went off gradually, so that after 14 d. not even the
bending of the leg is perceptible. (Ibid, 336.)
5. THERESA H-, nursemaid, æt. 15, not yet menstruated, in good
health, took for 8 d., m. and e., 5 gr. 5th dec. trit.-1st d. Soon
pains from navel to stomach; she often felt as if a worm rose from
navel to scrob. cordis; umbilical region tender to pressure.-2nd d.
Unusually profound sleep at n., she wakes up once with bellyache.
M., mouth as if glued up with mucus, had to spit much. During d.
complained much of heaviness of head, frontal pain, bellyache, and
tickling in 1. heel.-3rd d. Stupefied feeling at n. On waking, slimy
mouth, tongue adheres to palate and teeth to one another, bitter taste.
in throat, pain in umbilical region, navel retracted towards spine, so
that her under-garments will hardly keep up. The umbilical pain
rises occasionally to scrob. cordis, where it becomes a pressure; heavy as
lead in 1. half of forehead. Umbilical pain aggravated by bending body
backwards. A liquid stool.-4th d. Besides yesterday's symptoms,
stuffed coryza and single stitches in spleen.-5th d. Stupefied sleep at
n., sleeps too long in m. During d. leaden weight in 1. half of brain,
frequent rising up of heat from feet over back to forehead, slimy pappy
taste, the whole interior of mouth seems covered with sticky paste.
Coryza, with discharge of watery secretion from nose. Pain about
navel, with discharge of foetid Aatus, rumbling in 1. side of belly,
extreme weakness and prostration, with heaviness and trembling of
limbs, especially hands.-6th d. Talked loud during sleep. On waking
and rising m. nausea, with flow of water into mouth and inclination to
vomit, so that she must sit down. During d. heaviness and tearing in
1. side of head, fluent coryza, redness and lachrymation of eyes, fre-
quent flushes of heat in face and yawning; little appetite. The
abdomen, especially scrob. cordis, so sensitive to pressure that she
cannot fasten her clothes there. Frequent bellyache, with discharge
of fœtid flatus, she has to crouch together to get relief, afterwards watery
diarrhoea. Hands and feet weak, joints painful when moved, sacral
pain. The first dorsal and sacral vertebræ painful when touched or
moved. The heat in face often alternates with coldness in face.-
7th d. Same symptoms as yesterday. Besides pressure in stomach,
I tympanitic distension of abdomen, shortness of breath, and palpitation
when working. Frequent flushes of heat, great exhaustion and heavi-
ness of limbs, with itching smarting on knees. Towards e. vertigo,
with anxiety.-8th d. Profound sleep, can hardly be wakened in m.,
and complains thereafter of dreadful exhaustion of whole body.
During d. headache on stooping, flushes of heat and redness of face,
pale yellow complexion, weak and emaciated. Nasty taste, for which
she often rinsed her mouth with water. Distension of abdomen, con-
stant rumbling with pain in belly, followed by diarrhoea. Stitches in
cardiac region, and such an increase of the bodily weakness that she
had to go to bed and would take no more Lyc.-9th d. Slept
quietly and perspired all n. ; much foetid flatus passed. M., felt relieved.
158
LYCOPODIUM.
The above symptoms continued in diminishing degree for several d., were
all gone in 6 d. (Ibid., 337.)
6. MARIA WEBER, housemaid, æt. 23, in good health. Took for
8 d. m. and e. 5 gr. 5th dec. trit.—fst d. Confusion of head, shooting in
brain, nausea.-2nd d. Stupefied sleep, from which she can scarcely
be awakened. M., nasty taste in, and smell from, mouth, accumulation
of mucus in mouth and throat. Pressure in stomach, rising thence
through œsophagus to pharynx, where it causes choking sensation ;
transient stitches in eyebrows. In e. vertigo. In bed at n. pressure
in stomach and difficulty of breathing when lying on back, going off
when lying on side.-3rd d. Profound sleep. Immediately after
rising, m., vertigo, frequent yawning and stretching limbs, eyes sealed
up with mucus, lips dry, flow of water into mouth, pains around navel
making her crouch together, pressure in scrob. cordis and choking in
throat, making her often swallow, the pain around navel aggravated by
coughing and taking a deep breath. Afternoon, stupefaction of head,
mouth very dry, great thirst, pressure in stomach, and difficulty of
breathing, scrob. cordis extremely sensitive to touch, great prostration
and weariness of whole body.-4th d. Same symptoms.-5th d.
Drowsiness in m.; lips adherent, on swallowing the oesophagus is rough
and scrapy, nausea like spasm in stomach, confusion of head. During
d. frequent sickness, and complains of pain in navel, stomach and head.
Distension of abdomen and rumbling, relieved by discharge of flatus,
tearing in muscles of upper arm, icy coldness of fingers.-6th d. M.,
confusion of head, weakness of memory, 1. eyelids swollen, sour pappy
taste, frequent rising of heat from belly to head, with burning of
cheeks, inclination to vomit, and trembling weakness of body. Great
sensitiveness of stomach region, shooting pains above scrob. cordis in
scapula and deltoid muscle, tearing in stomach and belly, complete
anorexia and adipsia; two watery stools, difficulty of breathing, palpi-
tation, pain in 1. hip when walking. During d. constant headache, she
is cross, laconic, and inclined to weep, heat in cheeks, and itching in
œsophagus compelling her to swallow constantly, constant nausea, with
great sensitiveness of scrob. cordis; her belly sinks in, her clothes are
too wide; shooting pains and great sensitiveness in r. clavicle, dyspnoea
and palpitation when working, great exhaustion of body.-7th d. Same
symptoms as yesterday, mouth very pasty, tip of tongue looks covered
with little red warts which burn when touched; near tip of tongue a
small, oval, flat ulcer 3 to 4 lines long; frequent shooting in head and
both upper arms here and there, coldness of fingers; several watery
stools with burning in anus; so weak she can hardly speak. E.,
burning soles.-8th d. Head confused and giddy; whole mouth from
lips to throat is bitter, the ulcer on tongue annular; diarrhoea, shooting
pain in sacral region, especially on pressure; urine burning hot;
stitches in cardiac region that take away her breath; feels so weak
she must go to bed.-9th d. Only a trace of the lingual ulcer visible,
she looks ill and has got thin. The symptoms subsided gradually, but
several d. elapsed before she had completely recovered. (Ibid., 339.)
7. a. EMIL KOLLER, surgeon, æt. 35, in good health, took March
15th m., 20 gr. 6th dec. trit.
Immediately, comfortable feeling in
LYCOPODIUM.
159
J
stomach, followed in h. by flow of water into mouth, which gradually
increased, and seemed to come from submaxillary glands. After 2 h.
tension in these glands, which are sensitive to touch. P.m., feeling of
tension under sternum, heat of head (especially forehead) and face,
occasional feeling of rigor, which came from head and spread all over
body on coming into room after driving for some hours, and then
whilst driving. Increased secretion of saliva all d. In e. his neckcloth
seemed to press on the sensitive submaxillary glands. In bed, drawing
pain on inner surface of upper arm for h. Very restless n. On
passing urine at 2 a.m., burning along urethra lasting h.-14th.
Same dose, m. Increased saliva still present, tenderness of submaxillary
glands increased, so that he cannot bear his ordinary neckcloth, its
pressure increases the secretion and causes pressure and tension in the
gland. Pain as of dislocation in shoulder-joint, great weakness and
weariness of arms, especially r., he can with difficulty hold a book in
his hand. Heaviness of hand when writing, feeling of gone to sleep of
forearm on resting it on writing table. Whilst reading, a peculiar
sensation of burning under lower third of sternum; nausea, feeling of
emptiness and inclination to vomit for 3 or 4 m. Noon, feeling of
horripilation spreading from crown to chest and arms, with sensation
as if all the hairs of the head were gently drawn upwards. Remarkable
weakness of feet when walking upstairs. E., very drowsy, so that he
could not read as usual in bed.-15th. 30 gr., m. After 1 h. confusion
of head, increase of saliva from sublingual gland, feeling of burning
along œsophagus to stomach, lasting 2 h. During d. great weakness
of arms and legs. E., greatly disposed for mental work. Restless
sleep with anxious dreams, frequent waking.-16th. 60 gr., m.
2 h., whilst walking, burning in stomach which extends to pharynx.
Almost simultaneously griping about navel, with increased call to stool.
During d. 3 loose, green, very ill-smelling stools. P.m., during a ride
of 2 h. violent griping about navel, pressive frontal pain, shooting in 1.
frontal protuberance lasting h. E., griping continues. N., restless
sleep disturbed by anxious dreams, such as tumbling down a height
from horseback. 4 a.m., pain in belly, ineffectual urging to stool, a
disagreeable pricking sensation along the urethra.-17th, m. Discharge
of extremely fœtid flatus with relief, 2 greenish loose stools of very bad
smell. Weakness of arms, general prostration, griping in belly,
increased saliva. 9 a.m., 90 gr. Immediately pain in belly, especially
in seat of transverse colon. After 1 h. urging to stool (4 times to-day),
which was of the same diarrhoeic character. During a walk of 2 h.
griping in region of transverse colon lasting till n., dyspnoea, feeling of
rawness under sternum, palpitation of heart, frequent flying stitches on
1. side of chest in region of fifth rib, feeling as if anterior surface of
lung were swollen. II a.m., heat in forehead, legs and sacrum as if
beaten; on walking rather quickly downhill sudden dislocative pain in
1. hip-joint, so that for 5 m. he cannot stand on that leg. Noon, good
appetite. After a small piece of roast lamb fulness in stomach, disten-
sion of abdomen, sudden satiety, great thirst, disinclination for mental
work, apathy. Heaviness of arms, and especially of legs, so that he
cannot play the piano. N. quieter but full of dreams. Urine turbid
After
ར
3
4
160
LYCOPODIUM.
as if mixed with brickdust. M., violent bellyache, which prevents him
taking breakfast.
b. 5th dec. trit.-18th, 9 a.m., 60 gr. After h. nausea, constant
yawning, griping in bowels, dazedness in head, crossness, ill humour,
drawing-tearing pain on 1. supra-orbital ridge, transient shoots over 1.
knee-joint, disinclination for mental work. II a.m., frontal pain,
increase of saliva. After dinner flatulent distension, burning pain in
stomach, increase of saliva, which has a metallic taste, burning pain in
umbilical region, eructation of what has been eaten at dinner, heart-
burn, frequent yawning. E., heat and redness of face. N. restless,
frequent waking. M., weak, with bellyache.—19th, 9 a.m., same
dose. After 1 h. frequent urging to urinate, heat of face, increase of
saliva, griping in bowels. After a very moderate meal pressure and
feeling of fulness in stomach, eructation of food, pain in belly. During
a ride of some h. at 2 p.m. drowsiness, so that he can with difficulty
keep awake on his horse. On getting off and walking great weariness
and bruised feeling, especially in thighs from sacrum. Frequent urging
to urinate, dislocation pain in 1. knee-joint whilst walking, the pain in
belly lasts all d. and even in bed.-20th, 6 a.m., 90 gr. Immediately
rush of saliva into mouth (the tenderness of submaxillary gland has
gone the last 2 d.). After h. pain in stomach and region of duode-
num, heat in head, griping in bowels, great prostration of arms and
legs, pressure under sternum. 9 a.m., after usual breakfast pains in
body worse. E., throbbing pain in I. frontal protuberance and supra-
orbital ridge, crossness, great irritability.-21st, 6 a.m., same dose.
After h. increased saliva, of metallic taste. 9 a.m., burning, ex-
tending from stomach to pharynx, eructations, griping in bowels,
cheerful humour. II a.m., sudden, extremely violent shooting pains
in 1. big toe in jerks, as though it were torn out, whilst walking in
room for 5 m. From 7 to 10 p.m. pains in belly.
c. 4th dec. trit.—22nd, 10 a.m., 90 gr. Between 8 and 9 a.m.
pains in belly, rush of water into mouth, rumbling and gurgling in
belly, so bad while walking he thought it was someone behind him,
lastedh. After dinner burning like fire in stomach up to pharynx,
eructation of food, metallic taste, sensitiveness of stomach, pain in belly
as after a chill, tensive and full feeling in stomach and hypochondria.
7 p.m., whilst eating got such a violent pain in metacarpal bone of r.
middle finger that he almost dropped his spoon. After supper increased
pain in belly.-23rd, 6 a.m., same dose. After 5 m. drawing pains
from 1. shoulder to hand, sometimes in jerks like electric shocks. After
h. loud rumbling and gurgling in belly, which is distended; confused
head; during a walk of 1 h. very painful flatulent colic, painful dis-
tension of whole belly, eructations, rare discharge of flatus with relief,
no stool (has usually 2 every m.). Transient stitches in 1. frontal
protuberance, crossness, prostration. During a drive from 10 to
12 a.m. the violent pain in belly goes off, but an extremely tensive
feeling of fulness and distension remains. After a very moderate meal
the griping in bowels, and particularly the pain in stomach, recur with
violence, and do not leave him during a drive of 4 h. He feels very
ill, with great irritability of temper, every trifle makes him angry.
LYCOPODIUM.
161
N., quiet sleep but frequent waking. 4 a.m., pappy, clayey taste,
burning of tongue as after smoking strong tobacco (he has not smoked
for 3 or 4 d., having lost all taste for it), pressive headache, loathing at
all food (has eaten nothing since yesterday).-24th, 10 a.m., same
dose. 9 a.m., the first stool for 2 d., it was firm, and was passed with
much pressing, and accompanied by burning-like pain from anus up
rectum. 10 a.m., violent griping in bowels, lasting all d. N., heavy,
anxious dreams. Woke in m. with bad taste, tongue thick, burning
as after smoking strong tobacco, no appetite for coffee, great dryness
of nose, which is completely stopped up. Confused head, crossness.-
25th, 6 a.m., same dose. Soon some nausea. A.m., griping in belly,
flatulence, increased saliva. N., bad dreams. M., tongue furred.
4
d. 3rd dec. trit.—26th, 10 a.m., 90 gr. Noon, sudden shooting-
tearing pains in r. supra-orbital ridge for 5 m., urinates 4 times in 2 h.
P.m., when walking, violent pain in belly.-27th. Had to go a long
journey, so had no med. M., griping in bowels. 7 p.m., tearing in
both shoulder-joints for 1 h. N., restless sleep, full of horrible dreams
of murder, poisoning, &c. M., tiresome dryness of nose.-28th, 6 a.m.,
same dose as on 26th. Pain in belly lasts all d., rush of water into
mouth. 5 p.m., chilliness all over body, disinclination for mental
work, great drowsiness, increased pain in belly. N., very restless,
sleep as if stupefied, full of horrible dreams. 6 a.m., awoke with
pressive pain in forehead, nasty taste, griping in bowels, distaste for all
food, even coffee. After h., urging to stool, purging with gripes.
Sore pain under sternum, dyspnoea, great prostration, heaviness and
weariness of limbs, so that he dreads riding, and prefers doing his
business on foot. Feeling as if he had been sitting up all n., crossness,
great rush of water into mouth, such dryness of nose that for 10 d.
past he has not required a pocket-handkerchief. 8 a.m., whilst
walking shudder all over body, skin-spasm, griping in belly, diarrhoea,
soreness and pressure under sternum, crossness, ill humour.-29th,
10 a.m., same dose. Increased saliva, griping internally, lasting all d..
tensive dryness of nose. P.m., sudden violent tearing pain in second
joint of big toe, lasting 5 m. After 5 m. more, tearing pain in r. knee-
joint. 6 p.m., rigor all over body for h., coldness of feet in warm.
room, unconscious drowsiness, cannot keep awake; goes to bed at
8.30 p.m., and the sleep is full of anxious dreams.-30th, 9 a.m., same
dose. Immediately griping in bowels, lasting all d. Between 6 and
7 p.m., rigor all over body, even in warm room, great thirst.
restless sleep with anxious dreams. M., great prostration, weariness of
feet, compression of head, pressure under sternum.-31st. No med.
During d. griping in belly and great weakness of all limbs.—April 1st,
6 a.m., 90 gr. Pains in belly. Noon, suddenly an extremely violent
dislocative pain in 1. shoulder, so that he could hardly guide his horse;
after lasting h. the pain left this part, but came on suddenly in r.
shoulder-joint, where it remained for some time. After 1 h. the 1.
knee-joint became very painful (tearing-drawing). Great weakness
and prostration of whole body, especially hands and feet. 3 p.m.,
throbbing frontal pain, ill humour, mental and bodily prostration; he
feels very ill, cannot study or think, with great forgetfulness and
VOL. III.
II
N.,
162
LYCOPODIUM.
absence of mind. Whilst writing, dislocative pain in r. wrist, so that
he must often lay down his pen. Tension under sternum as if all were
too tight, with same feeling in chest. Extreme dryness of nose.
4 p.m., such weakness of legs it requires a great effort to keep himself
on them, while standing they knuckle under him. The pressure and
heaviness on chest increase, and compel him to breathe deeply often,
which gives him some relief. Shooting in region of fifth rib close to
edge of sternum when at rest. After h. the same shooting in 1. side,
drawing-tearing pain in 3rd phalanx of 1. index lasting 1 to 2 m.,
cramp in calves, aggravated by walking and extending foot, relieved by
rest. 6 p.m., shooting pain in both frontal eminences, alternating with
throbbing; for h. increased salivary secretion. 9 p.m., great mental
and bodily prostration, excessive ill humour, chilliness all over body.
In bed at 9.30 p.m., drawing-tearing pain from hips to feet on both
sides exactly in course of sciatic nerve, lasting 15 m. Sudden pain in
r. fingers, tearing as if fingers were torn out for 5 m. The shooting
in both sides of chest, as also the pressure under sternum, is still there,
the latter very painful. The pain in shoulder goes off gradually in
bed. N. restless, full of gruesome, anxious dreams.
e. 2nd dec. trit.—2nd, 6 a.m., 90 gr. The shooting chest pains
were no longer present in the m., but the pressure under sternum and
the feeling of rawness and soreness were. 9 a.m., whilst driving
pressive frontal pain with vertigo, stupefaction, heat in head as though
he had been passing the n. in drinking. Ill-humour, crossness; for
some d. past complete absence of sexual desire. 10 a.m., whilst driving
the drawing in r. thigh returns, as also the pain in shoulder, but not so
badly as yesterday. Burning in oesophagus when swallowing, slight
griping in belly. 5 p.m., when taking a walk has such weariness and
prostration that he fears not to be at the appointed place in time,
almost at same time dislocative pain of r. big toe, making it difficult for
him to tread. 8.30 p.m., pressive frontal pain, especially on 1. side;
now and then extremely painful stitches and rends in 1. elbow-joint
increased by extending the arm; similar stitches and rends in 1. shoulder-
joint; heaviness and burning of 1. upper eyelid, heaviness of hands,
flying stitches in 1. side of chest and 1. knee-joint. Sudden pain from
1. shoulder-joint along ulna to wrist, it gets to such a height that the
affected part becomes extremely sensitive. When walking tensive
pain in back of 1. thigh for 2 or 3 m. Suddenly in 1st phalanx of
middle finger pricks as with a fine needle. 10 p.m., the pain in
shoulder- and elbow-joints becomes intolerable and compels him to go to
bed. In bed transient stitches in 1. ankle-joint, toes, both elbows,
nape. N. very restless, full of gruesome, frightful dreams. 4 a.m.,
woke with bruised and heavy feeling in all limbs, tearing in 1. elbow-
joint and r. shoulder, pressive frontal headache alternating with shooting,
sudden stitches in 3rd phalanx of 1. index, griping in bowels, cross
humour and disinclination for all employment. 3rd, 6 a.m., same dose.
Some pains in belly, which, together with the stitches and rends in 1.
shoulder and 1. elbow-joint and wrist, last all d. 6 p.m., increased
pressure under sternum, chilliness all over body, prostration with
weariness. N. restless, with frightful, anxious dreams.-4th. Woke with
LYCOPODIUM.
163
feeling of weariness and powerlessness. 9 a.m., 90 gr. Pains in belly,
frequent yawning, increased secretion from sublingual gland; a soft
pappy stool with feeling of tenesmus and forcing in rectum thereafter
as in dysentery. Burning in oesophagus with empty eructation.
Tension and pressure under sternum compelling frequent deep breath-
ing. 9 a.m., when writing tearing in 1. elbow-joint, violent pains in
belly. II a.m., when walking pressure and heaviness under sternum,
transient shooting frontal pain, excessive heaviness and weariness of
legs, they can scarcely bear him. A.m., urinated 3 or 4 times
copiously. Noon, after eating veal, pressure in stomach and heaviness
in belly. From 1 to 5 p.m., when riding pressing headache from
crown to 1. temple. Sudden exhaustion and prostration, inclination to
sleep so that he can hardly keep awake on his horse. On walking
down a hill sudden shooting pain in 1. knee-joint, lasting 4 or 5 m.,
which hindered him much in walking. Whilst writing sudden pene-
trating stitches in 1. shoulder-joint and I. elbow-joint, whence the pain
spread on the inner surface of the forearm to the fingers. Throbbing
frontal pain, with heat and redness of face, sudden stitches in r. wrist,
so that he cannot write,-all these pains came suddenly, lasted 4 or
5 m., and went off just as suddenly. Pressure and heaviness as of a
weight on chest, making him breathe deeply. During supper violent
tearing-shooting pain in second joint of r. thumb, then leaving this
part suddenly, in 1. shoulder, then the 1. elbow-joint, then again in r.
thumb-joint, 1. knee, 1. side of chest in region of 6th rib-all suddenly
and all within 4 h. The 1. shoulder, 1. elbow, and r. hand are painful
till 9 p.m. 10 p.m., when going dowstairs sudden shooting-tearing
pain in second joint of r. big toe. In bed drawing in 1. shoulder. N.
very restless, full of gruesome dreams. 6 a.m., pain in r. big toe.
5th, 6 a.m., same dose. After 2 h. shooting pains to 1. of sternum in
region of 4th rib; pressive pain with feeling of tightness under
sternum, which soon increases to real dyspnoea. Pain in stomach and
bowels, 2 greenish loose stools. 9 a.m., transient drawing pain in both
shoulders and 1. elbow-joint. Pressive pain in forehead and heat of
head. After urinating burning along urethra for a m., great heaviness.
in r. forearm, making writing difficult. II a.m., obtuse stitches in l.
side near sternum, great oppression of chest, increased by deep inspira-
tion. 2 p.m., whilst walking great weariness and heaviness of feet,
dyspnoea. 5 p.m., tearing and drawing in 1. ankle-joint, pain in belly,
great dryness of nose. 7 p.m., tearing in 1. wrist-joint for 2 or 3 m.
Extremely painful jerking tearing in second joint of r. thumb; sudden
shooting in r. side near edge of sternum. Between 7 and 1 p.m. con-
stant wandering pains (tearing and shooting), alternately in r. and 1.
shoulder, both elbows and wrists, fingers, 1. knee, r. big toe, r. and 1.
side of chest, always only for a few m. in same place. N. quiet. M.,
woke with bellyache.-6th, 6 a.m., same dose. Immediately increased
pain in belly and great flow of water into mouth. After ordinary stool
feeling of shooting along rectum, with urging and tenesmus. Heavi-
ness and pressure in chest; transient stitches, alternately on r. and 1. of
sternum, great weakness and prostration, difficulty of walking. Prick-
ing and tearing in skin of whole body, sometimes more violent at one
164
LYCOPODIUM.
I
place than at another, must rub himself with his clothes, with heat all
over the body, feeling of formication and as if hair of head was gently
drawn up, whilst walking in open air, lasting h. II a.m., throbbing
frontal pain, with heat in head; feels very uncomfortable, appetite
diminished. After a scanty meal pressure and fulness in abdomen.
The heaviness, pressure, and tightness of chest, as also the dryness of
nose, last till n. 7th. Woke from restless sleep with pressive head-
ache and some griping in belly. Took same dose. After 1 h. he had
the occasional transient shootings in 1. chest, then heaviness and pres-
sure under sternum; to these were added dazedness of head, formica-
tion all over body, with burning and itching. I p.m., whilst standing
speaking violent vertigo, with stupefaction, so that his senses seem to
leave him and he is in danger of tumbling forwards. 3 p.m., pain in r.
wrist-joint (transient, shooting and tearing). On back of r. thigh
cramp, with sensation while walking as if sinews were too short, which
makes walking uphill very painful. Great exhaustion during a long
walk. N. restless, disturbed by heavy anxious dreams.
4
f. Ist dec. trit.-8th, at 8 a.m., 90 gr. Soon heat in face, con-
fusion of head, shooting and tearing, now in l., now in r. shoulder,
suddenly in r. knee, in r. wrist-joint. II a.m., obtuse stitches in 1.
side of chest, pressure and weight under sternum, dyspnoea, great
exhaustion, dryness of nose. Noon, vertigo, thinks he must fall
forwards. Great irritability of temper, restless sleep. M., heaviness,
heat, and dazedness of head.-9th, 5.30 a.m., same dose. After h.
transient stitches near sternum, pressure in chest. II a.m., tearing in
1. wrist and I. shoulder. P.m., flatulent pain in abdomen, cramp in r.
thigh. Dyspnoea all d., great dryness of nose. Restless n., with
heavy dreams.-10th, 10 a.m., same dose. Same symptoms in same
order as yesterday. To-day it strikes him that for the last 10 d. the
inner surface of the nose has been ulcerated and covered with scab,
which when removed soon re-forms. Inflammation of prepuce, with
redness. (An intolerable itching and smarting of scrotum, with erysi-
pelatous inflammation of the skin, which had tormented him for a
month, has disappeared these last 8 d.-it did not reappear.)
8 p.m., very painful pressure on chest, heat in face. N. very restless,
full of anxious dreams. M., woke with confusion of head and great
pressure on chest, relieved by expectoration of consistent purulent
phlegm.-11th, 6 a.m., same dose. Immediately pain in abdomen,
pressure under sternum. Sudden dislocative pain in r. big toe, hardly
allowing him to tread. Transient stitches for 2 or 3 m. on 1. side of
chest near sternum. Noon, near inner border of scapula frequent
stabs as with a pointed knife, which take away the breath, for 1 h.
Drawing pain in 1. inguinal region. Tearing in 1. knee and r. wrist.
2 p.m., violent painful tearing in r. frontal and supra-orbital pro-
tuberances, with heat there in which the eye participates for 2 or 3 m.,
pain about navel. Drawing in 1. thigh, pressure on chest under
sternum. E., unusual appetite, saliva much increased.
10 p.m., violent
tearing-throbbing pain in r. frontal and supra-orbital protuberances for
3 or 4 m. Tearing in 1. upper arm and r. wrist. Traces of a thin
yellow discharge from urethra.-12th, m., pressure on chest, expec-
LYCOPODIUM.
165
toration of thick yellow phlegm from lungs. Heaviness of head.
(Ibid., 341.)
8. a. Joh. HuebnER, surgeon's assistant, æt. 33, phlegmatic tempera-
ment, robust, healthy.-March 6th, 8 a.m., 20 gr. 6th dec. trit.
Undulating headache, with glowing heat of face, burning like fire.
E., unusual drowsiness and very early falling asleep.-7th, 6 a.m., same
dose. Same symptoms as yesterday, only the heat is greater and lasts
longer, there is circumscribed redness of cheeks. Great sleepiness, un-
commonly profound sleep; also the 2 next d., when he took no med.
—10th, m., same dose. Cheerful humour. I p.m., burning in face
and ears like fire. Constriction of chest in region of false ribs, taking
away his breath. Tearing in both upper arms at insertion of deltoid
almost all d. 11th, m., same dose. Noon, heat in face, great weari-
ness and weakness of limbs. E., unusual sleeplessness and profound
sleep.—12th, m., 33 gr. Same symptoms.
b. 5th dec. trit.-13th, m., 30 gr. Immediately pinching in belly,
forehead painfully confused. Great heat and redness of face, with
irresistible sleepiness. II a.m., vomited 7 or 8 times profusely.
Extreme desire for smoking. E., great thirst, with heat in head and
sleepiness, so that he connot remain up after 8 p.m. Woke at 2 a.m.
from restless sleep, full of horrible dreams, with griping around navel
and feeling of pressing as if diarrhoea would come on, which it did not.
—14th, m., same dose. 6 a.m., confusion of head, heaviness in upper
arms, laziness, crossness, no appetite, great prostration, drawing-tearing
pain on inner aspect of both upper arms. Increased secretion of saliva
from submaxillary gland, griping in bowels all d. Noon, the usual heat
of face. N., woke frequently from the griping in bowels. M., nausea,
inclination to vomit, thick white fur on tongue.-15th, m., same dose.
I p.m., irresistible sleepiness; frequent ineffectual urging to stool.
7 p.m., tearing frontal headache, with thirst and heat, sensitiveness of
submaxillary gland, with increased secretion from it; dryness of mouth
and nose; heaviness of legs and arms; ill humour, crossness. N.
mostly sleepless, disturbed by anxious dreams.
3
c. 4th dec. trit.-16th. Wakes at 4.30 a.m. with feeling as if all
fingers from their tips to second phalanx were gone to sleep, with
inability to grasp any object for h. 7 a.m., great exhaustion of
whole body, crossness, laziness, frequent transient stitches at 1. edge of
sternum, going across chest and back; heaviness, drawing pain in
inner aspect of both upper arms, which are painful to touch. 30 gr.,
griping in bowels, increase of saliva. Noon, heat and redness of
face and ears, lasting 2 h. E., cross, very sleepy.-17th, m., same
dose. Chill all over body, griping in bowels, with 2 very foetid diar-
rhoeic stools, nausea, cannot eat breakfast. Drawing pain on inner
aspect of both upper arms over elbows, along forearms to wrists.
Tongue furred white, heaviness and dazedness of head, pale complexion,
features looked pinched, abdominal integuments very tender to touch.
A.m., frequent yawning; drawing pain in 1. arm to wrist; trembling
of both upper eyelids, heaviness in chest and pressure as if catarrh were
coming on. E., great exhaustion, sleepiness, dryness of nose. 18th.
Restless n. M., 60 gr. Pain in belly and no appetite, white furred
166
LYCOPODIUM.
tongue, with feeling as if it were rough and sandy (as after smoking
strong tobacco). II a.m., dislocative pain in nape. Stitches in 1. side
of chest in region of fifth rib, extending backwards to edge of scapula;
pain in belly, with sensitiveness of its integuments about the inguinal
region, as after a long walk. P.m., 4 or 5 diarrhoeic stools of yellowish-
white colour, with increased tenderness of abdominal integuments, so
that laughing hurts him. E., shooting in 1. side of chest, increased by
deep breathing. Chilliness all over body, with much yawning, sleepi-
ness; restless n., many dreams.-19th, m., same dose. Pain in bend
of both elbows, bruised pain in whole body; h. after dinner empty
eructations, dislocative pain in both knees; continued pain in belly,
humming in ears, dryness of nose, sleepiness, unusually profound sleep.
d. 3rd dec. trit.-20th, m., 60 gr. Forenoon, while driving, for
4 h. heat and redness of face, and I h. after that is over, sleepiness.
Pain about navel and hypochondria. Frequently occurring and sud-
denly disappearing dislocative pain in hip- and knee-joints whilst
walking, better when at rest. No appetite, though for 2 d. the tongue
has been clean; diarrhoea; drawing pain in both upper arms; feeling
as if eyes were forced into their orbits; restless sleep, with frequent
waking.—21st, m., same dose. Noon, tearing pain in crown, extending
to 1. shoulder, very violent till 7 p.m. P.m., 3 diarrhoeic stools, with
pain in belly. 6 p.m., violent rigor, commencing at chest and extend-
ing thence all over body, lasting 1 h. in spite of sitting close to fire,
followed by bruised feeling. Ñ. quieter.—22nd, 5 a.m., same dose.
Noon, heat and redness of face; pressive pain in both eyes; coryza, with
flow of watery discharge for 3 h., then stopped-up nose. Drawing pain
in both elbow-joints. 6 p.m., rigor originating in nape and arms, icy
coldness of ears, lasting 2 h. Distaste for food, cannot take supper.
Sore-throat, with feeling of constriction in region of submaxillary gland;
drawing pain, beginning on posterior aspect of 1. upper arm and
extending to palm, where it becomes shooting. Bruised pain all over
body; great dryness and stoppage of nose; burning of lids on closing
them, especially of 1. eye.
eye. Passed watery urine copiously 10 or 12
times. Slept only till midnight, not afterwards. M., nasty pasty
taste, and feeling as if tongue were sandy. Loathing at breakfast.—
23rd, 6 a.m., same dose. After 1 h. great flow of water into mouth.
9 a.m., coldness of head with paleness of face, then heat and burning in
face till 4 p.m. Frontal headache, crossness, drawing pains in knees
and 1. arm down to fingers; great prostration, stopped nose.
Restless
n. M., feeling as if toes were asleep, they are insensible. Extremely
painful tearing on 1. shoulder, as though wind had blown on the part;
nausea, loathing at everything, white furred tongue, which feels rough.
-24th, 6 a.m., same dose. Coffee tastes like vinegar. 9 a.m., chilli-
ness all over body, cannot get warm at fire. II a.m., general heat of
body for 2 h.-25th. No med.; no symptoms.
e. 2nd dec. trit.-26th, 6 a.m., 60 gr. II am., contractive pres-
sing pain in both hypochondria taking away his breath; dryness of
nose. 5.30 p.m., chilliness beginning at back and spreading over skin
in a transient manner. N., sound quiet sleep. M., flow of water into
mouth.—27th, 6 a.m., same dose. M., stupefaction as if intoxicated;
LYCOPODIUM.
167
cannot hold himself upright, staggering and weakness of legs, vertigo.
II a.m., great heat of head, which recurs at 3 p.m.
I p.m., after
taking soup griping in bowels. E., great sleepiness. N. quiet, no
dreams.-28th, m., same dose. 10 a.m., twitching in cervical muscles
with constriction, almost taking away breath. In the space of 3 h.
urinated copiously seven times. Griping in bowels as though diarrhoea
were about to come on. 6.30 p.m., chilliness beginning in back and
spreading all over body for 1 h. N., stupefied, restless sleep, without
dreams, but frequent waking.-29th, m., same dose. M., wakes with
pain in bowels and urging to stool, till 8 a.m.; 2 diarrhoeic stools with
griping in bowels, nausea, inclination to vomit, and loathing of all
food. Before rising coryza, after 1 h. stopped-up nose; flow of water
into mouth. From noon till 3 p.m. 3 diarrhoeic stools. No appetite,
no inclination to smoke the last 8 d. Tinnitus in r. ear, every sound
seems to reverberate in its depths. 6.30 p.m., chilliness for 1 h.
followed by extreme sleepiness. M., nausea, occipital headache, as if
scalp were inflamed.-30th, m., same dose. Very violent headache ;
stitches in region of 6th 1. rib, increased by deep inspiration, lasting till
Great dryness of nose. N., twitching headache, which prevents
him sleeping. M., stitches in side continue; tongue furred, bad taste.
n.
10 a.m.,
f. 1st dec. trit.—31st, m., 60 gr. Noon, heat in head, pain in
bowels, going to sleep of fingers and toes, great dryness of nose.
—April 1st, m., same dose. After 2 h. pain commencing at r. elbow
extending to little finger, with feeling as if arm were contused.
previous headache in forehead, increasing for 1 h.; great dryness of
nose; heaviness and weariness of legs; ill humour; crossness. 3 p.m.,
thirst, increased heat of head. E., twitching in r. fingers for h.-
2nd. No med. Ulcerative pain in r. forearm ; sensitiveness of arm-
muscles to touch; restless short sleep.-3rd, m., 60 gr. 9 a.m., heat
of face, tearing pains in r. upper and fore arm, with short intervals all d.
5 p.m., frontal headache, with heat and redness of face. 5.30 p.m.,
constant yawning, great weakness and prostration, nose stopped.-
4th, m. same dose. 9 a.m., bruised pain of thighs, flesh feels as if
detached from bone; pinching in stomach. II a.m., after vomiting,
extremely painful forcing and burning along urethra extending to
bladder.-5th, m., same dose. 10 a.m., pain about navel, weariness of
feet; pain in 1. thigh as if contused; scraping feeling, as from foreign
body in l. eye. 3 p.m., stitches in r. side in region of 3rd rib, which
go across chest and are increased by deep inspiration for 3 or 4 m.
5 p.m., shooting pain in r. scapular region, corresponding with the
stitches anteriorly. 6 p.m., drawing and tearing in fingers of both
hands for 4 or 5 m. N., frequent waking on account of griping in
bowels.-6th, m., same dose. M., pain in bowels; diarrhoea till noon,
6 stools with violent griping in bowels. 9] a.m., transient stitches in
region of 1. 5th rib, increased by deep breathing. Dislocative pain in
nape, which is tender to touch. Great heaviness and weakness of legs;
pain in forehead with dazedness of head. 10 a.m., whilst walking
feeling as if r. toes were dead, with formication lasting 4 h. P.m., 3
diarrhoeic stools with violent griping in bowels. Heaviness and weak-
ness of legs. (Ibid., 355.)
168
LYCOPODIUM.
9. Girl, at. 6. a. 6th dec. trit.-March 15th, 10 a.m., 15 gr.
2 p.m., when at school suddenly attacked with nausea attended with
heat of face.—16th, 17th, and 18th. Same dose. On all these days
was constantly poorly and cross.
b. 5th dec. trit.-19th. 12 gr., great cheerfulness and good spirits.
3 p.m., complains of shooting pains in ear, frontal headache, and heat
of face; all these symptoms gone by e.-20th and 21st. Same dose,
no symptoms.
c. 4th dec. trit.-22nd. 20 gr., immediately nausea and pain in
stomach which makes her cry. 3 p.m., when at school had suddenly
a shooting pain in r. external ankle lasting some m. 7 p.m., chilliness
all over, is very tired and wants to go to bed.-23rd. Same dose,
After 1 h. headache with heat of face and hands. P.m., shooting
pain in distal joint of r. index, then suddenly in 1. ankle; transient
shootings in 1. side.-25th. Same dose. 2 p.m., heat in face and
hands for h.; lively, cheerful. 7 p.m., sudden tearing pain in 1.
index for 5 m., and similar sudden pain in r. knee-joint; occasional
chills.-27th. Same dose. After 1 h. great liveliness, increased
appetite. 7 p.m., drawing pains in second joint of 1. index and middle
finger, which after a few m. jump into 1. knee-joint; chilliness beginning
in back. The next 4 d. could not be persuaded to take any more Lyc.
as she feared the pains in the fingers; still, notwithstanding, every e.
she had drawing pain in 1. hand and fingers, as also in 1. knee, lasting a
few seconds. Every e. the chilliness appeared.-April 1st.
20 gr.,
after the griping in bowels with 2 loose stools, pressure on chest, weak-
ness, ill humour, wants to go to bed. 3 p.m., cheerful, only complains
of weakness of legs. 7 p.m., chilliness all over body, wants to go to
bed, and is soon asleep. N., anxious dreams. Next d. diarrhoea twice
in forenoon, preceded by griping in bowels and loss of appetite.
d. 3rd dec. trit.-April 3rd. 20 gr., after 1 h. (11 a.m.) heat of
face for h., griping in bowels; 2 loose stools. 6 p.m., sudden shoot
in 1. big toe; soon thereafter tearing in 1. fingers for 5 m. making
her cry. 7 p.m., chilliness over back.-4th. No med. During d.
some griping in bowels and pressure on chest. E., chilliness.-5th.
20 gr., after 1 h. transient stitches on 1. side of chest, increased by
deep inspirations, for 1 h. Noon, gripings in bowels, followed by loose
stool. Great weakness and weariness of legs, diminished appetite, she
wants to go early to bed.-6th and 7th. No med. A.m., constant
griping around navel, occasional transient stitches in region of 5th rib.
E., cross, sleepy, chilliness over back.—8th. 20 gr., pressure under
sternum. Noon, throbbing frontal headache with heat of face, great
weakness, crossness. I p.m., pressure in stomach after a very small
meal. 7 p.m., tearing in first joints of 1. index, middle, and little
fingers for 5 m.; great desire for bed with frequent yawning.-9th.
Same dose. M., great weakness and cramp of legs. Noon, throbbing
frontal headache, yawning, griping in bowels. A.m., 2 loose stools.
E., chilliness; stitches in 1. side of chest for 2 or 3 m. Shootings in
r. wrist extending to finger-tips.-10th. No med. Pressure and
oppression on chest wall all d. E., chilliness, pain in bowels with one
loose stool. N., frightful dreams.
LYCOPODIUM.
169
e. 2nd dec. trit.-11th. 20 gr., after 1 h. heat of face, great
weakness and weariness of arms and legs. After dinner pressure in
stomach for 1 h. ; eructation of air, frequent yawning. E., chilliness.
—12th. No med. No symptoms except weakness of legs.-13th.
20 gr. On waking, m., pressive headache, ill humour, great weariness
so that she remained in bed. II a.m., griping in bowels, no appetite,
complains of tenderness of submaxillary gland, which is somewhat
swollen. E., chilliness.-14th. No med. Only increased tenderness
of submaxillary gland.-15th. No med. E., chilliness.-16th. 20 gr.
Noon, heat and redness of face, griping in bowels lasting all d.; whilst
walking shooting in 1. knee-joint. P.m., great weariness of legs, and
sleepiness. Restless sleep.-17th. No med. Griping in bowels,
No med.
transient stitches in both sides of chest ; pressure on chest with great
disposition to sigh frequently. E., chilliness.-18th. 20 gr., after
waking great weariness of legs, disinclination to get up; griping in
bowels all d.-19th. No med. Same symptoms as yesterday.
f. 1st dec. trit.-20th. 20 gr., great sleepiness, can hardly be
wakened; weariness and prostration. II a.m., griping about navel.
Noon, heat of face, stitches in region of 1. 5th rib for a few seconds.
Crossness. N. disturbed by anxious dreams; woke, feeling very tired.
-21st. 20 gr., after 1 h. griping in bowels; heaviness in chest.
Chilliness all over, all d. E., drawing-tearing pains in l. finger-joints,
1.
very violent but transient.-22nd. No med. Great weariness, con-
fusion of head, difficulty of breathing, diminished appetite; after eating,
a little discomfort in stomach, yellow complexion. 8 p.m., chilliness,
even in bed. N. very restless, talks much and loudly in sleep.-23rd.
20 gr., complete loss of appetite. Noon, heat of face. E., chilliness,
commencing in back. Wants to go to bed at 7 p.m. Symptoms as
yesterday. 24th. Same dose, Weakness and weariness of whole
body. Noon, hot face; h. after this transient stitches in region of 1.
5th rib. Heaviness and pressure in chest. No appetite. The griping
in bowels and loose stools (a very unusual state) lasted 8 d. longer. The
chilliness went off on the 4th d., when her good spirits and liveliness,
which had quite left her during the proving, returned. (Ibid., 362.)
10. KATH. HERZIG, æt. 16, housemaid, not yet menstruated,
healthy. She first took all kinds of preparations of the tinct. from 30th
to Ist dil., without any effect, except that she always had immediately
after the dose increased heat and redness of face.
I p.m.,
a. 6th dec. trit.—March 27th, m., 60 gr. I p.m., frontal head-
ache and heat. Giddy as if drunk.—28th, 6 a.m., 20 gr.
frontal headache and heat of face; roaring in ears, giddiness. After
h., rigor from within outwards for h., soon followed by heat.—29th,
6 a.m., 20 gr. After 1 h., pressive frontal pain and hot face, constant
yawning, drowsiness, weariness of legs.
b. 5th dec. trit.—30th, 6 a.m., 60 gr. I p.m., headache, with
great heat; transient stitches in r. side of chest. 4 p.m., recurrence
of heat all over, followed in h. by general chilliness, and ending in
great weariness and weakness of legs.-31st, 7 a.m., 60 gr. Noon,
heat of head, frontal headache, nausea. 1.30 p.m., chilliness all over
body for h., followed by extreme exhaustion. Some burning on
170
LYCOPODIUM.
urinating.-April 1st. No med., no symptoms.-2nd, 7 a.m., 60 gr.
After 1 h. nausea, no appetite, pain in stomach, headache for 3 h.
I p.m., chilliness all over for 2 h. Burning in urethra when urinating.
-3rd, 7 a.m., 60 gr. 2 p.m., yawning, headache, with hot face.
4 p.m., chilliness all over body, great weakness and weariness.
c. 4th dec. trit.-4th, 60 gr. After 1 h. pains in stomach, nausea,
constant yawning, heat of face. 4.30 p.m., chilliness, extremities cold,
goose-skin all over. This girl would take no more Lyc., as she feared
getting ague. On the 6th, about 4 p.m., a regular paroxysm came on,
with following symptoms :-Constant yawning, nausea, inclination to
vomit, chilliness, beginning at back and spreading all over body; cold
hands and feet, no perspiration, but heat, only observable on face. The
chill lasted till 6.30 p.m. and ended with extreme exhaustion and
bruised feeling of legs, crossness, slight drawing in wrists and fingers of
both hands. On going to bed at 7.30 p.m. she soon went to sleep and
woke next d. without any symptoms.-7th, 4 p.m., the paroxysm
recurred, but was of greater intensity and lasted longer. The chilli-
ness lasted till 7 p.m. The prostration and the drawing in wrist and
finger-joints were greater than yesterday. The sleep at n. was quiet
and refreshing, and she felt quite well in m.-8th, 3.30 p.m., a precisely
similar paroxysin.-9th, 3 p.m., a 4th paroxysm. The chill was more
intense and combined with shivering. There were also nausea and
inclination to vomit, with bitter, bilious taste. The tearing pains in
ankles and wrists were also more severe; Puls. 4 was given.—10th,
3 p.m., slight chill, all other symptoms much milder.-11th, 3 p.m., a
still milder paroxysm.-12th. No trace of pain, no gastric sym-
ptoms.-14th. Quite well. (Koller, who contributes this proving,
says he is convinced the ague was caused by the Lyc., and it is
different from the ague of the district in some essential particulars.)
(Ibid, 366.)
II. a. THERESA PELL, a pale, cachectic-looking girl of 17, not yet
menstruated.-April 3rd, 6 a.m., 60 gr. 6th dec. trit. After 1 h.,
sensation of scraping in ear. Dislocative pain in r. shoulder-joint.-
4th, 6 a.m., 60 gr. Noon, heat followed by pain in head for 1 h.
After 2 h., pain in abdomen, rumbling and gurgling in hypogastrium,
dryness of mouth.
I p.m., heat in head and pain in forehead, burning
in eyes. Stupefied feeling, constant yawning, great exhaustion, drowsi-
ness. N., frightful dreams.-5th. Same dose. Griping in bowels,
purging 3 or 4 times, rumbling in bowels. Weariness and bruised
feeling in legs, great dryness of mouth. Sleepiness, stupefied, restless
sleep, full of dreams.—6th and 7th. No med. Griping in bowels all
d., several loose stools, heat of face, stupefaction. Sensitiveness of
sublingual gland, increase of saliva.-8th, 6 a.m., 60 gr. Heat of
head, griping in bowels, yawning. Swelling of the gland can readily
be seen, no appetite. E., chilliness, unusual sleepiness and frequent
yawning.
b. 5th dec. trit.-9th, 6 a.m., 60 gr. Griping in bowels, 3 or 4
loose, greenish stools. Sensitiveness of submaxillary gland, increased
saliva. Drawing and tearing in both shoulders alternately. I p.m.,
great
heat of face, with circumscribed redness of cheeks. 6 p.m., chilli-
LYCOPODIUM.
171
ness commencing in back, with feeling as if it were continually
sprinkled with cold water. Great sleepiness, restless sleep.-10th.
No med. Griping in bowels all d. 6 p.m., severe chilliness all over.
-11th, 6 a.m., 60 gr. 10 a.m., burning on chest, under sternum;
dry nose; transient stitches in I. side of chest. 6 p.m., severe chilliness
with stupefied sleepiness; restless sleep disturbed by tiresome dreams.
-12th, 6 a.m., 60 gr. 9 a.m., tearing pain in 1. ramus of lower jaw,
extending to 1. temporal region. Noon, great heat of face, dryness of
nose, loss of appetite, remarkable bluish hue of gums, constant yawn-
ing. 6 p.m., chilliness all over body for 2 h., with stupefied feeling in
head, drowsiness, tearing in limbs. N. very restless. M., feels very ill
and cannot rise she is so weak.-13th. No med. Weariness, as after
a long walk, no appetite, drawing pain in 1. temple, extending to fore-
head, tearing in both shoulders, transient stitches now in r. now in l.
elbow-joint, then in r. and then in 1. wrist; single stitches in both
knees; this lasted in alternation 2 h. 7 p.m., rigor coming from back,
cold hands and feet, cannot get warm in bed for 2 h. The tearing
pains in above places increase. Nausea, with inclination to vomit.
Constant yawning. The paroxysm ends after 2 h. in a stupefied, very
restless sleep, from which she wakes, m., with extreme weakness.-
14th. No med. 7 p.m., same attack as yesterday, also on 15th and
16th.-17th. A very slight attack, after which she recovered; the
weariness of legs and a peculiar distraction-absence of thought-lasted
till 24th. (Ibid., 369.)
-
12. BAUMGAERTNER, surgeon, took, March 16th, 100 dr. 30th dil.
Up to April 2nd observed following.-On 2nd d., ill-humoured, little
inclination to speak, for some d.-5th d. A small boil on lower jaw,
which filled with transparent lymph, burst and dried to a yellow scab,
which remained several d., then fell off, and left a copper-coloured spot,
which only regained normal colour after 4 months.-7th d. R. middle
finger commenced to be hot and painful, then occurred inflammation
at root of nail, which suppurated, and after discharge of matter soon
healed.-10th d. Felt a loosening of r. lower incisors, and slight
bleeding of gums. This lasted 2 d.-April 3rd, 7 a.m., 100 dr.
24th dil. No effect except increased irritability of temper.-8th.
Transient smarting pain at anus.-From 9th to 30th no symptoms.-
May 1st, 7 a.m., 100 dr. 18th dil. Nothing except some cough and
single slight variable stitches on chest.-6th, 100 dr. 18th dil.
some pain in a small spot on r. index, lasting 3 d., and then gradually
going off. During afternoon, frequent small pricks in r. knee, espe-
cially when walking. In e. transient boring pain in 1. frontal region
towards roof of nose; from 7 to 8 p.m. difficult breathing, as though
he had respired sulphur fumes. After 8 p.m. a liver-brown stool.—7th.
Nothing but frequent sensations as if sparks of fire darted out of eyes,
especially in open air.-8th, 100 dr. 15th dil. Soon heaviness on chest
and impeded respiration, lasting some time, relieved by cough, with
expectoration of white, tough mucus, going off by noon.-9th, 100 dr.
15th dil., at 7 a.m. Nose painful on pressing it, especially towards
root, the pain seemed to be seated in mucous membrane. Frequent
'tussiculation and first firm, then liquid stool.-10th. Two liquid
II a.m.,
172
LYCOPODIUM.
stools, cough continues.-11th, 7 a.m., 100 dr. 12th dil. Slight
shivering after swallowing dose; after h. rising of warmth up spine
for 1 minute; during d. tearing in limbs; when walking in open air,
burning-shooting pain on borders of sternum, and cough. Towards e.
when lying unusual pulsation in thoracic cavity, frequent yawning, and
sore pain at root of tongue.-12th. Pain as yesterday continued, and
lasted till n. Cough rather severe.-13th, 100 dr. 9th dil. Cough
frequent during d., fatiguing and often with expectoration of white
viscid phlegm, all d. out of humour, and the least thing made him
cross.-14th, 7 a.m., 100 dr. 9th dil. Cough and expectoration as
yesterday; on hawking, burning in throat; nose stopped up. All d.
out of humour, and disinclined to speak. In e. the 3rd sound r.
incisor was painful for a short time. Firm costive stool.-15th.
Cough and expectoration less, nose still stopped, sneezing, no stool.-
16th and 17th, 100 dr. 6th dil.-18th and 19th. No med. Cough
continued all through 4th d., but slighter, and only troubled him m.
and e. Constipation till 18th, when he had a hard difficult stool. Fre-
quent indications of toothache in same tooth, and occasional tearing in
limbs. Nose free.-20th, 100 dr. 3rd dil. At noon, violent stitches
in r. elbow-joint; I h. after dinner, great pulsation in thoracic cavity
and sweet taste, cough severe and dry.-21st, 100 dr. 2nd dil.—22nd,
100 dr. Ist dil. No symptoms except twitching in hairy scalp, occa-
sional slight stitches at anus, and dry fatiguing cough.-23rd, 10 dr. of
concentrated tincture. Soon, slight confusion of head, and very fre-
quent fits of coughing, each time followed by transient palpitation of
heart, heaviness and roughness in throat.-24th, m., 30 dr. tinct. Soon,
nausea, with flow of water into mouth; later, stitches, sometimes in
cardiac region, sometimes in 1. elbow, sometimes in belly for 1 h.
Stomach tender to pressure, abdomen distended; visible pulsation in
scrob. cordis, repeated fatiguing cough with vomiting; in afternoon,
stitches in rectum.-25th, m. On waking cough with thick mucous
expectoration. 7 a.m., 100 dr. tinct. At noon stitches in belly which
went through inguinal ring to thigh, soon fit of coughing with scanty
mucous expectoration. Transient erections with deficient sexual appe-
tite. Disinclination for work and laziness.-26th. No medicine,
same symptoms.-27th, 100 dr. tinct. Nausea immediately. L. eye
became painful, especially when moved; when looking at brightly
coloured objects they began to tremble. Cough frequent and more
severe, always followed by tightness of chest, dyspnoea, palpitation and
heat of face, little expectoration. These symptoms lasted till 30th, on
which day there was only moderate cough.-31st. During d. 1 oz.
tinct.-June 1st. Flow of water into mouth, constant nausea, disten-
sion, 2 hard stools with effort and pain at anus, after passing 2 d. with-
out stool.—2nd. Slight cough, nausea in m., inclination to vomit, flow
of saliva; in afternoon, roaring in ears, distension of abdomen, good
appetite, no stool.-3rd. Slight roaring in ears, nausea, inclination to
vomit, distension of abdomen with good appetite; no stool.-4th.
Besides yesterday's symptoms, all d. feeling as if an incisor in 1. upper
jaw were forced out. In e. a very difficult hard stool, with lacerating
pain in rectum; great general exhaustion.-5th. Same symptoms, but
LYCOPODIUM.
173
no stool. 9th. Less nausea, increased appetite, tearing in various
joints, especially of fingers. Enormous appetite followed by flatulent
distension of abdomen. Stool regular for 2 d., afterwards hard and
with much pressing, cough almost gone.-From July 10th to August
8th every d., m. and e., 5 gr. Ist trit.-1st d. Afternoon, coughed up
bright red blood, inclination to vomit, without loathing of food, and
with good appetite.-2nd d. Fulness of abdomen with hunger,
periodical burning feeling on different parts of skin, frequently on
sacral region, especially when heated.-3rd d. Severe pain on those
parts which had previously been injured; stitches in temple, hard diffi-
cult stool.-4th d. Frequent sneezing, slight perspiration and increased
secretion of urine; frequent stitches in glans penis in rapid succession ;
sensation of water running through r. inguinal ring into scrotum;
diminished sexual appetite; pains in corns. E., depressed spirits and
canine hunger.-5th d. Same symptoms.-6th d. Frequent sneezing
and burning in eyes, hot feeling in part of feet and in soles.—7th d.
Transient bleeding of gums. E., cutting in iliac region.-8th d.
Great inclination to lie down, frontal pain, sensitiveness of eyes to day-
light, firm, scanty and difficult stool; great weakness when walking.—
9th d. Frequent dry cough, with rough feeling under sternum.-
10th d. Pressive pain on 1. side of forehead, great prostration; erection
without sexual desire, great exhaustion after coitus.-11th d. Great
exhaustion, burning and watering of eyes, inclination to vomit, cutting
in belly on inspiration, and when lying on back.-12th d. Great
weakness, inclination to vomit, here and there tearing in extremities.
Many dreams at n.-13th d. On waking frontal headache, pressure in
eyes, inclination to vomit and hunger; all d. fulness in abdomen. N.
restless, many unconnected dreams.-14th d. No change except un-
defined pain in r. hip-joint, going off on walking in open air.-15th.
During a walk great hunger, burning feeling on skin along spine, very
firm stool; head confused, great forgetfulness.-16th to 18th d. No
symptoms.-19th d. Itching all over body, must scratch.—20th d.
Itching continues, bitter taste, heartburn after smoking, frequent short
cough and palpitation on going upstairs, weakness after any exertion.—
21st d. Great prostration, wished to lie in bed, increased hunger;
excoriation on nates.-22nd. Inclination to vomit, with hunger, some
cough, great excoriation and prostration.-23rd d. After waking,
irritable disposition, nausea and inclination to vomit after smoking.
Hunger, oppression of chest, tickling in throat making him cough almost
all d. Sleep disturbed, many dreams.-24th d. Heartburn, heaviness
on chest, frequent sneezing with coryza, burning on skin along spine,
very little movement causes excoriation.-25th d. Soft painful stool.
Excoriation and hunger less.-26th d. Fulness of abdomen; difficulty
of swallowing fluids, as if oesophagus at entrance were contracted.
Frequent cough.—27th and 28th d. Cough somewhat more severe
and tightness of chest.-29th d. Difficulty of swallowing solids, with
increased hunger, soft but difficult stool. Afternoon, boring in stomach,
inclination to vomit, and eructation of air. E., burning in l. eyeball
and roaring in head, cough less. No more medicine was taken, and the
symptoms gradually subsided. The difficult stool lasted longest, it was
-
174
LYCOPODIUM.
soft, but could with difficulty be expelled. (Zeitsch. d. Ver. d. hom.
Aerz. Oesterr., i, 166, 1862.)
13. BLAUFUSS, Nov. 21st, 1859, took 1 gr. of powdered lycop. at
8 a.m.
About 10 felt mouth fill with saliva, and on spitting it out
same thing recurred. At back of tongue and palate sour taste all d.
On 22nd, 2 gr., with same result. On 28th, I gr. of 1st trit. at same h.
In forenoon, itching in groin and scrotum. An h. later, rush of blood
to head; painful micturition, last drops with difficulty expelled; urine
of deep brown colour, with much mucus in it; frequent erections. In
afternoon, same symptoms. At n., emissions with amorous dreams.
29th. Same symptoms, only apparently more violent; great excite-
ment of whole body. Symptoms lasted all next d., and only disappeared
on d. following. (MARTIN's provings, Hom. Vierteljahrschr., x, 52.)
14. GRAEFE, Nov. 22nd, took 1 gr. fasting without effect. 23rd.
-At 7 a.m. 2 gr. About 10 remarked that pulse was somewhat quicker
(86-88); he was at same time in very good spirits, without any par-
ticular reason for being so. About 3 p.m. was seized with violent
stitches in chest and oppressed respiration, especially when running.
At n. very restless sleep, and great rush of blood to heart. 24th.-
At 9 a.m. palpitation, lasting 10 m. until he had drunk a glass of salt
and water. At noon, immediately after eating, cramp-like contraction.
in nape, and in afternoon violent headache. 25th.-Quite well.
(Ibid., 53.)
At
15. GUNTHER, Nov. 27th, at 6 a.m. took I gr. of Ist trit.
4 p.m. slight headache, and some tearing in temporal region, which
however, together with the headache, went off about 8. 28th.-At
7 a.m. took same. Again slight headache and (II a.m.) shooting in
temple, with a very peculiar itching, conjoined with shooting diagonally
across chest (between 4th and 7th ribs). No appetite, and burning
thirst, which had to be assuaged with water all d. long, with sour-
bitter expectoration of which he could not get rid. Ate nothing all d.
At n., little or no sleep, much perspiration, and terrible itching in all
limbs, most severe on scrotum; also constant desire to pass water,
which caused great tickling in urethra, urine ran away almost involun-
tarily, and he could not completely expel it, it was of orange colour and
smelt rather strong. 29th.-After taking a third dose same symptoms
occurred, only with much greater severity, so that he was unable to
work on account of the horrible headache, and could scarcely take a
step without getting a kind of vertigo. He also remarked on both
wrists, as also on 1. thigh, elevated red pustules on which were small
points filled with pus; this eruption lasted 5 d. Headache continued
all next week, pain in chest till Dec. 3rd, bitter taste and itching in
urethra till Dec. 7th; tongue was moderately furred, and nights rather
sleepless. (Ibid., 53.)
16. HILPERT, Nov. 21st, at 7 and II a.m., took I gr. without effect
that d., but in afternoon of 2nd d. he had most violent headache,
especially to 1. of frontal sinus and in 1. malar bone. On 23rd and 25th
repeated dose, without effect; but on 27th had on rising violent shooting
pain from ensiform cartilage and r. hypochondrium to dorsal vertebræ
and scapula, oppressing breathing. This state continued with aggrava-
LYCOPODIUM.
175
tions and remissions till noon of 28th. 29th.—At 7 a.m. took I gr.
of 1st trit. P.m., confusion of head with transient pain in 1. temple.
30th. At 7 a.m. took same. Pulse full and quick; considerable sedi-
ment in urine; constant shooting in shoulder, soon going off, in e. great
drowsiness. Dec. 1st.-Same dose. P.m., transient spasmodic jerking
in thigh; shooting pain in bowels, especially r. side; rumbling in
stomach. 2nd.-Same dose. About II a.m. constant buzzing in l. ear;
in e. very sad disposition with confusion of head. 3rd.-Drawing in
limbs, spasmodic jerking in knee; p.m., cramps in forearm and drawing
in upper lip; in e., pricking in lip and shooting in r. patella; 9, transient
shooting pain in 1. sinciput, from temple to forehead; all n. long violent
discharge of flatus. 4th.- P.m., violent tearing in vasti muscles,
extending to patella; pimple on knee. 5th.-One pimple on forehead
and two behind 1. ear; for some d. past inflamed upper lip, and a
vesicle there. (Ibid., 55.)
17. HORN took, Nov. 21st, I gr., and 22nd, 2 gr at 6 a.m.
On n.
of 2nd d. violent spasm at stomach, and for several d. very cheerful
disposition and great appetite, yet much drowsiness. 27th. At 5.45
a.m. gr. ij of 1st trit. At 1 a.m. sinking in stomach, going off after
coffee. At 10, attack of spasm in stomach, soon passing off. All d.
constant yawning. 28th.-At 6 a.m. 2 gr. of same. Same sinking
about 8, not so severe; constant yawning, sometimes tasteless eructa-
tion. 29th.-Rose at 5.30 a.m. but did not breakfast till II on account
of want of appetite. Stool at 4 p.m. instead of in m., very hard. All
the time in very cheerful humour. Till Dec. 2nd stools hard and urine
very cloudy, complexion changed very often. After this sexual instinct
much aroused. (Ibid., 56.)
*
18. Kuntzmann took, Nov. 23rd, 1 gr., and same on 24th, in m.,
fasting. Noticed nothing save that he perspired in bed towards m.
On 25th, took same dose, and on 30th and Dec. 1st took I gr. of Ist
trit., on both occasions labouring under a severe cold when doing so.
The first time drug seemed to check cold suddenly; the second, catarrh
lasted unusually long. On July 13th, took 4 gr. of crude drug m. and
e., without effect save dreamful sleep; and on 14th repeated same,
observing only some loose motions (Ibid., 57.)
19. a. MARTIN took, Nov. 21st, in m., fasting, I gr., well rubbed
up with 4 gr. of milk sugar. In 6 m. violent aching in stomach, and
contraction as in sickness, terminating in unusual urging to stool and
discharge of flatus. Inh. headache in front of head, with disposition
to eructate; twitching (quivering) in r. upper eyelid; painful tension
in scalp, particularly persistent across forehead; same painful drawing
about root of nose; burning rising upward in oesophagus; shooting in
r. flank, recurring several times in d.; remarkable confusion of head,
but not of mind, and after an h. amelioration by sneezing. Thereafter
cutting in 1. chest and hypochondrium, especially on stretching; dizzy
feeling; then severe aching in posterior mediastinum and scrobiculus
cordis, with general confusion and lassitude. About 3 h. after still
aching in scrobiculus; much stuffiness (as of a cold) in head; want of
steadiness in all limbs as if intoxicated; after going out, toothache
(unusual). At 5 p.m., after a walk, during which cold in head seemed
176
LYCOPODIUM.
worse, belly-ache like spasm. 23rd.-Took I gr. In 5 m. confusion
of head; some nausea; urging to stool; slight scraping of throat.
After breakfast, tearing pain in 1. shoulder, shooting under 1. scapula;
afterwards, headache as if intoxicated. 26th.-1 gr. In h. pain
under r. scapula, continuing like an aching; soon afterwards disturbance
in bowels with call to stool; tearing shooting in scalp. As on previous
days, frequent quivering (painful twitching) of r. upper eyelid. Much
flatus; slight tearing in I. upper arm; great secretion of mucus in
fauces; head long confused; taste insipid, and yet great appetite.
27th. In m. fasting gr. j of 1st trit. Soon after, drawing in 1. upper
arm, which increases to tearing pain and afterwards extends to shoulder
and supra-clavicular fossa, and lasts a long time. Much quivering of r.
upper eyelid; unusually early call to stool, and unwonted appetite;
painful drawing also in r. shoulder; quivering in several parts of hairy
scalp, recurring in e. ; violent aching in r. eyeball, so that tears flow.
28th.-Increased hunger; in e., great itching in anus. 29th.-In m.,
gr. j of 1st trit. In h., tearing in 1. arm down into dorsal side of
metacarpal bone of thumb; at same time feeling of dryness and heat in
About 10, toothache in 1. lower jaw. Much itching in anus;
quivering of r. upper eyelid. 30th.-Frequent recurrence of quivering
of eyelid, early in m. tearing in limbs after an uneasy dreamful n.; in
e. toothache. N. very restless. In m. gumboil at seat of toothache
(a carious molar); very great appetite. 2nd.-Gumboil painful; much
nasal mucus; tearing towards first finger-joints of 1. hand. 3rd.-
Swelling of r. cheek with pain. 4th.-Very restless n., full of
annoying dreams. By day, much rheumatic tearing headache. The
gumboil only subsided on the 6th.
arm.
b. June 12th, 1836, took 4 gr. Soon afterwards, drawing in face
that goes off by sneezing; drawing aching in 1. forearm as if in ulna.
13th. In m. slight pain in urethra as if from a foreign body in it;
great flow of mucus from nose; painful itching and burning in anus.
These symptoms went off in course of following d. 18th.-At 7 a.m.
4 gr. Great lassitude in afternoon and e. At root of r. canine tooth,
between gum and lip, a small ulcer. (Ibid., 59.)
20. a. OEHLER. Nov. 23rd, at 7 a.m., 1 gr. No symptoms
I
during d., but 7-8 p.m. shooting pains in both temples, and especially
behind mastoid processes. 24th.-2 gr. No effect. 25th.-About
8 a.m. shooting pains in 1. hypochondrium, and p.m. same in r., lasting
till 4 p.m. next d. 26th.-About 9, shooting in 1., and on following
d. in r., iliac region. From 11 till 1, tensive pain across chest, oppres-
sing respiration. 27th.-At 7 a.m. gr. j 1st trit. 7.30, some shooting
under r. scapula, growing always more severe, and extending to head
and nape. 9, flying shooting pains over whole body. 10, cough with
mucous expectoration, then collection of large quantity of sourish watery
saliva in mouth. About 6 p.m. these symptoms abated somewhat, but
at 11, as he lay in bed, there was a shooting pain in chest that gave
him great uneasiness. 28th.-At 6.45 a.m. same dose. The shooting
pains came on immediately on taking the powder, but did not alternate
as rapidly. At 3 they went off. Cough and saliva as on 27th. A
small furuncle on hip. At n., uneasy dreams. 29th.-At 7.15 a.m.,
LYCOPODIUM.
177
same dose. Shooting less, but towards noon some headache. Cough
and expectoration as before. 30th.-Shooting went off p.m., then
occurred coryza; cough still slight, expectoration not increased.
Dec. Ist.-Great burning when passing water; frequent call to mictu-
rate; urine clear. Painful erections. 2nd.-Throughout d. constant
scalding when passing water, which was at first clear, but afterwards
mixed with purulent-looking, colourless mucus, p.m. streaked with
blood. 3rd.-In m. more coryza, but no cough; alternate rigor and
heat; pulse at noon 84. All d. lassitude and burning in feet (latter
went off about 4 p.m.). In afternoon again heat and rigor, with at 6.30
some headache. Later in e. violent shooting pain as if in a ring
around abdomen, and pain in small of back. Increase during d. of
purulent discharge from urethra, with burning pains during micturition;
during n., which was quiet, discharge most copious but clear; in m.
streaks of blood again appeared. 4th.-From afternoon onwards decline
of pain in micturition and urethral discharge. Otherwise as on previous
d.; alternate heat and rigor; headache till 7 p.m., with great appetite
and increased perspiration. Following n. good, with rapid ameliora-
tion of urinary ailment; there still remains some yellow mucous
discharge.
b. June 8th.-At 6 a.m. 4 gr. 7, tearing-shooting pain in 1. thigh,
from hip to knee, causing lameness; at centre of 1. patella, in small
spot, severe shooting; all d. great drowsiness and lassitude. 9th.-At
5.30 a.m., 8 gr. Great drowsiness (it was thunderous weather); slight
aching in r. brain; vertigo and slight stupefaction; respiration some-
what oppressed. 10th.-At 6.30 a.m. 8 gr. 8, drawing between
scapulæ, not lasting long; lassitude. From 11th to 13th, occasional
lassitude and vertigo. 17th.-At 8 a.m; gr. j of 1st trit., which was
followed by oppression and eructation. P.m., slight itching in scrotum,
and slight burning on micturition; urine of deep yellow colour. In e.
great fulness and distension of stomach (after eating some new bread and
eggs). 18th.-At 5 a.m. 4 gr. Frequent discharge of flatus; fulness;
small quantity of mucus from urethra. 20th.-4 gr. Frequent emis-
sion of flatus; mucous discharge from urethra has returned.
24th.-Much fiatus; fulness with violent eructations. (Ibid.)
21st-
21. REICHMANN took, Nov. 27th, 1 gr. Inh. great drowsiness.
P.m., stitches in sternum. In e., pain in 1. eye, and for a short time
it appeared to be covered with a veil. Next d. it was swollen, in outer
canthus much mucus was found, with aching pains and considerable
lachrymation. This lasted till 30th. Dec. 2nd.-At 6 a.m. again
I gr. Inh. tears flowed so copiously that he could not work; this
symptom, however, soon declined. At 10, violent aching pain in eye,
lasting, though not so severe, till afternoon of next d. (Ibid.)
22. a. VULPIUS took, Nov. 21st, at 6.30 a.m., I gr.
I gr. About 9,
transient stitches in chest, especially r.; afterwards headache, and
sometimes shooting in occiput, but good, almost gay, humour. All
p.m. and e. very violent headache, so that he was unable to work; also
shooting behind ear into jaw; pulse 85; very bad humour; lassitude
in limbs. 24th.-Repeated dose. Besides headache, which lasted till
e., no morbid symptom. 25th.-A third dose, without effect. 27th.
VOL. III.
12
178
LYCOPODIUM.
—At 6.30 a.m. 1 gr. of 1st trit. Very insipid taste some time after
taking it; tongue thickly furred, yellow; shooting in 1. temple and in
r. occiput. 3 p.m., pain in 1. hypochondrium. E., headache. 28th.
-Repeated dose. Slight headache; occasional shoots in r. parotid;
increased saliva. Towards noon spasmodic vibrating twitching in scrob.
cordis and r. thigh, lasting all 29th. 29th.-Took a third dose.
Tongue somewhat furred; above vibrating twitching in scrobiculus
constant. 11.30, tearing in r. cheek, sometimes extending over crown
of head to occiput. During last days more or less violent rheumatic
pains both in head (especially jaws and ears) and in extremities. 4th.
-Tearing in r. cheek and elbow; twitching in 1. scapula. Shortly
before dinner transient belly-ache. Two motions. P.m., shooting in
r.
thumb. 5th-Vibrating twitching in r. ala nasi; sometimes shooting
in r. upper arm down to elbow-joint. 6th.-Very painful little ulcer
in nose. 7th.-Itching in rectum, tearing in face, and previous
vibrating twitching in scrob. cordis.
b. June 8th.-At 5.30 p.m. 4 gr., without effect. 13th.-At
6 a.m. repeated dose. Soon afterwards, cramp-like twitching in ex-
tensor muscles of 1. upper arm; then aching in r. hypochondrium,
sometimes increased by breathing and then becoming shooting; almost
all d. insipid disagreeable taste in mouth. 14th. At 5 a.m., same
dose. Spasmodic trembling in 1. upper eyelid, sometimes with slight
shooting pain in eye itself. (Ibid.)
23. WERTHER took, December 4th, at 6.30 a.m., I gr. of Ist trit.
In afternoon pains before and after micturition; urine lemon-yellow,
coming away in small quantity every 10 m. After a second dose
following m. at 6.30, felt pains in forenoon, and more severe.
After a
third dose for 2 d. pains were yet more violent; then appeared pimples.
on face and thigh, and also at 1. oral commissure. By following e. all
these symptoms were gone. (Ibid.)
24. Dr. GENZKE, of Bützow, Mecklenburg, æt. 40, of choleric
temperament and strong constitution, occasionally suffers from catarrhal
affections, and 7 years ago had gastric fever. He also has pityriasis
versicolor on chest, back, and abdomen, which varies with treatment,
but never goes away. At the time of his proving he was well except
a slight cough with easy expectoration; he made no change in his diet,
which was simple, except that he avoided wine and spirits and drank
weak coffee in the afternoon.
a. Dr. G― began his proving on March 25th, 1846. He took 2 gr.
of the 3x trit. in m. fasting and at n. on going to bed, adding 1 gr. each
d., so that on April 6th he took 14 gr. n. and m.,—208 gr. in all. The
first 3 d. no change, unless some improvement of appetite. March 28th.
-Slight feeling of tension and heaviness of abdomen, with sensation ast
if flatulence were imprisoned, followed by restless sleep and horrible
dreams, several times repeated, of fighting with wild beasts. 29th (and
following days) tension continued, usual normal stool every m. soon
after rising. Ábout II noticed slight pressive frontal headache (which
he had previously occasionally had), coming on while writing, and
lasting some h. In e. pain in back as if broken, while at work in
garden, perhaps due to his being unaccustomed to the work. 30th and
LYCOPODIUM.
179
31st.-Similar symptoms except headache; also feeling of roughness in
trachea with somewhat increased expectoration. April 1st.-Slight
shivery feeling all over with restlessness; pulse small, weak and
quickened, numbering at 10 a.m. 86 while sitting, and 96 while stand-
ing (usually is 79 and 86 respectively at this h.) About 4, felt sore
pain on inner side of r. knee as if it were abraded; thought it was due
to rubbing of the clothing. On examination skin was found normal,
although the place was painful to a gentle touch with the hand. This
increased during n. and to such a degree that it was impossible to bear
contact of other leg when lying on side; restless sleep with dreams of
same kind as before described; on one occasion when awaking in a
fright, noticed feeling of tension in chest. Pressure in region of stomach.
and some colicky pain. Towards m. peculiar sensation difficult to
describe, as if sweat would break out on skin (which did not happen);
pain in r. knee continued and extended downwards to calf. 2nd.-On
rising, momentary pricking sensation to soles of feet; in course of d. pain
in knee continued, but gradually lessened; except some tension in abdo-
men nothing else noticed. Drank a little wine in e., slept well without
dreaming. 3rd.-General feeling of well-being and of lightness, lasting
all d. On 4th, 5th and 6th nothing very noteworthy, the abdominal
tension occurred in less degree. In m. of 5th a pricking itching came
on suddenly in bend of 1. knee, skin being perfectly sound; it lasted
some h.; and in e. noticed indications of throbbing headache, extending
from occiput to vertex. Good undisturbed sleep in n. 7th.-On
rising dull pressing frontal headache, lasting all forenoon, associated
with slight feeling of fatigue. Normal stool towards 8 a.m.; an h.
later renewed desire for stool, followed by pappy evacuation, mixed with
fæcal masses and mucus. P.m., dull sticking pain in r. side of back,
especially on deep breathing, lasting several h. Perfect health between
this date and the following experiment.
b. April 17th, took 20 dr. tinct., m. fasting; followed only by
restless sleep next n. 18th.-28 dr. m. fasting. After about 1 h.
slight general chilly feeling, with slight frontal headache, in heated room,
which came on while writing, and both of which went away later on
moving. 19th.-40 dr. No change during d.; during n. somewhat
restless sleep with dreams, and towards m., while still in bed, drawing
pain along outer side of 1. ulna, lasting a short time, and followed by
tenderness on pressure without there being anything to be seen. 20th.—
54 dr. One h. after slight chilliness all over, lasting all d.; p.m., some
abdominal disturbance with discharge of very offensive flatus. The
above-mentioned drawing pain along ulna came on, but without the
tenderness, a similar pain appeared also on back of 1. hand. During n.
restless sleep and same peculiar dreams causing feeling of anxiety like
nightmare; on waking immediately after, feeling of heat over whole
body and violent beating of pulse. 21st.-76 dr. Besides slight abdo-
minal distension, a tearing pain coming on periodically in outer side of
r. thigh, just above patella, and at same time sore pain in r. nostril,
worse on pressing wing of nose with finger. 22nd and 23rd.-No dose.
Pappy evacuation on 22nd, soon followed by renewed desire as if diar-
rhoea would occur, but only a small evacuation of fæces of firmer con-
Ca
180
LYCOPODIUM.
sistence than before ensued. On both d. soreness of nose as before, and
some distension of abdomen. 24th.-100 dr. taken in 2 doses m. and
afternoon. Half an h. after first, violent sneezing and secretion of
mucus (a not unfrequent occurrence apart from the experiment); some-
what later large, hard, difficult stool. About 10 pressure in abdomen and
urging to stool again occurred, with evacuation of soft fæces. A thin
crust has formed in r. nostril where pain was. 25th and 26th.-130
and 160 dr. respectively on each d. in 2 doses. Nothing noticed beyond
slight abdominal distension.
c. On 8th, 9th and 10th June took 300, 400 and 500 dr., each
quan-
tity in 4 doses. Except griping pain in abdomen, relieved by soft stool
on m. of 9th, no symptoms first 2 d. On 10th, fine pricking pain in
anterior (glandular) portion of urethra, lasting only a short time, causing
no desire to urinate or pain on doing so; urine normal. Later,
drawing pain in r. great toe, coming on during rest, and passing away
on moving. Aftet this he noticed no mental or physical change
whatever, and the pityriasis alluded to was unaffected by the drug.
(Hygea, xxii, 446.)
25. Herr RUSCH, æt. 24, florid complexion, lymphatic tempera-
ment, took 3rd trit. from April 3rd to 15th, beginning with 2 gr. and
increasing I gr. per diem. On 8th and 9th d. he had a pressive frontal
headache, and this was the only departure from perfect health that he
noticed. On the 20th he took 4 dr. of tinct., and increased 2 dr. a
for 10 d. without any result. (Ibid.)
d.
[Dr. Genzke also experimented on five of his own children, boys.
and girls varying from 6 to 15 years of age, to whom he administered
daily increasing doses of the 15th attenuation. No symptoms attribut-
able to the drug resulted, and the same was the case after a 10 d. course
of the 3rd trit. The negative results of these experiments on Herr
Rusch and on his children, led him to question whether the symptoms
noted in his own case were really attributable to the L.] (Ibid.)
26. a. Dr. FR. SEGIN, on March 24th and 25th, while in perfect health, took gtt, ij
of 18th dil, in m. fasting. He experienced only a little pain in abdomen, as from
wind, and (instead of the usual single stool) had 2 evacuations of the bowels and an
often-recurring dull pressure in the neighbourhood of the temples. On 27th a similar
dose. On 28th was obliged to go a 7 h. journey, and took at dinner a little wine,
followed by coffee. Soon after dinner, while in earnest conversation, frequent momen-
tary confusion; could not take in accurately what was being said, and (irrelevant)
thoughts forced themselves into his mind against his will. For instance, he kept
thinking of draughts, his favourite game at that time. He could not succeed in giving
undivided attention to the conversation; he pictured the game and all its moves.
This lasted all the afternoon and until he went to bed, but he woke up free from it
the next m. On 29th, 30th, and 31st took 3 doses of same strength, and on April 8th,
2 dr. of the 30th. On this d. he took some coffee in m., and half a wineglassful of
wine. Until 24th he felt an unusual liability to catching cold; had toothache, now
on one side and then on the other, at first drawing, then extending to ears and tem-
ples, with painful sensitiveness of the scalp over I. ear, worse on touching it. Also
26th.-Had some shocks from a
on swallowing had stitches extending to 1. ear.
voltaic battery. 27th.-No more pain.
b. May 8th, 1835. M., fasting, took 10 gr. 3rd trit. On 10th, having obtained
no results, took 10 dr. of 30th dil., and same on 11th. On 120th 50 dr. Papules on
legs, with here and there sharp pricking, which compelled him to scratch. On 13th
and 14th same dose; a sore pain in toes, lasting until 18th and hindering walking.
Sweat between toes so softened a corn that he was able to remove it by scratching.
1
LYCOPUS.
181
A feeling of hunger in m. at 10 a.m., quite unusual with the prover. Increased
sexual desire, emissions in n.; he wet the bed, while dreaming that he had got up to
use the chamber utensil (this happened to him once before when a student). From
18th to 21st drank daily half a glass of wine and some coffee. Swelling and painful-
ness at tip of nose, a small red spot as if a pustule would form, with occasional severe
shooting on edge of r. upper eyelid. April 4th.-The aforesaid pain in the toes,
which had disappeared, returned. Increased sexual desire and nocturnal emissions,
followed by marked lessening of desire; the emissions occurred also without previous
erection.
c. Nov. 7th, 1842, in good health; 8 a.m., 1 h. after breakfast (chocolate), gtt. x
of 1st dil. of tinct. 11-12, griping pain in abdomen, as if diarrhoea would ensue.
Frontal headache p.m., a pressing and squeezing pain, to which he is not subject,
lasting several h. 8th.-Slept well; between 7 and 8 a.m., while sitting writing,
severe pressing pain in back, now over a large extent, now as if he were pressed
with a fist on lower dorsal vertebræ, at same time similar pressure at end of
sternum, so that he was obliged to hold his breath. At same time slight tooth-
ache, pressure outwards in forehead, with slight drawing sensation through r. side
of face, over shoulder, and in arm. Never had a similar pain before; it went
off in great part while he was writing it down, and after 4 h. was only a painless sen-
sation. 19th.-No symptoms since last date; took 10 dr. of tinct. while travelling,
and, after drinking 3 oz. of white wine and a little café au lait, much confusion of
head and difficulty in collecting thoughts so as to differentiate between medicines.
Without being painful, the feeling of irresolution was very disagreeable. This con-
fusedness lasted, though less severely, until 22nd. 24th.-Took a small quantity of
the oily residue of some tinct, which had evaporated; the confusion of head came
back at once, with a feeling as if a board lay across the forehead. 29th.-50 dr. of
3rd dil., m. fasting. Until Dec. 6th felt again periodically the confusion of head; at
such times thinking and grasping a subject were especially difficult. Rheumatic
tearing pain several times in r. ear and temple; also once drawing pain in 1. shoulder;
these may have been due to the weather-sudden changes between east and south-
west wind, between clear and dry, and dull and cloudy weather, but prover considers
this sensitiveness to the weather due to the drug. His mental condition prevented
his continuing the experimentation. (Hygea, xix, 14.)
LYCOPUS.
Lycopus virginicus, Michaux. Bugle weed. Nat. Ord., Labiatæ.
I. Provings.-1. a. Dr. G. E. CHANDLER, æt. 30, in good health,
on Dec. 26th, 1865, took 10 dr. of tinct. at 10 p.m. 27th.-At 7 a.m.
took II dr., and also at 12 m. II dr. more; at 5 p.m. a marked pressing
pain in supra-orbital region for a few m.; at 5.16 took 11 dr., and also
at 10 p.m.
28th.-Took 12 dr. 1 h. before each meal, and also before
retiring. 29th.-At 3.30 p.m., dull pain in 1. supra-orbital region of
several h. duration. Took 13 dr. 4 times, as yesterday. 30th.-Very
marked sensation in cardiac region, constrictive, lasting 3 h., accelerated
respiration during exercise, worse while ascending stairs. These sym-
ptoms were in early part of d.; during d. a huskiness (sic) in 1. patella,
dull pain in knee, lasting through d., more intense while in motion.
Took 14 dr. as yesterday. 31st.-Took 15 dr. as yesterday. Jan. Ist,
1866.-Peculiar beat of heart, 1st sound displaced by a blowing sound.
6th. At 5.30 p.m. took 15 dr. immediately before eating. 7th.-
Last n. very restless, full of troubled dreams; severe pressure in fore-
head, particularly 1. Eyes full, painful, and pressing outwards. 8 a.m.,
pulse 48, weak and irregular in force; pressure in forehead. Sp. gr..
182
LYCOPUS.
of urine 120. 9 a.m., 15 dr.; 2 p.m.,
2 p.m., 1. limb feels
other, and foot sounds on side walk as if this was so.
20 dr.; 12, m., diarrhoeic symptoms, tenderness in I. hypochondrium ;
eyes press out; 12.30 p.m., stitch-like pain in cardia, causing an
exclamation; 2, constricting pain and tenderness around heart; pulse
65, weak and irregular in force; 5, increased action of bowels, aggra-
vated diarrhoeic symptoms; could have had a passage any time of d.,
but had perfect control of sphincter ani; pressure in forehead all d.;
passed during d. 32 oz. of urine; 11.30, 30 dr. 9th.-At 8 a.m.
tenderness in bladder; frontal and vertical portion of head dull and
pressing out; took 50 dr.; pulse 56; sp. gr. of urine 1020; 9, slight
huskiness of 1. patella in motion; 11, pulse 64; 11.45, circumscribed
pain and compression in epigastric region; 12, m., pain steady and deep
in r. parotid gland, and at angle of r. maxilla; burning of r. ear for 1
h. or more; 3.30 p.m., dull pain in lumbar region, particularly l., and
bladder feels much distended when empty. 12th.-At 8 a.m. took 20
dr. of 1st; 9, severe colic pains followed by profuse and forcible
diarrhoeic evacuation; 4 p.m., heart-beat, much more distinct on r. of
sternum than on 1.; pulse 68, and full; 7.30, flatulence; 8.45,
rumbling of bowels with colic; eyes full and heavy all d.; II, took
20 dr., soon followed by griping in bowels; pulse regular in force.
13th.-At 8 a.m. tenderness in abdomen; painful pressure in eyeballs;
heart-beat peculiar, as noted on 1st. 14th.-Pressing pain in front of
head, but not as marked as formerly; pulse 64, irregular in force.
15th.-3 p.m. throbbing pain in cardia; constant pressure in front of
head and eyes; pulse 60 and irregular in force. 16th.-No symptoms.
17th. Same pain in tront of head and eyes, but not constant; 9.45
p.m., tugging pain in spleen of several h. duration; flatulence all d.
18th.-Slight pressure in head and eyes in e. ; 7.30 p.m., pulse 60, and
slightly irregular in force; very sensible pressure in cardiac region, the
cardiac viscera pressing outwards, but not painful. ("During this
partial proving of the drug I have not changed my mode of living in
any particular, my diet plain and varied. I have never been addicted
to the use of tobacco in any form, or spirituous drink of any kind;
scareely ever drink coffee, occasionally tea. During the proving I lost
more or less control of my mind, it being wandering from one thing to
another. The symptoms were more marked on alternate days.")
b. Dr. R. LUDLAM makes the following report, after an examina-
tion of prover's heart:-Jan. 15th, 1866, 4.30 p.m.
Found on
auscultation first sound of heart lacking, sometimes faintly perceptible,
displaced by a blowing sound of mitral regurgitation. The second
sound is pointed, short, sharp, and more emphatic than natural. Pulse
58, a little irregular; sometimes drags a little and then hurries up;
weak. (Dr. J. S. P. Lord confirmed this examination.) 16th.-
Pulse 64 and more regular; first sound of heart more distinct, blowing
correspondingly less so; second less sharp and emphatic; in short the
heart's action more normal in every respect. (Dr. E. M. P. Ludlam
attests.) 18th.-First sound a little more distinct; pulse 56; blowing
sound more marked than when last examined. 19th.-Same as
yesterday, excepting that first sound is a little more distinct, and
in. shorter than
8th.-At 8 a.m.
LYCOPUS.
183
blowing sound less so; pulse 56. 22nd. Same report ; normal sound
more evident, blowing sound more faint; pulse 62. 24th.-Pulse 60
and more regular; sound distinct at apex; this blowing sound is heard
upwards in clavicular region and particularly between scapulæ. Feb.
14th. Same excepting in degree; the blowing is less distinct at
intervals, sounds are nearly normal, and then for 6-10 beats blowing
displaces first sound. Pulse 70, probably accelerated somewhat by a
walk of a mile in violent snowstorm. (Not having examined Mr.
C- prior to his taking the drug I cannot declare positively that this
abnormality is wholly due to the Lycopus, but the probabilities are
certainly very strong in support of that view.-R. L.) (HALE, New
Remedies, 2nd ed.)
M
2. Dr. MORRISSON. Health usually good, though not robust; for
last 9 years, since residing in England, tendency to rheumatic pains,
with slightly depressed cardiac action. The oppression of crowded
rooms induces faintness. For about a week a tendency to diarrhoea.
Slight attacks of spasm of intercostals have troubled me for about a
month, caused by arsenical wall paper. Depression of vital energy
from a long strain of work. Examiner's report.-" Impulse of heart
rather feeble. Percussion shows that heart is of natural size. There
is a distinct systolic basic murmur at second interspace, which I have
no doubt is hæmic. The first sound at apex is not good, and is rather
murmurish. Occasional intermissions in the heart's beats." Pulse 70,
sitting; temp. 36°40° C.; resp. 20. Urine clear, bright even after
standing whole n. ; acid, sp. gr. 1012, free from albumen.
a. Sept. 5th, 1872, 10 p.m., took 10 dr. of tinct.
Within 15 m.
slight pain in 1. frontal eminence, quickly transferred to r., then ceasing
and returning in both; succeeded by slight burning r. side back of
palate, lasting 10 m. 6th.-10 a.m., 10 dr. No effects. 2 p.m.,
IO dr.
Within 5 m. oppressed feeling in brain, succeeded by subacute
pain an inch below and to outer side of 1. nipple, quickly subsiding;
20 m. after taking, dull pain in both frontal eminences, succeeded by
slight return of subacute pain at apex of heart. 10 p.m., 15 dr.
Within 10 m. distinct sensation of rawness at back of palate, r. side,
extending over to 1. Pulse 72, sitting; temp. 36 30° C.; urine clear,
acid, sp. gr. 1016, free from albumen. 7th.-10 a.m., 20 dr. After
20 m. slight rawness at back and r. side of palate. 2 p.m., 20 dr.
Within 5 m. slight burning in palate; slight obtusion of intellect,
with dull, aching through sinciput. 10, 20 dr. Slight burning r.
side of palate, in usual spot. Pulse 76, fairly regular. 8th.-
10 a.m., 20 dr. Within 15 m. frontal headache, succeeded by burning
in usual spot of palate. II, sharp pain in usual spot, lasting several m.
2 p.m., 25 dr. During afternoon pressive frontal headache, relieved
by current of air, returning on entering house. 7, cardiac oppression
lasting 1 h.; pulse 80, standing, with distinct intermissions; tendency
to toothache in r. lower molars, sound teeth, succeeded by subacute
pain, first in l., then in r. frontal eminence. 9th.-9 a.m., 30 dr.
3 p.m., subacute pain in both frontal eminences, succeeded by frontal
headache. 9, marked cardiac oppression; pulse 80, sitting, with
distinct intermissions; sighing and yawning; unsteadiness of hands,
184
LYCOPUS.
rendering writing difficult; strange sensations extending up œsophagus
and locating in pharynx. 10, feeling of unsteadiness in walking; con-
tinuous subacute aching in frontal eminences, especially 1.; tendency
to toothache, first in r. lower molars, sound teeth, then transferred
1. sound teeth. 10, 30 dr. Within h., subacute pain in 1. frontal
eminence and pharynx, in latter increased by deglutition; pulse 66,
sitting; temp. 35'90° C.; resp. 19; urine, cloudy deposit, acid,
sp. gr. 1021, free from albumen. 10th.-Retired 2 a.m. On lying
down, cardiac depression, with dull, heaving beating, lasting several
m.; sleep in n. dreamy and disturbed, not restless; awoke before
8 a.m.; on rising, continuous dull, frontal headache, not relieved by
cold affusion, slightly relieved by strong pressure. 10 a.m., 30 dr.
Return of tremulous feeling in hands while writing, lasting several m.;
during d., dull, pressive, frontal headache, occasional pains in 1. frontal
eminence. 10 p.m., 40 dr. Within 2 m. general feeling of oppres-
sion, inducing him to sit down; sharp rheumatoid pain from 1. knee to
ankle, quickly settling in loins, then accompanied by sharp darting
pains in 1. thumb succeeded by acute pain in nape of neck (cervical
muscles); pressive frontal headache, with acute pain in cerebrum
from succussion of walking; 11.30, steady subacute pain in cervical
muscles, more to 1. side; subacute pain in 1. frontal eminence; pulse
74, sitting and standing, varying in volume. Examiner's report.-
"Hæmic murmur lessened, apex murmurishness imperceptible, pulsa-
tion stronger, 70 standing or lying. 11th.-Awoke 6.30, had slept
better, then intermittent cardiac pulsation at 7th, 8th, 6th, 21st, 9th,
23rd, and 88th beats; a few m. later, intermissions between 6th and
15th beats; later heart beats regularly 70, lying; before rising free
from headache, which immediately slightly returned, not relieved by
cold affusion. 10 a.m., 40 dr. Pulse at first steadier, then frequent
intermissions; increased headache. 11, subacute pain in both temples.
12.15 p.m., pain in temples transferred to cerebellum, like congestion;
subacute pain at apex of heart, of short duration; rheumatoid pain in
calves of legs, especially 1., suceeeded by acute rheumatoid loin pain,
extending to lower dorsal region; acute pain in 7th cervical vertebra;
pain from cerebellum transferred to temples, more acute. 12.45,
congestive pain in occiput, without mitigation of aching in temples;
constant severe lumbar aching; slight rheumatoid pain in 1. supra-
scapular muscles; general feeling of weakness and weariness; pulse 76,
sitting and standing. 2.30 p.m., flying muscular pains, with persistent
aching in loins and occiput, worse by movement, not lessening as
formerly after a meal; depression of vital power. 6.30, by 4 o'clock
pains had almost left, but after running upstairs returned sharply, first
in loins, then 1. leg, extending up thigh, afterwards in r. leg, with
increased weakness and weariness; flying pains in various parts; eyes
feel weak as if the system were much over-fatigued; symptoms not
relieved by e. meal; pulse 72, sitting and standing, with occasional
intermissions. 10, symptoms severe; pulse 68 sitting, regular, 74
standing, irregular; temp. 36.20° C.; resp. 19; urine, cloudy deposit,
acid, sp. gr. 1016, free from albumen, phosphates, lithates, and sugar,
microscope shows mucus, epithelial cells, and very minute crystals.
LYCOPUS.
185
;
Since commencing proving bowels have acted regularly twice a d.,
motions_papescent or watery till to-day, now decidedly constipated.
12th.-Retired last n. at 11, slept well till daylight, then awoke (quite
unusual) and had light dreamy sleep after. Before rising, quite free
from pain; immediately after, rheumatoid aching in r. scapular muscles.
II a.m., pain in scapular muscles continues, otherwise feels well.
Took 50 dr. In 10 m. dull frontal headache; pain in 1. lower molars,
transferred to r.; during d., rheumatoid pain, commencing in 1. calf
and finishing in r.; lumbar pain; frontal headache; occipital pain;
flying pains; general malaise; all symptoms much less marked than
yesterday. At II p.m., pulse 72 sitting and standing, 62 to 66 lying,
irregular and intermittent, especially when lying, quickened by each
inspiration; bowels moved twice to-day, motions loose, light in colour
urine deposits mucus, acid, sp. gr. 1012. 13th.-Did not sleep as
soundly as usual; on awaking, slight aching in 1. calf, quickly trans-
ferred to r.; slight aching down 1. forearm ; after rising, cardiac distress
scarcely amounting to pain, most marked at apex. 10 a.m., 50 dr.
(new tinct.). In 20 m. frontal oppression, with trembling weakness of
hands; return of rawness at back of palate r. side, during afternoon
return of lumbar aching, most on 1. side; frontal headache; pains in
limbs; general malaise; in e. lumbar aching; occasional pains in legs,
especially 1.; slight pain in molars passing from r. to l. ; pulse 72, lying,
sitting, and standing, quickened by inspiration; temp. 36.30° C.;
resp. 19; urine deposits mucus while cooling, acid, sp. gr. on passing
1010, after standing, 1014; motion slimy, of peculiarly shining dark
brown colour. Examiner's report.-" Pulsation scarcely perceptible to
touch, hæmic murmur again indistinct, apex murmurishness again.
perceptible, pulse 72, sitting and standing; all symptoms increased by
movement, in lying down, or standing up." In e. cardiac action
regular, pulse 74, not intermittent. 14th.-Awoke 5 a.m. after dreamy,
though not restless sleep; pulse 74, intermissions at 7th, 11th, 31st,
10th, and 20th beats; slept again indifferently till 8, then awoke free
from pain or ache; pulse 72, not intermittent. At 10 a.m., pulse 74,
lying and sitting, 82 standing; general debility. Took 60 dr. Within
io m. severe lumbar aching; frontal headache; pulse 82 sitting, 86
standing, irregular and intermittent; 5 m. later subacute pain at apex,
extending to 3rd 1. interspace; later, cessation of frontal headache,
succeeded by occipital aching and subacute pain in 5th r. interspace,
each quickly abating; succeeded by return of pain in temples; loin
pain persists. II a.m., pulse 72 sitting, 82 standing, occasional inter-
missions. 12, noon, loin pain and headache in temples persists; slight
pain at apex; rheumatoid pains especially in 1. leg and forearm; after-
noon, sharp aching in r. leg, not relieved by friction; short achings in
various parts, 1. side the worst. At n. pulse 74; temp. 36-40° C;
urine deposits mucus, acid, sp. gr., when fresh, 1012, on cooling 1016,
free from albumen. 15th.-On awaking at 6.30 pleurodynia from
3rd to 7th 1. interspace, with acute pain at apex of heart; contraction
of intercostal muscles, worse lying on r. side, lasting till 10 a.m.; pulse
68, with oppressed cardiac action. II a.m., took 80 dr. Within h.
sharp pain in r. lower molars, passing to r. temple, then to 1. lower
1
186
LYCOPUS.
molars, then to 1. temple, returning to r. lower molars, then settling in
loins, with frontal oppression; later pains at apex of heart, in 1. wrist,
1. leg, r. leg, nape of neck, and loins, passing off quickly, not relieved
by friction; palpitation on slight exertion; general malaise. In e. con-
gestive pain in nape of neck, with severe continuous lumbar and dorsal
pain, worse towards 1. side. At 10.50 p.m., pulse 60 lying, 66 sitting,
80 standing, regular; urine less clouded, acid, sp. gr., fresh 1012, on
cooling, 1018. 16th.—On waking at 6.30, laboured cardiac pulsation,
pulse 62. 10 a.m., pulse 72 sitting, 82 standing. Took 100 dr.
Within 1 h. dull, pressive, frontal headache, pulse 76 sitting, 80
standing; aching across loins. 12, noon, while sitting strong bearing-
down in 1. inguinal canal, as if hernia would protrude, with acute pain
on walking, relieved by upward pressure on external ring, lasting about
16 m.
Afternoon, slight pain in various parts, l. side the worst. E.,
restless activity, ready for any amount of work; slight aching in 1.
lower molars, sound teeth. 9.30 p.m., bearing-down in r. inguinal
canal, with subacute pain when walking, relieved by upward pressure
on external ring, returning when pressure is removed, lasting 2 h.,
with severe loin pain, worse to r. of spine, lasting till retiring. During
d. there has been subacute pain at apex of heart, later in 4th 1. inter-
space; urine less clouded, acid, sp. gr., fresh 1008, on cooling 1012,
free from albumen. 17th.-Awoke at daylight free from pain, and
slept but indifferently after. On rising, aching returned in both
inguinal canals, increased by walking, relieved by upward pressure on
external rings; sharp aching in 1. lower molars, sound teeth. 10 a.m.,
took 120 dr. Pulse immediately steadied, soft, regular, 76 sitting, 84
standing. Within h. sharp aching 1. lower molars, accompanied by
fronto-occipital headache; return of lumbar aching.
I p.m., subacute
superficial pain in 3rd 1. interspace, near sternum, becoming acute on
moving, lasting 10 m., passing to mid-sternum; continuous aching
along inguinal canals, worse on r. side, obliging him to walk cautiously,
continuous loin pain; pulse 70 sitting, 77 standing. Afternoon, severe
continuous lumbar aching; painful stiffness in 1. inframaxillary region,
extending to nape of neck, interfering with movement of head; slight
tenderness in inguinal canals. E., continued tenderness of inguinal
canals; pulse 70, jerking; temp. 36'10° C.; urine less clouded, acid,
sp. gr., fresh 1014, on cooling 1017. 18th.-No med. During m.
sharp aching down r. tibia, causing lameness, not relieved by friction;
achings in various parts, especially 1. lower molars and loins; general
malaise. Bowels acted this m. only, motion shiny, of peculiar greyish
brown, as if mixed with ashes. N., pulse, 58 lying, 70 sitting, 72
standing; temp. 36'10° C.; urine slightly clouded, acid, sp. gr., fresh
1007, on cooling 1010. 19th.-On waking, spasms in r. intercostals;
slight aching down r. inguinal canal. 10 a.m., pulse, 70 sitting, 78
standing. Took 3 dr. Within 5 m. sharp aching in nape of neck, 1.
side, soon transferred to r. frontal eminence; later, pulse very feeble,
quickened, 78 sitting, 86 standing, irregular. Acute pain in inner
muscles of 1. calf., with straining and lameness; acute flying pains to
r. middle dorsal region, nape, frontal eminences, 1. wrist, 1. lower
molars (sound teeth), lumbar region, and again in nape.
II a.m.,
LYCOPUS.
187
distressed feeling in cerebellum; sharp achings in various parts; acute
superficial pain in 3rd and 4th 1. interspaces; continuous lumbar pain,
not worse by stooping, increased by walking; pulse, 82 sitting, 84 stand-
ing, regular. 11.30, while sitting, acute pain down r. inguinal canal,
quickly abating, leaving a steady dull aching; cervical and lumbar pains
continue. 12, noon. Examiner's report." Heart-sounds indistinct,
systolic running into diastolic, basic murmur very slight, apex murmurish-
ness not perceptible, action very feeble; pulse, 78 sitting, 86 standing,
not intermittent.” 1.30 p.m., faint nausea, lasting 1 h., not relieved by
dinner; marked cardiac depression; shifting pains. 2, aching down
flexor muscles of r. thigh, extending to knee and calf, then to 1. knee
and calf, then returning to r. thigh and knee, with slight lameness.
During afternoon acute pains in usual spots, with steady aching in r. thigh
and knee-joint; faint perspiration on covered parts, when walking;
repeated sharp superficial and deep pains in precordial region.
E., great
debility, especially on walking; has taken extra stimulant to keep him
going. Continuous aching in various parts; cardiac pains; slight lame-
ness; slight return of faint nausea. Pulse 60 lying, regular; 62 sitting,
regular; 64 standing, irregular; temp. 36.10° C.; resp. 17. Urine
scarcely clouded, acid, sp. gr. fresh, 1008, after cooling 1012. Before
retiring, giddiness, with tendency to stagger to r. Motion to-d., dark
shining brown, strong odour. 20th.-On awaking, pleurodynia below
5th r. costal cartilage, passing to 1., then again to r. side; pulse 70,
feeble, regular, lying. On rising, aching down both thighs, with weak-
ness in walking; slight achings, relieved by the electric current, not
relieved by the galvanic. 10.30 a.m., aching in 1. inferior maxillary
articulation, and 1. wrist. I p.m., subacute pain in 1. frontal eminence
and precordial region; aching across lumbar region; sensations of faint-
ness, with unsteadiness in walking; trembling in hands; tenderness of r.
inguinal canal. Pulse 66 sitting and standing, regular. 5, severe aching
in both temples, especially 1.; remains of lumbar pain. 6 p.m., acute
darting pains at apex of heart. E., shifting pains, most persistent in r.
knee; persistent nausea, rising from back of fauces, relieved by eructa-
tions, which taste of tea and drug; succeeded by persistent giddiness.
while sitting, with staggering to r. on walking; acute pain in 1. temple
passing to r., followed by severe lumbar aching; darting pains at apex of
heart; oppression of respiration; constriction of larynx; acute pain in 1.
frontal eminence, with sensation of compression of brain; aching down.
r. inguinal canal, while sitting; restless activity notwithstanding
nausea, giddiness, and pains, all of which have been very severe.
10.30,
pain from front of r. knee transferred to back of 1. 10.40, darting
pains through r. wrist. On retiring, pulse 60 lying, 62 sitting, 64
standing. Urine deposits mucus, acid, sp. gr. fresh 1014, on cooling
1018, free from albumen. Bowels acted twice to-d., motions slimy, of
the peculiar dark shining brown, gushing out.
b. 21st.-Awoke 5 a.m., light dreamy sleep after. On waking,
sense of constriction at lower half of thorax, impeding respiration, with
subacute pain, increased by lying on r. side; continuous aching in 1.
lower molars. 10 a.m., took 3ss. Within 1 h. dull frontal headache ;
vital depression; heavy aching in cervical region; acute pain at apex of
188
LYCOPUS.
heart, not relieved by pressure, but driven by friction to 1. subscapular
region, then passing to mid-dorsal region, severe; continuous aching
in 1. lower molars; return of acute pain at apex, with distress. Pulse
regular, feeble, not altered as to rate; later, parched feeling in upper
lip; severe aching in occiput, with cessation of cardiac pain; general
oppression of brain; acute pain over 1. temple; giddiness, with tendency
to stagger to the r. 12, noon, persistent lumbar aching; dull oppres-
sive headache. Pulse scarcely perceptible, 76 sitting, regular; 84
standing, irregular. I p.m., acute pain down r. inguinal canal, partially
relieved by upward pressure on external ring; occipital aching.
Later, prickings, as if bitten by insects, in l. forearm, hypogastrium, r.
leg, r. forearm, back, and again in l. forearm; slight achings in r. leg,
lumbar region, nape of neck and r. inguinal canal. Examiner's report.
"Pulse extremely varying both as to time and volume, at first almost
imperceptible, 76 to 86, sitting and standing, not intermittent; cardiac
pulsation much stronger than pulse indications would lead one to
expect; no special murmurs." N., slight achings; pulse 72, lying and
sitting, regular; 84 to 88 standing, varying in volume. Urine shows.
but little trace of mucus, acid, sp. gr. 1010 fresh, 1014 on cooling.
For several m. excessive flatulent rumblings on awaking. 22nd.-
Awoke during n. with pressive aching down 1. inguinal canal, relieved
by upward pressure on external ring, lasting several m.
Before rising,
intercostal pains, worse when lying on r. side, extending to apex of
heart. During the d. a double set of pains, from cold, and from the
drug. The former chiefly affected upper teeth on 1. side, decayed
lower teeth, and head; the latter 1. lower molars, sound teeth, and
lower limbs. The pains from cold were relieved by aconite, port wine,
and warmth, increased by cold air. The dental drug pains were not
relieved by aconite, mercurius, or direct warmth. E., feverish feeling
(from cold), pain went from lower molars to lumbar region, then went
rolling up spine like a ball, and settled in mid-dorsal region, chiefly to
1. of spine; afterwards returned to 1. lower molars; severe general
headache, with giddiness. Pulse 72, lying and sitting, regular; 84
standing, regular; feeble; temp. 36 70° C. Urine scarcely clouded,
acid, sp. gr. fresh 1015, on cooling 1019. Bowels acted twice, second
motion half solid, with straining, half-slimy, gushing out. 23rd.—On
awaking severe intercostal pains, both r. and 1., with repeated acute
darting pains at apex of heart, increased by lying on r. side; severe
aching down spine, somewhat relieved by friction, passing off after
rising; excessive flatulence. During d., severe and continuous aching
in 1. lower molars, sound teeth; frontal headache. During d. severe
irritation, like urticaria, on various parts. Before retiring, troublesome
urticaria, especially affecting 1. forearm and r. leg. 24th.-On awaking,
subacute pain in lower dorsal region to 1. of spine. 2 p.m., acute
darting from anterior superior angle of 1. parietal to malar bone, succeeded
by sensation as if brain were compressed, followed by long-continued
irritation of scalp over line of pain. During d. troublesome irritation
(urticaria) especially of 1. forearm and r. leg. ("I cannot say this irrita-
tion is a drug effect, as I have had slight urticaria on previous occasions,
but its development follows the rule of preceding symptoms.") First
LYCOPUS.
189
examiner's report, 5 p.m.-" Impulse feeble, heart-sounds very weak,
action irregular in force and rhythm, not intermittent, no murmurs.
Pulse feeble, very compressible; 76 sitting, 80 standing." E., urti-
caria more troublesome, has extended to r. forearm. Before retiring,
frontal headache; slight aching to 1. of lower dorsal region; irritation
persists. Pulse feeble, compressible, 68 lying, 72 sitting, 76 to 82
standing, irregular in force and rhythm, not intermittent. Urine
slightly clouded, acid, sp. gr. fresh 1004, on cooling 1006, free from
albumen, phosphates, lithates, and sugar; microscope shows scattered
mucus and epithelial cells, abundance of spermatozoa, and oxalate of
lime crystals. Motion to-d. slimy, of the peculiar shining dark brown,
offensive, gushing out. 25th.-On waking, subacute pain in inter-
costal muscles, below 5th rib on each side, increased by lying on r. side.
After rising, severe aching in 1. lower molars, sound teeth, spreading
to 1. upper bicuspids, sound teeth, lasting several h.; succeeded by
frontal headache, on the passing off of which increased mental and
physical activity. E., irritation has returned in 1. forearm, r. leg, to l.
of lower dorsal vertebræ, r. forearm, and 1. leg. Pulse 68 sitting.
Motion slimy, of a shining yellow colour, offensive. 26th.-Sleep has
been dreamy. On waking, laboured cardiac action, excessive flatulence.
Pulse 62 lying, feeble, less compressible. During d., urticaria. E.,
marked cardiac depression, causing slight faintness on quickly ascending
a few stairs, lasting h.; returning later, on quietly ascending, with
subacute cardiac pain; cardiac action barely perceptible, pulse stronger
than heart's action would indicate, less compressible, not intermittent,
72 lying, sitting, and standing. Urine slightly turbid, free from deposit,
acid, sp. gr., fresh and on cooling, 1010. Motion partly solid, natural,
partly slimy, dark brown, offensive. 27th. On waking, intercostal
pain; urticaria persists. 5 p.m., subacute pain over cardiac region with
cardiac distress; slight aching in lower dorsal and lumbar region. Pulse
compressible, irritable, varying greatly in force and rhythm, 74 to 76
sitting, 85 to 92 standing, with frequent intermissions. 7 p.m., acute
pain in 1. axilla, extending down edges of pectoral muscles to thorax,
then passing to base of heart, then to apex; faintness with slight
nausea when walking in open air; persistent giddiness, commencing
when walking in open air, continuing after entering the house, while
sitting; subacute pain down muscles of l. calf; sighing respiration ;
return of acute pain at apex of heart; trembling of hands; return of
giddiness while sitting, with constriction; shooting pain through 1.
frontal eminence; constriction to l. of larynx; cardiac depression; con-
tinuous constriction of larynx ; aching at superior curved line of occi-
put, an inch to 1. of occipital protuberance, passing to corresponding
spot on r. side; pulse less compressible, irregular, and intermittent.
Symptoms lasted over 3 h. Pulse, on retiring, 72 sitting, 80 standing,
regular, not intermittent. 28th.-Afternoon, severe general headache,
lasting several h.; slight pains. 29th.-Severe fronto-occipital head-
ache, from 3 to 7 p.m., succeeded by laboured cardiac action, then by
cardiac depression, with faintness, lasting 2 h.; pulse at same time
about 76, stronger than cardiac impulse indicates. 10 p.m., sharp
darting pains through epididymis of 1. testicle, several times repeated,
190
LYCOPUS.
passing to r. testicle, leaving dull achings, recurring till midnight;
aching in 1. inguinal canal. Bowels acted twice, motion more natural.
30th. Before rising, spasms in r. intercostals while lying on r. side.
After rising, acute aching in 1. testicle with occasional darting pains,
changing to r., then again to 1. 11.30 a.m., acute, extensive pain from
1. kidney to 1. inguinal canal, lasting several m. 12 noon, pains in 1.
testicle cause aching in 1. inguinal canal, and extend to r. testicle, at
times very severe; aching across lower dorsal region. 1.45 p.m.,
acute pain in intercostal muscles over base of heart, lasting several m.
3 p.m., slight return of headache. 5 p.m., acute pain down anterior
muscles of r. thigh, causing lameness, afterwards in both. E., acute
pains in testicles, first 1., then r., then both, recurring and lasting
whole e., with achings in inguinal canals; cardiac depression, causing
faintness; increased mental and physical activity. Oct. 1st.-Slight
achings in various parts; general depression. Examiner's report.-
"Cardiac impulse very feeble, hæmic murmur again distinct, no other
murmurs; pulse feeble, extremely compressible, irregular in force and
rhythm, not intermittent, 72 to 80 sitting and standing, quickened by
movement." Urine clear, acid, sp. gr. 1018, free from albumen.
Motions of past 2 d. have been of peculiar shining brown, offensive.
3rd.—1 p.m., aching in 1. testicle, 1. hand, and r. knee, while sitting;
later, slight achings in 1. wrist, r. knee, 1. tibia anteriorly, lower dorsal
region, 1. knee, and r. forearm. Pulse 72 sitting, 78 standing, feeble,
compressible; temp. 36′95° C.; resp. 30. During past 3 d., frontal
headache, extending afterwards through to occiput, commencing about
3 p.m., and continuing 2 or 3 h., similar to that of 29th ult., but much
Before retiring, severe pain in r. side thorax at insertion
of pectoral muscles, becoming acute on inspiring deeply. 4th.-On
awaking in m., return of pain r. side thorax. E., slight cardiac depres-
sion; headache recurred 3 p.m., and continued till 6 p.m. 5th.-
Symptoms very slight; bowels acted twice, first part of each motion
solid and natural, last part slimy, of the peculiar shining brown, but
much less offensive. 6th.-4.30 p.m., recurrence of frontal headache,
lasting till 6 p.m.; succeeded by cardiac depression, followed by cardiac
oppression, with quickened pulse; giddiness, with strong tendency to
stagger to r.; then neuralgic pain in r. supra-orbital region, and in 1.
testicle, with return of cardiac depression, causing faintness and nausea,
with subacute pains at apex and base of heart, passing off before 10 p.m.
with eructations and yawnings (while out walking). Pulse 78 sitting,
88 standing, irregular in rhythm, extremely compressible; resp. 23.
Urine clear, acid, sp. gr. 1010. 10th.-7.30 p.m., marked cardiac
depression; pulse stronger than indicated by cardiac impulse, 66 lying,
sitting, and standing, extremely irregular in force and rhythm; resp.
oppressed, lasting till 9 p.m. During the past 5 d. fæces have been
partly solid and natural, partly soft and of the peculiar shining brown,
first part being passed with much straining, last part quite freely.
15th.-No special symptoms since last report. The fæces are gradu-
ally assuming their natural character. Cardiac action still rather
depressed. First examiner's report.—" Cardiac impulse feeble, hæmic
murmur distinct on strong pressure, systolic sound not quite natural at
less severe.
magdada
MAGNESIA.
191
apex, not amounting to a murmur, probably due to feeble action;
pulse regular, very compressible, 76 sitting.'
10.30 p.m., pulse 68
sitting, 72 standing, regular, compressible; temp. 36'40; resp. 20.
Urine clear, acid, sp. gr. 1014. (Monthly Hom. Review, xvi, 737.)
MAGNESIA.
""
Magnesia carbonica.-Magnesic carbonate (MgCog),MgO.
5H₂O.
2
I. Provings.-1. HAHNEMANN, Chronic Diseases, part iv of original,
vol. of translation. Contains 890 symptoms from self, Nenning, and
2 others.
2. In full doses it acts as a laxative; but it occasions very little
serous discharge. (PEREIRA, op. cit.)
3. a. It is very rarely that it causes nausea; and the stools it
excites are not, in general, accompanied or preceded by more than
slight griping. They are fæculent, not serous as with the sulphate.
They are slow to appear, rarely before 6 h. after ingestion, sometimes
delaying 16—36 h., and the laxative effect is often prolonged for
some time.
b. If M. be given several d. in succession, it sets up a true inflam-
matory condition, as proved by the mucous evacuations, sometimes
stained with blood, and by the tenesmus which does not fail to follow.
(TROUSSEAU and PIDOUX, op. cit.)
*
4. Some observers have attributed to M. an alterative action, and
Grange, Bouchardat, and others state that its habitual use, as in drink-
ing water, will cause goitre. Some support is given to this idea by the
fact that enlargement of the thyroid gland in mice has followed after
mixing magnesia with their food (Gubler). (PHILLIPS, op. cit.)
-
Magnesia muriatica.-Magnesic chloride, MgCl2.
I. Provings.-I. HAHNEMANN, Chronic Diseases, part iv of original,
vol. of translation. Contains 749 symptoms from self, Nenning, and
3 others.
Magnesia sulphurica.-Magnesic sulphate, MgSO,.7H,O. Epsom salts.
I. Prpvings.-1. NENNING. (The usual absence of information, but see vol. i,
p. 30). Soon flow of water into mouth, with loathing and nausea; bitter eructation
and taste of food eaten previous d. Borborygmus with discharge of flatus. After
5 m. burning in middle of chest.-1st d. Some painful tearings from I. lower jaw
up into head, p.m. Obtuse stitches in r. side of head. Tearing in 1. temple fre-
quently. Confused pain and fulness in forehead. Pain like knife-thrusts in head,
m., worse at 1 p.m.; the pain in temples, forehead, and nape lasts till midnight and
goes off towards m. Obtuse shooting deep in 1. ear, 10 a.m. Croaking in 1. ear like
frogs, when sitting, for 2 m. Loud intermittent noise in 1. ear. Sometimes singing,
sometimes rushing like water in 1. ear. Tearing in r. facial bones, 3 p.m. Eructa-
tion, with taste of hard-boiled eggs, frequently. Severe stitches in 1. hypochondrium
forh., after lying down e., relieved by pressure on head. Shooting behind lower 1.
ribs when sitting. After rumbling in bowels from noon till e. 5 diarrhoeic stools.
First flatulent distension, discharge of foetid flatus, rumbling in bowels, then purging.
Urine increased. Great heaviness of head during menses. Short cough, with
192
MAGNESIA.
f
mucous expectoration frequently. Shooting in last r. false ribs. Pressive pain in
middle of r. humerus. Tearing in lower surface of 1. upper arm. Violent tearing in
1. elbow when spinning, it is still tender next d. Formication in l. finger-tips.
Bruised feeling all over body as if a disease were inpending. Insuperable drowsiness
towards e. Chilliness all d., with thirst p.m.-2nd d. Cheerful humour, contented
with himself and others. Anxious, lachrymose, very gloomy, thinks some misfortune
is imminent, especially m. As if not right in her mind; when spinning sees strange
people around. Frequent pricking in r. internal canthus for h. Jerking pain in an
upper incisor, 8 p.m. Roughness of tongue after dinner till e. Loathing of all food.
Frequent empty eructations, with anorexia. After stool at 6 p.m. some pricking and
shooting in belly, then pain in both hips for some time. Soft stool, with burning in
anus. Urine increased, must rise several times at n. to urinate. Urine greenish, but
clear and copious. Menses 3 d. too soon. Burning in middle of chest, p.m. Tearing
and shooting in r. hand, with painful drawing in hand and fingers, p.m. Formica.
tion in 4 fingers of 1. hand. Tearing in all limbs, especially finger tips. Tearing in
r. big toe, e. After waking as if beaten all over, especially in back and arms, going
off after getting up. Itching in an old tetter behind r. ear.—3rd d. Cheerful
ness. Sad, fearful, as if not right in her mind, sees strange people about. Obtuse
pressive headache, p.m. till e. Tearing in r. frontal bone, which is painful to touch,
from 3 to 4 p.m. Eyes burn by candle-light, e. and m. Tearing in eyes with dim
vision, m. Thirst on rising m. Thirst e. during menses, Eructation, with slimy
taste. Heat during menses. Burning in chest under sternum. Trembling of hands.
Tearing in r. hip. Rigor in bed, m.-4th d. Cheerfulness. As if not right in her
mind, sees strange people around. Thirst all d. during menses. Pressure in chest at
n., relieved by expectoration of viscid mucus, 3 a.m. Pain in cervical vertebræ like
tension, with great tenderness when touched, so that she cannot lie on it, relieved by
walking. Shooting in r. and tearing in 1. big toe. Sweat, m., after waking.—5th ď.
d.
Painful feeling in r. concha as if it were forcibly twisted, m. Eructations like rotten.
eggs, m. After supping on milk pinching and commotion in belly as from a purgative.
Violent itching on back, after which small papules appear. On waking m. back
feels bruised. Left arm is asleep on waking m. Ulcerative pain with shooting in
hollow of 1. sole. Dreams of weddings. Chilliness and thirst on waking, m. 6th d.
Heat and burning in forehead, p.m. till e. Tearing in back between shoulders from
midnight onwards, must get up to get relief. Dreams of feasts and balls.—7th d.
Stool consists of a few hard lumps expelled with much forcing, preceded by pricking
under navel; after 1 h. ineffectual urging and straining, followed in h. by copious,
firm and then loose stool. Urine increased.-8th d. Pressive pain in both sides of
head posteriorly. Throbbing in r. side of head when walking in open air. Ulcera-
tive pain in outer angle of r. nostril. Tearing toothache in bed e. Four diarrhoeic
stools, with thirst. Clear water drops from nose, without coryza. Fluent coryza
with loss of smell for 2 d. Bruised and ulcerative pain between shoulders, with
feeling of a lump there as big as a fist, on account of which she cannot lie on it,
relieved by rubbing, n. Chilly in open air.--9th d. Vertigo and weight in head
after dinner. Thirst e. Frequent empty eructation. Nausea and vomiting n. and
m. Tension in both iliac regions, worst in r., as when stream of urine is suddenly
stopped; on stretching straight out, feeling as if would burst. Frequent sneezing,
with feeling of coryza. Dry cough, with burring from larynx to scrobiculus cordis, all
d. Pressure and beating in whole chest from both sides, dyspnoea, when writing.-
10th d. Bubbling up of water for 2 h, after eating potatoes. Frequent empty eruc-
tations. Violent sacral pain as if bruised and as when she has the menses, also pain
in iliac regions when sitting and standing, reduced by walking, when she stands thighs
also are painful. Soft stool for several d., preceded by hard stool with pressing. Two
liquid stools in rapid succession. Menses, that had ceased only 14 d., returned, the
discharge thick, black, more copious than usual. Fluent coryza, with pain in chest
and cough, no expectoration. On waking m. very fatiguing dry cough, relieved on
getting up. Loose cough, with sore feeling in throat and mouth. Heaviness in
sacrum and hip for 2 n.-11th d. Peevish, cross, irritable. Sharp stitches in head,
here and there, a.m. On turning head to r. obtuse stitch in r. side of head, on rising
m. Burning of lips with dryness, e. Thirst. Erection at 2 p.m. Hollow bass
voice for 2 d. As the cough declines, the coryza increases. Sharp shooting in second
phalanx of r. thumb, in fits, when writing. Sacral and thigh pains uninterruptedly
MAGNESIA.
193
for 2 n.
5 m.
L. foot goes to sleep m. in bed. Sweat several mornings.—12th d. Head
as if screwed in, on moving head in bed, e., and on moving eyes. On moving head
brain feels loose. Anorexia for 2 d., distaste for meat, feels very ill. Stream of urine
stops, then urine comes by drops, with burning at orifice of urethra. When coughing
and speaking pain in posterior nares as if air were forced through them. Much
mucus in nose. Great soreness in interior of chest when coughing, like burning,
feels as if she should cough up a piece of lungs. Tearing in bone of r. thigh. Sleeps
badly and is restless. Sometimes hot, sometimes shivering, face sometimes red, some-
times pale.-13th d. On waking m., anxiety as if conscience-struck. Dry cough
in bed, e.
Great weakness of legs. A small red tetter on r. upper arm and one on
forearm, itching much since 8 d.-17th d. Soft stool, followed by tenesmus.
Quivering between 1. thumb and index. Throbbing in whole r. index like a whitlow,
Dreams of being injured by a horse and of wandering in a wood.—18th d.
Pressure on both sides of root of nose. Stitches from both sides of chest towards one
another on coming from open air into room.-21st d. Pain in occiput from carrying
a weight on shoulders.-22nd d. Photophobia with lachrymation. As if a ball lay
on 1. eye. Frequent shooting under 1. ear. Pressure in chest, with tickling irritation
in larynx, a feeling as if lung were too large, in bed m., relieved by getting up. Feels
hot when lying.-23rd d. Violent shooting in both temples for 2 h. Pressive pain as
if a hard ball lay on upper orbital border. Frequent rigor over back, e.—Ño time
given. Unusually cheerful, as if somewhat intoxicated. Extremely sad, lachrymose,
thinks something bad is going to happen. Cross, disinclined to talk, p.m. Lazy,
tired, sleepy, unable to work. Excited, sensitive, discontented.
Excited, sensitive, discontented. Weariness of legs,
malaise, faintness, extremely anxious, thinks she must die, with earthy complexion.
Stupid in head, as though her mind was going. Vertigo as though she would fall
forwards during and after dinner, for h. Giddy and confused, better in open air.
Vertigo e., eyes close but not sleepy. On waking m. weight and dazedness, goes off
on rising. Headache, confused as if bound or screwed up, with heat and sweat. At
every step painful rumbling in head for h. after dinner. Brain moves when she
moves. Frequent beating and hammering as of a clock, first in forehead then in whole
head, p.m. and e. Pressive pain in occiput, e., goes off in open air. Pressive pain
from both sides of occiput. Boring pain in 1. side of head, with internal heat, p.m.
Compressive headache from both sides, with heat of head and red face. Heat in
crown and pain as if hair was pulled. Boring in r. side of crown, followed by stupid
feeling, a.m. Frequent painful tearing on crown. Pricking in both temples, a.m.
Tearing in 1. temple when spinning, p.m. On rising up from stooping feeling as if
something pressed forwards in forehead, like congestion. Great sensitiveness in occiput,
and on stooping feeling as if something fell forwards in forehead, worst when lying,
coughing shakes him. Weight in forehead with heat in head, and feeling as if all
would come out at forehead on rising up from stooping. Shattered pain in forehead,
a.m. Tearing in forehead, then in whole head, better in open air. Pressing-tearing
in forehead at 6 p.m. Painful boring-in above 1. eye, in bed, e., for 1 h., then stupid
feeling in head. Frequent darts as with an awl above l. orbit. Dimness of eyes with
drowsiness. Eyes burn all d. Pricking as with needles in eyes all d. On turning eyes
to r. or 1. violent pain in r. eye as though it would come out of orbit. Shooting in
1. ear when standing. Painful boring in 1. ear. Ulcerative pain on r. side of nose
when pressed. Pain when touched on r. ala nasi. Repeated epistaxis, also at 2 a.m.
with relief to headache. Epistaxis without relief to headache. Tearing in 1. zygoma,
which remains sensitive for a long time, also at 2 a.m. A pustule with tensive pain
behind 1. angle of jaw. Papules on r. side of chin and 1. side of nose, which itch when
they commence; they disappear after 2 d. A papule under r. angle of mouth, burn-
ing when touched. Teeth ache on coming into room from open air for h., also in e.
when lying down, aggravated by warm and cold things, and by contact of food. Slight
darting in 1. hollow upper molar, e. Throbbing in 1. molar, with heat of head. A blister
with cutting pains on 1. border of tongue. Often phlegm in throat which he cannot bring
up or down. Frequent hawking of tasteless mucus, m. Sour mucous expectoration, m.
and during d. Constant yawning. Dryness and pains in throat. Shooting pain in
œsophagus, worst when swallowing, n. Burning and shooting deep in throat, worst
when swallowing. Throat and mouth very dry, but with bitter-sweet taste, m. Bitter
taste on waking, m. Bitter taste, anorexia, pressure in stomach, distended abdomen,
itching on back. No appetite. Loathing at all food, even when thinking of it, till
VOL. III.
13
194
MAGNESIA.
e. Water rises from stomach into mouth frequently, with loathing at all food. At
n. loathing and nausea, restless tossing about. Vomiting, p.m., first of food, then of
mucus. Trembling in stomach, general weakness, then belching of water, with
nausea. Cold and sick at stomach, in bed, m. Stomach feels deranged. Pressure
in scrobiculus cordis, which is tender externally. Boring stitches externally in epi-
gastrium, m. Shooting in 1. hypochondrium, e., going off when lying on back.
Pain in belly, scrobiculus cordis, and chest. A kind of shooting in whole belly, a.m.
Violent shooting about navel, increased by movement. During dinner pinching in
belly with call to stool. Abdomen tense and hard. Flatulent distension, e., dis-
charge of flatus, m. Forcing in both iliac regions, and pain in sacrum as from
flatulence, followed by hard stool. Nipping externally down to iliac region, p.m.
and e. Itching in 1. groin. Alternately hard and soft stools.
Urine scanty.
After micturition shooting in orifice of urethra. Erections without sexual desire.
Frequent shooting in penis when sitting and walking. Menses 7 d. too soon but
scanty. Menses 2 d. too soon. Menses more copious than usual, especially the 1st
d. Bloody discharge from vagina not at menstrual period. Menses last only 2 d.,
cease 2 d., and return for 1 d. Leucorrhoea of thick consistence, as copious as men-
strual flux, with paralysed pain in sacrum and thighs. Acrid leucorrhoea. Boring in
1. nostril as in coryza. Severe coryza with stoppage of 1. nostril. Stuffed coryza on
rising m., gets loose p.m. Fluent coryza with hoarse voice. Cough in m. with
little expectoration, but with sore pain as if cut to pieces in chest. Pressure in chest
with dyspnoea for 1 h. Pressure on lower part of chest as from a weight, with
short breath. Oppression of chest with burning there when walking. Fine shooting
from 1. axilla to chest, transient. Obtuse shooting under r. breast over scrobiculus
cordis, on rising from stooping, a.m. Some fine stitches here and there in chest.
Burning and itching on back, as from lice, p.m. and e. As if beaten betwixt
shoulders all d. Tension and shooting between shoulders and in nape. Tension in
tendons of r. side of nape. Tension in nape and betwixt shoulders on rising, m.
Thrice twitching in arms. Tearing in whole r. arm. Frequent tearing in 1. shoulder
when at rest, p.m. Tearing in posterior aspect of upper arm, in bed, m., relieved by
getting up. Papules on inner aspect of forearm after itching. Tearing in tendons
of 1. forearm, 11 a.m. Painful tearing on 1. wrist-joint from noon till e.,
then great
tenderness of the part. Itching in r. palm. Drawing in 1. hand, the fingers drawn
inwards. Ulcerative pain in ball of 1. thumb when moved and pressed. Pricking
in tip of r. thumb after dinner. Tearing in finger-tips of both hands, n. Noon,
pain in thigh. Bruised pain in 1. natis, worst when walking. Tearing in posterior
surface of r. hip, a.m. Tearing in both legs down to foot and weakness in r. thigh.
Tearing in 1. knee when spinning, it cracks when extended. Tension in r. hough
when walking. Cracking in ligaments over heel. Transient tearing-shooting in
ball of 1. foot, noon. Itching in r. toes. Pricking in 1. big toe after dinner. Tearing
in 1. toes, which contract, for 2 m. Extreme prostration, staggers when walking.
Trembling all over and weary in legs, and small itching papules all over body. Hard
itching pimples as if stung by nettles, which burn after scratching and go off after
24 h. Complains all n. of violent belly-ache, for which she cannot sleep; on rising,
m., quite inconsolable. Starts frequently at n., but does not quite awake. Cannot
sleep at n. on account of violent pains in head and abdomen, weariness of feet and
tearing in sacrum, on account of which she cannot lie on back. Bruised feeling pre-
venting sleep at n. Long of falling asleep, frequent waking, many dreams, of
weddings, country matters, &c. Gay dreams. Dreams that her dead mother appeared.
Anxious dreams, that she was pursued and shot at by soldiers; she wakes in a fright,
and on falling asleep again dreams that she fell into the water. Dreams of the death
of his father. Dreams that she has to go to the theatre, but cannot get dressed in
time. Dreams that the next house is in flames. Dreams of danger from horses.
Dreams that she found a dead child in a churchyard. Dreams that she saw yellow
mice, which disgusted her. In e. chilly, which goes off after lying down; on waking
m. bathed in sweat and thirsty. Shivering with watering of eyes, coryza, and heavi-
ness of head. Chilly all n. till 10 a.m., it gets less after 9 a.m., thirst a.m., must go
to bed at noon, at 3 p.m. perspiration. Rigor during the headache. Rigor at 9 p.m.,
which goes off on lying down, afterwards thirst. Transient heat in head coming up
from chest, with sweat in upper part of body, later again chilly, and so on alternately
till e. On rising up in bed heat for a few m., vertigo and sweat on forehead with
!
1
!
MAGNESIA.
195
red face. Heat all over body for hours, p.m. After midnight wakes frequently
with sweat. After midnight sweat and thirst, but at same time chilliness. Chilliness
with shivering from 7.30 p.m., cannot get warm in bed for 1 h., feet especially cold,
then increased heat towards m., sweat, no thirst. Chilly and hot alternately at n.,
next n. only chilliness. Though she feels hot, feet are cold all d. Heat of head,
coldness of rest of body, better p.m. (Better in open air). (Annal. d. hom. Klinik,
iv, 466.)
2. Dec. 7th, 7 a.m., Mag. sul. 1, 2 gr. Powder tastes bitter.-8th, 7 a.m., 4 gr.
No stool. Disagreeable heavy feeling in hypogastrium and sensitiveness of groins,
relieved by discharge of flatus p.m.-9th. Sleep disturbed by cough, caused by
tickling in back of throat. Tickling continues in m. from adherent viscid mucus.
8 a.m., 8 gr. Noon, the scraping-tickling irritation in throat gone, no stool. 4 p.m.
till 8 p.m., tensive heavy feeling in hypogastrium with confusion of head, which
went off after a difficult loose stool with great straining, but the confusion of head
then increased to pressive headache in 1. tuber frontale. There came on a feeling of
malaise, prostration of strength, with dry heat of skin, and drawing pains in 1. tibia
and 1. shoulder.—10th. Sleep disturbed by frequent waking. Confusion of head on
rising, lasting 1 h. 8 a.m., 12 gr. Noon, a soft unsatisfactory stool followed by
liquid fæces. From noon till e. 4 liquid copious stools in rapid succession, after
the last stool at 11 p.m. slight pain in umbilical region.-11th. A.m., 2 liquid
painless stools, some coryza, and sore pain in upper lip below nose. P.m., much
audible rumbling in belly as though diarrhoea would come on. Towards e. more
nasal secretion, hoarse voice, irritation causing short cough, sometimes with expecto-
ration of viscid mucus, which seems to come from posterior nares into pharynx.
9 p.m., feeling of dry heat, confusion of head, slight drawing in limbs, prostration,
disinclination for work, weariness.-12th. No sleep till after midnight, after that
disturbed sleep, frequent waking. Noon, no stool. E., upper lip under nose red
and tense, viscid mucus from nose.-13th. Slept well. Noon, no stool. P.m., con-
fusion of head with pressive frontal pain, flatulent distension of abdomen, heat of
face. 8 p.m., general malaise, rigor with cold hands and feet, must go to bed.
After 9 p.m. the chill gradually went off, then came on fluent coryza and dry heat
with great thirst. Could not sleep on account of internal uneasiness, though he was
very tired and prostrated. After midnight, perspiration with relief to other sym-
ptoms. Towards m. fell into restless sleep, disturbed by many dreams.-14th. In
forenoon felt ill, but had only a little cough caused by irritation in fauces. Had an
unsatisfactory soft stool. Appetite diminished, tongue slightly furred. Dislikes
tobacco. 15th. Slept well though he dreamt much. Noon, no stool, tongue furred,
little appetite, no desire to smoke. Better in open air.
5 p.m., some confusion of
head, full feeling in abdomen, frequent irritation to cough. 7 p.m., rigor very severe,
had to go to bed. After 1 h. heat with cold feet for a considerable time, great
thirst, confusion of head, frequent irritation to cough and fluent coryza. The heat
lasted till midnight with great drowsiness but inability to sleep, then sweat came on,
during which he fell asleep.-16th. All d. confusion of head, furred tongue, little
appetite, dislikes tobacco, full feeling in abdomen, no stool, copious red sediment in
urine, coryza, cough shaking chest and head, bruised pains in all limbs, disinclination
for all work, drowsiness. Took nux v. 3.-17th. Slept well. 8 p.m., a moderate
rigor lasting h., followed by heat lasting several h. and ending in profuse sweat.
Took during heat another dose of nux v. 3.-18th. Sleep with confused dreams.
Copious discharge of urine, m., the urine was bright yellow, soon became turbid,
and had a copious red sediment. During d. frequent urging to stool, but nothing
came. Furred tongue, bad appetite, dislike to tobacco, abdomen distended but soft
and painless. Coryza and cough troublesome, disinclination for work.-19th. Slept
quietly. A.m., an insufficient soft stool passed with straining, followed p.m. by a
copious evacuation. Tongue cleaner, appetite still poor, dislike to tobacco.-20th.
Slept well and perspired a little. Normal stool, m. Had to go a journey during
which he was very hungry, and ate well. (HENCKE, N. Archiv, iii, 185.)
II. Poisonings.-1. A boy, æt. 10, took 3ij partly dissolved, partly mixed in a
teacupful of water, and had hardly swallowed it before he was observed to stagger
and become unwell. When the surgeon saw him, h. after, the pulse was imper-
ceptible, the breathing slow and difficult, the whole frame in a state of extreme
debility, and in 10 m. more the child died without any other symptoms of note, and
196
MANGANUM.
1
in particular without any vomiting. On the most careful inspection of the body, no
morbid appearance whatsoever could be found in any part of it. (CHRISTISON, op.
cit.)
2. An old man drank several pints of beer, which, it was afterwards proved, had
been drugged with magn. sulph. He was seized with violent purging, and died
within 48 h. On P.M. examination the lining membrane of the alimentary canal
was found to be inflamed. (TAYLOR, op. cit.)
3. Giacomini saw zij taken at a single dose without producing any evacuation,
but chilliness instead with paleness, inability to move, trembling of the limbs, and
repeated syncope. In another case the dose was 3iss, but the same general symptoms
occurred, and vomiting likewise. (STILLÉ, op. cit.)
A
III. Experiments on animals.- -1. Moreau's experiments (Arch. Gén. de Méd.,
1870, August, p. 234) were made by opening the abdomen of an animal, and tying
four ligatures tightly round the small intestine a few inches apart from each other,
so as to isolate three portions of intestine. Magn. sulph. was then injected by means
of a hypodermic syringe into the middle part, and the intestine being then returned
into the abdominal cavity the wound in the abdominal parietes was sewn up.
few h. afterwards the animal was killed, and on examination the middle portion was
found full of fluid, while the portion on each side was completely empty. These ex-
periments have been confirmed by Vulpian (Bull. Gén. de Thér., lxxxiv, 522). The
fluid contained in the intestine appears to be a secretion, and not a transudation, for
it does not contain as much albumen as a transudate would do. (BRUNTON, Pract.,
xii, 345-350.)
MANGANUM.
Including M. aceticum, manganous acetate, Mn (C₂H₂O2)2. 4H₂O; M. carbonicum,
manganous carbonate, MnCO,; M. muriaticum, manganic chloride, and M.
oxydatum, native black manganous oxide.-See also Kali manganicum.
I. Provings.-I. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Med. Pura, part vi of origi-
nal, vol. ii of translation. Contains 89 symptoms from self, and 242
from 10 fellow-observers; obtained from acetate.
2. IBID., Chronic Diseases, part iv of original, vol. of translation.
Contains the above, with addition of 124 symptoms from Nenning
(preparation unknown).
3. LEMBKE proved M. muriaticum. Nov. 9th, 7 a.m., took 5 dr.
of a solution of gr. v of Mang. mur. in zij distilled water. Soon eruc-
tation of air, rumbling in belly several times. 7.30 a.m., dull pressure
in stomach. 8.30 a.m., pressive pain in r. maxillary joint; pressure in r.
knee, extending down to leg and settling in ankle-joint, with bruised
feeling. Later same pain in 1. ankle-joint. 9.30 a.m., drawing,
pressing pain in r. hand.—11th, 7 a.m., same dose. Immediately eruc-
tation of air and rumbling in belly, pressure in 1. foot. 7.45 a.m.,
pressure in stomach, increased by pressing on it, for h. 9 a.m., pain
in 1. thumb-joint. Severe drawing pain on inner side of r. knee.
9.30 a.m., pressure in 1. ankle-joint, twitching feeling there.-14th,
7 a.m., 5 dr. 8 a.m., tearing in occipital bone, r. side. Noon, repeated
tearing in bones of 1. foot.-15th, a.m., a violent pain on anterior
aspect of 1. shoulder-joint, increased by pressing on it, rolling humerus
on its axis, and all movements of upper arm, lasting all d. 4 p.m.,
squeezing in l. foot-bones and ankle-joints.—16th, m., same pain in 1.
shoulder-joint, it had gone off by e.-17th, 7 a.m., 5 dr. No sym-
}
MANGANUM.
197
ptoms.-22nd, 7 a.m., 10 dr. 8 a.m., pressure on r. of head.-26th,
7.30 a.m., 20 dr. At 9 a.m. slight pressure on stomach.-Dec. 3rd,
7 a.m., 20 dr. Pressing and drawing in ankle-joints and bones of feet,
repeatedly also on Dec. 4th.-7th, 7 a.m., 20 dr. 8 a.m., severe pres-
sive pains on inner side of r. knee when sitting. Tension in r. ankle-
joint and bones of foot repeatedly, a.m.-8th, 10 a.m., pain on inner
side of r. knee.—16th, 7 a.m., 20 dr. 8 a.m., pressing in 1. foot.
Noon, pressure on outer side of r. ankle-joint when walking, later the
former pain on inner side of 1. ankle-joint between inner ankle and
heel. Towards e. drawing and pressing in r. knee, extending down leg
when sitting.—20th, 7 a.m., 30 dr. Drawing and pressing in lower
part of r. calf down to foot-bones, with a feeling as if they were forced
asunder; the same in 1. leg, but not so severe, when sitting.
pressive pain in r. knee, boring in skull, r. side; drawing pain with
weak feeling in r. thigh when sitting.-29th, 7 a.m., 40 dr. No sym-
ptoms.-31st, 7 a.m., 15 dr. No symptoms. (N. Z. f. Hom. Kl.,
ii, 28.)
10 a.m.,
4. Same proved black oxide.-Sept. 10th, 7.30 a.m., took 4 gr.
9 a.m., prickling in 1. hand. 10 a.m., several times cutting in stomach,
pressure and heat in forehead. 9 a.m., scanty, hard, and retarded stool.-
11th, 7 a.m., 4 gr. 8 a.m., urine straw-coloured, neutral (before
proving it was very acid), later it became acid. 4 p.m., violent
cutting in abdomen, extending up to chest.-12th, 7 a.m., 8 gr. Urine
increased somewhat. 3.30 p.m., feeling of weight and pressure in 1.
lumbar region, increased by bending to l. for some m.-13th, 7 a.m.,
8 gr.
10 a.m., severe cutting about navel.-15th, 3.30 p.m., 20 gr.
Thinks that since commencing proving mang. he gets tired and is
more ready to be overcome with heat and perspiration than before,
forehead also feels confused. Before the dose boring in r. tibia, after
taking it a curious pressure under sternum.-16th, 7.30 a.m., 25 gr.
10 a.m., pressure in forehead with vertigo; pressure deep in 1. ear.
II a.m., twitching burning, and heat in skin of forehead, for 1 h.
2 p.m., boring in tibia below r. knee. Since commencing the proving
the stools, though regular, had a reddish-brown colour.-17th, 7.30a.m.,
30 gr. Noon, nausea; pressure and boring in some bones.-18th, 8 a.m.,
30 gr. Forehead hot and heavy, much internal heat and less sensation
of cold air than usual.-19th, 7 a.m., 30 gr. 8.30 a.m., violent cutting
upwards in umbilical region. Stool hard. II p.m., very severe
squeezing pain in r. ankle-joint, making it painful to stand or move,
for a few m.-20th. Stool liquid and bright coloured. 3 p.m., stitches
in 1. hypochondrium, increased by inspiration and pressure.-21st,
9.30 a.m., violent cutting in bowels and bright loose stool, after which
the pain persists in umbilical region; it is worse on pressure. After h.
another similar stool, and again e. During d. very exhausted after
slight exertion.-22nd, m., liquid, bright stool, followed by cutting in
umbilical region.-26th, 7.30 a.m., 6 gr. 9 a.m., cutting in umbilical
region. I p.m., pain in 1. tibia when walking. All d. very exhausted
after slight exertion; weight and pressure in forehead, heat of whole
body, pale face.-27th, 7.30 a.m., 6 gr. 2 p.m., tearing in side of
head and face. Shooting and tickling in larynx, dry cough (is subject
198
MANGANUM.
to this symptom).—28th, 7.30 a.m., 6 gr. Occasional pressure in
stomach.
I p.m., severe burning sensation under eyes for some m.
29th, 7.30, 6 gr. No symptoms.-30th, 6 gr. Only slight pain in
stomach. This and next d. scraping and tickling in larynx, followed
by dry cough. (Ibid., iii, 4.)
II. Poisonings.-I. a. In the chemical works of Tennant and Co. a
considerable number of men are employed in grinding the black oxide
of manganese. The surface of their bodies is constantly covered with
the M.; the air they breathe is loaded with it in form of fine powder,
and they swallow portions of it with their food. In 1821 a previously
healthy young man engaged at the work exhibited symptoms of para-
plegia. The loss of power in the lower limbs was at first so slight
that it was scarcely observed, and he never complained of it, but it
slowly increased, and at the end of some months he had to quit the
work. He removed to a distant part of the country, but at the end of
a year he had made little or no progress towards recovery.
b. In 1829 a workman engaged in grinding M., and previously
healthy, was similarly affected. He continued at the work for many
months. The paralysis increased, and the M. was suspected as the
cause. He removed to another department of the works without
further increase of symptoms. But after seven years there was very
slight amendment. The loss of power is most apparent in lower ex-
tremities, causing him to stagger and be inclined to run forward when he
attempts to walk. The arms were also affected, but in a less degree.
He complains that in speaking he cannot make himself heard by persons
at a moderate distance; there is no difficulty of articulation, but weak-
ness of voice. No deficiency of sensibility anywhere, intellect and ex-
ternal senses unimpaired, but there is an expression of vacancy in coun-
tenance, apparently from paralysed state of facial muscles. The saliva
is apt to escape from mouth, especially when speaking.
ww
c. Since the above cases, 3 other workmen engaged in grinding M.
have been similarly affected. As soon as staggering was observed their
employment was changed, and they gradually recovered. (Cowper,
British Annals of Medicine, Pharmacy, Vital Statistics, and General
Science, vol. i, p. 41, 1837.)
III. Experiments on animals.-I. a. In frogs M. causes general
paralysis, amounting to complete prostration, and at same time causes
stoppage of heart.
b. grm. M. injected into vein of rabbit causes immediately
tetanic convulsions, dilated pupils, and sometimes exophthalmos, fol-
lowed by death. The same effects have been observed in dogs from
After death the heart does not react to
injection of 1 grm. in veins.
electricity, so they die of paralysis of heart.
c. When repeated small doses are injected into veins of a dog, to
the extent of more than I grm., the animal becomes very weak, and
dies after 3 or 4 d. P.M. shows fatty degeneration of liver. This
change in liver is observed especially after the muriate and sulphate.
The heart's power is distinctly weakened by M. Its beats become
It contracts with less power, and at last it stops, its cavities full
of blood. It increases the quantity of nitrogenous substances in the
rarer.
MANGANUM.
199
urine and diminishes them in the fæces. (LASCHKEWITSCH, Centralbl.
f. d. med. Wissensch., May 26th, 1886, No. 24.)
2. HÜNEFELD gave to a rabbit nearly zij of manganic acid in 3 d.,
in doses of 10-15 gr. The only obvious effect was increased secre-
tion of urine. The animal being killed, the peritoneum and external
coat of the colon were found green, the muscles were readily lace-
rated and pale, the liver was inflamed, the bile increased. (WIBmer,
op. cit.)
3. a. A rabbit had 3j mang. sulph. in 1 oz. water introduced into
stomach. Immediately it ate, but soon lost appetite. Heart's beat at
first weak, latterly could scarcely be felt, there ensued paralysis at first
of posterior then of anterior extremities. After a few deep inspirations
it died. P.M.-Stomach slightly inflamed. M.m. on inflamed spots
easily detached.
b. A dog got 5 gr. crystallized mang. sulph. injected into jugular
vein. In 2 m. violent vomiting and at same time normal stool.
After 1 m. the vomiting recurred, drank a good deal. In 15 m. was
quite well.
c. A poodle had 12 gr. mang. sulph. dissolved in zij water injected
into jugular. Immediately lay like dead and breathed deeply. After
I m. wanted to get up, but fell down again as if intoxicated. Extremities
as if paralysed, the anterior first recovered, then the posterior. After
h. could walk, but was very melancholy. After 45 m. vomited,
which recurred after 4 h. Died in n. between 4th and 5th d. P.M.
-Stomach contained only black mucus, appeared as if mixed with
coagulated blood. This mucus was found also in duodenum and a
large part of small intestine. The centre of stomach was considerably
inflamed, not towards pylorus. Duodenum more inflamed than stomach,
the inflammation extended through small intestine, and ceased when
the black mucus ceased. Colon only slightly inflamed. Liver covered
with inflamed stripes, and the inflammation extended into interior of
its substance. In the not inflamed parts the colour was very yellow;
this colour was pretty general in intestines and large vessels; the aorta
was waxy yellow inside and outside. Gall-bladder contained greenish-
yellow bile. Spleen covered with inflamed spots. Both sides of heart
contained black, coagulated blood; in 1. ventricle and round inflamed
spot on the partition wall of ventricle several long, inflamed stripes.
(GMELIN, Vers. über die Wirk. des Baryts, &c.)
4. In cold-blooded animals there is produced paralysis of sensibility,
reflex irritability,* and voluntary movements; the motor nerves and
the muscles are unaffected (Harnack). (NOTHNAGEL and ROSSBACH,
op. cit.)
5. RABUTEAU injected about 1 grm. into a vein of the hind leg of
a bitch. At first there were no symptoms, but on the following d.
tetanic convulsions set in, and death soon followed. The white sub-
stance of the cord was shrunken, the grey matter congested. (PHILLIPS,
qf it)
paralysis of reflex action is due to abolition of the transverse conduction
il cord, longitudinal conduction remaining intact until death (Kobert) "
BR 214 1., op. cit.).
200
MELILOTUS.-MENYANTHES.
MELILOTUS.
Melilòtus officinalis, L.
Yellow melilot.
Yellow melilot. Nat. Ord., Leguminosæ.
I. Provings.
-1. a. Dr. G. W. BOWEN, after taking in 1852 some tinct. of dried
root, had a violent headache, from which on 2nd and 3rd d. he was almost delirious.
On 4th d. blood gushed from his nose, and he lost consciousness. Assistance was
obtained, and he recovered. (U. S. Med. and Surg. Journ., V., 317.)
anus.
b. After 15 years he took one d. at 6 p.m. 10 dr. of the 1st cent. dil. All that
e. had acrid and burning eructations; slept tolerably well, but felt oppressed, heavy,
and tired next m. That afternoon had red face, and felt sleepy and dull. At 9 p.m.
after a hard day's work accomplished with effort, had a horrible oppressive headache,
and felt dizzy, faint, and nauseated. Before 10 had severe pain, apparently in r. lung,
with occasional pain in 1. hip, and twitching of muscles. Before he got to sleep,
abdomen became considerably bloated, with crawling sensation as of worms near
On 3rd d. awoke after sleeping badly with much soreness in chest internally,
and oppression as from a great weight. Through d. much difficulty in breathing,
every inspiration laboured, with continued fulness in chest and head. On 4th d.
woke with spasmodic cough, in addition to some dyspnoea, oppression, and fulness
of chest. He repeatedly examined his clothes to see if they did not constrict him ;
was extremely nervous, and during this d. the severe,
oppressive, heavy and throbbing
headache returned, causing feeling as if cerebral blood-vessels would give way.
Easiest when perfectly quiet. Was obliged to void water very frequently. On 5th d.
cough was horribly distressing; very easily wearied, with inability to get air enough;
head better. Towards m. slight and difficult expectoration, affording a little relief,
but was obliged to have fomentations on chest during n., was delirious part of n., and
talked almost constantly. Next d. was unable to attend to work, but recovered in a
few d. more. (U. S. Invest., Aug. 15th, 1878, p. 156.)
2. Dr. T. C. DUNCAN chewed portion of plant. After 2 h. headache gradually
began, confined to 1. supra-orbital region, aggravated by motion, better on lying
down; if he allowed himself to think hard, which there was a disposition to do, it
was worse; on talking, it quite left forehead and settled in occiput, returning to
forehead when he ceased speaking; it took about 1 m. to travel to and fro, and he
could feel the migration; when he walked about whole head was affected, but still
worst over 1. eye. This headache lasted about 2 h. (Med. Invest., 1874, p. 519.)
II. Poisonings.-
.—1. Dr. BOWEN placed a lot of the cut plants in a room where his
wife expected some company. The odour was so heavy that it gave some of them a
terrible oppressive headache. Mrs. B. has found that a few sprigs of the plant in a
bouquet will give her this headache. (U. S. Invest., loc. cit.)
2. He gave 1 dr. of tinct., in 4 doses at 3 h. intervals, to a lady afflicted from
childhood with sick headaches occurring every 2 or 3 weeks; she had also prolapsus
uteri and inguinal hernia. In a week, looking very pale, she reported effect of
medicine to have been a terrible headache, from which she found no relief until her
nose began to bleed, which it did at intervals for 3 d. Had had no return of head-
aches for 7 mo. (Ibid.)
3. A student, afflicted from childhood with neuralgic pains in limbs and periodical
nervous headaches (1-4 weeks), took a few dr. of tinct. Next d. was taken with
severe headache, lasting nearly 24 h., then relieved by epistaxis, which came on
freely and recurred at intervals for some 48 h. He had had no return of his usual
pains for 5 mo. (Ibid.)
4. Dr. B. saturated handkerchief of a young lady with 1st dil. After 8 d. he
met her, looking pale, and telling what a terrible headache she had suffered from for
3 d., and how oppressed for breath, and what a tickling cough, from which she could
get no relief until her nose began to bleed, which it did for 2 d. (Ibid.)
MENYANTHES.
Menyanthes trifoliata, L. Buckbean, marsh trefoil. Nat. Ord., Gem
I. Provings.-1. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Med. Pura, vol. v of origina
translation. Contains 28 symptoms from self, and 267 from nine others.
ud af b
wel as ot
MERCURIUS.
201
MERCURIUS.
Including M. vivus (quicksilver itself in finely divided form, as in homœopathic
trituration so named, "blue pill," mercurial ointment, and " grey powder,"
also as inhaled in mines or factories); M. solubilis (a preparation of Hahnemann's,
for which see Brit. Hom. Pharmacopeia '); M. dulcis, mercurous chloride,
HgCl (calomel); and M. acetatus, mercurous acetate, HgC₂H₂O2.
I
I. Provings. 1. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Med. Pura., vol. 1 of original,
vol. ii of translation. Contains 1264 symptoms from M. solubilis, and
a few from M. acetatus and dulcis, supplied by self and 8 associates.
2. Dr. MORRISSON, 7.45 p.m., Oct. 25th, 1874, opened a stoppered
bottle that contained some remnants of a 4x trit. of M. vivus prepared
in 1868. (It had probably remained unopened for 3-4 years.)
Noticing a peculiar odour, he inhaled strongly. Within 20 m. he
had frontal headache, with fulness, soon passing to occiput, with
vertigo; oppression of breathing upwards from diaphragm; constriction
and dryness of fauces; irritation of nasal mucous membrane, as from
catarrh; continuous aching beneath r. scapula; periosteal aching down
1., then r. forearm, then in r. elbow, then down spine, with varying
intensity. Subsequently, continued oppression of breathing; long-con-
tinued severe interscapular aching, also in mid-dorsal region to r. of
spine; return of periosteal pain in 1., then r. forearm. 9.15, con-
tinuous aching beneath lower angles of scapulæ, severe.
10, inter-
scapular achings continue; aching in flexor muscles of l. forearm, in r.
inguinal region, and at apex of heart, extending upward to base; slight
aching in a sound tooth. On retiring to bed, quickened pulse. 26th.
M
On waking, and subsequently, periosteal aching in outer side
of 1. arm, changing to wrist and forearm, also on I. tibia; aching at
heart as before, and above 1. temple. II a.m., r. subscapular aching,
becoming also interscapular, lasting 2 h.; acute aching in 1. wrist and
dorsum of hand, succeeded by subacute aching over hepatic region.
6 p.m., aching in 2 sound teeth. Later, returns of aching in limbs.
27th. On waking, r. subscapular aching extending over hepatic
region; bursting frontal headache, lasting several m. (Monthly Hom.
Rev., XIX, 34.)
3. Dr. J. B-, who was triturating morphia to the 1, at this time,
experienced some similar symptoms, and others also; but as he also
felt the somnolent effects of the morphia, the latter are not pure enough
to be recorded here. (Ibid.)
4. A young woman took dr. of 5th dil. 4 times a d. After 5—6
d. chilliness while at stool, ceasing after the evacuation; discharge of
clotted blood mixed with the fæces, without any straining; dry sore-
throat and wheezing at chest ; peculiar sour-smelling sweat; her fingers
became all shrivelled, and a cold damp bedewed her feet. (Robinson,
Brit. Journ. of Hom., xxiv, 517.)
5. In a healthy man who had never had any eruption, after taking
2 gr. of Merc. sol. a tetter, beginning on the forearm and chest,
gradually overspread the whole body, only sparing the face and the
posterior aspect of the extremities. At first little red, pinhead-sized
202
MERCURIUS.
spots appeared here and there, and, enlarging at the periphery in a
circular manner, gradually coalesced and covered large surfaces. The
colour, at first bright red, became subsequently deep red or bluish red,
darker at the edge, brighter in the middle. With increasing size the
centre showed sound skin, while the border extended in a circle.
These places were slightly elevated, rough, and dry, and covered with
little white scales, which were continually being rubbed off by the
clothing, and reforming, so that after undressing at night the floor
seemed as if covered with meal. In the axilla, bend of elbow, groin,
and hollow of the knee they were most abundant, constantly burning,
and painful; and when the pimples formed there was a little fever, the
affected portions of the skin being hot, swollen, red, and extremely
sensitive to the touch of the clothing, impeding the use of the arms,
and the sleep wanting or very much disturbed. Itching upon taking
off the clothes and at the contact of cool air, ceasing in the warmth of
the bed. After touching, rubbing, washing, or taking wine they
burned excessively. The axillary and inguinal glands swollen and
painful. In some places, e. g. in the groin, little superficial moist ulcers
formed from the tetter, which after some d. became covered with yellow-
ish scabs, and healed up. The tettery eruption lasted from the middle
of January to the beginning of April. (KNORRE, A. h. Z., xix, 285.)
6. Three persons [no particulars given] got daily doses of a grain
or two of M. solubilis 3x. All three got red patches covered with
vesicles on different parts of body and limbs. These patches itched
and burned violently. In one case the eruption, which was on the inner
side of the r. thigh, assumed the form called by Alibert herpes squam-
mosa madedans. (ANDRIEU, Jour. de la Soc. Gall., viii, 143.)
7. Dr. C. WESSELHOEFT made 20 provings on students, male and
female, with M. solubilis in various potencies. As in several the
results were negative, and in the remainder were either incongruous
one with another, or were nothing more than appeared when the
provers were taking saccharum lactis only, Dr. Wesselhoeft does not
consider that they ought to appear in text-books of Materia Medica;
and we content ourselves accordingly with simple reference to them
here. (Trans. of Amer. Inst. of Hom. for 1886 and 1888.)
7. When calomel is given to a healthy man in moderate doses,
green liquid stools are produced, which, after larger doses, are replaced
by brown passages. Simon analysed the fifth stool after a large dose.
The passage was fluid, perfectly green, had no fæcal odour, exhibited
a mild acid reaction, and showed, under the microscope, a great number
of mucous corpuscles and epithelium cells. Ether extracted from the
solid residue (obtained by evaporation) a considerable amount of fat,
which had an acid reaction, contained cholesterin and was coloured by
biliverdin. All the other substances, which were separated from the
stool by water and alcohol, were more or less coloured by bile-pigment.
Bilin, with bilifellinic acid and biliverdin, were found in large quantity;
but no trace of mercury. Michéa examined chemically the fæces
under four different conditions. First, the spontaneous dejections of 6
healthy individuals; no bile was detected. Second, green stools of 3
persons suffering from gastro-intestinal derangement; bile-pigment
MERCURIUS.
203
was found in one case only, and in that could not be detected after
persistent vomiting had ceased. Third, calomel having been given to
8 healthy persons, 5 men and 3 women, bile was readily demonstrated
in the green passages produced in all of the subjects. Fourth, saline
and resinous purgatives were given to 5 persons, but no bile could be
detected in the liquid stools. In some persons calomel produces not
only purging, but also vomiting of bile, which is scarcely at all altered.
From the facts which have just been passed in review, the conclusion
seems inevitable that mercurial purgatives given to healthy persons
cause the escape of large quantities of bile from the alimentary canal.*
(H. C. WOOD, op. cit.)
8. Radzicjewski found, on analysis of the stools after giving
calomel, a large proportion of leucin, tyrosin, and indol (pancreatic
secretion), which he did not find after other purgatives. (PHILLIPS,
op. cit.)
II. Poisonings.-Nos. 1-5. Effects of single large doses.
Acute mercurialism.
Chronic mercurialism.
6-29.
30-50.
1. A physician took by way of experiment a dose of calomel such
as is used for purging. After 2 h. he showed symptoms of poisoning,
then came on dyspnoea, inflammation of lips and tongue, and he died
in great agony in 3 h. (HELLWEG, Obs. phys. med. path. Aug. Vind.
1680, obs. 157, p. 414-in Wibmer.)
در
در
2. After 15 gr. a healthy youth had vomiting, anxiety, trembling
of hands and feet, restlessness of the body, and anxiety; he died on the
6th d. (VAGNITIUS, Medat. med. cur. de mercurio dulci pulv., Quedl.,
1705-in Wibmer.)
3. A woman took by mistake 14 drachms of calomel at one
dose, and there ensued the most violent pains in abdomen with vomiting
and purging; mucilage and oil relieved her. After 2 h. she had
copious salivation, and the mouth was covered with ulcers. Well in 3
weeks. (Pierer's Annal., 1827, April-in Wibmer.)
4. Mr. W
æt. 42, had suffered from diarrhoea for 8 d., for which
he took opium. He then complained of loss of appetite, debility, and
diarrhoea, tongue foul. Three doses of calomel, each of o.15 grm., were
prescribed. These he took in the course of the afternoon; 2 h. after last
* "Mercury, like the metals in general, is excreted by the liver, and manifests a
tendency to accumulate in this organ. Like these also it doubtless acts as a stimulant
to the hepatic cells, and increases their products. Just as an altered salivary or pan-
creatic fluid is produced by the action of M., so an altered or pathological bile is the
result of the stimulation of the hepatic cells by this metal. That its use increases the
physiological and normal product of the liver seems an assumption hardly warranted
by the facts which have now been accumulated. That M. (pil. hydrarg., calomel,
hydr. c. creta), in purgative doses, increases the flow of bile into the intestines-is a
cholagogue—cannot be successfully disputed; but it is a cholagogue in the sense that
croton-oil and the resinous purgatives are: by irritation of the mucous membrane of
the duodenum it causes a reflex contraction of the gall-bladder and hepatic ducts, and
an outflow of bile is the result. The pressure of alimentary matters in the duodenum
suffices to increase the production and discharge of bile; purgatives, for the time
being, somewhat more energetically produce the same result. A purgative dose of
blue-pill or calomel may therefore cause bilious evacuations, but other purgatives
may accomplish the same." (BARTHOLOW, op. cit.)
204
MERCURIUS.
dose he felt general malaise, dry skin, which commenced to itch ever
more and more, eyes sensitive to bright light, mouth and nose dry, voice
hoarse. Face, which is commencing to swell, is red, and this redness
spreads rapidly all over body. At same time sensation of violent pain,
thirst, sleeplessness. On seeing the patient in m. he had the appear-
ance of suffering from severe erythema. Face more swollen, especi-
ally eyelids, so that he could hardly open them, skin tense, shining scarlet
red all over up to hairy scalp. Conjunctiva greatly injected, nasal m.m.
very dry, also lips and buccal m.m., pharynx slightly reddened. Tongue
thickly furred except at tip, which was dark purple. The redness of skin
extended equally all over body, it was more intense on parts exposed
to light. It vanished on pressure but returned immediately. The
skin was but little infiltrated, except that of face; was very dry and hot.
Temp. in axilla nearly 40°, pulse 120, weak; urine scanty, dark, clear,
without a trace of albumen. Voice hoarse and toneless. No appetite,
great thirst. Complains of intolerable burning and itching of skin,
especially on palms and soles, ears and hairy scalp, dryness of mouth,
burning of eyes, great faintness and prostration. Patient had twice
suffered in a similar way after taking merc. The pain went off after a
few d., the symptoms of skin and m.m. gradually declined, the redness.
of face lasted longest. On the 4th d. desquamation ensued in several
places, especially face and chest, in some parts in the form of large shreds
as in scarlatina. Appetite and strength returned slowly. It was 14 d.
before he was quite well. (ENGELMANN, Berl. klin. Wochensch., 27th
Oct., 1879, p. 647.)
5. Hoffman mentions another case similar to that of Vagnitius;
the patient died after suffering from extreme anxiety and black vomiting.
Another fatal case has been related by Ledelius, which was caused by
3ss taken accidentally. Vomiting soon ensued, and a sense of acridity
in the throat; then profuse diarrhoea to the extent of 20 evacuations
in the d.; next excessive prostration of strength and torpor of the
external senses; and death took place in little more than 24 h.
(CHRISTISON, op. cit.)
6. The true destruction of the venereal miasm depends upon that
specific alteration of the body which may not inaptly be termed
mercurial fever, in which a disagreeable sensation in the mouth is a
common but only accidental symptom. The following is a description
of this fever:-The patient gets a metallic taste in the mouth, a dis-
agreeable smell in the nose, a painless, audible rumbling in the bowels,
an earthy complexion, a pinched nose, blue rings round the eyes, pale
leaden-coloured lips, an uninterrupted or frequently recurring shuddering
(always getting stronger), that thrills deeply even into the interior of
the body. His pulse becomes small, hard, and very rapid; there is an
inclination to vomit, or at least nausea at everything, especially at
animal food; but chiefly a very violent headache of a tearing and
pressive character, which sometimes rages without intermission in the
occiput or over the root of the nose. The nose, ears, hands and feet
are cold. Thirst is inconsiderable, bowels constipated; great sleepless-
ness, the short dreams of a terrifying character, accompanied by frequent
slight perspirations. The weakness is extreme, as also the restlessness
MERCURIUS.
205
and anxious oppression, which the patient thinks he never before felt
anything like. The eyes become sparkling as if full of water, the nose
is as if stuffed with catarrh; the muscles of the neck are somewhat
stiff, as from rheumatism; the back of the tongue is whitish. At this
period the patient experiences, if all goes on well, some discomfort in
swallowing, a shooting pain in the root of the tongue, on both sides of
the mouth a looseness or setting on edge of the teeth (the gums recede
a little, and become somewhat spongy, red, painful, swollen); there
is moderate swelling of the tonsils and submaxillary glands, and a
peculiar rancid odour from the mouth, without the occurrence, how-
ever, of a notable increase in the secretion of saliva, and without diar-
rhoea or immoderate perspiration. This picture is taken from an
exquisite case of very severe mercurial fever. (HAHNEMANN,
"On
Venereal Diseases," Lesser Writings, p. 77.)
7. After a more or less prolonged use of M., the gums swell,
become a little hot and painful, and are covered with a very thin white
pellicle. At the same time, the patients experience a metallic taste,
which is very disagreeable, and the breath has a little fœtor. The
tongue, without swelling, becomes covered with a thicker mucous coat.
The mucous membrane of the fauces and of the velum palati becomes
redder and slightly painful. The gum-swelling begins by the lower in-
cisors, and at the intervals between the teeth; if there is a carious
tooth, it is there that the tumefaction first shows itself. It then passes
on to the gums of the upper incisors, and thence to the whole mouth.
Up to this time there is nothing but a sense of dryness in the mouth;
sometimes, though rarely, a little hawking ensues; but salivation
properly so called does not ordinarily commence until the inflammation
of the gums and the buccal mucous membrane has reached a higher
degree. (TROUSSEAU et PIDOUXx, Thérap. et Mat. Méd., 9th ed.)
8. The first phenomenon presented by the mercurial stomatitis is
often a whitish appearance of the lower gums, probably owing to
opacity of the epithelium. Soon afterwards the gums are seen to be
somewhat swollen, rising up between the teeth, and reddened at their
edges. At the same time they are somewhat tender to the touch, and
not unfrequently pain is produced at the roots of the teeth by firmly
closing the jaws. A metallic taste, as of copper in the mouth, is also
among the first symptoms; and I have repeatedly been able to detect
the approach of salivation by the peculiar foetor of the breath, before
any other sign had presented itself. It not unfrequently happens that
the above symptoms have existed for some time before any increase of
saliva occurs; and occasionally there is at first seen a dryish condition
of the tongue. In the second stage the gums, tongue, cheeks, and
fauces, one or all, swell and become painful; deglutition is painful;
the teeth, if carious, begin to ache; the tongue is somewhat furred,
and indented by the teeth at its edges; the saliva is discharged
copiously. The salivary glands swell, together with the neighbouring
areolar tissue; and the breath is very offensive, having a peculiar fœtor
which distinguishes the mercurial sore mouth from all other analogous
affections. If the disease runs on it reaches a third stage. The
swelling, internal and external, increases; the tongue sometimes pro-
206
MERCURIUS.
jects from the mouth, in consequence of its greatly increased bulk, and
is covered with a very thick, soft, yellowish-white fur, extremely offen-
sive to the smell; the parotid and submaxillary glands become much
enlarged and painful; the patient cannot open his jaws, swallows with
great difficulty and pain, and is wholly unable to articulate. The saliva
streams from the mouth; the odour of the breath is insupportably
fœtid, and sometimes scents the whole apartment; ulceration of the
gums, cheeks, and tongue takes place, with occasionally copious and
exhausting hæmorrhages; the teeth loosen and fall out; and even
gangrene of the soft parts, and necrosis of the alveolar processes, some-
times occurs. (G. B. WOOD, Therap. and Pharmacology, sub voce.)
9. a. The presence of teeth seems nearly indispensable to the pro-
duction of stomatitis. Not only is it very rare in little children, but
it fails of appearance likewise in adults who have lost their teeth; this
point is very noticeable at Almaden and in Idria. On the other hand,
dental caries, gingival disorder, and the evolution of the wisdom teeth
must be considered (Ricord says) as causes predisposing to it; to which
should be added the influence of damp cold, fatigue, excesses, and a bad
state of stomach, as also neglect of the mouth.
b. It seems well established at the present day that the starting-
point of the stomatitis is not the elimination of M. by the saliva; and
that the initial phenomenon is generally a lesion of the buccal mucous
membrane, or rather of the alveolar periosteum ;* for from the outset
of the affection one can, by pressure, cause to exude from socket of the
teeth behind the gum, which is slightly detached, a true purulent discharge.
Salivation is most frequently a secondary occurrence; the inflamed
mucous membrane becomes more sensitive, and stimuli provoke more
readily the reflex excitation of the salivary glands. It seems, however,
that we must also acknowledge a concurrent direct action of the poison
upon the glands or their nerves; for salivation may be primordial
(Gubler), and manifest itself soine h. after the inhalation of mercurial
vapour. M. Fournier has several times ascertained, in a positive
manner, that salivation may develop without any buccal inflammation;
and he has informed us of an instance which is very convincing. In
a case of cerebral syphilis, treated by inunction, he has twice observed
(at 5 d. interval) a considerable salivary flux, about a litre in the 24 h.,
and yet the gums, examined m. and e. with the utmost care, presented
no sign of inflammation.
c. The buccal mucous membrane soon becomes red and swollen
throughout; from the gums the infiltration reaches lips, tongue,
cheeks. These surfaces become covered with a whitish or lemon-
coloured coating, thickest on gums and tongue; on the latter, and on
the inner aspect of the cheeks, the marks of the teeth remain visible.
If the stomatitis goes on far, there are seen on the parts affected ulce-
rations covered with a greyish false membrane. These increase
rapidly, but more in extent than in depth, and sometimes run together.
The swelling of the parts is now considerable; the tongue lolls out,
and its tip dries; the mouth, half open, is continually filled with a
* It begins behind the last molar, on the side on which the patient sleeps (Ricord,
Fournier).
MERCURIUS.
207
glutinous fluid, often mixed with blood, which runs out spontaneously
and differs completely from normal saliva in its composition. Its
quantity may be excessive, as much as 20-25 litres in the 24 h. At
this period the foetor of the breath is frightful; the loosened teeth are
bared, and sometimes end by falling out. The swelling extends to the
face and neck; the patients can neither masticate, nor swallow, nor
speak, and their breathing is sometimes considerably embarrassed.
d. It is rare now-a-days to see deeper lesions produced, such as
gangrene and shredding off of the mucous membrane, suppuration of
the parotids or the cervical glands (Gubler), phlegmon of the cheeks.
and of the base of the mouth, parenchymatous and gangrenous glossitis;
and, as consequence of these, when the patients survive, ugly cicatrices.
Still, however, one does see cases of this kind, the result of idiosyn-
cratic sensitiveness to the drug. We are not master of mercurial sali-
vation; in certain cases it hurries on with an impetus which no
precautions, no suppression of the medication, however immediate, can
arrest, and pursues its course with extreme violence. (HALLOPEau,
Du Mercure, Paris, 1878.)
10. LÖWENHARDT observed after inunction profuse salivation with
swelling of cheeks and of submaxillary and parotid glands; drawing,
tenderness, and swelling of gums; tongue thickly coated yellow white,
the margins bearing impress of teeth; metallic taste and mercurial
odour of breath; colic, frequent desire for stool, bilious diarrhoea, dis-
charge of yellow-green matter with blood-clots, painful stools of blood
and mucus; diuresis, large quantities of clear urine containing much
albumen being passed. (HUBER, Das Quecksilber und seine Präparate.)
11. A young woman, æt. 28, with sound teeth and gums, got,
apparently from cold, an inguinal bubo, to which she applied ointment,
keeping her bed for several d. with only nose and forehead uncovered.
The 3rd d. high fever, copious sweat; fœtor of breath; parotids
swollen and tender; could hardly open mouth, within which were
gangrenous ulcers; foetid red discharge from mouth. (Ibid.)
12. a. The next local affection I shall call attention to is the mer-
curial sore-throat, which has often been mistaken for a syphilitic
symptom. Its character is that of an aphthous superficial sore, sur-
rounded with a general blush of inflammation.
The tonsils are the
usual seats of these ulcerations, and they are sometimes found on the
velum pendulum palati. Occasionally there is much stiffness and
difficulty of swallowing, without the appearance of any breach of sur-
face at all.
b. M. occasionally produces very severe irritation of the bowels,
accompanied with purging; the evacuations are frequent, not very
copious, attended with violent tormina and tenesmus, and sometimes
mixed with blood.* Some patients are constantly affected with this
troublesome symptom, in whatever form or however minute the quan-
tity of M. employed may have been; but of course the internal adminis-
tration of the remedy is most likely to produce it. (BACOT, Lond.
Med. Gaz., iii, 312.)
N
* "The tongue in such cases is said by Traube to show a greenish coating with
two longitudinal red stripes" (PHILLIPS, op. cit.).
208
MERCURIUS.
13. a. When for some time a patient has been subjected to the
action of M., he falls into a state of cachexia. First, his visage grows
pale, and the skin of the body generally shares in this discoloration.*
The blood drawn from a vein has lost somewhat of its colour, and still
more of its consistence; it is diffluent, and forms a very soft clot. If
the action of the drug is continued, this dissolution of the blood becomes
much more manifest, the eyelids are infiltrated, the face is a little puffy,
the legs swell, and the patients soon fall into a general anasarcous con-
dition. Then supervene all the symptoms which ordinarily accompany
anæmia,- palpitation, panting, and the various functional troubles con-
sequent on contact with the organs of the body of the altered blood.
b. This action on the blood becomes also evident by certain morbid
phenomena already noted by medical writers, of which the chief is a
tendency to hæmorrhage. We will cite an instance of this which may
speak more eloquently than those hitherto recorded. The Receiver
at the bridge of Montereau consulted us for a scrofulous swelling, with
caries, of the leg. Our treatment proved of little aid to him, and on
his return to Montereau he came under the care of a local practitioner,
who began by applying leeches to the knees, and 5 d. later-suspecting
a long-standing syphilis-used mercurial frictions with a view to induce
salivation. Three d. after their commencement the gums swelled, and
next d. tongue and neck were swollen, and the saliva flowed abun-
dantly. At the samet ime, the wounds made by the leeches 8 d. pre-
viously reopened, and gave exit to such a quantity of blood that it had
to be arrested like a hæmorrhage, and, indeed, had begun to threaten
life before, by the most active and persistent measures, it was repressed.
c. This state of dissolution of the blood induces in women an arti-
ficial chlorosis, and may cause the accidents which characterise this
state, viz. amenorrhoea or metrorrhagia, the former most often in the
young, the latter in those of more mature age. (TROUSSEAU et
PIDOUX, op. cit.)
14. Dr. WRIGHT has analysed the blood of patients under mercurial
action. It is materially changed. It contains more water, and is more
prone to putrefaction than healthy blood. The fibrin, albumen, and
red globules are diminished in amount, and a very fœtid fatty matter is
•
* "You will find that persons in whom the mercurial sore mouth has been pro-
Patients
duced get rapidly thin; their fat disappears; they become emaciated.
who are kept under the influence of M. grow pale as well as thin, and Dr. Farre,
who has paid great attention to the effects, remedial and injurious, of this drug, holds
that it quickly destroys red blood. As an example of this, he was in the habit of
relating in his lectures the case of a lady who was attacked with hematemesis, and
whose gastric system was gorged with blood. 'Her complexion,' said the doctor,
was compounded of the rose and the violet. Under a course of mercury she was
blanched, in six weeks, as white as a lily" (WATSON, Lectures, 4th ed., i, 240.).
<
"Bassot reports the case of a mirror silverer in whom the inspired mercurial
vapour produced a condition exactly resembling true chlorosis. The face and mucous
membranes were quite pale, the nails were a dead white, like those of a corpse; eyes
dull, watery; pulse small and quickened; thirst excessive; no appetite. Palpitation,
dyspnoea, pains in head and stomach; oedema of lower limbs; general weakness
No stomatitis or salivation. All
depression of spirits and bruit in the carotids.
these symptoms disappeared in four weeks under a generous diet and the use of ferru-
ginous preparations " (Canstatt's Jahrb. f. 1852, in HUBER, op. cit.).
;
MERCURIUS.
209
present in large quantity. Mr. Smith has observed that the blood
coagulates with difficulty. When coagulated, it is buffed and cupped;
but it is the buffy coat of anæmia, not of inflammatory blood; the clot
appears rotten, and is easily broken down. (HEADLAND, Lancet, 1858,
i, 259.)
15. a. Many persons who get venereal employ M. injudiciously,
and fall into what has been termed the mercurial cachexy, in which
there is a general unhealthy state of the organs. A patient who has
fallen into this state very closely resembles a scrofulous person, and is
apt to labour under the same emaciation, irritability, feverishness, and
the same sort of cutaneous, glandular, and periostitic affections. The
chronic mercurial cachexy is very like the scrofulous, and attacks very
nearly the same organs and tissues.
b. It cannot be denied that the immoderate use of M. has been
productive of liver disease. The late Mr. Hewson pointed this to
the attention of those who visited the Lock Hospital while under his
care. At this period it was the custom to salivate every patient, and
keep him under the full mercurial influence for a month or two; and
it frequently happened that, just as the course was finished, the patient
got disease and enlargement of the liver. (GRAVES, Lond. Med. Gaz.,
xix, 451-2.)
16. I gave to a man suffering from rheumatismus facialis calomel
and opium [quantity not stated]. On salivation commencing there came
on pains over the r. eyebrow, more violent at n. There had been
rheumatism on this side, but it was now free. The cornea was dim,
the conjunctiva red, the pupil drawn upwards and inwards, and after
some days, condylomata appeared on the pupillary edge of the iris. The
patient had never had syphilis, so that the disease could only be the
effect of the mercury; it was removed without leaving a trace by hepar
sulphuris and a blister (MERKLIN, Vermischte Abhandlungen a. d. Gebiete
der Heilk. v. d. Gesell. prakt. Aerzte zu St. Petersburg, iii Samml., p.
189, 1825.)
(C
17. In the course of treatment of a young man by inunction for
hepatitis, an iritis mecurialis occurred, which from the internal use of
opium only disappeared without any exudation." He had also saliva-
tion; ; angina with profuse mucous secretion; horrid taste and burning
in mouth; insatiable thirst; painful dysentery for II d.; drawing pain
and tenderness in tibiæ ; cedema of feet. (BASEDOW, Hufeland's Journ.,
lxxxvii, 3, 65.)
18. From abuse of calomel I have seen at least one case of inflam-
mation of orbiculus ciliaris; at its climax of intensity it was accom-
panied by dimness of the anterior chamber. . . There are certain
constitutions in which we observe after 6-12 gr. of calomel a peculiar
annular redness of conj. oculi et corneæ ; this increases if the
calomel is continued, but soon ceases after leaving off the drug. It is
a pretty sure precursor of ptyalism. (v. AMMON, Rust's Mag., xxx,
256.)
19. Albuminuria, with or without hæmaturia, is frequently enough
observed in acute mercurialism. M. Gubler does not think that this
symptom ought to be referred in every case to a lesion of the renal
14
VOL. III.
210
MERCURIUS.
parenchyma. He shows that the dyscrasia, characterised by alteration
of the albuminoids and destruction of the globules, is of itself a potent
cause of albuminuria, since it encumbers the blood with proteid.
débris, and perhaps alters the dialysable activity of the serum.
But for
all this most heed should be given to actual renal lesion. M. Ollivier,
in a recent work, has shown that mercurial albuminuria ought to be
classed with that of lead, and like this depends upon steatosis of the
kidneys. M. Bouchard has recorded a case of syphilis where, under
the influence of mercurial intoxication, 7 d. after the first friction, 5 d.
after the commencement of stomatitis, there was nearly complete sup-
pression of urine-the daily quantity falling at first to 156 c.c., and 2
d. later to 44 c.c. ; while that of the urea became o‘6072, then 0.1848,
in place of the 25 grms. which represent the normal figure. Death
occurred on the 11th d., and must be ascribed to anuria; the more so
as analysis of the blood revealed there the presence of a relatively
enormous quantity of urea-2 grm. 60 per litre. (HALLOPEAU, op. cit.)
20. Eczema mercuriale appears occasionally during the progress of
a mercurial course. Some writers have frequently met with it: thus
Alley saw 43 cases in 10 years, and of this number 8 terminated fatally.
Rayer confesses that in 20 years he never saw but three instances of it.
I have seen only two. The disease consists of innumerable minute and
pellucid vesicles, which have been mistaken for papulæ. They give
the appearance of a diffused redness to the skin, and a sensation of
roughness to the touch. Sometimes it is preceded and attended by
febrile disorder. In 2 or 3 d. the vesicles attain the size of a pin's
head, and the included serum becomes opaque and milky. It soon
extends over the body, and is accompanied by tumefaction, tenderness,
and itching. It usually terminates by desquamation; but in some
cases a copious discharge takes place from the excoriated and tender
surface, and when this ceases the epidermis comes off in large flakes ;
in some instances the hair and nails fall off, and the eyes and eyebrows
become entirely denuded. There is usually some affection of the
respiratory organs, indicated by dry cough and tightness of the præ-
cordia. (PEREIRA, op. cit.)
21. Bazin admits, with Alley, three distinct forms of mercurial
eruption, hydrargyria mitis, h. febrilis, h. maligna.
the
a. The benign form is only a slight efflorescence, localised at cer-
tain spots, especially the inner aspect of the thighs, the scrotum,
groins, the abdomen. On this erythema appear minute vesicles, with
itching and smarting. There is no febrile movement.
b. The febrile hydrargyria most frequently succeeds the previous
variety. It commences inside the thighs and on the scrotum to extend
to the rest of the body, and in the end to invade the face. The
redness is more intense; the vesicles, which appear on the 4th d., are
larger, become surrounded by a red areola and filled with pus, they
then break, and form moist and yellowish crusts. The itching is in-
tolerable. With this frequently coincide stomatitis and angina, and
there is some fever.
c. The malignant form is only observed in cases where the M. is
continued after the appearance of the first vesicles. Here the skin is
MERCURIUS.
211
swollen and painful; the face is puffed, and the eyelids closed; the
eruption is of a dark red or purple colour. The vesicles are larger
than in the other varieties; they even become bullæ, filled with acrid
fluid. The patient exhales a most fetid odour, which has been com-
pared to that of stale fish. Desquamation occurs about the 8th or 10th
d., and proceeds like that of scarlatina; after it the skin may continue
hard and scaly. The general phenomena are serious; the patients, a
prey to intense fever, complain of acute pains; they are prostrated,
and breathe with difficulty; their nights are sleepless, and in certain
cases they succumb in coma, after a delirious stage; in others there is
a series of attacks, of which each begins with fresh pains and chills.
Sometimes there supervene inflammations of glands, superficial
abscesses, boils, and gangrenous ulcerations. (HALLOPEAU, op. cit.)
22. ÁLLEY adds of 21 b that the eruption is preceded by languor,
restlessness, and rigors, and also, in a case reported by Dr. Spens (Ed.
M. and S. Journ., Jan., 1805), by catarrhal symptoms so severe as to
interrupt the exhibition of the drug. It somewhat resembles that of
measles. He says little of incrustation, but much of desquamation;
and also of the occasional occurrence of thick and very fetid sweat at
such spots as the axilla, between the nates, &c. Of 21 c he goes more
fully into the febrile irritation. "The symptom," he writes, "which
soonest produces distress is the affection of the lungs. In some
instances a great sense of weight and oppression about the præcordia,
and difficult respiration, constitute the principal distress of these
organs; but in others a hard harassing cough and a fixed pain in the
chest are superadded. In one case there was bloody expectoration,
and suffocation had nearly ensued from the coagula formed in the
trachea. The pulse in such cases discovers very considerable hardness,
as in pneumonia, and during the paroxysms of coughing severe head-
ache is experienced. The soreness of throat and fauces is very dis-
tressing, and continues in some instances for many d. There is some-
times hoarseness of the voice." There is primary and secondary fever,
as in variola; the first being of the inflammatory, the second of the
hectic type. With the latter, "rigors, amounting in some instances
to severe tremors of the limbs, with a great degree of faintness, are
experienced; and frequently a diarrhoea supervenes, and constitutes the
most formidable symptom of the disease." (On the Hydrargyria, London,
1810.)
23. A young, strong, healthy farmer, with traumatic inflammation
of soft parts and synovial membrane of 1. knee-joint, and serous exuda-
tion, received ter die gr. of black oxide of M., and daily applied 3j
of mercurial ointment. After 3 gr. of oxide and nearly 3j of ointment
had been used, a bright red, somewhat elevated eruption broke out on
the entire surface of the body. The whole 1. leg was covered with a
dark erysipelatous eruption; skin swollen and hot; pressure of finger
left no white spot. In several places about knee there were noticed,
on 2nd and 3rd d., larger and smaller vesicles, filled with yellowish
serum, similar to those caused by a vesicatory; they were from the size
of a hazel-nut to that of a hen's egg; in several places, for instance on
the calf, they were confluent, and formed a single blister as large as the
212
MERCURIUS.
hand. They nearly all broke; the smaller ones became covered with
thick yellow scales; the larger ones left an excoriated, bright red surface,
discharging much serum. On the rest of the body, face, throat, chest,
abdomen, neck, back, arms, and right leg, the eruption had the appear-
ance of measles; portions of it of nettle-rash; the latter, especially on
the chest and inner surface of the upper arms, consisting of red, roundish,
somewhat elevated spots. In this place there were also a number of
vesicles no larger than the head of a pin, increasing to the size of a pea,
all becoming covered by a thin crust. This mercurial exanthem did
not itch, but burned and pained, especially at night, so that the patient
could not sleep. The pain was aggravated by the touch; therefore,
the parts on which he lay were particularly painful; he was worse
from turning in bed; even sitting up aggravated the pain. He could
stretch neither leg, but kept them bent continually. Ophthalmia; the
conjunctiva of the ball and lids is inflamed, the lids are swollen;
canthi sore and excoriated, with biting pain in them. The edges of
the lids itch and pain; after sleep, particularly in the morning, they are
agglutinated, and secrete much thick pus. The patient often cannot
open them until he removes the dried and fluid secretion with warm
water. Pressing and itching in the eye. Photophobia, lachrymation,
catarrhal affection of the nose, with soreness of the nostrils and upper
lip, and discharge of thin white mucus. The lips are much swollen,
inflamed, and painful; excoriated on the inside. In some places, small
ulcers. The tongue swollen and excoriated, ulcerated in some places,
and covered with thick yellow mucus towards the root. The patient
finds it difficult to open his mouth, which is generally glued together
after sleep and in the morning; speech is unintelligible; the lips fre-
quently bleed, and are often covered with blackish crusts of dried blood.
At times, when moving the lips and tongue in speaking, clear blood
flows or spurts out from the mouth with the saliva, which forms con-
tinually. The saliva has a yellowish-reddish appearance; gums swollen
the pharynx swollen, dry, and painful; pain in swallowing; the cheeks.
somewhat swollen; the parotid and submaxillary glands also enlarged
and painful. The eruption decreased, and the skin peeled off with dry,
yellowish scales as in scarlatina. The largest pieces came from the
left leg and hands; the patient felt neuralgic pains in all the limbs.
Not until the third week had all the symptoms completely disappeared.
(HUBER, op. cit.)
;
24. In the course of two or three years after my appointment to the
Lock Hospital, I observed that in almost every year one and sometimes
two instances of sudden death occurred among the patients admitted;
that these accidents could not be traced to any evident cause; and that
the subjects were commonly men who had nearly, and sometimes
entirely, completed their mercurial course. (The surgeons of the
hospital could find no morbid appearances to account for death.)
After some time I ascertained that these sinister effects were to be
ascribed to M. acting as a poison on the system, quite unconnected
with its agency as a remedy; and that its deleterious effects were
neither in proportion to the inflammation of the mouth nor to the
actual quantity absorbed into the body. The morbid condition which
+
MERCURIUS.
213
supervenes on these occasions is a state which I have denominated
erethismus; and is characterised by great depression of strength,
sense of anxiety about the præcordia, frequent sighing, trembling,
partial or universal, small quick pulse, sometimes vomiting, pale con-
tracted countenance, sense of coldness. When these symptoms are
present, a sudden and violent exertion will sometimes prove fatal.
(PEARSON, Observations on the Lues V., 1800, p. 131.)
25. On March 3rd, 1845, about 7 p.m., an apparently very feeble man,
who swept out a mirror factory, burned half of a tub used for holding
M. He said there was no M. left in it; but while burning a mercurial
vapour was diffused, the odour of which patient compared to that of
his saliva. The room was small, with but one window and two beds,
and contained at the time 5 persons,-3 girls, the youngest 14 mo. old,
and the man and his wife. On 8th appeared swelling of the buccal
mucous membrane, small pimples which broke, and salivation. On
Ioth he entered hospital. Mucous membrane of cheeks swollen and
red; and on them, as well as on gums and velum, white patches, which
can be removed with the finger without leaving any ulceration
beneath. The gums thick, red, and covered on their free border with
a dirty whitish-yellow coating, extending into the sockets of the teeth.
On removing this, it is perceived that the gum between the teeth is
fungous and bleeding, but not ulcerated. The mucous membrane of
the lower lip, where it touches the teeth, especially on the 1. side, is
covered with large yellow-white patches, extending up to the middle
of the cheek. These are not removable by the finger, but the surface
bleeds easily. Tongue very thick, especially on the 1. side, and is
moved with difficulty; has a dirty yellow-white coating, and on the
edges some grey patches. Submaxillary glands slightly swollen; all
these parts painful. Profuse salivation. Breath has a very strong
mercurial odour. Mastication impossible; speech difficult; dysphagia.
General condition unaltered. On 11th oatmeal and honey. Gargle
of 20 grams alum to 1 litre of water. On 14th and 15th the patches
extend from the lower lip to the cheeks, and those on the edges of the
tongue have a red areola. On the 17th, by removal of the former with
a linen rag, the mucous membrane is laid bare, and is found uneven and
painful, and a quantity of blood is left on the cloth. The pains pro-
duced thereby are very acute. On the 24th grey spots are gone, leaving
red spots. On r. cheek, near the commissure, is a large grey-red spot,
the size of a 50-centime piece. The red points are elevations, true
granulations, sure evidence of ulceration. The grey points are remains
of the repeatedly mentioned grey spots. The cure is almost complete,
but the man now has a pneumonia already in the third stage
the author (probably correctly) attributes to the mercurial
and of which he died on the 27th. (Archiv. Gén. de Méd., t. 68.)
ch
soning,

26. The wife of No. 25, æt. 56, the morning after burning the
tub, felt a stiffness of all the limbs, with the mucous memorane of the
cheeks painfully swollen. Tongue swollen, moving with difficulty;
mastication painful, impossible indeed; speech impaired; and by
Wednesday, March 5th, salivation set in. Admitted on 13th, in the
following condition :-Gums red, swollen, covered with soft patches,
214
MERCURIUS.
easily removable without leaving ulcers. On 1. side under 2nd molar,
a red spot covered with a white skin; gum very loose and covered with
a dirty, whitish-yellow coating; teeth very loose; mucous membrane
of cheeks swollen, especially on the r. side, where was a red spot with
a white skin, also some of the skin on the velum. On the mucous.
membrane of lower lip, which is slightly thickened, white spots with a
red border. Tongue very thick, especially on r. side, with grey spots
on the edges, showing the impression of the teeth; movements difficult;
coating dirty yellow, characteristic of M. Submaxillary glands slightly
swollen; all these parts painful; salivation; mercurial fœtor of breath
speech obstructed; dysphagia. (She can only swallow bouillon.) 14th.
—In place of the white surface on the lower lip, one consisting of small
red prominences, with a faint grey colour of the intervening surface.
Granulations plainly protruding above the healthy mucous membrane
and bleeding at the slightest touch. On 19th the same condition of
the edges of the tongue. On 24th she left the hospital convalescent.
The treatment consisted simply of mucilaginous drinks and gargles
containing chlorine. (Ibid.)
;
27. A daughter of the two preceding, æt. 21, observed at the same
time (March 4th) a stiffness of the limbs, with soreness of the gums
and pain in chewing. On the 5th salivation. On the 12th entered
the hospital in the following condition :-Gums red, swollen, covered
with a delicate white membrane, loosened from the teeth; covered at
the free edges with a grey-yellow covering, which extends to the sockets
of the teeth. On the mucous membrane of the upper lip, near the r.
commissure, a very thick white patch with red areola. On the entire
lower lip grey, thickish patches, with a red border; delicate white
membrane on the thickened mucous surface of the cheeks, especially
the r., and on the velum. The tongue, naturally thick, covered with
a thin, dirty-yellow coat, and on its edges some grey spots; tonsils very
much swollen, red, without patches; submaxillary glands slightly
swollen; all these parts painful; slight salivation; mercurial odour of
breath; mastication impossible; deglutition easy; speech natural; gene-
ral condition good. Powdered alum on the ulcers twice a day; alum
gargles. On the 22nd the patient left the hospital entirely well. She
was the mother of a 14 months old child, previously mentioned, which,
although equally exposed to the mercurial vapour, and nursed by the
mother throughout her illness, remained perfectly well. (Ibid.)
28. The second daughter, æt. 16, was also taken on the 4th of
March with a feeling of stiffness in the limbs, pimples and swelling in
the mouth; on the 5th, salivation, and on the 11th she presented the
for ing condition :-Gums red, but without yellow coating on their
free borders; teeth perfectly white and unchanged; tongue very
greatly swollen, moving with difficulty, very painful, covered with a
dirty whitish yellow coat, very red, showing the impress of the teeth,
and with large grey patches on the edges. Almost the entire velum
covered with a thin false membrane easily removed, and leaving no
ulceration beneath. The mucous membrane of the cheeks shows in
places thin white spots, except in the middle, where they are thick and
not removable with the finger. Tonsils very large, submaxillary
MERCURIUS.
215
glands, especially the left, much swollen; all these parts very painful.
Very profuse (almost the maximum degree of) salivation, with very
penetrating mercurial odour. Voice unchanged. Tongue very thick,
swollen, painful on motion and troublesome in talking. Dysphagia,
anorexia. For the rest, respiration, digestion and general condition
unchanged; but a rather frequent pulse, and on previous evening a
little fever. Oaten grits, &c., and chlorine gargles. 13th.-The
patches in the cheeks surrounded with a red border. 14th. That on
the r. cheek disappeared, leaving a grey-red prominent surface (granu-
lations and the remains of the grey pseudo-membrane). 15th.—
Granulations on the 1. cheek (where the patches were), and still more.
plainly on the r. On 23rd the patches on the edge of the tongue
began to granulate, and on the 25th the anterior third of the ulcers was
cicatrised. 28th.-On the r. cheek a granulating surface, 6 mm. in
circumference, surrounded with red mucous membrane. The ulcer
on the 1. border of the tongue cicatrised in a depressed white line; that
on the r. showed a granulating surface only 3 mm. broad, prominent
above the surrounding cicatrisation, which in places spreads across it,
dividing it into islands. In this condition the patient left the hospital,
March 29th. (Ibid.)
29. A young man with gonorrhoea and a small chancre received at
the hands of a surgeon an enormous quantity of calomel, which, besides
excessive salivation, caused violent hectic fever, profuse night-sweats,
tearing pains in the limbs, trembling, and large pustules all over his
body. These were again treated with mercury (for they were con-
sidered symptoms of syphilis by the quack) and grew into large and
deep ulcers, several of which were 1 in. in diameter, surrounded by
inflamed raised edges, and covered with a lardaceous surface. The
worst symptoms were the ulcerations in the pharynx, about the poste-
rior nares, on the tonsils, soft palate, and uvula; one ulcer threatened
to devour all the soft parts; from the mouth and nose issued bloody
pus; he could not articulate audibly, was emaciated, and exceedingly
weak. All remedies tried were without avail, until I administered 10
gr. of hepar sulph. in 24 h., which wrought an immediate change for
the better, so that the other remedies required-sulphuric acid for the
putrid suppurative fever, and nitrate of silver in solution for the foul
buccal ulcers, did quick service. He was soon able to go into the open
air, which gave opportunity to ventilate his room. This course was
pursued with advantage for several weeks, and he had almost recovered,
when he took a cold from exposure to rough weather, and a fever, which
compelled him to remain in the house. Without my knowledge venti-
lation was discontinued. He rapidly fell back into his old troubles
the ulcers in the fauces and in the rest of the body broke out with
renewed violence; even the glans penis became affected in several
places (though not in the spot where the previous chancre had been)
by phagedænic ulcers. The fever, the night-sweats, the rheumatic
pains, and the ptyalism were renewed, and increased. in severity daily.
I prescribed everything that had done good before, but without success;
within a few d. he stood on the brink of the grave. He would take
nothing, hiccupped frequently, did not know his friends, and could
;
216
MERCURIUS.
scarcely move. At this point it came into my mind that the air in the
close room, probably laden with mercurial vapours, was penetrating his
body and thus renewing the symptoms. I ventured to prescribe 3 gr.
of hepar sulph. every h., and with such good results that after 12 h. I
already noticed some improvement. This, and the other previously
named remedies, gradually gave him renewed life and health. I did
not, however, omit to keep a solution of hepar in the sick room for
several weeks, with the intention to neutralize by its exhalations the
mercurial vapours. (HAHNEMAHN, Lesser Writings, p. 185.)
30. KUSSMAUL thus describes the constitutional mercurialism of
workers in M., from observations in 110 cases :
a. Erethismus mercurialis.—After the workers have had one or more
attacks of stomatitis, angina, salivation, gastric affections, diarrhoea, they
lose strength and feel exhausted, become pale or grey-coloured, and lose
flesh. The head is confused, often amounting to headache, which is
sometimes severe, even maddening. There are vertigo, roaring in ears,
transient or dull pains in limbs and joints. Often there is a psychical
irritability, which makes persons not usually shy confused on being looked
at; sometimes very skilful workmen cannot go on with their work when
looked at. Ill-humour, easily angered, rapid transition from passionate
outbursts to pusillanimity. Slight twitching of muscles of face is an
early symptom, especially about corners of mouth, the fingers begin to
tremble when spread out, also the tongue when protruded, the letters
become tremulous if one looks at him when he is writing. Sleep dis-
turbed, frequent starting up, many dreams, sleep unrefreshing. Appe-
tite falls off, often this is the first symptom; loathing at butcher's
meat, the pipe is no longer relished, a nasty metallic taste is experienced,
the mouth exhales the well-known mercurial odour, tongue becomes
furred, swells somewhat, shows the marks of the teeth at its borders,
more saliva than normal is present, and it exudes through the teeth
when speaking. Epigastrium often distended, pressure in stomach,
eructations, nausea. Then ensue vomiting of food, mucus and bile, pains
of various intensity in stomach and bowels, occasional short attacks of
diarrhoea (sometimes of green colour), followed by constipation, or there
is constipation from the beginning; sometimes there is vomiting along
with the diarrhoea. Sometimes the diarrhoea continues for a long time,
is the most prominent symptom, and causes great debility, whilst the
stomatitis and ptyalism are not or only slightly present. In other cases
the gastric symptoms are predominant. The increase of saliva often
amounts to slight salivation; gums, buccal m.m., soft palate, uvula
and tonsils become red and swollen. The gums recede from the teeth
and bleed easily. Salivary glands often swell, even when the salivation
is not great. Teeth become painful, and tearing pains radiate over face
and scalp. Greasy yellow masses collect between teeth and gums.
Sometimes the disease goes no further, but sometimes there is more in-
tense inflammation and flow of saliva. During this period there is a
feeling of tightness and pressure in chest and stitches, breathing is weak,
intermittent. Pulse often slowed, but when examined quick; as every
emotion affects heart the velocity changes rapidly. There is sometimes
fever with the catarrh. If work is now left off the symptoms disappear
MERCURIUS.
217
The
in a few weeks, but if work is continued the disease increases.
higher stages of the disease resemble the effects of calomel, the
inunction treatment, &c. The stomatitis may reach all degrees of in-
flammation up to diphtheritis and phlegmons, with involvement of the
submucous tissue, and may go on to ulceration, suppuration, and even
to mortification of the soft parts and necrosis of the jaw-bones, and the
ptyalism may be very profuse. As a rule the inflammation spreads all
over buccal cavity or the larger part of it, it is seldom confined to fauces
and tonsils. Most frequently superficial ulcers of whitish-grey colour
are observed on the m.m. of the cheeks, corresponding to the impres-
sions made by the teeth; they are seen on the border of the tongue, on
the lips, the gums, more rarely on the velum palati and tonsils. The
ulcers grow rapidly, but more in breadth than depth, sometimes become
confluent, have a yellowish, lardaceous appearance, but are readily
cured by chlorate of potash. Flat whitish cicatrices remain for a time.
Salivation of varying intensity remains, with swollen salivary and lym-
phatic glands. Slighter forms of diphtheritis of the m.m., tonsillitis,
and deep, excavated ulcers with lardaceous surface of moderate extent,
which leave permanent cicatrices, are often seen in the workmen.
Rarely are seen the severe forms of diphtheritis, very extensive and pro-
found ulceration, periostitis of the maxilla, phlegmon of the cheeks, of
the cellular tissue on the floor of the buccal cavity, glossitis parenchy-
matosa, sphacelus of the soft parts, necrosis of the maxillary bones.
The teeth appear to elongate, and become painful and loose, some fall
out or are taken out by the patient with his fingers, others begin to dis-
colour and end in caries. Occasionally herpes oris, conjunctivitis,
hardness of hearing from catarrh of Eustachian tubes are observed.
The higher degrees of stomatitis are attended by constipation. A fever
which may be catarrhal, synochial, or putrid, according to the severity
of the inflammation, is often seen. As the mercurial erethism advances,
the patients feel weaker and their spirits sink, the pallor of the face
increases. They complain of weakness of legs, which increases more
and more, and renders walking and standing difficult, they can no
longer work as before, their hands and legs come into a state of mode-
rate paresis. The psychical irritability and tendency to start increase
with the weakness. Their movements become hurried, every little
trifle, even being looked at or the dread of being observed, makes them
excited and confused, and robs them of the use of their muscles. Most
complain of confusion of head or headache; one girl complained of pain
in 1. side of forehead, aggravated by pressure, another had lumbago.
Restless sleep, starting up out of sleep, anxious dreams, sleeplessness,
are common symptoms. Some are sleepy without being able to sleep.
Frequent symptoms are: fainting, attacks of vertigo with obscuration
of sight, vision of sparks and flashes, weakness of sight, tinnitus aurium,
forgetfulness, drawing and tearing pains in arms, nape, loins, legs;
feeling of "gone to sleep," numbness, formication in hands, not so often
of legs, sense of coldness amounting to rigidity through whole body;
pressure, tightness, stitches in chest, constriction in pit of stomach.
The heart's beats are generally weak, and the pulse often slow.
Hands cold and often blue-coloured, When the patients become
218
MERCURIUS.
excited, which they easily do, they grow pale, they require the greatest
effort to keep upright, or they must sit down if they do not sink to
the ground. Their face has the expression of the greatest confusion
or fright, they seem about to lose their senses. The facial muscles
twitch, they are unable to do their work or even to write if others are
observing them, the fingers and hands tremble. Their speech becomes
trembling, confused, or fails them altogether, like that of a criminal
detected in his crime. Then the heart beats quickly, and the respiration
is quickened. Every emotion, every muscular effort, brings on trem-
bling, staggering, palpitation, and imperfect speech. The paresis of
the arms and legs may become so great as to compel the patient to
give up his work. When the organs of nutrition are much affected the
erethism seldom attains a great height. In the anæmia attending mer-
curial erethism the ankles may become cedematous. Emaciation is very
common, with falling out of hair. The sensation of pressure, tight-
ness, stitches in chest, with weak, intermittent respirations, which
attend the beginning of erethism, change with the advance of the dis-
ease to cough, either dry or with catarrhal expectoration, the dyspnœa
and stitches attain a great intensity. When attended, as this state
often is, by night sweats, frequent diarrhoea and emaciation, it bears a
striking resemblance to galloping consumption. One case of erethism
in a girl, where there were stomatitis and pulmonary catarrh, was accom-
panied by fever, hallucinations, and delirium somewhat like delirium
tremens. Urticaria, furuncles, and slight attacks of eczema
observed in many cases. The menses of women are subject to various
disorders. Generally they become scanty or suppressed, sometimes they
are very irregular in their occurrence, seldom too copious or too fre-
quent. Pregnant women are liable to miscarriage.
are
b. Tremor mercurialis.-This sometimes comes on suddenly without
any premonitory symptoms, and unattended by any other derangement
of health. But as a rule it is preceded by erethism of longer or shorter
duration. Those muscles which in health are most subject to the will
are those chiefly affected. The muscles react slowly to electricity, but
are no longer able to perform intended movements. They certainly
obey the impulse of the will by contracting, but these contractions are
not such as the patient desires. The muscles begin to tremble and
twitch and set other muscles agoing in the same way, and the will loses
all power over these muscles. The patients cannot grasp or use small
objects, but they can generally use heavy objects. One patient who
could hold a heavy thick stick in his hand with considerable trembling,
when he took a small stick in his hand, after some violent convulsive
movements it flew away out of his hand. It is generally the hands and
arms over which the control of the will is lost, and which tremble and
twitch at the least exertion or emotion. Sometimes, but rarely, the
general trembling is preceded by stammering, which may amount to
incomprehensible speech and aphonia. Sometimes the legs are first
affected with great weakness, and when an effort is made to walk
or even to stand, there comes on staggering and falling down.
Trembling and twitching of head usually comes later, and the facial
muscles are first affected. The different muscular spheres are some-
MERCURIUS.
219
and
times affected in a very unequal manner; one part may be quite lost to
the will whilst another remains subject to it. Thus speech may be
gone altogether, while arms and legs are only occasionally affected with
trembling from emotion; or the whole body trembles and twitches in-
cessantly, while the speech remains intelligible though trembling and
interrupted. One side of the body is occasionally more strongly
affected than the other. According to the degree and extent of the
paresis the patient may be unable to stand, walk, drink, eat, put on or
take off his clothes, speak intelligibly, or utter articulate sounds. The
gait of those still able to walk is laboured, and the feet wide apart as in
people with tabes dorsalis. Many cannot drink, because they spill all
the liquid in the glass before they can bring it to their mouth. Some-
times the patient is unable to chew. In the convulsive spasm it is some-
times necessary to strap the patient down to prevent him being thrown
out of bed by the convulsions. Sometimes the trembling and convul-
sions are in fits with intervals of quiet, sometimes they are persistent
as long as the patient is awake. In aggravated cases the body is turned
to and fro, while every group of muscles and every single muscle is in
a state of activity. The head waggles constantly from one shoulder to
the other, and is usually jerked backwards or sidewards; the eyelids go
up and down; the eyeballs roll from side to side, the face is distorted
by grimaces, the jaws rattle, arms and legs tremble and jerk, as a whole
every muscle for itself. The convulsions may become so violent
that several strong men may be required, and may be unable to prevent
the patient tossing about. The convulsions rarely continue during
sleep, but sometimes the trembling and convulsions rouse the patient
from his sleep. The convulsions are always of the clonic form. Along
with the general weakness of the voluntary muscles there is generally
weakness of heart. Pulse often slow (52-56). Often it is very
excitable, 60-70 when at rest, 80-100 when the least excited.
Fainting is apparently caused by the lessened heart's power. Respira-
tion is often weak; sometimes there are asthmatic attacks. There are
often disturbances of stomach and abdomen, and constipation. Vertigo
is very frequent, it comes on very suddenly or with prodromata such as
tinnitus aurium, vision of sparks or colours, dimness of sight, nausea
and even vomiting. It sometimes prevents the patient getting up at
all. Sometimes it is attended by complete unconsciousness, the patient
falls down and lies for a short time quite unconscious. The symptoms
attending mercurial tremor are chiefly: Headache day and night, generally
of a drawing and tearing character, sometimes more in sinciput,
sometimes more in occiput. Sometimes violent tearing in nape. In
some the pain is relieved, in others aggravated, in bed. Drawing and
tearing pains in arms, shoulders and legs, not affected by movement,
generally aggravated by heat of bed. Formication and numb feeling in
hands, and even sometimes in legs. Anæsthesia tactus and analgesia
are sometimes observed. Complaints of chilly feeling are frequent.
Imperfect vision during the tremor is often observed. Tinnitus aurium
is frequent. Sleep is often interfered with, and complete sleeplessness
is not uncommon. Anxious frightful dreams and frequent starting up
from sleep. As darkness comes on, the patient often has hallucina-
220
MERCURIUS.
tions of vision, which may last almost all n. He sees people about his
bed, they touch him, lie down beside him or upon him like a nightmare;
all sorts of known and unknown people move about his room, pass his
bed; horrible figures, demons, dead people, monsters come and go.
All this occurs while his eyes are open. These things inspire the
patient with terror and horror. The patients are often subject to cause-
less anxiety that makes it impossible for them to be left alone day or
night: they scream with terror, weep and lament, try to get out of
bed or the room and flee away. Sometimes there is complete delirium
and aberration of intellect even persisting during the d. Some patients.
are affected with loss of memory and weakness of mind. In the last
stages there may be attacks of syncope, profuse sweats, diarrhoea of a
dysenteric character (dysenteric ulceration has been found, P.M.),
hæmorrhage from genitals, decubitus, blennorrhoea, conjunctivitis.
(Untersuchungen üb. d. const. Mercurialismus.)
31. a. Cases.-H. K—, æt. 47, married; in a mirror factory for
20 years. He frequently suffered from stomatitis and angina mercu-
rialis, with ulceration and profuse salivation. In Nov., 1838, he is
entered upon the hospital register with hydrargyrosis; in May, 1840,
with pains in head and stomach. Four times tremor attained such an
intensity that he had to be fed. During the severe attacks of tremor
he was greatly troubled with sleeplessness, restlessness, weakness.
of memory, and impaired judgment.
The weakness of memory
remained for a long time afterward. The headache was slight, but
there was great roaring in the ears, much vertigo and cloudy vision.
Tearing pains in extremities, especially upper; great weakness in lower,
so that he had to be led. Extreme emaciation. The hair fell out,
but came again. Appetite bad, and he suffered also with diarrhoea
and palpitation. As long as he worked at his trade he was frequently
troubled with an eruption on the back,-according to his description,
an eczema. He had no eruption before or after that time. The
eruption came in the form of patches of vesicles, which itched severely
and soon exuded moisture. He suffered much from tightness in chest,
anxiety, and bad dreams.
b. Sept., 1860.-Chronic copper-coloured angina, with considerable
swelling of the faucial mucous membrane, without ulcers or scars.
Pain in swallowing with much scratching in the throat. On the
mucous membrane of the cheeks, flat scars and thickening of the
epithelium. Teeth partly carious, partly gone; many, as he said,
having got loose and fallen out, without becoming carious, while he
was silvering. (Ibid.)
32. a. M. SCH-, æt. 31, unmarried, a silverer from her 14th to
her 21st years, then got stomatitis, and after her cure went as a waitress
into a madhouse. At the expiration of 31 years she returned to her
trade, and continued at it uninterruptedly for 2 years. Then she
suffered severely from stomatitis and salivation. After being cured she
silvered again for 2 years, when she was taken with a frightful con-
vulsive tremor. In the summer of 1858 she was in the hospital, and
for 16 weeks at home, obliged to be fed, talking unintelligibly, falling
if she attempted to walk, and troubled with severe attacks of vertigo.
MERCURIUS.
221
The tremor affected her head also, and prevented her sleep. Memory
and judgment weakened. Aug., 1860.-Almost entirely recovered,
not having worked with quicksilver since the summer of 1858; is well
nourished, looks and feels well. Only something of the trembling is
aroused by emotional excitement. Good growth of hair. Gums
bright red at the edges. The alveolar borders of the lower incisors
somewhat atrophied; but those teeth, though no longer firm, are other-
wise white and good, like all the rest, of which there was not one lost.
Slight chronic angina. In Sept., 1860, she returned to silvering in a
small factory. In the November following, stomatitis, quickly cured
by the use of kali chlor. After some weeks, continuing her work,
stomatitis again, cough without expectoration; stitching pains in various
parts of the thorax; headache, and slight fever. These all vanished
after some days, when she returned to her occupation.
b. Feb. 19th, 1861.-She was obliged to stop again. She had
latterly become pale, rather grey, emaciated, and felt dull and depressed.
The stomatitis had reappeared with tremor. Menstruation, previously
regular, became irregular, very scanty, pale, and lasting but a few hours.
The appetite was good all the time she was at the quicksilver work;
the stool at times thin and frequent, 21st.-The patient, who looked
well the previous autumn, is now very much emaciated and greyish
white; skin lax, muscles flabby. Many teeth have fallen out, others are
carious or grey. Buccal mucous membrane red and swollen, with
depressions corresponding to the remaining teeth, and covered with flat,
readily bleeeding ulcers. No salivation. Bad breath.
Pain in mouth,
especially in the lower jaw. Roof of mouth and faucial mucous mem-
brane deep red. Glands about the lower jaw slightly swollen. Thorax
in every respect well developed; mammæ lax. Percussion shows
normal heart and lung outlines, and an ample depression of the dia-
phragm in inspiration. Auscultation shows nothing abnormal. While
the mechanism of respiration seems quite natural in quiet breathing, in
deep breathing both the inspirations and expirations, instead of being
each continuous, seemed to consist of 3 or 4 rapidly successive move-
ments. Abdomen presents nothing noticeable. Microscopic examina-
tion of the blood shows no relative excess of white corpuscles. Pulse
varies from 76 to 80; temperature of skin normal. When at rest there
is no tremor, but it comes with the slightest psychical excitation. A
look or word causes the extremities to tremble; she is obliged to sit
down, and the pulse is quickened. Subjective symptoms: general lassi-
tude, heaviness of the lower extremities, excessive timidity and ill-
humour; no headache, sleep good. Prescription: kali chlor. as a
gargle. Tepid bath every other day. 23rd.-Patient complains of
much chilliness and cough, with pains in left side and shoulder. Physical
investigation negative. No expectoration, no fever, urine scanty, dark
yellow, albuminous, sp. gr. 1016. 24th.-Careful examination of tactile
sense with the callipers shows decided diminution of sensibility. 26th.
-Mouth nearly well. Still complains of cough, especially severe while
in the bath. Úrine abundant, 800-1000 c.c., pale yellow; sp. gr.
1014, albumen less. March 1st.-She feels stronger, less tremor ;
visual power undiminished. Tinct. ferri acet., 20 dr. three times a d.
222
MERCURIUS.
5300 c.c. of urine collected from Feb. 24th to March 2nd, tested by
Schneider's electrolytic method, showed a large quantity of mercury.
4th.—Improvement slow but decided. Albumen reduced to a trace.
Urine 1500 c.c., pale yellow, sp. gr. 1019. In 1000 c.c. there are
16.5 grams of urea, and 19 grams sodium chloride. 5th to 7th.-
Menstruation as usual. 7th.-1600 c.c. of dark yellow urine, free from
albumen, sp. gr. 1018, feebly acid. In 1000 c.c. 175 grams urea.
9th.-Menstruation returned, and lasted until the 11th. Iith.-1200
c.c. urine, sp. gr. 1015, containing in 1000 c.c. 23 grams urea. 18th.
-Improvement in every respect, colour of skin, nutrition, strength,
morale; tremor less frequent and weaker. Discharged convalescent,
1350 c.c. of dark yellow, neutral urine, sp. gr. 1019, with no trace of
albumen for 10 or 12 d. In 1000 c.c. 22 grams of urea. Constipation
during the entire period. (Ibid.)
33. a. A man, æt. 46, came to the hospital in October, 1833.
He said he had worked in a mirror factory since his eighth year, princi-
pally as a silverer. In this operation the workman dips his right hand
into a vessel of M., while with the left he holds the glass plate upon
which the metal has to be rubbed. Usually the mouth and nose are
covered with a veil; but this man had never used one, as he thought
that those who did derived no benefit from it. For 30 years he had
been very healthy, suffering only occasionally with bleeding of the
gums; a stinging, nipping pain in various parts of the body; and a
more or less decided loss of power in the hands, always removed by the
use of strong spirits. He was repeatedly salivated, and, upon admission.
to the hospital, nearly all his teeth were gone. A short time before he
had felt tolerably well, only the r. eye had become weaker, and the
memory so affected that he could not remember the names of his
nearest acquaintance.
b. It was hard to give a name to the condition of this patient upon
his reception. The reporter saw that it was a spasm, not resembling
tetanus, hydrophobia, or hysteria, but rather chorea. The head, arms
and fingers, especially of the 1. side, were in incessant spasmodic motion.
The corners of the mouth were retracted; the eyebrows wrinkled; the
nostrils dilated. The sterno-mastoid, trapezius, scaleni, diaphragm and
abdominal muscles were spasmodically affected. His speech was broken
and indistinct, by reason of the hiccough accompanying the spasm of
the diaphragm, and the constant tremor of the tongue. At times the
spasms would cease; but any part which he attempted to move would
immediately become affected. If he attempted to raise his foot, it began
to tremble and fell down again. If he wanted to drink, instead of
carrying the glass to his mouth, he put it to the ear, nose or forehead;
so that his comrades laughingly said he could not find his mouth. If
another held the glass, he could drink easily. A cold draught, the
touch of a cold hand, and the unexpected entrance of anyone into his
room instantly provoked spasms. The muscles of the 1. side were more
affected than those of the r. Cerebral activity undiminished; the
patient being always conscious, and endeavouring as accurately as pos-
sible to give the smallest details of his disease. Urine normal. Some
pain upon pressure over the fourth and fifth dorsal vertebræ; the
MERCURIUS.
223
remaining portion of the spine not more sensitive than usual. Skin
cold and dry. Pulse quick, soft and small. Constipation, easily
relieved by purgatives.
c. Leeches were put over the sensitive place on the spine and a
warm bath ordered; subsequently the patient got a purge followed by
an opiate. After some days his condition was somewhat improved.
On the 1. side, to be sure, the spasms continued, but in a less degree;
on the r. side the spasms of the voluntary muscles ceased, except of
the scaleni, pectorales, intercostals and diaphragm. By narcotic
inunctions in the spinal region, especially of ext. bellad., the spasms
were entirely subdued and the patient left the hospital entirely cured.
(W. STOKES, Lectures.)
-
34. a. L-, a silversmith, æt. 55, well built, well proportioned
chest, with a delicate fine skin; sweats easily; was always inclined to
gout and has an habitual cough; good digestion with small appetite;
takes his wine daily and not infrequently takes too much; is disposed
to diarrhoea, and for years has had pains in the head and is inclined to
melancholy. For years he had gilded the many silvery articles in his
laboratory in the open air in a narrow court surrounded by high
buildings which prevented the mercurial vapours from being carried off.
In 1823 he got a tremor of the hands and feet, so that he could not
write. Flowers of sulphur and liver of sulphur taken continuously,
together with baths of hep. sulph. alcal., overcame the condition, as also
a relapse which occurred in 1824. In the winter of 1824-25 he fre-
quently complained of pains in the limbs and abdominal muscles, of
headache on rising in the morning, and of great depression; was pale, ill-
humoured and without appetite; had great lassitude, fever, drawing
pains in the r. leg, headache, coated tongue, sweat, very acute pains in
the abdominal muscles, and a violent cough, generally loose, attended
finally with severe pains in the chest. Venesection seemed neces-
sary, but on account of the existing weakness, leeches were applied.
The leech bites continued to bleed for more than 24 h., and the blood
was very fluid. After taking sal. ammoniac, aurum sulph., digit., ipec.,
prussic acid, applying vesicants to the chest, &c., the thoracic symptoms
subsided, but violent head pains reappeared, extending down into the
cheeks; indifference with respect to his business, extreme weakness of
memory, vertigo, eyes very dim with a dull expression; no more sweat
or heat but a quickened and rather full pulse, decided weakness and
complete ancrexia. Four weeks had now elapsed and the disease had
become chronic. Gradually occasional wandering of mind appeared;
dry skin; no increased warmth of body; much thirst; no appetite at
all; very throbbing, full, trembling, frequent pulse; stupid; constant
inclination to lie and sleep. Leeches were applied to the temples and
behind the ears, ice to the head, inunctions of tart. emet. ointment to
the nape, and as no pustules appeared, a vesicatory was applied; inter-
nally, prussic acid and subsequently Haller's acid in large doses,—all
without result. The emaciation increased, the strength diminished,
the gums bled excessively, a persistent comatose condition set in, with
entire loss of consciousness, uninterrupted low muttering delirium, bad
odour from the mouth and over the whole body. Wine and china
224
MERCURIUS.
were not tolerated. Camphor, musk, sal succini answered better, but
he died in the eighth week with apoplectic symptoms, hemiplegia
involving the tongue, and unconscious voiding of the excrements.
b. Autopsy 3 h. after death. On both hemispheres, especially the
1. posteriorly, a bloody covering, one-third inch thick, containing white
streaks of coagulated lymph, as found in the blood of subinflammatory
conditions after standing some time; this extended, following the pia
mater, as far as and over the tentorium. Cerebellum healthy. A con-
siderable amount of fluid in the left lateral ventricle. The bloody
covering extended over the greater portion of the cerebrum. (KOPP's
Denkw. aus der Aerztl. Praxis, B. 3, p. 336, 1836.)
35. A goldsmith in Münster, gradually poisoned by mercurial
vapour, became pale and weak, very thin and daily more cachectic.
Aphthæ in mouth and fauces, especially on the edge of the tongue, were
at first removed by applications of borax and honey, with tinct. of
myrrh. ; but returning after awhile were left to themselves. In August,
1811, while, with unusually high atmospheric temperature, 27° R.
(92-75° F.), typhoid fever and dysentery were prevalent in Münster, a
profuse epistaxis, uncontrolled by external and internal treatment, set
The mercurial disease, too, did not abate, but there appeared daily
new hæmorrhages, from the entire buccal surface, from the eyelids and
face, especially the forehead, in drops, constituting a true bloody sweat;
also from the urinary tract; the urine being at first reddish, subse-
quently blackish. Pulse small, feeble, not rapid. More than a pound
of blood was lost daily. He had petechiæ before the hæmorrhage,
upon the abdomen and lower extremities, small round spots of a dark
red to black colour. Under the incessant bleeding, with entire want
of appetite, he steadily sank and died on the twelfth day after the first
hæmorrhage. (Hufeland's Journal, B. 45, 1817.)
36. A barometer maker lived with his family in his workroom.
The eldest of his five children was cachectic; the second died at 9
years, the third at 3 mo., of scrofula; the fourth, æt. 3, has strumous
ophthalmia and tabes mesenterica; the youngest, 6 mo. old, is very
backward in its development, and has already caries of several ribs and
the upper dorsal vertebræ. The mother looks cachectic, but is not ill.
at present. The father has suffered for years from trembling of limbs,
amounting at time to spasms; also periodically from nocturnal boring
bone-pains. He has likewise periostitis in the middle of the tibia, and
a papular eruption on the back. Swelling of the glands about the neck,
dark redness of the mucous membrane of the fauces, diseased gums
and bad teeth were observed in every member of the family. (HER-
MANN, Nachtheile; from Huber.)
-
37a. T. Hermann studied the diseases of the labourers in the quick-
silver works at Idria.
The labourers are divided into three classes:
I. Those in the mines.
2. Those in the smelting works, and
3. Those employed in the preparation of cinnabar.
Beside these, there is a class of which each member works every
year in all three places. In the smelting works, where 59 men are
MERCURIUS.
225
1. Of the miners:
employed, each one remains only one month, as here the danger is
greatest. Of 516 labourers in 1856, there were sick from the action
of M.:
20 with dyspepsia.
scrofulosis.
15
IO
IO
4
2
2 99
""
""
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رد
anæmia.
neuralgia.
mercurial gout.
tremor mercurialis.
caries.
2. Of the smelters:
1 with ptyalism.
15 with neuralgia.
12
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وو 4
anæmia.
mercurial gout.
tremor mercurialis.
3. Of the cinnabar makers :
2 ,, neuralgia.
By anæmia is meant the mercurial cachexia, which consists of
general weakness, bad nutrition, earthy complexion and decided emacia-
tion. The mercurial gout is shown by tearing in the limbs, joint
pains, and especially by nocturnal bone pains. The local physician,
Dr. Gorbeg, observed caries after preceding periostitis and ostitis. Of
516 labourers in 1856, there were 122 sick. The mortality is also
very great, in spite of favourable climate and social conditions. Of
4500 an average of 120 die annually; abortion and premature births
are frequent.
b. Hermann found among 30 sick, whom he visited during his stay
in Idria, two cases of tremor mercurialis; two of caries; one of
kyphosis in consequence of softening of the vertebræ ; one of periostitis
and subsequent necrosis; five cases with osteocopic pains; one with
chronic atrophy of the liver, with decided emaciation; one case with a
papulous exanthem over the whole body and nocturnal bone pains; one
with extensive kidney-shaped ulcers on the foot; one the perfect picture
of phthisis laryngea, with visible erosions and ulcers on the posterior wall
of the fauces; one with paralysis of 1. arm. The remaining cases were
those of scrofula of children, an endemic complaint here. It is extremely
interesting to note that two children, of one family, born while the
parents were working in the Jaly mines, were not scrofulous, while all
the others born in Idria were scrofulous. Of 18 affected with hydrar-
gyrosis we find 3 with ptyalism, angina and faucial ulcers (a more or
less intense redness of the roof of mouth and fauces, with relaxation and
swelling of the mucous membrane, was observed in almost all cases);
6 with dyspepsia; 9 with gastralgia; I with jaundice; 3 with swelling
and Isuppuration of glands; I with vomiting and diarrhoea; 4 with
tremors; 2 with neuralgia; 3 with ischialgia; 6 with arthrorheuma
(acute rheumatism); 2 with macula; 2 with squamous eruption; I
with papular eruption; 3 with ulcers on the feet; 3 with dolores osteo-
copi; with periostitis; 4 with caries; I with necrosis in elbow-
joint; 1 with malacosis vertebralis; 7 with anæmia; 2 with cachexia,
c. All the residents of Idria have more
more or less hepatic dis-
order. Intumescence of the liver, with a hyperæmia of carbonized
blood and the resulting consequences, are endemic disorders there.
Neuralgias are very frequent, under the form of gastralgia, ischialgia,
VOL. III.
15
226
MERCURIUS.
and neuralgia of the fifth pair. Osteocopic pains, periostitis, ostitis,
exostosis, necrosis and caries are frequent. Tophi are seldom seen.
Macular, papular, vesicular, and pustular eruptions, as well as chronic
kidney-shaped ulcers, are met with. On the mucous membranes we
find angina with and without erosions and ulcers. In the glandular
system we see swelling, inflammation, suppuration. In the liver, in-
tumescence with all its consequences on the one hand, and on the
other, chronic atrophy. (Ibid.)
38. a. Beside the observations of Hermann we place those of
Keller, made in some mirror factories in Bohemia. The mirror sil-
verers are not taken under 16 nor over 40 years of age, and are usually
between 16 and 24. Married women are not employed on account of
the danger of abortion. Eight h. a d. is the working time, and after
14 d. work they always have to stop from 8 to 14 d. and often longer.
They die early, seldom exceeding 50 years. Wounds heal slowly.
Syphilis is extremely rare. All the employees are to be considered as
more or less sick, according as they have been working a longer or
shorter time. Even the children of those operatives who have been
employed for a considerable length of time look pale and rachitic, and
have the scrofulous characteristics.
b. According to Dr. Klement, the new hands, within the first 14
d., get a thick dirty grey covering on the teeth, coppery redness and
swelling of the gums and buccal mucous membrane. Subsequently
excoriations appear on the inner surface of lips and gums, with mode-
rate salivation, nasal catarrh with thin discharge, and frequently loss of
smell and hoarseness. The excoriated places on the lips and cheeks
develop into deep ulcers, with swollen eroded edges, and the tonsils as
well as the cervical glands swell. When such labourers return repeat-
edly to the same work, ulcers entirely similar are developed in the
mucous membrane of the fauces, especially on the posterior wall (except
the new hands, all the silverers had ulcers in the fauces). There appear
tremors of the hands, at times also of the feet, nocturnal drawing pains.
in the head and extremities. The teeth finally become loose and fall
out, especially the front teeth (the oldest hand had only 11 teeth in his
mouth). Finally, osseous enlargements occur, frequently on the tibia,
less often on the head. These tophi, with swelling and sensitiveness of
periosteum, are the cause of violent pains, especially at n., in the
warmth of the bed, in cold damp weather, and in a thunder-storm, but
particularly at the first snowfall. At times also macular, papular, and
even squamous eruptions (the last especially in older people) appear on
chest, back, and hairy scalp; but these, except when they come on the
head, are but little noticed by the people. Such eruptions often
appear suddenly, last only a few weeks, and then disappear, to return
after awhile. All these last-mentioned appearances do not come only
in those who remain at work or have but recently left it, but are often
developed in those who for years have had nothing to do with quick-
silver. The serpiginous ulcers on the skin especially come almost
wholly on such as have left mirror silvering for from 4 to 10 years.
The nodes and tophi occurring under such circumstances do not go
away. Falling off of the nails has not yet been observed in these work-
MERCURIUS.
227
men.
Formerly abortions were common among mirror silverers, so
that now married women are no longer employed, in this work espe-
cially. Even in the children of women formerly employed as silverers
the features of anæmia and scrofula have been generally observed, and
are not to be ascribed to the poor dwellings and vegetable diet, as the
children of the glassworkers, otherwise living under the same conditions,
are as a rule tolerably healthy.
c. It has been observed that people who begin the work at an
advanced age are much sooner and more affected than those who begin
when young; finally, that the more severe forms of hydrargyrosis are
found principally in those who, after having been employed in earlier
years for a long time in mirror silvering, have chosen some other occu-
pation and have thereby often for many years been withdrawn from the
influence of mercury. Those labourers who have for many years (of
course with longer or shorter interruptions) been exposed to the action
of mercury, and who already suffer from chronic hydrargyrosis, usually
feel far better when at work than when away from it; so that they
would continue at it uninterruptedly, if not compelled to stop by the
recurrence of symptoms of the acute disease (salivation, ulcers of
mouth and fauces), or by pains becoming more intense with tremor and
sleeplessness.
d. Dr. Klement told Dr. Keller that in the beginning of his prac-
tice there he took the symptoms of chronic hydrargyrosis for those of
actual syphilis on account of their striking similarity to those ascribed
to secondary and tertiary syphilis; that he has accordingly administered
Dzondi's pills, until convinced that this treatment was in most cases
inefficient, in others detrimental; that the same symptoms constantly
appeared in those who had never been syphilitic; and that they uni-
formly developed themselves in all who continued to be occupied for a
long time with quicksilver. Dr. Klement finally had the kindness to
show Dr. Keller a number of typical cases, exhibiting the various
appearances of hydrargyrosis previously described. Among these the
most interesting were those of widespread serpiginous ulcers on the
arm and leg; deep ulcers in the fauces; extensive papular eruption;
and nodes and tophi on the tibia. The morbid picture presented by the
other workmen was generally uniform, showing for the most part a com-
mingling of symptoms of acute and chronic hydrargyrosis. (HUBER,
op. cit.)
39. a. HALFORT says: "The necroscopic investigations upon
workers in mercury have yielded no constant result. In the majority of
cases the intestinal mucous membrane has been found congested, and
with traces of local inflammation. In some cases the liver and spleen
were enlarged. In the brain and spinal cord there were, now and then,
traces of inflammation and softening. When death was preceded by
long-continued paralysis or tremor, there was atrophy of the muscles
affected; where patients had succumbed to an attack of asthma, the lungs.
were found filled with a reddish serum. Laryngitis and phthisis mer-
curialis presented the usual morbid appearances of these affections.
b. SCHNEIDER describes the morbid anatomy of gilders in the fol-
lowing manner: Indurations of the lungs, liver, pancreas, spleen; gall-
228
MERCURIUS.
bladder filled with black viscid bile, the portal vein with thick, dark
blood; lymphatic glands indurated; the teeth and their alveoli, the jaw-
bones, as also other bones, carious. The evidences of inflammation in
the intestinal canal, not unfrequently found resulting from the internal
use of mercurial preparations, were not observed in gilders. (Ibid.)
;
40. a. Mercurial trembling is the name given to a kind of chronic
convulsive malady, characterised by a peculiar agitation, caused by M.
in workers who employ that metal. Its invasion is sometimes sudden
most often, however, it comes on gradually. At first the patient feels
the arms less steady; they oscillate, then they shudder, at last they
tremble-more or less according as the patient continues in his work.
If he persists in doing so, the tremor becomes general and evidently
convulsive. He is then unable to perform satisfactorily the functions
which demand muscular force,-as locomotion, mastication, working
with hands, &c. Soon yet graver symptoms compel him to give up all
work and to think of treatment; these are sudden losses of conscious-
ness, insomnia, delirium.
b. When the patient comes under inspection he has a remarkably
brown complexion; he is sometimes animated, sometimes languid;
there is but little emaciation if the illness is not of long standing; the
skin is generally rather dry, and sometimes a little hot. The appetite
fails as the tremor becomes intense; pulse is generally strong and slow.
c. The muscular contractions which constitute the tremor come on
with astonishing rapidity, but not always; thus a patient attacked with
them, wishing to bend his arm, cannot accomplish this at once,—two
or three little jerks will draw back the forearm and cause a tremor.
In
bad cases the sufferers cannot get a cup of liquid to their mouths with-
out upsetting it, and solid foods can hardly be rightly guided there.
Emotion, such as anger, will bring on tremblings, which without them
would be absent. (MÉRAT, Dict. des Sc. Med., lv, 521.)
41. M. W—, æt. 50, had been ill for a year. He stated that twelve
months ago he had a slight itching eruption on the skin, which was
treated by a surgeon with M., probably in large doses, because soon
after he had profuse salivation; when the eruption disappeared, he found
himself unable to walk. He was then admitted to the Manchester
Royal Infirmary, but after remaining there three months he came home
in the same state. When I saw him first he was totally unable to
walk or rise from his chair; his teeth were few and black; he com-
plained of dizziness and dimness of sight. He had violent pains in the
lower part of his back, was always trembling, generally constipated, and
could not make water freely. He had been impotent the whole twelve
He complained further of shooting pains in his legs, could not
feel the ground, and had a sensation of his feet being twenty times the
size they really were. Before taking the M. he had been quite well
and strong. After (homœopathic) treatment he so far improved as to
be able to walk with a stick, and lost his pains. (BLUMBERG, Brit.
Journ. of Hom., xv, 622.)
mos.
42. H. S―, æt, 43, stated that three years ago he had rheumatic
pains and stiffness in his r. shoulder. The surgeon whom he consulted
gave him much calomel, and after some weeks he was profusely sali-
MERCURIUS.
229
vated. Some time afterwards he felt very weak, particularly in the
legs, and by-and-by he became unable to walk straight. He complains
of violent pains in the lower part of his back, an abnormal sensation in
his legs, feeling as if bound tightly with an iron belt across the abdomen.
He is very weak-sighted, and often sees black spots; very slow reaction
of the iris to light; nearly continual discharge of semen; habitual con-
stipation and ischaemia; impotence for three years. This patient also
improved much under treatment; the discharge of semen ceased; he
walked much steadier, and had much less pain in back and legs. (Ibid.)
43. O—, æt. 32, barometer maker for 3 years, came under M.
Jean's care in May, 1877. He had been in vigorous health, and had
no syphilitic or alcoholic history. Eighteen months ago a bottle of M.
had accidentally been left uncovered in his workroom (which was
warm), and was found a year later completely empty. During this
time he had complained of headache, formication, numbness and weak-
ness of arms and legs, pain in joints, loss of appetite, emaciation. Eight
months ago the creeping became more intense and constant in 1. arm
and leg, which were also heavier and less obedient to the will. One
m., on waking, he found 1. arm, 1. leg, and tongue partially paralysed;
he could scarcely speak; the face was not drawn. He did not feel his
arm or leg, but could still walk with a stick. He remained thus for
48 h., when he awoke no longer paralysed, save for a little weakness in
1. arm.
On entry into hospital the motor troubles were gone, but
those of sensation were quite appreciable, viz. very marked analgesia on
dorsal aspect of both forearms, also a little on r. chest and both temples,
none in legs. No loss of tactile sensibility in any part. (HALLOPEau,
op. cit.)
44. B-, mirror maker for 5 years, æt. 44, entered Hôtel Dieu,
Nov., 1876. Six weeks ago he had felt creeping in soles, which soon
reached legs and thighs, sensibility in these parts becoming very obtuse;
he felt as if walking on pasteboard; r. side most affected. At same
time, acute pains in all joints of r. arm, followed 3 weeks later by
creeping in hands. R. salivary glands very painful, and copious
ptyalism. Patient is neither an alcoholic nor is he syphilitic. There
has been for 3 mos. much diaphoresis, but exclusively on the r. side.
His present state is generally good enough; integuments pale, flesh
flabby. If made to walk, he advances uncertainly; it is an effort to
lift his feet, but he does not actually drag them. With closed eyes he
staggers, and sways to r. side. The arms lack vigour; the hands
grasp with difficulty. Muscular force is a little better preserved on
the 1. side, though the patient is not left-handed. On extension of
arms there is manifest tremor, but much more marked on r. side.
Sensibility of surface varies in different regions, but is generally dimi-
nished, especially on r. side. There is complete anæsthesia on r. side
from malleoli to umbilicus, also over r. arm save on its internal border,
on inner and posterior aspect of 1. leg, and on lower half of anterior
surface of 1. thigh. There is complete analgesia of r. arm, r. side of
abdomen, and both thighs save upper anterior surface of 1. To cold
both legs are insensible, r. thigh, r. half of trunk, and r. arm. The
mucous membrane and organs of sense participate in this r. hemianæs-
230
MERCURIUS.
thesia. When the tongue is pricked with a pin the patient is scarcely
conscious of it. It is the same with the palate and pharynx. A spoon
pushed towards the back of the tongue causes no reflex action. Taste
is much blunted; a little quinine deposited on the tongue excites no
sensation. It is the same with smell; ammonia may be held to the
nostrils without inconvenience. In the r. eye the conjunctiva is insen-
sible, sight indistinct, pupils dilated. Hearing is unaffected, but patient
complains of shooting in r. ear. The patient can move his r. leg quite
well, but has no consciousness that he is doing so; so that electro-
muscular sensibility seems absent there. (Ibid.)
45. Aug. S, æt. 22, mirror silverer for 3 years, experienced 2
years ago impossibility of extending r. arm; dizziness coming on sud-
denly, so that he fell to the ground, but soon returned to himself; no
epileptiform spasms. He entered the Hôpital Beaujon, and remained
there 3 mos. He states that 1. arm was found insensible and wasted;
the hand continued bent, and he could not open it. There was also
deadness of r. leg. After 5 weeks occurred rigors, pain in 1. side, and
next d. hæmoptysis. The pain in side has persisted since. Fever
lasted 15 d.; two blisters were applied. From that time emaciation
set in, diarrhoea, night sweats, loss of appetite, occasional vomiting
during attacks of cough. Examination of chest now showed at back
of 1. apex a little wheezing on expiration and some râles after the
cough; in front breathing was harsh. Patient has less power in r.
than in 1. arm, and grasps less strongly with r. hand. There is sym-
metric wasting of muscles of both arms; no anesthesia. In lower
extremities, painful shootings through length of limbs (not in joints);
on 1. side pressure is painful; patient has a certain stiffness in 1. leg,
and a somewhat sharp pain in 1. flank. No anæsthesia. (Ibid.)
46. The author has seen a well-marked case of locomotor ataxia,
characterised by pains, ocular disorders, spermatorrhoea, plantar anæs-
thesia, and inco-ordination of muscular acts, result from the inhalation
of mercurial fumes. (BARTHOLOW, op. cit.)
-
-
47. If the "grand mal" has not been observed in chronic mercu-
rialism, certain subjects have experienced symptoms analogous to those
of the "petit mal;" especially vertigo, either sudden, or preceded by
tinnitus aurium, photopsia, clouding of vision, nausea, and even vomit-
ing. These attacks may oblige the patients to keep their beds,
although their limbs have still power to support them; they do not
always subside even when the recumbent position is maintained; their
subjects compare themselves to men intoxicated. They may, finally,
be accompanied by loss of consciousness; the patients then fall suddenly,
and remain some time on the ground. (HALLOPEAU, op. cit.)
48. My patient was a woman of somewhat advanced years when
she first came under my notice, but her malady had (though with long
intermissions) existed ever since she was a young girl in service. At
that early date she was severely salivated by some energetic but mis-
guided practitioner, for an affection which was called pleurisy, but
(according to her description) might well have been only pleurodynia,
to which servant girls are so very subject. At any rate the consequences
of the medication were most disastrous. Not only did she then and
MERCURIUS.
231
there lose every tooth in her head, and suffer extensive exfoliations from
the maxillæ, but after this process was over she began to suffer fright-
fully from neuralgic pains in both arms and in both legs. Tonic medi-
cines and a change to sea-air brought about a tardy and temporary cure,
but from that time her nervous system never recovered itself. When-
ever she took cold, or was over-fatigued, or depressed from any bodily
or mental cause, she was certain to experience a recurrence of the
pains. At the time of her application to me she was suffering from an
attack of more than ordinary severity, and which had lasted a long time
without showing any signs of yielding. She apparently could not find
words to express the acuteness of her sufferings. All along the course
of the sciatic nerve in the thigh, all down the course of the middle
cutaneous and long saphenous branches of the anterior crural, in the
musculo-spiral, radial and ulnar nerves; and also, in a more generalised
way, in the gastrocnemii, in the soles of the feet, and in the palms of
the hands, the pains were of a tearing character, which she described
as resembling "iron teeth" tearing the flesh. The pains recurred many
times daily; her life was a perfect burden to her, and always had been
during these attacks. I should mention, as additional proof of the extent
to which the mercurial poison had shattered the nervous system of this
woman, that she had violent muscular tremors at the time of her first
attack, and on several subsequent occasions. A more completely ruined
life was never seen. (ANSTIE, On Neuralgia, p. 24.)
49. We have observed the bone-pains (douleurs osteocopes) of M. but
once, in a mirror silverer. They occurred in the d., but more particu-
larly at n.; they occupied all the limbs, and were not localised like the
syphilitic pains. (TROUSSEAU et PIDOUX, op. cit.)
50. The disorders of general nutrition which occur in chronic mer-
curialism present the closest analogy to those of the more acute intoxi-
cation. The features grow pale and discoloured; prostration becomes
extreme; the paralysed victims can scarcely drag themselves along;
oedema of face and extremities sets in; purpuric patches appear on the
legs; multiple hæmorrhages are not seldom seen; appetite is nil, diar-
rhoea frequent; and the sufferers end by falling into a state of marasmus
like that which characterises the scorbutic cachexia,—it has accordingly
been called the mercurial scurvy. (HALLOPEAU, op. cit.)
III. Experiments on animals.-I. OVERBECK experimented on 6
strong healthy animals, more than 6 mos. old, by inunctions with
mercurial ointment on abdomen, thigh, nape, or back, on spots carefully
shaved and protected afterwards by a firm bandage, to prevent the
animal licking the spot and thus complicating the experiment by sym-
ptoms from internal poisoning. The experiments were generally made
in the winter; the autopsies immediately after death or during the agony.
The quantity of ointment used at each application was, for cats, a
scruple; for dogs, a scruple to half a drachm, or more for large dogs.
a. Inunction was made 4 d. on a cat. From the 2nd d. there was
loss of appetite, retention of stool and urine, until a few hours before
* GRAVES affirms that periostitis attacks patients who have taken a great deal
of M., even if they have never been affected with syphilis, as often as they take cold.
-EDS.
232
!
MERCURIUS.
death on the 5th d. Autopsy: Stomach and duodenum full of dark
masses (chiefly altered bile); ileum injected in spots and dark with
bile-pigment; in rest of alimentary canal light yellow masses; liver
unchanged; gall-bladder full of grass-green bile; no change in bones;
blood dark, thick, fluid; globules of M., "", in kidneys and intestines,
fewer in liver and blood, none in bones. Chemical analysis revealed
the metal in almost all internal organs, also in blood; most in liver,
gall-bladder, and heart; none in fæces and urine. No mention is made
of the bones.
1
b. Inunction 3 d. on a cat. From 2nd d. loss of appetite; retention
of stool and urine; death on the 4th d. Autopsy: Injected places on
cheeks and paws; seats of inunction red and inflamed; intestinal canal
full of dark, almost blackish masses; inflammatory injection throughout
large intestine; blood dark, not otherwise altered; bones normal.
Chemical analysis showed presence of metal in almost every organ;
most in fæces and intestine; but none in kidneys.
c. Inunction performed on a dog of medium size, daily from
beginning of September to end of November, with a scruple; at least
12 oz. used in all. The dog showed the mercurial cachexy in a high
degree; excessive emaciation, falling out of hair, uncertain gait was
observed after 4 weeks; the exhalations of the animal were, at last,
intolerable. Autopsy: Hair thin, much having fallen out; erythema
of thighs and abdomen, even on spots to which ointment had not been
applied; scrotum covered with moist, sore spots; urethral blennorrhœa;
cerebral vessels distended with dark blood; lower part of r. lung œdema-
tous; a very large, translucent fibrinous clot in r. thoracic cavity, pleura
not adhering; large, solid translucent fibrinous clots in both ventricles
as well as auricles of heart, that of r. auricle extending far into vena
cava; stomach and intestine full of blackish-green masses; mucous
membrane spongy, in ridges, often of slaty grey colour (many tæniæ in
small intestine); capillary injection around glands in lower colon and
rectum, but no ulceration perceptible; liver large, dark and full of
blood, but microscope shows no change in constituents of parenchyma;
renal epithelium filled with fat; blood very dark and thick, almost like
pitch, easily coagulating and forming a thick buffy coat; arterial blood
bright red mesenteric vessels full of bright blood; osseous system
normal; globules of quicksilver found nowhere, except in seats of
inunction, not even in blood. Chemical analysis revealed the metal
only in the greenish-black fæcal masses; neither blood, urine, bones,
nor any organ showed a trace.
;
d. A dog of medium size, treated from Jan. 6th, 1858, died Jan.
19th. About 3j of ointment was used. At first loss of appetite and
retention of urine; towards the last, profuse salivation. The exhala-
tions of this, as of the other animals, intolerable. Considerable emacia-
tion. Autopsy 24 h. after death: Brain solid, compact, somewhat
oedematous. Mouth: mucous membrane and gums bluish-grey and
soft; erosions and dirty grey ulcers on various parts; parotids swollen ;
fœtor of mouth; fibrinous clots filling r. ventricle and auricle; in lower
lobes of both lungs, dark red, serous infiltrated spots, in sharp contrast
with bright red grey colour of rest of lung tissue; contents of intestine
MERCURIUS.
233
dark; mucous membrane of stomach spongy and ridgy with slaty spots;
serous and mucous membrane of small intestine hyperæmic; follicles
swollen; deep injection of large intestine; dark stripes in rectum pro-
bably from mercuric sulphide; liver large, full of blood; gall-bladder
distended with grass-green bile; spleen small, not much altered. Kid-
neys: cortical substance yellowish, epithelium filled with fat in mole-
cules and in large drops; urinary bladder full; blood dark, very thick,
partly coagulated, clots in large vessels; osseous system normal;
globules of M. most in mucous membrane of mouth, especially in
necrosed parts; also in kidneys and their pelves; likewise in fæces,
mixed with black particles of sulphide; and, scantily, in liver, flesh of
heart and brain; no trace of it in bones.
e. A strong dog of medium size treated with 3j daily 3 mos.,
from March 25th, 1858. Urethral catarrh appeared at once. Loss of
appetite; pronounced marasmus; intolerably offensive exhalations;
sluggish motions, and at last movement almost impossible; profuse saliva-
tion. Urine undiminished, containing much albumen, sometimes bile,
and, as in catarrh of the bladder, many mucous corpuscles and crystals.
of phosphate of ammonia and magnesia. Repeated electrolytic analysis
of the urine gave doubtful traces of M. The dog died July 5th, 10 to
12 oz. of ointment having been used. Autopsy, 24 h. after death:
Extraordinary emaciation; hair mostly gone from abdomen; extensive
erythema of skin of abdomen and inner side of thighs; large necrosed
spots, forming ulcers as large as a thaler, with dirty base, on parts of
thigh where inunction was made the first six weeks. Eyes: purulent
conjunctivitis of both eyes; no trace of iritis. Mouth: mucous mem-
brane pale, around some teeth blackish; a grey, necrosed spot on each
side near upper bicuspid, and similar spots on inside of cheeks near
angle of lips, as well as on other parts of cheek and gum. L. lung
collapsed, anæmic; r. lung behind and below infiltrated with serum,
dark red, oedematous; cavities of heart filled with thick, coagulated,
black blood, and fibrinous clots hanging from the valves. (Blood of
veins and aorta contains also solid coagula.) Abdomen strikingly
anæmic; gall-bladder half full of light green bile; microscope shows no
change in parenchyma and cells of liver; spleen small, very anæmic;
mucous membrane of stomach ridgy, presenting necrosed, blackish
spots, round, and as large as a lentil or a pea; little ulcers seated in
mucous glands. (The black spots were altered blood-extravasations;
the whole intestinal mucous membrane in a catarrhal state.) A
longish, dirty-grey, superficial ulcer in duodenum, six lines long; dark
fæcal masses in the ileum; vermiform process filled with hard fæces;
large intestine empty, contracted; injected spots on its blue-grey
mucous surface. Kidneys large, congested; epithelium and casts from
tubuli in pelves, also globules of quicksilver as large as line. Osseous
system normal, no trace of inflammation; neither the long bones, sternum
nor cranium showed, either in parenchyma or cavity, a trace of the
metal, although it was found in the heart-clots, kidneys, parotids, and
liver, and in deep layers of cutis of 1. thigh where inunction was made
the first six weeks; none found by chemical analysis in bones.
f. A dog of medium size; inunction on both thighs from Jan. 20th
234
MERCURIUS.
to Feb. 22nd. After 8 d., loss of appetite, then retention of stool and
urine; later, inflammation and erosion of skin of thigh and adjacent part
of abdomen, and severe urethral catarrh. Intolerable exhalations from
skin; general marasmus; no salivation. Died Feb. 22nd. Autopsy:
R. eye has purulent conjunctivitis; mouth normal; brain firm, solid,
somewhat edematous; liver normal; gall-bladder full of green bile.
Kidneys: pyramids dark red; epithelium not infiltrated with fat;
intestinal canal full of dark green masses, in upper part fluid, in lower
large intestine solid scybala. Mucous and serous membranes of middle
and lower large intestine showed so great vascular injection as to leave
no doubt of enteritis mucosa; no intestinal ulcers; no fibrinous clots,
though fibrin soon coagulated after flowing out, forming a thick, buffy
Osseous system normal; no globules of M. to be found; traces
of it on chemical analysis in urine and bones.
coat.
2. a. Dr. HANDFIELD-JONES gave a healthy cat 5 gr. of hydr. c.
cretâ, and examined body after killing it by a blow on the head.
evident effect was produced on the liver, save considerable congestion.
No
b. To 2 cats he gave 3 doses each-at 12 h. intervals—of 3 gr. of
calomel, and killed them 14 h. after last dose. Besides being greatly
congested, liver showed an enormous accumulation of oil in the cells of
the parenchyma; and also of a yellowish matter, not only in the cells,
but free in their intervals.
c. To a kitten 2-3 weeks old he gave 7 gr. of hyd. c. cretâ. The
lobules of the liver on their margins where they bound the fissures and
spaces were decidedly tinted with yellow matter, which contrasted
remarkably with the pale, granular, and oily condition of the larger
remaining parts.
"These observations leave no doubt on my mind that the action of
mercurials on the liver is to produce a greater quantity of yellow matter
in the cells. . . . . Jaundice has been known to come on during a
mercurial course, and apparently as an effect of the medicine. I have
at present a patient under my observation who reports her jaundice to
have appeared after taking a 6-gr. calomel pill. These statements are
in accordance with the experiments I have detailed, the animals to
whom I gave M. had jaundice of the liver." (Med. - Chir. Trans., xxxv,
251, &c.)
3. The early experiments of Murray were taken to corroborate the
theory of "cholagogue" action, for after giving purgative doses of
calomel to dogs, he found increased discharge of bile, mucus, and serum
from the bowels. Buchheim also reported an increase in the amount of
bile discharged by dogs with biliary fistula. Although these observa-
tions show an increased discharge of bile under calomel, it is clear that
they do not necessarily prove an increased secretion by the liver-cells,
and therefore experiments as to this point were undertaken. Kölliker
and Müller, after giving calomel to dogs with biliary fistula and col-
lecting the bile discharged, reported contradictory results-the secretion.
being in one instance increased, while in two it was diminished (1855).
Scott, experimenting with large doses of calomel on 4 dogs (also with
fistula), recorded diminution of both solid and fluid biliary constituents
in all the animals (Beale's Archives, i, 1858). Mosler, with two dogs,
MERCURIUS.
235
obtained a similar result (Virchow's Archiv, xxxii); and Hughes
Bennett, reasoning from the experiments of the Edinburgh Committee,
announced, as a positive fact, that M. really lessened the biliary secre-
tion. These experiments were made upon 41 animals, but results
considered satisfactory were only obtained in 9 instances. In 4 of
these calomel was used; a permanent fistulous opening into the gall-
bladder was very carefully effected, and about 14 d. afterwards the bile
was collected on a sponge. The first dog, before taking any drug,
secreted a daily average of 82 gr. bile-fluids and 5 gr. of bile-solids;
after taking 4—12 gr. of calomel daily, it secreted only a daily total
average of 60 gr.; but it must be noted that the animal's condition
was much impaired; it took little food, and soon afterwards died. The
second dog got smaller doses (gr.) every hour; the general health
became affected, and it soon died; the average bile-secretion was about
the same before and after giving the drug. The third dog received
some blue pill in addition to the small doses of calomel, and the bile
average was diminished one half; the animal suffered much. The
fourth dog got purgative doses, with an average bile-diminution whilst
under their influence; on one d., however, when blue pill was given,
the average was increased (Brit. Med. Journ., 1869, i). Such results
scarcely warranted Dr. Bennett's conclusions, which were indeed
publicly contradicted by Christison, Fraser, and other members of the
same committee. Röhrig (of Kreuznach) reported that large doses of
calomel slightly increased the biliary secretion (Stricker's Jahrb., ii,
1873); but we may take the more recent experiments of Rutherford
and Vignal (Brit. Med. Journ., 1875-6, ii; Pract., Dec., 1879) as
showing, so far as experimental research can show, that the drug does
not really do so. They proved (1)" that doses of 10 gr., 5 gr., or 2
gr., several times repeated, placed (without bile) in the duodenum of a
fasting dog, produced a purgative effect varying with the dose, but so
far from increasing bile-secretion, usually diminish it; (2) that there is
no difference in the result if the calomel be given in 1-gr. doses, several
times repeated, mixed with bile and introduced into the duodenum.
(PHILLIPS, op. cit.)
Qu
4. PREVOST and BINET have published (1888) the results of most
exhaustive inquiries into the subject, controlling and testing the results
of all previous experimentation, particularly that of Rutherford. The
method employed was to establish a permanent fistula from the gall-
bladder, the track of which was opened from time to time for the ex-
periments. In confirmation of the statement of Röhmann, the infliction
of biliary fistula has been consistent with the preservation of good
health in the animals, if only fat is withdrawn from the diet. In
regard to calomel, it was found to be among the substances which
diminished the secretion. (Rev. Méd. de la Suisse Rom., May-July,
1888.)
39
5. In acute mercurialism, intestinal catarrh with extremely abun-
dant evacuations is one of the accidents which most frequently super-
vene; it is mentioned by the majority of experimenters who have
studied the effects of M. on animals. (HALLOPEAU, op. cit.)
6. In addition to albumen, sugar may also be found in the urine
236
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
after the use of M. This was proved by experiments upon animals
made by Saikowsky and Rosenbach. (LEWIN, op. cit.)
7. We have witnessed most of the curious experiments which M.
Bretonneau has made upon animals with the view of defining the
nature of the accidents which M. can cause. A dog which he had
caused to take large quantities endeavoured a few d. afterwards to
copulate with a bitch in heat. The mechanical irritation which resulted
led to the formation of a small sore on the prepuce, which inflamed
violently, became the seat of an enormous ulcer, and ended in gangrene.
(TROUSSEAU et PIDOUX, op. cit.)
Mercurius corrosivus, mercuric chloride, HgCl, corrosive
sublimate.
I. Provings.-1. a. Dr. J. BUCHNER, æt. 34, took, Sept. 7th, 1847,
8 a.m., 10 dr. Merc. cor. 2. 10 a.m., feeling of urging to urinate in
urethra, with scanty discharge-later no call though bladder was full-
after micturition persistent sense of fulness in bladder. Noon, dull pain
in r. frontal eminence, tenderness to touch of 1. angle of inferior maxilla.
N. very restless, frequent waking, slept only 2 or 3 m., then woke,
changed position, tossed about. M., great prostration and malaise, so
that after shaving had to lie down again and slept 1 h.; cold hands and
feet, increased pain in inferior maxilla, dysphagia, so that he could eat
no bread at breakfast, flow of viscid saliva which he could scarcely spit
out. He went about his usual business, but on account of increased
coldness, flow of saliva, dysphagia, &c., he had to go to bed at 10 a.m.
and apply warm wraps to his feet. He got warm very slowly and then
had confusion of head, except in temples, the salivation continued
and the inflamed state of lower jaw. After 1 h. head heavy and con-
fused; he could not speak connectedly, and could not express his
sensations distinctly. He noticed his unconnected speech and was
vexed at it, so that he remained silent some time. At same time great
restlessness, he could not lie long in one position, and had to get up.
In afternoon digging and shooting in 1. ear so severe that for 3 m. he
wept and cried aloud. Later the same symptoms in a slighter degree.
N., slept only for minutes at a time. Úrine scanty, red, with brick-
dust-coloured sediment; ill-smelling sweat towards m. At same time
pricking rheumatic pains in lower extremities. The symptoms lasted
4 d., the sweat 6 d.
b. After 3 months took 20 dr. 2nd dil. Soon, burning and heat in
stomach with contractive pains involving bowels, at same time conges-
tion of heart and anxiety until he had a loose stool. The symptoms
lasted 16 h.
c. Dec. 12th, 1846. Rubbed into 1. forearmgr. Merc. cor.
dissolved in alcohol. Woke about midnight, tossed about for 3 h.
Confusion of sinciput with undulating pain in both cerebral hemispheres.
Interrupted sleep in m.
d. Rubbed gr. into gums. M., slight bleeding of gums and
drawing pains in teeth.
e. The same dose in clyster caused long-continued tenesmus.
(Allg. Ztg. f. Hom., i, Suppl. 78.)
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
237
1
2. Dr. FORSTNER took, 25th Nov., 1847, 10 a.m., 2 dr. of a solu-
tion of th gr. Merc. cor. in 110 dr. alcohol. No effect.-26th,
10 a.m., 4 dr. No effect.-27th, 10 a.m., 7 dr. On waking, m.,
peculiar pressive pain in r. inguinal glands, as though they would swell;
this lasted I h., and went off on getting up.-28th, 10 a.m., 10 dr.
During d. frequent urging to stool, increased discharge of flatus.—29th,
8 a.m., 15 dr. After dinner faint feeling and great exhaustion.-30th,
10 a.m. and 10 p.m., 20 dr. No effect.-Dec. 1st. No medicine.
5 a.m., tensive pressive pain in 1. inguinal region, with sense of swelling
of glands. N. restless, sleep frequently broken, vivid dreams, pulse
febrile, skin dry. After rising, transient stitches through both sides of
chest, bruised feeling in abdomen, particularly in cæcal region and in
course of transverse colon; on pressure these parts feel as if bruised.
This pain lasted all forenoon, got better towards e., but did not go quite
off.—2nd, 10 a.m., 20 dr. I p.m., after dinner febrile pulse, drawing
pain in pericranium. Frequent darting stitches through chest, bruised
feeling in cæcum and transverse colon increased by pressure. E., irri-
tation in larynx causing dry cough, throat dry.—3rd. No medicine.
Irritating cough as yesterday, abdominal pain less. Great irritability
of larynx.—4th, 9 a.m., 5 dr. Afternoon, feeling as if 1. axillary glands
would swell, with frequent transient stitches in them. Cough gone.
(Ibid., 79.)
"
I
3. a. Dr. GERSTER, æt. 34, took, Aug. 1st, 1847, m., 5 drops of
Merc. cor. 2, without knowing what it was.-2nd, m., 10 dr. Expe-
rienced a styptic metallic taste for 1 h.-3rd, m., 20 dr. Same symptoms.
-4th, 30 dr. After 3 h. slight vertigo, confusion in upper part of
forehead, yawning, objects appear smaller and farther from eye than
usual, for several h. All afternoon drowsy, heavy and confused head,
desire to lie down. N., dreamt of incendiarism and murder. Stool
smaller and firmer than usual.-5th, 7 a.m., 40 dr. Soon, slight
burning and pressure in stomach, followed by frequent eructations of
air. After 1 h., confusion of head, frequent yawning and desire to
stretch himself, slight burning and dryness of eyes, conjunctivæ of
both eyes red and much injected. Same delusions of vision as yesterday.
Humming in r. ear, to which he was accustomed, became much louder.
Symptoms relieved by eating. No stool.-6th, 40 dr. No symptom
except slight burning (in stomach ?) for h. The next 3 d. the stools
were harder, drier, and smaller than usual, and the 3 following d. softer
and moister than usual.
b. October 16th, m., took 10 dr. of a solution of gr. Merc. cor. in
3j alcohol. Immediately an astringent metallic taste, followed by slight
burning in stomach, then slight congestion of head and face with burn-
ing of cheeks and uncommonly great discharge of flatus. After 2 h. all
objects, especially letters, appeared smaller for several h. After 4 h.
burning at edges of eyelids like commencing catarrhal ophthalmia ;
photophobia in sunshine.- 18th, m., 15 dr. Nothing but the
metallic taste and burning in stomach.-19th. 20 dr., astringent taste,
flow of saliva and several attacks of rigor, then burning in stomach for
C
h. During d. frequent attacks of spasmodic cough.-20th. About
the same as yesterday.-21st. Same, and also two clayey, light yellow
238
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
stools.—22nd, 7 a.m., 14 dr. Metallic taste and rigor whilst and after
swallowing the dose; slight burning in stomach for h. II a.m.,
burning in eyes. Objects all appear smaller and more distinct. This
occurred several times during d., especially after yawning, which he
required to do all d., though he was not sleepy, and had slept well
the previous n. No stool.-23rd. Quite well. (Ibid., 80.)
4
4. Katherine H—, æt. 21, took, October 16th, 1 h. before break-
fast, 10 dr. of a solution of gr. Merc. cor. in 3j alcohol. Astringent
taste.-18th. 15 dr., astringent taste and rough feeling in throat.-
19th. 20 dr., astringent taste, flow of saliva, burning in stomach till
dinner, shooting headache in frontal region for 1 h., nausea and inclina-
tion to vomit all d.-21st. 25 dr., astringent taste and flow of saliva
for several h., then a transient rigor, several fits of spasmodic cough
during d. (Ibid., 82.)
5. Dr. HELD, æt. 27, July 26th, 7 a.m, 2 dr. 2nd dil. Merc. cor., not
knowing what it was. Towards e. slight chilliness with short hot fit.
Slept badly.-27th. 2 dr., very exhausted. Afternoon, cutting in bowels
and slight drawing in ossa femoris ; legs felt gone asleep. Frequent
starting up in sleep at n.-28th. 2 dr., after some h. toothache, which
gradually increased and tore from supra-orbital region to superior
maxilla. This lasted all d., and was accompanied by chilliness of
head and shooting pains in adductor and extensor pollicis of hand and
extensor muscles of foot. Afternoon, several watery stools with
cutting in bowels. All d. very depressed in spirits. Could scarcely
sleep at n. for the toothache, which increased, and if he did sleep he
had a feeling of anxiety.-29th. The pains increased from 7 a.m. so
that he took no more of the med. Forenoon, several bilious stools,
with violent pains in bowels and troublesome tenesmus.—31st.
2 dr.,
the same kind of toothache for several h., confusion of head. N.,
could not find a comfortable position to lie in, so was rather sleepless.
-Aug. Ist. I dr., the toothache increased; headache involving
temples; in l. ear, which was painful, full pulsation of arteries; throat
rough; gums of last incisors began to swell with burning pain. E.,
drawing in limbs deeply seated as if in bones. N., sleepless till m.-
2nd.-Left off med. on account of toothache, prostration, and painful.
swelling of gums. Next d., the head was confused, the toothache
continued in lessened intensity, as also the drawing pains in cranial
bones.—4th. 2 dr.; 4 p.m., with borborygmus 3 pappy brown stools.
When at rest shooting in hip-joint relieved by movement. E., chilli-
ness, especially in head, anorexia, thirst. N., sleeplessness and frequent
starting on going to sleep.-5th. 2 dr., same symptoms in increased
intensity, chilliness in head, pains in temples, shooting in muscles of
lower limbs; great pulsation in ears, especially 1. ; eyes painful; tearing
burning pain from teeth of upper jaw to eye; roughness in throat,
tiresome pressure in stomach. Afternoon, several bilious stools with
tenesmus. N., could not sleep on account of anxiety; burning in
orifice of urethra.-6th. 2 dr., pressive burning pains in eyes, vessels
of conjunctiva slightly injected, pain in temples, pressure above 1. eye.
Tearing pains from 1. eye to incisors, burning pain in mouth, throat
rough, difficulty of swallowing. In lower parts of r. side of thorax
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
239
shooting pain; painful pressure in stomach; cutting in bowels followed
by thin bilious stools with straining. Violent itching in orifice of
urethra, changing to smarting during micturition, sore stitches through
urethra. Pressive shooting pain in hip-joint. Skin equally sore when
moving and at rest. Slighter pains in other limbs. No appetite,
thirst great, stomach tender. E., intellect so dull could not understand
what was said. Before going to sleep, chilliness of head. On falling
asleep, which he did later, a shock through whole body; could not
sleep again on account of heat and pressure in chest with anxious
feeling. N., the gums round r. incisors swelled.-7th. No more
med. Felt rather unwell, no appetite, great thirst, burning pain from
mouth to stomach, relieved by drinking cold water. Roughness of
throat increased; coryza. Afternoon, bad-tempered, toothache and
swelling of gums continued.-8th. Woke pretty well, the only sym-
ptoms being burning in throat, toothache, and coryza. Afternoon,
darting stitches in hip-joint. The swelling of gums lasted 2 d. longer,
as also the roughness in throat. (Ibid., 82.)
6. Dr. J. ÑUSSER, æt. 36, took, September 27th, 1847, 10 a.m.,
10 dr. 2nd dil. During d. the following symptoms were observed in
the order here given: Itching in 1. eye, tension about 1. scapula, itching
between r. big toe and next one, burning-shooting in middle of r. side
of chest as if in muscles, slight shooting in middle of liver, pinching-
shooting in upper part of abdomen as if in muscles, shooting in 1.
parietal bone, slight shooting-drawing in 1. inguinal region, scraping
roughness in pharynx, making him hawk frequently, tearing in I.
zygoma, shooting in head of 1. hip-joint towards outside, shooting pain
in gastric region after food, painful griping in middle of 1. testicle (con-
tinuing next d.), painful tearing in bone of proximal joint of index and
ring fingers and thumb (continuing next d.), itching in several parts of
skin (scalp, thighs, &c.), often changing to pricking and burning,
itching, burning, and pricking under skin in various parts, on breathing
deeply shooting in upper part of 1. side of chest internally, itching in
anus; when walking, itching, changing to pricking, in skin of middle of
back, tearing in upper part of inner side of 1. scapula as if in bone,
tearing-shooting in a back tooth, extending thence into ear, tearing as
if in bone about 1. eye near root of nose, and in other bony parts,
cutting in abdomen and above navel after food, simple pain in hypogas-
trium, tearing inwards in l. calf, burning-tearing in 1. upper eyelid, then
tearing in 1. arm while standing, trembling of this arm and of the whole
1. half of body; all d. frequent obtuse shooting in upper part of 1. side
of chest internally, worst when breathing deeply, frequent tearing pain
in lowest r. costal cartilage. E., weariness of feet and drowsiness.-
28th. Slept well till 3 a.m., but with dreams of ridiculous situations,
of travelling, &c. M., after breakfast a liquid, yellow, painless stool,
with frequent tenesmus, followed by inclination to go to stool, shooting
in hepatic region. Noon, pinching on r. side of navel, tearing in r.
hip-joint.-29th. Slept well till 3 a.m. Voluptuous dreams, violent
erections in sleep and after waking, during coitus tardy emission of
semen. After midnight tearing in middle of sternum. M., pricking
in scrob. cordis, normal stool. Afternoon, cutting in abdomen with
A
240
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
slight call to stool. The 2 last d. constant dryness at back of nose, as
if in upper surface of velum palati, chiefly in open air, and tearing fre-
quently in 1. shoulder. Many of the symptoms aggravated by walking
in open air. E., shooting in interior of 1. ear, shooting in upper part of
r. side of chest, cutting below navel after eating sour apples, when
walking in open air, with slight call to stool. From commencement of
proving till now occasional soreness of uvula.-30th. Sleep with many
disagreeable dreams. Though for 3 d. he had only slept till 3 a.m., yet
he did not feel tired or sleepy. M., violent erections and sexual desire,
after coitus burning in fore part of urethra and feeling of strength and
lightness. 9 a.m., after micturition slight shooting in fore part of
urethra and in sphincter ani. From 8 to 10 a.m. shooting in fore part
of urethra when walking in open air, then itching in anus. Noon,
when eating beef and vegetables, shooting deep in chest, as if in lower
part of œsophagus, as though something stuck there that distended the
œsophagus and could not go down, he could swallow food and drink,
but the pain was increased by swallowing, as also by eructation of air,
this was followed by cutting in r. side of upper part of abdomen. E.,
when walking return of shooting in fore part of urethra and pricking in
1. testicle, also sharp shooting in tip of 1. thumb.-Oct. 1st. Sleep
restless and only till 3 a.m. M., normal stool, tearing in 1. metacarpal
bones, itching in skin, changing to pricking and burning, tearing in
bones (finger-joints, hip-joint, &c.), shooting in lungs, liver, and testicles.
-2nd. Slept till 3 a.m. During d. unusual shooting in r. testicle.-
3rd. Slept all n. After smelling Merc. c. 3 shooting in hepatic
region. The symptoms lasted till Oct. 9th. He only slept till 3 a.m.,
but did not feel fatigued in consequence. He always had cutting in
bowels after eating fruit or potatoes. The sexual desire diminished, he
had often cutting in urethra. His disposition was cheerful, and he felt
increased facility in mental work. (Ibid., 84.)
7. Dr. PEMERL's proving lasted from 15th to 25th Aug. He took
the medicine, Merc. cor. 2, daily, h. before breakfast.-15th. 5 dr.,
no symptoms.—16th. 12 dr., greasy, scrapy taste. After 2 h., when
walking, anxiety, discomfort in vesical region as before stool. After 3
h. a peculiar contractive, twitching pain in some muscular fibres of the
r. rectus abdominis near navel, lasting 3 m., and frequently returning.
After 5 h. dryness of mouth, greasy and nauseous feeling in mouth,
but without loss of appetite. Discomfort in umbilical region, no stool.
-17th. 18 dr., felt sick on taking the dose. After 1 h. some nausea,
inclination to vomit, confusion of head, especially over eyebrows. Soft
stool at noon. 5 p.m., the discomfort in lower part of abdomen
recurred in increased degree.-18th. 25 dr., same discomfort and pain.
in hypogastrium and rectus muscle. Normal stool.—19th. 30 dr.,
after 1 h. peculiar lax feeling in deltoid muscles. He had felt the
same sensation on the 16th and 17th in calves and muscles of thighs.
Twitching of some muscles in calves (inner side of gastrocnemius).
Twitching contractive pains in muscles of r. metacarpus.—20th and
No symptoms except twitching in rectus abdominis.-22nd.
36 dr., no symptoms.-24th. 30 dr., rheumatic pains in r. deltoid
muscle when walking. M., 2 soft stools. Urine scalding.-25th.
21st.
S
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
241
Itching-pricking pain in muscles in r. hypochondrium and in muscles of
r. eyeball, also in umbilical region. For some d. afterwards felt the
twitching contractive pains in some fibres of the r. rectus abdominis
muscle. (Ibid., 91.)
8. Soon after the second dose of 12 milligrammes, sensation of
obstruction and anxiety in the præcordial and epigastric regions, then
several palpitations. After the third dose, general sick feeling; some
pains in the stomach; transitory colic; sensation of weakness and shud-
dering in the limbs; palpitations. After the fourth dose, painful twitch-
ings in the stomach; weariness of the limbs and trembling when he
rises and stands still; great anxiety; frequent palpitations; vague chilli-
ness; sensation of coldness; paleness of face; some nausea; distension
of abdomen; borborygmi; colic with tenesmus and 6 stools during the n.
On the next d. there remained only some sick feeling and less appetite
than usual. Three d. later the experiment was again made in the same
way; the same effects were again manifested, only more intense, espe-
cially the anxiety, paleness, inclination to chilliness, weariness of the
limbs, and the tenesmus. In addition to this, he had several attacks of
vertigo, and twice spasmodic vomiting of serous-like fluid, not preceded
by nausea. It required 2 d. before he was again in statu integro, and
he had no desire to make a third experiment. These doses were given
fasting, or at least 4 h. after a meal. (MASSELOT, in Arch. Gến, de
Méd., ser. iv, xi, 58.)
9. To ascertain effects of M. on nutrition in healthy subjects, Liégois
injected 4 ctgrms. daily of M. corr., subcutaneously, on four subjects of
soft chancre. They gained considerably in weight. (Gaz. des Hôp.,
1869, p. 350.)
II. Poisonings.-1. May 22nd, 1815, about 5 p.m., I dipped my
hands repeatedly into a very concentrated solution of corrosive subli-
mate to take out some anatomical preparations. I forgot to wash my
hands, and went about my other occupations. About II p.m. I went
to bed perfectly well, and was wakened about 1 a.m. by violent pains
in the epigastrium, which rapidly increased to a frightful intensity,
somewhat ameliorated by bending the body. They were especially
severe in the region of the stomach, and seemed to spread thence over
the whole diaphragm. The abdomen was rather sunken and painful
to pressure; constricted feeling in the entire thorax ; respiration costal,
obstructed and irregular; mouth dry, thirst considerable, forehead,
temples, chest, and hands covered with sweat, and having an unpleasant
feeling of coldness in them. I was in this condition about 1 h., when
repeated eructations and nausea ensued. I made an unsuccessful
attempt to vomit, and then for the first time remembered the subli-
mate. Putting my fingers to my tongue, I perceived by the sharp taste
that I had forgotten to wash them, which I did now as quickly as pos-
sible and drank a quantity of sugar-water. About 2 I finally vomited
repeatedly, and at first very profusely. The vomit was slimy, thick,
and had a metallic taste, very acrid, causing a painful constriction of
the fauces. Epigastrium very sensitive to touch, and the slightest
pressure caused most violent pains. The vomiting ceased towards
4 o'clock. The umbilical region became somewhat painful, and I had
VOL. III.
16
4
242
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
three very liquid stools, with tenesmus. Towards 5 I slept, and
wakened about 8, with a dry mouth and skin covered with sweat, but I
no longer had the feeling of coldness on the forehead, in the umbilical
region, and in the hands. The disposition to vomit was gone, but the
epigastrium was still very painful. I took that d. only six cups of
bouillon and three dishes of rice-water. The next day I was able to
return to my duties, but an unpleasant feeling remained in the epigas-
trium for 8 d. (CLOQUET, in Huber, op. cit.)
2. A lady had struck the left leg against a door, some ten years.
before, so that she could not lie upon it. Subsequently a hardness
appeared on the place, which a quack treated with two caustic plasters.
On the e. of May 7th he sprinkled upon the place 3ss of sublimate,
with the direction not to remove the plaster before 4 a.m. Meanwhile
the lady was attacked with such an intolerable pain that she walked the
room as if crazy, and uttering loud screams. Up to the next e. there
were added general cramps and convulsions of the hands and feet.
9th.-Retching and actual vomiting. 10 and 11th.-Swelling of the
throat, which increased in the n., so as to threaten suffocation. On
the 12th Degner was called, and found her head and neck very much
swollen; the tongue rigid and swollen; the throat so inflamed that it
was only with difficulty she could speak or swallow; the teeth loose;
the breath mercurial; on the leg a crust a handbreadth wide and twice
as long; below the scab an open sore the same size; and about the
affected locality a great inflammatory swelling. 13th. With the rest,
the throat continued so swollen that she could not swallow any fluid;
besides heat in mouth and throat as from red-hot coals. 14th.-Having
expectorated clots of blood, the patient pulled the membranes from the
roof of the mouth with her fingers, causing so great a hæmorrhage
that Degner feared she might die, in consequence, that very d. The
apothecary, on calling that e., found roof of mouth, throat, and tongue
so swollen that she could scarcely speak; in the fauces an ulcer the
size of a pea, and on 1. side of soft palate a fissure; loose teeth and
profuse salivation. 15th.-Condition the same; salivation profuse;
diarrhoea, the excrement having the same odour as the mouth. Next
d. throat seemed less swollen externally, but face and cheeks were
swollen as much, and hard. 17th and 18th.-The same pitiable con-
dition. Pain in stomach; inclination to vomit; sleeplessness; bloody
salivation; headache, especially about temples. The next d. the
patient complained greatly of slight delirium; she did not know what
she was about. 20th.-Increased delirium; she could scarcely be
moved any longer, and refused both medicine and nourishment on
account of the pain in swallowing. The next d. worse. Beside the
daily expectoration of clotted blood and membranes from the mouth,
weakness, which would not permit her to get up; constant salivation.
23rd.-No improvement. The next d. swelling in r. cheek was less,
but not the hardness. In the n. of 24th to 25th a tooth fell out of
itself. 25th.-Salivation less. Weakness and delirium increased. In
m. pulse imperceptible; salivation less; she seemed to sleep a little,
which had not been the case previously, wakening in a fright, and no
longer complaining of pain. 27th.-No pulse. Great anxiety. At
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
243
n. she wept bitterly, and her cries filled the house. 28th.-She died
at 7 a.m., unconscious, with distortion of limbs. During the whole
time there was no fever, and the urine was natural, with a white sedi-
ment. The surgeon who attended to the dressing of the limb said that
not only were the cheeks, gums, palate, and throat ulcerated, but the
maxillary bones were exposed also. Autopsy not permitted. (App. ad.
vol. vi Act. Nat. Curios., Norimb. 1742; p. 22.)
3. Two servant girls, who had had an inunction over the whole
body of sublimate ointment for itch, got a vesicular erysipelatous
inflammation of the skin, with vomiting, diarrhoea, and tenesmus; also
ulceration of the buccal mucous membrane, without salivation. Both
died in spite of medical treatment; the one after 41, the other after 6
d., having had formication of the extremities, but no convulsions or
sensorial disturbance. In both corpses, the epidermis was found
loosened in various places, the corium highly inflamed. Serous and
mucous membranes of stomach and small intestine as well as the
omentum were inflamed; the mucous membrane of larynx and trachea
cinnabar-red and covered with reddish mucus. In the one who died
first was found redness of the mucous coat of the bladder and ureter ;
intense hyperæmia of the kidneys; two purulent deposits in the region
of the pelvis of the 1. kidney; congestion of the uterus and tubes, and
in the vascular territory of the venæ cave, of the coronary veins and
cerebral sinuses. In the other an inflamed place on the serous covering
of the liver; bloody serous exudation in the pericardium and medias-
tinum; inflammation of endocardium and of endothelium of large
arteries. Only in the kidneys of the first was M. chemically detected.
(Canstatt's Jahresb., 1864, B. 5, p. 106.)
4. A merchant from Liège, æt. 30, of strong constitution, who
had never been sick, went to Paris on business. Aug. 6th, 1813, he
got a slight diarrhoea, without known cause, which lasted 3 d. and
was cured with ipec. On the 13th, seeming to be fully recovered, he
drank, about 3 p.m., from a glass without any mark upon it, containing
a solution of sublimate in alcohol. The horrid taste disgusted him so
that he broke the glass. An astringent feeling in the throat and frightful
pains in the epigastric region were the first symptoms. The physician.
came at 3.50 p.m., and was told that the man had vomited much green,
bitter, not bloody matter, and had had 3 stools. His condition was
as follows:-Dorsal decubitus; red, swollen face; very restless;
sparkling eyes; contracted pupils; reddened conjunctiva; dry, cracked
lips; rather moist, yellow-coated tongue; frightful pains in the entire
alimentary canal, especially in the pharynx; abdomen distended, espe-
cially painful to pressure. The vomiting had ceased, but the diarrhoea
continued. Pulse 112, regular, small, contracted; burning hot skin,
especially on the forehead; respiration obstructed; infrequent and
difficult micturition, urine red; perfect consciousness; inclination to
sleep; occasional spasmodic movements in muscles of face, arms and
legs; persistent cramps in all extremities. (White of egg water; 20
leeches to epigastrium; two cold, laxative clysters). About 5, decided
improvement; he had taken all the drink (6 lbs.), vomiting profusely,
and had had four stools. He got 4 lbs. of a decoction of linseed to
244
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
"
About 9,
drink. About 6, vomiting, cessation of cramps, pulse 100.
very imperfect sleep. About midnight, biting in anus, bloody stools,
severe pains in sigmoid flexure, pulse 115, small, contracted. (Ten
leeches along descending colon; two clysters with laudanum.) Vomit-
ing; 4 much less bloody stools; almost sudden cessation of pain;
inclination to sleep. On 14th, about 8 a.m., less distension and less
painfulness of abdomen; tongue moist; no inclination to vomiting or
diarrhoea; pulse 96; skin less hot; cessation of cramps; consciousness.
perfect. E., pulse 106; extreme heat of skin without increased pains
(narcotic clyster). On 15th, he felt much better; had slept part of
the n. and wanted to eat. Tongue moist; pulse almost normal; great
weakness; at e. the same condition. On m. of 16th, having slept
well, he complained only of trifling, not persistent, pains in epigastrium ;
appetite good. On 17th and 18th, condition the same. On 21st,
convalescence set in, and on 31st, he returned home quite cured.
(ORFILA, Tox., sub voce.)
5. a. May 6th, 1825, about 11 p.m., a woman was found by the
physician in the following condition :-She lay in bed with the limbs
relaxed; skin cold and covered with sweat; face pale; eyes dull and
heavy, with dark rings surrounding them; an expression of pain and
horror, as one might feel who lives but to die. Whitish, contracted
lips and tongue; great thirst; swallowing so difficult and painful that
the least liquid caused contractions of oesophagus and stomach followed
by vomiting of whitish, slimy, stringy, and subsequently green bilious
matter. Pressure on the throat was painful; burning along whole
œsophagus. Skin of abdomen cold; pain in epigastrium on slightest
pressure. Diarrhoea, with intense urging and smarting. She com-
plained of great burning and intolerable pains in stomach. Pulse slow,
weak, thready, almost imperceptible. Respiration very slow. On the
floor, in various places, lay patches of white slimy matter, seemingly
vomit. Under a table in a corner there was a wet place strewn with
a white powder, having the taste and look of sublimate. (White of egg
water, 30 leeches to epigastrium, 20 to neck, and a large poultice to
abdomen.) At 8 a.m. she could speak more easily; pulse fuller and
skin warmer. Noon.-Depression greater; sensibility gone in lower
half of body. She had had a cold sweat. About 5 p.m. she died,
retaining her consciousness to the last. There was no trace of delirium
observed at any time.
b. Autopsy, 17 h. after death.-A very fat, large corpse. Rigor
mortis very great; body cold; upper extremities semi-flexed, lower
ones extended. No trace of ecchymosis in skin, connective tissue or
muscles. Vessels of dura mater slightly injected. Arachnoid injected,
especially on 1. side; some bloody serum in cerebral ventricles; brain
substance slightly injected and firmer than natural. Tongue thick,
with large papillæ and glandulæ mucosa, the latter almost as large as
a small pea; inside of larynx violet-coloured and injected; on lower
surface of epiglottis a gangrenous-looking spot. Trachea rose-red;
bronchi and their ramifications still more manifestly inflamed; lungs
crepitant and their substance reddish; 4 oz. of reddish serum in pleuræ.
Heart larger than normal; both sides enlarged; the walls thickened;
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
245
the endocardium not reddened. Pharynx red; velum strongly injected;
an ecchymosis on back of uvula; œsophagus almost normal, except in
its lower third, where congestion begins, increasing toward stomach,
which was small and thickened; its external surface brick-red; under
the serous membrane a number of little ecchymoses, giving it a marbled
appearance; its veins distended with air; its internal surface throughout
blackish-red, especially on the folds formed by its contraction; its
mucous membrane easily torn; contents greenish; between the folds
a considerable number of whitish granules resembling sublimate or
calomel in appearance. In the duodenum very much fainter traces of
inflammation; it was filled with green bile. In the omentum many
ecchymoses along both curvatures of stomach. In the other intestines
nothing noteworthy, and only in the rectum some traces of congestion.
In the pelvic cavity about 8 oz. of sanguinolent fluid. Liver, spleen
and kidneys normal. In the r. ovary an ecchymosis an inch in size.
Chemical examination of the powder found in the room discovered
sublimate. Neither in the vomit nor in the contents of the stomach
was there a trace of sublimate; but metallic mercury was demonstrated
by various methods, a proof that the sublimate had combined with the
albumen, milk, &c. (DEVERGIE, Arch. Gén. de Méd., ix, 463, 1825.)
6. a. SARAH WILD, 'æt. 49, sanguine-melancholic temperament,
took, with her four children, nearly 2 dr. sublimate, about 7 a.m.,
Dec. 26th, 1816. In her the following symptoms occurred :-Great
thirst, violent pain in præcordia, pulse small, tremulous, rapid; great
heat and extreme soreness in pharynx, with dysphagia; in swallowing
a little liquid the raw feeling becomes very severe. Incessant and
violent vomiting of blood and matter the colour of coffee-grounds;
repeated and very offensive stools. After 18 h., change of the pain to
the umbilical region for 8 h., thence to the lumbar region till death.
Entire lack of pulse 12 h. after the poisoning; even the heart beat in an
undulatory, tremulous manner. Brain apparently very much affected.
Pupils scarcely sensitive to the strongest light; tongue clean. No
urine. Sensible to the last moment. After great suffering death
ensued 31 h. after poisoning.
b. Autopsy-Face frightfully disfigured, skin of back and sides
purple. Mesentery and peritoneum highly inflamed, considerable
effusion in abdominal cavity. Gall-bladder very full and large. Liver
covered with pale livid spots the size of a sixpence. Bladder contracted
to size of a walnut; uterus inflamed, but not larger than in women
who have borne several children. Stomach not much distended, but
very livid along the greater curvature, with a portion of the omentum
adherent, and containing a large mass of dark grumous fluid. At the
cardiac portion a circular black place 3 in. in diameter, involving all
the tunics and easily penetrated with the finger; internal surface very
much inflamed, the rugæ a deep carmine, the remainder scarlet.
(VALENTINE, Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journ., xiv, 468.)
7. SARAH, daughter of the preceding, æt. 3, began to purge violently
3 h. after the poisoning. Discharge of large masses of bilious matter
by vomiting and stool. Pulse small, uncountable; extreme thirst, per-
sistent ischuria. Distressing pains till 6 p.m., then sudden quiet and
246
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
death 12 h. after the poisoning. Autopsy. Skin dark crimson colour,
nearly purple. Omentum and intestines highly inflamed; kidneys not
so much so. Mesentery full of red blood. Bladder firmly contracted.
Marked exudation of bile on the concave surface of the liver; gall-
bladder nearly full of bile. Stomach deep scarlet within, from cardia
to pylorus, with a black circular place in the region of the former,
about the size of half a crown, its edges indented and involving nearly
the whole thickness of the stomach, which was not very full of a milky
fluid. (Ibid.)
8. WILLIAM, æt. II, vomited profusely, at times easily and again
with pains, especially in the region of the scrobiculus and navel; dys-
phagia. After 12 h., coffee-ground coloured vomit of clotted blood and
violent purging of coagulated lymph, clots of blood, and a delicate trans-
parent membrane. Great thirst, deep lethargy, pulse small, trembling,
and weak; very scanty urine. To the last moment sensible. No
radial pulse 12 h. before death, which occurred 24 h. after the poisoning.
Autopsy. External appearance as in 7. Eyes more sunken, dark colour
of the back, peritoneum very much inflamed. Intestines extremely
inflamed, partially livid; one third of the liver almost colourless, gall-
bladder very much distended; large serous effusion in the abdominal
cavity. Bladder firmly pressed down on the pubic bone, the size of a
walnut. Stomach greatly distended and filled with a black grumous
mass; the cardiac portion, far more than in the two preceding cases,
destroyed; a black circular spot 3 in. in diameter, whence a general
inflammation extended over the whole internal coat. Deep scarlet,
almost crimson, redness, especially of the rugæ; the greater curvature
yellowish, livid, and very soft externally. (Ibid.)
9. GEORGE, æt. 8, vomited violently and incessantly a sticky frothy
mucus; great pain in pharynx, complete dysphagia, great restlessness,
violent pain in scrobiculus, pulse rapid and weak, no urine. Within 6 h.
repeated urging to stool, with discharge of great circular pieces of
coagu-
lated lymph. 27th.-Very bad n., complained greatly of severe pains
about the navel; vomiting less severe, extremities cold, intense thirst,
tongue red and burning, coma, pupils insensible, pulse weak and small.
Stool livid, grumous, and offensive, abdomen very painful to the slightest
touch. Urine scanty. 28th.-Complete stupor, pulse barely percepti-
ble, frequent vomiting of a blue slime, like dissolved blue pill; great
restlessness, moderate stool, dirty, hard, containing a worm. 29th.-
Death at 5 a.m., about 90 h. after the poisoning. Autopsy.-7 h. after
death. Quiet aspect. Eyes open, no discoloration of front part of
body, no special distension of abdomen; subsequently carmine redness
of shoulders, back, and hips. After sawing through the skull the
calvarium was raised with difficulty, and only after cutting through the
dura mater, on account of its very extensive and strong adhesions. All
the vessels of the dura and pia mater, one sinus lateralis and one sinus
posterior, strongly injected with red blood, as also the medullary portion
of cerebrum and cerebellum, and most of the choroid plexus. No
unusual quantity of fluid or perceptible disorganization in either of the
ventricles. Lungs redder than usual at that age. About 2 oz. of watery
exudation in the pericardium, and about the same quantity in the
1
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
247
pleural cavity; heart firm and of natural appearance. Peritoneum
extremely vascular. Omentum almost gone; its remainder, along with
the intestines, injected with bright red blood. Gall-bladder nearly full
of bile. Liver natural in its appearance, but its peritoneal covering,
like that of the mesentery, strongly injected. Bladder shrivelled, very
small and empty; kidneys inflamed. In the stomach a pint of bluish
material, and the following lesions:-In the cardiac portion, a black
circular place, about in. in diameter, whence, as from a central point,
a uniform bright redness spread over the whole inner coat.
The very
large and numerous rugæ more inflamed than the other parts;
texture of all the coats completely destroyed, only the peritoneal coat
remaining upon washing away the disorganised parts; the whole larger
curvature had externally the same appearance. (Ibid.)
the
10. MARTHA, æt. 14, swallowed only a little of the poison, spitting
the greater part out. Vomiting as with the others, but less. Imme-
diate pain in scrobiculus, no dysphagia, pulse small and irregular. No
urine or stool. 27th.-Restless n., pupils dilated, insensible; pulse
uncountable, toward midnight sopor. 28th.-Sopor till noon. Ischuria,
pulse changeable and weak, pupils still insensible, contraction of the
corrugator supercilii, with partial squinting; some appetite. 29th.—
Quiet n.; copious discharge of urine, general improvement. Steady
improvement and recovery complete Jan. 3rd. (Ibid.)
11. Early in the m. of Jan. 15th, 1815, a healthy woman about 30
years old, having recently been delivered of her fifth child, drank, by
mistake of her nurse, a solution containing 30 gr. of sublimate. While
drinking, she noticed a very violent burning in the stomach, and inquiry
led to a discovery of the mistake at once. In a few m. the physician
arriving found her sitting in bed, her finger in her mouth to excite
vomiting, whereby a quantity of fluid was ejected. She complained of
intolerable pain in the oesophagus and upper part of stomach, gradually
moving downwards. (Emetic of ipec.) In a few m, she became faint.
Two large spoonfuls of strong liver of sulphur solution induced violent
vomiting. The remedy was repeated in the intervals of vomiting, which
was assisted by warm water and chamomile tea, with some sal absinth.
2 or 3 h. after the poisoning cramps set in, at first in the toes and
feet, then in the hands and fingers, and subsequently in the arms
and legs. Severe cramp in the r. breast drawing toward the back,
just below the scapula; breast greatly contracted, secretion of milk
suppressed. She appeared greatly exhausted. A little later serious
fainting fits, recurring at short intervals. Repeated complaint of
burning, deep in the stomach, the more relieved the more she took
liver of sulphur, so that afterward she made no more complaint of
burning. I or 2 spoonfuls of mucilage given toward evening were
vomited. The first n. passed quietly, yet the woman seemed very
much exhausted. 16th.-The entire d. almost like the previous n.;
free from pain, fainting or cramps, and occasional sleep. The stomach
refused everything. The second n. disturbed by frightful dreams, dis-
tressing thoughts. 17th.-Early in m., formication as if asleep.
About 4 or 5 a.m., complaint of pain in the scrobiculus; borborygmi
perceptible to hand upon abdomen. Warm cloths and ether soon remoevd
248
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
the pain. During d. she took frequently some negus, oatmeal gruel,
and toast, which were retained. At e. very urgent tenesmus, with
discharge of mucus and blood only, relieved by two of the usual
clysters. Thenceforth all went better. When she attempted to eat
animal food, a week or so later, her teeth seemed loose and dull.
About this time pieces of dead epithelium, like boiled potato skins,
were discharged from the mouth and throat. A large piece of the gum
came away from the socket of a tooth drawn a short time before; also
a piece, the size of a pea, came from the side of the tongue. Tongue,
gums, and throat continued tender during this time. No special con-
stitutional change was left. The r. breast remained in the contracted
condition mentioned, the milk appearing several d. later in it than in
the other when she again became a mother in 1818. (Edinb. Med.
Journ., xvi.)
•
12. a. March 14th, 1848, at 6 p.m., I was called to a young man
æt. 21, who had taken poison at 10 a.m. When I saw him he was in
a condition of extreme exhaustion, and confessed having taken over a
drachm of sublimate, which he had obtained ostensibly for use in his
business as a jeweller. He had eaten nothing since 6 p.m. the day
before. He looked pale and anxious; surface, especially of the extre-
mities, cold; pulse almost imperceptible; tongue very dry. No injury
to the buccal mucous membrane could be discovered. The vomiting
began a few m. after the poison was taken and continued almost inces-
santly. The vomit was a white froth with considerable blood, covering
the floor for some distance about his bed. He had also had a profuse,
firm, natural-looking stool. He complained greatly of pain in the gas-
tric region, not aggravated by pressure however. On account of the
incessant vomiting, as well as from fear of greater injury, the stomach-
pump was not used. He was immediately given the whites of four
eggs in water, and ordered the same every h. 15th, 8 a.m.-N. sleep-
less. He complained much of abdominal pain, especially in the gastric
region, increased by pressure. He had had three stools, which, contrary
to strict orders, the servant had thrown out. She said they were dark
fluid. He had vomited three or four times the same bloody froth as
before. The pulse had risen to 80, but was still very small and weak,
with frequent intermissions. Tongue red and dry, papillæ elevated,
like a ripe strawberry. (Laudanum with syr. aurant.) About 10 p.m.
pulse 100 and stronger, with fewer intermissions; the skin warmer;
the pain less; neither vomiting nor stool the whole d. 16th, 8 a.m.-
No sleep. He complained of considerable pain and tension; neither
vomiting nor stool in the n.; pulse 100, strong, regular; tongue still
unnaturally red, with elevated papillæ. (Castor oil.) About 9 p.m. I
learned that he had slept 3 h. After the oil he vomited about a quart of
very acrid stuff, looking like port wine dregs, with great relief. Pulse
100, regular, strong; skin generally warm; he had scarcely any pain;
no vomiting since m. Tongue less red and somewhat moist on the
edges. The young man and his friends were very sanguine in their
hopes, and in fact all the symptoms were improved. 17th.-N. sleep-
less again with very little pain. Two fluid stools with considerable
blood; no vomiting; pulse quite regular, moderately strong. Tongue
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
249
1
;
had become pale and moist; scarcely any pain in abdomen even to
hard pressure. His countenance, however, did not correspond with
these apparently favourable symptoms. It had an anxious expression
and was extraordinarily pale, with blue about the lips and alæ nasi. I
now observed for the first time that the breathing was pretty difficult,
and immediate auscultation showed the smaller bronchi filled with
mucus. No pain in deep breathing. He had complained of dyspnoea
2 h. before my visit. He said he felt a constriction and pressure on
the chest. (Blister to the chest.) At my next visit, about 1 o'clock,
I found the breathing loud and rattling. He had no pain, but was evi-
dently in extremis; as during the whole illness the intelligence was
undisturbed. Within 24 h. he had passed no urine. For food during
his illness he had received white of egg, oatmeal gruel, arrowroot with
broiled meat and water. Death about 2.30 p.m.
b. Autopsy, same e. about 8.—Mucous membrane of mouth and
œsophagus entirely normal, the chief action being visible in the stomach,
whose mucous and muscular coats from the cardia out for a distance of
31 in. were changed to a gangrenous mass, having a corroded torn
aspect and a dark brown, almost black colour. The mucous membrane
for a considerable distance about this gangrenous portion was brown-
red, but the pyloric half of the stomach, with the exception of some
little red spots, was quite normal. In the duodenum and the rest of
the intestinal canal nothing abnormal was perceived, except a slight
congestion of some of the valvulæ conniventes in the jejunum and
ileum. The bladder contained about half an ounce of urine. Cavities
of heart empty. Blood did not seem to be coagulated. Lungs crepi-
tant throughout. The entire respiratory mucous membrane in larynx,
trachea and bronchi as far as could be seen was in a condition of intense
congestion and varied from dark red to purple. The smaller bronchia
were filled with a frothy, bloody fluid. As no disturbance of the cere-
bral functions had occurred the brain was not examined. (WADE,
London Med. Gazette, 1848.)
13. A man, æt. 27, took, with suicidal intent, 60 to 70 gr. of
sublimate dissolved in water, and came into hospital May 24th.
Soon after taking the poison he observed a strong metallic taste in the
mouth, with a peculiar smell, then desire to vomit and soon afterwards
vomiting, with a sense of constriction in the throat and trembling of
the feet. In stomach and oesophagus he had no severe pains whatever.
The vomiting brought up first food, then serum, and ceased some h.
later after a physician who was called in had given an emetic. Soon
after that he was brought to the hospital, where milk and white of egg
in water was prescribed. The next d. the feeling of constriction in the
throat changed to a severe pain, with an unpleasant tickling, coming
paroxysmally and lasting only a few seconds, during which a convul-
sive cough with great anxiety appeared. The cough was a throat cough,
i. 6. like the cough occasioned by putting the finger in the throat.
During these paroxysms of coughing, repeated at short intervals, expec-
toration of a bloody mucus and feeling of suffocation with extreme
anxiety. Evidences of enteritis, severe colic, tenesmus and frequent
loose stools (at least twenty in 24 h.) of a slimy liquid, with consider-
250
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
able blood. Stool very painful, so that he had to cry out. 26th.-
Gums swollen, and all the signs of a severe mercurial stomatitis, of
which, for the sake of brevity, we mention here only a considerable
swelling of tongue, cheeks, velum, uvula and pharynx; upon the latter,
grey soft pseudo-membranous masses are formed. Some stupor and
disturbed intellect. Pulse 86. 30th.-Pulse 72.
30th.-Pulse 72. He suffers less, but
there is still blood in all the stools, which, however, are not so frequent.
June 2nd. The inflammation of mouth diminished and circumscribed;
the grey membranes begin to come off. Swallowing still painful; face
pale; only slight traces of blood in stools. 4th.-No more bloody
stools. Pulse 84. He is better generally, getting up and walking in
the garden. For some d. he has been taking a solution of chlorate of
potash. 5th and 6th.-Condition the same, except increasing weak-
ness. 7th.-Pulse 88. Extreme weakness and very pale colour.
Stools, coming after eating, of yellowish fluid, without blood. P.m.,
numerous, reddish-grey, round, ecchymotic spots, not disappearing on
pressure, made their appearance over body and limbs, especially on the
lumbar region. Urine dark brown, albuminous. Surface very pale.
Blowing with first sound of heart, heard at base. Hiccough with every
movement of the body. 9th.-Death, without convulsions or agony.
(Monit. des sciences méd.. 1859.)
14. A gentleman, æt. 50, took over a drachm of sublimate in a
quantity of water Feb. 27th at 8 a.m., and immediately began to hawk
and complain of constriction with burning in the throat and dysphagia.
(Oil, and zinci sulph. 3ss.) After 2 h. Blacklock found him hawking,
discharging always a mouthful of mucus and blood, and having just
passed a bloody stool, preceded by two natural ones ascribed to aloes
taken the previous e. Pulse 120. Tongue white and moist; very
disquieting hiccough. Thus the whole d. Toward e. hawking and
dysphagia less frequent and severe. Face a little puffed. 28th.-
Frequent and copious bilious vomiting and purging; a regular cholera.
Pulse over 100 and weak. Face puffed and fuller than usual. Thirst
so intense that every 2 or 3 m., in spite of the pain in swallowing, he
called for milk. Very disquieting hiccough. Ischuria, even with the
stools, since the poisoning, and no desire to urinate. Neither fulness
nor pain in the abdomen except in the scrobiculus, where slight pressure
causes pain. March 1st.-Continued vomiting of bile and occasionally
curdled milk. Diarrhoea stopped. Complains of burning in oesophagus
and rectum; numbness and loss of feeling in extremities. Pharynx
dark red, painful to external pressure. Pulse 100, soft and weak. In-
clination to sleep, which is disturbed by the hiccough; continued
ischuria. Abdomen soft and compressible, and not painful to pressure.
except in the scrobiculus. 2nd.-As yesterday; a natural, though
scanty stool. 3rd.-Burning in oesophagus and rectum, thirst, dys-
phagia, and continued suppression of urine. Less frequent hawking.
Bilious discharges up and down. Occasional sleep in spite of the hic-
cough recurring regularly 26 times a m. Face puffed. Pulse 100, soft
and weak. Tongue white and moist. 4th.-Breath offensive, but the
mouth not at all painful, and no salivation. Stiffness of the arms added
to that of the legs, in lesser degree however. Urine still suppressed.
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
251
5th.-Pulse almost imperceptible at wrist. Complains of dyspnoea, and
desires to be raised up in the bed; continued hiccough. Vomits now
and then a little bile, cannot swallow. Death about noon. Autopsy
not permitted. (Edinb. Med. Journ., vol. xxxvi, 1831.)
15. a. J. W—, a strong man, æt. 38, took, Feb. 10th, 1843, at
10 a.m., 2 dr. of sublimate in coarse pieces which he chewed and swal-
lowed, and afterward drank about a pint of water. Soon after that a
doctor gave him 4 eggs. He vomited, and a piece of sublimate half
as large as a nut was found in the chamber, which, it was supposed,
had not been swallowed. Brought into the hospital soon after, he ex-
hibited great prostration, cold extremities, natural respiration, pulse
almost imperceptible, tongue and lips swollen. He was sensible, and
complained of constriction in oesophagus. He got the whites of 4
eggs. 2 p.m., increased swelling of lips and gums. Beginning saliva-
tion; pain along oesophagus to stomach, causing intense dysphagia.
Yellow masses with blood had been expelled by several paroxysms of
vomiting. Some pain in abdomen; cramp in lower extremities; pulse
small and weak; tongue white and almost filling cavity of mouth; skin
somewhat warmer. (About 2 pints of milk and the whites of 24 eggs.)
11th.-Violent hiccough during n. ; great pain in stomach on pressure;
swallowing more difficult; headache; several evacuations up and down,
the latter of a green colour. Feet very cold; the entire skin yellow.
12th.-Skin still very yellow; pulse much contracted; swelling of lips
diminished. Evacuation, upward greenish, downward dark coloured,
mixed with blood. Stomach region very painful; swallowing still
difficult, extremities warm. 13th.-Swallowing goes better, but there
is still a burning in the œsophagus. Pulse like yesterday.
Pulse like yesterday. Has passed
no urine since his admission. Very little sleep last n. Hiccough con-
tinues. Pupils contracted. Extremities cold.
Extremities cold. Several stools, streaked
with blood, one or two consisting entirely of blood and mucus. Tongue
cannot be protruded for swelling. 4 p.m., some delirium, increasing
up to e. 14th.-6 a.m., breathing stertorous; facial muscles paralysed;
toward noon he seemed to have a great constriction of œsophagus.
The ability to speak was lost, and gradually consciousness also. Since
last evening no stool, and no urine till death at 3 p.m.
b. Autopsy, 22 h. after death.-Body rigid throughout. No signs
of decomposition (atmosphere cold and dry). Peritoneum healthy, con-
taining about an ounce of bright yellow fluid. Inside the stomach,
about 4 inches from the pylorus on the greater curvature, an inflamed
place the size of the palm of the hand. The mucous membrane was
very injected with red blood, and showed throughout signs of inflam-
mation. Of the slate-grey colour sometimes seen after sublimate
poisoning, there was nothing, nor any appearance of erosion or ulcera-
tion. Duodenum and jejunum healthy. In the lower two thirds of
the ileum there was slight inflammation of the mucous membrane,
which from the cæcum on was more considerable, with at last many
small ulcers. Liver large and full of blood; gall-bladder contracted,
almost entirely empty. Spleen normal as to size, full of blood, its
peritoneal covering thin and adherent. Pancreas healthy. Kidneys of
normal consistence, the cortex showing many little red points, espe-
252
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
cially between the infundibula, apparently from incipient inflammation.
On the back of the right kidney was a cyst the size of a marble, filled
with clear fluid. Bladder very much contracted, containing about
oz. of turbid urine. Mucous membrane of œsophagus showed an in-
flammatory redness, but was otherwise normal. Old pleuritic adhe-
sions in chest; lung-substance oedematous, rather firm and doughy; at
base of r. lung inflammatory oedema. Bronchial mucous membrane
universally inflamed, and tubes full of frothy mucus. Bronchial glands
slightly enlarged. Pericardium contained 3vj of clear yellow fluid.
Heart seemed healthy, only somewhat smaller than natural. Cranium.
not opened. (TAYLOR, Poisons, 1st ed.)
16. A fifteen-year old student, on May 15th, 1874, took and swal-
lowed a portion of a powder containing 2 scruples of sublimate, which
had been prescribed for his father for external use. As he at once felt
a severe burning, he threw away the remainder. After 5 m. repeated
vomiting set in. He drank much milk afterwards, and again vomited,
throwing up food which he had eaten for dinner. The violent pains
in throat and stomach and constant retching drove him from the garden,
where all this happened, to his room, saying that he was unwell, presum-
ably from his dinner. After 2 h. diarrhoea every h., lasting entire n. and
next forenoon. The pains and weakness increased continually, and at
noon he confessed to his mother that he had taken some of the powder.
Condition after 20 h. : Powerful muscular body. Temp. 100'4°; resp.
22. Thoracic-diaphragmatic breathing; pulse 108. Skin dry; face red;
pupils alike, reacting well. The inner surface of the lower lip, the
region of the frenum, base of the tongue, and velum, especially on r.
side, covered with a grey-white, firmly adherent crust; mortified mucous
membrane. Organs of respiration and circulation normal, as also liver
and spleen. Abdomen not enlarged, but very resistant. He complains
of pains in the mouth, throat, and stomach; the latter sensitive to
pressure, as also the region of the sigmoid flexure. The evacuations
are painless, consisting of a soft but formed, pulpy mass, light grey,
with red streaks in it in considerable quantity, with much liquid. He
said he had passed no urine since yesterday evening, that the fluid came
exclusively from the rectum. He was perfectly quiet. No appetite;
no thirst. (Magn. hyd. in water. Milk, white of 2 eggs.) 16th.
-Till midnight he was very uneasy and had frequent stools, after-
wards slept well. About 5 a.m., stool of a granular, sulphur-coloured
mass. No urine in spite of much straining, the bladder being actually
empty. 5 p.m., no evacuation since m.; urged to attempt to urinate,
he passed, after much straining, some thick milky drops. Temp.
99.68°; resp. 20; pulse 76. Pains in stomach have ceased, but it is
still sensitive to pressure. Kidney region not sensitive to deepest,
hardest pressure. Since m. he has taken emuls. ol. c. tinct. opii.
17th. He says he feels very well; has appetite, but swallows with
difficulty. Temp. 98.32°; resp. 16; pulse 76. No pain at all. For
more than 30 h. no evacuation, no vomiting. Not a drop of urine.
At n. he had formication all over body. About 4 p.m., copious, nor-
mal-looking, pappy evacuation, containing two living lumbrici. Feels
well, appetite good, no thirst, no urine. 18th.-Frequent, black, loose
MERCURIUS CORROSIV US.
253
At
stools after midnight. Urinary secretion has begun. Feeling of pres-
sure in gastric region. Temp. 98.24°; resp. 18; pulse 76. Abdomen
flat. Crusts begin to come off in pieces from mouth and throat.
noon he ate some milk-food with relish. At 5 p.m. a spinach-green
evacuation, followed by severe pains in stomach. Cold fomentations
to stomach. 19th.-Slept well. In m. two spinach-green evacuations
and each time urinated. Itching in whole skin, which is quite dry,
Severe pains in stomach region, which is somewhat full; the percussion
tone being very muffled-tympanitic. Apparently there was a hæmor-
rhage into the stomach. Swallowing very difficult. Extreme weak-
ness. Temp. 96.44°; resp. 18; pulse 76. 20th.-During n. several
dark green, very tenacious stools. Urine steadily increasing in quan-
tity, containing some albumen. Skin dry. Restless. Hiccough now
and then. Pains in stomach less. 21st.-N. very restless, no sleep.
Hiccough is much more frequent. Burning in chest and abdomen.
Crusts have mostly come off from mouth; places thus denuded of epi-
thelium appear as extensive, rather depressed spots sprinkled with
coarse red grains. No stool. Urine normal in quantity, containing
some albumen. Pains in mouth, and in swallowing; some pains in
stomach. (Morphine.)
(Morphine.) 22nd.-Very little sleep. Much plagued by
the very frequent hiccough, so that he cannot eat and can hardly speak.
Temp. 93.92°; resp. 18; pulse 76. Pure blood flows from anus.
Very troublesome itching in skin. Burning in intestines; great depres-
sion. E., the great increase of heart's action since m. is very remark-
able; there is no enlargement demonstrable. The heart's impulse is
very extended, visible at a distance, and so strong that the whole thorax
and both hypochondria, especially 1., from stomach to navel are vehe-
mently jarred by it. Beats 76; tone metallic-sounding, but clear.
Singultus ceased at e. Very considerable difficulty in swallowing.
Temp. 92.12°; resp. 18. .23rd.-Considerable sleep during n.
Early
in m. an evacuation consisting of hard fæculent masses in bloody fluid.
Urine normal in quantity, containing but a trace of albumen. Hic-
cough entirely stopped; restless. Temp. 98 24°; resp. 20; pulse 108,
small. Heart's action strong as yesterday. E., has taken no food to-
day. Face pale, collapsed. Consciousness no longer quite clear.
Abdomen flat. Two coffee-ground evacuations. Cold fomentations
to abdomen. 24th.-He has groaned whole n. through. Before mid-
night a black-green, very copious evacuation, followed by involuntary
urination and passage of blood per anum. Below navel to the r. a hard
swelling, the size of a lemon, very painful (extravasated blood); per-
cussion tone over it dull. Restless. (Morphine.) Soon afterward he
slept. Temp. 100'04°; resp. 14, very deep with long-drawn inspira-
tion; pulse 112, small. Toward e. dulness to r. of navel very much
increased in extent, apparently also flattened out. Unconscious, very
restless, fréquent groaning. Skin dry. Thermometer could not be
applied, but temperature was seemingly higher than normal. The
expired air smells very plainly like spoiled meat. Heart's impulse still
very strong and extended, but no more on the whole than yesterday or
this m.
At same time pulse became steadily more rapid and smaller,
and later was imperceptible in the radial, while heart's impulse was still
254
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
vigorous. Blood flows from rectum. Jactitations became less fre-
quent and weaker. Death before midnight. Autopsy neither desired
nor permitted. (Löwy, Wiener med. Presse, 1874, No. 34.)
17. A carpenter, æt. 30, received for r. supra-orbital neuralgia pills
of sublimate, which he took for 14 d., and then left the hospital. He
had trembling of the limbs, especially when they were extended;
heaviness of the extremities; trembling of the feet in walking. The
trembling was worse on the 1. side, especially in the m. on rising, at e.
with feverishness. Sense of coldness of the 1. side, worse after mid-
night, so that he could not get warm; towards e. icy coldness; cold
chills in the sacral region, as if there were shot in there; sweat first in l.
axilla, then general, on waking from sleep in the n. (BUCHNER, A. h. Z.,
xxviii, 155.)
18. W—, registrar, received for a slight herpetic trouble sublimate
pills, and took altogether 24 gr. The herpetic difficulty was cured,
but the effects were frightful. He writes: "My teeth, previously
sound, became loose, and six came out. A nasal discharge ensued, of
the character of isinglass, drying to a strong hard mass, especially in
the posterior choanæ and frontal sinuses. Of this mucus, hard pieces,
the size of a bean, frequently bloody, were discharged from the nose,
at the same time there were often the most dreadful pains in the head.
Respiration through the nose was maintained by snuffing water and
tobacco. The cartilage of the nose was perforated, but the nose did
not fall in; the sense of smell was lost entirely. No improvement
from the regular use of water. Subsequently the discharge became
more consistent and purulent; the teeth became affected again at the
roots, manifested by a prickling pressure, and always ending by promi-
nence in the sockets; profuse lachrymation in the open air. In the
front of the head, especially on the r. side, an unpleasant pressure,
changed to a crampy pain by obstruction of the discharge. Sleep fre-
quently only for an h." Cure after discharge of a great portion of the
necrosed upper jaw. (Ibid.)
19. A woman, æt. 29, contracted syphilis, for which she was treated
by means of corrosive sublimate. Violent ptyalism took place, 4 lbs.
of saliva being excreted in the 24 h. As this secretion diminished,
diarrhoea appeared and increased. Soon after, the patient complained
of anxiety and heat, with a fixed, obtuse, and deep-seated pain at the
epigastrium; loss of appetite, nausea, tension of abdomen; great thirst
and dryness of throat, and rapid pulse. These symptoms were aggra-
vated when the stomach was full. During 5 d. some amelioration was
remarked, but bilious vomiting supervened, and the pain and diarrhoea
increased. The frequency of the calls to stool became remarkably
great; a watery yellowish fluid, resembling saliva, being voided. The
deep-seated pain above the umbilicus prevented the patient from lying
on her back and 1. side, and was increased by a full inspiration. Some
d. of relief followed, after which a violent increase of fever appeared,
with a return of the diarrhoea, an acute pain at the epigastrium, and
orthopnoea. Blood-letting was prescribed. The following m. the
parotids were hot and painful, the mouth was burning, the pulse small,
and the stools were suppressed. Towards e. the breathing became
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
255
stertorous, the anxiety extreme, the pulse thready and intermittent, the
extremities cold, and the face hippocratic. She expired in the n. The
pancreas was found red, swollen, and somewhat more consistent than
natural. It weighed 8 oz., and the blood ran freely from it upon
dividing it. The duct was dilated. The parotids also were inflamed.
(COPLAND, Dict., sub voce Pancreas.)
20. In a man and woman who had taken sublimate for chancre, but
were not salivated, there appeared inflammation of the r. eye, which
involved not only the posterior surface of the cornea, but also the serous
covering of the iris. The pupil was angular; the eye very painful, as
if too small; all the sensations aggravated in bed. (v. AMMON, Zeitsch.
f. Ophth., i, 121.)
21. a. LEWIN treated a large series of cases of syphilis with sub-
cutaneous injection of corrosive sublimate. The smallest dose injected
was gr., the largest & gr. For experiment gr. and 1 gr. were in-
jected. Injection is followed either immediately or soon afterwards by
more or less lively reactive redness diffused round injection point, with
swelling coming apparently from the depths of subcutaneous tissue, and
a more or less firm infiltration focus which remains as a hard swelling
after the inflammation is gone. Very seldom an abscess is formed. Pain
sometimes occurs after the injection, of a pretty severe character, or the
puncture sometimes remains for a considerable time sensitive to pressure.
b. It causes several forms of affection of mouth: 1. Slight inflam-
mation (stomatitis), with swelling and tenderness of submaxillary
glands. The stomatitis is characterised by hyperæmia of buccal m.m.,
of gums, and of mucosa of cheeks. Afterwards there
Afterwards there is swelling,
hyperæsthesia, tenderness of organs of mastication, and increased
secretion of parotid and submaxillary glands. 2. Stomatitis ulcerosa
diphtherica; ulceration of buccal m.m. with tendency to gangrene,
covered with dirty yellow coating resembling the diphtheric mem-
brane. This is particularly at the last tooth and at the fold at junction
of the upper and lower jaw, which is liable to be bruised during masti-
cation; on the cheek where it is exposed to pressure of teeth; and on
the sides of the tongue. 3. Ptyalism without stomatitis.
At begin-
ning of treatment patients sometimes complained of falling out of hair.
Perspiration, especially at n., was a frequent phenomenon. Some of the
patients got a chlorotic colour of skin and m.m., and complained of
debility. In some, 6 to 12 h. after injection, there appeared single
spots on various parts of body the size of a pin's head, and resembling
ecchymosis, surrounded by a pale red areola. They appeared suddenly,
and went off gradually with desquamation of epidermis. The lym-
phatic glands of pharynx and of submaxillary region are apt to become
affected in cold weather. The patients complain of sore-throat, par-
ticularly when swallowing, the tonsils are swollen and red, and there.
are sometimes swollen and sensitive glands in the region of the angle
of the lower jaw. Very seldom is there mercurial tremor or erethism.
1
10
C. If the injection cure is pushed too far it may cause a state
resembling malignant gastro-enteritis. This commences with gastric
symptoms such as anorexia, loaded tongue, bad taste, which is some-
times described as metallic, rarely nausea or vomiting. After some
256
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
time in stomach a burning, increasing to pain and most felt on pres-
sure. Later diarrhoea, sometimes the stools tinged with blood. Sleep
at n. disturbed by anxious startings. Face pale, conjunctiva especially
pale, eyes dull, countenance looks suffering. Great weakness, must sit
down after walking a few steps. Urine often increased, and its sp. gr.
diminished, pale yellow colour. Pulse contracted, quick, 90 to 100,
and on exertion 130. Attacks of sickness and vertigo were common.
Vertigo even in bed, faintness and coma. Then the pulse would sink
to 68. Skin sometimes covered with sticky sweat. The gastric
symptoms sometimes increased, then there came vomiting and dysen-
teric bloody stools with tenesmus. (G. LEWIN, Die Behandlung der
Syphilis mit subcutaner Sublimat Injection, 1869.)
25. Dr. MÜLLER, of Bern, described a case of hysterectomy for
carcinoma uteri, in which a 1 in 1000 solution of the perchloride had
been used for disinfection of operator's hand, a 1 in 2000 solution for
the sponges, and a 1 in 4000 solution for washing the wound. Two d.
after the operation the patient was seized with diarrhoea and albu-
minuria, the stools were mixed with blood, and the quantity of urine
passed was very small. Death ensued on the 3rd d., and the post-
mortem revealed the existence of ulceration in the colon. There was
no nephritis. (Lond. Med. Record, p. 118, 1886.)
26. Dr. BUTTE summarises as follows the effects of corrosive subli-
mate solution used as antiseptic injections. Some h. after the injection,
sometimes only on the following d., diarrhoea supervenes, with tenes-
mus, the motions soon becoming slimy, stained with blood, and exceed-
ingly offensive. The rectal pain is marked, and severe colicky pains
are complained of in the abdomen. Nausea and vomiting are often
present. Salivation is generally absent, at any rate for some d., but
stomatitis may occur. There is great dryness of mouth and throat,
with intolerable thirst. The quantity of urine excreted is most fre-
quently diminished, sometimes to the extent of anuria, and it contains.
more or less albumen with epithelial cells and casts. The pulse
becomes small and rapid; the temperature is probably only affected
secondarily to the enteritis.* The patients generally complain of
intense headache, with much prostration, which may amount to col-
lapse. Erythematous eruptions on the skin of vulva, thighs, face,
arms, and trunk are often noticed, or the skin may become dry and
irritable. Certain patients appear to be abnormally amenable to the
toxic influence of the sublimate, especially cachectic and debilitated
subjects. The post-mortem appearances comprise injection of the
lower part of the small intestines, while in the large intestines the
mucous membrane is extremely hyperæmic, and is necrosed in patches.
and often covered with a diphtheritic exudation. The kidneys are
enlarged and pale in colour; examined microscopically the canaliculi
are blocked by deposits of oxalate of lime, and there are signs of paren-
chymatous inflammation. (Ibid., p. 266.)
* Mr. S. Snell relates (Pract., 1882, i. 180) the case of a woman, æt. 41, in whom
a drachm dose of lig. hydrarg. perchlor. immediately caused vomiting and a tempe-
rature of 104°. Under 2 grs. of hyd. c cret, the temperature rose to 101.8°, accom-
panied with vomiting, &c., as before.
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
257
27. After abortion at the third month, a young woman of 24 was
ordered an injection of 1 in 2000. Instead of calling
Instead of calling on the nurse to
give the injection, the patient's sister took upon herself to inject into
the rectum litre of the solution, containing about 17 centigr. of the
sublimate. In the course of a few m. patient was seized with intense
general tremulousness, more marked in the upper extremities; her
voice became feeble and consciousness dull. On arrival of the doctor
h. after injection, patient's face was pale, the skin cold and clammy.
She was unconscious, pulse 130, small and feeble; resp. 56, shallow
and irregular. The tremors had disappeared, but the tonus of the
muscles had increased to such an extent that the limbs preserved the
position in which they were placed for more than a m. Attempts to
induce the patient to swallow gave rise to attacks of dyspnoea. In
spite of treatment the breathing became more and more embarrassed,
and it was necessary to resort to artificial respiration. The pulse
became imperceptible, and the face cadaveric. Death appeared immi-
nent, but as the heart still pulsated the treatment was persisted in for
3 h., when patient began to show signs of returning life. She had
never shown any symptoms of hysteria, and everything pointed to the
sublimate as the direct cause of the attack. (Ibid., p. 499.)
28. a. Mrs. —, æt. 28, large and plethoric; weight 220 pounds;
called at my office at 7.30 p.m., May 27th, 1881, in an excited condi-
tion, and said she had taken poison abouth. before. I asked her
what kind of poison she had taken. She said bed-bug poison, or corro-
sive sublimate, and that she had taken half a glassful. I told her that
in that case she must die. She was at this time retching violently.
"Can't you do something for me?" I told her I would do what I could,
and as soon as possible. I gave her over a pint of a strong solution of
salt in tepid water. With this she vomited copiously. I also gave her
the whites of a dozen and a half of eggs, she being able to take only four
or five of them before they were ejected. During this time, which occu-
pied 1 h., she purged and vomited blood a great many times; and at
9 I ordered a carriage and sent her home. 28th.-At 9 a.m. I called,
and found her quite comfortable except a burning in the throat, and
also in the rectum after a stool. During the n. she had passed stools
of blood quite frequently, and had voided a large quantity of urine.
The abdomen is quite tender; the temperature is 99°, and the pulse
115. I ordered injections of the aqueous fluid extract of hydrastis, per
rectum, in the proportion of two teaspoonfuls in half a pint of warm
water, to be taken after each stool. In the evening I found the pulse
80, and the temperature 100°. The patient says the injections afforded
great relief. The abdomen is not so sore, and the burning in the
bowels has entirely ceased. The stools are not bloody. There has
been no emission of urine. Continued the same treatment. 29th,
a.m.-Pulse 94, temperature 100°. She complains mostly of her
throat. The tenderness of the abdomen is almost entirely gone. No
passage of urine. I passed the catheter, but obtained none. Gave
iod. potass., 10 gr. in solution every h. Also ordered jaborandi injec-
tions to be substituted for the hydrastis. E., the pulse is 105; the
temperature 100'2°. The patient only took the iod. potass. a few
VOL. III.
17
258
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
times, as it nauseated her. She has perspired freely most of the d.
Passed the catheter, and there still was no urine. Ordered half of the
original dose to be given in two spoonfuls of milk. 30th, a.m.-Pulse
106; temp. 100°2°. The general condition is the same as last e.
She has very small stools every h. Continued the same treatment.
E., pulse 96, temp. 99.9°. The patient is quite drowsy, but drinks
a little milk. When getting up to stool, she vomits a little. Admi-
nistered 10 dr. of apocynum cannabinum in the mother tincture hypo-
dermically over the r. kidney. After waiting h., the catheter was
passed, but there was no urine. 31st, a.m.-Pulse 96; temp. 99*9°.
The stools are very small, and have a cadaverous smell; no urine;
complains of no pain; takes milk and medicine; vomits a good deal of
bile. Gave 10 dr. of apocynum in the arm hypodermically. Also, to
satisfy the husband that the bladder had the power to eject urine, I
injected an ounce or more of warm water into it, which was promptly
voided. E., pulse 88, temp. 99°. Gave hypodermically over the r.
kidney gr. of pilocarpin. In less than 5 m. a profuse perspiration
was produced, a large quantity of bile was thrown from the stomach,
and a very large stool passed, but still there was no urine. Ordered
apis mel. 2 trit. every h. June 1st, a.m.-Pulse 90, temp. 99*6°.
She is about the same. Gave gr. of pilocarpin hypodermically, and
she commenced perspiring in 1 m. by the watch. Passed the catheter,
and there was no urine. Gave the apis every h. E., Dr. Burt was
present in council. Pulse 80, temp. 99°. The patient is still able to
walk. Dr. Burt advised pilocarpin gr. to be given hypodermically
twice a d. Also potass nit. every 2 h. 3rd, a.m.-Pulse 88, temp.
99.5°. She is becoming weaker, her speech is more difficult, the face
is very much swollen, the tongue thick and deeply marked along the
edges by the teeth. The hiccough was subdued by the use of small
pieces of ice; no urine; she is quite drowsy. Elm water was given
her to drink; pilocarpin hypodermically; alternated nit. potass and nit.
ac. every h. E., the patient seems brighter. In the afternoon hic-
cough set in, which would not yield to ice; but with ice and hot water
in quick succession it yielded completely. The pulse this evening is
85, temp. 99.2°. The face is not so much swollen, and she can talk a
little better. Repeated the pilocarpin, and continued same medicine.
4th, a.m.-Pulse 90; temp. 99.9°. She seems quite stupid. The
face is very much swollen; we can scarcely understand a word that she
says, but she is entirely conscious, and answers yes and no by a nod or
a shake of the head. She is very quiet, and says that she has no pain.
The catheter fails to find any urine in the bladder. Same remedies.
E., pulse 80, temp. 100.5°. She is becoming very weak. The
swelling has decreased very much. The pilocarpin does not produce
as profuse perspiration as before. She complains of some pain across
the kidneys. Hot fomentations were applied and the same medicine
continued. 5th, 4.30 a.m.-Was called in haste to find that my patient
had passed quietly away a little before 4, without even a moan, or any-
thing to indicate to the watchers that dissolution had taken place.
b. At 4 p.m. an autopsy was held; present, Drs. W. H. Burt,
Duncan and Snyder. There were two inches of adipose over the
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.
259
The stomach was very
abdomen. The peritoneum was normal.
much inflamed, its cardiac portion being almost perforated by ulcera-
tion. The kidneys were examined very carefully. They were found
to be inflamed, and so hard that to dissect them was like cutting into
firm cheese. The ureters were also inflamed. The small intestines
were almost normal. The descending colon was slightly inflamed.
The inflammation of the liver had been severe, and its texture was
solid. The gall-bladder was full of bile, and decidedly inflamed.
There was no urine in the bladder, and it was literally lined with fat.
The uterus was normal. (I have neglected to state that during her
sickness, at the proper time, she menstruated as if she had been in per-
fect health.) (SKILES, Clinique, Oct., 1881.)
III. Experiments on animals.-1. Three gr. of corrosive sublimate.
in substance were put upon the connective tissue of the thigh of a
medium-sized dog about II a.m. At 6 p.m. he seemed dull. Next
m. about II a.m. pulse was very rapid, tongue moist and natural in
colour. No sign of paralysis or vertigo. At 5 p.m. dyspnoea, the dog
lying upon his side. Next m. he was dead. Autopsy. The thigh
was infiltrated and considerably inflamed; the place upon which the
sublimate was put was greyish. On the mucous membrane of the
stomach (which was natural in colour), close by the pylorus, were
found six or seven coal-black spots, caused by extravasated venous
blood. The small intestine was normal, the rectum somewhat red.
The crepitant lung was brown, containing much blood, and floating
on water. Mitral valve cherry-red; otherwise heart was healthy.
(ORFILA, Tox., sub voce.)
2. About II a.m. 6 gr. of sublimate in substance were applied to
the connective tissue of the inner aspect of the thigh of a very large
dog. About I p.m. he vomited; next d. burning thirst; the 3rd d.
he would not eat, and endeavoured to guzzle water, which he imme-
diately vomited again. Inconsiderable vertigo without spasm or para-
lysis. Death about 4 p.m. Autopsy. The thigh operated upon was
very much infiltrated and excessively inflamed, but not an atom of the
sublimate was to be found. The mouth was greyish; the stomach con-
tained much yellowish mucus; the mucous membrane here and there
cherry-red, and, at the pylorus, ulcerated. The small intestine seemed
normal, the rectum very much inflamed. The tricuspid valve of the
heart was beset with minute black points of extravasated blood, which
the slightest friction changed to ulcers; otherwise the heart was
healthy. The lungs were crepitant, somewhat infiltrated, and floated
on water. (Ibid.)
3. Sept. 13th, about 11 a.m., 6 gr. of dry sublimate were introduced
into the connective tissue of the back of a small, weak dog. On the
15th, he would not eat and had a burning thirst, but vomited as soon
as he drank. On the 16th, 17th and 18th, condition the same, with
marked increase in the rapidity of heart's action. Death the n. after the
18th. Autopsy.-Intestinal canal appeared unchanged. Endocardium.
in both chambers of the heart red and inflamed; numerous red spots
on some of the columnæ carneæ; lungs engorged and spotted black.
(Ibid.)
260
MERCURIUS CYANATUS.
4. Injection of one grain sublimate into the jugular vein or a large
dog produced salivation, dyspnoea, and symptoms of inflammation of
the lungs, which increased in the days following, and there were added
vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and cramps. On the 4th d. the dog died.
The lungs were beset with blackish swellings the size of a pea, of which
some were inflamed, others suppurating, and still others gangrenous
(bronchial glands ?); liver was black and softened; gall-bladder full of
thick, black, viscid bile. (GASPARD, Journ. de Phys., i.)
5. A gr. of sublimate, dissolved in 3ss of distilled water, was injected
into the jugular of a bitch. After 15 m., she was taken with a chill,
dulness, diarrhoea, dyspnoea, and salivation. The symptoms of pneu-
monia and dysentery increased. There was tenesmus, with mucous
and bloody stools; and after 5 h. she died. The lungs were exten-
sively inflamed and distended with blood, sinking in water. The intes-
tinal mucous membrane was red and inflamed, and covered with a dirty
sanguinolent and ichorous mucus. (Ibid.)
Mercurius cyanatus, mercuric cyanide, Hg (CN)2•
I. Provings.-I. A partial proving of the cyanide gave great pros-
tration and weakness, a low febrile condition, a whitish-grey deposit
upon the tonsils and mouth, extending along the r. side of the tongue,
with slightly swollen tonsils and difficult deglutition. These symptoms
are given as communicated to me by the prover. The prostration and
other symptoms were so severe that he ceased taking the drug,—the
second potency had been used,-and rapidly recovered by the use of
baptisia. (W. A. ALLEN, Hom. Times, Oct., 1877.)
II. Poisonings.-I. a. A strong healthy man, in April, 1823, after
futile attempts to take a preparation of prussic acid, swallowed about
23 gr. of cyanide of mercury. Immediately, repeated vomiting mixed
with blood ensued, frequent and copious stools, and terrible pains in the
whole abdomen. The patient drank mucilaginous drinks. After 4 d.
Dr. Kapeler was called. The patient's face was grave, the eyes fixed,
and the conjunctiva injected. He confessed, at last, to having poisoned
himself in the above-mentioned way. The exterior of the body showed
nothing remarkable, except a dark blue discoloration of the scrotum
and of the semi-erected penis. Terrible headache; strong heart-beat;
rather slow, but full, hard and even pulse; free respiration; slight
cough; normal resonance of the chest. Lips, tongue, and inner sur-
face of cheeks studded with numerous ulcers covered with a greyish
pulp; salivary glands swollen; ptyalism; swallowing difficult, continued
nausea, and frequent vomiting after drinking; great thirst. Abdomen
soft, not sensitive to pressure; frequent urging to stool, with tenes-
mus; stools infrequent and mixed with blood; suppressed urination.
(Twenty leeches to the anus; veal-broth as a drink; injection of
bran-water; boiled barley and honey for gargling.) On the following
d. the condition was the same. (Thirty leeches and poultices to the
abdomen.) On the 6th d. none of the symptoms had abated; the con-
dition of the mouth was the same; vomiting, tenesmus, and suppression
of urine continued; the abdomen soft, not painful on pressure; the
heart-beats violent and strong; the pulse unchanged. (Venesection.)
MERCURIUS CYANATUS.
261
On
Restless, sleepless n.; when in a warm bath the anxiety ceases.
the 7th d. the heart-beat not so strong; pulse a little weaker; salivation
less profuse; the condition of mouth and other symptoms unchanged.
(Thirty leeches.) During d. the patient is quiet, and only complains
of pain in the mouth; slight convulsions in the extremities. On the
8th d. general weakness, frequent fainting, somnolency, vomiting less
frequent, suppression of urine; the semi-erected state of the penis also
continues, and the purplish hue. In the e. slow contracted pulse, cold
extremities, hiccough. On the 9th d. condition the same. Extreme
weakness, and fainting attacks. Continued hiccough. At 2.30 died
in a fainting attack.
b. Post-mortem examination 20 h. after death. External condition:
Well developed body, dull pallor of the skin, upper and lower extre-
mities rigid and contracted so that the body only rests upon the back;
the muscles red, very large, and covered with a thick layer of fat.
Larynx, trachea and bronchiæ contain much whitish phlegm, a part of
which flowed from the nose; the pleural cavities contain several
grammes of pinkish serum; the lungs somewhat pink, healthy, and
crepitating; wherever a cut is made, much serum flows out. Circula-
tory system: On making a cut into the skin, muscles, or blood-vessels,
pale and very fluid blood flows out. The inferior vena cava is filled
with a very large, elastic, and tough coagulum; the heart, embedded
in fat, appears a little larger than normal, without having hypertrophied
walls; but little blood in either ventricle; fibrous coagula in the
r. auricle. Digestive organs: Peculiar stinking odour from the mouth.
Inner surface of cheeks and the gums are covered with ulcers, having
a greyish coating; the tongue thicker than normal, ulcerated on its
edges, and covered with a very thick dry coating, hard to remove.
The
pharynx is normal; in the middle of the oesophagus an ecchymosed
pink spot the size of a thaler. The peritoneal cavity contains some
yellowish serum. The stomach is of moderate size, and externally
normal; the intestines distended by gas. The mucous membrane is
bluish red in the small curvature; in the cardiac portion and large
curvature dark red, exceedingly tumefied, and covered with ramifica-
tions of blood-vessels. In the duodenum and jejunum it is very much
tumefied, dark red, in some spots quite black, and in others gangrenous.
The redness the same in the coœcum; pale in the ascending colon, more
red in the transverse colon, less in the descending colon, and again
darker in the rectum. The mucous membrane throughout the intes-
tines is swollen, and in some portions, particularly in the small intes-
tines, granulated. In all places where the membrane is raised in this
manner, there is marked infiltration of serum into the submucous con-
nective tissue. The pancreas is very large, hard, dry, easily torn, and
creaks under the scalpel. The liver is enlarged, but the substance
shows very little change. The gall-bladder contains a blackish-green,
stringy, pitchy fluid. The spleen is small, otherwise normal. Uro-
poietic organs: The r. kidney is a third larger than normal, its substance
is pale; the 1. is a little smaller and less pale than the r. The bladder
is small, contracted, containing a very small quantity of milky urine.
The penis semi-erected, and, like the scrotum, of a purplish hue. The
262
MERCURIUS CYANATUS.
skull and spinal column were not opened. Neither in the blood nor
in the excrements could M. be found chemically. (ORFILA, Toxi-
cologie.)
2. A student took at 10 p.m. on Dec. 3rd, after drinking 3 glasses
of beer, 2 gr. of cyanide of mercury in a fourth of another glass. He
had not taken solid food for 7 or 8 h. Immediately, nausea followed
by vomiting. In about 10 m. continuous vomiting was added, violent
urging to stool, soon followed by evacuations. Vomiting and diarrhoea
now alternated until 10 a.m. During this time he may have had 30
to 40 attacks of vomiting and diarrhoea. To these symptoms were
added bitter taste, violent colic increased with every evacuation, vertigo,
headache, and great chilliness. 4th, II a.m.-The patient's face
cyanotic; pupils widely dilated; extremities cold; pulse weak, 130;
tongue clean; abdomen not distended, and not painful to the touch.
Lungs and heart unaffected, only the heart's impulse and sounds very
weak. Urine not passed with the stools. Prescription: milk, muci-
laginous drinks, cold applications to head. In e. vomiting had com-
pletely stopped. There were two thin evacuations tinged with blood;
these were without urination. Pulse 132, small; cyanosis somewhat
less. 5th.-Patient slept all n. On waking violent headache; in-
creased nausea and thirst; difficulty in swallowing; entire lining of the
fauces highly inflamed; evacuations had ceased; bladder empty. Pulse
102, irregular; pupils somewhat more contracted. Same prescription.
Patient slept much during e. ; had no evacuation. Pulse 92. 6th.-
Had a good sleep; pulse 90; tongue thickly coated, but no vomiting
and evacuations; otherwise the same. 7th.-In n. vomited 20 or 30
times, with increased bitter taste. The matter vomited consisted of a
whitish, turbid, slimy mass, of alkaline reaction, without any marked
odour. Tongue moist and coated; no evacuation; bladder empty.
Pulse 88; profuse nose-bleed. Headache and vertigo continued. Ice
pill and an injection. After first spoonful of med. vomiting again;
the injection was followed by two dark fæcal evacuations slightly tinged
with blood; no urine. Pulse 90. Slight nose-bleed, otherwise the
8th. In n. violent vomiting twice of much dark blood, a dark
fæcal stool; slight thirst, no appetite; tongue thickly coated; formation
of vesicles on 1. border of tongue, also on 1. side of soft palate; swal-
lowing remains difficult; pulse 90, and regular; but little nose-bleed;
no urine, no sweats. There was no urination up to the 10th, when,
during an attack of nose-bleed, there was urging to micturate, and the
urine passed in bed. The urine, which was collected on the 11th, had
an acid reaction; the quantity was too small to take the specific gravity.
Microscopical examination showed numerous straight and twisted tubuli
covered with finely grained detritus; no blood-corpuscles. A chemical
analysis disclosed much albumen. Once or twice a day, attacks of
nose-bleed, alternating with vomiting, up to the 17th; also a daily
increase of urine. On the 18th no nose-bleed, and no more albumen
or tubuli in urine, which was now copious. Pulse 54; tongue still
thickly coated. On 20th and 21st no nose-bleed; the tongue, for the
first time, moist and clean; taste and appetite improved; pulse 88, in-
termitting. On 22nd, no more vomiting, but also no evacuation in
same.
Ga
MERCURIUS CYANATUS.
263
spite of three injections. Same condition on 23rd. Another injection
on 24th brought a copious normal evacuation. Soup and gruel were
well received. On 25th decidedly convalescent, with a remaining
tendency to constipation for several d. (Moose, Virchow's Archiv,
1864.)
3. Mr. H, æt. 19, architect, weakly, nervous constitution, several
h. after eating a hearty dinner, took a glass of eau sucrée in which
was put by mistake a teaspoonful of a saturated solution of cyanide of
mercury. A short time after taking the poison, the patient experienced
a general feeling of coldness, soon followed by nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhoeic evacuations with violent colic. During the evacuations feel-
ing of general prostration, soon amounting to a fainting fit, in which
he fell to the floor, where he lay for an indefinite length of time in an
unconscious state; he was alone in his room and received no aid.
After consciousness had returned he crawled into bed, where he was
found next m., 7 h. after taking the poison. Dr. Léon Simon saw
him about 10 a.m. Not knowing the cause of the attack, he received
an infusion of tea, which was soon after vomited up. At first sight
the young man seemed to be suffering from an attack of cholerine;
his face was pale, somewhat bluish, and distorted, the eyes sunken, skin
icy cold, pulse small, 70 to 76. Tongue pale; violent thirst, but what
he drank was immediately vomited; a disagreeable astringent taste in
mouth. He had had no evacuation and had not urinated for 2 h. The
abdomen was not tympanitic, or particularly sensitive to pressure.
Simon thought that the repeated evacuations had carried the poison
from the intestinal canal, and prescribed neither emetics nor chemical.
antidotes, but gave the patient hepar sulph., 3rd dil., with alternate
drinks of milk and albuminated water. 6 p.m., patient had vomited
twice, not very copiously, but had had much retching; 6 fluid offensive
passages. The skin had become warm again; the pulse was quicker
and stronger-90 beats. The tongue continued pale, with a yellowish
coating on back part. Scraping in oesophagus; difficult swallowing;
pharynx looked red and arborescent. Violent thirst, burning in stomach;
epigastrium and (slightly) abdomen painful to pressure. No urine
apart from stools. N. was spent sleeplessly. Patient was much ex-
cited and talked without cessation. He got angry with his watchers,
and talked at random in his rage. He drank much, vomited 6 times,
and had 8 stinking green slimy stools; no urine passed. Next m.
condition was same as e. before. Skin hot, somewhat moist; head-
ache; vertigo when sitting up; ringing in ears; tongue redder at
edges, coated grey at back. Hepar sulph. continued. Next d. con-
dition was improved; he had vomited but once, and had 3 fluid passages
much less painful; passed urine once; sleeplessness and excitability
same; extremely violent headache. Vertigo and ringing in ears on
sitting up. Great weakness. Belladonna¹2. 15th.-Sleeplessness and
headache same in n., but not so furibund; less thirst; no more vomit-
ing; 6 slimy diarrhoeic stools, with some tenesmus. Pulse increased
skin moderately warm; less vertigo; mucous membrane of mouth
affected, gums swollen, covered with a white layer, with a violet-
coloured margin; tongue swollen, and covered with tenacious grey
264
MERCURIUS CYANATUS.
1
coating; entire mucous membrane of mouth and fauces red and arbo-
rescent. Nitric acid. 16th.-General condition same e; fever in n.,
with sleeplessness and violent headache; no vomiting; no evacuation;
condition of mouth somewhat worse. A white transparent layer, re-
sembling mucous syphilitic patches, has formed on palatine arches and
tonsils; further, there was present on inner surface of r. cheek a round
ulcer with greyish base and sharply defined edges, surrounded by a
bright red border. Nitric acid¹2. 17th and 18th.-Condition the
same, except that the ulcer in the mouth had spread, and was covered
with a layer of greyish exudation; great thirst, cannot take warm drinks
or meat broth, the latter seemed to him too salt. Constipation, and
some pain in belly; the latter is not distended, and not very sensitive to
pressure; urine clear but scanty. On 17th patient was left without med.
On 18th and 19th he received sulphur24. He had continuous hiccough
for 24 h.; this was at last relieved by nux vomica. 20th.-Condition
of mouth improved. Ulcerated surface clean, and is beginning to cica-
trise; gums less swollen, less red, and the white coating has disap-
peared from these and from throat. Less thirst; meat-broth and light
soups well received. Constipation; urine more copious; nights are
more quiet; still patient has not his natural sleep. The neuralgic
headache still continues during first part of n. Pulse small and weak,
70 to 75. Patient could sit up yesterday for an h. without being too
much fatigued thereby. On 21st improvement continued, but on
22nd there was a sudden return of watery evacuations, which were
preceded by violent colic; no urination; tongue is again covered with
a grey coating; patient has a very disagreeable metallic taste, a return
of the thirst, aversion to food, nausea; pulse accelerated but weak;
skin moist and cold, and general prostration. Arsenicum¹2 23rd.-
Symptoms in mouth better; increased diarrhoea; since yesterday, 12
blackish, fluid, very fœtid stools, and violent colic; urine scanty and
dark. Extreme weakness, pale face, icy-cold skin; small thread-like
pulse, 100; thirst moderate; aversion to food. China. 24th.-
Diarrhoea the same; patient very weak; pulse small; skin moist and
icy cold. Hippocratic face; could not sleep at n. on account of fre-
quent evacuations. Carbo veg.
Carbo veg.24 25th.-But 8 evacuations during
past 24 h. They were more yellow;
more yellow; one of them contained some
blood. Pulse stronger, 100; skin not so cold, and countenance more
natural; less thirst; tongue retains its grey coating. Gums less in-
flamed and swollen, but teeth painful. Mucous membrane of mouth
and pharynx quite clean. Carbo veg.30. 26th and 27th.-Consider-
able improvement. Diarrhoea checked and strength returning. Patient
can remain up almost an h.; some return of appetite; patient can take
soup; when sitting he complains of pain in rectum and about anus.
29th.-No more diarrhoea, but pains in rectum are becoming unbear-
able. The parts about anus are swollen, sensitive, and somewhat red
no stool, but some black blood is expelled when making the effort.
Belladonna¹². 30th.-All symptoms worse; 6 profuse evacuations of
blood; patient is again extremely weak; pains in anus continue very
severe; around anus small hæmorrhoidal tumours, and wart-like eleva-
tions on mucous membrane. Rhus tox¹8. March 31st, April 1st and
;
MERCURIUS CYANATUS.
265
2nd. The bloody passages have ceased, but not the pains; besides the
above-mentioned symptoms, there is found about the anus a greyish
diphtheritic coating, quite similar to that on the inner cheeks; also
erosions on mucous membrane; in short, condition of anus was similar
to the pathological affection styled ulcerating mucous patches. Merc.
solub.18 3rd.-Aggravation of pain in rectum; extension of ulcers
and of diphtheritic coating; ichorous discharge from rectum diffusing the
characteristic gangrenous smell, and leaving broad blackish stains on
sheets. Lachesis 24. 4th.-Rather less pain, and much less gangrenous
odour; discharge from anus still profuse, but more pus-like. Since
yesterday m. some pain in calf of 1. leg; on examination it was found
that the veins formed two hard cords, which united a little below the
bend of the knee; the slightest touch is very painful. Lachesis12.
5th, 6th, and 7th.-Improvement daily; discharge from anus growing
less and less; it is of a serous nature, and has scarcely any odour.
Yesterday patient had a painful passage, but sensitiveness has much
decreased. He can now sit on an air-cushion. The leg is much in
the same condition, and begins to swell as soon as he is on his feet.
10th.-Discharge is nearly stopped; parts around anus are somewhat
red, but there is no swelling or any diphtheritic coating; patient re-
mains up for several h. each d.; for 2 d. past he has been able to eat
and digest meat. Daily, one or two soft stools, but slightly painful.
The leg is less painful but continues somewhat swollen. No med.
12th.-Condition same as 2 d. ago. Lachesis30. 14th.-Leg is less
painful, venous cords having grown much smaller; rectum and anus
almost well. Lachesis30. 18th.-Improvement continues. 28th.-
Leg continues somewhat painful; otherwise well. Lachesis 200. 8 d.
after patient visited Simon. His condition was improved in every
way. He could walk more than an h. without fatigue. May 14th.-
Simon saw the patient for the last time; he had resumed his usual
occupations. (Bull. de la Soc. Méd. Hom. de France, iv, 340.)
III. Experiments on animals.-I. a. A small bitch received 7 gr.
dissolved in distilled water. For 5 m. retching, cramps, alternated
with weakness; respiration and heart's action at first accelerated, then
abnormally slow. Death in 10 m.
b. About 3 gr. were injected into connective tissue of thigh of a
dog. In 3 m. retching and spasms, broken from time to time by fits
of weakness lasting h. The animal then remained weak with totter-
ing gait; the vomiting stopped. In 4 h. all symptoms disappeared.
;
c. About gr. were injected into the jugular vein of a young dog;
he immediately fell on his side; slight spasms, lasting but some seconds
very slow respiration, heart-beats only 32 per m. Respiration and
circulation grew slower and slower, and the animal died without spasms
in 5 m.
C
3
5
d. The P.M. changes were of no decided character. Lungs con-
tained little blood, and crepitated; heart was relaxed, and its chambers
contained much blood, which was partly fluid. In the dog killed by
injection into the jugular, the blood formed very elastic, firm, fibrous
coagula in the vena cava ascendens and the iliac veins. In the other
animals the blood in the vessels was mostly fluid. The colour of the
266
MERCURIUS IODATUS.
mucous membrane of the stomach was very variable; in 2 cases there
were dark red spots, formed by the union of many small vessels. The
same colour, somewhat less marked, was found in a dog which received.
12 gr. after fasting 36 h. The same appearance of mucous membrane
of stomach and intestines was seen in the dog killed by hypodermic
injection. This dog's stomach was partly filled with food. Another
dog, killed in the same way, had eaten nothing for 48 h.; the mucous
membrane of stomach and intestines was whitish; he had vomited
several times. In all the stomach was closely contracted, except in the
one killed in 10 m. by injection into the jugular vein. In all, without ex-
ception, the liver was filled with copious fluid blood. (ORFILA, op. cit.)
2. I poisoned a large dog with the cyanide, by injecting some of the
crude drug under the skin. The symptoms were-nausea; vomiting;
excessive thirst; many stools, of what I took to be blood but proved to
be bile and mucus, with much tenesmus; respiration very slow, the
last h. before death about I per m.; dilatation of pupils; intermittent
pulse, beating twice, then stopping once, then beating 5 times and
stopping twice. The dog had no pain, but was in a listless state, with
excessive and complete prostration. Post-mortem examination revealed
inflammation of the larynx, with its mucous membrane and that of the
posterior nares loaded with mucus; cardiac portion of stomach highly
inflamed, the viscus containing about a pint of bile and mucus; whole
intestinal tract filled with bile and rectum congested; liver highly con-
gested; both ventricles of heart filled with dark blood, in r. a white
fibrinous clot. (BURT, Amer. Homœopathist, ii, 29.)
Mercurius iodatus, mercurous iodide, Hg I.
I. Provings.-1. Dr. I. S. P. LORD proved 1st trit.* Dull headache on awaking
at n.; dull heavy aching at base of brain, in throat and nostrils. Feeling of dryness
in teeth; grinding sensation in roots of teeth, with occasional pains in abdomen (2nd
d.); creeping grinding sensation at roots of teeth with pressing together, and sense of
soreness deep behind umbilicus (4th d.); sensation of fulness, grinding, and drawing
in roots of teeth, with constant desire to press teeth together, he had pressed them
so hard during sleep that the muscles were lame and tired on awaking; gums feel
slippery; increased flow of saliva, with congested feeling at the root of a tooth (12th
M
13th d.). Sense of dryness in throat; dull, heavy, aching pain in throat; fauces
and roof of mouth dry, gums and side of mouth moist; sensation of nausea and
faintness, with pressure high up in rectum (4th d.); sensation of strings of air-bubbles
running transversely across abdomen below umbilicus,-also a shooting pain, as of a
knotted string, down, through, and across, above the umbilicus; loud rumbling in
bowels (2nd d.); occasional pains in abdomen, with grinding sensation in roots of
teeth (20th d.); frequent short darting pains in 1. abdomen, and occasionally in r.,
running from deep in pelvis up to hepatic region; for 61 d., constant daily return at
2 a.m. of a heavy uneasy sensation below umbilicus, as if full above and empty
below, with a kind of pressure towards anus and sensation as if it could not move at
all, succeeded by feeling as if an acrid loose stool would be discharged, and then of
faintness and sickness in hypogastrium, and frequent painless discharge of inodorous
flatus. Slight constant discharge of mucus from urethra, with slight soreness around
glans; diuresis (5th, 7th, and 9th d.). Some tightness and pressure in lungs. Aching
and drawing pain in bones of 1. forearm, and some pressure in hypogastrium, at mid-
day, returning at 9 p.m. with passage from bowels; sense of lameness in foot.
Profuse sweat of genital organs. `(ALLEN'S Encyclopædia, vi, 269.)
* Manner unknown in all these provings.—EDS.
MERCURIUS IODATUS.
267
2. L. J. B— took 1, and 2x trits. Fine bright red eruption on roof of mouth;
several sharp sudden pains in r. chest, from above downward; while in bed at n.,
severe pain in 1. femur and dull pain in sacral region, lasting 24 h., relieved by
motion, stretching, and turning from side to side. (Ibid.)
3. Miss R- took 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 12th dec. potencies. Bad headache on
awaking, in forehead, as if sword were run through from 1. temple to r., also in
occiput bruised pain as from a blow (after 10 h.); dull pain above 1. temple,
followed by throbbing pain in r.; very sharp pain on top of head, lasting a long time,
after 4 d.; sharp pain in occiput, after rising in m. Sharp lasting pain in superior
arch of 1. orbit, as if from knife. Tongue coated yellowish white; small, red,
raised elevations on tongue. Burning in throat when swallowing saliva; burning in
throat, with pain when swallowing; tonsils slightly swollen; empty deglutition, she
is obliged to swallow frequently. Burning at stomach with pain as if from a blow
(1st and 2nd d.); bruised burning pain at stomach, more severe than any preceding
it (4th d.); sharp, cutting pain in stomach, with nausea and inclination to vomit,
in m. when awaking, and lasting all d. Pain in 1. hypochondrium, with dizziness on
awaking in m., and lasting all d. Sudden darting through r. side, as if from a
sword. On the 7th d. excruciating, sharp, sticking pain in back (dorsal region),
causing her to shed tears, lasting h.; it returned next d., but not so severely. Dull
pain behind both ankles in m., on rising; sharp, cutting pain in small toe of 1. foot,
lasting 12 h. (Ibid.)
4. ERNEST W— took 2x, 5x, 9x, and 12x. Pressive aching in frontal region,
lasting a short time, after 3rd d.; dull headache at r. temple. Pinching pain in r.
elbow, lasting few m.; slight aching pain in r. elbow. Pinching pain in r. knee,
lasting a d. and a n., followed shortly after by pain of same character in r. elbow;
pressing, squeezing pain in 1. knee; pinching pain behind lower third of r. leg; aching
pain on anterior surface of 1. leg; aching on internal surface of 1. leg above ankle,
lasting about 1 h., followed by aching in forehead; severe aching pain in r. leg, on
posterior surface, immediately followed by pinching pain on posterior surface of r.
forearm; pressing, squeezing pain in r. ankle; sharp cutting pain in r. ankle, after
h.; aching on dorsum of r. foot. (Ibid.)
G
5. Miss X took 2x and 3x. Dizzy headache, like rush of blood to head,
followed by violent pain above r. temple; headache in m. when rising, lasting over
h.;
headache with faintness, while in church (38 h.); general headache (1 d.);
slight headache all forenoon; bad headache all over head (22 h.); violent headache,
especially over r. temple (18 h.); very violent headache, involving entire head; very
violent headache, lasting some m., over r. half of frontal and r. parietal bones (19 h.);
slight general, dull headache on awaking (11 h.); sensation in skull as if it were
cracking, continuing the whole afternoon (17th d., also on 19th); increased throbbing
pain in head, more in forehead, after 49 h.; headache is always on top of head, or on
r. side; headache is worse in m. before rising, and for short time after rising, also
when she walks about in house; headache over top of head (after 46 h., 8th d.);
headache all over top of head, proceeding after some time into forehead; headache
all over top of head, with wave-like motion of the blood, after h., 1st d., recurring
all over head on 5th d.; slight headache over top of the head, 10th d.; sharp pain on
top of head, followed by pain in r. hip, after h.; pain in r. side of head; slight
pains in r. side of head; violent pain in 1. side of head, near 1. temple; violent pain
over entire r. side of head, extending from r. temple to nape of neck, lasting longer
than usual (13 h.); rather violent pain in r. side of head; very violent pains in r.
side of head; sharp, aching pain in r. side of head (3 d.); sharp pain in r. side of
head, extending to neck and r. eye (4 d.); several slightly sharp pains in 1. side of
head, above 1. temple (2 d.); very short, sharp pains in r. side of head. Sharp pain
in the septum narium (4 d.). Sore-throat, with difficulty in swallowing and frequent
empty swallowings severe burning in r. side of neck, as if a coal of fire were laid
upon it, continuing, but not so severely, for a few m. Nausea (23 h.); nausea, with
disgust at sight of food (before supper); nausea, with suffocation about heart, and
dizziness (25 h.); while at dinner, inclination to vomit, obliging her to cease eating
(66 h.); inclination to vomit, with dull, dizzy pains over top of head, following imme-
diately after a slight pain at heart (93 h.); strong inclination to vomit, after 45 h.;
slight pain in 1. side of stomach (23rd d.); several short, rather burning pains in 1.
side of stomach (zoth d.); dull, constrictive pain in stomach, followed shortly after
268
MERCURIUS IODATUS.
by aching pains in r. arm and shoulder (81 h.); rather severe cramps in stomach,
followed immediately by pain in r. side of back; sudden, sharp, momentary pain in
stomach, as if a knife were driven in. Aching pain in region of liver, proceeding
from r. side to l., producing dizziness and nausea; two successive sharp pains in r.
hypochrondrium, followed by sharp pain through stomach, with sensation as if pain
had turned around; slight sharp pain in r. hepatic region; very sharp pain under г.
floating ribs; very sharp pain in 1. hypochondrium. Several successive violent pains
in chest (2 h.); sharp pain in the chest, behind sternum; rheumatic pain in r. side
of chest (17 h.); dull, continuous pains in r. side of chest, at n. while in bed; aching
pain in r. side of chest ; sharp pain in 1. side of chest; sharp pain in r. side of chest,
followed by slightly sharp pain in 1. side; sharp pains in J. side below axilla, followed
by a double pain on top of head; short, sharp pain in r. side,—a few m. after, the same
pain appeared further back under arms, with aching in r. side of chest, followed by
soreness in chest as if from a cold; stitches in r. side of chest (15 h.); sharp throb-
bing pain in 1. side of chest; the pains in chest appear on 1. side, those which appear
on the r. side always proceed to 1. Sudden but lasting pain in 1. side, about heart,
taking away her breath; slight pain in heart, when yawning; sharp pain about heart
(3 d.); rather sharp pain at heart; slight stitching pain at heart (24 h.); sudden
spasmodic action of heart, as if it jumped out of its place. Slight, sharp pain in 1.
side of neck; several violent pains in back (2 h.); aching pain in back (3 d.); sharp
sudden pain in 1. shoulder-blade; sharp pain in 1. scapula (21 h.); sharp, cutting
pain in the back, between shoulders,—2 h. after, same pain appeared lower down,
about last dorsal vertebra (2 d.); throbbing pain between shoulders; sharp pain in
lumbar region; sharp pain in small of the back. Pain in r. arm and sole of r. foot
(92 h.); dull, lasting pain in r. forearm, and simultaneously in 1. hip; sharp pain in
1. shoulder (45 h.); sharp pain in r. shoulder, with aching pain in back; pain in 1.
arm above elbow (39 h.); dull, aching pain in 1. elbow (65 h.); rheumatic pain in 1.
arm below elbow, proceeding afterwards into 1. thumb; dull, aching pains in both
forearms (75 h.); pain on back of г. hand (91 h.); pain in r. hand, followed by
rheumatic pain above 1. elbow (3 d.); rheumatic pain in r. hand at n. in bed; rather
sharp pain in palm of r. hand; several sharp pains in 1. forefinger; rather sharp pain
in palmar surface of r. thumb, with slight pain on top of head (75 h.). Rather sharp
pain in r. lower limb, extending into foot (3 d.); sharp pain in r. thigh (1 h.);
sharp pain in r. thigh, followed shortly after by slight pain in the nose; slightly sharp
pain in r. thigh, above knee; pain on anterior surface of r. leg above ankle; four
successive pains on 1. leg above ankle, at intervals of 15 m. (1 h.); sharp pain in 1.
leg, between foot and knee; slight lasting pain in sole of 1. foot, followed by sharp
pain in 1. chest (56 h.); pain in sole of 1. foot, with feeling of faintness through the
whole body (99 h.); pain in sole of 1. foot, extending through into large toe and
proceeding half way across dorsum of foot (4 d.); pain in sole of 1. foot, relieved by
movement (5 d.); pain in large toe of 1. foot, with itching on large toes of both feet;
pain on dorsum of large toe of 1. foot, with sharp pains in fingers of r. hand ; slightly
sharp pain in large toe of r. foot; short, sharp pains in 4th and 5th toes of r. foot.
Faintness, with feeling that it would be relieved by lying down; deadly faintness,
with entire loss of muscular power, followed by spasmodic motion upward and down.
ward of lower jaw, which continued throughout next d.; while in church felt as if
she would faint. The following symptoms appeared in rapid succession at n.: pain
behind 1. ear, followed by pain in tips of fingers of r. hand and a pain in sole of r.
foot near the toes; slight pains in toes of 1. foot, followed by pain in back part of
head, then in forehead, and finally near r. ear; sharp pain in toes of r. foot; slight
pain about heart; violent pain in r. side of head, pain in heel of r. foot, followed by
pain above r. temple, and afterwards by sharp pain in 1. side of neck. A small,
stinging pimple appeared on r. cheek, shortly after one in exactly the same position
on I. cheek, the latter was more itching than stinging; itching on sole of 1. foot;
slight stinging in 1. cheek. Frightful dreams and nightmare; frightful dreams of
drowning and of coffins; nightmare, she thought that an immense sheet of letter-paper
was coming down over her to smother her. Occasional general chilliness; chills with
trembling all over body (3 d.) The pains are felt more on the r. side; the pains are
better during pressure, but as soon as this is removed the relief passes away.” (Ibid.)
6. Dr. JAS. BLAKELEY took 1st to 6th trit. Lively, good-natured, and talkative;
he feels very lively, whistles, sings, and is disposed to be decidedly merry and good.
MERCURIUS IODATUS.
269
natured, (soon after great depression); from noon till 4 p.m., feels depressed, from 4
to 6 p.m., is lively and cheerful, from 6 till 12, all symptoms are aggravated; while
in open air always feels cheerful, in a warm room he is generally dull and depressed.
Dulness of head, with severe, dull, frontal headache, when awaking at n.; dull, heavy
condition of head, with dull soreness of bones of face (this last constant throughout
whole proving); head feels dull and heavy (6 h.); dull headache on awaking in m.,
which continues till he exercises, after which it passes off; dull headache entire fore-
noon; dull headache with soreness of face and nose, the entire e.; when he awakens
at n. always has a dull headache; dull headache, aggravated by pressure; dull head-
ache, especially at r. temple, with nausea and feelimg as if he would vomit; dull
headache, with dulness of the head, in a warm room; entire head feels dull and com-
pressed, and as if pressed down upon pillow by a heavy weight (12 h.); dull pressive
headache after dinner (3 h.); occasional sharp stitches through head and face; the
severe lasting pains occur on the r. side; the pains in head and face are relieved during
pressure, but are worse after this is removed; in bed at n., very severe headache over
the r. half of forehead and r. ear, with severe pain or dull soreness in r. orbit and eye-
ball; dull heavy pain over forehead and temples, extending down sides of face ( h.);
dull frontal headache, especially affecting 1. orbit ( h.); dull frontal headache, with
pain at root of nose (½ h.); dull frontal headache the entire d., with occasional sharp
stitches through head and face (2 h.); dull frontal headache the entire e. (3 h.); dull
frontal headache with pain in orbits and root of the nose, when awaking at n.; sudden
severe and sharp pain in r. side of forehead, above r. temple; severe shooting pain in
forehead, superior arch of the r. orbit, and root of nose; steady, aching pain in r.
temple (h.); momentary pressive pain in both temples (h.); occasional shooting
pains in temples (h.); severe sharp pains in r. temple, at n. in bed; severe sharp
stitches in both temples, while going down stairs; pain in 1. parietal bone, aggravated
by touching part, and by combing hair (1 h.); dull pains in the r. and I. sides of
head, in front of ears (h.); dull pains in entire r. side of the head, with stiffness in
nape of neck, and sensation as if r. ear were closed up; numbness of occiput and
nape
of neck, with stiffness of neck; numbness and tingling of scalp (12 h.); itching of
scalp persistent itching on top of head, at n. in bed. Pain and soreness of entire r.
orbit (h.); pain in superior arch of 1. orbit with headache, aggravated by noise and
talking; dull pain in inferior arch of r. orbit; dull pain in superior arch of 1. orbit,
with dull frontal headache; slightly dull pain in superior arch of 1. orbit, and in 1.
malar bones, painful when touched; sharp pain in superior arch of 1. orbit; sharp
pain in inferior arch of 1. orbit and 1. eyeball, with feeling as if lachrymation would
occur; sudden sharp pain in superior arch of r. orbit, aggravated by stooping (22 h.);
severely acute pain in superior arch of r. orbit, on rising in m.; when lying on 1. side,
black clouds float before eyes, this never occurs when lying on r. side. Ďull pain in
front of both ears; sudden, sharp pain in external meatus of r. ear; stinging throbbing
pain in 1. external ear; sensation as if r. ear were closed up, although his hearing
remained good; at n., while in bed, dull pain in internal meatus of r. ear, followed
immediately by itching of small spot on top of head; boring pain in internal meatus
of r. ear; sharp, intermitting boring in internal meatus of r. ear (1 h.); sharp
throbbing, boring pain from within outward, deep in 1. ear; touching r. ear,
or introducing finger, causes sore pain in ear, and also aggravates the headache
on that side. A great deal of mucus in nose, obliging him constantly to clear
it; pain at root of nose (12 h.); steady, dull pain at root of nose; severe shoot-
ing pains at root of nose; severe throbbing pain on r. side of nose, deep in bone;
r. side of septum narium and r. nostril are very sore and much swollen; for 3
d.
sore painful spot on 1. wing of nose. Dull soreness of the whole r. side of face,
especially r. half of inferior maxillary bone; dull pains in 1. malar and r. orbital
bones; slightly dull pain in 1. malar bone, which is painful when touched; sharp
pain in 1. cheek, with soreness of 1. half of inferior maxillary bone; steady sharp pain
in upper portion of 1. malar bone, which is painful when pressed; sharp throbbing
pain in r. cheek, with same on external surface of r. forearm; dull bruised pain in r.
malar bone, radiating into forehead and r. side of head; at same time a small spot at
end of one of the radii pulsates and burns like fire (h); dryness of lips, with burn-
ing dryness of lower lip, and sensation as if upper teeth were pressed tightly together;
deep boring pain in ramus of r. side of inferior maxillary bone, extending up to r. orbit.
L. lower molar teeth felt so long that he could not eat; pain in 2 1. molar teeth,
:
-
270
MERCURIUS IODATUS.
aggravated by bringing them together, with feeling as if they were too long; dis-
agreeable feeling in teeth, as if they were very tight in their sockets (2 d.); sensation
in upper teeth as if they were pressed tightly together (3rd and 10th d.). The coat-
ing on the tongue presents occasionally a light brown colour; tongue thickly coated
with yellowish brown fur; tongue is coated bright yellow, tip and edges being red;
the tongue retained through entire proving a thick, dirty yellow coating; on rising
in m. back part of tongue is covered with a thick, dirty yellow coating; tongue
thickly covered with a yellowish-white coating; tongue slightly coated at back part;
coating on tongue is always on back part, front, with edges and tip, being clean; the
papillæ can be prominently seen through the coating on tongue; small raised blisters
on back part of tongue; dryness of mouth and throat, with frequent empty swallow-
ings; dry and sticky condition of mouth, gums, and teeth; constant secretion of
mucus in throat, difficult to dislodge, and causing retching; excessive secretion of
mucus in throat; in m. there is very much mucus in throat; a great deal of mucus
descends through posterior nares into throat; dryness of throat, with sharp pain
above epiglottis and in 1. tonsil when swallowing, also in 1. half of hard palate; throat
dry and burning, with pain when swallowing; the throat and nose are dry, and feel
as if entirely closed up with mucus; sensation as if a lump were in throat; burning
in throat; for several d. throat has felt swollen; tonsils, uvula, and pharynx are red
and congested; the mucous patches on tonsils and walls of pharynx are easily
detached; pain and swelling of r. tonsil; slight pain in r. tonsil, with sensation as if
it were swollen, with pain when swallowing; posterior wall of pharynx is red, irri-
tated, and inflamed, and dotted with patches of mucus and small spots which look
ulcerated; pricking-burning pain in r. side of pharynx; steady, sharp pain in r. side of
neck, extending over r. side of head (2 h.); soreness, with sensation of stiffness (but
without actual stiffness) in r. side of the neck, followed by slight pain in internal
meatus of r. ear, going through into throat, and causing dulness in ear and sensation
of swelling in the throat, with disposition to swallow frequently. Desire for acids
not very great, but stronger than he ever had before; frequent want of appetite, with
disgust at seeing food. During proving appetite was very variable, at one time excel-
lent, and at another entirely wanting; sometimes an excellent appetite until sitting
down to eat, when, at sight of food, it would vanish; the smell of food while cooking
would sometimes remove the appetite; during proving there was great thirst (prin-
cipally in e.) for water, of which he drank large quantities; occasionally there was
thirst for acid drinks. Slight nausea; weak, empty feeling at stomach, with slight
sensation of nausea (2 h.); steady, sharp pain in stomach, with hardness of the
stomach and abdomen, pain increased by pressure. Slight aching in 1. hypochon-
drium; excessively acute, stitching pain in r. side below ribs, he could not speak
without gasping, and had to stand with his hand pressed against his side, which gave
some relief; severe stitching pain (immediately) at umbilicus, with dull, tired feeling
in small of the back, oppression of chest, dull pain above r. temple, and pain in r.
shoulder, worse when using arm, immediately after lying down at n.; hardness of
abdomen, as if from incarcerated flatus; rumbling in abdomen, with escape of flatus,
at n. while in bed; feeling in abdomen as if diarrhoea would come on; cutting pain
in abdomen, with great discharge of flatus, followed by a small stool, consisting of
hard black fæces, with stinging and burning at anus (at 11.); slight cutting pain in
abdomen, with inclination to stool, but with evacuations only of wind; colic pain in
abdomen, with sensation as if escape of flatus would relieve; slight colic on awaking;
slight colic pain in abdomen, with great discharge of flatus on awaking in m.; severe
colic pain in abdomen. Small, soft, diarrhoeic stool; copious, very thin, light brown
stool, accompanied by froth and wind, and preceded by cutting pains in the abdo-
men; in m., thin, light-coloured stool; emission of exceedingly foul-smelling flatus,
followed by immediate inclination to stool, which was small, thin, and very foul
smelling; copious, soft, dark-brown stool, with soreness at anus; copious, soft, dark
brown stool, with burning-stinging at anus; slight cutting pain in abdomen, followed
immediately by a copious, soft, yellowish brown stool (the stools always follow imme-
diately after the colic pains); copious light-brown stool, consisting first of tolerably
compact fæces, then of soft fæces, and finally of froth; small stool of very tough
fæces, almost of consistency of putty, requiring great straining for their evacuation
after much straining and exertion he passed two small lumps, about the size of beans,
of hard black fæces, covered with white and green mucus, at n.; the stools which
;
MERCURIUS IODATUS.
271
occur in the daytime are copious, soft, and of a dark or light yellowish-brown colour,
the stools at n. are scanty, hard, and black. During entire proving urine has been
copious, and of dark colour. Occasional sharp shooting stitches in end of penis,
through glans; seminal emission, of which he knew nothing until m.; copious
seminal emission, preceded by lewd dreams. Slight hacking cough, when inspiring.
Oppressed feeling in chest; dull boring pain in r. side of chest, at 6th rib; sharp
stitches, as from needles, in 1. side of chest, produced by pressure on stomach. Pulse
weak, irregular, and labouring, about 80 per m. Stiffness of neck; stiffness of entire
neck, with pain when turning head (23rd d.); great soreness and stiffness of neck,
with soreness and numbness of back between the scapula; dull pain over the 1.
scapula; sharp sticking pain in dorsal region of back; very severe pain, as if bruised,
over entire scapular region; throbbing pain on r. scapula. Wearied feeling of all
limbs, especially when lying on 1. side, relieved by lying on r. side; heaviness of
limbs, with laziness and drowsiness; bone pains, generally felt deep in bones. R.
arm is lame and tired after writing; slight numbness and wearied feeling in r. arm,
aggravated by writing (while other motion but very rarely produced or aggra-
vated this symptom, it constantly appeared as soon as he began to write, and dis-
appeared when he had finished); lame numbness of 1. shoulder and entire 1. arm;
dull, heavy feeling in entire r. arm; r. arm, especially in bend of elbow, is very painful
on rising in m., worse from passive motion; laming rheumatic pain in r. arm, aggra-
vated by writing; severe dull pain in the r. arm, deep in the bones, aggravated by
writing; soreness and lameness of the 1. shoulder and arm every n. when lying on the
1. side (previous to proving the drug he always lay on his 1. side, and without
inconvenience; now he must frequently lie on his r. side); entire r. arm is very
sore and painful, worse from pressure, rubbing, and passive motion; the pains
in r. shoulder, arm, and hand, are reproduced and exaggerated by writing; lameness
and stiffness of the r. shoulder; severe pain in r. shoulder, obliging him to cease
writing; sharp pain in the r. axilla; sharp pricking pain at back of r. shoulder;
pain and soreness of 1. arm and elbow, in e., at n., and in m. on waking; sharp
boring in r. arm, above the elbow; continual dull pain in bend of r. elbow; sharp,
stabbing pain in bend of r. elbow; dull laming pain of 1. forearm and hand;
sharp pain in 1. wrist, extending (but more severe) into thumb, followed immediately
by sharp intermitting pain on dorsum of 1. foot, extending into the 3rd and 4th
toes; sharp aching pain in radial side of the r. wrist, aggravated by using limb or by
twisting wrist (on awaking in m., and continuing all d.); weak, numb feeling, with
cramp-like pains, of r. hand; dull pain in palm of 1. hand, with numbness of fingers
and inability to grasp objects (at n. while in bed); throbbing pain in palm of 1. hand,
extending up arm into 1. chest; numbness of fingers of both hands; sharp throbbing
sticking pain at base of 1. forefinger, with lameness and stiffness of whole finger;
sharp prickings, as if from needles, appear simultaneously in first joints of 3rd and
4th fingers of both hands, with stiffness of fingers,—the prickings are aggravated by
moving or bending the fingers; throbbing pain on palmar surface at base of the I.
thumb, with paralysed feeling of thumb. Weariness of lower limbs, with dull pains
and tingling (3 h.); tearing pain along anterior surface of r. thigh and leg from hip
to middle third of the leg, relieved by pressure and motion, worse when at rest (3 h.);
passive motion causes tingling through entire r. lower limb, even to toes; aching pain
in r. hip-joint; deep boring pain on the external surface of 1. thigh, apparently in
femur, confined to a small spot, and very persistent (pain is dull, and thigh feels as if
it had been beaten),-pain in thigh left after lasting 3 h., but was reproduced by
shaking limb, and was then accompanied by tingling in r. and 1. legs, feet, and toes,
as if they were going to sleep; throbbing pain on internal surface of r. knee the whole
e.; heavy laming pains in calves of both legs, with pain in 1. knee-joint; deep throb-
bing pain on external surface of r. leg, apparently in tibia (this pain returned after 4
d.); severe laming pains on posterior surface of both ankles (on awaking in m.);
sharp boring pain on anterior surface of 1. ankle; cramp-like pain in 1. side of sole of
1. foot, with numbness of 1. leg. At 4 p.m. he had to lie down from great weariness;
disposition to sleep, with sleeplessness; he felt better after lying down a short time ;
indisposition to do anything, with desire to lie down and rest; he feels languid and
sleepy; excessively tired feeling of whole body, especially of limbs, with indisposition
to do anything, and desire to lie down, with dull aching in forehead and bones of
face. The pains are steady, dull, throbbing, and boring, also sudden, sharp, stinging,
272
MERCURIUS IODATUS.
I
and pricking; slight sticking pains in both` scapulæ, in r. temple, r. side of chest, 1.
ear, along outer border of both hands and both little fingers, within a few m. after
taking the medicine (pains in the head, body, and extremities occur oftener and more
severely on r. side; many pains appear on the 1. side, but they are less severe and
lasting; the pains proceed from r. to l.; many symptoms appear at n., while in bed;
passive movement of the part while sitting or lying always aggravates, it renders the
pains more perceptible, and reproduces pains which had disappeared; a state of rest
seems to favour the action of this remedy, as the symptoms appear during rest and at
n., and are worse during rest, whereas they are ameliorated and leave during active
motion; better after rising until noon, and from 4 to 6 p.m.; however badly he feels,
the open air will dissipate all his unpleasant symptoms. The action of the remedy is
materially influenced by the condition of the mind, and is affected or retarded by care,
grief, anxiety, &c.). "On Feb. 17th I took 6 gr. of 2x trit.: in course of next 3 d. Í
was in close attendance upon a severe case, which caused me great anxiety; during
this time I did not experience a single symptom, but as soon as my anxiety was
relieved, the symptoms appeared as regularly and even more violently than before."
The pains which he has at n. while lying on the 1. side are relieved by lying on the
r. side; steady pressure sometimes relieves the pains. Chest, stomach and abdomen
are covered with a fine, bright red eruption, consisting of innumerable points, but
appearing as a universal redness, pitting and disappearing after pressure, but returning
when it has been removed; 2 painful pimples appear on 2nd joint of the r. thumb,
and remain several d.; itching and burning pimple on r. scapula near lower border,
which, after scratching, becomes exceedingly sore and painful (at n. in bed); pimple
on r. side of septum narium, sore and painful for several d.; itching without erup-
tion; itching rather increased by scratching; universal itching, not relieved by
scratching; itching on various parts of body; nightly itching; persistent itching
spots over whole body, following each other in rapid succession; very troublesome
itching over whole body in daytime; very troublesome itching all over body, at n.;
excessive itching, especially of chest, abdomen, back, and hips; the itching in d. and
e. is not relieved by scratching, but at n. in bed scratching relieves; itching is worse
at n., and especially while in bed; pricking pain on posterior surface of r. thigh,
removed by rubbing and scratching; fine pricking pain in bend of the 1. knee-joint,
causing him to scratch at n.; sharp stinging on back of r. hand; sharp stinging on
dorsum of large toe of 1. foot; itching behind r. ear at n. in bed; itching on various
parts of r. side of face, at n. in bed; itching on r. buttock, at n. in bed; a small
itching spot on r. cheek, which he has scratched, pulsates and stings as if from
needles (h.); persistent itching on r. side of chest, about 5th rib, disappears after
scratching; persistent itching on r. side of neck (at n. in bed); persistent itching on
posterior surface of 1. elbow (at n.); pricking-itching in r. axilla; stinging-itching on
I. scapula as if jagged with a needle (6 h.); stinging-itching on external border of r.
foot, relieved for a time by scratching, followed by itching on r. leg above ankle;
stinging-itching on r. knee, and afterwards on 1. foot, at n. in bed. Slept very well
after 1 a.m., wakefulness till then; he awakens early in m., and cannot sleep again;
sleeplessness without restlessness, lies awake quiet and calm, not being able to sleep;
he dreamed that he was proving the drug,-this was followed by a seminal emission.
Burning heat in nape of the neck and occiput (5 h.). (Ibid.)
7. Dr. KEYES, perfectly well, counted his blood-corpuscles (red) and
found them up to his usual average (4,775,275). He then took gr.
of merc. iod. 3 times a d. for two weeks, beginning Sept. 10th. On
the 20th he found the corpuscles 5,572,200 in number. On the 24th,
having been up greater part of n. with a patient, and feeling no appetite
for breakfast, they were 5,175,875. Next d., having slept well, and
appetite returned, they were 5,562,062. (Amer. Journ. of Med. Sc.,
Ixxi, 36).
8. Same gave to a patient with chancroid gr.j of same daily for 4
mo. At end of time his corpuscles were 5,365,125 (average being
(5,000,000). Three weeks later, dose having been gradually diminished
to gr., they were 5,302,375. (Ibid.)
MERCURIUS BINIODATUS.
273
III. Experiments on animals.-1. a. 3j was administered along with
food to a pointer dog at 4 p.m. The consequences were,-vomiting,
with black semi-fluid alvine evacuations in course of n. ; glassiness of
eyes and thick ropy discharge from nostrils by 3rd d.; and about close
of 5th d. prostration, and regular slow motion of extremities to and fro
at each respiration. On the succeeding n. the animal died. Up to the
last d. he was able to stand, showed no want of appetite, and had not
suffered any perceptible sensorial derangement.
b. Dissection exposed to viewed a half decolorised coagulum in 1.
ventricle of heart, and a little dark semifluid blood in r.; strong pro-
minent corrugation of lining membrane of stomach, with redness of
apices of ruga, dotted red patches at sides, and a string of extravasated
blood in every furrow. (COGSWELL, Iodine and its Compounds, p. 160.)
2. a. j was given to a strong male rabbit at 9 a.m. In a few h.
animal voided a copious semifluid stool; the d. following he was affected
with tremors and debility, and gave utterance to low plaintive cries in
course of n. succeeding which death took place. Shortly before this he
passed a scanty semifluid evacuation.
b. Lining membrane of stomach was excessively injected about I
in. from pyloric orifice, and presented a small quantity of extravasated
blood upon its surface. Its contents were soft, blackish green, and
homogeneous, as were those of the small intestines. Rectum and
bladder were empty. (Ibid.)
Mercurius biniodatus, mercuric iodide, Hg I2.
I. Provings.—1. A man, æt. 22, lymphatic, took every 2 d. 10
centgr. of 3x trit. The 22nd d. there appeared 2 boils, one on inner
side of middle of 1. thigh, the other on 1. leg. At same time 2 smaller
boils on 1. side of face about malar region and inflammation of a seba-
ceous follicle on r. cheek. 18 d. later there was a painful follicular
inflammation at level of chin and a small boil on 1. natis. Finally a
pustular eruption at orifice of nostrils. (ANDRIEU, Journ. de la Soc.
Gall., viii, 140, 1856.)
2. A man, æt. 30, lymphatico-sanguine, took every d. 20 centgr.
of same. On 14th d. a small red tubercle in centre of 1. temple, which
lasted 9 d. (Ibid., 141.)
3. A woman, æt. 40, stout, lymphatico-sanguine, took every m. 20
centgr. of same. On 9th d., on middle of 1. maxillary region, a pro-
jecting pustule the size of a pea with hard red areola. A similar
smaller but very red tubercle above middle of 1. eyebrow. A similar
tubercle above r. eyebrow. All were gone in the space of a week.
(Ibid.)
4. A man, æt. 25, lymphatic, took every m. 20 centgr. of same.
The 7th d. there appeared 2 tubercles of bright-red colour, the size of
a large shot, one qn 1. temple, the other on 1. side of forehead, a finger's
breadth below the commencement of the hair. There were at same
time weight and dull pain in frontal region. They went off in 11 d.
(Ibid.)
5. A girl, æt. 5, took every m. 5 centgr. of same. On the 13th d.
there appeared 2 boils, one on the front of 1. thigh about its middle,
18
VOL. III.
274
MERCURIUS BINIODATUS.
1
the other on the inside of 1. leg. The 15th d. a stye appeared.
(Ibid.)
6. A woman, æt. 30, lymphatico-nervous, took every m. and e.
10 centgr. of same. The first 6 d. she had great weakness of stomach,
accompanied by much weakness of limbs, which came on after each
dose and lasted about 2 h. From 7th to 14th d. no symptoms, but on
15th d. she had great heaviness in hypogastrium, with a feeling when
she walked as if something would come out of vagina. The uterus
in fact was so much prolapsed that it projected from the vulva the size
of an egg.
At same time drawing pain is more severe; the womb was
enormously congested. The medicine was discontinued, and 12 d.
later the womb had resumed its ordinary size; but it was considerably
lower than normal, though all the symptoms had disappeared. (Ibid, 146.)
7. A young woman took 3 gr. of 2x trit. three times a d. After
4 d. following symptoms occurred, in order as recorded: intense
shivering, followed by feverishness; pain on pressure at epigastrium;
painful swelling of tonsils and submaxillary glands; distension of abdo-
men about navel, with pain at that part on pressure; loud and bitter
belchings; hot perspiration; nausea, while passing a diarrhoeic stool;
frightful dreams; aching pains from hips to ankles, as though she had
walked many miles, felt more particularly in bones; catching pain
under r. breast, oppressing breathing; urine thick and dark when
passed; frequent desire to micturate, she cannot hold her water for a
minute; bitter taste; profuse flow of saliva, and aching in teeth of
lower jaw; hot and inflamed state of r. side of nose, with coryza;
feeling in forehead as if head were bound round with tight cord; pains
in bones of head, chiefly occipital; low spirits, and disposition to cry;
excessive giddiness, everything seems to reel round her. (ROBINSON,
Brit. Journ. of Hom., xxiv, 517.)
8. [The following (8-18) are results of a proving by the Philadelphia Provers'
Union, made in 1855, of which we only know that the potencies from 1-30 were
employed, and whose only record now extant is the schematic pathogenesis given by
Hering.]
Dr. ARMOR. Ill-humour and slimy taste on waking in m. Slight headache in
region of comparison (3rd d.) Dimness of sight (1st d.). Fine stinging in teeth at
times (7th d.); saiivation (5th d.); large flow of water in mouth (3rd and 4th d.), not
so much, but obliged to expectorate (8th d.). Hawking and spitting of small quantity
of white, tough expectoration through d. (2nd d.); disposition to hawk, sensation as of
lump in throat, with disposition to hawk it out all 7th d., hawked up a hard greenish
lump on 8th d.; sore-throat, feels as if scalded on waking, worse during empty swallow-
ing, all d. quite troublesome (6th d.); sore-throat, worse during empty deglutition
(3rd, 4th, 7th, and 8th d.). Nausea and sore-throat after h. (1st d.). Pain around
umbilicus (1st d.). Urine red (2nd and 3rd d.). Hoarse and husky h, after getting
a little wet in a shower, in e. (5th d.). Cough, with a little loose, whitish, slimy
expectoration through d., and with slight difficulty of breathing (1oth d.). Cough
with white, thick expectoration, became dry in e. (11th d.), better afterwards, but
prevented him from making another proving; breathing more difficult than usual (9th
d.). On waking, stiffness and pain in neck, in region of 1st or 2nd cervical vertebra,
going off in short time (4th d.). Weakness of knee-joints (1st d.). Foolish dreams.
(3rd d.); dreams about gunning and farming (7th d.), gunning and travelling (11th
d.); anxious dreams (2nd d.), about removing and his relations (4th d.). Chilly and
aching in lower limbs, through forenoon (2nd d.); flushes of heat, and tickling sensa-
tion over face (1st d.) (HERING, Mat. Med., vol. i.)
9. Mrs. ARMOR.
Pain in forehead (1st d.). Eyes watery, look slightly swollen.
MERCURIUS BINIODATUS.
275
Running from nose, with a good deal of sneezing (2nd d.). Tongue constantly dry,
with desire to wet the mouth. Desire to drink, but small quantities. Loud rumbling
in bowels (2nd d.). Pulse accelerated, beating stronger. An almost insupportable
pain and aching in lower limbs, in e., better on moving, disappearing during a walk
(2nd d.). Chilliness at bedtime, followed by flush of heat over face (1st d.); flush of
heat and sensation of being tickled over the whole body (4th d.); flushes in face, face
hot and hands cold. (Ibid.)
10. Mr. ROTTNER. Irritation of mucous membrane of nose, causing constant
snuffling (½ h., 1st d.). (Ibid.)
11. Dr. J. R. COXE, jun. Severe headache all over, from 8 p.m. on 1st d., and
all 2nd d.; sharp pain in sinciput, over both eyes (11 a.m., 1st d.). Eyes inflamed, r.
eye worst, bright light irritates greatly (3rd d.); r. eye inflamed, and slight lachryma-
tion (1st d.); pains in and over 1. eye (2nd d.). Much saliva in mouth (4th d.).
Throat slightly sore, disposition to cough (1st d.); quite sore and inflamed, cough
frequent, and expectoration more than usual (2nd d.); 1. tonsil inflamed and swollen,
velum elongated, which seems to cause coughing (3rd d.); both tonsils swollen and
inflamed, and velum the same (4th d.); not so much, but headache very severe, on 5th
d.; lessening on 6th d. Occasionally pain in chest or heart, most on 1. side (5th d.);
constriction across chest (6th d.); stricture across chest, most painful 1. side (4th
d.); pressing pain across chest (5th d.); sharp cutting pain in chest, and sticking
pain in heart (8th d.). Feels weary, and a sort of aching as if bruised in whole body
(4th d.). Could not sleep well, very restless, headache. (Ibid.)
12. Same proved on a woman. Pain in head, and slight pain in throat and 1. eye
(10th to 12th d.); pressure in head, and pain in chest (most on 9th d.); pressive pain
in head, all d.; dull pressing pain in forehead and 1. side at 9 p.m., drawing and
sticking at 10 p.m. (1st d.); dull pressing pain in forehead, most severe in r. side,
continuing at intervals from 7 to 10 p.m. (2nd d.), with sticking pain in heart, till 9
p.m. (3rd d.), slightly, 3 p.m. (4th d.); pain in forehead and heart (6th d.); pressing-
stitching pain in forehead, throat, 1. eye and 1. cheek (7th d.); pressing-stitching
pain at sides of head, just above ears (4 p.m., 4th d.). R. eye much inflamed, blood
vessels injected (2nd d.); both eyes, r. eye weeps greatly (4th d.); still inflamed, and
weeping, while both eyes pain (6th d.); aching pain in 1. cheek and eye, which
appears slightly inflamed (6th d.); albuginea considerably inflamed, and same pains
(8th d.). Sticking pain in throat (6th d.). In the waist, 1. side, sore feeling on
bending. Aching pain across chest (10th to 12th d.). Dull aching pain in heart
(10th to 12th d.); shooting pain in heart (all 7th d.); sticking pains with or without
headache (2nd, 3rd, and 5th d.). Sticking pain along 1. side of neck and in heart,
continuing till she fell asleep (7 to 10.50 p.m., 4th d.); severe pain in back of neck, as
if she had been struck (7 p.m., 5th d.). ¯(Ibid.)
13. Dr. SIEMERS made five provings. Good-humoured, even merry, though
head is worse (12th d.); ill-humour about little things in m. of 2nd d., not on 4th d.,
again on 5th d. Dulness in head, occurring often in course of proving, in afternoon;
dulness of head, and slight pressing pain on 1. side, as during a coryza (8th d.),
relieved by walking in air (10th d.); dull pain in 1. half of brain, with sensation in
anus as of piles (4th d.); every d. some headache; in m., headache, disappearing with
a coryza which ceases at noon (10th d.); on 6th d., headache at n., continues in m.,
later only r. side, congestion as with a cold, in afternoon changing sides, next d. still
more congestive, during e. r. side only, of unusual continuance till late, towards m.
of 8th d、 same in bed, less after rising, better 9th d.; headache while sitting still, after
sleeping during d. (2nd d.); slight pressing pain in 1. brain (6 to 7 p.m., 3rd and
4th d.); pressing aching in head and ear (7th d.); headache, I. side (1st d.); head-
ache, after awhile one-sided, goes from r. to 1., disappears after dinner (5th d.); on
waking, pressing headache 1. side, disappearing in e. (11th d.); several small pimples
on hairy scalp, without itching, containing some pus, and forming crusts (7th to 9th
d.); small pustules on head (15th and 16th d.). A pain in 1. supra-orbital bone he
had once before returns (2nd d.); eyelids affected by the catarrh (8th d.). [This
prover (and he only) had a series of symptoms referable to hearing, but as one of
them is "hearing as usual dull in the morning," he would seem to have been labouring
under (probably catarrhal) deafness, which would explain—and vitiate—his singular
experiences.] Much nasal catarrh throughout proving; also toothache, to which he
states he is liable. On point of tongue a small blister (2nd and 3rd d.); scalded
276
MERCURIUS BINIODATUS.
sensation of tongue 1 h. after breakfast (1st, 7th, and 12th d.); sensation in mouth
as if there were fibres in it (10th d.); soreness inside 1. cheek (2nd d.); sensation of
being burned in mouth (forenoon, 14th d.); taste right, but flabby (6th d.); pappy
taste, but a good appetite (5th and 7th d.). Phlegm in throat; much phlegm in
throat and nose (8th d.), hawking it out of throat (1oth d.); throat and nostrils dry.
Inclination to have the food more salted (12th d.) ; heartburn after dinner (15th d.);
squeamishness during meals several d. Pain in stomach (10 a.m., 4th d.) `Pain in r.
hypochondrium (yesterday in 1.), with drawing sensation in anus as if hæmorrhoids
were coming (1 h. after dose), continued somewhat till 6th d.; transient drawing
pains in 1. hypochondrium, afterwards a lame sensation there (m., 8th d.); sprain-
like pain in r. hypochondrium, near pelvis (13th and 14th d.); sudden cutting pain
in region of liver (14th d.); rumbling in abdomen (10th d.); pain in abdomen as
before a stool (e., 7th and 9th d.); in m. after good night's rest, pain as if sprained in r.
pelvic region, towards back, it disappeared while walking (5th d.). Diarrhoea in m.;
soft stool 6th and 8th d. ; 4 firm stools in 24 h., more at n. (1oth d.). Pressing bearing
down on bladder (3rd d.); sensation in urethra as if the urine were hot, during
normal stool in m. (5th d.). Sensitiveness of r. testicle and spermatic cord (towards 2
p.m., 3rd d.). Voice veiled and rough (8th d.); hoarse, with coryza (7th d.); spells
of cough during d. (5th to 7th d.); profuse yellowish expectoration (10th d.). During
a walk, sudden sticking in muscles of chest, 1. side, exactly on spot where, 2 years
before, he had commencement of acute rheumatism (8th d.); sticking pain in muscles
of ribs, 1. side, after walking out during thawing weather (9th d., somewhat the same
10th d.). Rheumatic pain, for short time, in muscles of neck and back of neck (6th
d.); pain in os coccygis, 1st, 3rd, and 8th d., like a pain he had before proving.
Stiffness of limbs, better after walking (9th d.). Rheumatic pain in r. knee and hip,
during forepart of d., disappeared latter part of d. (19th d.); pain in 1. hip-joint as if
sprained (9th d.); feet are painful (6th d.), particularly soles (7th d.); pain in ball
of foot and large toe, relieved by walking (10th d.); towards m., pain in r. big toe,
like podagra, but without swelling and redness, it disappeared after rising (3rd d.,
returned 6th and 9th d.); sore pain between toes of r. foot (19th d.). Painful itching
on several parts of skin of r. forearm (9th to 12th d.). Deep sleep, afternoon, several
d. in succession; quarrelsome dreams.” (Ibid.)
14. Dr. PEHRSON. Great heat in vertex, only objective, all d.; at 11 p.m. felt it
very hot, and a slight pulsation in it (6th d.). Increase of saliva, about noon (6th
d.). Weakness in bowels and stomach, partly extending into chest, from 6 a.m. till
3 p.m., feeling as if he would have a stool; during this time had to belch
up wind
frequently (1st d.). Easier stool, and not so thick as usual (2nd and 5th d.). Awoke
from feeling of great soreness in whole breast, but only for a few m. (4th d.). Synovial
inflammation of 1. index; on 2nd d., about 3 p.m., a pricking-itching over r. hand,
lasted 1 h., followed next d. at 6 p.m. by itching pricking at lower part of upper arm,
all round it, lasting h., and same sensation in upper part of upper arm, mostly in
armpit, lasted only few m.,-all this on r. side. (Ibid.)
15. Dr. NEGENDANK. Eyes inflamed, particularly the r. (8th d.).
;
16. Symptoms obtained by Drs. Miller and Payne, discrimination being impos-
sible. (See Hering's list of sources.) Heaviness in head, with soreness over the
bowels (13th d.); dull heavy pain in head (5th d.); pain and heat in the head
fulness in head (2nd d.); headache, worse in forehead (4 p.m., 7th d.); headache,
particularly in afternoon and e., with a drowsy stolid feeling in head (3rd d.); violent
headache with nausea, from m. till 2 p.m., returns in e., particularly in forehead (21st
d.);
dull heavy aching pains at base of brain, throat, and nostrils (latter dry); after
2 gr. of 2nd trit., taken in e., slight heavy feeling right through forehead up to
vertex, also same sensation outside skull, next d. heavy feeling in forehead all d.,
more severe than d. before, and in e. with severe throbbing in r. side of head, from
front to vertex; slight heaviness, and in afternoon slight throbbing from vertex to
nose, r. side (6th d.); headache r. side, disappearing after rising; heavy feeling out-
side of skull. Eyes much inflamed, and burn (21st d.); burning in forehead at 2
p.m., eyes burn and are inflamed till 10, next m. better (4th d.), less inflamed, but
weak and hot (9th and 10th d.), this returned (14th d.) A cold in head, disappear-
ing in open air, but returning in a warm room, with it a cough from irritation (1st
d.). Heavy dull aching in upper jaw, then in lower, mostly on the sides, worse r.; he
pressed the teeth so much during sleep that the muscles were tired and lame on
MERCURIUS BINIODATUS.
277
waking; pain in jaws and temples (7th d.). During dinner pain in all the teeth
from mastication (8th d.); the gum of the upper jaw over second r. molar exces-
sively tender, as if an abscess was forming, continuing 4 d., on 6th d. it had
entirely disappeared without forming an abscess; unusual flow of saliva for the
first 12 h., salivation returned later again, with constant decided metallic taste;
in e. (after 2nd dose in m.) metallic taste and taste of iodine; gums feel sore, as
if he was going to be salivated. Slight superficial ulcers in throat, in patches; almost
constant desire for empty deglutition, apparently from large collection of water in
mouth, and from sense of fulness in throat (3rd d.); during eructations pain in region
of r. parotid gland for 2 h., for 24 h. there was soreness to touch there. Nausea and
sinking at epigastrium, with general sick feeling (13th d.); squeamishness of
stomach, with uneasiness and laziness all over limbs, with rheumatic pains, inclination
to vomit, and constant strong desire for stool. In region of liver, pancreas, and
spleen, heavy painful sensation, which does not continue all the time (13th d.);
aching and full feeling in r. hypochondrium (3rd d.); sensation like threatening
colic, e. till fully asleep (1st d.). Frequent desire to stool, with pain in abdomen;
motion in abdomen, and urging to stool, without stool, from 11 p.m. the whole
n. through (13th d.); pain in abdomen, with diarrhoea, from 11 p.m. the whole n.
through (20th d.). Severe griping and colic pains, forcing him to stool, followed by
a very large, copious, but not loose discharge of rather a light-brown colour, could
not pass any urine as long as discharge lasted, after discharge urging for evacuation
continued, with irritation and itching in rectum and anus, which felt as if it would
protrude; about 11 again had severe colic pains, which left him after a pretty loose,
light-yellowish brown, somewhat watery discharge, coated with mucus, and of slight
bloody appearance; after the discharge a slight tenesmus existed for a time, but colic
pains disappeared more and more, only great soreness of the bowels remained
after dinner (2 p.m.) colic pains again returned, with a thin, loose discharge, and
slight tenesmus; in afternoon and e. only a soreness in bowels. Increased flow of
urine (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th d.). In afternoon he felt several times sharp shooting
through r. side of chest, like rheumatism, going down arm. Aching and stiffening
feeling in r. splenius capitis (3rd d.). Rheumatic shifting pains, general in limbs,
and mostly muscular, alternately in arms and hands, legs and feet, occasionally pains
of like character in 1. ear, as if it would be a violent and long-continued otalgia, it
lasted only for a moment at a time, but frequently returned (13th d.). Rheumatic
pains, soreness and stiffness, in 1. arm, worse by motion and during middle of d., better
in e., and at n. could lie on the arm; rheumatic pain-more in r. forearm and hand,
with sense of great weakness, at n. pains got so violent as to disturb his sleep; dull,
aching, strained sensation in middle of os humeri as if about to break, wavering
stitches through all the muscles, and sensation as if they were sore, desire to stretch
limbs and body; aching and drawing pain in bones of 1. forearm; jerking in fingers
of 1. hand in e. till he fell asleep. At 8.30, when walking, acute pain passed through
and around head of r. tibia at knee-joint, in 3 or 4 successive throbs, passed off in 5
m., returned in same degree and form, and at same time came in г. parotid gland; in
;
h. pain in knee disappeared; 2 throbs of a like pain felt in 1. rectus femoris, and in
5 m. renewal of similar pain in same place (13th d.). Weariness in m., all d. sore
pain in 1. fingers (2 d.); from midnight till m. very restless feeling, with constriction
in diaphragm almost like cramp. Nearly a month after the other symptoms, several
d. after 12th dose, 2 small pustules on outer side of r. leg, just below knee, about
2 in. apart, slightly itching, sore to touch, with inflamed bases; on 3rd d. after their
appearance they scabbed over, but matter continued to accumulate under scabs; they
were quite sore, and were not healed till 13 d. afterwards; later, another sore of same
character appeared in front of same leg, below knee, which healed in 3 d., and no
more appeared. A wen which had existed behind r. ear from infancy, in a young
woman of 24, burst open and discharged 19 d. after 1st dose, and 11 d. after last
dose. Very strong itching on neck and dorsum of hands, particularly on fingers of r.
hand (13th d.). Very sleepy and drowsy in e., with squeamishness of stomach and
great uneasiness and laziness all over limbs (5th d.); sleep disturbed by troublesome
dreams, such as swimming and wading in water, and pushing through low places,
and under a shed; half conscious sleep with fearfulness, dreamed of detecting robbers
in n. attempting to enter dwelling (12th d.); dreams a great deal (11th, 12th, and
13th n.). Sometimes a chilly feeling and creeping sensation all over skin, and uneasy
278
MERCURIUS PRÆCIPITATUS RUBER.
sore feeling all over bowels; often felt chilly, and then again quite warm, although
his pulse was natural (2nd d.); felt pretty warm all over, but not feverish, sometimes
a chilly feeling, and creeping over the back. (Ibid.)
17. Dr. RAUE. Dull pressure in cerebellum below occipital protuberance, after
awhile pressure over eyes (from inhaling the vapour). Almost constant desire for
empty deglutition, apparently from large collection of water in mouth, and from sense
of fulness in throat (3rd d.). (Ibid.)
18. RIESEBERG. (From external application to forehead.) Dull, rending, tear-
ing, gnawing pains in forehead, worse during n., disturbing sleep (3rd d.). Skin on
forehead pale reddish colour (1st d.), dirty grey (5th d.), afterwards quite full of the
finest wrinkles, peeling off in small scales after 7th d.; numerous small cracks and
rhagades in all directions on forehead. (Ibid.)
III. Experiments on animals.-1. A strong male rabbit took, at 8 a.m.,
Oj along with its food. In the progress of the d., the animal gradually
became much enfeebled, evacuating the contents of the bowels, and on
the following m. life was found extinct. On examination, the inner
surface of the stomach was seen occupied, for about the space of an inch
near the pyloric orifice, by some of the poison mixed with vegetable
matter, which mere washing with cold water would not remove, while
the immediate neighbourhood presented a crowd of minute yellowish
elevations. The general surface of the inner membrane was preter-
naturally reddened. (COGSWELL, op. cit.)
2. 10 gr. were dissolved in 3ss of water containing Oj of hydriodate of
potash, and the whole of the fluid was administered to a large, young
Newfoundland dog. The animal manifested strong dislike to the taste
and in 4 or 5 m. vomited a quantity of frothy mucus, with violent retch-
ing, which was repeated about four times within the h., the last matter
brought up exhibiting streaks of blood. During this time great uneasi-
ness was indicated by constant changes from the standing to the lying
posture, and the reverse; and after several attempts to relieve the bowels,
the animal succeeded in about 1 h. in evacuating a loose stool. The
whole of the following d. was spent in a state of marked depression, after
which he began to take nourishment, and in 4 or 5 d. seemed to be not
at all under the influence of the poison. (Ibid.)
Mercurius præcipitatus ruber, mercuric oxide, HgO.
I. Provings.-1. Dr. EISELT took, while observing a strict dietetic
regimen, gr. 1, 4, and j n. and m., without effect. He then took 2 gr.
m. and e. On 1st n. he was attacked with painful colic and constant
tenesmus which grew worse and worse, spreading through whole intes-
tinal tract, and causing in anus a feeling as if a red-hot iron were moving
up and down in it. Though the tenesmus was most violent, nothing
passed but a small quantity of blood, with severe cutting and burning.
When nausea and burning at stomach set in, he took demulcents, and
was well in 2 d. After waiting a d. longer, he began to take 3 gr. m. and
e., increasing grain by grain up to 6. There followed a peculiar itching
in the whole lining of the buccal cavity, without salivation or toothache;
offensive breath; and soon after burning pain inside both lips, which
were much swollen. In a mirror he saw characteristic mercurial ulcers
there. He discontinued the experiment (having taken over 34 gr.),
rinsed mouth with inf. salv., and in a few d. all was right again.
(FRANK'S Mag., i, 772.)
MERCURIUS PRÆCIPITATUS RUBER.
279
II. Poisonings.-1. A man, æt. 51, in good health, swallowed at
midnight of July 7th, 1888, a powder containing about a teaspoonful
of M. ox. rub. On admission to hospital at 2 a.m. he was unconscious,
and vomiting (he had taken an emetic, which had apparently been in-
effective). Pupils inactive to light; face and hands cold, bathed in
sweat; pulse weak but not abnormally rapid. Did not answer ques-
tions or put out his tongue, but kept his teeth clenched. There was
otherwise general muscular relaxation, and he passed his evacuations
under him. The stomach was washed out and he was ordered milk,
&c., in small quantities. II a.m.,
II a.m., has kept little down; still insensible,
but pupils react to light. Bowels have acted twice, first motion con-
sisting of loose fæcal matter with mucus, second fluid and greenish,
containing little fæcal matter, but mucus and streaks of blood. 4 p.m.,
consciousness returned, apparently cannot protrude tongue beyond
teeth. Complains of epigastric pain and tenderness, and of cramps in
legs. Abdomen rigid in upper part, and slightly distended. 9th.—
Patient better, but abdominal symptoms still continue. After this he
gradually improved; vomiting and diarrhoea ceased; and he left hos-
pital well. (Lancet, 1888, ii, 570.)
2. A young girl took a goodly portion of red precipitate in confec-
tionery. Violent stomach-ache, which she tried to conceal as much
as possible. Finally vomiting set in, by means of which a portion of
the poison was expelled. The pains extended over the entire abdo-
men. Suspicion being aroused, she received a large potion of hot milk.
The abdominal pains grew worse and worse; copious diarrhoea, with
very painful cramps in the lower extremities. This condition lasted
fully 6 h. The physician who was called found the abdomen hard and
contracted, the skin cold and covered with sweat, terrible pains in the
abdomen. Injections of bran-water with five drops of laudanum were
ordered every h. The pains and diarrhoea grew less; night-sweat
followed; the patient slept several h., and was in a very satisfactory
condition next m. There remained a remarkable sensitiveness of the
abdomen, and a peculiar tendency to involuntary spasmodic contractions.
of the extremities. Several d. later the patient resumed her duties.
(ORFILA, op. cit.)
3. A woman, æt. 36, in seventh month of pregnancy, took by mis-
take a large pinch of red precipitate. In order to promote perspiration
she went to bed. In an h. she had nausea, vomiting, oppression of the
chest, pains in stomach and entire abdomen. After vomiting several
times, the attacks abated, with the exception of some pain in the
abdomen; she arose and went to her sister's house in the neighbour-
hood. She had scarcely reached the house when all the symptoms re-
turned, only the vomiting so much more violent and frequent as to
bring up a quantity of blood, which was followed by fainting. After
being revived by strong smelling-salts, the vomiting returned with the
same force, now accompanied by diarrhoea. The pains in the abdomen
became unbearable; thereto was added burning in the mouth and
throat, with unquenchable thirst. Nothing of any importance being
done, trembling likewise followed. On the 3rd d. the condition was
the following:-Trembling all over; extraordinary redness of the
280
MERCURIUS PRÆCIPITATUS RUBER.
whole face and eyes; staring wild look; specific, intolerable odour of
ptyalism. In a short time she again vomited, twice bringing up a
quantity of blackish blood. The gums swollen and inflamed; the
tongue so thick as to fill the entire mouth, and in several places as if
ulcerated through. The buccal cavity had the appearance as if lined
with a thick crust of old rotten cheese. The larynx was also swollen
and even inflamed on the outside. The pulse rapid, small and hard.
The abdomen, already enlarged by pregnancy, was swollen to bursting,
and so sensitive that the patient could not bear the slightest touch.
She had not felt child's motion all d. She received sulph. pot. boiled
in water, and mucilaginous drinks. The vomiting stopped after the
first dose, and she felt great relief; the remedy was therefore also given
in injections. At 3 p.m. she again complained of nausea, and dreaded
return of the vomiting of blood. She felt oppressed about the chest.
After letting blood these attacks disappeared, and no vomiting followed.
On the 4th d. the other symptoms abated, but she could not sleep on
account of severe pain in the mouth. The putridity of the mouth was
at its worst; the teeth could scarcely be seen on account of the swollen
gums and the collection of mucus. The tongue had two holes large
enough to admit a finger; it was actually deformed. On the 5th d.,
marked chemosis of the eyes; this was removed by an eye-wash.
Gradually all symptoms improved, the woman got well, and in due time
was delivered of a healthy child. (Hufeland's Journal, B. lv, 1822.)
4. A girl, æt. 22, came into the hospital with the following sym-
ptoms: Cold clammy skin, especially on the extremities; stupor,
similar to narcosis. Pupils somewhat dilated, and still somewhat sen-
sitive to light. Pulse frequent, small, weak; eructations, foaming at
the mouth, occasional vomiting. The fluid first vomited contained red
powder. Pressure on abdomen and epigastrium produced no pain.
Blood was not contained in the vomit. The stomach-pump was used,
and white of egg given. In 8 h. the skin was hot and red. Pressing
sensation in the region of stomach and abdomen; cramps in legs;
vomiting of mucus; dryness, pain, and redness of pharynx. Pain when
urinating, yet the urine was neither scanty nor bloody. Several pain-
less stools, mixed with blood; tongue dry, but neither furred nor red;
pupils slightly dilated; small thread-like pulse. Chemical analysis
showed red precipitate. (HUBER, op. cit.)
5. A journeyman mechanic, æt. 36, swallowed, on the 6th of July,
1835, at 8 p.m., an ounce of red precipitate, which produced violent
cramps, retching, vomiting, and such prostration that he could not
stand on his feet. Bloody stool, with pain and tenesmus. Next d. at
Io a.m., he was brought to the hospital, with the following symptoms :
Sunken, thin, bluish face, with sunken eyes surrounded by blue circles,
and an expression of great suffering; great prostration, nausea, pressing
in epigastrium, rumbling in abdomen, frequent watery stools. Received
milk emulsions, with small doses of tartar emetic. In the evening, the
vomiting had stopped, but the sensitiveness of abdomen increased.
Slept a little during the n., but towards m. complained of cold feet and
great weakness. Although covered with several blankets, he could not
get warm. July 8th, 6 a.m.-The entire surface of the skin was livid ;
MERCURIUS SULPHURATUS.
281
the extremities cold, the muscles rigid and clearly defined, the counte-
nance void of expression; the voice weak, indistinct; the heart-beat
scarcely perceptible. Bathed in camphor-vinegar. Dead in 3 h.
Post-mortem showed great venous engorgement of the membranes of
the brain and choroid plexus. The r. heart and large vessels filled with
black fluid blood. The lining of the oesophagus discoloured; the
papillæ of the tongue swollen. Mucous membrane of stomach corroded,
especially in the large curvature; particles of the poison had become
embedded in the coats of the stomach and had produced numerous small
ulcers, with raised edges, tumefaction and sponginess of the membrane,
each ulcer with a particle of the poison lodged in its centre. The
stomach and duodenum each contained a brownish turbid fluid, full of
precipitate; the duodenum contained, besides, larger pieces of the
metallic oxide. The anterior surface of the stomach, the omentum,
and the intestines were inflamed. (Buchner's Repert., 2 R., Bd. 3.)
III. Experiments on animals.—1. Half an ounce of red precipitate
was applied to the thigh of a dog. Besides general weakness, no sym-
ptoms appeared. In 4 d. death occurred. The post-mortem exami-
nation showed the stomach bluish red, the duodenum white. The
rectum had undergone a remarkable change. The inner membrane
was soft, tumefied, in ragged folds, cauliflower-like, of a dirty, bluish-
red colour; the peritoneal membrane was unchanged and bluish red.
The blood-vessels on the surface of the heart injected; beneath the
lining membrane of the ventricles were noticed reddish streaks. The
base of the tongue was somewhat swollen. (HUBER, op. cit.)
Mercurius sulphuratus, mercuric sulphide, cinnabar, vermilion,
HgS.
I. Provings.-1. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Med. Pura, vol. i of original,
vol. ii of translation. Contains 41 symptoms from self.
2. A girl, æt. 15, lymphatico-sanguine, took every m. 20 centigr.
of cinnab. 3x. The 11th d. an eruption came out on 1. upper and fore-
arm, of isolated vesicles the size of a pea, or of vesicles in groups on a
deep red base. (ANDRIEU, Jour. de la Soc. Gall., viii, 143.)
3. A man, æt. 22, took every other d. 20 centgr. of same prepara-
tion. The 21st d. there appeared redness, pain, and swelling like ery-
sipelas on 1. cheek and half of nose. There was also redness and swel-
ling of the 1. eyelids. The 5th d. of the appearance of the symptoms
fluctuation was perceptible at middle of the erysipelatous swelling.
But this was absorbed without bursting. (Ibid., 144.)
4. A third person (no particulars) took same dose in same way.
The 29th d. there occurred smarting, heat, and burning in nasal fossæ
with swelling of m.m. For 8 d. there flowed from nose a large quan-
tity of yellow mucus mixed with blood. The redness extended to
upper lip, and vesicles appeared there. (Ibid.)
5. A man, æt. 25, took every m. 20 centigr. of same preparation.
The 17th d. there occurred violent itching at anus, calves, and wrists
without any eruption. This lasted for 27 d. (Ibid.)
6. Dr. SMITH ARMOR, Jan. 25th, 1851, 6 h. after taking 1 gr. of
3x trit., had rumbling through abdomen below transverse colon, which
282
MERCURIUS SULPHURATUS.
lasted about 1 h. 26th.-Took 2nd dose in m., and in 3 or 4 h.
after, abdomen below transverse colon felt hot, tongue was covered
with white fur, and there was beating burning in both temples, which
he felt all d. (Dr. NEIDHARD's provings, in Metcalf, op. cit.)
7. a. A. J. BREWSTER, æt. 26, enjoys good health; took Jan. 11th,
1851, at bedtime, 20 pellets of 6th dil. 12th.-In m. sense of general
prostration; great weakness of all limbs; feeling of depression and
weakness of whole system as after a severe illness; indisposition for
mental labour; head feels weary as from long mental application,-a
dull heavy ache in front of head, going backwards, mostly over r. eye
and temple, with heat in head. Occasional darting pains through head
from without inwardly; eyes watery and dull, with sharp sticking pain
in inner canthus of 1. eye, as of a sharp stick being stuck in lower lid.
Loss of sleep during fore part of n. Restless and tossing about during
whole n. with anxious dreams, which he is wholly unable to recall
after waking. Nausea, with occasional throbbing in 1. hypochondrium.
Abdomen distended; stools hard and too large. Dull aching in bones
of forearms and legs. Numbness in 1. arm from elbow to end of little
finger, passing off on using arm, and returning again while at rest. In
m. appetite greatly impaired. Feels better in open air and after
dinner. Pulse 60. Skin moist and cool.
b. Jan. 22nd, took, at 10.45 a.m., 5 gr. of 3rd trit. 3.15 p.m.,
felt sharp steady pain in forehead, mostly in r. orbital region; soon
after felt sharp throbbing in 1. hypochondrium in region of spleen. At
10 p.m. felt dull aching pain in bones of forearms and legs. 25th.-
Took at II a.m. a dose of 3x trit. Inh. felt sharp aching pain in
r. supra-orbital region, shooting backwards and downwards to ear and
side of neck. Front of head very hot. Pain is worse in warm room
and on moving eyes and scalp. Chilliness in warm room. Uneasy
indescribable feeling in abdomen. Numbness of 1. arm from elbow
down to end of little finger. 10 p.m., pain in head increased to a
heavy stupefying ache, aggravated by thinking, reading, and pressure.
Tenderness of epigastric region. 26th.—In m. symptoms all better.
8 p.m., pains in head return, with numbness and heavy aching in arms,
knees, and lower legs. 27th.-II a.m., pains in head return again,
with disposition to fall asleep (while trying to listen to a lecture) several
times, notwithstanding his making a great effort to keep awake. Con-
strictive feeling in umbilical region. Urine tinged yellow. Pains all
aggravated in e. Better in open air and after eating and sleeping. (Ibid.)
8. Dr. J. P. DAKE, dark hair, subject to indigestion, costiveness,
and a dull heavy feeling in fore part of head. Jan. 28th, 1851, took
5 gr. of the 3x trit. at 11 p.m., abouth. before retiring. Ten m.
after he felt a warm glow through his legs, which was soon succeeded
by dull pain in 1. arm just above elbow, and by occasional darting pains
in lower extremities. There was also dull pain in lower dorsal portion
of spine, continuing only for a short time. A space about the size of
a quarter of a dollar, just above and between supra-orbital regions (root
of nose?), felt as though pressed upon by a cold metallic body, while
within the cranium underneath there seemed to be more warmth than
usual. (A dull pain felt before in 1. temple and side of forehead disap-
MERCURIUS SULPHURATUS.
283
peared.) Urgent desire to urinate. Although intending to sit up
and study longer, yet feeling wearied in body and confused in
mind, he soon retired. Upon lying down there were rumblings in
abdomen, and pains passing from epigastric to pubic region. There
was also some nausea and uneasiness in stomach. Every little noise
about the house troubled him, as though it were something serious.
Although accustomed to dream much, yet he had more troublesome
dreams than usual. He awoke and started up several times without
purpose; once with heavy pain in fore part of head. Upon arising at
7 a.m. he felt a little giddiness and pain in forehead, with sensation of
soreness in eyeballs. These passed away soon after breakfast. (Before
noon, acidity of stomach, general headache, and heaviness of eyes came
on somewhat as usual, only much aggravated.) The prover had taken
the 3rd cent. trit. previously, and felt nearly the same symptoms as
those recorded above, but did not ascribe effect to med. In one of his
dreams he saw a spider as large as an ox. (Ibid.)
9. Dr. JOHN H. HENRY, æt. 22, healthy, light hair, from the 6th dil.
(The prover has taken the medicine repeatedly, and alleges himself
always to have experienced the same symptoms. We have noted them
down bonâ fide as they were given to us, although some have expressed
a doubt about them, because there were so many and so distinct. This
prover is, however, unusually sensitive to the action of all medicines, and
we could not do more than to express to all our provers the awful
responsibility they underwent in diverging even in the slightest degree
from the most accurate and truthful statement. N.)
a. Pain in region of causality; sensation of sticking over secretive
region, which increases and becomes a numb pain extending to r. temple
(time and locality), with feeling of warmth on r. side. Disposition to
sleep during d. The pain extends from one temple to the other across
the os frontis from r. to 1.; is mild in forehead, but violent in the
organs of locality and time both n. and d. and on rising in m. Before
going to bed there is a drawing pain in head, extending from crown to
occiput, inclining to r. Pain deep as if in centre of head.
b. Pain from r. lachrymal duct around eye to temple. Drawing
sensation from r. inner canthus across malar bone to ear. Sensation as
if there were something in eyes, lasting 3 d. Feeling as if eyelids were
enlarged or puffed, as if muscles were too short, when looking up to the
wall. Pain from inner canthus of 1. eye across eyebrows (organs of
size, colour, order, calculation). Itching of lids of both eyes.
c. Itching of nose with bleeding after blowing it; the blood is very
dark. The itching is caused by pimples at r. nostril.
d. Taste as of tobacco or coffee in mouth. Pricking sensation in
mouth and fauces., Small spot on 1. side of tongue, which itches.
Small sore on roof of mouth. Itching on 1. side of face.
e. On turning head, pain in r. side of neck below sterno-mastoid.
Pain in back part of neck, when head is thrown back, extending to
occiput. The muscles at back part of neck seem as if contracted.
General pain all over back down to loins, worse after every dose of
medicine, aggravated on drawing a long breath.
f. Pain in upper part of 1. and r. lung; an inward soreness over
284
MERCURIUS SULPHURATUS.
heart, extending along 1. arm on taking a long breath. Mucus which
is thrown up tastes like old tallow mixed with coffee. Pain under lower
point of the sternum, extending to 1. side under short ribs.
g. Pain along 1. arm, particularly in little finger, third finger and
thumb; on supinating forearm, pain is worse at elbow,-it feels as if
the "crazy bone" were struck; the least twitch causes elbow-joint and
shoulder to crack. Itching in palm of r. hand. Pain in little finger
of r. hand. Itching in joints of r. hand. Pain in knee-joint, worse at
noon, while walking. Drawing in all muscles of lower extremities on
under surface. Sore feeling of ankle, attended with heat and itching
over whole leg.
h. Sore feeling extending from small of back around both sides over
the ossa ilii, worse on pressure. Pain in lower abdomen, attended with
diarrhoea and also flatulence, after taking first dose.
i. Sensation as if there was a raw spot in the centre of the urethra,
which woke him up 2 n. in succession.
j. Rush of blood to back part of head, attended with violent itching
and heat extending to each ear; and behind 1. ear there came three
hard lumps, one the size of a small shot, the other that of a buckshot,
and the last a size larger. On the same n. sharp pain in region of the
kidneys, as if one had driven a nail on each side of the vertebræ.
Copious discharge of clear urine. Flow of mucus from the r. nostril,
lasting for 3 d. Pain on the 7th rib of each side in a spot as large as
a quarter of a dollar, more on 1. Great constipation, lasting all the
time he took the medicine, and for a long time afterwards. Bleeding
piles for 2 d. Violent itching in anus, worse at n. in bed. A whitish
furred tongue in m.
k. Violent itching of corona glandis with a profuse secretion of
pus; the itching was so violent as to cause him to rub it, which only
eased it for a short time, to return with tenfold violence. Two small
red spots made their appearance on each side of glans, secreting a large
quantity of lardaceous matter. It had the appearance, according to his
opinion, of herpes preputialis. Profuse sweating between thighs.
Violent erections in e. After finishing the medicine all desire for an
embrace is lost, which was not the case before he took it. All the
above symptoms, except the perspiration, were most violent at n. in
bed; the sweating about 12 noon. He had also a constant pain in 1.
arm-joint when turning and straightening the arm, and when writing.
(Ibid.)
+
10. a. Dr. ALBERT LINDSAY, dark hair, æt. 28, took, Jan. 11th,
1851, 20 pellets of 6th on going to bed. He uses no coffee, tea, spices,
nor any stimulants. Great restlessness at n., continual dreaming and
waking. He would be scarcely lost in a drowse, before he would be
dreaming vivid dreams of studies and business, &c. Drawing-aching
pains in thighs from hip-joints nearly down to condyles, aggravated by
moving, and accompanied with great lameness, experienced on getting
up and attempting to walk, getting better after walking a short distance.
This continued next d. 13th.-Took 20 globules at bedtime. Had
many dreams and woke up often. 14th.-Took 20 globules at 7 a.m.
Shooting-aching pain on posterior side of r. thigh from hip-joint to
MERCURIUS SULPHURATUS.
285
middle of os femoris, about 9 a.m., on straining at stool. In e. of
same d. took again 30 globules. Continual restlessness, and dreams
that a lump was in his throat and r. ear. 16th.-At n. 20 to 30
globules. In addition to restlessness and dreaming, woke up with
throbbing pain in organ of conscientiousness, extending to forehead
over eye. During d. and n. of 17th he was troubled with aching pains
in thighs, and soreness in umbilical region. Weak sensation in 1. eye
during 18th. Vivid dreams of the lectures, particularly the anatomical,
during n. of 18th; he could not believe that he was not actually
there. Almost every m. after waking a kind of dull pain (some m.
sharper and more intense) in forehead and top of head, worse when
lying on 1. side and back, going off when turning to r. side and pressing
forehead into pillow. As soon as he turns to I. side or the back the
pains return. On turning to r. side, or getting up and washing, the
pains disappear. Violent itching and pricking on inner side of knee-
joint ever since he has commenced to take the medicine, worse at n.
and in m. before getting up. 21st.-Violent itching on inside of
thighs, knees, and legs, worse at knees, especially at n.
b. 22nd.—At bedtime took 5 gr. of 3rd trit.
Had several dreams,
and awoke several times through n. On waking up in m. had aching
pain in the whole of forehead and top of head, aggravated by lying
on 1. side and back, relieved by lying on r. side and pressing forehead
with pillow. A dull, heavy, and at times sleepy feeling during d.
24th.-Restless sleep with many dreams, feels very tired in m., aching
across small of back` and in limbs. A kind of throbbing pain in fore-
head on waking, going off on pressing head on pillow. 25th and 26th.—
Same pain in diminished degree. 27th.-Symptoms of cold in head,-
fulness of head, discharge of much mucus from nostrils, aching pain in
the small of the back and legs. Uncommon tiredness and weakness.
Sensation of emptiness in stomach, is very hungry within 2 h. after
eating a hearty breakfast. Sore on inside of the under lip towards 1.
28th.-Severe aching and drawing pains in back from region of kidneys.
to sacrum, and in thighs and legs, all last n. and to-day. Drawing up
of legs affords relief. He did not wake up with headache in m., but
about 9 a.m. a kind of sore pain commenced at crown of head and
extended as far front as the organ of veneration (at times there is a
slight sensation of throbbing); it is very sensitive to touch, he cannot
even touch the hair without causing a sore pain. This pain continued
all d. Weakness and sleepiness in eyes about noon, could scarcely
keep them open. 29th.-No pain this m., but scalp is sensitive to
touch. Slight pains in back and legs, but much better than yesterday.
[The prover here remarks that when he was from 13 to 17 years of
age he took large quantities of calomel, and was in consequence for
years afflicted with terrible drawing, aching pains in the legs, especially
12-20 h. before a storm. He was a regular barometer. The pains
he experienced were exactly like those he suffered years ago from
calomel. He was, of course, entirely ignorant, like all the others, of
the nature of the medicine he had taken to prove.] (Ibid.)
11. Dr. C. L. MERRIMAN, æt. 31, light hair, nervous-sanguine tem-
perament. Took, 28th Jan., 20 pellets of 6th dil. at 10 a.m. In 2 h.
286
MERCURIUS SULPHURATUS.
felt fulness and general pressure in whole head as after taking cold,
with dull aching pain in the region of benevolence; better in the open
air. Great drowsiness and lassitude in warm room; occasional shooting
and prickling pain in two middle fingers of 1. hand, better by firm
pressure upon thumb. The above symptoms continued about 8 h.
30th.-20 pellets of 6th. Symptoms similar in kind, but somewhat
less in degree, and passing entirely away in about 8 h. (Ibid.)
12. Dr. S. L. MULFORD, of good constitution, not predisposed to
any acute or chronic disease, Jan. 25th, 1851, took 5 gr. of 3x trit.
on going to bed, but without producing the slightest effect. Feb. 2nd.
X
Repeated dose without any effect. 3rd.-Took 10 gr. of I, trit.
Shooting pains in forehead with great heaviness. Shooting pains in
inner canthus of r. eye with burning and itching. Hoarseness of voice
in m., going off in 2 or 3 h. Shooting pains in bowels at intervals
during d. Flushes of heat, confined to abdomen, with great flatulence.
All the above symptoms more in forenoon and less in afternoon and e.
4th.-Pain in bowels before each evacuation; all the other symptoms
as detailed above in a less degree. (Ibid.)
13. Dr. T. M. RANDELL, æt. 20, dark hair, took, Jan. 13, 1851,
20 globules of 6th dil. Seemed to lower pulse in forenoon and make
it irregular. 11.40 a.m., pain in 1. side of head, temple, and supra-
orbital ridge; sensation as if abdomen was too large, and wishes to
have everything loose about bowels. Numb pressing pain in eyes.
Numb feeling in elbows, as if ulnar nerve was compressed; also numb-
ness in knee-joints. Hands cold. Pain in forehead. Sticking in chest
just beneath sternum. Griping pain in bowels. Pulse, which was at
12 (noon) from 44 to 52, rose at 4 p.m. to 80. Pain in organ of tune.
Sensation as if there was something in ear. In afternoon his friends
remarked that he was very cross and sullen. Sleep restless, with vivid
dreams, but he cannot remember them in m.; urine turbid. Pain in
tendo Achillis and os calcis after walking. Pain in 1. side of face and
teeth. [The above symptoms were produced by a single dose. Several
other doses had a similar effect.] (Ibid.)
-
14. J. C. RAYMOND, æt. 27, took on Monday e., Feb. 3rd, 1851, 20
globules of 30th dil. In about an h. had sharp darting pains like
electric flashes passing from first phalanx of r. ring-finger to middle of
forearm, and from lower extremity of 1. radius up to elbow. Restless-
ness and sleeplessness during n. from a constant flow of ideas changing
from one subject to another. On Tuesday an increased flow of saliva;
from 4 to 5 p.m., severe pain extending from cartilage of 7th rib at
its junction with sternum to r. hypochondriac region under inferior
border of 10th rib. On Tuesday n. he took 40 globules; on Wednes-
day n. 60; on Thursday n. 5 gr. of 1x trit., and on Friday n. 10 gr.
of same with no perceptible effect until Saturday, when there was in-
creased sexual desire with erections, which continued at n., terminating
by emission of semen. On Sunday n. took 20 pellets of 30th. In-
creased flow of saliva during Monday, so much so that when he
attempted to speak he found some difficulty from his mouth being con-
stantly filled with saliva. He had some pain of dull character in fore-
head over eyes, p.m., which became severer in e. and was aggravated
X
MERCURIUS SULPHURATUS.
287
In
by motion. Had occasional pains in l. chest between cartilages of 5th
and 6th ribs. Tuesday, increased flow of saliva still continues.
afternoon pain of dull aching character in r. frontal region, aggravated
in e. ; also return in e. of pains in 1. chest in region of heart, of a sharp
cutting character, producing difficulty in getting breath while they con-
tinued. Wednesday n.-He was awakened several times from sleep
by severe pain in r. arm. It continued in m., and during d. of Thurs-
day, at times very severe, commencing about centre of humerus and
extending to elbow and along radius to its inferior extremity; the
pain was of heavy aching character, deep-seated, and caused lameness
and difficulty in moving arm.
In forenoon he had also a return of
sharp cutting pains in region of heart, followed by wandering pains.
throughout whole chest. (Ibid.)
15. a. Dr. HAMILTON RING, æt. 29, light hair, took, Jan. 14th,
20 pellets of 30th dil. at 4 p.m., and on 15th also 20 pellets of same
dil. at 9 a.m.
In course of 15th he experienced on bridge of nose a
sensation similar to that which is produced by touching it with a
metallic substance. Sticking pain about punctum lachrymale of upper
1. eyelid. Next d. he noticed a small pimple (like a transparent
vesicle) sore to touch, on the inner edge of the eyelid, near the spot
where the pain was, which latter had disappeared. 17th.-10.30 a.m.,
took 30 pellets of 6th dil. Soon after, aching and somewhat sharp pain
in 1. hypochondrium, in front, over a space as large as may be covered
by the hand; worse on moving about and in open air; soon extending
around lower border of ribs behind, and to region of 1. kidney, where
it seems dull and somewhat pressive (all felt and disappeared in 4 h.).
Soon after this same pain came in r. hypochondrium, in front and
extending around to back, and region of r. kidney, where it is of the
same character as in l. kidney. The dull pressive pain is felt in one
and then in the other kidney alternately. The pains intermit in
severity, and those in the hypochondria are relieved by bending forward.
Occasional flashes of pain in r. temple from front backwards (organ of
mirthfulness). Soreness in the roof of the mouth. Heaviness in head,
desire to sleep during d., restlessness at n., indisposition to mental
exertion. (The above symptoms appeared nearly if not exactly in the
order in which they are written.) 18th. In e. occasional shootings in
upper part of 1. temple along temporal ridge; dulness in whole head,
especially in forehead just over eyes; lame sensation in r. shoulder-joint.
b. 19th. At 10.30 a.m. took one powder of 1st trit. (cent.), after
which the following symptoms were experienced:-An h. after,
uneasy, creeping, and pressive sensation about ossa nasi, lasting about
an h.; it is the sensation experienced by most persons on putting
on a pair of heavy spectacles, if not accustomed to wear them.
Also for a short time pain and sensation of fulness in meatus of 1.
ear. In e. sensation of approaching looseness of bowels. Itching on
various parts of body, while walking in open air. 20th.-In forenoon
head full ; nervousness and irritability about noon for a short time; also,
for a short time, sticking pain in back part of 1. knee-joint; in after-
noon slight pain in r. knee-joint (similar to pain in 1.), with creeping
sensation above and below it, seemingly about bone, lasting about an
288
MERCURIUS SULPHURATUS.
h. (during d. itching over body). 21st.-Frequent itching over the
body, and itching and sticking in internal and external canthi; head
full, heavy, with strong pulsations of temporal arteries; great inclina-
tion to sleep during d. 22nd.-Itching on body and in canthi, as
before; a spot on r. side, between ribs (7th and 8th), as large as a
wafer, very sore to the touch, with occasionally sore pain in and around
it; head less heavy than the d. before; sore spot on tip of tongue.
23rd.—About 4 a.m. was awaked by dull sticking pain in region of 1.
kidney, which lasted but a short time; afterwards tossing about and
sleeplessness for an h.; after rising from bed fulness and pressure in
occiput and back of neck, continuing with much severity till about
noon, after which the symptom somewhat abated; heaviness and sleepi-
ness during d.; pains of short duration in r. hypochondrium, in middle
of 1. breast, in front of 1. kidney, in occiput; itching over body at times.
In e., sticking pain in the region of I. side of 5th and 6th dorsal
vertebræ; sore spot in r. side has continued, with the characteristic
symptoms before mentioned; during d. there were pains at corres-
ponding spot on 1. side of same character, but without a sore spot.
24th.-Occasionally sticking pain on r. side of same dorsal vertebræ
(5th and 6th); pain sometimes in 1. side of occiput (organ of amative-
ness); itching of eyelids and of various parts of the body; sore spot in
r. side continues. The pains in knee-joints, mentioned as having
been experienced on the 20th inst., have been occasionally felt in a
slight degree every d. since. The sore spot on r. side continued 3 or 4
d. The itchings in various parts of body and in the canthi of the eyes
were felt for 5 or 6 d. The dulness of head and unfitness for mental
exercise have not, after the lapse of a week, entirely disappeared. The
severest pains experienced were those in the hypochondria and kidneys.
The pains mentioned as felt on the 23rd and 24th, on the side of the
5th and 6th dorsal vertebræ, have been occasionally felt until the 27th.
Has been disposed to costiveness during the whole time of taking the
medicine. On 27th after dinner had feeling of weight in lower part of
rectum and a sensation like aching. (Ibid.)
16. Dr. C. E. TOOTHAKER, of lymphatic nervous temperament, light
hair, general health good. (In childhood affected with rachitis ; in
youth with burning sensation in chest, with colic in umbilicus and
stomach. Subsequently he had pains in the face, itching and burning.
in throat and roof of mouth. At present ringing, humming, or roaring
in ears, with frequent itching sensations over whole body; slight dull
pain in back of head and neck, sense of dull pain in one or both ears.
Some remains of a former severe chronic bronchitis, causing frequent
hawking and spitting, with thick pus-like mucus in m. Disposition
to flatulence in bowels; passes water frequently. Frequent sleepiness
when sitting. Languor.) Jan. 18th, 1851, 9 a.m., took 30 pellets of 5th
dil.; 6 p.m., sensation of soreness on 1. side of root of tongue on swal-
lowing, accompanied with roughness and stiffness, continuing through
19th. At 9 a.m., took 30 pellets more; 10, slight pain in sinciput.
Sense of elevation on walking in open air; never felt better in his life;
like effects of a cordial. At 8 p.m., after tea, peculiar metallic taste in
mouth, not much unlike sulphate of zinc, or the taste left after a metal
n.
MERCURIUS SULPHURATUS.
289
or salt, continuing more or less I h. 20th.-5 a.m., peculiar agreeable
sensation of exhilaration, and of fulness extending from all sides of
chest, particularly thorax, towards stomach and heart, accompanied or
followed by similar sensation in all the joints, continuing with inter-
missions till 8. Occasional pain in sinciput. Peculiar drawing in
mouth after rising until breakfast. A small sore on r. side of tip of
tongue, also one on each lid, continuing several d. 2 p.m., sensation in
mouth has continued since 8, modified by continual tendency to hawk
and spit, with unusually large flow of saliva and mucus; also sensation
of warmth under sternum and sense as if secretions were flowing from
stomach and all mucous surfaces, as well as from salivary glands. A
peculiar nervous thrill pervading whole frame, even to fingers and toes,
affecting especially joints. Sense of languor and depression, as if fol-
lowing excessive exhilaration or as after intoxication. The above
sensation continued with intermissions for 3 d. In the eyes for 2 d.
excessive itching of inner canthi for considerable time from 6 p.m.
From 9 to 12, itching in outer canthi, severe and frequent, with sense
of stiffness in upper lids. In afternoon when sitting in house, sense as
if a breeze of cold air were blowing upon eyes, very marked. Eyes
very sensitive to cold air on walking out. Frequent pain in lower side
of 1. knee, near inner side of tibia. Lameness and frequent stitches
on walking, particularly on inner side knee-joint. (Ibid.)
17. Dr. DANIEL WILDER, æt. 39, Jan. 13th, took 20 globules of
6th on going to bed. Restless uneasy sleep. 14th.-Took same. In-
creased restlessness, with constant dreaming; seemed to dream before
getting asleep. 15th.-Pain in all joints with lameness during d.;
dull pain in forehead, which is cold, and is relieved by warm hand;
aching soreness of eyes, worse in e. Pulse at noon 60, in e. 8o. Aching
soreness in teeth; regurgitation of wind from stomach; sores in mouth
on under lip; severe pain in forehead, which lasts all n. ; great restless-
ness and nervousness. A good deal of mucus at posterior nares, which
comes away in lumps. An eruption on inner and lower part of thigh,
with itching. Unusual irritability during whole time since taking med.
(Ibid.)
18. a. JOHN TURNER, æt. 27, nervous-sanguine temperament, took
20 globules of 30th dil. before going to bed, 14th Jan. Slept very well;
had dreams, very vivid at the time, but could not remember them.
Next d. general nervous uneasy sensation, with depression. 15th.—
10 p.m., took 20 globules. Felt drowsy sensation as if he could sleep
readily; went to bed at 12. Still had the drowsy sensation, and strong,
very strong, desire to sleep, but could not sleep for disagreeable nervous
feeling, which caused him to toss about in bed for 1 h. Sleep not
so good as n. before; dreams vivid and rather pleasing, but on waking
could not bring any one to recollection. (He dreams more or less
every n., but thinks his dreams were unusual.) 16th.-General morbid
sensation of mind, rather disposed to be fretted at very little trifles, and
not at all satisfied with himself,-in fact, thought that he was not at all
amiable. At n. took 40 globules. Symptoms respecting rest, dreams,
&c., as on 15th. 17th.-This d. mental symptoms even aggravated;
disposed all d. to condemn himself for fretfulness and want of trust.
19
VOL. III.
290
MERCURIUS SULPHURATUS.
Sexual excitement all d.; general feeling of disorder in whole animal
frame, but no particular symptoms.
4
b. 17th.-10 p.m., took 5 gr. 3rd trit. Felt no desire for sleep;
sat up and wrote and read until 1.30 a.m., did not sleep for h. after
going to bed; dreamed continually but not so vividly; woke before
8, dry throat and thirst, feeling as if he had not had any refreshing
sleep, although he had been nearly 6 h. under influence of sleeping
dreams. No particular sensations this d. ; moral and mental symptoms.
not so prominent; rather better mentally. From first time he took
med. felt as if pimples were coming out on body, and had general un-
easy sensations and itching. (Prover had had this feeling for some
time, but thinks it has been worse since beginning proving.) Since
first taking drug, he has with great difficulty read any medical work;
it is quite difficult to get his mind fixed on any subject long; he also
cannot fix his attention on lectures so well as before (the open air
relieves this sensation); cannot think long, deeply, or clearly on any
subject; appears to be altogether disturbed. 19th.-12, m., took
5 gr. 3x trit. 5, strange congestive sensation about head, principally
forehead. 8.30 to 10.15, sensitive pressure in forehead. 10.15, sen-
sation as of water in l. eye, soon passing off; pain and tired feeling in
r., then in 1. hip, and tired feeling in all lower joints, better from rising
and walking, did not return on sitting; general feeling as of having
taken cold, and of not being fit for any mental labour; depressed,
melancholy, and rather cynical state of mind; nervous system excited.
21st.-8 a.m., took 40 globules of 6th dil. Observed no symptoms
until 7 p.m. L. cheek flushed, and in 1. eye watery sensation,-soon
passed off; congested sensation over whole head, particularly forehead;
great difficulty to collect ideas and study usefully, and even aversion to
close study; after retiring did not sleep for over an h., but tossed about,
very nervous and mentally vexed. 22nd.-Symptoms of head and
mind much the same as yester-eve. Eruption on posterior cervical
region, and soreness from r. ear thither as if glands were affected; this
soreness increased, and on e. of 23rd became very severe.
watered several times to day, passing off each time in a few m.
ness of glands of neck continued until m. of 27th, but gradually de-
creased in degree. Occasional fever and fulness of blood in forehead
still. (Ibid.)
19. Mrs. H― took 6th dil., and experienced great increase of flow of
urine and saliva, lasting 1 h., with shooting pain in 1. head from occiput
to forehead, and lachrymation. (Ibid.)
20. Miss F took one dose of 6th, and had dizziness and lightness
of head, soreness in stomach, with tightness in temples. (Ibid.)
21. Mrs. F- took 20 dr. of 5th at 8 a.m. At 8.30, sense of fulness
and weight across temples, with sometimes throbbing over r. temple,
worse on motion. These symptoms disappeared before noon. Aching
in small of back as if bruised. On another occasion took 10 dr. of
same at 8 a.m. Aching in both ears, lasting about 15 m.
II, unusual
drowsiness and heaviness over eyes. From I gr. of 5x trit., unusual
drowsiness in m. P.m., 2 stools, last with straining. (Ibid.)
II. Poisonings.—1. A sanguine, active man, æt. 68, wore for several
L. eye
Sore-
MERCURIUS SULPHURATUS.
291
(C
months a lower set of artificial teeth, on a vulcanized rubber plate,
coloured with cinnabar. After having for months symptoms of cinna-
bar poisoning, without having found the cause of his disease, he had also
made for him an upper set of the same material, and used both five
months longer before its relation to his complaint was discovered. The
'I
symptoms are reported in the order in which he gave them.
suddenly," says he, "found myself unable to attend to my usual duties,
on account of fatigue. When making extraordinary mental or physical
exertion, the exhaustion which followed was so extreme that I had to
lie down. At the same time I was troubled with palpitation, worse
when lying on the left side or with the head low. Violent pain in the
head from front to back, and down the spinal cord to a little below the
shoulder-blades. If the exertion was continued, there followed nausea,
vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe pain in the r. hypochondrium. These
symptoms varied in intensity. Soon after using the complete set, there
followed violent aggravation of all the symptoms; burning pain and
soreness in the liver; at times, suppression of bile; total loss of appe-
tite; white coating on the tongue; bitter metallic taste; high fever at
n." Finally, he had to take to his bed for six weeks. For three weeks
of this period there was very high fever, followed by copious, sticky,
stinking sweat, as thick as mucus, lasting 24 h. Afterwards, the fever
abated for a week, when the same symptoms recurred in a more violent
form. Finally, when the patient had worn the entire plate for five
months, the case was very carefully re-examined, and the following
combination of symptoms found: Aversion to mental occupation ;
feeling as from over-exertion of the mind. Cannot follow one idea
without great exertion and exhausting fatigue; cannot collect his
thoughts; irritability; dissatisfied with himself and everyone else.
Cannot sleep in the daytime; restless and sleepless at n., or else sleep
with anxious dreams; heaviness and dulness in the head; can scarcely
lift it from the pillow. Occasionally, shooting pains through the head
from without inwards, and from front to back. Feeling as of rush of blood
to the head, with violent vertigo and great weakness, particularly in the
Vertigo and feeling of weakness in the head; frequently staggers
when walking. Often feels as if he had taken cold; symptoms of
coryza; running at the nose; throbbing of the temples, and rush of
blood to the head all d. and all n. Rushing sound in the ears; deaf-
ness. Eyes red and painful; feeling as of sand in them. Conjunctiva
of the lower lid injected, and covered with small granulations. Sore
mouth, white tongue; bitter, metallic, disgusting taste. Sore throat
and pharynx; great irritation in the larynx. Frequent oedema of the
epiglottis; frequent attacks of suffocation on swallowing; hoarseness
and loss of voice for several weeks. Cough worse at n. ; expectoration
at first clear, then opaque, after several weeks consisting of grey, pus-
like, occasionally blood-streaked sputa, smelling very offensively in the
Pain beneath the sternum; pain in the heart, worse when lying
on the 1. side; palpitation during frightful dreams; pulse 90 to 100.
Pain in upper r. lung and in cardiac region, extending into 1. arm, which
often feels numb. Throbbing in hypochondria. Very severe pain,
extending from the region of the short ribs to the r. kidney and the 1.
m.
m.
292
MERCURIUS SULPHURATUS.
hypochondrium; swelling and heat in the r. hypochondrium. Burning
pain in the r. lobe of the liver, with soreness and sensation of great
heaviness there; these hepatic symptoms are very severe and continuous.
Capricious appetite; loss of appetite; nausea with vomiting, about once
a week; the matter vomited is bitter and sour. Enlargement, pain,
and soreness of the abdomen; it feels distended, and he wants to loosen
the clothes. Stool hard and copious, or sudden diarrhoea, consisting of
white or dark passages. Urine frequent and increased in quantity, with
sediment at first whitish; later, reddish. Limbs and joints painful,
especially the knees; hands and feet very cold each m., and hot at n.
Hot skin in the e., heat at n. in bed. Foetid sweat between the
thighs at n.; feeling of lameness in all the limbs, with great fatigue,
particularly in the m.; feels too weak to stand, and all bodily and
mental exertion is too much of an effort. The pains and fever are
worse in the e. and in the cold; pains in the head and eyes worse after
sleep. The pains are generally relieved by continuous rest, warm
bathing, galvanism, and heat; and aggravated by cold. (ОЕНМЕ,
N. Z. f. hom. Klinik, xvii, 125.)
2. A patient of light complexion, who took 1st trit. for phimosis,
soon complained of following symptoms, which he never felt before:
Intense headache, relieved by external pressure, pain was so severe he
could hardly endure it, much worse after sleep; head excessively sore
to every touch; pain darted through from sides of head (most frequently
r.) and temples, and thence to occiput. Excessive lachrymation.
Noises in ears after eating. Dryness in mouth, with desire for cold
water; bad taste in mouth, with phlegm and pytalism; loss of appetite,
eats very little; constipation, only one passage in a week. Soreness
under r. breast, particularly on drawing breath. Feeling of coldness
and sensation of inertia; drowsiness; nightly sleeplessness, hears clock
strike every h. Redness of skin, like a chronic eruption. He took
drug for 2 weeks, with constant improvement in phimosis. After dis-
continuing it for 10 d. he still had severe headache, which was finally
relieved by iodine. (NEIDHARD, loc. cit.)
III. Experiments on animals.—1. a. Two to four grms. of powdered
cinnabar applied to the thigh of a dog cause death in 3-4 d., size of
dose not seeming to have any influence on rapidity with which death
ensues. P.M.-Mucous membrane in some parts is pale, in others
blackish; in others the folds are yellow, surrounded with a whitish
border. In other cases there are found spots similar to gangrenous
ulcers, the bases of which are covered with clotted blood. In small in-
testines no change is observed; in rectum there are occasionally found
black streaks. The lungs, particularly the 1. lobe, are sometimes filled
with black blood.
b. In a dog killed by zij introduced into stomach, pleura and
lungs were found inflamed; thoracic cavity contained sero-purulent
exudation. (SMITH, in Huber, op. cit.)
2. The accompanying woodcuts illustrate the effects of mercury on
the bones of a dog, the skeleton of which is now in the Museum of
Edinburgh. The history of the case is given by Professor Bennett in
his Principles and Practice of Medicine,' and is as follows:-The
<
MEZEREUM.
293
dog lived in the shop of Mr. Ballantyne 18 years ago in Carrubber's
Close. At that time the work carried on consisted almost exclusively of
painting with vermilion and lacquering Japan articles. The dog, who
never left the premises, was frequently seen lapping the vermilion oil-
paint, and there can be no doubt that in this way there was introduced
into his system a considerable quantity of mercury. After death the
dog was dissected. Numerous cancerous-like masses were found in the
lungs and internal viscera, and his skeleton was preserved. It will be
seen that the shafts of the long bones and not their extremities were
attacked. The disease closely resembles what may be observed in many
other specimens of so-called syphilitic disease. Yet in this dog we
have the positive proof that it was caused by mercury, as all attempts
to communicate the syphilis to dogs by inoculation have failed. [The
woodcuts, not even excepting the extremities of the long bones, as
stated above to be excepted, have very much the appearance of a speci-
men in the Museum of the Royal Veterinary College of osteoporosis.]
(WILLIAMS, Princ. and Pract. of Veterinary Surgery, communicated
by Mr. HURNDALL.)
MEZEREUM.
Daphne Mezèreum, L. Common mezereon, spurge olive. Nat. Ord., Thymelaceœ.
I. Provings.-1. HAHNEMANN, Fragmenta de Viribus. Contains
62 symptoms from self, and 34 from authors.
2. IBID, Chronic Diseases, part iv of original, vol. of translation.
Contains 610 symptoms, including contributions from II other persons.
3. a. Dr. HARTLAUB, æt. 41, phlegmatic melancholic tempera-
ment, in good health, March 30th, 1849, 5 p.m., smelt at the fresh
bark and chewed a piece. Taste acrid and disgusting, then smarting
burning like pepper on tongue, repeated eructation of air, shuddering
loathing, earache (doubtful). The burning spread from tongue all
through buccal cavity, especially hard palate, with great dryness of that
part, especially posteriorly, and in upper part of œsophagus; much saliva
and hawking of mucus, which detached itself easily. Mucus came
down from choana and was apt to get into air-passages, causing hawking
and lachrymation. Rough embarrassed speech. After 1 h. the smart-
ing has spread to the lips, which are dry and swollen; this lasted till e. ;
taste diminished, tongue felt scalded. Pressive pain in upper part of
forehead. E., twisting pain about navel, with nausea and as if water-
brash would come on or faint feeling, tearing pain across chest ante-
riorly.-31st. Perspired profusely at n. and woke frequently, strong
erections with sexual desire. In m. soft, brown, sour-smelling stool,
scanty urine, tongue and palate feels scalded. A.m., coryza in eyes and
nose, with increased thirst, hot skin, and quick pulse, swelling and heat
of penis. All d. repeated discharge of flatus, with several soft stools.
E., again chewed some bark and flowers, and was exposed for 1 h. to
exhalations from bark while preparing it for medicinal use. This caused
violent smarting and burning in mouth, with much watery saliva.
294
MEZEREUM.
Another soft, dark, greyish, or black stool, with much borborygmus
during and after stool.-April 1st. Long sleep, perspired a little. M.,
scanty urine, with increased thirst; tongue as if scalded. 9 a.m., a soft,
dark and light brown stool as if fermented, with much indigestible
matter and very fetid. A.m., frequent discharge of much watery urine,
warm hands and cold feet and legs up to knees, hard pulse. The same
kind of stools continued for several d., always in forenoon and partly
light coloured, loss of appetite and discharge of fetid flatus, perspiration
in m.
;
b. March 4th, 1850, 4 p.m., chewed several pieces of fresh bark,
and was exposed to exhalations for 5 h. while preparing the medicine,
till 9 p.m. Next m. pressed out the macerated bark. When chewing
the bark had but little burning or smarting in mouth, later the peculiar
pain set in severely, and next m. the epithelium became detached, with
swelling. After some m. burning in mouth, not on the part touched
by the bark but in fauces, relieved by breathing in air, but increased
felt very weak and faint. After h. mucus from nose and smarting
and watering of eyes. After h. eructations, transient pain in fauces
anteriorly, pain in middle of r. eyebrow. The smarting spread gradu-
ally from fauces through whole mouth to lips. 7 p.m., fauces painful
on swallowing, and as if swollen and excoriated or scraping. 7.30
p.m., prickling in oesophagus when swallowing. 8 p.m., the pain in
œsophagus violent and general, very painful when swallowing, especi-
ally in uvula and soft palate, pricking pain and as if swollen in 1. meatus
auditorius, at same time rheumatic headache on 1. side, a kind of tearing.
10 p.m., same pain in upper part of head and in 1. ear. E., loss of
appetite and chilly, then general heat and perspiration. Transient pres-
sive pain in eyeballs.-5th. Yesterday on going to bed violent itching
in legs, so that he must scratch. At n. vivid but not remembered
dreams. Some sweat towards m. On rising scanty and slow discharge
of urine, of strong smell, dark and hot. Forenoon till noon, repeated
hurried discharge of urine, the water he washed in felt unusually cold,
the air too felt very cold, especially to his head, and he felt when
sitting in room as if cold air blew on his head. On pressing out juice,
smarting in eyes. 8 a.m., stretching of body and yawning, eructa-
tions, discharge of fetid flatus, drawing-tearing pain under r. knee ex-
ternally and in metacarpal bones behind 1. thumb, also in distal phalanx
of r. 4th finger and r. wrist, where the metacarpal bone of index joins
it. Pulse accelerated a.m. To-day the mouth symptoms increased,
those of fauces diminished. All d. mouth very painful, the epithelium
of inner surface of lips and of gums of front teeth quite detached where
the bark had come in contact with it. Much toothache, the gums
bleed easily, tongue much swollen, especially at its tip, with thick white
coating and prominent red papillæ on a white ground, tip of tongue very
red, epithelium denuded, a deep fissure in middle of tongue, external
lips dry, taste almost extinguished, milk tastes smoky, teeth very painful
when biting and when air meets them, with constant drawing pain in
them all d., the upper front teeth of 1. side particularly affected.
P.m., painful jerking in lower 1. molars, cheeks very painful when
pressed, and as if swollen. E., toothache increased, especially in 1.
-
MEZEREUM.
295
upper incisors. Also painful pressure in eyeballs, diminished appetite,
pain as of dislocation in r. big toe. E., copious, soft stool, as if fermented
and not quite digested, of brownish-yellow colour, very fetid and sour
smelling.-6th. Woke last n. at 2 a.m., fell asleep again, and towards
5 a.m. a scanty, thin emission, many unremembered dreams. On
rising in m. tinnitus in r. ear, can hardly move r. leg, knee feels weak.
6 a.m., feeling of hunger in stomach, with borborygmus; noon and e.,
diminished appetite, stomach feels uncomfortable after eating, especially
fat things. Mouth better to-day and toothache gone, some hollow
teeth in mouth have become sharp, tartar on teeth rough. Tongue
still swollen and large ulcerated papillæ, not coated but very red. Ex-
ternal lips all d. very dry and shining, very painful in e., some burning,
especially near them inside. During d. hurried micturition. After
supper much eructation of sour rancid taste; very tiresome pressure in
stomach, with very irritable temper. Distaste for everything, he would
like to run away, very drowsy after supper, apt to start with palpitation
thereafter, frequent yawning, stretching of limbs, itching in several parts
of body, especially scrotum and nostrils. E., shuddering frequently
all over body, also over several parts, over 1. leg downwards; pulse 80
to 90, rather full. Stool in e. insufficient and hard, much itching in and
about houghs, scratches himself raw.-7th, m., after rising rheumatic
pain in muscles of 1. scapula, tongue and mouth inflamed and red, un-
comfortable pressure in stomach and abdomen, jerking stitch in r. side of
chest about lowest ribs, then beneath r. scapula. Several times during
d. and in e. much itching about anus.-8th, m., on rising very tired,
this goes off during d. 7 a.m., stool (after 33 h.) copious, soft, fetid;
on urinating the last portion causes smarting-burning in fore part of
urethra; soon afterwards violent itching in 1. inner canthus, appetite
diminished, stomach easily deranged by fat food.-9th. Painful swel-
ling in r. concha above meatus, humming and buzzing in r. ear. Noon,
on rising from stooping many black spots before eyes. Hollow teeth
very sharp. No stool to-day.
I
c. March 14. While preparing the med. was exposed to its emana-
tions from e. till 3 a.m., also chewed bark. Immediately after chewing,
nausea, loathing, burning in fore part of mouth, tongue, and further in
mouth, with flow of saliva; tearing drawing through r. big toe; smart-
ing in eyes; loud rumbling in bowels, flatus rushed noisily through anus.
-15th. Scanty soft stool m. E., again exposed to emanations.—16th,
m., noticed a large sugillation on back of r. hand behind index, not
caused by external violence; it is a discoloured swollen not round spot
about 1" in diameter, quite painless. At same time violent itching on
this hand, especially on wrist, and intolerable transient itching on several
parts of body; some liver spots more scurfy than usual. Sensitiveness
to cold water, also of the teeth when drinking; tongue coated white,
yawning; no stool to-d., and very little urine passed. E., exposed
for 2 h. to emanations of plant. Soon, intoxication and constriction
across chest anteriorly not deeply seated, and at same time over back
about scapulæ, drawing pains in rectum and anus, occasional pain in
glans penis; after urinating cutting pain in front part of urethra ; irre-
sistible drowsiness; indifference to everything.-17th. Immediately
296
MEZEREUM.
after rising, m., inflamed eyes, conjunctivæ much injected, dirty red,
especially about external canthus of 1. eye, with pressive pain as from
dryness; several times urging to urinate; pain in r. ear deep in meatus,
a stitch still deeper, meatus of that ear more open than the other, feels
swollen or relaxed; difficulty of thinking with pressive confusion of
head, and here and there pressive pain in head, hair hangs down loosely.
A small cut is very painful for a long time. The sugillation on r. hand
is paler and painless. In forenoon, smelt 16 different preparations of
mezereum for h. and again in e. In forenoon, dark, lumpy stool
expelled with much pressing. After dinner, irresistible drowsiness with
painful pressure in eyes, the conjunctiva of lids very inflamed. Occa-
sional itching in anus. Afternoon, a shoot up anus. E., when sitting
still, violent, painful, paralytic pressure in r. acromion, on depressing
arm the pain much increased from the weight of the arm; soon after-
wards, when walking, as if dislocated in r. hip-joint and outer aspect of
thigh about trochanter maj. 9 p.m., an h. after supper, shudder down
body, with yawning. E., very sleepy.-18th. Dreamt much at n.
On rising, m., incisor teeth very sensitive, especially on biting; whole
head confused and heavy, chilly, general malaise; some streaks of blood
in expectoration. Forenoon, tasted these 16 preparations for h.
After to
I h., eructation, smarting on lips and tongue, violent
burning as from pepper on front of tongue and lips; rheumatic pains in
muscles of scapulæ, like tension and swelling. After dinner, borbo-
rygmus in bowels and loud discharge of inodorous flatus; dull pain in
1. side of chest behind heart, probably in lungs. Very cold hands. 3
p.m., when sitting writing, involuntary twitching of whole r. lower
limb on its inner side, a jerking and twisting. 5 p.m., burning on
lips and tongue as if excoriated, but not really so. Some discharge
from nose; thirst for cold water. When near the fire, pressive frontal
headache. E., increased general heat, quick pulse. 7 p.m., feeling of air
in and distension of r. meatus externus. 8.45 p.m., gums behind upper
incisors swell up in a blister and also on hard palate anteriorly, upper
incisors on edge. Drowsiness, shuts eyes involuntarily, and legs jerk
involuntarily. Fell asleep before 10 p.m. and awoke in a stupefied con-
dition about II p.m.; on attempting to walk, violent pain in r. meta-
tarsal bones; pulse still quick. No stool to-day.-19th. Difficulty of
getting to sleep, e., woke several times with pains in bones, especially
of 1. wrist and knees. M., urging to urinate, got up at 4.30, having
had but little sleep. After getting up, m., rheumatic pain in r. knee
soon afterwards shooting behind third and fourth toes, also in l. meta-
tarsus. The eyes, especially in l. canthi, stick together, with itching
and pressure; some coryza and lachrymation, the upper incisors on
edge, audible borborygmus in bowels with feeling of hunger, hiccough.
Forenoon, quick pulse, chilliness, cold feet and hands; skin of hands.
dead and chapped and corrugated. 10.30 a.m., sneezing several times,
increased thirst for cold water. The epithelium of front part of lips,
of gums, and of tongue is quite detached to-day. There is no burning
or smarting, the denuded parts are destitute of feeling and taste, the
tongue feels scalded, is white coated, and the tip excoriated. In the
chin beard is a small pustule, and a couple of pimples on chest. After-
;
MEZEREUM.
297
noon, hard, lumpy stool, with much pressing. 5.30 p.m., burning in
r. acromion; when walking, pain of 1. big toe as if dislocated, cold feet.
Smelt the tincture while stirring it.-20th. Felt cold during n. and in
m. on waking, woke frequently with violent itching in lower limbs,
nocturnal urination. The decayed teeth get sharp and decay away, the
tongue is swollen and red, with white coat; sneezing, pulse slow, no
stool. Smelt the tincture while stirring it.-21st. Long of falling
asleep last n. Slept later in m., some blood in expectoration. Fore-
noon, copious stool. Epithelium restored in mouth, anorexia, teeth
much decayed away, and sharp, fluent coryza. Again exposed to
emanations of the drug.-22nd, m., blood in expectoration, chest
feels weak. The pimple on the chin has become a small ulcer, with
thin, oily, sticky discharge, and is very painful; the outer wall of r.
ala nasi inflamed, swollen, and painful; fluent coryza, alternating with
stuffed nose, r. nostril completely stopped with scab and very painful,
the ordinary liver spots on chest and arms very dark and scaly, great
itching on back of both wrists where several small, dry, dark brown
scabs have come; tongue swollen and its tip feels scalded. On rising,
m., teeth sensitive when pressed together, especially upper incisors,
very bad appetite, stool copious, brown, firm, and lumpy.-23rd.
Again exposed to emanations. Nose as yesterday; drawing pain in r.
sole when treading. Occasional slight shooting and drawing pain in
anus and fore part of penis. Nose and ulcer better during d.-24th.
Woke at n. with vivid dreams of someone walking about in house and
speaking loudly. Noon, on shutting eyes violent pressive pain in r.
eyeball. Nose and ulcer better, teeth decayed away down to gums.
Appetite bad, after eating fulness and pressure in stomach, eructation,
with taste of food and acid. No stool.
d. Exposed to emanations from 9 preparations, p.m. Soon, feeling
as if wind were howling in r. ear. 8 p.m., some blood dropped from г.
nostril; otherwise stuffed nose and scabbiness of r. nostril; great itching
in 1. border of lower lip; r. meatus auditorious feels wide open, increased
by yawning, relieved by inserting finger; itching of backs of both hands;
on yawning ringing in r. ear; much pressure in eyes, with dry feeling
in them. He feels too warm and yet has cold chills, especially over
back and lower limbs; itching in 1. side of anus, in legs, and scrotum ;
very drowsy with frequent yawning, can hardly keep his painful eyes
open; when walking, patella as if dislocated, cracking in r. knee when
walking after sitting; during drowsiness violent erections; pressive pain
in 1. side of chest anteriorly, about fourth rib; boring pressive pain on r.
shoulder, then behind 1. acromion. 10 p.m., epistaxis from r. nostril.
Under 1. ear on border of ramus of lower jaw a small swollen gland,
painful when pressed.-25th. Kept awake with many thoughts, always
chilly, towards m. warm, very confused dreams. On waking m. dry-
ness of mouth and tongue. Upper incisors very sensitive when teeth
pressed together. Very chilly, lazy, and disinclined for work. Feels
as if food remained undigested in stomach, out of spirits and indifferent,
r. hand cold, 1. warm. 9.45 a.m., as if air were in ears, with pinching
pain, worst in r. ear; on moving arm feels as if dislocated at junction
of clavicle with scapula. II a.m., increased thirst, though he is cold.
298
MEZEREUM.
No stool to-day.—26th. Forenoon, when walking in open air, drawing
and cutting pain in front part of urethra and neck of bladder. 2 p.m.,
exposed to emanations. Immediately as if r. external meatus were
distended with air, later the same in 1. meatus with feeling as if ear
were stopped; very cold hands, tensive stretching pain in upper part of
r. scapula. 10 p.m., boring pressive pain in r. side of vertex, then in
1. side of forehead, later on r. side of, and above, r. eye, like a peg
driven into it; a stool, the first for 3 d., dark brown and lumpy, with
much pressing; afterwards itching on prepuce internally. 27th, 9
p.m., a stool similar to that of yesterday, before and after it crawling
in anus as from thread-worms; itching on prepuce after urinating.
The decayed teeth break off still more.-29th. Yellowish-brown
stool, not very firm, with some streaks of blood. Yesterday and to-
day, pressure in stomach after eating baked fruit. During proving
brown rings round eyes, with sallow complexion and circumscribed
red spots on cheeks, flesh of body seems very lax and falling away,
belly very much fallen in. The eruption on the hands lasted till April
14th. (Hom. Vierteljahrsch., viii, 6.)
4. R. W—, housemaid, æt. 26, was engaged in pounding bark.
Next d. complained of toothache in some decayed 1. upper molars, jerk-
ing pains with pale swelling of gums, and bleeding and suppuration of
them; the cheek externally was painful when touched. On another
occasion she again pounded the bark, and had violent shooting pain in
r. side about lower ribs, especially when breathing deeply. (Ibid., 29.)
5. A woman exposed to the emanations had flow of saliva and
contractive spasms in heart. (Ibid.)
6. a. Dr. BRUNO LINCK, æt. 41, robust, choleric melancholic
temperament, took, May 14th, 1852, Mez. 1. Inh., scraping in
fauces with flow of saliva; frequent eructation with burning in throat
relieved momentarily by drinking cold water; transient pain in ear;
the burning and scraping in throat lasts 2 h. Violent, almost painful
hiccup lasting almost 1 m. Transient tearing pain in tip of 1. scapula
and in 1. side of back. Slight toothache in carious tooth, transient ;
painful fine tearing from one temple to the other, frequently recurring.
Fine drawing in 1. upper teeth; drawing pain in r. occiput.-18th, 5 a.m.,
same dose. The scraping in fauces soon came on, and lasted till 8 a.m.
After 1 h. obtuse pain in region of spleen and in 1. side of chest, long
continued, aggravated by inspiration, sometimes most posteriorly in region
of 4th false rib. Drawing pain in teeth on 1. side, transient. Greater
calmness of mind and body than before. Easy stool (had habitually a
painful feeling in rectum with difficult evacuation). Itching in r. eye
and 1. whisker. Dull drawing above r. ear as if in bones. Afternoon,
another similar dose. While walking in warm weather, a long-con-
tinued feeling of dilatation in r. ear, and coldness as if meatus were
shortened, and membrana tympani were exposed to air. Then itching
in r. outer canthus and sealing up of it with mucus, compelling him
to wipe it often. Drawing-pressive pain above and behind r. ear.
Burning stitches on skin of arm and leg. The pain in r. side of head
continues with feeling as if the part were suppurating, and as if the
bone would be painful to touch, which it is not; aggravated by walking.
MEZEREUM.
299
in r. ear.
Burning pricking on various parts of skin like insect-bites. Pinching
On going out at n. to see a patient the pain in side of head
returned, and was increased at every step. Fine pricking in upper lip
at r. angle of mouth.-19th, m., same dose. Tearing pains in r.
clavicle and adjoining parts of neck, transient drawing in lower teeth.
Frontal headache p.m. Drawing in dental border of 1. upper jaw.
Great cheerfulness and desire for work. E., dislocative pain in 1. knee
on its inner side. II p.m., dull pressive pains above r. ear, superficially
as if in bone or skin, extending to upper border of auricle, gradually
becoming more severe and then declining, undulating.-20th. Same
dose. On getting into his cold bath a sudden sharp pain between
articular surfaces of 1. knee-joint almost making him fall. Feeling of
a spider's web or blowing of cold air on 1. side of face in the beard.
Nausea in throat. Pain under angle of 1. scapula. Shooting in 1.
ear. Great weariness and weakness of knees. Pain in elbow as from
a blow. Intoxicated feeling in head with uncommon weariness of
knees and soreness of them. Spirits lively.
6. May 27th, e., took a teaspoonful of a mixture of 2 dr. tinct. with
2 oz. water. Slept till 6 a.m. quietly.-28th. Another teaspoonful.
Felt very tired and ill. Pain in r. knee anteriorly and externally, near
patella, as from a blow. Extreme weariness in knees, especially when
sitting, not when standing or walking. Confusion in forehead. Oppres-
sion of chest as from heart, with long deep respirations. Nausea in
throat, intoxicated feeling in head, trembling as if he had taken too
much wine. Drawing-tearing pain in r. wrist. Stretching of limbs,
quivering in 1. upper eyelid, great weakness of wrists. Eructation and
belching up of fluid, which does not come as far as mouth. II a.m.,
another teaspoonful. Very sleepy e. after 3 glasses of hock.—28th,
6 a.m., I teaspoonful. Sharp pain on a small spot of thoracic parietes.
over heart. Extreme weariness of knees and drowsiness; after a short
sleep the weariness goes off. Pain on r. patella as from a blow. When
lying noise like a distant mill-wheel in 1. ear, going off on rising up.
Õppression and anxiety on chest, especially about heart, with deep
breathing.-June 1st, I teaspoonful. Drawing pain in 1. scapula,
drawing-tearing pain about 1. wrist and forearm. Bruised pain above
knees, especially when going uphill. Sharp cuts as with a knife on ante-
rior aspect of r. thumb in flesh of last phalanx, frequently. Violent
jerking shoots on back of r. hand between metacarpal bones of r. fingers.
E., 2 teaspoonfuls. Slept soundly.-2nd. 2 dr. of tinct. in water at
once. Scraping in throat. Confusion in head like intoxication, but
not interfering with work. Uncommon laziness of speech, every word
is an effort. Indifference, but not out of spirits. E., 4 dr. tinct.
Burning as from pepper for a long time in mouth. Drawing-tearing
pain in lower jaw and teeth.-3rd. Tearing pain in 1. shoulder. In-
different and laconic. Noon, 4 dr. Tearing in r. shoulder and fore-
head.
E., disagreeable warm stinking vapour in nose.-4th. Appa-
rently from a chill at n. colic with pappy, lumpy, brown, very_fetid
stools, then thin fæces by drops, with great forcing in rectum. Indif
ferent and laconic. Sore pains between toes when washing feet in cold
water; the epidermis is white and puckered up like a discharged blister.
300
MEZEREUM.
-5th. Diarrhoea continues.-6th. Rheumatism in 1. scapula and
neck, increased by turning to opposite side.-7th. 5 dr., scraping,
burning, pepper-like feeling in palate and fauces. Afternoon, great
straining at stool, with scanty evacuation of soft fæces with much pres-
sing, afterwards troublesome painful soreness in rectum. Constant
visible twitching at root of nose, tearing pain in knee. Tearing in 1.
wrist. (Ibid., 29.)
7. a. H. L. L——, woman, æt. 32, nervous, subject to attacks of
weakness and facial neuralgia, otherwise healthy, proved solution of
Mez. 1.-May 17th, 6 p.m., a teaspoonful. Soon, painless quivering
in outer canthus of 1. eye, lasting some h. Transient shootings in
side, shoulder, arm, and fingers. Scraping in throat, causing cough,
relieving by hawking, returning more severely after eating, lasting till
9 p.m. Wakes suddenly at n. with violent facial pains like the old
neuralgia, but soon going off.-18th, m., after a walk constant tearing
in 1. side of face and teeth. 8 a.m., 1 teaspoonful. Immediately
quivering in canthus. The tearing in face increases to acute pain in
jerks. Scraping in throat. Sudden headache with inclination to shut.
eyes, discomfort in stomach and slight vertigo. Trembling of r. hand,
powerlessness of finger-tips, so that she could hold nothing firmly.
Shootings or fine tearing in 1. temple. Great weariness. Slight stitches
in chest on respiration. Chest oppressed and constricted. Shooting in
ears, especially 1., in repeated short attacks. Tendency to wink. Con-
stant trembling of r. hand. General relaxation, great drowsiness.
Occasional rigors. II a.m., tearing in face. I p.m., after slight vexa-
tion very violent headache, head painful to touch. Stitches in chest in-
creased. Disagreeable chilliness in 1. hough, foot cold and often goes
to sleep, hand trembles. Great weariness, irritability and malaise, dis-
position to weep, sadness, disinclination to work. Afternoon and e.,
pain in r. side. E., I teaspoonful. Great weariness, cannot sleep for 1
h. Woke about midnight with violent pain on both sides of face, con-
siderable pain in r. side of head. Transient pain under 1. shoulder.
Powerlessness of r. hand. Sleep very restless and disturbed by violent
faceache. Pains in lower limbs, cold feeling and going to sleep of them.
—19th, 10 a.m., I teaspoonful. Immediately tearing in face and
trembling of r. hand lasting 2 h. Constant rigors, great weariness and
drowsiness, prickling in lip as if vesicles were about to appear. 5 p.m.,
I teaspoonful. 6 p.m., when walking ears felt stretched open and the
air penetrated coldly into them. After eating scraping in throat.
Slight facial pain at n.—20th, m., I teaspoonful. Great weariness,
must go to sleep for another h. Great trembling of r. hand, frequent
going to sleep of legs and feet, constant rigors. Hand so weak she cannot
do anything with it, writing is most difficult. 2 p.m., so drowsy she must
lie down, and slept 4 h., but was often half wakened by faceache. On
waking hands are quite numb, r. foot very painful, shooting pains in it,
especially in toes, r. hand trembled violently, teeth felt too long and
icy cold. Pale face, and looks ill. Frequent stitches all over body.
Chilly, cannot get warm all d. Teeth painful when tongue touches
them. 9 p.m., attack of extreme anxiety since 6 p.m., weeping, pal-
pitation and coldness of whole body, so weary and weak in all limbs she
MEZEREUM.
301
can hardly walk across room. N. very bad, faceache and weakness and
weariness kept her awake till 2 a.m., and had still faceache when she
slept.-21st. Constant going to sleep of hands and feet. At n. much
faceache and restless sleep.-22nd, m., repeated dose. All d. lively
and strong, but much troubled by stitches under 1. mamma darting
through chest to between shoulders, caused or aggravated by breathing.
At n. again faceache.-23rd. Pains in chest all d.
b. May 28th, forenoon, 10 dr. Mez. 7. Soon, disagreeable feeling
of nausea in throat as though she would vomit, relieved by eating. After-
noon, slight attacks of faceache, increased in e., went off about mid-
night. Slept well.—29th., 8 a.m., 15 dr. Nausea, frontal headache,
trembling of 1. hand, quivering of 1. upper lid, crawling and pricking in
many parts of body. Spirits depressed; laziness; traces of faceache;
very tired and ill; feet go to sleep. Constant stitches under 1. breast.
Disagreeable pain in r. hough as if bruised and lamed; pain in knee at
every movement, but worst when sitting. Scraping in throat. Canthi
feel gummed up, making her rub them. Oppression of chest ; inclina-
tion to breathe deeply; feeling as if chest were constricted; heaviness
of head, must support it. Inclination to close eyes; stares steadily at
one spot. In a brown study, a dreamy state. L. arm feels tense.
Drawing in all joints as if they were dislocated. After dinner uncom-
monly gay, inclined to sing and dance, joke, and laugh as if intoxicated.
Trembling of hands, which are powerless. Desire for wine and coffee.
(Ibid., 35.)
8. A man, æt. 20, suffering from caries of bones of foot, nearly
cured, otherwise well, took 1st d., 10 dr. Mez. 1. No effect. 2nd d.,
15 dr. No effect.-3rd d., 20 dr., and so on, every d. 5 dr. more, till
he took 40 dr. Then all of a sudden he complained of drawing and
tearing in the long bones of all the extremities, with chilliness and
rigors, was very sensitive to air. An itching eruption like flea-bites
came out all over body, which went off after 3 d., but lasted longer on
head, and then assumed a scurfy appearance. He complained of the
teeth being on edge and feeling too long, especially on 1. side, with
boring and shooting in them, though he had never before had tooth-
ache and his teeth were all sound. These symptoms lasted a week.
(Ibid., 42.)
9. HERING. [Dr. C. Hering contributes the following symptoms from himself,
Hartmann, and an unnamed prover. No information given about the provers and
the doses taker or the time of the occurrence of the symptoms.*] Very discontented
with himself and his work for several weeks, followed by mental comfort and content.
Great irritability and sensitiveness. Disposed to scold others for trifles; everything
annoys him, and he is inclined to say insulting and annoying things to everybody.
He stares in front of him without thought. Headache after moving and much
speaking, especially in temples and both sides of crown. The long hairs annoy him,
they seem to be rougher; after some weeks the hair seems looser and to grow stronger.
Quivering in scalp on r. side of crown, ceasing for a short time when touched. Small
painless pustules size of millet seeds on forehead at edge of hair. The scales on head
* This is a revised and supplemented list of the symptoms communicated to the
pathogenesis in the Chronic Diseases by "H. and W., two medical students in
Leipzig."-EDS.
302
MEZEREUM.
are more plentiful, whiter, drier than formerly. Small red pimples on forehead,
which sometimes itch. Itching of eyebrows. Constant itching behind ears; after
scratching small lumps rise, which are scratched raw and are painful,-for several
weeks. Swollen, dry, chapped, desquamating and painful under lip. Disgusting
taste, like what sometimes come from carious teeth, in fauces, and a similar smell at
back of nose. Burning pressure in stomach, spreading across at times, worse when
pressed on. Burning in stomach. Large pappy, greasy stools, after violent rapid
urging, followed by smarting in anus. Dark wine-yellow coloured urine, becoming
turbid after 1 d. The urine after a time has floating flakes and red sand in it. On
stooping and when sitting chest is very tight, he must undo his clothes, breathing
slower and shorter. Above 1. knee a movable half-hard swelling. When walking
tends to go with upper abdomen hanging over in front, to walk quick and sing, but
all that is done with difficulty and forced. Many very vivid remembered dreams
towards m. (Ibid., 43.)
10. HARTMANN. Stupefying pressive pain through r. half of brain from occiput
to forehead. (Ibid.).
II.
W. (No name of prover given.) Nose seems to him to be bigger and shining.
Smarting like mustard in nose. Small plugs easily picked out of nose and cheek,
others form. Great itching on border of lower jaw (after 5th and following d.).
Scraping and burning feeling in upper part of fauces, soon after taking med., going
off after drinking milk and eating bacon. Easy hawking up of granular transparent
mucus. After speaking feels throat affected. Great desire for fat bacon. Eructa-
tion of air, with burning and sweat of anxiety. Feeling in stomach and lower part
of œsophagus as if after fasting too long, but without longing for food; after
eating this feeling goes off, but returns after a few h. The burning in fauces,
oesophagus, and stomach relieved by swallowing food, as also the anxiety and
diarrhoeic feeling. Great derangement of stomach, much tensive and spasmodic
pain, especially before food, for several weeks. Many short, very fetid discharges
of flatus, especially before stool. Constipation after 8 d. The stool is very
quickly passed, and is followed by great relief. A feeling of diarrhoea extends
from rectum, then a rigor passes over body, and the feeling goes off. Single violent
sneezes, during which granular mucus flows out of throat. On inspiring a wheezing
Nasal mucus increased and thicker, with great noise on blowing nose.
Breathing full, not free, and less easy than usual. Larynx feels narrower, he hears
and feels the air going through larynx when he takes a deep breath. On taking a
mouthful of water and leaning forwards, he suddenly lost his breath, so that he must
quickly spit out the water. On breathing deeply small stitch below heart. Burning
around both outer ankles in circumscribed spots after working long with hands in
cold water, lasting half the d. Pain in frontal bone extending down to foot. The
toes are painful, as from hard, tight boots. Cutaneous ulcers came on the prominences
of the bones. Sometimes longing for, sometimes horror of, the open air. He is best
when walking in open air. Veins of hands are blue, skin soft and smooth, p.m. and
e. In e. the room feels too hot, and his face perspires. (Ibid.)
in nose.
12. a. Dr. WATZKE, June 2nd, 1863, 1 p.m., took 4 dr. tinct.
on sugar. Immediately, violent burning on posterior surface of palate
and uvula, lasting till after dinner (3 p.m.). At same time flow of
saliva, sickness, and contraction in stomach. After eating, the palate
and uvula felt as if they had been scalded with hot soup. This lasted
all afternoon and recurred the following m. All next d. there was in
those parts a feeling of roughness, scraping, and dryness, which con-
tinued during the following days, always worst in m. Dull, shooting
pains in cardiac region, apparently seated in intercostal muscles, with
sharp stitches when coughing or sneezing, came on on the 4th in the
m., and lasted more or less for 12 to 14 d. They were worst
e. and m.
b. June 21st, I p.m., 5 dr. tinct. in water. The burning pain
was again very severe and lasted till 3 p.m., till after dinner. The
!
MEZEREUM.
303
discomfort, the inclination to vomit, the feeling of contraction or rather
constriction of stomach and throat, were much worse and more tiresome
than in the first trial. Next d. there could be heard and felt a distinct
rubbing sound in the cardiac region where the pain was felt on the first
trial. During d. on movement this was scarcely perceived, it came on
almost exclusively after lying down in e., and then when lying on 1.
side and when breathing deeply. Chest felt too narrow, as if he could
not take a full breath, and it lasted nearly all next d. This rubbing
sound lasted till the middle of July; a not very easily describable sensa-
tion of weight and obstruction in cardiac region, and a feeling on breath-
ing deeply as if chest were too narrow, was felt for 8 to 10 d. longer.
(A. h. Z., lxxiv, 46.)
13. Dr. ETTERLIN, æt. 50.-Aug. 15th, 1864, 8.30 a.m., 3 dr.
tinct. on sugar. Immediately, burning and scraping in throat, on
tongue, and palate, later feeling of malaise not easily describable. On
coming into a warm room there occurred nausea, which went off on
going into open air, but the pain in throat lasted some time longer.-
16th, 8.30 a.m., took 4 dr. in a teaspoonful of water.
The same
burning in throat, but not so severe. The malaise was greater, some
pressure in cardiac region, head confused, anorexia, which lasted 24 h.
—17th, 9 a.m., 6 dr. in water. Again the pains in throat, some
vertigo, pressure in gastric region, less malaise.-19th. IO dr. tinct.
in water. At first slight pain in throat, but after 10 m. violent burning
and scraping in fauces and palate, then nausea, worst in room, confu-
sion of head, later pain in temples and forehead and above eyes. Then
pressure in scrob. cordis, hard pulse. Later, flickering before eyes,
furred tongue. These symptoms lasted 3 or 4 h., the flickering before
eyes continued next d. Two d. later slight epistaxis. L. leg for
several e. swollen down to ankle.-Sept. Ist, 8.30 a.m., 14 dr. In
h. burning in throat, pressure in gastric region, malaise, weakness of
knees, heat in mouth and throat, eructation, pain in forehead and
temples, astringent and rough taste, ill-humour, laziness, no feeling of
hunger or thirst, some salivation. Slight swelling of 1. (varicose) leg.-
18th, 8.30 a.m., 20 dr. in water. After 10 m. scraping in throat,
palate, œsophagus, and tongue, increasing for 1 h., continuing at same
degree for 1 h., with heat and hot breath. From the first nausea,
pressure in scrob. cordis, pain in temples and supra-orbital region.
Eructation, yawning, weariness of legs, drowsiness when sitting and
reading. All symptoms gone by 3 p.m. On standing for a consider-
able time 1. leg down to ankle swollen, especially e.—24th, 8.45 a.m.,
21 dr. in water. Immediately warmth in mouth, 5 m. later heat and
scraping in fauces; fell asleep in another h. Tendency to nausea,
temporal and frontal headache, pulse hard, slight salivation. Noon,
the pain in throat better but there is great roughness in throat, confused
head, vertigo, much pale urine, some flatulence, Swelling of 1. leg e.
(Ibid., 53.)
14. Dr. WÜRSTL, æt. 30.-Sept. 5th, 10 a.m., 10 dr. tinct. At
first agreeable coolness on tongue. After h. prickling at back of
palate and base of tongue, then feeling of warmth in the parts and dry-
ness of tongue, which increased to heat and burning. The burning
C
304
MEZEREUM.
increased so that it felt as if he had been chewing pepper, not relieved
by drinking cold water. Later the burning involved the tip of the
tongue, the inside of lips, cheeks and gums. The skin, especially of
face, perspired. Later, heaviness of head, frequent eructations without
taste, frequent discharge of flatus, weariness of lower limbs all d. After
3 h. the burning and dryness of mouth went off. When eating feeling
of soreness of the affected parts. E., confused head.-6th, 10 a.m., 10
dr. Same symptoms as yesterday.—7th, 10 a.m., 10 dr. In addition
to burning in throat and mouth, after 1 h. great anxiety, nausea, empty
eructations, moist cool forehead, oppression, rigor, trembling of hands
and urging to stool at an unusual time. Little appetite for dinner.
These symptoms continued till 6 p.m. N. restless.—10th, 10 a.m., 10
dr. The same burning feeling in throat. Noon, recurrence of the
oppression and anxiety.-11th, 10 a.m., 15 dr. 3 p.m., heaviness of
head. The burning in throat to-day was more severe. E., headache
increased, extraordinary weariness and anxiety, trembling of limbs and
great restlessness. Appetite bad.-12th. 10 dr., same symptoms as
yesterday, tongue felt swollen and as if its papillæ were corroded by
some acrid substance.-13th, 14th, 15th, m., 10 dr. Always the same
symptoms, occasionally confused head, vertigo, tinnitus aurium, hard-
ness of hearing.-20th, 21st, and 22nd took 10 and 15 dr., which
caused precisely the same symptoms. (Ibid., 54.)
15. a. Dr. LEMBKE, Dec. 30th, 1867, 8.30 a.m., took 2 dr. 1st dil.
No effect.-Jan. 3rd, 1868, 8.30 a.m., 5 dr. No effect.-4th, 8.30
a.m., 10 dr., and 3.30 p.m., 10 dr.-5th. Five liquid stools, preceded
by pain in umbilical region and straining.-6th, 4 p.m., 10 dr.-7th.
Several soft stools during d.—8th and 9th. Soft stools m. and noon.
-9th, 4 p.m., 10 dr. To-day and on 10th and 11th 2 soft stools
daily.-12th, 8 a.m., 15 dr. After every dose there was long-continued
burning in fauces. When the subsequent larger dose was taken this
burning lasted sometimes about 2 h.-13th, 4 p.m., 15 dr. Two
soft stools. No further effects from this dil.
b. Jan. 16th, 8.30 a.m., 10 dr. 1st dec. dil. Smarting on tongue
and lips. Constant scraping and burning in fauces and warmth in
stomach; painful drawing in shoulders and knees.-17th, 3.30 p.m.,
15 dr. Immediately, long-continued dull pain in stomach. Pressure
in 1. wrist.-18th, 8.30 a.m., 20 dr. Severe smarting and burning
in tongue; pressure on r. scapula, above r. ear, in 1. wrist. 3 p.m., 20
dr. Pain in pectoral and dorsal muscles of r. side, e.-19th, 9 a.m.
and 8 p.m., 20 dr.-20th, 6 a.m., 20 dr.
Two soft stools. 8 p.m.,
20 dr. Repeated tearing in 1. side of head; pressure in r. foot and in
scapulæ. Dull pressure in stomach lasting 2 h., with nausea and flow
of saliva. At 11.30 a.m. and again at 5 p.m., soft stool. Continued
pain in r. shoulder-joint, felt again on waking next m., unaffected by
movement or rest, sometimes worse when at rest.—21st, m., soft
stool; tearing in forehead and ankles. Noon, soft stool. 5 p.m.,
pressive pain in dorsal muscles; r. shoulder-joint painful all d.-23rd,
3 p.m., 20 dr. Tearing in r. side of forehead, over head, and in face
below 1. eye.
5 p.m., 20 dr.—24th, 6 a.m., 20 dr. Tearing in knees
and 1. side of back. 8 a.m., 20 dr. Tearing above eyes, in r. toes, in
MEZEREUM.
305
tibiæ.-25th, 6 and 8 a.m., 20 dr. Tearing in muscles of 1. upper arm,
above r. and 1. knee when walking at 9 a.m., in r. elbow. Repeated
feeling of heat in stomach, boring in r. sole, in calves. 3 p.m., 20 dr.
Boring in 1. side of frontal bone, in r. shoulder, repeatedly. 5 p.m.,
tearing in toes, chilliness in back, cold hands, constant boring in wrists
and ankles, in r. shoulder, worse when at rest.—26th, 6.30 and 8 a.m.,
20 dr. Pains as yesterday in shoulders, upper arms, wrists. Tearing
in forehead, occiput, knees. 3 p.m., 20 dr. 5 p.m., tearing in elbows
and calves.-27th, 6 a.m., 20 dr. 7 a.m., pressure in shoulders, wrists
and ankles, tearing in forehead when sitting, repeatedly. 8 a.m., 20 dr.
Frequent tearing in tibiæ, fingers and toes. Up to now 2 soft stools
daily. Drawing in nasal bones, dorsal muscles, 1. scapula, wrists.
All d. violent pain in tibiæ, even when walking. 2 p.m., soft stool.
4 p.m., 20 dr. The same feeling all d., not at n.—28th, 7 a.m.,
20 dr.
Tearing in 1. tibia, forehead, 1. wrist, 1. knee, shoulders, toes, nasal
bones, head, fingers, lumbar muscles. 8.30 a.m., 20 dr. Same sym-
ptoms. 2 p.m., copious liquid stool.-29th, 6 a.m. In bed, tearing in
tibiæ, not at n. 6.30 a.m., 20 dr. Tearing in toes, lower jaw,
shoulders, legs, lumbar muscles, knees when sitting. Drawing on both
sides of nose, wrists and fingers. 8 a.m., liquid stool. 8.30 a.m., 20
dr. Drawing in above parts. The worst pain is the tearing in tibiæ.
9 a.m., liquid stool and discharge of fluid blood without pain (is not
subject to piles). 4 p.m., 20 dr. Same pains.-30th, 6.30 and 8.30
a.m., 20 dr. Same pains. 3 p.m., 20 dr. The worst pains are those
in tibiæ, both sides of nose, heels, forehead.-31st. Tearing in head
in bed, m. 8.30 a.m., 20 dr. Tearing in 1. side of nose, in arms,
knees. 4 p.m., 20 dr. During all this d. there was a short dry cough,
with tickling in larynx, both n. and d. To-day this cough was very
frequent, but the symptoms in legs were less frequent. 5 p.m., 20 dr.
10 p.m., severe boring in tibiæ and nasal bones. At n. pain in 1.
shoulder and much dry cough.-Feb. 1st, 6.30, 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., 20
dr. The former pains, 2 loose stools.-2nd, 6.30 and 8 a.m., 20 dr.
The same symptoms in limbs and head, dry cough. 4 p.m., 20 dr.
Same symptoms.-3rd, 6.30 and 8, 20 dr. The same symptoms, also
smarting in edges of eyelids. No stool to-day. 4 p.m., 20 dr. On
awaking at n. severe tearing in r. side of head several times.-4th,
6.30 and 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., 30 dr. Same symptoms all d. A firm
stool.-5th. Woke at 6 a.m. with constant pressure and drawing in
sinciput. 6.30 a.m., 30 dr. Severe drawing in legs when standing.
8 a.m., 30 dr. 9 a.m., great chilliness and very cold hands, pains in
limbs as before. A firm stool. 3 p.m., 30 dr. All d. the former sym-
ptoms; especially severe was the boring in tibiæ, particularly 1. Álso
some boring-drawing pains in temples, fingers and their joints, ankles,
bones of feet. Cough less.-6th. On waking at 6 a.m. the same
headache as yesterday. Took then 30 dr. 6.30 a.m., boring and
drawing in toes, knees, forearms. Constant pressure in stomach.
8 a.m., 30 dr. Boring and drawing on 1. side of forehead, 1. temple,
repeatedly. 9 a.m., drawing in legs, near nose, great pressure in knees
when at rest. Great boring above ankles, tibiæ, in shoulders, above
knees, in 1. lower jaw. Firm stool. Drawing in muscles and skin of
VOL. III.
20
306
MEZEREUM.
thighs. Pressure in stomach repeatedly. Pains felt when walking,
3 p.m., 30 dr. Above symptoms and boring in 1. upper maxilla and
dorsal vertebra when sitting.-7th. After waking, in bed, boring in
1. upper arm, r. thumb-joint, 1. ankle-joint, r. temple. 6.30 a.m.,
30 dr. Frequent boring in dorsal vertebræ and head in several parts.
Above pains in wrists and fingers. 8 a.m., 30 dr. Pains as yesterday
in thigh-muscles, boring in shoulders. Itching and smarting in border
of eyelids, on skin near nose. 8.30 a.m., chill over back, cold hands,
boring in ankles, 1. lower maxilla, shoulders, tibiæ. Firm stool.
Burning and itching in 1. eyebrow. When walking boring in 1.
shoulder-joints and wrists, weariness in legs. Boring above 1. eye and
in nasal bones. 8 p.m., 30 dr. Boring in knees and bones of head.
All former symptoms recur. Burning in skin of r. cheek and 1. calf.—
8th. In bed pains like yesterday. 6.30 a.m., 30 dr. Same symptoms.
8 a.m., 30 dr. Firm stool. Jerking boring in cranial bones, especially
on top of head. 4 p.m., 30 dr. Same boring in skull. Repeated
severe shooting in pectoral muscles on inspiration, while sitting, the
same under 1. short ribs near spine. Very frequent boring in knees,
wrists, behind ears, when walking and sitting, all d. Burning and
shooting in skin of r. axilla at 10 p.m.-9th, 6.30 a.m., 30 dr. Same
symptoms. 8 a.m., 30 dr. Firm stool. Persistent pressure in
stomach. 3 p.m., 30 dr.
3 p.m., 30 dr. Stitches under 1. false ribs.
Stitches under 1. false ribs. Same symptoms
as yesterday. 8 p.m., persistent burning and smarting at back of nose.
9 p.m., pressure in knees when sitting. Persistent burning in upper
lip and below 1. eye. Great boring in r. side of cranial bones at 10 p.m.
c. Feb. 10th, 7.30 and 8 a.m., 3 dr. tinct. in water. 8.30 a.m.,
severe and persistent burning in skin of r. cheek. Recurrence of pre-
vious symptoms in limbs, face, and head. Firm stool. The burning
in cheek frequently recurs. 3 p.m., 3 dr. Similar burning in alæ
nasi. E., slight drawing in urethra.-11th, 6.30 and 8 a.m., 4 dr.
Much boring behind r. ear. Firm stool. 3 p.m., 4 dr. Return of
same symptoms, especially boring in r. hip-joint, bones and toes of 1.
foot, r. tibia.—12th. Before taking the med., boring and pressure in
1. ankle-joint, forehead, cranial bones, knees. During n. for a long
time dull pressure in stomach. 6.30 a.m., 4 dr. 7.30 a.m., the sym-
ptoms in cranial bones, shoulders, foot-bones, stomach, continue.
Burning in r. cheek and 1. calf. 8 a.m., 4 dr. Same symptoms. 3 p.m.,
4 dr. Same symptoms. 5 p.m., great burning in skin of 1. cheek as
from a hot body.-13th, 7 a.m., 5 dr. Boring in tibiæ, wrists, hip-
joints, burning in r. side of nose, dry cough, pressure in stomach, pres-
sing above ankles. Burning in skin of r. temple, extending to r. cheek.
8 a.m., 7 dr. Recurrence of burning in r. cheek. Severe and persis-
tent drawing and pressure in r. forearm and 1. toes. Tearing in cranial
bones, r. side. Burning near alæ nasi, on skin of r. shin, upper lip.
Drawing pressive pains in dorsal muscles, in different parts of limbs,
especially bones of feet and hands, fingers; boring in various parts of
hand, worst when at rest.-14th, m., in bed boring in shoulders.
After rising, same symptoms, and burning in r. cheek and 1. palm.
Pressure in knees, boring in tibiæ and shoulder-joints. Pressure in
muscles of thighs, in foot-bones, fingers, toes, and ankles. Burning in

MEZEREUM.
307
parts of skin as yesterday, also in skin of nape. Great burning in 1.
trochanter.-15th to 19th Feb. The same symptoms continued with
varying intensity, though no med. was taken. On the 22nd all sym-
ptoms were gone.-23rd, 3 p.m., 6 dr. After 1 h., drawing boring
pains in arms, knees, ankles, bones of head, and feet. 5 p.m., severe
boring above ankle and wrist. 7 p.m., burning in r. cheek and 1. tibia.
Boring and tearing in 1. side of forehead towards temple repeatedly,
then the same in occiput. Burning and shooting in skin of inside of
1. upper arm. Great pressing in lower part of 1. forearm, in knees.
Boring in tibiæ, ankles, and bones of foot. 10 p.m., severe boring in
cranial bones, also in bed. No pains at n.-24th. On rising, m.,
boring in 1. ankle, toes, shoulders. 8 a.m., 10 dr. Boring behind r.
ear. W Wandering pains in lumbar region and occiput, shoulders, back
of thighs, various parts of head. Burning in skin of legs in several
places. Smarting in borders of eyelids. Noon, persistent pressure and
drawing in r. elbow-joint, relieved for a short time by moving joint.
Later, same pain in r. wrist and finger-joints. 3 p.m., 10 dr. 4 p.m.,
constant boring in 1. side of forehead and in knees when sitting.
Burning in skin of forehead. Drawing and pressure in usual places
all d. more or less. Drawing pains in various places of soft parts of
arms and legs.—25th, 8 and 12 a.m. and 3 p.m., 10 dr. Repetition
of almost all the previous symptoms.—26th, 6 and 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
10 dr. Similar symptoms, and in addition severe cutting in orifice of
urethra after urinating at 9 a.m., and also later. Soon after 4 p.m.
dose, severe and protracted burning in skin of r. cheek, on tip of nose,
and nasal partition. 5 p.m., burning and boring in 1. cheek and tip of
tongue.-27th, 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., 15 dr. All d. much the same effects.
Two stools, with the stool in e. much bright blood. Some cutting in
end of urethra.—-28th. On rising, m., boring in dorsum of feet, tibiæ ;
drawing in legs, cranial bones, arms, and loins; boring in forehead.
6.30 a.m., 15 dr. Most of previous symptoms, and, in addition, at
7.30 persistent prick in tip of 1. big toe as if a needle were bored in.
Great drawing in knees and legs while sitting, with bruised and tired
feeling. Pricking in various parts of skin of 1. palm and in finger-tips as
with needles. 8 a.m., boring in bones of occiput, and superior maxilla
and shoulders. Discharge of fluid blood with stool. Shooting below
1. axilla betwixt ribs. Burning in skin on inside of r. thigh and scrotum
with slight itching. Burning in alæ nasi. 3 p.m., 15 dr. Most of
previous symptoms. 6 p.m., 15 dr. Besides former symptoms, there
was shooting in end of urethra and frequent call to urinate, though he
had just passed urine. Occasionally when sitting some irregular heart's
beats, repeated at n. when lying on back.-March 1st, 9 a.m., insuffi-
cient stool with bright blood. All d. the usual symptoms except the
pain in urethra. (Ñ. Z.f. h. Kl., xiii, 35.)
16. The preparation employed in provings 16-19 was a tincture
made of one part of the juice of the bark with 4 parts of spirits of wine.
P—r, M.D., æt. 23, took in the beginning of May, 6 dr., then after 4
d. 18 dr., and observed the following symptoms during 12 d. Digestive
organs.--Roughness and burning pain in oesophagus (after a few m.),
cravated when expiring with mouth open. Burning all through


308
MEZEREUM.
1
mouth, relieved by eating, but frequently recurring (1st d.) After a
second larger dose, same pain but less severe, going off after 1 h.
Burning in œsophagus when water is swallowed. Nausea and eructa-
tions after h. Dislike to meat, otherwise good appetite. Great
thirst (from 1st to 4th d.). Distension of abdomen. Cutting and
twisting in bowels. Urinary and genital organs.—Pale urine, passed
only once or twice a d.-usually 6 or 8 times (from 1st to 4th d.).
Viscid, transparent fluid adheres to orifice of urethra (forenoon of 9th
d.). Pressive pain towards inguinal ring, frequently. Respiratory
organs.-Pressive pain in 1. side of chest. Skin.-Brownish miliary
rash on chest, upper arm and thighs (3rd d.) Vesicles full of clear
serum on back of nose; inflamed skin under burst vesicles; a brown
scab forms. Roughness of skin, here and there desquamation.
Extremely tiresome itching in a wound soon after it has healed. Fibrous
structures and bones.-Tearing pains deep in both arms as if in the bones.
Increased warmth and pulsation in r. shoulder. Pressive pain in r.
heel-bone. Pain in a carious tooth, m. Vascular and nervous systems.—
Vertigo (after h.). Boring pain in 1. half of forehead. Pallor of face,
considerable collapse of face and extremities. Extraordinary paresis of
flexor muscles of fingers (from 3rd to 5th d.). White shining spots.
before eyes. General sensibility.-Chilliness, especially e. Great lazi-
ness and exhaustion after deep sleep. Disposition.-Cross humour,
disinclination for work. (A. h. Z., xiv, 113.)
17. E—d, M.B., æt. 23, took, middle of February, 1st d. 1,
2nd d. 2, 4th d. 3 dr. in a large quantity of water; secondly, middle
of March, 1st and 2nd d. 4, 8th d. 12 dr. on sugar. Digestive organs.—
Burning pain in oesophagus for some h., increased by inspiration. Diffi-
culty of swallowing with sensation as if a foreign body stuck in
œsophagus (from 7th d., lasting several d.). Increased secretion of
saliva, and afterwards alkaline, salt taste, with metallic, fetid odour from
mouth. Constant desire for food. Respiratory organs.-Inflamed state
of windpipe with violent burning pain betwixt tongue-bones and thyroid
cartilage, somewhat relieved by eating (from 6th to 9th d.). Skin.-
Almost everywhere on skin great itching, now in neck, now on chest,
now on extremities, compelling scratching and then jumping to other
parts, especially towards e., for several weeks. Burning itching and
tension on posterior aspect of lobe of 1. ear; on scratching the epi-
dermis comes off in shreds inch in size. Fibrous structures and bones.—
Formication in big toes (for 8 d.) recurring every n. and disturbing sleep.
Once a similar sensation in phalanges of fingers, as if proceeding from
surface of bones. Tearing pain in thighs and tibiæ. Vascular and
nervous systems.- Confusion of head. Pressive pain in region of r.
parietal bone, as though the brain were pressed against the skull, the
pain increased by leaning head towards r. ; this pain frequently recurred
and was the most constant symptom, and was still occasionally felt after
8 weeks. Pressive pain in eyeballs as if they were too big. Shocks
through whole body when waking and sleeping. General sensibility.-
Chilliness and shivering towards e. Dreamful, restless sleep, disturbed
by formication in fingers.-Disposition.-Crossness. (Ibid., 115.)
18. G-r, medical student, æt. 27, troubled with rheumatism, took


MEZEREUM.
309
in March 5 dr. and observed symptoms for 8 d. Digestive organs.
Burning in œsophagus, rising upwards, immediately; nausea, shortly
afterwards amounting to inclination to vomit; tasteless eructations.
Increased flow of saliva of sweet taste. Constant hunger with feeling
of emptiness in stomach. Urinary organs.—On urinating slight itching
in urethra. Vascular and nervous systems.-Shooting pain over r. eyebrow
(after h.). General sensibility.-Constant chilliness, desire to stretch.
Restless sleep full of dreams. Disposition.-Crossness. (Ibid., 116.)
19. T—e, M.B., æt. 24. In the end of March took daily in-
creasing doses up to 24 dr. Digestive organs.-Burning pain in fauces,
extending to angles of mouth and lips, where the skin desquamated.
Increased flow of saliva of salt taste, carious odour of mucus on lower
incisors. Teeth sometimes feel on edge and too long. Slight nausea
and pressure in stomach. Rumbling in bowels whilst and after eating.
Itching in anus, like tenesmus (from 1st to 4th d.). Urinary and
genital organs.-Frequent pale urine, also n. (from 3rd to 8th d.). Pres-
sive drawing pains in spermatic cord, frequently; pain in both testicles.
when pressed. Respiratory organs.-Frequent sneezing (5 d.). Nasal
catarrh with discharge of thin mucus, which makes nostrils sore, and
sometimes in the m. has streaks of blood. Cough, at first dry, with
feeling of soreness under sternum and tensive headache, afterwards
copious expectoration of mucus. Skin.-Burning itching, especially in
nape and calves.
Burning, red, miliary pustules on thighs. Burning
vesicles surrounded by red areola on sides of fingers, rather sticking in
the skin than raised above it. They dry up, and leave behind them either
bright red spots or the epidermis scales off in round flakes. Shooting
pains in a cicatrix on tip of r. middle finger, in which there had been
no sensation for 2 years. Fibrous structures and bones.-Shooting
pains in scapulæ, especially p.m., for several d. Vascular and nervous
systems.-Pressive pain in temples (after 2 h.). Headache, as if the brain,
hanging loose in skull, knocked here and there on the walls of the skulĺ
when the head is moved (from 8th to 12th d.). Pressive pain in eye-
ball and eyelids, especially in bright light. Frequent twitching and
gnawing in muscles of zygoma on r. side. General sensibility.-Shiver-
ing, e. (Ibid, 116.)
20. I took at various times some dr. of Ix, 3x, and 7x dils., and
once some drops of tinct. Many M. symptoms were confirmed. I
will at present mention only those of the skin: Oft-recurring severe
itching, compelling to scratch, now here, now there, on almost all parts
of body, and very soon after taking drug; especially on scalp above.
forehead, in one or other eyebrow, also under eye; and especially per-
sistent and frequent in 1. external ear. It often extended over whole
body, so that I felt it simultaneously on back, abdomen, and scalp, im-
pelling to scratch, and relieved by scratching. I could perceive no
difference in the time of d. The later the itching began, the greater
the inclination to scratch. Smarting in eyes, compelling to rub
them. Violent stitching and burning itching on outer aspect of 'r.
shoulder, as if in flesh, as though an eruption would appear there.
(GERSTEL, Trans. of World's Hom. Convention, i, 163.)
II. Poisonings.-1. A girl of 14 rubbed juice of leaves upon her
310
MILLEFOLIUM.
cheeks and the adjoining parts. There followed burning pains; swell-
ing of face, especially of nose, eyelids, and forehead, like an erysipelas
bullosum (on cheeks the blisters became confluent); continual, violent,
and painful sneezing, and complete closing of nostrils; delirium;
dull, intolerably pressive pains in forehead; disagreeable dryness
in fauces, and irritation causing dry fatiguing cough; febrile pulse;
burning and red urine. After cooling and emollient applications burn-
ing and swelling subsided, and epidermis peeled off. Then set in
weakness, low spirits, and listlessness, to such an extent that she was
almost imbecile. (She was later attacked with typhus, followed by
hectic, of which she died.) (PLUSKAL, Oest. Wochenschr., 1844.)
2. A robust farmer who was affected by hæmorrhoids swallowed,
for obstinate constipation, 40 ripe berries of M. Next m. the doctor
found him quite prostrate, in violent pain, with vertigo, embarrassed
feeling in head, pale, cold, and sunken countenance, dilated pupils, un-
quenchable thirst, violent burning in mouth, fauces, oesophagus, and
stomach, which, with whole abdomen, was exceedingly painful on
slightest touch. During n. he had vomited unceasingly, and had
almost continual evacuation of bowels, stools at last consisting of bloody
mucus. Voice was altered, weak, and trembling; breathing oppressed,
laboured, and short; sweat abundant and cold; extremities cold;
urine acrid and blood-red; pulse very frequent, unequal, hard, and
tense. It was 4 weeks before he could apply himself to any work.
(Ibid., 1843.)
3. An otherwise robust man took M. internally for some complaints
that he had. But as, after the disappearance of these, he still con-
tinued the use of this drug, he became affected with an intolerable
itching over the whole body, which did not allow him an hour's sleep.
He left off the medicine, came to me 36 h. afterwards, and assured
me he could no longer endure the itching, which increased every h.
It went off gradually under camphor. (HAHNEMANN, Lesser Writings,
p. 381.)
MILLEFOLIUM.
Achillea Millefolium, L. Milfoil, yarrow. Nat. Ord., Compositæ.
I. Provings.-1. Dr. HERING took 5 dr. of tinct. on m. of Feb. 22nd, 1851.-
Everything that crosses him at dinner, or in evenings, when he wishes to be at ease,
makes him violent and irascible; great aversion to all business; it constantly seems to
him as if he had forgotten something, does not know what he is about or what he
wants to do, head confused and dull, especially in e., worse after wine or coffee-for
weeks; headache in forehead (1st d.). Shedding of eyebrows, but not hair of scalp,
during 1st week. Ringing in r. ear, frequently without any cause (1st and 2nd
week); frequent pains in l. ear, not pinching, but a darting in lengthwise. Within
lower lip, 1. side, an elevation, with pressive sore pain, on e. of 2nd d.; next d. it is a
flat ulcer, still covered with the whitish epithelium, slightly painful; had disappeared
by next d. Dull piercing pains, keenly felt, shifting here and there on 1. side of
throat near larynx (1st d. towards e.). Very offensive flatus, especially afternoons
and e., for weeks. High up in r. upper arm violent piercing pressure (2nd d.); pain
in bones of 1. arm (1 h.); going to sleep, pricking in l. arm (2nd d.); pain above 1.
wrist (3rd d.); pressing throbbing pains in metacarpal joint of 1. index finger and
MILLEFOLIUM.
311
thumb (4th d.); very violent yawning, without any weariness, especially evenings
(1st week). (Amer. Arzneipr.)
2. Dr. RAUE took 5 dr. of tinct. in e., and repeated dose after some h. and again
next m. and on 4th and 5th d.; on 15th d. he took 1st dil.-Without feeling unwell,
no inclination to do anything; dull headache, more in occiput (and towards 1.
shoulder) in e. (2nd d.); wakes up with headache in occiput (4th d.); ears seem
stopped after dinner and all afternoon; at 4 p.m., pain in 1. throat when swallowing,
with later doses alcohol burns in same spot that is painful on empty swallowing; sore.
throat from 9 to 10 each e. ; 2 stools in forenoon and 2 in e. (5th d.); sore sensation
under nail of r., then of 1. thumb, as if crushed (10th d., disappearing 11th); e. of
13th d., r. buttock painful as after falling upon it, next m. same, worse when pressing
on it and on straining glutei, felt most on r. at insertion of gluteus major into sacrum;
drawing sensation in legs when lying down. (Ibid.)
3. O—, a friend of Raue's, took 3 dr. of tinct. Sensation as if a band were
drawn across forehead while contracting the skin; drawing pain in 1. ear, and sensa-
tion as if moisture were flowing out of ear; twisting and stretching, with a pleasant
sensation afterwards. (Ibid.)
4. BERENS, after 8 dr. of tinct. taken in afternoon, observed vertigo, with inclin-
ation to fall towards r. and backwards, while walking, but not during violent motion,
with nausea, especially on stooping, not on lying down; it lasted till following noon,
when it ceased after tart. em. 3. (Ibid.)
2
5. NENNING (see Vol. I, p. 30). Immediately empty eructation. Soon-rough-
ness in throat, lasting a long time. Full feeling in stomach, lasting a long time.
After h. contractive feeling in front part of tongue with burning. After h
violent tearing in upper part of r. parietal bone. After 2 h.-burning in stomach,
extending up into chest. Sleepy; she yawns occasionally. After 1 h.-prick in t.
side of head. An obtuse shoot on 1. parietal bone, and at same time a blow in
opposite side, and afterm. a shoot there too. Undulation in head on stooping,
relieved by rising up. Painful fine twitching in 1. side of lower maxilla. Burning
in stomach, on bending body together worse towards r. hypochonder, where it became
a drawing and burning pain. After 1 h.-painful tension in upper part of r. parietal
bone. Tearing and shooting in whole r. side of head. Painful shoot on r. side of
occiput. Creeping in 1. inner canthus as from a little feather. Crawling in 1. ear.
going off by boring in with finger. Violent tearing in r. maxillary joint, going up to top
of head. Tearing in r. side of lower jaw, going quickly sometimes towards ear, some-
times into teeth. Some pricks before 1. ear. Pricking on upper lip. After 2 h.-hiccup.
Violent twitching first in 1. hypochonder, then on both sides, extending to heart, with
anxiety, going off after rising from chair. A prick on outer border of r. hand behind
little finger. A prick in 1. hough. After 24 h.-twitching and tension in 1. upper
eyelid. Coarse shootings on lowest r. ribs. Pricking in 1. crista ilii. Shooting and
burning externally on r. elbow. Yawning and stretching as though she had not
slept enough. After 3 h.-peculiar sensation in r. side of head, as if screwed in,
very painful. Transient shoot in crown. Feeling like mist before eyes in the dis-
tance, but not near at hand. Itching in r. ear not quite removed by boring in it.
A fine stitch in 1. scapula during inspiration when standing; after stretching and
again crouching together a violent stitch in r. scapula. A violent stitch in middle of
1. scapula. Shooting in sacrum. Formication in fore part of r. foot as if after it had
gone to sleep. After 3 h.-redness of face without hot feeling. Pricking and cut-
ting sensation in palate. Burning and like a fleabite on inner surface of r. little
finger. After 4 h.-tearing in l. frontal protuberance. Shooting in 1. side of occiput.
The eyelids stuck together in m. In 1. ear a fluttering as of a bat, so that she started
with affright, then on laughing feeling as if cold air escaped from it. A jerking
stitch on a false rib. Painful coarse stitches on 1. side of chest, under arm, not
affecting breath. A stitch on 1. shoulder. Shooting and burning in forepart of 1.
shoulder. Two successive shoots on inner surface of r. forearm, then itching there
going off by scratching. 2nd d.-Distension of abdomen, with frequent discharge of
flatus, p.m. Tearing downwards in r. tibia, when walking, p.m. 3rd d.-Increased
feeling of hunger. Rumbling and cutting in belly, then two diarrhoeic stools,
followed by tenesmus. Very soft stool, with some soreness thereafter. Constant
urging to urinate, with copious discharge. Some leucorrhoea. Frequent drawing in
back. Tearing and tension in 1. natis, when at rest and when moving, but worst
312
MILLEFOLIUM.
when walking, a.m. 4th d.—Tearing in 1. side of face to temple, frequently, e.
Feeling in stomach as if fasting, on waking m. Painful gnawing and digging in
stomach as from hunger. Frequent discharge of fetid flatus. Stool rather soft.
After 7 d. itching in back and itching_pimples there. No time stated.—Several times
empty eructation after taking soup. Burning in stomach and belly. Such a violent
obtuse stitch in 1. side of abdomen that she started, when eating. A rough sensation
on inner aspect of 1. forearm, on a spot the size of a hand, as from a large brush.
Frequent going to sleep of r. foot when sitting, not going off on rising up, after
dinner. (Annal. d. hom. Klin., iv, 344.)
6. SCHRETER. a. No time stated.-Feeling as if all the blood rose to head.
Tearing in r. knee. After 1 h.-painful throbbing in head. Sensation as if stomach
were filled with astringent earth. After 2 h. spasm in stomach with sensation as if a
fluid were in it which went from stomach into bowels and towards anus.
2nd d.-
Pressing-in shooting pain in eyes towards root of nose and sides of forehead, when
reading, e. Pressure in stomach, like a peg in it. (Ibid.)
b. Ebullitions in head on stooping, lessening when rising up (1 h.); jerking stitch
on one of 1. false ribs (4 h.); coarse stitches on last r. false ribs (24 h.); cold limbs,
with headache; does not sleep till 3 a.m. (3rd d.). (Amer. Arzneipr.)
7. July 13th, 1854. Took at noon I cupful of infusion made with
zij of dried plant in 2 pints of water. Soon, secretion of phlegm in
larynx. 5 p.m., another cupful of infusion. Some phlegm in larynx,
and rough feeling there. Slight dull pain in crown.
Increased feeling
of heat in face, as though blood mounted to head. Feeling of conges-
tion of blood in eyes and nose. These symptoms lasted some time.—
14th, 7 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m., a cupful. Headache on stooping.
Other symptoms as yesterday. Transient shooting in r. side of chest.
5.30 p.m., transient obtuse shooting in 1. side of chest. 5.45 p.m.,
pricking in 1. side of head, momentary.-15th, 7 a.m., 2 cupfuls.
Soon, quickened pulse. Later, shooting pressure in 1. hypochonder.
8.30 a.m., drawing in 1. tibia lasting several seconds. Bruised feeling
in chest, dull headache, noon. 3.30 p.m., shooting-drawing pains close
under 1. scapula, when sitting for a couple of seconds. Fine shoots in
brain. 9.45 p.m., 1 cupful. After 10 p,m. in bed feeling of rush of
blood to head, pulse quick. Sleep disturbed by dreams.-18th, between
8 and 8.30 a.m., 4 cupfuls of infusion of ziij fresh plant in 2 pints
water. 8.45 a.m., slight throbbing in arteries of head and face, pulse
quick, full, strong. Increased feeling of warmth, especially in face.
Oppression and restlessness. Shooting, sometimes, in r. side of chest under
4th rib; feeling of contraction in skin of forehead, better after a glass of
wine. After dinner transient drawing in occiput, indescribable sensation
in 1. hypochondrium, soon afterwards the same in pit of stomach.
Urine darker than usual.-19th. Took no med. Occasionally during
d. dull headache especially in occiput. E., the same but more severe.
-20th. After dinner dull feeling in head. Transient slight stitches
in r. lumbar region near spine. 2.45 p.m., 2 cupfuls. Hammering in
arteries of head. Quick pulse. Thirst. Dryness of mouth. Some
fulness in chest. Feeling of something before ears.
Headache coming
and going, lasting to h-21st. Took no med.
afterwards fulness in head. Stitch between scapula.
headache, which gets worse towards e. (KEIL,
iii, 140.)
P.m., sound sleep,
Some of former
Zeitsch f. h. Kl.,
MOSCHUS.
313
MOSCHUS.
Inspissated and dried secretion of preputial follicles of the musk deer, Moschus
moschiferus, L. Musk.
I. Provings.-I. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Med. Pura, vol. i of original,
vol. ii of translation. Contains 2 symptoms from self, 111 from three
fellow-observers, and 39 from authors.
2. GÜNTZ, on Feb. 9th, 1824, at 9 a.m., took 5 gr. of musk mixed
with I
oz. of water. The only symptom produced was a slight
pressing headache in frontal region which came on after II a.m., and
vanished a few m. later. (JÖRG, Materialien.)
3. KNESCHKE, on Jan. 4th, at 9 a.m., took 4 gr. mixed with 20 gr.
of sugar and I oz. water. Towards 10a.m. pulse was 74 as against 71
before taking dose; pulse also appeared fuller than usual. These sym-
ptoms disappeared towards II a.m. Same results followed from dose
of 6 gr. On taking 10 gr. felt after h. slight confusion of frontal
region, changing after 15 m. into dull frontal headache, most percep-
tible on r. side; after 1 h. this spread towards parietal and occipital
regions, and was here also more severe on r. than on 1. side. Whole
head now felt somewhat empty and confused, and power of concentra-
tion was somewhat affected. This condition of head lasted till bed-
time. Pulse all through was 2 or 3 beats quicker, and fuller than usual.
Repetition of dose caused same train of symptoms, but lasting only 6 h.
(Ibid.)
4. MARTINI took 5 gr. at 9 a.m., on Feb. 10th. After 1 h. there
was moderate quickening of pulse, increased feeling of warmth with
some sweat and distension of veins of hand; these lasted hardly 1 h.
One h. after 10 gr. pulse rose for short time 8 beats per m.
On going
into open air noticed suddenly feeling of heat in r. cheek spreading to
r. side of forehead, lasting barely 1 m. (Ibid.)
5. OTTO, after taking 2 gr., felt slight confusion of head, which did
not last long. After dose of 8 gr. felt moderate confusion of head
passing on after 1 h. to slight headache, and accompanied by absent-
mindedness, which prevented his working for several h. After taking
10 gr. confusion of head followed, but was exceedingly slight. (Ibid.)
6. SIEBENHAAR took 10 gr. Only symptoms noticed were some
quickening of circulation and rush of blood towards head, lasting hardly
i h. (Ibid.)
7. JÖRG, on Jan. 31st, at 9 a.m., took 10 gr. rubbed up with same
quantity of magnesia and suspended in 1 oz. water. After h. felt
slight oppression of whole head, bordering on pain, becoming better and
worse by turns, and lasting till nearly midday; at same time feeling of
fulness in region of stomach came on, accompanied at 10 a.m. by
upward pressure towards thorax and stabbing in 1. shoulder-blade.
Pressure and stabbing ceased midday, but fulness in stomach lasted longer
and interfered with enjoyment of dinner. During same period (10-12)
ring
pulse was quickened several beats per m. At 6 p.m. felt burning in
314
MOSCHUS.
I
chest in direction of diaphragm. He then took 15 gr. After 1 h. was
seized with slight vertigo, changing at times into moderate parietal
headache, and accompanied now and then by painful pressure over both
orbits and outwardly over both eyelids. At midday these changed into
sleepiness, which was relieved by dinner. At 5 p.m. same feeling or
pressure in forehead came on, lasting till nearly 7 p.m. (Ibid.)
8. Frau CH- took 3 gr. in a tablespoonful of water on July 19th,
at 8 a.m. At 8.30 slight confusion of head came on, changing for
5 m. into vertigo, then into pressure in frontal region, which passed off
at IO a.m. Pressure in forehead returned p.m., and lasted till towards
5 p.m. From 9 till 12 a.m. pulse was several beats per m. quicker
than usual. At 5 p.m. on same d. she took 6 gr. in a tablespoonful of
water. Soon afterwards felt pressure in region of stomach, coupled
with sinking feeling. This pressure increased during 1 h., and was
felt not only forwards but backwards to spine as if right through body;
it lasted uninterruptedly till midday following. At 5.20 head became
confused, and later almost giddy, so that at 6.30 the meshes of her
knitting appeared to run one into the other; there was besides trouble-
some pressure in frontal region, increased by movement, and lasting
also till next midday. There was also drynesss in mouth and œsophagus
noticeable for 16 h. Between 7 and 9 p.m., pulse was six to eight
beats quicker than usual. 1 h. after dose was overpowered with sleep,
and yawned deeply and often. Next m. felt very unwell; head still
affected, trembling all over body, weight and pressure in stomach. At
noon most of these symptoms passed off, but she was very sleepy all
p.m., and slept from 1 till 3 p.m. On July 21st, at 7.30 a.m., took
6 gr., experiencing same symptoms. At 10 a.m. had confusion of
head, slight giddiness, moderate trembling and shaking through whole
body, and quickening of pulse. Appetite at noon was very slight, but
pressure in frontal region, which came on forenoon, was all the more
severe, and lasted until e. During p.m. had also nausea, sleepiness,
and frequent yawning. Sleep was not so good as usual, and on awaking
next m. had confusion of head, pressure in frontal region, trembling
and lassitude of body, pressure at stomach, and dryness of gullet, lasting
till noon. (Ibid.)
·
9. Fräulein CH- took 3 gr. During next 2 h. said it appeared
to her as if she had not slept properly, head feeling heavy and empty,
and yawning occurring frequently. On same d. at 5 p.m. took 6 gr.
After h. pressing sensation in stomach, pressure in forehead, and
oppression in whole head came on; frequent yawning and sleepiness
soon followed, and all lasted till 10 p.m. On repeating dose at 7.30 a.m.
after 1 h. felt heaviness of head, passing after another h. into genuine
ঈ
pain, perceptible especially in forehead, lasting till 10 p.m. From
10 a.m. till I p.m. pulse was somewhat quickened, strong and full.
From 10 a.m. was obliged to yawn frequently; this increased during
p.m., when lassitude and sleepiness were superadded. (Ibid.)
10. TH. JÖRG took 3 gr. Noticed only hardly perceptible heavi-
ness of head lasting 4 h. On same d. at 5 p.m. took 6 gr. After 1 h.
felt confusion of head, with slight frontal, alternating with occipital,
headache, both lasting till 9 p.m. On repeating same dose at 8 a.m.,
MOSCHUS.
315
after h. felt confusion and heaviness in head, passing on to pressing
pains, especially noticeable in frontal region and spreading downwards
towards eyes and nose. Towards 9 p.m. remarked that gullet was
unusually dry. These symptoms lasted till 10 p.m. (Ibid.)
n.
II. Mrs.
had been married a year, but had no pleasure in sexual
intercourse; otherwise perfectly well. Took 4 dr. of M. (strength not
stated) every n., and had same quantity injected into vagina following
Quantity swallowed later reduced to 3, 2, and finally I dr. On
2nd or 3rd d. from 1st dose, dull pain in bones of 1. knee, afterwards
extending up to hip, and down to great toe; still only in bones; ease
found in lying on painful side. This ceased a few d. after leaving off
med. On resuming it 3 d. later-3 dr. per vaginam and I by mouth-
same symptoms returned, exactly as before, only on r. side instead of 1.
No change in sexual organs. (BERRIDGE, N. Y. J. of Hom. ii, 308.)
12. a. Miss took 30 dr. 6th cent. at 2.45 p.m. At 2.55 sleepi-
ness, stupid feeling in head. 2nd d.—In afternoon sleepiness with slight
aching in forehead. 6th d.-Ever since, sleepiness with yawning
when not actively employed.
C
b. Same prover took 3rd trit. It caused inability to sleep. (IBID.,
Am. Obs., 1875, p. 307.)
13. a. Miss, 1st trit. Oppression of breathing; anxiety as if
something were about to happen. Creeping on top of brain. Pricking
in body and "fidgets," preventing sleep.
b. Same prover, 10-20 dr. 6th dil. Tingling all over body; low
spirits; very nervous.
very nervous. (Ibid.)
14. Mrs., 3-4 dr. 2nd dil. Made her feel quiet and self-pos-
sessed; no fear of any kind; is usually nervous and timid. (Ibid.)
15. Miss, 3 dr. 2nd dil. In 15 m. a stupid feeling in forehead.
(Ibid.)
16. E. W. BERRIDGE, M.D., 30 dr. 6th dil. In 5 m., flat taste
in mouth, lasting some time. In 35 m. paroxysm of slight chilliness
over body. (Ibid.)
17. a. A man, æt. 52, triturated for 1 h. 1 gr. Mosch. with 100
gr. milksugar. In the first 5 m. a kind of rush of blood to head, with
staring eyes and spasm in mouth, so that he could not answer when
asked what was the matter, though he understood what was said. In
the 7th m. he began to speak, and spoke so rapidly and so confusedly
that it was impossible to write down what he said, and he would not
stop when asked. Till the 10th m. he was as pale as a corpse, and his
hair dripping with perspiration. Vertigo as if intoxicated, he could not
walk alone. Headache as if a weight lay on head, aggravated by move-
ment. Roaring in both ears as from a strong wind. No memory, yet
he answered every question, but when the first question was repeated,
he seemed to be endeavouring to remember something, and then gave
a wrong answer. Both eyes distorted upwards. Movement of lower
jaw as if chewing something. Vomiting of phlegm 3 times succes-
sively. Severe pressure in stomach, followed by eructation smelling
like a goat. Some rumbling in bowels, with discharge of flatus of like
smell. Stiffness of penis and urging to urinate. Fingers of r. hand
quite stiff. He was taken into the open air, and in h. all the sym-
316
MOSCHUS.
ptoms were gone, and he then recommenced his triturating and con-
tinued it for h.
b. He was suddenly seized with trembling of whole body and pro-
fuse clammy sweat all over. Facial muscles distorted so that he was
unrecognisable; eyes staring, projecting beyond eyelids; mouth half
open, out of which white mucus flowed. After h., when sitting in
open air, began to talk nonsense, spoke very low, and as if he would
not disturb someone, saying " Bst! Bst! Bst!" Then he commenced
to sigh deeply, and at same time played with the buttons of his waist-
coat as if he would button and unbutton it. This lasted 10 m., then
he recovered his consciousness. During the trituration he felt a sort
of stupefaction, and all the objects in the room seemed to him to be
big black figures, which sought to press on to him; otherwise he knew
nothing. Vertigo, with a kind of loathing, not nausea; a kind of
pressive headache, combined with throbbing in whole back part of head,
and some drawing as with a thread into the spine (down the cord to
Ist lumbar vertebra). The whole head pains as if sore, worse when
touched. Much sweat on forehead. Pressure in both eyes as if sand were
in them. Black points before eyes. Severe tickling in nose, going on to
burning. Swollen upper lip, dry mouth, little thirst. Mouth very dry,
longing for brandy, which he is never accustomed to drink. Burning
in œsophagus as if a coal were there. Loathing at all food, and when
he sees food he gets nausea and, if he does not go away, vomiting. A
painful sensation as if something hard lay on stomach, aggravated by
drinking. Distension of abdomen with violent urging to stool, but
without being able to evacuate. Urine very scanty and turbid.
(HROMADA, Fourn. f. hom. Arzneimittellehre, i, 1o1.)
18. A woman, æt. 45, after triturating I gr. of musk with
100 gr. of milk sugar. In 4 m. eyes began to stare, face became pale,
she complained of heaviness of head, pressure in nape, coldness all over
body, a kind of nausea. In 9 m. lost her sight, pupils extremely con-
tracted. Lost her equilibrium. The r. hand, which was using the
pestle, became stiff, the fingers stretched out and quite stiff. Taken
out into open air in 5 m. recovered her senses and complained of ver-
tigo in the first moment. Before the loss of consciousness, all seemed
to go round in a circle, at first slowly, then always quicker and quicker,
and at last it seemed as if she was hovering in the air, stupefied, and
when in this state it seemed to her that she fell from a great height.
Vertigo as if intoxicated, everything seems to move that she looks at.
Pressive headache in interior of brain. Head very hot, and back part
of head perspiring profusely. Above both eyebrows 2 small red spots
like flea-bites. Eyes dim, pupils dilated, tears flow out of 1. eye. In
1. ear a rustling and sensation as if a flea were in it. Nausea. Mouth
very dry. Great thirst for beer, which she did not usually drink.
Much eructation smelling of musk. Much flatus of a garlicky smell.
Great diarrhoea, with retraction of abdomen. Urine clear as water and
copious. The menses came on next d., a fortnight too soon. Very
soon fluent coryza, with peculiar burning, first in r. then in Í.
nostril. Very viscid mucus in chest without cough, which seems to
take away her breath, because she cannot bring up the phlegm, relieved
MOSCHUS.
317
by drinking. Stiffness of hands and feet. Cold feeling from soles to
knees. Blue spots all over abdomen and thighs. Very anxious dis-
position. After 2 d. quite well. (Ibid., 102.)
19. From triturating musk (no information as to numbers, sexes, ages of provers,
or how, when, and where they triturated). After 3 m.-violent vomiting, diffi-
cult breathing with shooting in chest, which makes his breath short. He had great
fear of death, and said, "Now I am dying," became deathly pale and fell into a
faint for 10 m.
After 5 m. vertigo with rush of blood to head, lasting 2 h., bette
in open air. Eructation with after-taste of garlic. Sneezing and pressive pain in
nasal bones. Cold feeling of thigh and leg, more externally than internally, not
perceptible to touch. She thought she was going to faint, then called out, "I am
falling!" but remained sitting quietly. Fell fast asleep. Very sleepy, and on lying
down cannot sleep; when walking in open air can hardly keep his eyes open, he is so
sleepy. After 10 m.-vertigo as if everything moved. Vertigo to unconsciousness.
Spoke only of dying. Very violent scolding, cannot be appeased; continues to scold
till his mouth is quite dry, lips blue, eyes staring, face deathly pale, and falls to the
ground. After 13 m. she sits in thought, speaks aloud, but unimportantly, to herself,
and fights with her hands, then suddenly exclaims "Ah! Ah!" After h.-
menses, which had ceased for 1 year in a woman æt. 48, reappeared every time she
triturated musk, but disappeared in a few h. Pains in ankle-joint as if dislocated,
with shooting in 2 first toes of 1. foot. Very profound sleep, but when woke up
spoke quite rationally with open eyes, but on waking in m. knew nothing about this.
After 23 m. dreadful itching between shoulders, he must rub against the walls.
After 25 m. numb pain in joints of lower extremities and great distraction of mind.
After h.-eruption on inside of r. concha, with smarting, and, after urinating,
burning. Eructation with taste of musk. Inclined to be sick all d. Swelling of
hands with shooting pain. After h.-violent eructation with nausea. Complains
of horrible pains, but when asked where, begins to complain still more, but cannot
tell where the pains are. Sleep very restless, wakes every h. and must throw off
bedclothes, she felt too hot, but does not perspire. After 1 h. headache, as if some-
thing were driven into occiput, when the pain spreads to forehead. After 2 h. very
good-humoured, cannot say anything when insulted, and yet feels as as if he should
scold. After 24 h. pinching in bowels, so that he calls out, relieved by crouching
together. After 3 h.-headache as if a fine string were drawn several times and
tightly over head. Sexual desire excited in a woman, aged 60, who never in all her
life had had such a sensation. Great desire for coitus, and after indulgence nausea
and vomiting. Pain in nape, so that she could not turn neck. After 4 h.-pressure
in chest, often taking away his breath, for 5 successive d. Drawing pain in spine,
extending down into hip-joint, and so severe he is like to cry out. After h.
tensive pain in abdomen, as if it would burst. The menses came 6 d. too soon, with
an unaccustomed drawing pain deep in abdomen. Involuntary tossing about hands
and feet, in which he has severe pain. After 5 h. very cross, he jumps up wildly in
a rage, and does not know what to do for passion, until he smashed a jug near him,
when he grew better. After 6 h.-small red pimples, with purulent heads, on upper
lids. Forcing downwards in 1. side of belly, with constipation. Outwardly cold
feeling and inwardly burning feeling on thighs and legs. After 7 h.-pains as if both
femora were dislocated, preventing her getting out of bed. Transient shoots in both
ankle-joints from within outwards, with dread of walking. After 8 h.-cutting pains
in r. forearm, followed by burning. Alternately shivering and hot all d., with pros-
tration, so that he must lie down. After 10 h. pain in r. thigh as if flesh were torn
loose. After 12 h.-so forgetful that he did not know where he was; this recurred
daily and went off after 3 d. Pressure on chest, so that he could not lie, he thought
he should suffocate and gasped for air. After 13 h. upper eyelids swollen, and
pressive sensation in them. After 15 h. all n. no sleep, but there were moments when
she lost consciousness; when she came out of this state, which was neither sleeping
nof
waking, she was very exhausted. After 16 h. pain in toes of both feet as if they
were squeezed by short boots, when they burnt and hurt. After 17 h. very excited
sexual passion in both sexes, with constant tickling. After 23 h., drawing pain from
hough to calf. After 24 h.-pressive pain on 1. concha, as though ear were
pressed into head. Much rumbling and urging to stool, excrements first hard, then
5
318
MOSCHUS.
soft, then normal. Frequent violent sneezing, and every time a few drops. Twitch-
ing and drawing pains in spine, which are fixed in upper parts of both thighs and
hinder walking. She sits lost in thought, claps her hands together, and makes
many grimaces, so that it is feared she has lost her senses; this lastsh. After 28 h.
tearing-shooting pain in 1. shoulder, the whole upper part of arm feels heavy, and
movement of it is difficult. After 30 h.-r. cheek red without heat, 1. cheek pale and
hot. Diarrhoea during sleep at n. After 31 h. nausea and vomiting of food just
swallowed, followed by violent eructation. After 32 h. on rising, m., much retching,
but not vomiting. After 33 h. intolerable cramp pain down tibia, so that she could
scream, with general perspiration. After 34 h. drawing pain from 2nd cervical
vertebra to r. shoulder. After 2 d.-red face. Discharge of much wax from 1. ear.
What she eats has nasty taste, except milk. After 3 d.-throbbing and pecking pain
in occiput. Vomiting with constant pressure and distension of stomach. Diarrhoea,
with the most violent cutting in abdomen. The stool looks as if he had been eating
sepia. Sexual desire, with 2 involuntary emissions. Shooting in chest with red
swollen face, dilated pupils, dry, bright red tongue and violent thirst. Shivering all
over body, and yet, on account of heat rising up, cannot rest in the room, better in
open air. After 4 d. a pressive pain in forehead indicated by a red spot; about 3
drops of wax came out by r. ear, only at n. No time mentioned.-Dizzy in head
like vertigo, with pressure on crown. Vertigo, nausea, and vomiting all at once.
Vertigo and at same time feeling as if he whirled round so quickly that he felt the
air in his face. Vertigo and dazedness. Vertigo so that she fancied she was falling
low down. Vertigo as if she stood very high and was tumbling down. Vertigo as if
intoxicated, he must hold on to something in order not to fall. A vertiginous
stupefaction, he thought he could not hear or see, and yet he heard and saw everything.
Vertigo with sudden fainting. Sudden loss of memory with pressive sensation in
crown. A kind of complicated pressive and boring headache, sometimes all through
head, sometimes behind ears, sometimes in forehead, sometimes in crown, sometimes
in occiput. A stupefying headache, making the eyes close. Headache as if the
half of the skull were cut through, better in open air. Tearing pain in r. half of
head. Tensive pressive headache, with feeling as if something moved in brain.
Furious headache. Headache, with nausea and vomiting. Sudden dimness of both
eyes, she thought she was going blind. Hardness of hearing. A frightful noise in r.
ear as if a cannon were fired off and some drops of blood came out. Eructation, with
hot saliva in mouth. For several d., whether he had eaten or not, must always vomit
at 11 a.m. Pressure under scrob. cordis, relieved by stooping. Constipation,
relieved by coffee. Diarrhoea nearly all n., with great forcing and pressive pain in
anus. Sexual desire during trituration, thereafter great relaxation. A man, æt. 46,
had lost all sexual power for 4 years after a chill; by triturating musk he quite
recovered his power. Menses very irregular for 3 months. Twitching from r.
shoulder-joint to thumb. Dull pain combined with drawing in gluteal muscles,
extending to groins. Tearing pains in all joints of feet, with sensation in muscles as
if they were pressed firmly against bones. (Ibid.)
II
20. From taking 6th dilution of Moschus (no mention made of number of provers,
nor of their sexes or ages, nor yet of the number or time of doses taken). After 5 m.
in navel a pressive sensation and in chest a burning. After 1 h. swollen tensive feeling
and twitching in both hypochondria. After h. lips scale off. After h. forcing
down in abdomen, as if menses were coming on. After 1 h. 4 m. involuntary move-
ment of fingers as if picking or counting with fingers. After 1 h.-vomiting with
heaviness on chest as if a heavy weight lay there, but breathing free. The chest is
much affected, painful all over, with violent dry cough. After 2 h.-a kind of vertigo
on moving eyelids, better in open air. Stupefaction with vertigo, must sit down, and
still while sitting felt as if he must fall and held on to chair. Headache as if heavy
weight lay on top of head, better when moving in open air. Ashy pale face. In Í.
ear sensation as if a mild wind blew. Throbbing in gastric region. Compressive
pain in houghs as though tendons were too short. Three or four pimples with much
itching in various parts of body. She complains all d. of cold, though the weather is
warm. After 2 h. prostration of whole body with pressive pains, especially in
joints. Itching in back of both ears. After 24 h. vomiting with burning pain
in whole of sternum from below upwards. After 3 h.-giddy and uncomfortable.
Vertigo so that he could not walk alone, staggers from one side of room to other.
MOSCH US.
319
Roaring in ears as in syncope. Little relish for food. Violent contractive pain in
umbilical region, a deep pit is formed there. Very anxious, she starts up when the
door is opened and trembles. After 3 hours sick after every meal. Itching betwixt
toes of both feet, scratched till blood came. After 4 h. noise in both ears lasting 2
d. Twitching pain in all parts of body, especially at n., it wakes up. Itching in 1.
upper arm, she must scratch till blood came, then burning came on. Here and there
little papules with itching. After 5 h.-transient whirling vertigo. Vertigo on stoop-
ing, going off on rising up. Pressive pain in r. temple. Rustling in I. ear as if a
flea were in it. Painful sensation in thigh and leg, 'relieved by movement. He sits doing
nothing, then runs about to and fro; finds fault with everything he sees. After 6 b.
sudden vertigo with dimness before eyes so that he cannot move. After 8 h.—frequent
sneezing with tickling in nose, followed by burning. Here and there on thighs and
legs painful points as though he had been beaten. After 9 h. on dorsum of r. foot
small papules, which itch much and burn after being scratched. After 11 h. much
burning in urethra, especially when penis is erected. After 12 h. dulness of mind
for whole hours, and on coming to himself he complains of shooting in finger-joints.
After 15 h.-desire for coitus with tensive pain in penis. Shooting pain, now in neck,
now in both shoulders. After 16 h. itching pain in both outer canthi, rubbing does
good. After 17 h. stiffness of r. fingers, lasting 2 d. After 18 h.-menses, which
had only ceased 11 d., returned. She is extremely busy, but hardly has she begun to
put things in order when everything falls out of her hands from weakness. After 21
h. pain in hips as if muscles were nipped with pincers. After 22 h. eyes dim, with
pressive pain in inner canthi. After 23 h. crepitation and disagreeable feeling
in r. ear. After 24 h.-headache with drawing in r. ear. Dull pain in whole
head, especially e. On rising, m., vomiting, and all he eats is vomited, all d. Fine
stitches with rumbling in abdomen, feeling of anxiety all over body. A kind of
pulmonary spasm, beginning with irritation to cough, gradually increasing and
making him desperate, went off in 5 m. After 28 h.-face very hot but not red.
Vomiting with tensive pain all over chest, relieved by compression. After 31 h.—
soreness of head to deep in brain. Twitching in r. arm with cramp-pain and gone-
asleep fingers. After 32 h. pressive pain in chest, now on r., now on 1. side, then
through chest to spine. After 35 h. pressive pain in 1. side of chest as if the pain
would pass out through the nipple. After 36 h.-pressive-shooting pain in forehead.
Pinching pain in abdomen with tenesmus and pressure on bladder, relieved by
pressing on it with fist. After 42 h. pressive pain in cerebellum. After 2 d.-
pressive pain all over head. Very unwell, must lie in bed all d. Unusual drawing
pain on occurrence of menses. Pain in cervical muscles as if they were torn from
their ends above and below. Painful sensation all over body with a kind of shivering,
but feels warm to the touch. After 3 d.-pressive headache with coldness, as if a cold
compress lay on head. Pains in calves so that he cannot touch them roughly, they
are quite cold on their outer side. In 2 first toe-nails of 1. foot twitching pain as if
they were suppurating, he cannot bear anything on them and walks barefoot on his
heels. After 4 d.—external headache as if all the hairy scalp were sore, aggravated
by touch. On waking, m., bitter taste. Great forcing in abdomen with call to stool,
but nothing comes. Short breathing with shooting in r. side, better when at rest, but
not quite ceasing. 6th d., painful emissions without erection. No time stated.—
Headache as if brain would fall out. Rush of blood to, and heaviness of, head.
Pressive pain in forehead from between eyebrows down to nose and both malar bones.
Small burning pimples on face. Pale face with perspiration. Tension in facial
muscles as if they were too short. From 1. eye tears flow abundantly with pressure.
Pressure with spasmodic pain in scrob. cordis. Feeling of tension in stomach as if he
had eaten too much. Very violent stitches in hepatic region, increased by inspiring.
Diarrhoeic motions; he had 3 or 4 liquid stools mixed with fæces every d. Severe
stitches in anus which extend to bladder. Shooting on r. side down to liver. Pressive
pain in muscles of upper arm, extending from shoulder-joint to elbow. Pressive pain
in hips, must lie down. Pain in r. knee so that he cannot endure bed. Pain in r.
big toe like dislocation, aggravated by movement. Great prostration of whole body
with watering of eyes. So tired he cannot move. Sudden loss of senses; in this state
he thinks someone is cutting off his fingers and toes, and he seeks to defend himself
with such a rapid and confused torrent of words that one can make no sense out of
them. He walks about but sits down again immediately, lays his hands on his head,
320
MUREX.
and complains of great pain without being able to tell where the pain is. The
slightest contact of the air causes a shiver all through body, must be put to bed, where
he gets warm. Cold feeling, chiefly in spine, with drawing pain. Very cross,
inclined to weep. (Ibid.)
21. SUNDELIN took, m., Oj musk. After a few m. slight excite-
ment as from wine, with quick, full, soft pulse, and perspiration.
These symptoms lasted 2 h. Breath, perspiration, and urine exhaled,
even next d., a strong odour of musk. (Horn's Archiv, 1824, i, 417;
in Wibmer.)
22. Mrs. CH- took 3 gr. Soon pressure in stomach; after 1 h.
confusion of head, pressure in forehead for 1 h., recurring after dinner,
pulse quick. Took 6 gr. e., pressure in stomach lasting till noon next
d. After h. confusion of head, vertigo, pressure in forehead till noon
next d., dryness of mouth, drowsiness. Again took 6 gr., pressure in
stomach, eructation, dryness of œsophagus. After 2 h. confusion of
head, slight vertigo, slight trembling, quickened pulse, loss of appetite,
pressure in frontal region till e., sleepiness, yawning. Next d. confusion
of head, pressure in forehead, eructation, till noon. (Wibmer, iii, 301.)
23. An unmarried lady, of about 40, mentioned to me that she was
extremely sensitive to the odour of musk. She would faint if she
merely opened a note highly scented with musk. A doctor, who was
unaware of this peculiarity, prescribed for her a pill containing gr. of
musk. Soon after taking this she became unconscious, was violently
convulsed, and this state lasted nearly a week, with short intervals of
consciousness. She said her life was despaired of. (DUDGEON, com-
municated.)
MUREX.
Murex purpurea, L. The (desiccated) juice contained in an organ near the head,
which constituted the Tyrian purple dye of the ancients.
I. Provings.-I. A woman of 46, of nervous constitution and very
impressionable, but in good health, save for some leucorrhoea and weight
at stomach, proved a sol. of a decigr. of the 4th trit. in 6 spoonfuls of
water, of which she took a spoonful each e. Jan. 6th.-Sleep quiet.
In 12 h. after dose, sharp pain in r. side of uterus, which extends to 1.
breast; extreme weakness of voluntary movements; giving way of
legs and irresistible desire to remain sitting; confusion of ideas, repug-
nance to conversation, profound sadness. 6 p.m., palpitation of heart
and throbbing of arteries in neck; later, excessive fatigue, somnolence,
heat in hands, pulse 80; pain in knees, sense of excoriation and burning
in breasts; bruised feeling in chest. N. good. 7th.-Burning, pungent
pain under 1. false ribs, towards spine, increasing constantly; drowsi-
ness and sadness; difficult evacuation, requiring lavement. Pain in
side continued all d. E., painful tension in r. hypochondrium; dry
cough, not frequent; dyspnoea; voice hoarse. 8th.-After a good n.,
woke feeling very well. Pain in side had gone. Sense of dryness and
constriction in uterus, but weight much less since yesterday, and no
leucorrhoea since first spoonful. No further symptoms till 11th, when
MUREX.
321
she had feeling of heaviness, and enlargement in labia; urine had
white sediment. (PETROZ, Etudes, ed. Cretin, 1864.)
2. A woman of 38, of sanguine temp., sound mind, and good
health, save for some leucorrhoea, took same as No. 1. Ist d.-Towards
midday pain in occiput and in forearms. 2nd d.-Headache on awaking,
which goes off on getting up. During d., pains in 1. temple, coming
and going; dulness of head from time to time without mental clouding.
Towards e., tightness in occiput, when it passes from 1. to r. she
involuntarily raises opposite hand to head, bending head back seems to
relax nerves and relieve. Constant desire to urinate during d.; at 3
p.m., strong desire to sleep. 3rd d.-Headache as on previous e. ; has
had troublesome dreams during n., she fled from a stormy sea, and
found herself in a meadow with water; during d. momentary dulness
of head; at 5 p.m. r. cheek was burning; in e., twice, a very violent
stitch on 1. side of abdomen, low down, it went straight up, lasting
only a m.; at 9 p.m., strong drowsiness. During d., pains in legs from
time to time; tightness of head on each side above the ears; pains in
breasts. 4th d.-Distressing dreams. On waking, headache, going off
as on previous days about 10 a.m. Pretty severe colic; hunger during
d., but little appetite at dinner time; pains in breasts. 5th d.-Almost
uncontrollable sexual excitement. 6th d.-L. cheek burning; hunger
during d.; in e. painful headache for about an h. 7th d.-Dreams
as before; woke with a start, frightened. In m., leucorrhoea, which
had ceased from 1st d., returned, scanty, but greenish. In e., flatulent
griping and frontal headache. She had been constipated since 2nd d.,
and to-day had no stool. During first days of proving, she coughed
several times before breakfast, and had wheezing on inspiration in e.
During later days, occasional attacks of anxiety, with restlessness and
dread. (Ibid.)
3. A woman, æt. 39, sanguine-lymphatic temp., has leucorrhoea,
with some pains in loins and thighs. Took drug in same manner.
Ist d. At 2 and 4 p.m., sharp but transient pains above cerebellum.
Less leucorrhoea, but always mixed with blood. 2nd d.-Since noon,
head embarrassed and a little heavy; not much aptitude for work.
At
2.30, humming in ears and increased dulness of head; latter went off
about 4. At 6.30, sharp pain in 1. abdomen, involving whole, but as
it were at painful points only; 1. side remained painful all e. Leucor-
rhoea less copious and unmixed with blood. 3rd d.-Less dulness of
head; leucorrhoea as yesterday; abdomen also, but felt less. 4th d.-
Towards 3 p.m., severe pain above r. temple; in e., return of blood
from uterus; to-day and yesterday, pain in breasts. 5th d.-No blood.
6th d.-No blood, and but little leucorrhoea. Breasts had been very
painful, and she had violent shootings in them while in bed. 7th d.-
Woke during n. with a start, and violent desire to urinate, which she
did very copiously. Heaviness of head, and even dizziness. Since
taking med. failure of memory; she cannot remember words. Her
pains had rather been increased than otherwise since taking med., and
on 8th d. they were very bad; blood also had returned with the leucor-
rhoea. She felt as before period, which was not due for another fort-
night. Next d. she was much better. (Ibid.)
J
VOL. III.
21
322
MYRICA.
MYRICA.
Myrica cerifera, L. Bayberry. Nat. Ord. Myricacea.
I. Provings.-1. Dr. H. L. CHASE proved solution of alcoholic
extract of bark of root, 10 gr. to 3j of alcohol. October 18th, 1864,
at 6 a.m., took 5 dr. 10, very severe pressing pain in 1. side of nose,
lasting about 10 m., then shifting to 1. axilla, where it was sharp and
lancinating. II, sharp pain in 1. forehead, smarting in 1. eye; dull
aching in lumbar region. All d. sharp darting pain in r. maxillary
joint; trembling and aching in calves, so that walking is unpleasant;
great depression and irritability, does not want to speak or to be spoken to.
Prover took drug at four different times, but could obtain no fur-
ther symptoms. The depression of spirits in the last proving (in
March) was followed by very marked irritability, lasting 3 or 4 d.
(Proc. of Mass. Hom. Med. Soc., ii, 397.)
2. a. Dr. CHARLES CULLIS, æt. 32, sanguine-nervous temp., at
10 p.m. took 10 dr. of same. In 15 m. dull heavy feeling over eyes,
soon followed by constriction across nose. Passed restless n., tossing
about; woke in m. with dull frontal headache; great and unusual
depression of spirits all m.; after dinner, loose stool, with pain and
tenesmus; dinner caused distress; grumbling pain in bowels all after-
10 p.m., head has ached all d. ; feel gloomy, terribly depressed.
This depression of spirits continued for 3 d., and to such an extent
that it was impossible to write; he did not care about anything or for
any friends, and was wretched beyond description.
noon.
b. Three mos. later took same dose at 10 p.m. Slight headache
soon followed. Severe gripings in bowels during n.; at 6.30 a.m.,
loose stool with pain and tenesmus. Headache still and depression of
spirits. Eyelids were heavy and swollen; and at 8 both eyes felt quite
sore, and face was hot and flushed. 8.30, acidity of stomach (break-
fast had been eaten with appetite); headache was severe just over eyes,
increased by motion; nausea. 8.45, pain in 1. upper arm. 9, pain in
3rd and little finger of r. hand; sharp pain in 1. eye; no inclination to
move. 11, head ached severely, particularly over 1. eye; great despon-
dency. 2, pain in back of neck. 8, head better, but depression con-
tinued; pain in 1. lung. Next m. 1. eye was sore, and looked inflamed.
Depression continued, with some constipation; former lasted 3-4 d.
(Ibid.)
3. Miss E-, æt. 30, bilious temp., 9 p.m., took 10 dr. of same.
In 5 m. pain at back of 1. ear and in r. occiput. Inh. nausea ;
feeling of coldness; severe pain in 1. shoulder-blade and arm, extending
to end of little finger. In 1 h. sharp shooting pain in r., then in 1.
thigh, followed by dull pain in 1. shoulder. N. good. Next m. at
7, took 10 dr. In a few m. fulness in 1. eyelids, approaching to sore-
ness. 10, dull pain under both shoulder-blades. 10.30, pain in hollow
of r. foot. On following d., at 7 a.m., 10 dr. more. Inh. severe
pain in bowels. Not feeling any other effects of med., repeated dose
at II. Immediately slight pain in 1. side; heaviness in back of head;
pressure in nose. At noon, severe pain in stomach. (Ibid.)
MYRICA.
323
4. Mrs. H—, æt. 31, nervous temperament. April 2nd, at 7.30
p.m., took 10 dr. ; soon felt severe pain in head on both sides, near
temples, which settled into heavy grinding feeling in vertex. 3rd.-At
II a.m., 10 dr. In 5 m., severe nausea, followed by heavy headache.
11.40, sensation as of fermentation towards vertex, very perceptible for
10 m., then gradually subsided; drowsiness followed; nausea continues.
7th.-At 11.40 a.m. took II dr. In 10 m., cold chills running over
vertex, with tightening of scalp, and slight nausea; these symptoms in-
creased, and in h. settled into dull grinding headache. Drowsiness
followed, and she soon fell sound asleep in her chair. At 7.40 p.m.
took 10 dr. In 10 m. strange feeling in stomach, no nausea; in h.
was again sound asleep in chair. (Ibid.)
5. a. Dr. C. WESSELHOEFT took, Oct. 25th, 1864, 5 dr. at 10 p.m.
Had slight feeling of nausea in stomach, and sweetish taste about palate
forh. after. 26th.-5 dr. at 7 a.m. Inh. weak sinking feeling
and pressure in epigastrium, sometimes approaching nausea, increasing
after breakfast, and lasting very perceptibly all d., passing off towards
e. after rapid walking.
b. Nov. 12th.—At 11 a.m. took 10 dr. of a tinct. Immediately
after taking it, stinging cramp-like sensation in 1. præcordial region and
under ribs. In 10 m., while walking, slight stinging and pressure in
epigastrium. 2 p.m., colicky pain in umbilical region, in small spot,
with accumulation, rumbling, and frequent passing of very offensive
Aatus. (Two pears had been taken in forenoon, and these always
cause flatus with him, but it is inodorous and painless.) In afternoon
and e. frequent sensation as of approaching diarrhoea, but without result
save in a slight costive evacuation in e. Griping continued at intervals all
afternoon. At 10 p.m. 10 dr. Good n. 13th, 7 a.m., 15 dr. Slight
heat and burning in stomach just after taking it, soon changing into
painful griping pressure from 1. epigastric region straight to 1. of navel.
Soon after, drawing sensation in vertex and empty feeling in head; 2
h. later, on stooping, dizziness and rush of blood to head and face; in
afternoon and e., until bedtime, dull oppressive headache in r. forehead,
at juncture of parietal and frontal bones, with fulness in head. At
10 p.m. 25 dr. Slept well all n., and had no symptoms following d.
save slight colicky pressure in stomach, which would hardly have been
noticed had not attention been drawn to it previously in the proving.
(Ibid.)

6. Dr. F. H. KREBS, Nov. 9th, 1864, at 11 a.m., took 5 dr. of
tinct. In 7 m., sensation of warmth along whole spine, especially
between shoulder-blades, followed by slight chill and gentle perspira-
tion, mostly perceptible over dorsal vertebræ. I p.m., slight nausea,
pain in stomach, heartburn, with increased saliva, which had to be fre-
quently expectorated; pain in occiput; tearing pain in 1. arm, princi-
pally between shoulder and elbow, but sometimes extending to fore-
arm, with darting pain in middle and ring fingers. 4, again took 5 dr.,
and felt same symptoms, only somewhat less marked. Ioth.-Awoke
in a gloomy state of mind-an unusual one for him; felt very irritable,
and had constant desire to find fault; everything went wrong; looked
upon this world as a place not fit to live in any longer; considered
324
MYRICA.
himself better than the rest. At noon took 5 dr. Symptoms of d.
before returned, but nausea and pain in stomach were less marked. In
afternoon felt very low-spirited; condemned himself for various imagi-
nary faults. Towards n., a severe attack of coryza appeared, and the
miserable feelings in general prevented the taking of any more med.
Some of the above symptoms lasted for 4 weeks. In Feb., 1865, took
same doses with same results. Proving was continued for 2 d., when
another attack of coryza obliged him to omit the medicine. (Ibid.)
7. Dr. J. E. LINNELL, æt. 42, nervous temp., subject to occasional
rheumatic and neuralgic pains, now suffering somewhat from influenza.
Oct. 18th, 1864, at 9 p.m., took 5 dr. of tinct. Almost immediately
slight dizziness, with repeated yawning; frequent itching and stinging
in various parts. Inh. smarting in I. conjunctiva, followed by aching
in r. eyeball; quivering sensation in 1. upper lid; dull pain in r. eye-
brow; feeling of pressure in both malar bones; dull pain in middle of
r. lung for a few m.; dry sore feeling in pharynx, as when one has
taken cold, succeeded by difficult deglutition. 1o, smarting with dry-
ness in both eyes, and feeling as of sand in them, making it difficult to
close lids; smarting in larynx and trachea; pressure and dull pain_in
forehead and vertex, with throbbing synchronous with the pulse.
When lying upon 1. side in bed, feeling of constriction in chest, with
increased impulse of heart, so that its pulsations were audible; sym-
ptoms were increased by warmth of bed, disturbing sleep; burning in
soles. 19th.-Woke at 6.30 with dull pressure in forehead, headache,
and feeling as though he had not slept enough. Took 5 dr. at 7 a.m.
Same evanescent itching, like flea-bites, occurred in a few m., followed
by smarting in eyes, dry throat, slight dizziness with nausea, ringing
in l. ear, and aching excoriated feeling in posterior nares as if a fresh
cold had been taken. General chilliness on going out of doors, with
slight lumbar aching; dizziness all n. with feverish acceleration of
pulse, reaching its height about 4 p.m. At 9 p.m. took 10 dr.; same
itchings 10 m. afterwards in different localities; fulness about face and
head, with throbbing; heart's impulse increased, but pulse, ordinarily
75-80, now 60 only; hot feeling in eyes; slight griping about umbi-
licus, with rumbling; empty eructation; the itching of the face gave
way to formication; repeated yawnings. 10, excited feverish feeling,
alternating with chilliness; pain in back, lumbar region. 20th.-
Sleep disturbed by bad dreams, and broken by frequent wakings; did
not feel refreshed in m.; lassitude, with pain in back; indescribable
bad taste in mouth, with fulness about head. Took 10 dr. at 7 a.m.
Appetite for breakfast considerably impaired; pain in umbilical region
immediately after. 8, general malaise and feeling of unfitness for duty;
heaviness of head and confusion of intellect, could not concentrate
thoughts; depression of spirits; frontal headache; nausea; shifting
pains; bruised pain in 1. heel. Felt through forenoon as though diar-
rhoea would occur, but nothing came; general languor and depression;
burning about face and head, especially after being in open air; feverish
feeling, yet pulse (at noon) was 60. 3 p.m., 10 dr. Soon, 3 or 4
sharp plunging pains in 1. renal region; heaviness and pressure in head
ringing in ears; dull heavy pain in umbilical region; flatulence and
;

MYRICA.
325
eructations; soreness and pain in 1. tendo Achillis, worse upon pres-
sure and when in motion. 21st.-Slept very soundly until towards
m., when sleep was interrupted by frequent wakings; felt dissatisfied
with amount of sleep, desiring more. No stool for 48 h., very unusual.
At 7 a.m. 15 dr. Inh. pressure in all parts of head, nausea, dryness
of mouth and fauces, smarting in eyes; felt irritable and easily pro-
voked. 10, copious soft stool, with tenesmus and crampy sensation in
umbilical region; much lassitude; weak, sick feeling; every kind of
exertion was irksome, and required a special effort. 4 p.m., face and
head felt hot; eyes burned, and tired easily on reading; fulness in
digestive organs, as if food were lingering there. 22nd. Sleep much
disturbed by ugly dreams; woke with pressive frontal headache, bruised
pain in back, and feeling as if a severe illness had seized him; mental
state as yesterday; nausea; thick yellow coat on tongue; indifferent
appetite. Took a dose of nux vomica. At 9 p.m. 20 dr. 23rd.-Same
state at n. and in m. At 7 a.m. 25 dr. In 1 h. pressure with dull
pain in head, worst in r. temple; ringing in ears; slight vertigo; ex-
ceedingly irritable, the slightest thing put him out; throbbing of cere-
bral vessels; dulness of intellect, loss of energy; dull pain in stomach.
At 8 p.m. 30 dr. 24th.-Frequent waking during n., and could not
sleep after 5; bruised feeling of head. At 7 a.m. 40 dr. In a few m.
nausea and dizziness. In I h. severe pain midway between knee and
ankle, outer side; it was contractive, occasionally burning, worse on
movement; soreness to touch. Noon, general lassitude, with soreness
of muscles of both thighs; r. arm felt lame and heavy, especially about
wrist; in afternoon muscular lameness and soreness had become quite
general, affecting chiefly, however, lower limbs. Stool about II a.m.
(50 h. since last); excessive flatulence in afternoon, with frequent
rumbling, as though diarrhoea would set in, and urging to stool, without
result save in flatus. 7 p.m., pains about limbs now centred in muscu-
lar part above knees; continual soreness there, with occasional darting
pains. Took 60 dr. at bedtime. 25th.-N. as last, and in m. head, back,
and thighs the same. At 7 a.m., 60 dr. Symptoms to-day as yesterday,
though perhaps less intense. In addition there was severe chill, with
quivering sensation in l. calf, also numb feeling in r. temple, as if some
hard substance was strongly pressed against it. At 9 p.m. a teaspoonful.
Inh. pleasant exhilaration, followed by excited state of nervous
system, precluding sleep for several h. This was accompanied by
restlessness, requiring frequent change of position. Pain in back;
sleep disturbed by dreams; difficulty in urinating, bladder seeming to
lack expulsive power. 26th.-At 7 a.m. a teaspoonful. Same exhila-
ration aș last n., succeeded by depression and pressure about head. In
afternoon quite severe frontal headache; semi-lancinating pain in r.
throat, near tonsil. 27th.-Irritable, worried by little things, every-
thing seemed to go wrong; soft stool this m., with effort. 10.30 a.m.,
120 dr. Noon, severe griping at stomach, followed by empty eructa-
tions; weak faintish feeling about bowels; copious flow of limpid
urine; ringing in ears, with pressure about head. 28th.-Whole
buccal cavity, including roof of mouth, was lined with an adhesive
coating, very difficult to detach. Offensive breath and foul taste.
326
MYRICA.
Pressure about head much increased, causing confusion of thought and
staggering gait. Bowels loose; appetite very much impaired. 29th.-
Same symptoms as yesterday, though less in degree; 2 or 3 loose stools.
Nov. 2nd.-Several pimples in different parts, one quite painful on nose;
symptoms generally have disappeared. 3rd.-Restless towards m.
No other symptoms. (Ibid.)
X
.
8. a. Dr. LELAND WALKER, in good health, nervo-bilious temp.
Nov. 25th-27th, 1865, took 1x dil. several times daily in doses rising
from 10 to 60 dr., without appreciable effect; but on 28th woke with
dull heavy pain in forehead and through temples, worse when stooping
or moving about; pulse 51, feeble and irregular. This d. took 4 doses
of tinct., 20-30 dr. 29th.-Slept well; in m. pulse 60. At 7.30
took 50 dr. 12.50, has felt dull and drowsy for last 2 h.; dull heavy
pain through front part of head, worst in 1. temporal region; increased
appetite; unpleasant fulness in stomach and upper abdomen; felt better
in open air. 6, constant hunger, yet sensation of fulness, as after a
hearty meal, though he had not eaten since I ; pulse 70, full and strong.
II, pulse same; dull pain in head and eyes all e., and drowsy stupid
feeling, save when walking in open air. Took 60 dr. before retiring.
30th.-Sleep unusually sound; woke with same headache and hunger,
pulse 56 and feeble. At 8 a.m. took 60 dr. 3.30, dull aching all
through head and in neck; aching in upper and lower extremities;
several times during last 2 d. sharp piercing pain on inner side of 1. knee,
passing off quickly. 9.40, craving hunger, fulness of stomach and
abdomen; head symptoms less severe. Took 100 dr. Dec. Ist.-
Pain as before in head, with pain and stiffness in neck; dull pain in all
extremities; pulse 52. Restless n., much dreaming. Took 140 dr.
11, pain all through head, quite severe in temples, with throbbing in
superficial veins, attended with semi-stupor; pulse 75. I, symptoms
somewhat mitigated; dull dragging pain in small of back, quite severe
at times; increase of urine during last 3 d.; constant craving appetite,
with fulness as before; pulse 66. 10.30, symptoms continue; pulse
62. 2nd.-Woke with same pains in head and back; pulse 72.
12.50, same drowsy stupor as yesterday. Symptoms continued all d.
3rd.-Woke with usual pains; pulse 78. 6 p.m., has had drowsiness.
attended with vertigo most of d., and hunger with fulness as before;
pulse 76 (before eating). II, pain in back and under 1. scapula; head
same; pulse 65. Passed 31 oz. of high-coloured urine during last 24
h., sp. gr. 1020. 4th.-Same symptoms; eyes felt swollen and had
yellowish tint; stool (hitherto quite normal) lighter-coloured than
usual; sharp pain once in region of heart, lasting a few m.; pulse 71
in m., 56 at noon, 61 in e. Passed 43 oz. of urine during 24 h.,
colour nearly normal. 5th.-Same state; stool as yesterday; pulse
before breakfast 54, after 71. 12.50, coldness of lower extremities,
with pain from knees down. Passed 36 oz. of urine to-day, colour
nearly normal, sp. gr. 1013, light-coloured sediment after standing.
6th.-Woke feeling (for first time since beginning proving) quite well
but stool and urine as yesterday in appearance, sp. gr. of latter 1028.
7th.-Well save for sediment in urine. On 8th this had
but on
gone;
9th sp. gr. was 1035, and on 10th 1029. After this it became normal.
;
MYRICA.
327
21st.-
b. Having taken no M. since Dec. 1st, and being now quite well,
Dr. W. began, Dec. 14th, to prove the pulverised bark, of which that
d. he took 5 gr. without effect. 15th.-Took 10 gr., but felt nothing
save some dull aching in small of back. 16th.-Woke with same, and
also frontal headache as before. This went off during d., but back con-
tinued to ache, and throat was somewhat sore. 17th.-Besides aching
in head and back, hunger and fulness have returned. At 8 a.m. took
20 gr., and put some moistened with water on posterior part of fore-
arm. Throat sore still to-day, and urine dark-coloured. 18th.-As
yesterday; throat feels swollen, and stool is rather light. 19th.-Woke
in same condition; took 40 gr. at 7 a.m. Nausea and gagging soon
after dose; light stool, and dark urine with pinkish brown sediment.
20th.-Same. Stool loose and light. Took 80 gr. Constriction and
much stringy mucus about throat; drowsy stupor and deficient concen-
tration of mind; urine same (21 oz. only), and sp. gr. 1030.
Woke tired; scalp sore to touch; head more dull than painful; eyes
heavy and weak. At 9 a.m. took 160 gr. Symptoms much as before;
no stool; urine dark, 1032 (20 oz.). 22nd.-Restless n. till 2, then
slept till 7; woke with dull pain in head and eyes, latter congested and
yellow; back and throat same; no appetite, tongue furred; bad taste
in mouth and nausea. Pappy stool; urine high-coloured and frothy,
with considerable sediment, sp. gr. 1031 (19 oz.). 23rd.-Restless n.;
symptoms of head, throat and back continued and increased; passed
this m. 31 oz. of very high-coloured urine, looking like strong beer,
with large amount of froth of yellowish tint, sp. gr. 1032. Left home,
feeling miserable and dejected; and returned in same state on e. of
27th. Urine had been very scanty, high-coloured, and frothy. 28th.
-No appetite, could eat no breakfast; dulness and heaviness of head
and eyes; pain in back and hepatic region; felt sick and weak all over;
conjunctivæ congested and yellow, face and neck yellow; frequent
eructations of flatus, relieving pressure in stomach for a short time only.
29th.-Woke from unrefreshing sleep with exacerbation of all sym-
ptoms; bad taste in mouth; tongue thickly coated, dirty-white or
yellowish; throat and nares filled with offensive tenacious mucus;
whole surface of body has yellowish tint; loathing for food, strong de-
sire for acids; soft clay-coloured stool; chilly when out in air; aching
in limbs and all over body; urine same. Continued same up to Jan.
5th; since Ist took medicines for the jaundice, but without effect.
On 5th began digitalis 1x, 5 dr. every 3 h.; improvement began next
d., and continued till 20th, when he was well but weak. [Prover
mentions that during some part of the time in which he was experi-
menting a sort of jaundice was epidemic in his city; but justly points
to the other symptoms and their occurrence in both trials as evidence
that his whole illness was caused by the drug.-EDS.] (HALE'S New
Remedies, 2nd ed.)
9. I have taken 1 dr. of the 1st dil. n. and m. for the last 7 or 8
d. During this time my bowels have been rather more active than
usual, and the colour of the excreta much lighter, i.e. of a brighter
yellow than usual. I have noticed no other effects which might not be
incidental. (SHARP, M. Hom. Rev., xx, 749.)
328
NAJA.
NAJA.
Venom of the Naja tripudians, cobra de capello, hooded snake.
I. Provings.-1. a. Dr. STOKES, æt. 37, stout and robust, made a
paste of the Ix trit. with some (soft) water, and introduced on a clean
vaccine point some of this preparation into 3 punctures made by a lancet
in front of 1. forearm; also rubbed some of the trit. into one of the
wounds. (This was on Nov. 7th, 1852, at 9.30 a.m.) There followed
indefinable sensation of "all-overishness" with lightness in head, slight,
lasting abouth. 11.15, slight aching in ring and little finger of r.
hand, followed by peculiar sensation as of thumbing in middle of triceps
of 1. arm. 12.30, inoculated poison into a new wound in upper 1. arm.
There followed, fine tingling in legs and feet while standing; slight
aching in backs of thighs; burning pressure at a point in back of throat,
for several h. in afternoon; pressive and drawing sensation at points on
lower limbs and feet, several times. There was tired feeling in cervical
and dorsal vertebræ, with the peculiar burning often attendant on
exhaustion, all d. 8th.-Hard pressure on chest just above r. nipple,
p.m. 9th.-Rheumatic drawing in 1. shoulder, m. At 10 a.m. inocu-
lated well a puncture in 1. upper arm with the poison paste, and felt
immediately the all-overishness as at first, lasting h.; then dull shoots
up occiput and very fine pricking in 1. eyebrow. Since 7th and till
14th easily affected by alcohol, and sleep broken and disturbed.
b. 14th.-Mixed 6 dr. of 2nd dil. in 3iij of water, and took 3ss in
forenoon without effect. 15th.-Took 2 doses. In e. felt momentary
pain dart from 1. ilium forward into abdominal muscles. In r. chest,
dull warm pricking at a great multitude of points, over lower anterior
half from 5th rib downward, with heat extending up bronchi to larynx ;
a hard cough came on immediately, lasting for h., ending in expecto-
ration of a little thick mucus. 16th.-Sadness or serious disposition
this d. and two following ones. 17th.-Took 3j. 18th.-Mixed 6
dr. of 3rd dil. in 3vj of water; took 3j in e., and felt pricking in
stomach soon after. 19th.-Took 2 doses of 3j each. E., from 6 to 8,
very chilly, could not stay away from fire; after that better. In m.
uneasiness and pressure in bladder. Sadness and irresolution. 20th.-
Pricking pain in stomach after dinner. Took zij to-day. 21st.-E.,
asthmatic constriction of chest for h., ending in mucous expectoration.
c. Feb. 24th, 1853, smelled at 1st dil. Soon after, pressure on
upper part of r. sterno-mastoid, extending to angle of jaw, for 5 m.
E., melancholy; began to form images of possible wrongs and mis-
fortunes, over which the mind broods; very wretched at times. 25th.
-Feeling of large stool in rectum, which when voided was but small.
11.30 a.m., 8 glob. of 2nd potency. Very soon after, burning of ears.
E. while walking, sudden prostration of strength in limbs, for h.
26th, 27th.-Each d. 12 glob. of same; no symptoms. 28th.-One
dr. of 2nd dil. March 3rd.-For 3 d. sense as of something wanting
about præcordia. Tried to sing, but had
Tried to sing, but had no power to throw
out voice. Yesterday and to-day very wretched; a slight cause sets him
NAJA.
329
in a perfect agony of mental suffering on another's behalf; there is
feeling of depression and lowness about heart; mind broods over
imaginary troubles. Craving for stimulants, which aggravate the con-
dition; memory confused; shoots down legs and tingling in feet.
Better in e. For several d. itching in cicatrix of an ulcer. 4th.-
2 dr. of 2nd dil. on tongue. No symptoms. 5th.-3 dr. Makes
himself imaginary troubles, and frets over them (2 h.). A small boil-
like swelling on back of r. little finger; fades in 3 d. 6th.-Little
inclination for sleep, brain appearing irritable. Great desire and power
for walking yesterday; to-day reaction. For 10 m. in m. pressure and
gagging in throat. Decided pressive pains in 1. pectoral muscles for a
few m., a.m. 12th.-Yesterday and to-day r. nostril is extremely
sore; feels as if ulcerated. Took 6 dr. of 2nd in water. Pressure as
from stones in stomach after each meal, with acidity.
In August, mark of principal puncture on arm was livid yet.
(Brit. Journ. of Hom., xi, 95, 596.)
2. a. ROSA, æt. 19, robust and sanguine, was inoculated by same,
Nov. 8th, in r. upper arm. Great aching all up arm to shoulder all d.;
temper quicker than usual; face flushed in e., and burning hot. 9th.—
Throat dry on waking; face red on rising, and covered with hard
knots as in erysipelas; this disappeared after washing. Appeared at
breakfast with small papules on inflamed base at point of nose, which
was tender; they did not go away till 14th.
b. 14th.-Took 1 dr. of 2nd dil. Next d. a pimple appeared on
upper lip, and in m. eyelids were puffy. On 18th, another pimple on
1. ala nasi.
c. Jan. 17th.-Took 3 glob. of 4th three times a d. for a week.
After 1st dose, dragging and weariness in limbs while walking, with
slight frontal headache. Nothing else save on 20th, when neck and
body broke out in small white blisters on an inflamed base, very itchy;
passed off in an h. From 27th took 6th dil. for a week, but without
effect. (Ibid., p. 96, 598.)
3. J. McS, æt. 38, commenced taking cobra poison, Aug. 4th.
Dose, gtt. iij of 2nd potency in 3j aquæ. In e. felt tired and sleepy,
had to retire at 9 p.m. Slept directly after going to bed. 5th.-Ther-
mometer at 62°. Awoke with troublesome tickling in larynx with
nausea, sneezing and coughing. 2 p.m., took gtt.iij as before. Con-
tinuance of tickling with scanty expectoration of tasteless mucus.
6th.-Thermometer 69°. Gasping for breath all this d., yesterday,
and the d. before, but particularly so to-d., with several deep-drawn
inspirations. At 10 p.m. took gtt. iij as before. 7th.-Awoke early
with 'hawking of viscid mucus. 2 p.m., took gt. iij. Tickling con-
tinues, but less. 8th.-At I p.m. took gtt. iv, and felt immediately
afterwards increased tenderness over trachea. Gasping for breath both
yesterday and to-d. (therm. 66°); for several h. feeling as if there were
a hair in trachea. 9th.-Ther. 66°. 2 p.m., took gtt. v, and soon after-
wards felt increased tenderness of throat and over sternum, lasting all d.
10th.-Therm. 66°. To-d. an ulcer on frenum of tongue. This
m., on awaking, expectorated freely a whitish viscid mucus. Soon
after noon took 12 dr. Almost while taking med. felt all above sym-
330
NAJA.
ptoms greatly increased, added to which, feeling of hollowness over
entire head, which continued several d., and caused him to leave off
further provings. (M. Hom. Rev., iii, 162.)
4. a. Dr. RUTHERFURD RUSSELL, Jan. 31st, 1853, in bed at 6 a.m.
took in a little water I gr. of Ist trit. In 6 m. uneasiness of stomach,
soon passing off. While dozing was roused by sudden sense of chok-
ing, a sort of grasping at throat; a few m. later felt sudden jerking of
1. masseter. In about h. had unusual beating of heart, audible to
himself. No other effect that d. Feb. Ist.-At 7 a.m. took same
dose. Soon after, slight palpitation of heart, and uneasy dryness of
fauces. 2nd. Took same at 6 a.m. In 20 m. uneasy constriction
or irritation of larynx, giving rise to desire to cough; this returned
several times. On previous d. had felt rather dull in spirits, without
obvious cause, and to-d. had great depression; also occasional whiz-
zing in 1. ear, with insipid, almost nauseous, taste in mouth, and now
and then tearing pain in abdomen. 3rd.-At 6.30 a.m. took same
dose dry on tongue. Soon felt sharpish prick in larynx, with desire
to cough. In about h. drawing painful sensation in r. jaw; at spot
of
tongue where powder fell there is sense of rawness, as if it would
rise to a blister; occasional pains in bowels during d.; very low spirits.
On
n next 2 d. took same dose, but no effect was observed. A catarrh
here supervened, which caused discontinuance of proving.
b. May 3rd, resumed daily morning doses of I gr. of 1st trit., con-
tinuing them till the 7th. Soon after dose of 3rd, griping in 1. abdo-
men for about 10 m., and a few stitches in 1. temporal region. During
6th and 7th, especially latter, had considerable pain in forehead, waking
him at n., and he awoke with this on m. of 8th. Pain was attended
by fluttering of heart; was dull, with occasional stitches in frontal
eminences. Tongue was coated with thick yellow fur. On 8th,
while walking in country, was suddenly seized with most urgent desire
to evacuate bowels; matter discharged was of light colour, and rather
watery, coming with great force, as if he had taken a strong cathartic.
On 9th again loose stool, with slight pain. On 10th diarrhoeic con-
dition continued, and on 11th he was still uneasy. For last few d. he
had felt languid and indifferent. On 12th and 13th he had no stool;
and felt great languor and loss of appetite. On 14th and 15th motions.
were partly costive, partly loose, and attended with slight pain in abdo-
men. Was told he looked pale and ill, and felt out of sorts, without
any special complaint.
c. Oct. 1st., 1853, at 5.30 a.m., took 1 dr. of Ist dil. on sugar of
milk, washing it down with water. In a few m. uneasiness about
umbilical region, and in a short time slight pain in front of r. thigh,
which soon passed off; also slight pain in 1. frontal eminence. Slight
nausea and empty eructations during forenoon, and occasional twisting
pain in umbilical region. Took another dose at n., and a third next
m., without noteworthy effect. Repeated same on n. of 2nd, and m.
of 3rd.; h. after latter slight fulness and pain in upper forehead,
and in 2 h. slight shooting pain in 1. tonsil. 3 p.m., slight headache,
dulness of spirits, tormina in lower bowels with desire to evacuate them.
Continued same doses up to 7th. In m. of 5th slight pain and fulness.
NAJA.
331
of upper forehead and peculiar stringent sensation in pharynx; also
nervous sensation about heart; and several times in course of d. clog-
ging up of larynx and trachea with thick tenacious mucus; frequent
sharp griping about umbilicus. After m. dose of 7th rather severe
and steady pain in 1. frontal region, and slight nausea.
d. Nov. 11th-14th, took I gr. of Ist trit. n. and m. Soon after
1st dose slight pinching sensation in stomach and slight pain in fore-
head. After 2nd, peculiar oppression about heart, and slight pain
in one tonsil; also darting pain running across forehead. After
3rd slight spasmodic pain in stomach and sense of scraping in
throat; next m. on waking pains between shoulders, which con-
tinued all d. Nausea after last 3 doses, with same feelings in
throat and stomach, and slight frontal headache. Pain between
shoulders increased all 14th, and continued till 16th; it was worse on
moving arms. For last 2 d. urine in m. thickly loaded with red sedi-
ment, which gathered like a cloud at bottom of vessel, and seemed.
mixed with mucus. Repeated dose n. of 17th and m. of 18th. After
Ist dose griping in stomach, and after 2nd return of pain between
shoulders. Dec. 7th-21st.-Took this dose every m.
Soon after
Ist dose, nausea and pain in brow, audible beating of heart, and sense.
of depression. In course of d., while busily occupied, attention was
arrested by heavy dragging sensation in spine between shoulders; it
lasted about h., and caused much uneasiness. During whole d.
and depression of vital energy to unusual degree. 8th.-After dose,
while warm in bed, several fits of coughing, with pecular sensation
about fauces and larynx; slight nausea. Thereafter, slight frontal
headache was a constant symptom; on 2 m., cough with taste of blood
in m. Large painful pimple on brow. Much scurt on head. Pain
as before between shoulders. (Brit. Journ. of Hom., xi, 593 and
xii, 244.)
nausea
I
5. a. G. E. STEWART, æt. 24. Took, Oct. 1st-6th, 1853, 1
dr. of Ist dil. m. and e. In h. after 1st dose, felt irritation in larynx,
as from inspiring acrid vapour, with warmth and rawness, causing
hoarseness and tickling cough; this continued till I p.m., and returned
about 4 for some h. 10.30, sensation for some time on small spot
about 1. palate as when aconite has been chewed; head heavy, with
dull confused mental state; frequent yawning-these last continued
till 1, and at 4 headache returned, with numbness in hands and crampy
pains in 1. palm, also shifting achings specially felt in shoulder-joints.
2nd. After retiring last n. much troubled with flatulent colic; and
both then and this m. for 1 h. after rising stinging, aching, somewhat
burning pain along r. side of penis, as if immediately under skin. Mouth
dry this m. on waking. Same sensations in larynx and head followed
m. dose, but less strong and lasting; also, tightness in upper chest ;
pains as yesterday, drawing and shooting in 1. elbow-joint being severe;
occasionally during d. transient stitches in hypochondria and aching
round loins; for 1-2 h. after dinner anguishing pain in 1. hypochon-
drium and loins, and flatulence. This pain, in loins and abdomen.
generally, came on again for about an h. after going to bed. 3rd.-
Laryngeal symptoms very slight; occasional colic and flatulence, not so
;
332
NAJA.
bad; once or twice considerable uneasiness in upper chest, not lasting
long. After e. dose pain in 1. lumbar region, with occasional stitches,
spreading over whole abdomen and to r. groin, eased by bending
forward; dull stitching in r. face for a few m., and same in upper chest,
ankles, and lower third of thighs (not in knees); transient vertigo,
followed by "stounding" pain in r. head. Went to bed with these
pains in head, loins and abdomen; but woke on 4th free from them.
After m. dose, almost immediately irritating, raw, rough pain in wind-
pipe, which increased rapidly and was very annoying, giving rise to
frequent, severe, hard cough, which made him quite giddy, and caused
noise in head and pain in chest ; slight hoarseness; severe dull frontal
aching, with stoundings, not increased by cough; dull pain in r. hypo-
chondrium and loin. These feelings continued pretty severe for 1 h.,
then gradually decreased till I p.m., when he felt well, save for dulness
in head, and occasional dull pains in abdomen during d. After e.
powder (7 p.m.) laryngeal irritation returned, but with little cough;
dull aching contractive pains in chest ; chilly creeping over 1. foot and
leg; usual slight headache; occasional crampy pains in thighs, shoulders,
and nape; numb pain in hands. 9-12, heaviness and dull pain in
eyes, with suffusion, then tired aching, though they had not been much
used; severe frontal headache; hot sore feeling of lips; creeping
itching in various parts of body from time to time; aching in loins.
5th.-Few and slight symptoms to-day, which was much warmer than
any since commencement of proving. 6th.-Same, in spite of raw
chilliness in air, during d. ; but all symptoms recurred in some force in e.,
with momentary but very violent shooting pain in r. side and dull
aching in many joints. 7th.-Woke with laryngo-tracheal irritation,
which continued for an h. or more, with hoarseness; much flatulence;
aching in loins.
b. Took 3rd dil. in same way for a week in Nov. There was a
recurrence of all the previous symptoms, but only to a slight degree;
irritability of larynx, especially on exposure to cold air, being most
marked.´´ (Ibid., xii, 215.)
6. a. M. C., woman, æt. 38, proved drug under superintendence
of Dr. Stewart, and in same way. After 1st dose, taken 15 m. before
breakfast, felt sickish from feeling at pit of throat; nausea, with dis-
agreeable sensation about stomach, headache above eyes, belching up of
water, and flatulence, continued till midday. P.m., began to feel pain
in throat again, also severe throbbing headache (frontal). In e. acute
pain in small of back for 2—3 h., hot skin, and pain in a small cyst she
has in neck. 2nd.-Clammy mouth in m. and horrible taste. After
m. dose feeling in pit of throat as if skinned; burning heat in face at
different times in d., with flushing; headache all d., but very slight
save for a short time about 3 p.m., when it was severe and throbbing.
3rd. No symptoms during d.; but after e. powder severe gnawing
pain in lower part of back, worse after going to bed, and keeping her
awake some time. 4th.-Took dose at 8.30 a.m. Soon after break-
fast very bad headache, especially acute over 1. eye, for an h.; rawness
in throat for several h.; frequent yawning; hot pain at back of eye-
balls; pain shooting through from 1. scapula to front of chest. After
NAJA.
333
on
e. dose, recurrence of all these symptoms, with burning in face, espe-
cially 1. side, and slight flushing. Thought of giving over taking drug,
account of the violence of the headaches caused by it. 5th.-
Woke this m. with very bad headache, and great noise in the ears as
if a mill were going in the head; slight pain in loins. By 9.30 aching
and noise were almost gone, and little effect was produced by the day's
doses. On 6th, however, after m. dose, headache was very bad, and
there was disagreeable feeling in stomach.
1
b. Nov. 1st-6th M. C. took I dr. of 3rd dil. m. and e. Beyond
slight headache on first and last d. there was no effect. 12th-15th,
took i dr. of Ist dil. (a new preparation) m. and e. During these d.
some of the old symptoms recurred, but only slightly in comparison.
Dec. 12th-17th, took I dr. of 6th dil. in same way, with still less
effect. (Ibid., p. 248.)
7. a. Dr. CRAIG began Aug. 12th to take I gr. of 2nd trit. at 7
and II a.m. daily. Little effect was observed till 15th, when he had,
10 a.m., uneasiness about heart while walking; 12, dull pain to r. of
sternum, immediately behind 3rd rib, passing under sternum-the spot
tender to touch; chest tight across upper part; 2, after a moderate
walk heat and uneasiness in 1. chest, with aching pain, felt particularly
about 2 in. below middle of 1. clavicle. 6, dull heavy pain over lower
half of r. chest, with stabbing on inspiring deeply, which causes short
cough, but no aggravation by movement; in bed could not lie for a m.
on I. side, but pain and breathing were much relieved by lying on
affected side. Took dose of bryonia 3. 16th.—Chest much easier,
but cannot expand it without considerable stabbing pain; dulness on
percussion distinct as high as r. nipple. Noon, chest comparatively
easy; took a dose. 17th.-8 a.m., r. chest quite easy, some aching in 1.
chest in front. Noon, aching sticking in 1. side much worse, seems
more diffused and external. 4, cannot ride and can scarce walk for the
pain; has to press 1. side with hand and bend that way; on attempting
to walk fast it is as if there was a broken rib tearing lung; on attempting
to breathe deeply there are horrid lancinations in all directions through
chest, and short puffing cough, which also recurs spontaneously every
m. 8, chills and partial heats, and general feeling of being unwell.
11, considerable fever with partial chills; 1. side as before; resp. 34,
pulse 98; again can lie only on affected side. 18th.-Slept well, and
felt much better in m., though there was still cough and considerable
pain in 1. side. 19th.-Chest much better, can take breath and cough
without much inconvenience. 20th.-Quite well.
b. Oct. 3rd-8th, took I dr. of Ist dil. once or twice daily. On
7th, 10 a.m., distinct dull shooting in various localities in 1. chest, and
slight pricking pain in 1. pharynx. 8 p.m., chest better, but throat
much worse. 8th.-L. side of throat is red, with considerable pain on
swallowing. 8 p.m., throat very painful; took dose of belladonna.
9th.-L. tonsil inflamed and painful. No further record. Nov. 7th-
18th took same (new preparation) in same way. On 7th, at 2 p.m.,
while writing, sudden attack of fluttering at heart, with rising in throat.
On 12th, extreme coldness of feet, and on 13th same of hands also;
on 14th, same of feet, with aching at vertex capitis. On 15th, e.,
334
NAJA.
uneasy aching about chest, particularly l. side; and on 16th, e., same
with heat. 17th, quite free from any symptoms during d., but uneasi-
ness about heart again in e. 18th.-Woke with soreness of 1. throat.
8 p.m., after riding some distance considerable pain in heart, extending
through to 1. scapula, not affected by deep inspiration; lasted some h.
and was very marked. (Ibid., p. 221.)
8. W. R, æt. 27, took 1st dil. in Oct., 3rd in Nov., and 6th in
Dec. There was so much amiss with his health on commencing prov-
ing, and so little fresh occurred, save some catarrh and a gingivitis
which may well have been accidental, that no record of his experiences
need be given here. (Ibid., p. 223.)
9. Mrs. R—, wife of above, æt. 23, proved 3rd dil. in usual way
during Nov. Was suckling an infant 4-5 mo. old, and at same time
had profuse menstruation, with much leucorrhoea during periods; also
liable to congestion of head. She became ill while taking drug,—
feverish, thirsty, diarrhoeic (as was infant also), and colicky, with fre
quent sick turns; but the detailed symptoms are so blended with those
of her previous far from healthy state that they cannot here be given.
(She did not enjoy very good health after taking the medicine, but the
leucorrhoea she formerly suffered from entirely disappeared.) (Ibid.,
p. 246.)
10. a. WILLIAM GILLOW, æt. 27, affected with pityriasis of scalp,
hæmorrhoids, and frequent severe attacks of flatulence; otherwise
healthy. Oct. 1st-6th, took m. and e. I dr. of 1st dil. 2nd.-Passed
a wakeful n. (very uncommon, and no reason for it); dreamed vividly,
and woke up very frequently with very dry mouth. 3rd.-On going
to bed peculiar headache, dull constricted feeling across forehead, with
heaviness of eyes; slight nausea, dry mouth and very cold feet, though
he had been sitting in a warm room. This m., after dose, had some
slight headache, with dryness of mouth and cold feet. 7.30 p.m.,
very sudden and relaxed motion, with return of m. symptoms. On
4th no symptoms, and none on 5th till after e. dose, when on going to
bed he felt peculiar morbid condition of body and mind; constant
violent sexual desire, with little physical power. Thus n. was passed
most miserably,-frequent waking, with vivid imaginations and most
painful state of mind. [No. 8 notes unusual excitement of genital in-
stinct and power more or less throughout proving.-EDS.] There
were involuntary emissions, followed by great prostration and distress.
He never felt these symptoms in the same way before. 6th.-Felt
prostrate and miserable in body and mind; dulness about head, heavy
aching over eyes, dry mouth. This continued more or less all´d. In
e. felt better, and (though n. was restless) continued so till e. of 7th,
when symptoms came on which eventuated in a severe cold.
b. Nov. 14th-22nd took same, at first m. and e., later at noon
only. Was then in his usual health. 15th.-M., mouth very dry,
and headache over eyes, peculiar oppressive and constricted feeling;
went off after breakfast. 16th.-Same.
16th. Same. 17th.-Peculiar distress about
generative organs, with great depression of mind; sexual desire mor-
bidly strong, yet no physical power. 18th. In 2 h. after (midday)
dose, return of dry mouth and headache. No moral symptoms to-day.
C
NAJA.
335
19th. One h. after dose slight heaviness over eyes, with constricted
feeling and dryness of throat. 20th.-M. stool for some d. getting
scantier, and to-day less than ever. 21st and 22nd.—Same costiveness.
No further effects. In Dec. took several doses of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
trits. without effect. (Ibid.)
m.
11. a. Dr. POPE, æt. 23, took, Oct. 1st-7th, I dr. of Ist dil. m
and e.
On 2nd slight aching in both temples for 2—3 h., and on 3rd
similar pain all d., and tightness in larynx on getting into bed. He
felt this again on waking next m., and it continued all d., with slight
headache. On 5th same, with cough, and oppressive aching in tem-
ples. On 6th and 7th felt tightness in larynx immediately after e.
dose, and in m. of 7th aching in temples and across forehead recurred.
b. Nov. 6th-12th took same (new preparation). 8th.-Severe
aching across forehead, particularly over each temple, and weight over
eyelids. Tightness over vertex. Depression of spirits, inability for
exertion, everything seemed going wrong. Pain lessened as d. advanced,
but was aggravated by motion or exertion of any kind. 9th.-Pain in
head of same kind, but less severe; was at once dissipated by a very
little alcohol or tobacco. 10th.-Headache like that on 8th came on
after m. dose, and remained for 2 or 3 h. 11th.-Slight headache over
r. eye and in r. temple; spirits better. 12th.-Same.
c. Dec. 4th-10th, took 1 dr. of 6th dil. m. and e.
On 6th slight
headache and great restlessness; on 9th slight headache and great
depression of spirits; on 10th, aching over whole head and depression
of spirits, continuing during following d. without any more medicine.
[The foregoing is Dr. Pope's revision, in his present lights, of the
record of his proving. To latter he adds the following remarks :-" On
reviewing the abnormal symptoms which have succeeded my taking
the N. poison, I find that the most persistent and best marked have
been severe headache, usually accompanied by intense depression of
spirits. The headache was very severe, at times almost unendurable,
and the melancholy equally distressing. The headache was most
marked, and usually began, in the r. temporal region (also occupying
the 1., though in less degree), and involved the eye of the same side.
The pain was a deep-seated, severe aching, occasionally shooting; it
gradually extended to a sense of dull aching over forehead and vertex,
but always remaining most severe in each temple. The least motion
aggravated it intensely. It was relieved by going into the open air,
though but slightly; smoking procured more marked relief, and alco-
holic liquors completely dissipated it. This pain was present whenever
the poison was taken, though most severe on Nov. 8th and 9th. It
was, as before remarked, accompanied by great depression of spirits.
This melancholy was of a peculiar kind. I felt that everything
that was done was done in a wrong way, and could not be recti-
fied. If I felt that I had some duty to perform, I had at the same time
a strong impulse not to do it, and was extremely restless in conse-
quence. These moral symptoms were not present at all during Oct.;
they were very distressing while taking the Nov. doses, and, though
present, were much less severe in Dec.' He goes on to say that he
only once felt this headache and depression before, viz. when-some
336
NAJA.
6-7 years previously-residing in the relaxing atmosphere of Torquay.]
(Ibid., p. 234.)
12. a. JOHN LANDELL, æt. 26, took I dr. of Ist dil. n. and m.
Oct. 2nd-8th.-Had coryza at beginning of proving, and had had
rheumatism of shoulders 6 weeks previously. This last recurred after
1st powder. The usual frontal headache of N. began on 3rd, and
continued all d. on 4th. On e. of 5th felt sick, almost to vomiting;
irritable, restless; frontal headache, throbbing of temples, and disagree-
able fulness of head when lying; feeling of weariness and frequent
yawning. On m. of 7th tearing pains in abdomen for 2 h.; still head-
ache, weariness, and yawning; chilblains have appeared on feet last
3 d., very painful, cannot put boots on, has not had them before for 3
or 4 years.
b. Nov. 1st-7th, took n. and m. 1 dr. of 3rd, and, 11th-17th,
I dr. of Ist dil. From first, no effect save slight headache and transient
though sharp abdominal pains. On 12th, sharp shooting pains from
one temple to the other; nausea with pain and beating in stomach, and
feeling of prostration; all relieved in open air. On 15th, chilblains,
which had been better, were worse; with usual headache, there was
forgetfulness and prostration. On 17th, gum of 1. canine inflamed,
and opposite to it an ulcer of under lip, which did not disappear till
12 d. after finishing med. In Dec. took 6th dil. in same manner for a
week, but without result. (Ibid., p. 241.)
13. Dr. DRYSDALE took Ist dil. for a week in Oct. without
result, and the same may be said of his trial of the 3rd dil. in Nov.
In Dec. he took the fresh preparation of 1st dil., without noticing any
deviation from health save that on 6th, while driving, he felt a sudden
pang of pain through 1. side of head, from behind forwards, lasting only
a m. or two. (Ibid., p. 243.)
14. I was giving it to a very intelligent lady, a physician's wife,
for organic disease of the heart. She experienced no benefit from its
use, but complained that it occasioned a symptom altogether new to
her-a violent crampy pain in the region of the 1. ovary. (HOLCOMBE,
U. S. M. and S. Journ., i, 234.)
II. Poisonings.-I. A woman was bitten in the small of the leg by
a cobra. I saw her about 10 h. after the accident. She had lost her
hearing and feeling; and deglutition was much impeded. A torpor
and listlessness pervaded the whole system, and from the moment of the
bite had gradually increased. She took three Tanjore pills at 3-4 h.
interval, and in about 8 h. gradually recovered feeling and sight, and
could swallow more freely. She remained weakly for 8-10 d.
(PATRICK RUSSELL, Brit. Journ. of Hom., xi, 84.)
2. A Dubash was bitten in the toe by a snake, which from his
description appeared to be a cobra. A few drops of blood issued from
the part, and he was sensible instantly of pain. When he came to me,
about 1 h. after, the pain had advanced as high as the knee-joint; I gave
him a Tanjore pill. In 10 m. more the pain had got to the top of the
thigh and had become much more severe. I then gave him two more pills
and some hot wine-part only of which he retained. Patient now com-
plained of severe pains in his belly, which upon examination appeared
|
NAJA.
337
tense and much swelled. Sense of tightness spreading fast to heart, and
respiration becoming extremely laborious, an attempt was made to
induce him to take two pills more; but deglutition being impeded a
part of them only reached the stomach and was immediately rejected.
From this time the stricture of the oesophagus increased so much that
nothing could be forced down the throat; he foamed at the mouth;
his eyes stood staring and fixed; his pulse and breathing became hardly
perceptible, and in short every vital motion seemed at a stand. I now
applied spirits of hartshorn to his mouth and nostrils, by which in a few
m. a strong sneeze being excited, he immediately began to breathe and
soon pronounced the word "better." After he had recovered a little,
he told me he felt the pain descending retrograde in the same track in
which it had risen, and expressed a strong desire to sleep. He slept for
h., and upon awaking vomited plentifully. He had now recovered
his senses, and said he felt only a little pain in his foot, which at last
descended to the toe. In the course of 2 h. he was able to walk home,
but did not recover the fatigue for some d. (Ibid.)
3. A sepoy was bitten on the ankle by a large snake, believed to
be a cobra, and was brought to Capt. Gander's house within h.
after. His jaws were locked, his eyes fixed, and very little sign of life
remaining; four large punctures were visible on the ankle, and on eau
de luce being applied to these the man gave marks of sensibility by
drawing up his leg. Two bottles of warmed wine were poured down his
throat during h., the jaws being forced open so as to introduce a
funnel; and the ammonia was constantly applied for 3 h. Patient
was then without any sense of feeling whatever; and had it not been
for a gentle heave of his breast every 2 or 3 h. he would have been
thought dead. He remained in this torpid state 40 h., and then began
to show signs of returning life. It was 12 h. more before he recovered
his speech, and he continued many days in a very languid state. (Ibid.)
4. A serpent-catcher was bitten by a cobra in the fleshy part
between the thumb and forefinger. He felt instantly a sharp pain in
the part bitten, which soon spread over the palm and upwards on the
arm. He felt also sickness at stomach, but did not vomit. In less
than an h. hand and wrist considerably swelled, pain extended nearer
shoulder, he was sensible of confusion in his head and a strong disposi-
tion to doze. From this time he himself was for several h. ignorant of
what had passed; but those about him said that he at times showed
much inquietude without making any specific complaint; at other
I times he lay moaning and dozing. Towards midnight startings about
his throat were observed, his breathing became laborious, he could not
speak articulately, and seemed not to perceive objects though his eyes
were open. They had applied a poultice of herbs to his arm, and
administered a secret antidote internally, but finding he grew worse
and worse, Dr. R— was sent for.
was sent for. He did not see patient till next m.,
when he found hand and arm monstrously swelled, but senses perfectly
recovered (they had returned about 2 a.m.); the man complained only
of confusion of head, languor, and pain in arm. The parts about the
punctures mortified. The gangrene spread over back and palm of
hand and part of wrist, laying tendons bare, and forming an ulcer of
VOL. III.
22
338
NAJA.
considerable extent, which, however, healed favourably under the
usual treatment. He recovered his health in 8-10 d. (Ibid.)
5. E. H. G—, æt. 31, keeper in reptile-house of Zoological Gardens,
went one m. to his charge partially intoxicated. At 8.10 a.m., while
playing with a cobra, it made a dart at him, and inflicted a wound on
the upper nose. After 20 m.-having previously shown no symptoms
save agitation at what had occurred-he began to stagger in walking
and to speak unintelligibly; at same time movements, apparently con-
vulsive, of mouth and of limbs were observed. He made no complaint
of pain or other sensation. He was taken to the hospital, and during
transit was observed to grow very rapidly worse.
When seen by
physicians (8.45) he moaned, grasped his throat with some eagerness of
action, tossed his head from side to side, and moved his arms and legs
in an uneasy, restless manner, not apparently convulsive. When asked
in a loud voice if he felt pain, he made no reply, and gave no evidence
that he heard or understood the question. He was unable to support
himself in a sitting posture. His face generally was slightly livid; his
eyes fixed; his pupils acting sluggishly to light. Skin was of natural
temperature and moisture; pulse 120, regular in rhythm, but unequal
in force, most of the beats, however, being tolerably full and strong.
On upper nose were a number of small punctured wounds, from one
or more of which a small quantity of blood had flowed. L. eyelids,
especially upper, were swollen and livid, lividity extending to r. side of
nose but not to l. There appeared to be no swelling of tongue.
1
b. These observations were made rapidly as patient lay on a couch
in the casualty room. He was immediately transferred to the ward,
undressed, and put into bed. The interval that elapsed between his
being first seen and his being put to bed, though certainly not exceed-
ing 5 m., witnessed a material change in his symptoms. Just prior to
being lifted into bed, respiration was 20 per m., very shallow, without
stertor, and free from any sound indicating obstruction. By this time
the movements of the extremities had entirely ceased, the lividity of
the face had very markedly increased, free perspiration had occurred
over surface generally, and pulse continued tolerably good. As it was
evident the man was rapidly dying from respiratory failure, preparations
were immediately made for artificial respiration. Before it was begun,
natural breathing had ceased, and pulse was 32 only, remarkably
irregular both in rhythm and force, some of the beats being remarkably
full and bounding. When artificial respiration had been continuea
2 m., pulse was 70 and less irregular. It was persevered with for
50 m. Pulse continued of fair power and volume, maintaining, how-
ever, its characters of irregularity and inequality. On two occasions it
was 104, and once 72. At no time was there any indication of reco-
very of natural respiration, but there was felt throughout, till within
h. of the cessation of the pulse, a clonic contraction of the sterno-
mastoids, very irregular in rhythm. At 9.40 pulse ceased, and artificial
respiration was discontinued. Skin had continued moist and, for the
most part, warm till near the close. Lividity of face continued, but no
other part was discoloured or swollen.
c. P.M. (30 h. later).-Bloody fluid had continued ever since to
NAJA.
339
ooze from highest and largest wound on nose, others being closed by
coagula, and from mouth and nostrils a considerable amount of frothy
blood had issued. There was livid discoloration of dependent parts,
both externally and in lungs, whose posterior aspect was gorged and
almost black. Air-tubes throughout were filled with black frothy fluid,
such as exuded on section of lungs; and their lining membrane (in-
cluding that of lower trachea) stained with similar colour. Heart
healthy; 1. side contracted and empty; r. filled with dark fluid blood,
in which was a little very loose coagulum. Alimentary canal
healthy, save that stomach showed patches of pale colour alternating
with patches of red-latter formed by aggregation of minute red spots
(? alcohol). Liver and kidneys dark, but otherwise natural; spleen
enormously congested, almost black, substance very soft, exuding on
section very dark blood. In brain and spinal cord scarcely anything
abnormal. During the dissection, it was noticed that the body exhaled
a peculiar sour odour. (Lancet, 1852, ii, 327.)
6. A woman, bitten by a cobra, was found sitting on the ground
suffering from a succession of swooning fits. She had had 8 before my
arrival, 2 h. after the bite, the marks of which were seen on the ankle.
While with her another swooning came on; she fell forward from
sitting posture insensible. After some time, with convulsive gasps, she
came to herself. She took a native antidote, and had only one more
fit, 2 h. after the last. (FAYRER, Ed. Med. Journ., 1869, p. 425.)
7. Mr. F. BUCKLAND had skinned a rat which had been killed by
a cobra-bite. "I had not walked a hundred yards," he writes, "before
all of a sudden I felt just as if somebody had come behind me and
struck me a severe blow on the head and neck, and at the same time I
experienced a most acute pain and sense of oppression at the chest, as
though a hot iron had been run in, and a hundredweight put on the
top of it. I knew instantly from what I had read that I was poisoned;
I said as much to my friend, a most intelligent gentleman, who hap-
pened to be with me, and told him if I fell to give me brandy and eau
de luce, words which he kept repeating in case he might forget them.
At the same time I enjoined him to keep me going, and not on any
account to allow me to lie down. I then forgot everything for several
minutes, and my friend tells me I rolled about as if very faint and
weak. He also informs me that the first thing I did was to fall against
him, asking if I looked seedy. He most wisely answered, 'No, you
look very well.' I do not think he thought so, for his own face was
as white as a ghost. I recollect this much. He tells me my face was
a greenish-yellow colour. After walking or rather staggering along
for some minutes, I gradually recovered my senses and steered for the
nearest chemist's shop. Rushing in, I asked for eau de luce. Of
course he had none, but my eye caught the words Spt. Am. Co., or
hartshorn, on a bottle. I reached it down myself, and pouring a large
quantity into a tumbler with a little water, both of which articles I
found on a soda-water stand in the shop, drank it off, though it burnt
my mouth and lips very much. Instantly I felt relief from the pain at
the chest and neck. The chemist stood aghast, and on my telling him
what was the matter, recommended a warm bath. If I had then fol-
340
NAJA.
lowed his advice, these words would never have been placed on record.
After a second draught at the hartshorn bottle I proceeded on my way,
feeling very stupid and confused. On arriving at my friend's residence
close by, he kindly procured me a bottle of brandy, of which I drank
four large wine glasses, one after another, but did not feel the least
tipsy after the operation. Feeling nearly well, I started on my way
home, and then for the first time perceived a most acute pain under
the nail of the left thumb; this pain also ran up the arm. I set to work
to suck the wound, and then found out how the poison had got into
the
system. About an hour before I examined the dead rat, I had
been cleaning the nail with a penknife, and had slightly separated the
nail from the skin beneath. Into this little crack the poison had got
when I was scraping the rat's skin to examine the wound. How
virulent, therefore, must the poison of the cobra be! It had already
circulated in the body of the rat from which I had imbibed it second-
hand." (Curiosities of Natural History, 2nd ed., p. 225.)
III. Experiments on animals.-1. June 1787, dog bitten on inside
of thigh by a species of N. howled at first as if in much pain. After
2 or 3 m. he lay down, and continued at intervals to moan and howl.
After 20 m. he rose, but stood with difficulty, and was unable to walk ;
his whole frame seemed greatly disordered. He soon lay down again,
and in a few m. was seized with convulsions, in which he expired,
27 m. after bite. (P. RUSSELL, op. cit.)
2. July, a large very stout dog was similarly bitten. In a m. or
two thigh was drawn up, which is generally first symptom of poison
having taken effect. He continued, however, nearly an h. walking
on three legs, seemingly not otherwise disordered; he then laid himself
along, showed great inquietude, but did not howl; purged once.
About this time he became in an uncommon degree convulsed about
head and throat, and made several vain efforts to rise, both hind legs.
being now paralytic. In this state he continued above an h., and
then died, 2 h. after bite. (Similar results followed in 3 other cases.)
(lbid.)
3. A cobra de capello was made to bite a very large stout dog.
At first the dog complained loudly, though neither was the thigh drawn
up, nor for h. did any symptom of poisoning appear. About this
time, breaking loose, he was pursued, and after a chase of 1 h. was
brought back, extremely heated and fatigued. After resting h. water
was offered to him, but he would not drink, though he ate some morsels
of bread thrown into the water. Abouth. after eating the bread he
grew sick, vomited, and began to howl and show much inquietude.
After 10 m. he vomited a second time, and became extremely outra-
geous, struggled to get loose, snapped desperately at the stake to which
he was tied, and howled incessantly. He then lay down, and was much
agitated about belly and stomach; muscles of face also were convulsed.
Being made to rise, he walked without any serious impediment from
the hind legs. At end of 3rd h. he still continued extremely ferocious,
so that it was necessary to tie his legs. From this time his howlings
and strugglings grew gradually weaker, and the convulsive motions of
his face increased. In this state he lingered about an h. longer, and
NAJA.
341
1
then expired. Bitten part was black for size of half-a-crown around.
(Ibid.)
4. A solution of I gr. of the poison in 3j of olive oil was slowly
injected into the facial vein of a large rabbit. The operation did not
occupy above a minute, and before it was complete the animal was
quite dead. On dissection, it was found that the oil had passed freely
through the lungs, as it was found in the liver and abdominal vessels ;
and so it is not probable that it was merely the pressure of the oil in
the heart that had caused the death. The heart was found distended
in all its cavities with dark blood, as if it had been wholly paralysed.
(R. RUSSELL, Brit. Journ. of Hom., xi, 592.)
5. A guinea-pig had injected into its peritoneal cavity a solution of
gr. of cobra poison in 10 dr. of distilled water, at 1.56 p.m. 2,
sluggish; does not twitch as another did, which received similarly a
dose of crotalus poison. (See Crotalus, iii, 6). 2.4, started and
squeaked slightly, as though in pain. 2.5, slight twitching general.
Paralysis and ataxy commencing; drags legs with difficulty. 2.9,
sharp twitchings of head and neck. 2.12, subsides on to belly; head
fallen over, crawls with difficulty; is very feeble, almost paralysed.
Eyes (it is an albino) have heavy dull look; they have lost their bright
pink. 2.14, convulsed. 2.15, reflex action ceased; apparently dead,
but heart can still be felt beating; occasional convulsive twitching of
lower lips. 2.17, all movements have ceased,—those of heart also, save
for slight flickering contractions of auricles. 2.20, electrodes in cord
showed this and its nerves paralysed; muscles contract freely to direct
stimulus of current. Heart distended with blood, which, when
removed, formed rapidly a firm coagulum. Intestines, peritoneum,
and subperitoneal areolar tissue congested and ecchymosed; sanguino-
lent effusion into peritoneum, but not so well marked as in the crotalus
poisoning. Peristaltic action of bowels ceased rapidly. (BRUnton
and FAYRER, Report on Sanitary Measures in India, 1873-4.).
p.m.
6. Same dose was injected into jugular vein of a large rabbit at 2.55
Rabbit passed at once into violent convulsions, and was appa-
rently dead before it could be removed from the board (1 m.). Cord
was immediately exposed, artificial respiration having also been begun ;
electrodes applied, with strong current, induced no reaction, cord was
completely paralysed. Thorax examined 2.59. Heart had ceased to
act; ventricles moderately contracted, auricles distended with blood.
Phrenic, on being irritated, gave no response; diaphragm, when
directly excited by current, contracts very faintly, but neighbouring
muscles vigorously. Peristaltic action goes on; electrodes applied to
vagus appear to accelerate it, to splanchnic diminish it. 3.7, ventricles
have now contracted firmly. 3.15, blood taken from heart and large
vessels has coagulated, but not firmly; clot is small, and serum very
red; under microscope, blood shows no aggregation in rouleaux or
crenation of corpuscles. (Ibid.)
342
NATRUM CARBONICUM.
NATRUM CARBONICUM.
Sodic carbonate, NaCO3. 10H₂O.
vol.
I. Provings.-1. HAHNEMANN, Chronic Diseases, part iv of original,
of translation. Contains 1082 symptoms from self and 5 others.
2. While large and continued doses induce anæmia and asthenia,
small quantities, given for a moderate time, help to saponify fatty food,
aid its oxidation and that of carbonaceous material generally, improve
digestion and raise temperature. . . . The carbonate, according to the
majority of observers, diminishes the excretion of uric acid; and as
this acid results from insufficient oxidation, its diminished excretion
implies improvement in oxidation. The reported increase of excretion
of carbonic acid requires proof, but is rendered probable by the increase
which follows injection of lactate of soda into the veins (Husemann).
Under daily 5 grm. doses of the bicarbonate urea is diminished,
and anæmia and prostration induced (Rabuteau). . . . According to
Pavy, the carbonate not only increases the bile, but also the percentage
of fat in the liver; and when introduced into the portal system, causes
the disappearance of hepatine, without formation of sugar (Guy's Reports,
1861; Proc. Roy. Soc., x, xi; Med. Times and Gaz., 1865, i.); also the
saccharine urine which commonly follows certain lesions of the sympa-
thetic does not occur if much soda be previously introduced into the
blood. . . . It is an important difference between potash and soda,
that the former is an active cardiac depressant and poison, while the
latter has no definite effect on the heart-muscle or the circulation. . .
Münch found, in 5 subjects, when perspiration or diarrhoea did not
occur, increased excretion of urine is the principal effect of
3 to 6 or 9
doses of carbonate, but Rabuteau and Constant could not verify
any increase with 5 grm. doses, given daily. (PHILLIPS, op. cit.)
II. Poisonings.-I. It is well known that animals fed wholly upon
sugar are subject, among other accidents, to a softening of the cornea
and destruction of the eye. It seems that soda produces similar
effects on those engaged in its manufacture; it appears to dissolve the
fibrin of the blood and cause an excessive fluidity of it, produces a kind
of leucoma, and finally ulceration of the cornea. The workmen who
have to pound the crude article are the most exposed to its influence.
All day long they are covered with soda suspended in the atmosphere in
the form of a fine powder. It is among them that the greatest number
of cases of keratitis with ulceration occur. The workmen engaged in
drying the refined soda by agitating it continually on heated plates of
iron, and those engaged in packing it, are also among those most
exposed to its action. The pernicious influence of the soda is usually
manifested by the following general symptoms: earthy, wan complexion;
slight puffiness of the face; swelling (generally painful) of the glands
of the throat and axilla; oedema of lower extremities (seldom); anorexia;
constipation or diarrhoea; sometimes palpitation, and a well-marked
bellows sound. As regards the ulcer of the cornea, it is always large
and deep, and as often precedes as follows the other symptoms.
NATRUM CHLORATUM.
343
The "
NATRUM CHLORATUM.
Liquor Soda Chlorate" of the British Pharmacopoeia. Labarraque's
solution (of chlorinated soda).
I. Provings.-1. COOPER. Pathogenetic effects observed in persons taking the
drug. Very low-spirited and depressed, could cry all d. Rapid emaciation (in a
girl of twenty-one). Aching in every limb and feeling as if bereft of all power, and
as though she would faint upon slightest movement. She becomes quite over-
powered (from dr. 3 times a d. in woman of 65). Vertigo caduca,—a very con-
stant and characteristic symptom along with aching across forehead. Momentary in-
describable sensation all over head. Swimming feeling, as though top of cranium
were about to float off, worse when looking upwards. Pain across forehead, extend-
ing down nose and up over entire head, with great tenderness of scalp, and a thumping
noise in ears, which is worse by lying on either side; has to place back of her head
against the pillow in order to gain sleep. Pain in r. side of head, going from behind
mastoid process to upper part of orbit" across the eye;" causes eye to feel stiff and
weak; aggravated by having slept, but continuing by d. as well as by n. Pain
darting from one temple to the other, coming and going with equal suddenness. In
a woman, aged 51, great depression, and feeling in head as though cranial bones
were being crossed one over the other, and as if she must fall forward, a sort of silly
feeling; with a nasty taste, just as she used to have after taking iodide of potassium,
but without the iodine coryza. Paralysed feeling of her brain, with similar sensation
in all limbs, and numbness of tips of fingers, and recurrent faintings. Throbbing
headache in 1. temple, coming on immediately after her midday meal, and going off
after tea.
Much pain across small of her back, worse on getting up in m., existing
along with want of appetite for breakfast, but fair appetite for supper. Pain in both
hip-joints and in calves, with tingling extending to toes. Both hands are swollen
every m. (observed in 3 cases). Extreme weakness in her ankles and knees. Pain
under r. ear when swallowing, with much pain, tenderness, and swelling up side of
head, followed by a most painful gathering, which burst and discharged strongly.
Sore, irritable spots form in throat and along both sides of tongue. His teeth become
brittle. Sores, angry looking and moist, break out about mouth. Sore pimples come
on inside of lower lip, at the commencement of a cold. Sores on inside of her cheeks,
which began on 1. side, and gradually spread over mouth, with nasal discharge and
influenza. His throat invariably becomes sore (observed in several cases). Neuralgic
pain in 1. side of face, from lower jaw, extending to upper, and across eyes and nose
to forehead, coming on irregularly and lasting from 1 to 1 h. (produced after taking
the drug for 4 d.). Sore-throat, with difficult deglutition; a flat ulcer forms on
tongue far back to root after taking drug for a week, and goes away immediately it
is discontinued. Swelling upon r. upper jaw, close upon gum (gumboil), very painful
to touch. The throat becomes red and sore (in a man aged 21, whose health was
quite good except for a nasal polypus). Swelling, affecting upper and lower jaw of
1. side, with swelling on inside of the jaw between gum and tongue, throbbing in part
and shooting pain extending up to temples and down 1. side of neck, relieved by cold
applications, increased by worry, not interfering with appetite. Tongue is furred in
m., and there is constant putrid taste throughout d. The tongue is white and
shrivelled at sides, and there is taste as if she had been sucking alum; appetite for
meat fell off. Epistaxis; blood comes away both by n. and d. in clots, and is dark
coloured (in a pregnant woman). Cough, with white tasteless phlegm and tightness
across chest as from a weight, which keeps her from sleeping, and constricted feeling
on inspiration at pit of chest (along with general feeling of weakness following a
miscarriage). Cough distressing, with a little phlegm, continual during d. (in a
woman æt. 35). Pain under heart, with catching inspiration. Pain across upper
part of chest, off and on, and pain with fulness across hypochondria, with pains ex-
tending down from both sides of waist to womb, causing a phlegmy discharge. Pain
under I. axilla and 1. mamma, aggravated by lying down, with sickish giddy feeling;
when walking about, is obliged to keep sitting down. In a delicate anæmic woman
suffering from uterine weakness, the N. chl. caused a pain to appear in l.infra-mammary
region, which affected 1. side of chest, shoulders, and top of head; shoulders became
344
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
stiff and painful, and top of her head and side felt tender to touch, and ached, an un-
bearable pain; felt drowsiness after meals; 1. hand much swollen one m. after
waking, and next m. r. was similarly affected; bowels became confined and less urine
was voided. She is unable to sit down without falling asleep, her appetite falls off,
but bowels are regular and tongue clean. In a girl, æt. 21, aching pain in 1. side
at waist, preventing her from sitting upright. Swelling low down in abdomen,
going up to her chest, and causing dyspnoea, worse after eating, with a good deal of
fatus. A weight seems to fall from across pit of her chest to pit of abdomen, and
an aching, dull sensation, indescribable, but different from an ordinary headache,
occurs on top of head after each dose and lasts for h. Nausea and sick feeling; she
3
becomes drowsy during d. and wakeful at n. Loss of appetite for breakfast, but fair
appetite for supper. When taken while the patient is recumbent, the N. chl. gave
rise to a feeling of sickness. In a decidedly consumptive girl, æt. 16, its continued
use made her feel drowsy and lazy, as if she could lie in bed all d., and her skin
became covered with pimples that smarted after washing, and upon going into open
the slightest drop of cold water as a drink irritates these pimples. Confinement
of bowels for 3 d., and then passage of large, hard, offensive motion (in a girl of 18).
Great exhaustion as if about to die before bowels act; sudden and forcible expulsion,
with consequent complete relief. In a woman, æt. 42, cutting pain like knives in the
anus, which comes on every e. between 6 and 7, and goes away during n., but not at
any stated h. In a little girl, æt. 3, scalding when urinating, with soreness, itching,
and smarting of vagina. Violent metrorrhagia. The monthly period comes on at
once, a week before its time (in a perfectly healthy woman, after taking a dose of
2 dr. in water). In a woman suffering from prolapsus from injury, æt. 25, it brought
on frightful vaginal pruritus, just inside lips of vagina, getting better and worse, and
obliging her to tear herself to pieces. Uterine bearing down, severe backache and head-
ache, affecting temples and back of head, making her feel light-headed and sickish,
generally worse at n. She cannot take the N. chl., as it causes feeling of opening
and shutting in womb (in a healthy woman, æt. 65). The monthly period delays a
week over time, and during 1st d. she has more than usual aching in the back (in a fairly
healthy girl, æt. 21). Great sexual excitement after each dose in a man, æt. 25, of
impressionable temperament. Almost unconquerable sexual desire after each dose,
with priapism. Heavy sleep, with much disinclination to get out of bed in m.
Drowsy during daytime, wakeful at n. Drowsiness after meals. The child when
asleep has a ghastly look as if dead; his sleep is quiet. Much distressed, laughs,
cries, and talks in her sleep; keeps her husband awake. Small gatherings form on
fingers of both her hands. Pimply rash appears on the face, which is very irritable,
especially at n. In a woman, æt. 31, from a drop, diluted, red smarting rash on face
and neck, worse after meals or after warm drinks; a uniform redness with tendency
to blister, as if from a mustard plaster." Its painful parts feel hot. (Brit. Journ. of
Hom., xxxv, 340.)
..
air;
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
Sodic chloride, NaCl. Common salt purified by solution in distilled water and
recrystallization.
I. Provings.-I. HAHNEMANN, Chronic Diseases, part iv of original,
vol. of translation. Contains 1349 symptoms from self and 6
associates.
2. (Austrian provings, made with Hahnemann's preparation, as
above.) Dr. ARNETH showed an almost absolute unimpressionability
to the action of common salt. He proved first, for three weeks, the
dilutions from the 30th to the 1st (from 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls each
time); and took afterwards of the raw material from 10, 20, 30 gr. to
I oz., the latter every d. at 11 a.m., in a glass of water. Beyond an
unendurable salt taste and inclination to vomit after the large doses
I
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
345
he noticed during the time of the proving no action; yet for almost
six weeks after he had taken the last dose his stools were hard, and for
several d. after he had no evacuation at all. (Oest. Zeitsch. f. Hom., iv).
3. Dr. Böнм merely tried the 1st trit. (5 to 95). In spite of this
his proving furnishes several characteristic salt symptoms. He took
the remedy each time dissolved in more or less water.
On taking,
Nov. 5th, 5 gr., he experienced soon after pressing in temples, and for
an h. copious flow of saliva into mouth. The following d. he had
little appetite, frequent eructations of air, and feeling of nausea in
stomach; he was ill-disposed, and slept uneasily through the first n.
On the 3rd d. he was well. Nov. 8th.-10 gr. soon excited eructa-
tions of air; half of next d. salt taste of saliva, feeling of weakness,
unusually frequent emission of watery urine, urging to stool, which
continued for a long time, with burning in anus subsequent to a pappy
stool. 10th.-20 gr. were followed by exactly similar phenomena.
16th.-After 50 gr., taken in e., B- became soon sleepy; was obliged,
in spite of his sleep being sounder than usual, to rise frequently to
micturate, and each time passed much pale urine. At the same time
there was tightness and distension of abdomen, with dryness of palate,
increased thirst, and frequent eructation. The urging to urinate was
united sometimes with pressing in rectum. These urinary symptoms were
repeated the two following n. 22nd.—10 gr., 8 a.m., were followed by
profuse secretion of saliva, pressing in temples, frequent eructation,
nausea, painful contraction in umbilical region, relieved by emission of
flatus; little appetite at dinner, after dinner sleepiness, frequent urging
to urinate with only scanty emission of urine; at n. frequent erections
with emission of an adhesive fluid, uneasy sleep, many dreams
(lascivious or of ghosts). Next m. prover was weak, dejected, ill-
humoured. No stool for 2 d., very unusual with him.
The same
phenomena appeared after doses of 100 gr. on Nov. 27th and Dec. 5th
and 7th. The pappy evacuations which now followed brought relief to
the abdominal symptoms and quieter nights. 130 gr., Dec. 10th, e.,
created pressing pain in forehead (for h.); after two stools colic,
violent yet ineffectual urging to stool, pinching in umbilical region at
n., in m. two fluid stools with burning in anus; this and following d.
morose humour, total loss of appetite, prostration in limbs, continual
dampness of orifice of urethra, with drawing in spermatic cords. After
150 gr., which B— took in m. of 12th, an h. before breakfast, he was
first seized with transient drawing pain in both sides of the inferior
maxilla,h. later pinching in umbilical region with urging to stool
without any result. Breakfast was not relished, in forenoon frequent
empty eructations, with feeling of discomfort in stomach. After dinner
a pappy evacuation of an orange-yellow colour. In e. indisposition to
mental occupation. Sleep extremely restless, not refreshing, interrupted
by many vivid unpleasant dreams. In m. on waking, feeling of weari-
ness and prostration. These phenomena showed themselves, only less
intensely, also during the two following d. On both d., however,
there was no stool; and that which followed on the 3rd d. was hard
and insufficient. (Ibid.)
4. Dr. FRÖLICH took at first (March 24th to 31st, 1843) daily
346
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
X
early in m., fasting, 3 dr. of the 6th dilution, but noticed no morbid
phenomena afterwards. Just as little result followed a second attempt, in
which he took for 10 d. early in m., fasting, 10 gr. of I, trit. with water.
A third attempt began with drinking, Nov. 1oth, early in m., fasting, 3j
dissolved in water. In afternoon, feeling of fulness in hypogastrium,
lively grumbling in 1. groin and frequent emission of flatus occurred.
On Nov. 11th he again took 3j. In the succeeding n. he had a vivid
dream. On the 12th,h. after taking a similar dose, feeling of
nausea, soon passing off. In afternoon for 5 m. continued sticking
corresponding exactly with spot against which apex of heart strikes
(not influenced by breathing). In e. transient nausea with feeling of
fulness and tension in hypogastrium. In n. vivid, connected dream.
A similar dream occurred in following n. after taking in e. 3j. On
23rd, at II a.m., he took again a drachm. An h. after a moderate
dinner he was seized with very painful stitches in cardiac region lasting
for some m. After a similar dose on 24th he had in n. very lively and
connected dreams. On 25th took zij, thereupon painful sticking in
cardiac region coming on after continued loud speaking. 26th and
27th.-No medicine and no symptoms. 28th.-Again took 3ij. In
e. on walking in the street, violent stitch in cardiac region so that he
stood still with fright and instinctively pressed painful spot with hand.
Nov. 30th and Dec. 1st, once more zij. The evacuations appeared
during the time of the last experiment very irregularly and of varying
consistence. (Ibid.)
L
5. Dr. HAMPE communicates to us by letter the two experiments
which he made with common salt. We keep to the words of the
original :-" I am 40 years old, of sanguine, choleric temperament,
powerful, thickset frame, and enjoyed to my 23rd year excellent health.
About this time I was attacked, in consequence of a chill, with rheu-
matism, which recurred ever after for many years on the most trifling
occasion and in the most varied forms, once even the cause of paralysis,
of 8 d. duration, of the facial muscles of the 1. side. For 4 or 5 years I
have been quite free from this, and, moreover, with the exception of
an herpetic affection (which will be more fully described below) per-
fectly well. Fifteen years ago an intermittent fever, which attacked
me in Banat, and accompanied by which I was obliged to travel for
two months in the mountains of that region, reduced me very much,
inasmuch as it frequently returned during a period of nine months.
a. "Proving with 6 gl. doses of 6th potency. April 2nd, 1843, took
a dose at 10 a.m. No symptoms. 3rd.-7 a.m., soft, copious stool
and again at 8.30 another profuse and more fluid evacuation with
smarting in anus. 10 a.m., a dose, which I took every subsequent d.
at nearly the same h. No symptoms except a remarkable diminution
of sexual desire. 12th.-A very deep and unusual sleep after dinner
on a chair.
In e. ticking in 1. ear as if from a watch for 10 m. 13th.
-6 a.m., pain in r. ear as if one were pulling something out of it with
a hook, for 1 h. In e. at 9.30, urging to stool with copious evacuation.
14th.—7 a.m., copious evacuation of half-fluid fæces with smarting in
anus. 15th.-II a.m., pressive pain in forehead and eyeballs, so violent
that I could raise the eyelids only with effort and pain, and was obliged
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
347
to cease reading. After dinner pains increased to that extent that I
was obliged to lie down. Afterh. I was better, but eyes were
suffused with tears. After 2 h. same phenomena returned in same way.
From 4 to 7 p.m., continued slight internal shivering. At 8.30 p.m.,
I enjoyed my supper and pipe quite well. Slept through n. quietly
and felt perfectly well next m. 16th to 20th.-Took nothing. 21st.
-8 a.m., took another dose. 22nd to 24th.-No symptoms. 25th.
-Another dose; no symptoms. 26th.-Painfulness and swelling of
gum behind 1. upper middle incisor; sensitiveness of teeth in brushing
them. 27th. Same symptoms; stool more consistent.
"
b. 28th.-One scruple of pure crystallized salt. Gum about the
first affected tooth is healthy, but same condition shows itself in gum
of 1. neighbouring tooth. Sensitiveness of teeth has ceased. 29th.-
To-day gum of 1. eye-tooth is similarly affected. After dinner, without
previous fatigue, and contrary to habit, great sleepiness, so that I again
slept for an h. in the chair. 30th.-Gum of last affected tooth gapes
and is painful, but at noon is again normal." [Proving was now inter-
rupted, but before its resumption in November, H-found that a prurigo
papulosa of legs, of 6 to 7 years' standing, had disappeared.]
<<
C.
Took, Nov. 12th, at 12.45 p.m., 2 scruples. 13th.-II a.m.,
itching on hypogastrium for 5 m. At 11.15, 2 scruples. 14th.—
Again 2 scruples. Usual stool in m. did not occur. At noon itching
of short duration in r. calf, h. later on 1. inner ankle for 10 m.,
then for some m. in l. calf. At 4 p.m., after scarcely noticeable warn-
ing and with much trouble, inasmuch as rectum did not assist, a very
scanty semi-consistent evacuation. 15th.-In m. usual easy stool.
At II a.m. 2 scruples. 16th.-10.30 a.m., again 2 scruples. In e. at
8 violent itching on inner surface of 1. forearm near wrist for some m.
As I examined it, two red herpetic spots showed themselves, of the
size of a small lentil. 17th.-About 5 a.m. I was awakened by pains.
in abdomen, especially in stomach, with dryness and burning along
œsophagus up into throat, which, however, did not prevent me from
again falling asleep. When I awoke at 7 a.m. my eyes were quite
gummed up; at same time sticking and pressing in 1. eye. No red-
ness, however, showed itself. One of the spots which appeared in the e.
had gone; the other, examined with a lens, showed itself to be a
cracked or torn vesicle, whereby the whole, examined by the unaided
eye, had a rough, tetter-like appearance. At 10.30 a.m., 2 scruples.
After h. pinching around navel. 5 p.m., sticking in r. side of chest
forh., which returned again an h. afterwards, and then lasted more
than an h. 18th.-Took no med. Io a.m., intermittent drawing
from nape of neck towards occiput for h.; cramp-like pain in r. hip-
joint, which became rather troublesome in walking. The drawing in
nape of neck recurred in e. at 7 for h. 8.30 p.m., dulness of head,
oppression in chest for h.; violent long-lasting stitch in 1. knee;
feeling as if a hair were lying lightly on inner edge of 1. thumb towards
wrist. From 20th onwards I took no med. The second red spot had
quite disappeared by the 24th. On the 22nd I was seized with a fluid
coryza, which attacked on the 24th the eyes, the throat, and the larynx,
and was united with dulness of head and great prostration; the chest
B
1
348
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
affection of which-short dry cough with feeling of dryness and soreness
-has not yet quite disappeared. 28th. It is remarkable that I had
given no particular occasion for the above, and that the secretion from
the nose ceased without its having assumed a yellow colour and thicker
consistence." (Ibid.)
6. a. ADALBERT HUBER, surgeon in Reichenau, Bohemia, æt. 28,
sanguineo-phlegmatic temperament, leading a simple life; was never
seriously ill; as a child often troubled with an eruption on the head,
latterly with a catarrhal affection of the throat every year, and when that
omitted with inflammation of the gums; began his proving November
10th, in m., with 3j of 30x dil., after which, however, he noticed no
change in his health. The following d. he took 3j of 25th dil. The
same d., and particularly next m. in preparing a trituration, he noticed a
sudden weariness of 1. wrist and r. arm. * After 20th dil., taken on
13th, he was confused in his mind during whole d., and felt pressing
pain in forehead. After 15th dil. (Nov. 15th in m.) there came on in
n. great heat of body, followed by sweat, especially in head. 11th dil.
(m. of 17th) excited during whole d. a kind of colic, which was re-
lieved by emission of flatus. After 8th dil. (20th) prover observed in
course of d. single stitches in hepatic region, sensitiveness of liver to
pressure, stitches in penis towards glans, weakness of 1. arm (felt par-
ticularly in shoulder-joint) so that he was not able to lift a pound
weight with the outstretched arm. Weakness of arm continued during
two following d. 23rd.-6th dil. was followed by pressure at præcordia,
sensitiveness of latter to contact, painfulness of 1. arm, especially in
region of deltoid muscle and shoulder-joint. On being pressed, arm
pained as if bruised, and joint would not bear least movement without
pain. The phenomena disappeared gradually during 3 following d.
After 4th dil. (27th) troubles occurred during urination. Urine was
emitted in a weak stream and only during strong pressing. After a
normal evacuation he got a troublesome dribbling of urine and pressing
pain in rectum, as after a very hard knotty stool, so that he could not sit.
b. Dec. 1st, A. H— took 15 gr. of 3rd trit. Soon after appeared
inclination to vomit, weakness in e., trembling of limbs after slightest
exertion, with more frequent pulse. 2nd.—3j of 2nd trit. caused
throughout d. frequent micturition and much emission of flatus. 3j
of Ist trit. on 6th had same result. The frequent micturition lasted
for next 2 or 3 d. The urine looked pale and clear, yet smelt strong
and tasted sweetish. 10th.-A. H- tried 10 gr. of pure salt. The
following n. he was troubled with frightful and anxious dreams of
murder and imprisonment. On awaking he found himself bathed in
profuse perspiration and felt in m. very weak. The succeeding 4 d.,
excepting frequent pressure above r. nipple, he noticed no symptom.
Repetitions of same dose on 15th and 20th remained totally without
result. (Ibid.)
7. a. A. H— further proved salt on 3 girls and a boy. A scrofu-
lous girl of 7 began with 27th dil., which was reduced 3 stages each
time as far as the 2nd and Ist trit. Frequent sticking and burning in
* Was this phenomenon not the natural consequence of the (perhaps unaccus-
tomed) exertion during the operation ?
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
349
10
forehead, tearing in canthi with darkness before eyes, and solitary
stitches in hepatic region, were the few symptoms which ensued.
b. A healthy girl of 12 was seized whilst she took 30th to 20th
dil. with violent vertigo as if intoxicated and stitches in region of liver.
These symptoms frightened her from any further attempts at proving.
c. A strumous boy of 12, who frequently suffered from bellyache
and diarrhoea, on taking 28th dil. got bellyache again; after 23rd dil.
distension of abdomen and burning around navel; after 13th dil.
sticking in hepatic region lasting for 6 to 7 m.; lastly, after 3rd dil.,
sticking and burning in forehead, and burning, especially in fossa
navicularis, during urination.
d. A girl of 19, sanguine, has menstruated three years, always
healthy, took 30th down to 16th dils., but perceived nothing important.
After 15th dil. she got pain in belly and giddiness. The latter recurred
every moment. She was as if drunk, and during whole d. could not
take a single step with certainty. The stool from that time forward
was harder, rarer, and scantier. 10 gr. of 3rd trit. caused tearing in
teeth up into temple, sticking in forehead (e.), pressing in stomach, a
firm dry stool like sheep dung with violent stitches in the rectum,
increased emission of urine (she was obliged frequently in the n. to
micturate). After 10 gr. of 2nd trit. there followed next d. cough
with tickling in chest, pressing in forehead, burning coryza, sticking in
middle of chest, a soft stool twice. 10 gr. of 1st trit. produced on 1st
d. heat in head, sticking in the forehead as if with needles, weakness of
the stomach, nausea to fainting. On 2nd d. sticking in region of
sternum at each respiration, shortness of breath, stitches in præcordia,
worst during motion, cough with tickling in chest. The catamenia
were delayed about 5 d. During this time she felt weak and prostrate,
and her feet heavy. Ultimately the catamenia appeared, accompanied
by violent pain in the hypogastric region, nausea, and inclination to
vomit. (Ibid.)
8. a. WENZEL HUBER, surgeon, in Kleinzell, in Upper Austria,
proved salt on himself, his wife, and three children. He began his
experiments on himself Nov. 11th, 1843; he took the drug always
early in m., fasting, diluted with water. 30th to 25th dil. showed no
noticeable influence. After 24th dil. (17th) throughout whole d. there
was slight pressing pain above eyebrows. 23rd and 22nd dils. (18th
and 19th) were also without result. 21st, 20th, 15th, and 14th dils.,
which he took 20th to 23rd, made themselves noticed by a salt taste
on the lips. So soon as the moist tongue touched the lips, it was as if
it had touched salt water. Nov. 24th to Dec. 1st he tried a series of
dils., the 13th to the 5th. The symptoms which he noticed thereupon
were certainly in number but few; they, however, have distinctly the
N. mur. character. The intense salt taste after the higher dils. (13th
-10th) gave place in the lower ones to a clayey, insipid taste; tongue
was coated white; hard palate for some d. is as if scalded, and pains on
contact; sometimes he noticed an offensive smell from mouth; beer
tasted bitter (in spite of this appetite remained tolerably good); stool
either entirely failed or was firmer than usual and evacuated with
trouble. At same time there developed itself on edges of eyelids a
350
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
regular catarrhal affection. They became red, burned, especially in e.,
when reading, and secreted mucus, which in m., on waking, gummed
up eyes and formed into crusts. The 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st trits.,
which prover tried on different occasions from Dec. 2nd to Jan. 4th,
commencing with 10 gr. daily and increasing each dose by 10 or 20
gr. as far as 100, produced only a few new symptoms; feeling in anus
as if a small, rough, pointed plug stuck in it, or as if anus was full,
which was followed by frequent, but ineffectual, urging to stool; itch-
ing in scrotum, or between scrotum and thigh, obliging him to scratch
fulness and distension of stomach and bowels; heartburn; increased
secretion of saliva; uneasy nights full of dreams; late in falling asleep,
early awaking. The eye affection continues. During 1st trit. stool
was very irregular, sometimes hard, sometimes soft. Diarrhoea appeared
a few times. The taste showed itself occasionally saltish again.
;
b. Salt in substance, in doses of 10 to 40 gr., 5th to 15th Jan., did
not enrich list of symptoms. Only the eye affection became worse,
edges of eyelids and canthi (specially external) burned violently through-
out whole d. and secreted much acrid fluid. He felt pressing pains in
eyes as if they were inflamed. In reading he sees as it were through a
fog. Was not disposed to work, especially to study. A drachm, on
16th, excited, soon after taking it, nausea and burning and fulness in
stomach, subsequently offensive smell from mouth, and offensive flatus,
hard inefficient stool, itching in scrotum and prepuce, unquiet sleep.
After 1 dr. there came feeling of burning heat and fulness in stomach,
nausea, and inclination to vomit with accumulation of water in mouth.
Nausea recurred frequently during d. He had moreover the whole d.
pain in forehead. He felt himself weak.
He felt himself weak. At the thought of the saline
solution a shudder ran through him, with loathing and inclination to
vomit. The burning, lachrymation, and secretion of mucus in eyes
increased. He was frequently seized with contractive (spasmodic) pain
about navel. After first dose of 1 drachms (Jan. 17th) anus was
swollen; the feeling of a plug sticking in it caused constant desire to
stool; after 2nd dose on 19th diarrhoea came on twice. The majority
of these symptoms appeared, although less intensely, throughout the
subsequent 8-10 dr. The most obstinate symptom was the affection
of the eyes. In the m. he perspired generally profusely; the sweat
smelt sour. Throughout the whole duration of proving the sexual
desire was remarkably diminished. (Wzl. H- is 43 years old, power-
fully built, melancholic-phlegmatic temperament. Except the usual
diseases of childhood, he was never seriously ill. He led, as country
surgeon, a very active life, and exposed himself at all seasons of the
year to every change of weather with impunity. His mode of living is
very moderate. He takes nothing but soup at breakfast. His dinner
consists of soup, veal or smoked meat, and vegetables. In the e. takes
soup and potatoes. He drinks neither coffee nor wine nor beer. He
smokes tobacco, however, almost the whole d.) (Ibid.)
9. The wife of the last prover proved common salt during a period
of more than two months from the 30th dil. to 40 gr. of the raw
material. She is forty years old. Descended from healthy parents,
she was attacked as a child soon after vaccination by an inflammation
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
351
of the eyes which lasted for years. The catamenia appeared in the
sixteenth year without any trouble. In her eighteenth year she
became affected with the itch. Although the latter was cured partly by
internal, partly by external remedies (especially sulphur), still the prover
was not from that period perfectly healthy. Up to her twenty-fifth
year, when she married, she had oozing nipples, which symptom dis-
appeared during her first pregnancy. She recovered afterwards easily
and successfully from nine pregnancies. After each confinement, how-
ever, there appeared on the back of the hand near to the roots of the
fingers an herpetic eruption, which often lasted a year and a half; gene-
rally so long as until she was again pregnant. Also during the time she
proved the salt it was present. Her diet is simple, without coffee, or
spirituous drinks, or seasoned dishes.
a. The 30th to 20th dilutions—a lower dilution taken each day—
from Nov. 11th to 21st induced no action. On Nov. 17th the cata-
menia ought to have appeared; they, however, remained away, most pro-
bably in consequence of becoming pregnant. 22nd.-15th dil. On touch-
ing the lips with the moist tongue there was a sour taste; uneasy sleep;
frequent waking. 23rd.—14th dil. The same phenomena; sensitive-
ness of the gums to contact. During the 3 following d., in which the
13th, 12th, and 10th dils. were taken, the above symptoms gradually
disappeared. 25th.-The stool which otherwise regularly occurred
was absent. After 9th dil. (27th) the herpes was aggravated, with
violent smarting and burning. After 6th and 5th dils. (Nov. 30th and
Dec. Ist) a salt taste developed itself on lips and palate; the stool
was hard and insufficient. After 4th trit. (Dec. 2nd to 8th), repeated
in doses of 10 and 20 gr., and after 3rd trit. (9th to 14th) in doses of
10, 20, and 30 gr., the above salt taste disappeared again; stool harder
than usual; nights continuously more or less uneasy, she awoke frequently
and fell asleep again with difficulty. Nausea was felt during n. of 6th.
Of 2nd trit. she took, Dec. 15th 10, 16th and 17th 20, 18th, 19th, and
20th 40 gr. On 15th chilliness in e.; cutting pain around navel at inter-
vals at n.; towards m. pressure on chest, a soft stool, chilliness. On 16th
during d. frequent intimations of contractive pains around navel. In
n. these pains increased very much, and ceased only after a loose stool.
Pains and looseness were repeated in course of n. 8 times. Chilliness
even in bed and on getting up. Early in m. dulness in head and
vertigo, so that she was obliged to lay hold of something. 17th.-The
menses remained away for the second time. During d. chilliness,
stupidity in head, heaviness and pressure in occiput. In n. again flying
contractive pain in bowels around navel, with oppression of breathing.
If the pain ceases, then single stitches occur from sacrum into thigh.
Towards m. pressure on chest; it is as if cavity of chest were too
narrow. On 18th, chilliness throughout whole d. ; in n. pressure on
chest, which towards m. became so violent that she was obliged to sit
up in bed in order to be able to breathe. 19th, 20th, 21st.-Continued
chilliness; conjunctiva and edges of eyelids became red and burning;
throughout d. frequent attacks of vertigo; periodical pressing on chest,
aggravated at n. and towards m., united with dyspnoea, and compelling
her to sit up; at same time constant pain in abdomen in region of
352
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
navel, of contractive kind; sometimes stitches from sacrum into thigh;
a kind of ringworm of the size of a penny piece showed itself on thighs,
belly, and arms. From Dec. 22nd to Jan. 8th, she took Ist trit. in
doses rising from 10 to 30 gr. daily. The above phenomena, which
continued throughout whole time with more or less intensity, were
accompanied with feeling of great weakness, early before rising, dis-
appearing after getting up during first days of proving, but at last con-
tinuing whole d.; swelling (knotty) of breasts, so that the least contact
was painful; tip of nose became red, hot, and painful,-subsequently
there appeared on nose a group of vesicles size of a pin's head, which
filled with transparent lymph; at last these united and formed a scab.
The ringworm increased from day to day. The breast symptoms one
n. were so violent that in order to breathe she was twice obliged to rise
out of bed. On last d. of proving (Jan. 8th) she had a peculiar sensa-
tion in the hip-joints; it appeared to her in moving and turning the
body as if the heads of the bones came out of the sockets.
;
b. Jan. 9th.-Prover began with salt in substance. She took on
this and the following d. 5, from 11th to 16th 10, on 17th 20, and on
19th 40 gr. On 9th, throughout whole d., chilliness and weakness;
only with trouble remained out of bed; cutting in belly around navel
difficult evacuation of a soft stool, she was obliged to press violently
at the time; sensitiveness of breasts; transient attacks of palpitation
of heart; difficult falling asleep; frequent dreams. 10th and 11th.—
Same phenomena. 12th.-There was added increased secretion of
mucus in genitals. 13th.-Early in m. on rising from bed spasmodic
pains proceeding from navel, becoming of drawing character in sacrum,
and terminating as stitches in hips and thighs. 14th.-The yellow
thick scab fell from the nose without leaving any cicatrix behind.
Otherwise phenomena of d. before. Mucous discharge from genitals
increased up to 19th. It was white. At same time frequent tickling
in anus and stitches through rectum, so that she was forced to cry out.
The catamenia remained away for the third time. The herpes dis-
appeared, and arose again in other places, most numerously between the
breasts. The spots are from size of a lentil up to that of a penny piece,
and itch, particularly on becoming warm. 40 gr. produced, soon after
taking, flow of water in mouth and loathing, symptoms which were
repeated next m. without medicine. At same time great weakness,
which forced her to lie down. The symptoms in breasts and abdomen
disappeared towards 22nd. On this and following d. she complained
of coldness of feet; little finger and ring finger, likewise whole of 1.
foot, were for 1 h. as if paralysed, gone to sleep, and numb. The dis-
charge from the genitals gradually diminished, and by 30th had almost
entirely ceased. The sexual desire was during the whole of the prov-
ing suppressed. Up to Jan. 21st the herpes had spread over the whole
body. It had at the end of the month, at the conclusion of the report
of the proving, not yet disappeared. (Ibid.)
10. Wzl. H-'s three children took the dilutions, the triturations,
and the raw material of common salt in the same order as himself, only
each of them each time 50 dr. of the dilutions and 5 gr. of the tritura-
tions and of the raw salt.
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
353
a. CARL, æt. 9, melancholic, dark, strong, large-boned, plump,
hardened to heat and cold, never seriously ill, was affected neither by
the high nor the low dilutions; even the raw salt, which he took some-
times exceptionally also in 10 and 20 gr. doses, produced not the slightest
disturbance in his feelings.*
b. EMILIE, a lively, fair-haired, blue-eyed, delicate girl of 5, always
healthy, showed no indications of the action of salt from the 30th to
the 13th dil. (Nov. 11th to 24th). After the 12th dil. (25th) she
complained of smarting and itching in different parts of the skin, which
lasted till Dec. 7th, on which d. solitary herpetic patches appeared all
at once on several parts of the body. (She took from Dec. 2nd the 4th
trit.) These disappeared after scaling off generally by the 8th or 12th
d., only to give place to others, and this continued through the whole
period of the proving. On the 23rd there were thirty of them present.
Jan. 9th (5 d. after she had begun to take crude salt) edges of eyelids
became red, eyes in m. adhered together with scabs. This symptom
continued till 16th. The ringworm totally disappeared by Feb. 3rd.
c. GUSTAV, æt. 4, resembling in temperament and constitution hist
sister, healthy with the exception of an herpetic eruption about 1. eye,t
had similar ringworm on the body to Emilie while taking the dilutions,
only they were in his case much more numerous. Dec. 8th.-He received
of the 4th trit., instead of the usual 5, by way of exception 10 gr. He
was indisposed the whole d., easily offended, and cried on the least
provocation. 15th (2nd trit.).—He complained much of smarting and
itching at anus. He was at same time very ill-humoured, and cried
readily. In e. he cried out that there was a needle in anus. Exami-
nation showed a living worm (oxyuris). On the following d. there
were several more live worms discovered. The smarting and itching
continued till 20th, only in less degree. On Jan. 3rd he complained
again of violent sticking. Another worm was found. He had up to
the end of the proving frequent twitching in anus, although no more
worms showed themselves. None were found in the stools during the
whole time. The ringworm had not completely disappeared 4 weeks
after. (Ibid.)
11. Dr. WILHELM HUBER began Nov. 5th, 1843, with the 30th
dec. dil. He proved on two consecutive occasions (the second time.
reducing by fives) the whole of the dilutions down to the first, and
then began with the raw material itself; and after he had repeatedly
Six weeks after the termination of the proving Carl showed ringworm over
the whole body, so that he appeared to his relations just as if he were pickled.—
WZL. H.
+ This eruption had appeared on the boy a year before. The skin round about
the eye was red. On this basis appeared many small, somewhat pointed vesicles.
These filled at first with a transparent, thin, yellow fluid, burst or were scratched, and
formed on drying scurfy scabs. After falling off the skin below showed new vesicles.
By-and-by the skin commenced in the middle of the eruption to crack; from out
of the cracks water oozed, which thickened into scurfy scabs. The lower eyelid was
swollen, its conjunctiva slightly reddened. The eruption disappeared after the use of
several doses of sulphur in the course of six months, but four weeks prior to the com-
mencement of the proving again appeared. G. remained unchanged during the
whole of the proving, only towards the end of it he appeared to diminish somewhat
in bulk.-WZL. H.
VOL. III.
23
354
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
tried the latter up to half an ounce a d., he terminated his proving
Jan. 19th, 1844.
""
a. The first 10 d. trial, during which W. H- took the 30th,
29th, &c., according to their order, as far as the 14th dil. daily, once or
twice in m., or m. and e., produced either none at all or very few sym-
ptoms, viz. :—“Frightful dreams of people being murdered (after
30th); extreme liveliness in m. after waking unusually early (20th);
cramp-like tension in inferior maxillary joint (19th); transient thread-
like stitch behind sternum (26th); dryness of mouth, increased thirst,
pressing heavy scraping feeling like commencement of heartburn in
stomach, nausea, disposition to vomit, flatulent distension, rumbling in
bowels, frequent yawning (23rd, 22nd, 19th, 16th, and 15th)."
"The time of the appearance of these phenomena varied from -1 h.
to half a d. Generally they rapidly disappeared in a few seconds or
minutes.' "From the 14th dil. down to the 1st trit. the symptoms
increased and gained, though not in exact proportion, in durability and
in characteristic distinctness. After 3j of the 13th there appeared (in
h.) dryness of mouth ; tension and digging deep in r. hypochondrium
as far as back, for some m.; 24 h. after, pressing in stomach as if from
stone, with much yawning; an h. later painful stiffness in nape of neck,
worse on moving head, with simultaneous fine stitches in first and
second molar and painful drawing in a hollow of upper jaw left by a
tooth. 3j of the 12th taken in e. of the same d. caused (2 h. after)
crawling, drawing and fine sticking in tip of r. index and thumb; 21
h. after, strong distension of abdomen; 3 h., cramp in 1. calf, after
which, along with loud rumbling in abdomen, pressing and tension in
region of r. hypochondrium as far as back, relieved by emission of
flatus ;* 3 h., fine electric-like stitch in hepatic region, and h. later
pressure in stomach and distension of abdomen. After 3j of the 11th
(Nov. 16th, m.), first a cramp-like drawing in r. forearm towards joint
of the radius, after which colic-like flatulent movements in region of
lower ribs for 3 m. As these went off the distension diminished or
became less. An h. later fine piercing stitches darted through
sphincter ani. At same time hypogastrium, and particularly r. inguinal
region, was painfully tense. 5 m. after, 5 or 6 fine pecking stitches
deep in region of r. kidney. In e. of the same d., W. H— took zj
of the 10th. An h. after he felt whilst sitting as if r. inguinal region
was swollen. In coughing it was as if a portion of bowel pressed firmly
on that part. Later there appeared pressing in stomach and frequent
loud rumbling in belly. After 3j of the 9th (m. of 17th) digging and
crawling in tip of r. thumb as with fine point of a needle (for 10
seconds, returning in a few m.); } h. after nausea and heartburn with
pressing in stomach. The pressing extended to the spinal column and
was increased by inspiration. After 3j of the 8th (in e. of same d.),
drawing and tension underneath 1. great toe, returning several times at
short intervals; h. after, sensation of pressure and fine needle-like
stitches deep in region of r. kidney (as after 11th dil.); violent
stitch along urethra; h. after, stitch in tip of r. index; 5 m. later
* This_last_phenomenon continued 1 m., ceased several m.., and frequently
returned.-W. H.
I
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
355
I
extremely painful stab as if from a knife in fossa navicularis; almost
simultaneous itching in inner 1. canthus, obliging him to rub it, and
feeling of hardness in r. hypogastric and inguinal regions. (This
latter symptom lasted the whole e.) An h. after, stitch in r. inguinal
region; drawing boring pain in r. half of forehead; 1 h., slight heart-
burn, feeling of distension in stomach; prickling crawling in tip of r.
thumb; 24 h., nausea, heartburn, pressing in stomach as if from stone,
inclination to vomit, distension of belly, frequent yawning. The sym-
ptoms last named lasted h. whilst sitting quietly, and ended with
emission of flatus, to which loud ringing in ears was suddenly added.
The following n. prover slept well, woke, however, contrary to his
habit at 4 a.m., quite lively and as if he had slept enough. A few m.
after waking, he felt a gentle sticking and digging in tip of r. thumb
and ring and index fingers, followed by threatening heartburn; he
then slept again quietly till 7 a.m. 3j of the 7th, which he took
directly after waking, remained totally inactive with the exception of a
beating cramp-like pain above 1. external ancle towards tendo Achillis
(during the siesta).
3
4
b. At 4 p.m. took 15 gr. of 6th trit. Inh. crawling in tip of r.
thumb; lips and mouth became dry; 2 h., pressing and scraping in
stomach as if spoiled; then heartburn, as from a red-hot cinder,
lasting h., and a few transient tearing stitches in r. index. Next m.
(19th), as he repeated same dose same phenomena appeared in same
order. The pressing in stomach, which oppressed the breathing, was
accompanied with rumbling in epigastrium, dull pressure in back close
to last dorsal vertebra, transient threadlike stitch below sternum run-
ning along its edge, and subsequently painful distension below navel
(like flatulent colic), relieved in h. by emission of flatus. On e. of
same d. he took 15 gr. of the 5th. Thereupon appeared in course of
6 h. these symptoms in the following order :-Distension of abdomen;
hard pressing in the hypogastric region; on breathing deeply feeling as
of tense band around hypogastrium; cramp in calf returning regularly
at short intervals; transient stitches in r. groin; painful tension of
tendons on 1. side of popliteal space while sitting quietly; frequent fine
stitches here and there in skin as if nettlerash were breaking out;
bursting as of small bubbles, creaking and crepitation in r. ear, lasting
1 h.; at last violent contractions of heart with intermittent pulse and
feeling of oppression in lower portion of pectoral cavity, as if lung had
not sufficient space to expand itself (h.) The same dose repeated on
m. of following d. (20th) caused only feeling of nausea as if from an
empty stomach; later, pressure in stomach and pinching (aggravated at
intervals) in r. groin. 15 gr. of the 4th (taken on e. of 20th) produced
dryness of hard palate and slight heartburn, repeated on m. of 21st,
with painful pressure in stomach which at times oppressed breathing and
continued 1-2 m., then ceasing 4-5 m., and again returning, was
troublesome whole forenoon. This (cramp-like) affection of stomach
returned in following e. after W. H- had taken in same way 15 gr.
of the 3rd, only more violently. Pain extended across region of infe-
rior r. ribs as far as back and shoulders. It returned again 20 times
with frequent yawning; even after he had slept quietly, on awaking
356
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
next m. (22nd) it occurred again several times. W. H-again took
15 gr. of 3rd. The affection of stomach just described soon returned
again, and once more 2 h. later. Besides this, yet independent of the
affection of the stomach, at all events not simultaneous with it, there
appeared after this dose :-Itching gnawing inclining to rub in tip of r.
thumb; distension of abdomen with feeling of nausea; stitch through
pectoralis major in direction of shoulder-joint; transient stitches at
first in inner ankle, then in r. tendo Achillis; violent stitch over sym-
physis pubis towards r. groin. The above dose was repeated at 4 p.m.
The following symptoms appeared in the 3rd and 4th h. after its exhi-
bition-Crawling in tip of r. index; pressing pain below sternum,
immediately after which the stomach cramp of yesterday and early
to-day (4 periodical attacks, which though longer were less violent
than previous ones); transient stitch in region of r. eyebrow horizontally
through brain; after which again stomach cramp for a m. The
following n. W. H- slept well; awoke however in m. (23rd, 4 a.m.)
much too lively, and felt at once itching sticking in r. great toe, then
18 painful stitches below r. clavicle (from before backwards); several
fine gnawing itching stitches in r. heel, and at last a very sensitive
stitch deep in r. nostril. He tried this m. the 3rd trit. once more.
Sensitiveness of r. spermatic cord; sticking as if from a fine splinter in
palmar surface of r. thumb; transient stitch in r. ankle-were the
symptoms which he afterwards noticed. 3ss of the 2nd, which he
took towards e. of same d., resulted only in feeling of nausea with fre-
quent yawning, and transient stitch in r. shoulder-joint. After
repeating same dose next d. (24th) he felt pressing in stomach, with fits
of nausea and loud rumbling in belly lasting 5 m.; then for h. cooling.
burning in the stomach, which gradually died out; lasting cramp-like
tension in tendons of back of 1. wrist. In this way the prover at last
came to the 1st trit. He took in m. of 25th 3ss. (An h. before
taking it he suddenly felt an extremely violent stitch in 2nd phalanx
of r. index; it seemed as if part would be torn off.) Beyond a tran-
sient stitch in hepatic region (after dinner) and several extensive
stitches in front and middle of r. thigh and below nail of 1. thumb he
noticed on this d. no symptoms. They appeared so much the more
numerous, however, on the repetition of the same trit. (26th and 27th,
3ss, 28th, 3j). They are summed up as follows:-Feeling of dryness
in mouth; mouth is moister than usual whole d.; mouth is suddenly
filled with tasteless fluid; in e. when masticating a fine stream of clear
saliva spirted out of his mouth ;* pressing in stomach; rumbling in
epigastrium; after dinner and a walk in the open air nausea, proceeding
from stomach, lasting an h., with frequent yawning, thirst, increased
flow of saliva in the mouth and prostration of body and mind,—at same
time transient stitch in tip of 1. thumb and cracking in 1. ear, with feeling
as if tenacious moisture were flowing out of latter; weakness of
* In the home of the prover-the Austrian frontier of the Budweiser district in
Bohemia- the country-people are in the habit of applying kitchen salt as a remedy
for nausea, when accompanied by water-brash (they call it Herzwurm), and with
good results. W. H— himself has once in his youth instantly removed the evil with
one single dose.
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
357
; ten-
memory; great distraction; fine stitches in r. meatus auditorius
sion in 1. sterno-mastoid, with simultaneous roaring in ear, after a walk;
in m. in bed, violent drawing tearing pain in tendons above the inner
1. ankle, immediately followed by a quite similar pain in tendons above
wrist joints; cramp-like drawing in l. arm, just above the processus
anconæus (resting) and on inner surface of radius above both wrist-
joints; sticking drawing in r. tendo Achillis; in n. of 29th-30th very
violent drawing tearing pain in region of 1. ischiatic notch, and imme-
diately afterwards similar pain below head of 1. fibula. The sexual incli-
nation was throughout the entire proving unusually small.
c. So early as Dec. 3rd of this year W. H— began a new series of
experiments with the attenuations. From 3rd to 6th Dec. he took
daily m. and e. 20 gr. of 30th trit. The result was (3rd and 4th)
drawing sticking pain, frequently recurring, on palmar surface of tip of
r. thumb, and especially of r. index, during rest; sometimes a similar
pain below nails and at their roots; (5th) after same, pressing in
stomach, as if from a stone,* with feeling of nausea, accompanied
with an extensive stitch above the symphysis pubis towards r. groin;
same e. a drawing pain in region of r. inferior ribs towards back, as if
from a round but rough body, lasting several m.; (6th) in e., drawing
beating pain as if from commencing suppuration in tip of r. index,
with frequent emission of flatulence. 7th to 9th, 30 gr. daily m. and e.
of 25th. 7th.-Half an h. after e. dose fine stitches at measured
intervals, occurring simultaneously with pulse deep in region of r.
kidney (comp. 16th and 17th Nov.); followed by drawing sticking
pain, repeated at short intervals, in metacarpal joint of first phalanx of
r. thumb; 3 h. later great distension of epigastrium, with pressing and
pain in stomach, as if from fine needle-points, which appeared to pene-
trate from stomach to below breast-bone in taking deep breath. 8th.-
Taking of m. dose was followed h. after by loud grumbling and
rumbling in 1. side of breast close to stomach; subsequently drawing
sticking pulsating pain in metacarpal joint of 1. thumb, and fine flying
stitches here and there in skin, particularly in middle of anterior surface,
of r. thigh, like electric sparks, leaving behind unpleasant feeling of
coldness (comp. Nov. 19th). 9th.-In forenoon, violent stitch in
abdominal wall in. from navel on r. side; cramp-like drawing sticking
on inner surface of 1. leg followed by a few violent stitches in first
phalanx of r. index along with strong electric shock of whole of r. arm.
During dinner he felt on inner surface of r. cheek an open blister in
which the warm food caused a burning pain. Afternoon, frequent
prickling crawling in 3rd phalanx of r. index. 10th-12th daily, m.
and e., 30 gr. of 20th. 10th.-During whole d. scratching in stomach,
as if he had eaten something indigestible. 11th.-Sensation in rectum,
as if a foreign body or rough hard fæces were lying in it, with uninter-
rupted looseness of bowels. 12th.-No symptoms. 13th to 15th.-
Twice daily 30 gr. of 15th. 13th.-Throughout d. much accumu-
lation of saliva in mouth. Next m. he awoke suddenly from intolerable.
*Remarkable is the connection between the affection of the stomach and the tip
of the index finger and the thumb of the r. hand, which showed itself throughout the
whole of the proving.—W. H.
358
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
itching in anus, which extended as far as neck of bladder and prostate
gland and continued 7-8 m. 14th. During d. mouth unusually
moist. At n. woke suddenly with violent urging to stool; it resulted
in a thin pappy stool, followed by painful distension of abdomen above
symphysis pubis, as if from flatulence. At same time he felt very
weak; tongue was stiff and, like hard palate, uncommonly dry, pulse
accelerated, small and weak. In tip of r. thumb he experienced a
prickling crawling sensation. Inh. he fell asleep. Next m. he had
another diarrhoeic stool. 15th.-Throughout whole of d. scraping
feeling in stomach with white-coated, dry, stiff tongue, without thirst.
Toward e. cramp-like drawing in r. femoral region; looseness of bowels.
16th and 17th, m. and e., 30 gr. of 10th. 16th.-Forenoon, prickling
itching in tip of r. index; fine stitches in r. tonsil; twitching in anus.
In e. in walking stitch from horizontal ramus of pubes through r. hip-
joint; 10 m. afterwards, sitting, similar but weaker pain in same place
in 1. side. About II p.m., diarrhoeic stool. About 3 a.m. he awoke
with urgent desire to go to stool; latter was yellowish brown and pappy,
and smelt strong, followed by distension of abdomen, with loud grumbling
and feeling of hardness. In turning over he noticed a sound proceeding
from stomach resembling croaking of a frog. At same time he felt
weakness and inquietude in whole body; tongue and palate were stiff
and dry. On attempting to fall asleep half r. side of body was shaken
as if by a violent electric shock. An h. after he quietly fell asleep.
At 7 a.m. there again occurred urgent desire to stool, and diarrhoea
with much flatus in long streams, grumbling and feeling of hardness in
belly. 17th.-About II a.m. a diarrhoeic stool; after dinner pressing
in stomach, dryness of mouth, frequent loud rumbling in epigastrium.
18th and 19th, m. and e. 30 gr. of 5th. 18th.-In course of d. two
diarrhoeic evacuations. E., flying stitches in r. spermatic cord as far
as testicle. At n. again diarrhoea, followed by prickling crawling in
tip of r. index, alternately with itching in anus, as if an insect were
creeping out; sticking in tendo Achillis first of r. then of 1. foot; at
last colicky pain in hypogastric region, as if from flatulence. 19th.-
Towards e. stitch in r. pectoralis major, as if from an electric spark;
an h. later similar pain in r. nipple, followed by feeling of tightness,
as from a band, in lower third of chest, with difficult breathing;
tension and sensation of stiffness in 1. sterno-mastoid; frequent yawn-
ing; cramp-pain in metacarpal joint of r. thumb; fine stitch in
abdominal integument in. to left of umbilicus, alternating with a
similar one in middle of anterior surface of thigh; drawing pain in r.
20th. In m. 60 gr. of 4th, in afternoon 60 gr. of 3rd. In fore-
noon, in course of 3 h. much accumulation of saliva in mouth; pressure
in stomach; distension of belly; loud grumbling in 1. side of abdomen;
pain in hypogastric region, as with flatulent colic; frequent yawning;
cracking in 1. ear on swallowing; sensitive stitches deep in root of nose
towards r. frontal sinus; stitches below nipples; drawing sticking pain
in metacarpal joint of r. thumb; after dinner diarrhoea. Afternoon
(1 h. after dose) sticking below 1. nipple; h. later, fine stitches in 1.
external canthus, as if there were sand in it; 2 h. after, diarrhoea
at last feeling of soreness in 1. nostril with difficulty in inhaling air
ear.
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
359
through it. Throughout whole d. he had sensation in tongue, as if he
had eaten something astringent which blunted sensitiveness of papillæ.
d. Dec. 21st, 9.30 a.m., took 1 scruple of kitchen salt. 5 m.,
feeling of scraping and pressure in stomach, loud rumbling and grum-
bling in l. side of abdomen and about stomach, with loathing and fre-
quent yawning; 3 h., frequent painless twitching in muscles of I. side
of chest, below axilla; 5 h., sensation in anus, as if small air-bubbles
were passing through, one at a time; h. later, in lying, tension in
cardiac region, followed by a sudden extremely violent concussion of
whole 1. side of body; prickling and crawling in tip of r. index; and such
weakness in thumb, index and middle finger of r. hand that he could
scarcely hold the pen (lasting 10 m.). In e. great relaxation of body
and mind, distraction, dull absence of thought, accompanied with
pressive pain in stomach and frequently repeated fits of nausea. Slept
well during n. till 4 a.m., when he had very violent contractive pain in
hypogastric region, lasting several m. and returning (every 15 m.) 3
times; tingling, as if asleep, in thumb, index and middle finger of I.
hand (they were as if dead for 5 m.); thereupon painless twitching in
I. pectoralis major and fine stitches below skin in hepatic region; lastly
emission of stinking flatus. About 6 a.m., call to stool and evacuation
of a pappy, yellowish-brown, very offensive stool, mixed with little
whitish-grey lumps (almost like masses of tubercle). 22nd.—9 a.m.,
another scruple. 15 m. after, grumbling in epigastrium (often during
d. and always returning with yawning); during whole d. frequent
crawling in tips of fingers and fine stitches here and there in skin.
23rd.—9.45 a.m., 3ss. 5 m. after, tension in l. groin, with rumbling in
belly; h., gentle drawing in 1. tonsil, simultaneous cramp pain and
roaring in 1. ear (for 10 m.); 2 h., drawing tension in middle of ante-
rior surface of 1. thigh, hindering walking; 2 h., pressure in stomach
and in hepatic region, with contraction of chest and frequent flow of
saliva in mouth; yawning; an itching stitch in heel; 22 h., thin,
almost diarrhoeic stool, thereupon loud grumbling in belly, heartburn,
and pressure in stomach (lasting several m., frequently returning at
short intervals). The pressive pain extended from stomach as far as
back, and caused slight contraction in pharynx ; at same time head was
dull and clouded, and prover was overpowered by a very peculiar
irresolution even in regard to the most indifferent things. 3 h.,
pressure and tension on spot size of a thaler, below r. false ribs, for 3
m.; 5 h., transient stitch from nape of neck into occiput and two very
penetrating stitches in 1. thigh in neighbourhood of scrotum; digging
pain above 1. eyebrow deep in brain; 6 h., thread-like sharp stitch
penetrating from below upwards in r. edge of scapula (comp. Nov. 8th);
7 h., transient stitch in 1. internal canthus, alternating with a similar
one in the ramus of r. ischium; twitching in inferior orbital ridge of r.
eye. In e. tension in nape; stitch in 1. great toe; prickling itching in
orbital ridge of 1. eye (towards external canthus); digging pain deep
in hepatic region. In sitting sticking, cutting, extremely violent
and lightning-like pain shook whole body, which began behind the
anterior spine of r. ilium and spread partly downwards over trochanter
towards anterior and external surface of thigh, partly upwards across
360
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
back as far as neighbourhood of scapula; a few m. afterwards there
appeared an itching and crawling in first phalanx of middle finger. In
m. after waking, a similar sticking cutting pain as on previous e. shook
body, which, however, proceeded from 1. hip; h. later, fine sticking in
back of thumb close to root of nail coming with each beat of pulse and
frequently returning, thereupon (after a very thin stool) a similar itch-
ing sticking on dorsum of 1. foot. 24th.-Took in m. another 3ss.
Immediately after taking it, shaking, loathing, with rumbling in the belly
and frequent yawning; an h. after feeling of chilliness in whole body,
with frequent shivering, and accompanied with loathing and yawning;
prickling itching in r. ridge of lower jaw; 2 h. after burning in stomach,
with oppression of chest; frequent yawning; 7 h. after stitch as if with
a needle in root of nail of r. great toe; 13 h. after similar stitch in r.
patella; spasmodic pains in 1. side of belly, lasting 1-2 m., relieved by
emission of flatus, frequently returning at short intervals. On follow-
ing m., 25th (without medicine), prickling crawling in tips of several
fingers; violent stitch extending from 1. clavicle down side of breast;
in course of d. and even next, 26th, great sensitiveness of teeth (particu-
larly in lower jaw) whilst inhaling air; raw place in inner surface of r.
cheek, causing burning pain in contact with warm food; irritability of
edges of eyelids and their mucous membrane. 27th.-In m. 3j. Soon
after taking it strong rumbling in 1. side of belly. Little appetite at
noon. In afternoon stitches in 1. heel. In e. painful pressure in
stomach with oppression of breathing and feeling as if diaphragm were
pressed against lungs and thereby hindered their expansion, with fre-
quent yawning, and rumbling in belly. 28th.-In m. 3iss. 2 h. after,
loathing with shuddering, which recurred repeatedly even at the thought
of the medicine taken; towards noon diarrhoea, with loud rumbling in
epigastrium; later, pressure in stomach and hepatic region with constant
rumbling in epigastrium; dull pressure in occiput and nape (1.) con-
tinuing h.; squeezing, drawing, sticking pain in 1. groin; diarrhoea
again in e. with subsequent strong rumbling in belly. From Dec. 29th
to Jan. 13th medicine was suspended. The diarrhoea came during the
next 4 d., each d. a few times. On the 5th d. the urine (which had
hitherto been quite clear and normal) showed a dark green colour (as
of an infusion of marsh mallow); during its emission it caused slight
burning. The whole d. prover was troubled with pressing pain in
stomach and liver. The pressure was aggravated periodically, and
was felt as far as the back. These symptoms increased in intensity
during the 2 following d. The pressure in the liver and back close to
the spinal column became very painful; the urine became as black as
a saturated infusion of roasted coffee and perfectly opaque (urina icteri-
corum); the colour of the skin, however, showed no alteration; at night
he frequently awoke on account of repeated accumulation of saliva in
the mouth. Only 8 d. after did the urine become again clear and of a
natural colour. The hepatic symptoms were accompanied temporarily
by pains in separate circumscribed parts of r. side of chest.
e. Jan. 14th, 1844, took 3ss. Throughout d. frequent loud rumbling
in r. side of chest, In e. (after a short walk) great weakness in all
limbs, especially in arms, with feeling of faintness in stomach and great
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
361
inclination to sleep; constant grumbling in 1. side of belly; pressive
sticking in the back close to spinal column corresponding to part of
posterior surface of liver. The stitches appeared periodically every
h. and extended as far as below r. scapula. Thereupon frequent
yawning; fine stitch in tip of r. index; chilliness, as if from taking
cold, over whole body; great sensitiveness of teeth, especially on r.
side, to air. Next m. much accumulation of saliva in the mouth with
frequent spitting. 15th.-In m. took another 3ss. In e. frequent
emission of flatus with odour of rotten eggs. 16th and 17th.-In m.
1. 3j.
On 16th frequent loud rumbling in l. side of belly, with flying stitches
below 1. scapula. 17th.-Pain as if strained in r. pectoralis major in
moving, I h. later, p.m., drawing-sticking below upper part of sternum;
looseness of bowels; at n. flow of water out of mouth. 18th.-In m. 3ij.
Inh. loathing, inclination to vomit, increased flow of saliva, shivering;
I h., pappy stool. The whole forenoon shivering, absence of thirst,
increased flow of saliva and frequent spitting; at same time unfitness
for mental labour, want of ideas, stupidity. In e. prickling itching in
back of r. index, and on lower edge of r. orbit, shivering, frequent
yawning, rumbling and croaking in belly (continuing whole e.). 19th.-
In m. took 3ss. With this dose W. H- concluded his proving.
Although the action of this dose, on his assertion, extended over an
entire month, yet we find only those symptoms furnished which appear
immediately after taking the medicine and during the 4 following d.
They are as follows:-Shuddering and loathing, with burning at
stomach and increased secretion of saliva (h.); pressure on chest,
repeated shuddering, itching in r. external canthus, rumbling in abdo-
men, urging to stool, diarrhoea (an h. after); want of ideas, dulness of
intellect. In e. pressure in back on 1. side close to spinal column
(corresponding to posterior part of 1. lower ribs) as far as scapula
(comp. Jan. 14th); pressure in stomach and in hepatic region. 20th.
-The pressure in back and stomach was troublesome whole forenoon,
accompanied by increased flow of saliva in mouth, rumbling in belly,
and frequent yawning. In e. the same phenomena. Besides this,
itching and fine stitches between scrotum and 1. thigh; sticking itching
in l. internal canthus ; several violent stitches in r. hip. 21st.-In m.
painful spasm above symphysis pubis, appearing repeatedly; cramp-pain
in r. temple extending into the teeth; urgent call to stool, which
threatened to overpower the sphincter against the will of the prover.
However it resulted merely in a pappy, dark brown, very offensive
evacuation. Dryness in mouth. At n. after the usual draught of beer,
painful colic in hypogastrium as from wind. 22nd.-Feeling of hard-
ness in hypogastric region. At n. much flow of saliva. 23rd.—In m.
thin pappy stool. In afternoon flying stitch from 1. pectoralis major
towards clavicle. In e. another thin pappy stool. 24th.-At n. much
flow of saliva out of mouth and another thin pappy stool. (Ibid.)
12. Dr. REISINGER began his proving with the 3x trit. After he
had taken daily for 8 d. 25 gr, without the appearance of the least
alteration in his state of health, he proceeded to a similar dose of the
2x trit. This appeared to him just as little productive as the former.
He now took the Ix, fasting, I drachm daily. Beyond an insipid salt taste,
362
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
which continued for some time after its exhibition, slight griping in
belly and pappy stools, he noticed nothing from this trituration also.
All experiments with the dilutions, which he took in the course of 6
weeks, beginning with the 15th down to the 1st, in doses of 50 dr.
daily, remained without result. At last he determined upon trying a
saturated solution (of oz. kitchen salt in pint of water). He had
scarcely swallowed this disgusting draught when he was seized with
such a violent loathing that he immediately vomited it all up again.
He felt indisposed the whole d., had pressive pains in head, insipid sour
taste, accumulation of water in mouth, nausea, and inclination to
diarrhoea. After a few d. of rest, during which his previous good
health returned, he repeated the last experiment. The same phe-
nomena reappeared. After he had subjected himself to a third proof,
he experienced an unconquerable repugnance to the saturated solution.
He consequently returned to weaker solutions, which, however,
like all the previous small doses, evinced no action on him. Rg-
therefore holds that he is insensible to the dynamic action of salt, and
ascribes this to his habit of eating his food much salted. (Ibid.)
13. Dr. SIMON REISS proved salt on himself and his housekeeper,
Marie E. Both provings deserve our respect in a high degree, even
if accident should have supplemented the copious array of symptoms
furnished by them. According to the character which R-sketches of
himself, he is 33 years of age, melancholic-sanguine temperament,
with black eyes and hair, pale brown complexion, big-boned, middle
height, with inclination to corpulency; in childhood and early youth
healthy, suffered from frequent pollutions in his adolescence, and
became affected (probably in consequence of mercurial treatment after
a chill) with rheumatic swelling of joints of wrist and fingers, which
was followed, after twelve weeks of partly successful allopathic treat-
ment, by hæmorrhoids that disappeared in a month. Only from time
to time slight return of rheumatic symptoms showed themselves.
Since his 30th year he has been, with the exception of a periodical
almost monthly recurring discharge from r. ear which lasted 1 to 2 d.,
quite healthy. His appetite is good. He drinks after dinner and
supper wine and water, coffee twice a d.; smokes tobacco; has an
evacuation every d. after dinner; sleeps well generally from midnight
till 7 a.m., and has not subjected himself in his mode of living to any
restrictions during the time of proving.
a. Nov. 14th-18th, 1843, took 3 times a d. 100 gtt. of 30th dil.
15th.-11 p.m., call to stool with feeling as if rectum were forced out;
hard friable stool; after stool shooting in anus, especially in walking;
after midnight, sleeplessness. 16th.-Frequent emission of flatus
throughout whole d. In e., 10 m. after taking dose, fine shoots in
different parts of body, particularly in tip of r. thumb, 1. side of navel,
and thighs. 17th.-Frequent emission of flatus through whole d.
Towards II p.m., pressure in r. eye; feeling as if a mist were before
both eyes, returning 3 times in quick succession. 18th.-Frequent
emission of flatus during whole d. About I p.m. unusually hard,
dry, friable stool, without pain; copious micturition during stool; mic-
turition every 10 m., with sensible shoots along urethra from behind
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
363
in anus.
forwards. 19th-24th.—Every d. 100 gtt. m. and e. of the 29th to
23rd dil. 19th.-After dinner hard, firm, unusual stool with tenes-
mus; less frequent micturition than on previous d., yet more than
usual. 20th.-In forenoon, on walking, flatulence, with feeling as if
looseness would come on. 3 p.m., urging to stool; stool scanty, hard.
21st. Uneasy sleep, strong palpitation during sleep which awoke him.
(It was better after a glass of water.) In m., while walking, itching
Frequent emission of flatus, with feeling as if moisture
escaped with every emission. Afternoon, feeling as if looseness would
ensue; call to urinate, and six emissions of urine at intervals of h.
soon after dinner. 22nd, 23rd, and 24th.-M., headache (after smoking),
which continued whole forenoon, and only disappeared after dinner
and drinking coffee; no stool. In e. particular appetite for fish; at
first mouthful such loathing that it was impossible for him to eat more
of it; on the contrary appetite for white bread, which was very taste-
ful. The loathing of fish first disappeared after drinking black coffee.
25th.—In m. 22nd, afternoon 21st, e. 20th dil. Tobacco is not at all
tasteful to-d. (the last few d. this was more or less the case). 3 p.m.,
stool with tenesmus, first hard dry stool, then soft; afterwards burning
in anus in walking. On 26th, the 19th, 18th, 17th, 16th; on 27th,
the 15th, 14th, 13th dil. 27th.-After dinner easy, very scanty, soft
evacuation. On 28th, 12th, 11th, and 10th dil. Forenoon, frequent
emission of flatus; pinching in belly as if before looseness of bowels ;
after dinner no stool; frequent micturition. On 29th, 9th, 8th, and
7th dil. After dinner soft stool. In e. in bed, 10 m. after taking med.,
burning in the scrobiculus cordis (this seemed to lie between stomach
and external integument); immediately after feeling of weakness, like
paralysis, of r. leg, so that he believed he could not move the limb;
burning coldness (sic) in r. patella. Dec. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, the 3rd,
2nd, and Ist dil. 2nd.-E., burning in stomach (apparently in external
coat); spasmodic contraction of stomach; paralytic heaviness in both
hands as if asleep; in ring finger of 1. hand, on side of middle
phalanx, shooting pain, lasting about 10 m.; fine shoots in various
parts of skin of whole body (resembling pricks with a needle), soon
ceasing. Disinclination to coition (since 8 d.) 3rd.-Frequent mic-
turition whole d. ; frequent emission of flatus, particularly in forenoon.
4th.-20 gr. of 3rd trit. 5th.-In walking squeezing shooting obliquely
through base of bladder, continuing several m.; soon after, shoots in
rectum; frequent emission of flatus, especially in forenoon. For 2 h.
after dinner every h. urging to urinate, with emission of clear pale
urine, later at rather longer intervals, lasting on until e.; frequent
chilliness in different parts of body throughout whole d. 6th.-Sour
taste in mouth, continuing till e.; frequent micturition after dinner.
On same d. in e. took 20 gr. of 1st trit. 7th.-In m., in bed, weak-
ness and heaviness in limbs, disappearing after rising; cheerful humour;
frequent micturition after dinner.
b. Dec. 8th.-Took 15 gr. of the raw material. 9th and 10th.-
Took 3 drachms of same. 8th and 9th.-No symptoms. 10th.-
Frequent micturition after dinner; stool loose, with tenesmus; thereupon
shooting in rectum. 11th.-E., 4 drachms. 5 m. after taking the above
364
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
.
frequent yawning, recurring every m., which up till 9 o'clock
became much more violent and ultimately spasmodic. After drinking
wine it ceased. During the yawning constant nausea; weak-
ness of hands; itching over whole head; fine stitches in different
parts of body; frequent shuddering over body; pale complexion and
lips; loss of appetite. Food has no taste whatever. After drinking
wine several times taste returned, and appetite also was aroused; only
there remained still great weakness and sleepiness, so that he was
obliged to go earlier to bed than usual. 12th.-In m. hoarseness, with-
out pain. II a.m., fine painful shoots through tip of r. thumb; in
second phalanx of thumb pain as if dislocated. Distraction while con-
versing. 13th and 14th.-In e., about 7 p.m., 3 drachms. 15th.-Took
same dose about 10 a.m. A few m. after that nausea and vomiting,
with dryness in mouth and burning feeling in stomach; loathing of
food; very great thirst for wine; after wine more appetite. After
dinner call to stool; the latter was consistent. II p.m., again 3
drachms. Soon after, fine shoots in various places in body, rapidly passing
off; shouting in sleep. 16th.-Frequent urination whole d. Urine pale,
clear. 6 p.m., 4 drachms. 5 m. after yawned 8 times at short inter-
vals; then accumulation of water in mouth and spitting of same; after
that hiccough, alternately with yawning; ultimately hiccough only,
lasting h.; all this time nausea and inclination to vomit, with total
relaxation and weakness of body; contraction of skin in vertex; in l.
half of forehead pressive pain; some h. after, great dryness of mouth;
uneasiness in whole body, which allows no rest anywhere. He was
morose, went to the theatre, but was obliged immediately to come out
again on account of inquietude and discomfort; thereupon great weak-
ness, particularly in legs. Desire for wine; he could scarcely wait
till it was brought to him in the hotel; in a few m. he drank a pint
with two pints of water. Unquenchable thirst; loss of appetite;
loathing of animal and other food; avidity for bread. He ate four
small loaves of white bread, with constant drinking and involuntary
movement of muscles of mastication, and great appetite. Distension
and swelling of abdomen, which prevented further eating. He still
had good appetite, but only for bread, after which great sleepiness. He
slept soundly. He was awakened about 1 a.m. On awaking, pappy
taste in mouth, with much thirst. He drank 2 glasses of water, went
out, came back, and slept quietly till m. 17th. Frequent micturition
whole d., especially after dinner. After dinner, in sitting, cramp
pain in 1. index and thumb (first phalanx), particularly if he leaned
arm upon anything; soon after that same pain in r. thumb; weakness
of hands. He was quite unable on account of weakness to play on the
piano. Stool small, although there was feeling as if he should have an
abundant one; shoots in skin in different parts of the body; frequent
emission of flatus, offensive in m. but not after dinner; pale lips; dis-
solute look. Tobacco is distasteful. 18th.-After
18th. After supper obtuse
shoots in r. hand, especially in thumb and index. He could not keep
hand still; it moved involuntarily as in chorea, at same time it was so
weak that he was unable to hold cards in playing. Stool insufficient.
19th.—10 a.m., burning shooting in anus and feeling as if it were raw,
·
-
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
365
especially in walking. In e. he could scarcely sit on account of painful
protruding piles. II p.m., 3 drachms. In bed yawning, hiccough,
nausea; late falling asleep, early waking. On awaking r. leg was weak, as
if he could not raise it, from knee downwards particularly. 20th, 5 p.m.,
tickling in larynx and short dry cough. Weakness during whole d.
Was awakened towards 2 a.m. Whilst awaking, cough from tickling
in larynx. Each time he expectorated a considerable quantity of frothy
saliva. The inclination to cough was increased by lying on back.
Yawning alternately with coughing. 4 p.m., cutting in abdomen,
quickly passing off, with urging to stool, as if looseness would come on;
however, there came only 2 consistent lumps; after that tenesmus;
dull shoots below r. nipple, likewise in belly to r. of navel; squeezing
pain in second phalanx of 1. thumb. About 6 a.m. all the symptoms
ceased, and he slept on quietly. 21st.-11 p.m., great inquietude in
legs, beginning at knees, which would not allow him to sit. He was
compelled to rise and walk about, on which the uneasiness always went
off. 22nd.-Made a journey into the country. About 6 p.m. in the
carriage frequent fits of yawning one after another, thereupon hiccough
six times; tickling in throat, which provoked coughing; dry cough
for an h. 11 p.m., heat and uneasiness in legs, which scarcely allowed
him to remain in the carriage. As soon as he arrived at the end of his
journey the uneasiness and heat also ceased. 23rd.-On the road
home, throughout whole forenoon, nausea, frequent inclination to
vomit; loathing of tobacco, wine, and beer; absence of appetite. Not
until following d. at dinner did appetite return. The frequent emis-
sion of urine and flatus ceased after a few d., ; there only remained a
disinclination to tobacco smoking. The loathing of the medicine
was so great that he could not think of salt without feeling sick. Dis-
like to society. 31st.-Before going to bed at n. took 4 drachms.
Directly after, inclination to vomit; repeated yawning; compression of
the scalp and of the head, beginning at the temples; pressive feeling
from stomach upwards into pharynx. Awoke at 5 a.m. quite lively
with much thirst. Jan. 1st, 1844.-In forenoon emission of flatus,
with feeling as if soft stool would follow. After dinner, urging to
urinate, with frequent emission. Before going to bed again, 4 drachms.
At 5 a.m. awoke in a good humour. 2nd.-Forenoon, much emission
of flatus. After dinner frequent micturition. When he puts his
hands into his coat pockets, prickling with painful feeling as if asleep
in hands (during whole d.). II p.m., uneasiness in the lower limbs
which will not allow him to sit, especially strong when laying the
hands on a hard body; cramp-like pain in r. thumb. 3rd.-Before
going to bed 3 drachms. Awoke at 5 a.m. perfectly refreshed. In
riding in a carriage into the country, each time he exposed his nose to
the open air much watery secretion of mucus, now in r., now in l. nos-
tril. 4th-9th.-No medicine and no symptoms.
Pain as of
c. Jan. 10th.-M., afternoon, and e., 20 gr. of 1st trit.
dislocation in r. wrist-joint and in last phalanx of index, with weakness
and feeling as if asleep in both hands, especially when he laid them on
a hard object or put them in his pocket; throughout whole d. fine
shoots, which rapidly disappeared, in different parts of general integu-
3.66
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
ment, with itching obliging him to scratch, especially on toes, r. index,
lips, glans penis, and prepuce, and in axilla; much appetite. 11th.
5 a.m., wide awake and completely refreshed. Took 3 doses each of
20 gr. of 2nd trit. Fine shoots in various parts of body, especially lips
and through whole length of urethra ; feeling as if asleep in 1. hand and
arm; painful weakness in arms; tension above knee, with feeling as
if lower limbs were too short, in going upstairs; constipation; sour
taste of saliva; frequent accumulation of water in mouth. II p.m.,
much thirst. 12th.-Fine shoots in various parts of the body, quickly
passing off. 9 p.m., took ziij of the raw material. Directly after, in-
clination to vomit; yawning, with lively humour, is disposed to make
nonsense; in sitting, great uneasiness in lower limbs; burning shoot-
ing on back of toes; in standing, feeling as if net were before eyes,
not lasting long, recurring three times; feeling as if 1. eye were
smaller than r.; fine shoots in skin, especially of lips, in axillæ, on
breast; scraping feeling in pharynx; pressive pain in r. half of head
towards vertex, of short continuance; much thirst, particular desire for
wine; involuntary movements with r. hand; shooting in rectum,
feeling as if raw in same part, so that he cannot sit; redness round
about anus.
13th. In m. on going out much secretion of mucus
from posterior nares obliging him to hawk constantly; much hawking
of watery mucus; emission of much offensive flatus. After dinner,
urging to stool; hard friable stool; burning in rectum in walking
throughout d. 14th.-M., in bed, feeling of weakness, as if paralysed,
in both hands and r. foot, disappearing after rising; emission of much
offensive flatus in forenoon; frequent micturition whole d.; urging to
stool as if looseness would come on, all d.; after dinner, consistent
stool. Very much appetite; ate almost twice as much as usual.
10 p.m., great uneasiness with shoots in feet, so that he cannot
remain seated and is obliged to keep moving the feet backwards and
forwards. In going about this is relieved. Much thirst, particularly
for wine. He has become during the last few d. remarkably stout and
looks very well. Great desire for coition. 15th.-Emission of much
flatus; frequent micturition, particularly after dinner. Bread tastes.
the best; he can scarcely eat enough of it. Much thirst for wine.
All wines appear sour to him, although others do not confirm this.
16th. In m. in bed feeling of weakness of r. inferior extremity as if it
were lame; relieved by standing up. 17th.-Boil on lobe of 1. ear,
which pains very much, burst in 6 d. and discharged pus and blood.
In consequence of taking cold was seized with influenza, which con-
fined him to bed. From this period all the salt symptoms ceased. For
the subsequent 8 d. he had still constant soft evacuations. From time
to time there showed themselves, even after four weeks, many of the
previous phenomena, particularly weakness of r. hand in holding an
object, and uneasiness in legs about 10 to II p.m. (Ibid.)
14. MARIE E-, housekeeper for Dr. Reiss, is 24 years of age,
vaccinated, brown hair with black eyes, bright complexion, choleric
temperament, active mind, strong constitution, menstruated in her
thirteenth year. Through suppression of the catamenial flow by a cold.
bath she became chlorotic and affected with leucorrhoea, which disease.
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
367
continued up to her 18th year. From that time till now she has
been perfectly healthy. During the proving she has not made the least
alteration in her mode of living. She took salt only from 13th to 26th
Jan., and always about 10 p.m.; 3j on 13th and zij on 14th, 18th,
20th, 21st, 24th, 25th, and 26th. The following symptoms are given
in her own language.
a. "13th.-Soon after taking dose much thirst. 14th.-M., after
rising pinching in belly, as if looseness would come on; a few m. after
twitching and quivering of r. upper eyelid; much emission of flatus
whole d.; uneasy sleep full of dreams; frequent micturition during n.
15th.-M., heaviness and dull feeling in head, as if she were downright
sleepy; strong shooting in r. temple towards front; feeling as if upper
r. eyelid would fall down; heaviness and weakness of arms; in r. wrist-
joint, when attempting to grasp anything tightly, shooting; sometimes
she cannot grasp firmly on account of weakness of hand; weakness of
the legs; much emission of flatus, whole forenoon. After a breakfast
of coffee, pains in belly, as if a double-edged knife were being worked
about there, continuingh.; towards e. chilliness over back; later
much thirst. 16th.-M., after rising, heaviness of head, though less
than yesterday. After a breakfast of coffee cutting pain in belly and
two loose stools; feeling of weakness in hands and legs. When she
stands her legs double under her, so that she would fall. Frequent
micturition, in forenoon. After dinner all the symptoms were relieved.
17th. After drinking coffee cutting pain in belly and two loose stools;
less emission of flatus than yesterday; frequent micturition, forenoon.
E., feeling of weakness in whole body; the longer she remains up, the
weaker she becomes. 18th.-M., after drinking coffee pains in belly
without looseness; frequent micturition, forenoon; urine turbid, with
strong smell, it seems acrid. 19th.-Uneasy anxious sleep; frequent
waking, with dread of something which she cannot describe; after
rising no desire for coffee. After coffee cutting pain in belly with
straining and stool, frequently recurring during forenoon.-Afternoon,
cutting in belly, not so violent as in forenoon; in l. foot above and
around ankle pain, as if sore; weakness in hands and feet. 20th.-M.,
after coffee, violent cutting in belly. This is repeated frequently
during d., but not so violently as in m. 21st.-M., on rising much
thirst, also during whole d. 3 p.m., cutting pain in whole head. In
r. side it abates somewhat at intervals, though not entirely; then each
time it is worse in 1. side (increased in open air). On 1. side pain
extends like drawing from forehead over 1. eye, from zygoma down as
far as angle of inferior maxilla, lasting only a few m. (This pain,
unlike the former, comes each time she enters a room from the open
air). E., before taking dose trembling over whole body. There is a
flush of heat up to head, with anxiety and feeling of nausea till she
becomes unconscious. The objects around her appear quite different.
The vertigo is relieved by keeping still. After taking the dose uneasy
sleep. 22nd.-On awaking, in bed, shooting pains in whole belly,
especially in hepatic region below last ribs on r. side; at same time
chilliness over whole body lasting h. After drinking coffee pain in
belly, not violent. At 10 a.m. weakness in hands, more marked in
G
368
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
feet. The pain in hepatic region comes on frequently throughout d.,
as well as the nausea and vertigo. About 3 p.m. same cutting pain, to
and fro, in head as yesterday, but only in r. half and not lasting so long.
23rd.-M., after rising, cutting pain in belly, especially below ribs on
r. side, lasting h., also after drinking coffee, yet shorter and slighter
in character; at same time urging to stool, without result. After dinner
cutting pains in whole belly, more violent than in m., lasting an h.;
bitter taste in mouth and inclination to vomit. After 5 p.m. sleepiness
so that she could not sit upright. She fell asleep while sitting. After
h. sleep she felt better. 24th.-Pain in hepatic region in walking;
it goes through liver from before backwards, is relieved by bending
body forwards and to r. and lasts several h. No evacuation; urine
since 8 d. turbid; for some d. lately melancholy humour, she likes best
to be alone. Pale, faded look. She is notably thinner. E., after
taking dose, chilliness. 25th.-On awaking and subsequently shooting
pain in r. side below last ribs, continuing whole forenoon, improved
after dinner. E., it returned on going out; on coming home again it
disappeared. Stool with exertion, hard; headache, undefined, through
whole d. ; at same time, although she was in a bad humour the whole
yet she felt obliged to hum and sing to herself, she had scarcely left
off when she had to begin again. (Never sings otherwise.)
E., in
bed, 5 m. after taking medicine, violent cutting pains in belly, fre-
quently returning, round about navel. She fell asleep and was awakened.
After awaking, in bed, much thirst. On rising she had no pains; as
she got into bed pains returned. She again fell asleep and was again
awakened. On getting up she felt well, only she had much thirst.
As she again got into bed she became giddy, had pains in belly, with
nausea. She was awakened once more, and had again much thirst on
rising. As she again got into bed pains around navel directly returned.
She was unable to sleep soundly any more. 26th. In m. on rising hot
twitching (?) on back of both hands and passing out by tips of all toes,
with weakness of the feet, less of the hands. After rising very violent
cutting in belly continuing for 1 h. as if everything were being drawn
from behind forwards towards navel, with anxiety. The cutting was
renewed after drinking coffee, after dinner, and in e.
She had very
little relish for the coffee. Much thirst throughout whole d., neither
for water nor beer, but only for wine; loose stool in forenoon; frequent
micturition whole d. ; urine turbid and dark; much appetite at dinner;
dulness of head whole d., as if too heavy. She does not see so dis-
tinctly as usual; the eyes seem all d. as if veiled. In afternoon great
appetite for cold things (ices). Between 6 and 7 p.m. chilliness over
whole body; sleepiness during chilliness, she had to force herself to
remain awake. The sleepiness was kept off by rising and walking
about. She talks more and more pleasantly than usual, yet does not
like it when she is spoken to. If she has nothing to say she is pensive
and melancholy. Of late she has become remarkably thinner and looks
pale and sunken, particularly in m. and after dinner. In e. directly
after taking medicine (to-day she took the last dose) chilliness, which
lasted until she fell asleep. 27th.-She was unable to sleep any more
after 5 a.m.
She was anxious. When she fell into a slumber, she
d.,
M
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
369
dreamed, and was soon awake again. At same time she felt heat in
the head internally and pains in belly, as if looseness would come on.
In rising cutting in belly; thereupon great looseness, without straining.
After the looseness violent cutting pains in whole body, especially
around navel and in hepatic region. About 10 a.m. heaviness and
dulness of head with vertigo in stooping; there appears to be a thick
fog before eyes, lasting till 3 p.m. 5 p.m., hot twitching (?) in whole
body, alternating with chilliness. She was hot all over and yet she
felt starved. Yawning during chill. After 7 p.m. she was better, only
legs were still heavy, so that she believed she could not rise. After lying
down, chilliness. She slept well, but had a heavy dream. 28th.-M., after
rising nausea with vertigo and empty eructations; heaviness in head;
pressive pain in forehead. She can scarcely open her eyes from heavi-
ness of the lids. Difficulty in breathing; quick breathing whilst stand-
ing, still more in walking; appetite for coffee; surly and ill-humoured,
particularly when she addresses anyone; melancholy; whatever she
looks at puts her in a bad humour. Thinking becomes difficult to her.
When she exerts herself to think, or when she must talk much, she
has sensation on both sides of forehead directly above arch of eyebrows,
as if one beat with the finger on the part. On scalp where hair is parted,
itching, also so much itching in both eyebrows that she was compelled
to scratch these places the whole d., but chiefly in m. Taste in
mouth as if she had eaten tallow; all kinds of food appear to her bitter,
In first upper molar, r. side, twitching pain as if one pulled something
sharp in and out. In forenoon pain in same tooth for h.; when she
presses corresponding part of cheek opposite tooth with finger, it seems
as if something cutting shot through root of tooth. Frequent micturi-
tion; urine pale. Difficulty in breathing less than on previous days.
Afternoon, on going out, chilliness over whole body (she is, however,
not cold to touch) lasting an h. During the chilliness pulse seemed to
her to beat quicker; at same time ill-humour and indisposition to talk,
even with her lover. She did not relish the beer she drank (only
pint). Loss of appetite; fulness in belly, as if blown up, as if she had
eaten and drunk a good deal; lazy, weak, and sleepy. E., sees things
as if through a veil. Pulse 92 at 10 p.m. The last week in going
upstairs palpitation of heart; uneasiness in feet, she was obliged to
move them constantly, on walking it was relieved. She went to bed
early; slept, however, uneasily. II p.m., was awake with vertigo,
nausea, weakness, trembling of limbs, and relaxation of all nerves. At
12 it drove her out of bed. In rising she became giddy as if she would
fall, with inclination to vomit. She returned to bed again. In a few
m. after, in bed, vertigo with unconsciousness and three times vomiting
of food. What was vomited tasted like red wine (claret). After
vomiting chilliness over whole body. She fell asleep about 2, dreamed
much, and disputed and quarrelled in her dreams. 29th.-Awoke at 5
a.m. with pain in belly below ribs on 1. side, as if she would be loose in
her bowels. At same time vertigo with nausea. The vertigo was
relieved by lying higher. It returned on rising, particularly on bending
forwards. It lasted, although relieved by applying cold bandages,
through whole d. In afternoon it was so bad that she nearly fell from
VOL. III,
24
370
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
her seat.
Loss of appetite; no desire for coffee, but, on the contrary,
for wine-soup; emptiness in stomach; obtuse pain in head whole d.;
shooting pain in both halves of forehead directly above eyebrows.
Forenoon, urging to stool; stool with exertion, although it was quite
normal; much emission of flatus and frequent micturition; urine dark.
Good appetite at dinner. Between 4 and 6 p.m. slight chilliness; at
same time itching on skin, especially in 1. breast, on head, arms, throat
and thigh. On latter there came at times during d. sensation as if
flesh were being scraped off bones. Difficulty of breathing, especially
great between 5 and 7 p.m., even when she kept quiet. Pulse appears
to beat more rapidly. Weakness in hands and feet. At 7 she lay
down in bed. She was awakened twice. In rising strong chill over
whole body. When alone to-day, she felt as if she could always cry;
she did not, however, know why. If anyone were with her, she was
disposed to quarrel. Moreover she was ill-humoured the whole d.
(particularly in e.), laconic, sensitive, and sleepy. 30th.-Awoke early.
She felt giddy, even when in bed. The giddiness became worse after
rising, but was relieved by applying cold bandages. Heat of head inter-
nally, especially in front; no desire for coffee. When, in spite of this,
she had drunk coffee, cutting pain on 1. side in region of spleen.
Trembling in whole body, especially in hands and feet.
In going up-
stairs feeling as if someone struck her in the bend of the knees. Trem-
bling of knees when she puts her foot on a stair. (This trembling lasts
whole d.). Difficulty of breathing whole d., aggravated by walking.
Good appetite at dinner. Afternoon, so weak that she could not carry
a basket of wood. Itching whole d. in both nostrils; paleness of face;
sorrowful humour. Latterly dislike to men. From 4.30 till 7 p.m.
great chilliness, especially in warm room. When she went into open
air she did not feel chilly. At II p.m. she was awakened out of sleep.
On rising trembling of hands and feet; she cannot hold anything
steadily from weakness in hands. As she got into bed again a chill
went through whole body (except head). At same time heat in head,
and skin all over warm to touch. Soon after burning heat in hands,
less in feet. It was an h. before she fell asleep again, was obliged to
turn over and over in bed, and slept at last very uneasily with constant
dreaming of quarrels and contentions. 31st.-M., in waking, pinching
pain in belly, as if before looseness of the bowels. She had hunger, and
coffee was agreeable. After a while contractive pain in belly with
urging to stool; hard and painful stool. Forenoon micturated 6 times ;
urine pale. After dinner shooting pain in 1. half of forehead immedi-
ately above arch of eyebrows, lasting until e. About 6 p.m. when she
looked at an object for a long time, particularly in sewing, it became
suddenly dark before her eyes, and she saw nothing until she fixed the
eyes on another object; at same time sleepiness. She went out. On
returning home shooting pain in r. side below last ribs, with frequent
yawning. When she goes into open air her cheeks become very red,
so that people speak to her about it. At home she is pale. General
weakness, yet less than usual, as is also the trembling of hands and
feet; cheerful humour. Uneasy sleep with much dreaming; frequent
waking; she is obliged constantly to turn over and stretch herself.
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
371
;
b. Feb. 1st.-M., on waking, dulness in head; feeling of emptiness
in stomach; no desire for coffee. After drinking coffee inclination to
vomit. About 10 a.m. immoderate appetite and longing for something
very tasty. She received a letter containing unpleasant news. After
reading it violent trembling in hands and feet. Strong appetite at
noon. Afternoon after coffee feeling over whole body as if one poured
boiling water over her, lasting 10 m.; thereupon burning heat in r.
ear, whole of r. ear was scarlet red for h. Towards 5 p.m. chilli-
ness over whole body, only in warm room, at same time frequent
yawning. If she went into open air she had no chilliness. In
returning home between 6 and 7 p.m. shooting pain around navel.
In r. side below ribs fine shoots, continuing h., then call to stool.
During stool shooting pains around navel and in both hypochondria, as
if the parts were being screwed together; stool first hard then soft
feeling at same time as if the rectum had protruded; feeling as if
stupefied after stool, with nausea; soon after that vertigo; everything
turns round with her, and she almost loses her consciousness at the
time. Sleep full of dreams of evil things. 2nd.-M., on rising, head-
ache. In church yawning lasting h., with shooting in r. side below
last ribs; dulness of head, inclination to vomit and empty eructations,
with difficult respiration and trembling of hands and feet. In going
upstairs difficulty of breathing; palpitation of heart; drawing pain
internally in bones from thigh to ankle, most violent from knee down-
wards. It seems to her at the time as if someone would pull her
backwards in ascending. After breakfasting off coffee, cutting pain,
with audible grumbling and rumbling in belly, particularly at rest.
During d. fine shoots in different parts of integument, especially on
chest, scrobiculus cordis, both wrists and thigh. Good-humoured whole
d. In e. heaviness and uneasiness in legs, which increases after
drinking moderately of beer. (Before the appearance of the catamenia,
which are due on the 9th, she always suffers from heaviness and
uneasiness in the legs.) Before going to bed vertigo with inclination
to vomit and trembling of whole body; pressive pain in forehead
heaviness of upper eyelids. She was awakened about 12 o'clock.
rising dulness of head, as if stupid; stomach as if too full; at same time
feeling of weakness and trembling in stomach; dryness in mouth ;
trembling of fingers; she cannot hold anything fast in the hand, or
even close it, for weakness. 3rd.-Awakened about 4.30 a.m., in
rising shooting pain in the shoulder-joint, and from mastoid process of r.
temporal bone as far as anterior part of the throat, lasting h., increased
by motion; at same time constrictive pain in stomach, then cutting
and rumbling in belly. Ill-humoured in forenoon; sleepy in afternoon;
chilliness in back. 4th.-M., in church, empty eructations; frequent
yawning; shooting in scrobiculus cordis; pressive pain in stomach, as
if something heavy lay in stomach, with trembling of hands and feet;
difficulty of breathing, even when she keeps herself quiet. In going
upstairs palpitation of the heart. Afternoon, she could not bear to be
anywhere. She was sorrowful, as if mortified. Between 4 and 7
p.m. in warm room chilliness in whole body; she felt warm to touch,
only not in face. Repugnance to beer and wine, although she was
-
d;
In
372
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
thirsty; beer had a watery insipid taste. In going home heat in head,
with redness of face and ebullition of blood to head; cutting pain
around navel, which ceased after pressing on belly, throughout whole
d.; stool hard and dry; sulky, pensive; dulness of head. (Since she
commenced the proving the head has never been free from pain.) 5th.
-Frequent micturition throughout d.; after urinating each time
burning in vagina, as if it were raw, lasting a short h.; urine turbid,
yellowish red; shooting pains from r. lumbar region downwards
towards uterus, more violent and constant in forenoon, frequently
intermittent in afternoon; insufficient stool; lazy and quarrelsome.
6th.-M., shooting from region of kidneys towards uterus, ameliorated
by sitting bent forwards, pressing on belly, or sitting down, increased
by walking. Whilst drinking coffee grumbling in belly. After coffee
above pain ceased, but returned from 9 till 11.30 a.m., and again, more
violently than before, after dinner. Urine scanty; ill-humoured. 7th.
-In m. in bed menses appear more profusely than usual; blood darker ;
vertigo in stooping. Boring pain in umbilical region, and violent
palpitation of the heart throughout d. Feeling of weakness in whole
body. Urine scanty, acrid, corrosive, dark, like brown beer, deposits
a red sediment which adheres to the vessel. 8th.-Menses as profuse
as yesterday. Great restlessness during sleep, with frequent dreams
which she cannot recollect, and frequent waking. She is generally
restless in n. during catamenial flow, though not so much so as now.
After coffee pinching in belly; desire for sweet mucilaginous things
(otherwise at that time always for beer, which to-day is repugnant to
her). 9th.-Restless sleep full of dreams; she dreamed that she pulled
a very fine tooth out of her mouth. Menses as yesterday. After
coffee, loud grumbling in belly. Forenoon, nausea, so that she believes
herself scarcely able to sit up. Pressive headache now in r. now in 1. half
of forehead. After dinner trembling and twitching of 1. upper eyelid.
Feeling as if flesh were being scraped or torn off bone from below up-
wards, beginning from lower jaw, over zygoma to r. temple, lasting
about 10 m., returning every 5 m., and always becoming more violent
from 4 till 7 p.m. Much thirst, particularly for beer; trembling of
hands; frequent micturition; urine pale, not acrid; menses less pro-
fuse than in forenoon. 10th.-M., menses have ceased. Throughout
d. extremely sensitive and peevish. In e. after violent vexation
reappearance of catamenia. 11th.-M. and forenoon, dulness of head.
Throughout whole d. and also in n. frequent micturition. The cata-
menia have again ceased to flow. 12th.-In m. urine milky, as if
milk had been added, later with white sediment. After going out,
still more on returning home, shooting pain now in r. now in 1. side of
forehead. Cutting pain as if with a sharp knife from 1. half of forehead
to occiput; weak dim eyes; little appetite; taste bitter; cutting pains
in bowels, slightly intermittent; two loose stools; shooting in scro-
biculus cordis; cold and hot flushes over body; trembling in whole
body; general weakness; difficulty of breathing in walking, and in
going upstairs also palpitation of the heart. All these phenomena
lasted whole d., and alternated frequently one with another. Towards
noon she became so sick that she was obliged to lie down in bed. In
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
373
falling asleep twitching in limbs as if she were electrified. If she
closed eyes she saw many people, large cities, great waters pass before
her. After rising she did not improve, pulse quick and full. In e. it
was long before she could fall asleep. When she tried to sleep she
was seized with twitching in limbs and electric shocks of whole body.
Once it appeared to her as if her knees and chin would be knocked
together. Slept well after midnight. 13th.-In m., after rising,
pinching in belly; fine shooting in forehead; trembling of hands.
Subsequently there showed itself for an h. slight leucorrhoea; loathing
of animal food; even bread is not relished. After dinner shooting
pain first in r. then in I. half of forehead, lasting for hours. Towards
4 p.m., after she had drunk a very little coffee, nausea, inclination to
vomit with empty eructations; trembling of stomach; yawning for 1
h.; internal chilliness during which she was quite pale. Pulse very
quick and intermittent. Also the headache became at this time more
violent, and if she took hold of her forehead she had the feeling as if
there was a hammering in head. Difficulty of breathing; tearing pain
in spinal column from above downwards; during whole d. frequent
urination; urine turbid. 14th.-Headache; leucorrhoea, a few times
in d.; tearing in different teeth, now in r. upper, now in 1. lower jaw;
tearing pain in spinal column whole d. She could not for a long time
fall asleep on account of pains in back; sleep was restless. 15th.—
In forenoon shooting in chest from xiphoid cartilage of sternum
through to back, worse afternoon; loss of appetite; much thirst;
shooting in r. side of cavity of chest, during which she was obliged to
sit with knees up to stomach, increased by walking. No pain in
taking a deep breath. After midnight sleeplessness. 16th.-In m.
two loose stools without pain; shooting pain in temples. In afternoon
it appeared to her as if there were a gauze before eyes. She could
scarcely see to knit. Heaviness of the legs. 17th.-In m. during
breakfast (coffee) screwing cutting pain in belly with grumbling.
Latterly remarkable forgetfulness. (Ibid.)
15. Dr. SCHWARZ made repeated experiments with the 1st trit.
and with salt in substance.* The trit. showed sometimes none, some-
times only a slight and transient action. Pinching, grumbling in
belly, sleepiness with frequent yawning, heaviness and weakness of
limbs, indifferent or sorrowful state of mind, indolent hard evacuations,
frequent micturition without having drunk much,-were constant sym-
ptoms. More transient and only sometimes present were sensitiveness
of scalp, heaviness in head, stitches through head into nape of neck and
chest, roaring in ears, heartburn, eructations, unusual hunger alter-
nately with loss of appetite, sensitiveness of teeth, vesicles on tongue,
* SCHW― took: (a) From March 3rd-14th, 1843, daily 5 gr. 1st trit (1 : 100);
(b) same dose daily from March 23rd till April 1st; (c) From April 2nd till May
Ist of same trit. daily 10 gr.; (d) Just as many gr. of 1st trit. (10: 90) daily from
Oct. 6th-19th; (e) Oct. 24th 1, 25th 2 scruples; 26th 1, 27th 13, 28th 2, 29th 3,
30th 4, Nov. 1st, 6 drachms of crude salt; (f) from Nov. 6th-13th, 5, 10, 20, 30,
and 120 gr. of 1st trit. (10: 90), daily, every 2nd d., or every 3rd d.; (g) From
Nov. 23rd-30th and from Dec. 9th-14th, the same 1st trit., beginning with 10 gr.
daily, increasing by 10 gr., and from Dec. 14th onwards diminishing in same way
back again to 10 gr.
374
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
distraction, irritability, starting of limbs, particularly of muscles of
thigh. Salt in substance excited :-Scraping in throat, very violent thirst,
loathing, loss of appetite, much eructation of tasteless and odourless
gas. All these symptoms, however, disappeared always a few h. after
taking it. (Ibid.)
16. Schwarz induced a weakly woman 7 months advanced in preg-
nancy, between 20 and 30 years of age, to prove common salt. She
noticed after 10 gr. of 1st trit. under a strictly regulated mode of
living the following symptoms:-The sleep, otherwise usually inter-
rupted by frightful dreams, particularly during the first 3 d. sound and
composed; after a previous disposition to constipation, a regular easy
stool daily; thirst, which had formerly been quite absent; sorrowful-
ness, tearfulness without cause; prostration, weakness, trembling of
limbs; sensitiveness of body to contact; sweat induced by least exer-
tion. Besides these, dulness of head, pain in temporal region; burning
in
eyes with increased secretion of mucus; eyelids adhere together in
m. ; great sensitiveness to light of lamp; violent roaring in ears; spas-
modic constriction on chest, very troublesome in taking deep breath ;
stitches in abdomen; cutting in belly, relieved by emission of flatus
grumbling and rumbling in bowels; very frequent micturition. (As
the last symptom continued long after the other symptoms had quite
disappeared, Schw― ascribes it to the pressure of the uterus on the
bladder.) (Ibid.)
;
17. Dr. WACHTEL describes a series of four provings of salt.
a. Feb. 21st, 1843, I took, early in m., 10 gr. Ist trit. (10 : 90).
No symptoms. 22nd.-10 gr. Towards II a.m. ringing in ears,
which continued whole d., and only at intervals alternated with feeling
as if air were blowing into 1. ear. In e. heaviness of lower extremities.
23rd.-10 gr. The roaring and ringing in ears continues. At noon
during dinner, pulsation in scrobiculus cordis, which lasted some m. In
afternoon in walking, cramp-like pressive pain on r. shin-bone near
ankle. It seemed to me as if the drawers were too tightly tied at this
part. On sole of 1. foot towards middle toe there appeared a white
spot about the size of a sixpence, not elevated above the surrounding
skin, very painful in walking. In e. swelling of lower extremities from
half way up the leg downwards, with feeling as if the feet were loaded with
lead. 24th.-10 gr. The feeling of heaviness in lower extremities
continues; the pain in r. foot extended further upwards towards middle
of tibia. In n. itching in 1. leg, obliging him to scratch. 25th.-10 gr.
The pain in r. tibia has considerably diminished, but there came on
in walking a feeling as if in one spot the bone were loosened, so that
I commenced to walk with anxiety. In afternoon itching in r. palm.
In e. dull pain as if bruised in r. zygoma and in coccyx, causing feeling
on being touched as if he had fallen on that part; the former pain soon
went away, the latter continued whole d. In e. the white spot above
described had almost disappeared, but further forwards a vesicle the
size of a pea had formed, which discharged bloody serum. 26th and
27th.-I took no med. and perceived beyond a burning in urinating
nothing worthy of notice. After 10 gr., which I took 28th and on
Mar. 1st, I felt, particularly in getting out of bed, very tired and pros-
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
375
trate. On 2nd to 7th March I took no med. The symptoms which
appeared during those d. may be summed up as follows:-Constrictive
pain in stomach; feeling of heat in rectum; colicky urging to stool;
chills down back; prostration of limbs; vivid pleasant dreams, so that
I could recollect after waking perfectly connected conversations. On
8th, early in m., 10 gr. Soon after, frequent sneezing, shooting in
uvula. About 11 a.m., pain in 1. half of head, which extended into
eyeball and produced feeling as if a nerve were tightened and suddenly
relaxed again (a kind of springing pain). Before dinner constrictive
and cutting pain in stomach, lasting several m. and frequently returning,
which terminated in e. with feeling of pressure. 9th.-10 gr. The pain
in stomach previously described appeared again towards noon, but lasted
only a short time. In e., itching in hair on pubes; slight swelling of
inguinal glands; pressive pain in r. testicle; urging to stool, but without
result. Very restless n. On 10th to 14th took no med., and could
note nothing particular excepting hard evacuations and uneasy nights.
15th.-10 gr. In course of forenoon there appeared dulness of head and
pressive pain in temples, which was twice interrupted, but only for a
moment, by springing pain in 1. half of head. After dinner these syr
ptoms disappeared; on the other hand, I was seized by a very pain
rhythmical pulsation, shooting, lasting a few m., in one of the cervi
muscles on r. side. Quiet n., dreams vivid. 16th.-No med.,
so also on 5 following d. The pain described above appeared to-d
yet in a slighter degree, in deltoid near its point of insertion into a
In afternoon frequent emission of flatus per anum.
In e. there appea
a regular pulsating shooting in glans, with transient solitary fine stitch.
in orifice of urethra. There flowed probably also a drop of stick
mucus from urethra, as I found the shirt stuck together. Sleep tole-
rably quiet excepting being awakened 3 times, when I perceived
feeling in rectum as if I had taken cold, with involuntary emission of
a small quantity of slimy fluid. 17th.—In forenoon, with exception of
feeling of coldness and emptiness in stomach, nothing particular to
relate. Directly after (a plain) dinner I noticed a considerable disten.
sion of abdomen, violent constriction of stomach, call to stool, yet
without result, and after frequent ineffectual efforts 7 to 8 thin fluid.
evacuations with colic. Thereupon all pains ceased, and I felt again
quite well. Quiet n., vivid but not pleasant dreams. 18th.-Pros-
tration in limbs ; rumbling in abdomen; feeling of coldness in stomach,
and 4 diarrhoeic painless stools. In e. distension of the abdomen; pain-
ful sensibility of whole linea alba; distended navel, sensitive to the
touch. Restless n. 19th. The whole forenoon remarkable weak-
ness of body; heat of head with roaring in ears; oppression of chest
and shortness of breath; feeling of coldness and emptiness in stomach; 3
thin fluid evacuations; loss of appetite. Afternoon, extraordinary
sleepiness, so that in the moment of sitting down I already began to
slumber. About 6 p.m., frequent chills, followed by heat and sweat,
which lasted until 7.30 p.m. 20th and 21st.-The thin fluid stools
continue. Vibration in muscles of back, r. arin, and calves. Restless
nights. 22nd.-10 gr. After dinner distension of abdomen with emission
of flatus. Towards 5 p.m. colicky urging to stool, without result; pres-
376
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
sive feeling in stomach. About 7 p.m. 3 evacuations rapidly following
one another, without relief. The whole n. feeling of soreness in
bowels; constant waking out of very vivid unpleasant dreams. 23rd.
Flying stitches in r. knee-joint; drawing pinching pain in 1. carpal
joint, increased by contact, diminished by heat. No evacuation.
Quiet n. Up to the end of the month, the Aying stitches in joints, as
well in upper as lower extremities, frequently appeared. The above-
mentioned pinching and drawing pain in 1. carpus continued inces-
santly for several d. On the 5th d. for the first time occurred evacua-
tion, with straining and chills. The costiveness lasted for 3 weeks.
b. My second proving with pure salt, of which I took, April 19th
and every succeeding d. up to 30th, 5 gr. dissolved in half a glass of
water, furnished but a thin harvest. The phenomena subsequently
observed were the following:-Shooting and tearing in shoulder and
knee-joint; beating in pit of stomach, particularly after a meal; pinch-
ing pain in 1. forearm; in region of navel sensation as if abdominal
wall were pressed upon by a solid body from within outwards; costive-
ness; restless nights with vivid dreams.
c. After more than 5 mos. I commenced my third proving with
gr. of 1st trit (10: 90). Symptoms: In m. great hawking up of
cus; in urinating flying stitches in bladder, which after complete
cuation of the urine disappeared again; towards noon starting-
oting in muscles of 1. arm, in region of elbow, lasting 10-15 m. and
urning in afternoon. After dinner distension of abdomen, with frequent
ission of flatus; a mucous evacuation, with straining and burning in
us. In e. repugnance to beer and tobacco. In n. flying chills in
acral region, and involuntary emission of a few drops of slimy fluid
from anus. 11th-14th.-No symptoms, with exception of thin fluid
mucous stools, and nights full of dreams. On the 15th, 10 gr. Feel-
ing of heaviness in lower extremities as if after a long tour on foot;
frequent sneezing. In afternoon sudden call to urinate, with emission
of a considerable quantity of pale urine. This urging was repeated 3
times at short intervals, whereon much urine always followed. In e.
wiolent stitches in l. instep, as if with a red-hot needle. Two slimy
evacuations. 16th, 17th, and 18th, daily 10 gr. Except heaviness in
legs no medicinal action. On 19th, external meatus of 1. ear was swollen
and painful to contact. On following d. these morbid phenomena re-
mained unchanged. 21st.-Pressive pain in root of nose; great flow of
mucus, with occasional stoppage of 1. nostril. In e. on 1. tibia pressive
pain, as if a band were bound round it too tightly. On 22nd and 23rd no
medicinal action.. On 24th, 10 gr. In course of forenoon four tena-
cious mucous stools. In n. tearing and drawing pains in wrists and
ankles, so that I was aroused out of sleep. Although perfectly awake,
yet I could open the eyes only with effort. On 25th, 26th, and 27th,
no symptoms. On 28th, 10 gr. Appearance of a vesicle the size of
a pea filled with bloody serum on nape of neck near hairy scalp. Four
diarrhoeic stools. On 30th the vesicle had dried up, and there re-
mained only a scab. Although I took no more medicine, yet pheno-
mena appeared up to Nov. 15th which I was obliged to ascribe to the
action of salt; tickling cough, with hawking up of mucus, especially in
**
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
377
m., long-lasting swelling of glands on 1. side of neck; irregular evacua-
tions, so that for several d. I had 2 to 3 stools daily, then afterwards
suffered from constipation. One constant symptom I noticed, namely,
frequent urging to stool, but without result; besides occasional appear
ance of drawing and paralytic pains in almost all joints, easily tired and
inclined to sweat.
d. On Nov. 18th I took oz. of salt dissolved in a glass of water.
About 3 p.m. violent pressive pain in sternum, along with sensation as
if that place had been struck. This feeling was not increased by taking
a deep breath, but certainly was by contact, and also by movement in
open air. Towards e. it totally disappeared, but returned next m. and
lasted till e. of 20th. On 21st I swallowed, an h. after breakfast, a
whole ounce dissolved in water. Soon after, accumulation of saliva in
mouth, with inclination to vomit; feeling of chilliness in whole body,
with heat of forehead and pressure near root of nose; great thirst. In
e. itching and smarting on lower extremities, as after a mustard bath.
II p.m., 5 or 6 violent shoots rapidly after each other in breast, crossing
one another from without inwards, with oppression of breathing.
Next m. on awaking paralytic pain, extending from nape of neck over
shoulder as far as middle of arm, and continuing with short remissions
till e. Extraordinary weakness of upper part of body, less in legs. In
n. in urinating burning along whole of urethra, as after new not pro-
perly fermented beer. 22nd.-Pressive pain in sacrum, with desire to
assume the erect posture. Towards e. in open air twitching pain in 1.
temporal bone, which extended towards external canthus and ultimately
spread over eyeball. Later, pressive pain in 1. knee-joint, rendering
walking difficult. On 23rd and 24th no phenomena worthy of remark.
25th. I took in afternoon again oz. I noticed afterwards the fol-
½
lowing phenomena :-Pressure in region of stomach and forehead; pul-
sation in scrobiculus cordis ; slight drawing in 1. fibula. Frequent
waking in n. On 26th, in afternoon, slight chilliness, and in e. burning
heat in hands. 27th.-In course of forenoon twice shooting in region
of spleen, increased by walking. 28th.-In e. twitching-tearing in 1.
eyeball; in abdomen feeling of burning, increased by pressure. 29th.
-Thumb of 1. hand feels as if sprained, and often paralytic drawing with
simultaneous obtuse shoots in os coccygis. In e. heat of head, with
subsequent sweat. In n. feeling of burning in vertex ; restless sleep.
30th, and Dec. 1st and 2nd.-No remarkable symptoms. 3rd.-In
afternoon dulness of head, with great pressure in temporal bones and
root of nose; sensation also as of reeling in brain, with fits of urging
towards forehead, continuing till e. In n. these symptoms somewhat
relaxed; returned, however, next d. with renewed violence. 5th.-I
felt for a few h. in forenoon quite well, yet about II the sensation of
reeling and urging in brain towards front commenced so violently
whilst I was walking down some steps that I was obliged to hold on by
the handrail, at same time lower limbs trembled, and there was feel-
ing as if feet were swollen and without sensation. This condition
went off almost totally in h., but returned about 3 and 5 p.m.,
although in less degree. In e., after previous feeling of anxiety, heat
in whole body and sweat, which lasted 1 h. 6th.-Drawing pains in
378
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
joints. At 6 p.m. again anxiety, with heat in head; afterwards great
sweat. 7th.-Sweat recurred in e. at same h. 8th, 9th, and 10th.—
No symptoms. Involuntary emission of a small quantity of urine.
This symptom was repeated also on 13th in walking. Up to end of
January of the next year morbid phenomena appeared, which I must
ascribe to the action of salt. To these I add: prostration of whole
body; easy inclination to sweat; constipation, and restless nights full
of dreams. (Ibid.)
18. Dr. WAGNER confined his provings exclusively to 1st and 2nd
trits. After 2 gr. of 2nd, which he took March 7th, 1844, about 9 p.m.
after having fasted since dinner, he dreamed after midnight of offensive
things (especially of diseases) and slept uninterruptedly. Next m. his
head was dull, heavy, dizzy; he felt pressure in forehead, in temples
pressing from within outwards. A sensation of heaviness and fatigue
extended itself along posterior surface of thigh downwards towards bend
of knee. At same time unusual urging to urinate, and on protracted
retention of urine troublesome drawing along ureters and feeling of
pressure and heaviness in 1. side of forehead. On following e. at 10
Wg- took 5 gr. of same trit. Next m. dulness of head and weakness
of lower limbs, especially of knee-joints. These symptoms disappeared.
however, towards noon. After taking 10 gr. of 1st trit., on 11th and
12th, no indications showed themselves excepting increased urging to
urinate. Wg- now returned again to the small doses, and took on
13th 2 gr. of 2nd. The following n. he dreamt vividly and remem-
bered them accurately next m. (which was unusual with him).
Throughout d. limbs were prostrated, chest heavy and oppressed;
sometimes slight stitches darted out of depth of chest towards back
(particularly in taking deep breath). For a few h. of the forenoon
unpleasant pressure in scrobiculus cordis. When Wg- had rested
five weeks he began a fresh experiment 20th April at 10 p.m. with
5 gr. of 2nd trit. During n. and on following m. he remarked besides
increased urging to urinate no phenomena. In forenoon whilst walking
transient stitches, running deep through 1. half of forehead, spreading
towards temple and ear, alternately with pressure and feeling of
heaviness above orbital cavities. A few times peculiar pressure on
posterior wall of larynx and pharynx, running along Eustachian tube
and towards tonsils. Towards e. there gradually formed itself a pain
in face which occupied whole of 1. side, particularly region of eyes,
nose, and temple. Wg-closed his proving next e. (21st) with 10 gr.
of same trit. Thereupon, about h. after he was seized with peculiar
feeling of heat, which spread itself from stomach at first over chest,
later towards abdomen, but fixed itself particularly in region of navel.
Besides this flying stitches, and fulness and heaviness in r. hypo-
chondrium; rumbling and feeling as of air-bubbles which ascend and
- burst in intestines; increased urging to urinate, with very clear limpid
urine. After midnight he awoke with considerable pressive pain in
1. half of forehead; subsequently profound sleep full of dreams. The
following d. unusual prostration, especially felt in thighs, arms, and
shoulder-joints; periodical pressive shooting in brain. The whole of
the above symptoms were relieved by walking. (Wg-, according to
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
379
the character he has sketched of himself, is upwards of 29 years old,
nervous venous constitution, with prominent bilious disposition, rigid
fibre, strong muscular system; for the most part healthy, deducting the
diseases of children, up to the period of adolescence, subjected in later
years especially to diseases of the nervous system (affections of the
liver with great sensibility and easy excitability of the nervous system).
Hardened in his youth, he is not easily affected by physical influences,
A chill, for
whilst moral ones act rapidly and continuously upon him.
instance, never induces a cough in him, but vexation very soon, and the
cough bears then generally a violently spasmodic character. Further,
he has the peculiarity of being affected in a scarcely noticeable degree
by powerful drugs, even poisons, with which he made formerly some
experiments, whilst he offers a not inconsiderable impressionability to
small doses of medicine, such as the homoeopathic potencies. He has
also a particular idiosyncrasy towards various things, for instance,
strawberries, which always produce an eruption and nausea in him.)
(Ibid.)
19. Dr. WATZKE made 7 provings with salt.
a. The first I began on March 2nd, 1843, at noon fasting with 12
globules of 30th attenuation (prepared according to Hahnemann's
directions). 5 h. later, as well as the following d. (3rd), I took early
in m. and in e., 20 of such globules. I repeated same dose fasting
early on m. of 4th. During these 3 d. I observed the most rigid
homœopathic diet. On the 3rd, afternoon, I noticed, as I walked over
a stone bridge, a very transient fit of giddiness. It was as if the stones
beneath my feet were sinking down. On same d. a few h. later, I was
seized, while walking in the street, with some long stitches in r. knee
(which came and went slowly). I had, moreover, during these 3 d.,
each d. a few small more watery than pappy evacuations. I am, how-
ever, not inclined to bring these phenomena in causal connection with
the medicine exhibited, because they bear a stamp foreign to that of
salt, and may be explained partly-the vertigo and the stitches in the
knee as the result of the intense observation paid to myself, partly-
the evacuations-as the consequence of the unusual mode of living
induced by the strict regimen. On the 9th I took at 4 and 8 p.m.
each time a teaspoonful of the 3x trit. I repeated same dose following
d. m. and e. No trace of any medicinal action whatever appeared
thereafter. Just as fruitless in results was the third experiment, with
5 dr. of the 21st dil. taken on m. of 11th. On the 13th, 8 a.m., I
took 3 drachms of crystallized salt, dissolved in a tumbler of water.
I repeated the dose on 14th at 8 a.m. and at 3 p.m. On the 13th and
14th, in forenoon no other phenomena showed themselves besides
increased thirst and somewhat more frequent micturition. On the
14th in e. a fluid evacuation without straining and pain in belly occurred.
15th.-Feeling of roughness in throat, not lasting long; in m. and
after dinner two small fluid evacuations, also without straining or
pain in belly; after the stools smarting in anus, which continued whole
afternoon. Pressive pain in vertex, which likewise occurred after
dinner, must not be ascribed to the salt, as I am frequently affected in
a like manner after a disturbed n. and continued exertion of the brain.
380
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
I
The 16th and 17th I took each m. a teaspoonful of the 6th trit.*
perceived afterwards no trace of any drug symptoms. The same result
followed after I had taken on 18th, 19th, and 23rd on each occasion a
teaspoonful of the 5th trit. Also after 3 teaspoonfuls of the same
trit., 24th., e., no indications of medicinal action were present. On
the 1st April at noon, shortly before dinner, I took 3 drachms of salt
dissolved in a glass of water. Soon after dinner, preceded by borborygmi,
two watery stools quickly succeeding each other, without straining and
almost without griping in belly. When out walking shortly after that
painless pressing outwards (lasting 5 m.) occurred in middle of belly a
few fingers' breadth to r. of navel, resembling that which pregnant
females complain of sometimes, as if some part of the foetus pushed
against the place. Also, whole abdomen was extraordinarily tense and
distended. In riding in a carriage I was seized with frequent painful
stitches in 1. thigh. In e. of same d., sensitiveness of external wall
of chest, great prostration, indolence of mind, unconquerable sleepiness.
I was, contrary to custom, at 10 p.m. no longer able to read. In lying
in bed considerable painfulness of spinal column, which was increased
when I lay on my back. On following m. about 4 o'clock, in driving,
a few stitches in 1. maxillary joint. On same d. (2nd) I took at 8 a.m.
I drachm of common salt in half a glass of water. In afternoon, on
walking, tensive pain in r. popliteal space, as if tendons were too short,
lasting several m., almost obliging me to limp; thereon on sitting sud-
denly a few very sensitive stitches in r. great toe. On 3rd, early in
m., again 3j. In course of forenoon frequent violent stitches from
back and partly from chest towards middle of arm, as if produced by
drawing sparks from an electrophorus. In e. troublesome distension of
abdomen, which occurred also, though in a less degree, on previous e.
Restless n., full of vivid exciting dreams, with frequent tossing in bed.
On 4th, 9 a.m., again 3j. In forenoon faintness, slight pressure in
stomach, tension in abdomen as if I had eaten too much, threatening
of retching in throat, inclination to vomit. On same d., h. after
dinner, another drachm. In afternoon, a scanty fluid evacuation with
some straining; in e. tension in inguinal region. At bedtime (10 p.m.)
again 3j. 5th and 6th.-I took each m. 3ij; on 7th, shortly before
dinner, ziij. With exception of slight tension in bowels and a few
loose stools no symptoms showed themselves during these 3 d. On
8th, 11 a.m., I again took ziij in a glass of water, this time, however,
with almost invincible loathing. Immediately thereon, inclination to
vomit, with eructations of air and some accumulation of water in mouth.
The inclination to vomit continued h., and it was only with effort.
that I could keep from vomiting. It was better after a plateful
of clear soup. Thereon, commotion, gurgling, rumbling, and griping
in belly, hasty call to stool, and an evacuation, which during the several
m. that it required, brought away a great quantity of a thin, fluid,
almost watery, stuff, with noisy violence and great flatulence. An h.
later there followed a similar, only shorter and less violent stool, with
* I purposely interrupted the experiment with the unsuccessful dilutions by inter-
polating instead the raw material, in order to ascertain whether it were possible to
create a sensibility to the smaller doses by means of previous large ones.
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
381
burning in anus; it returned to a slight extent once more 4 h. after. No
other phenomena showed themselves. On 9th, 8 a.m., I tried again
3j. In afternoon I was seized in 1. calf and 1. natis with sensation
as if I had fallen on those parts. On following d., on which no med.
had been taken, there occurred tension in the bend of r. elbow, as if
arm had been exerted too much. April 15th, 16th, and 17th, each d.
3j. The first drachm created (an h. after) urging to stool accom-
panied by slight griping and commotion in belly and almost fluid eva-
cuation. The other 2 drachms caused no more looseness.
b. The phenomena developed in me during the proving by common
salt led me to believe that its action upon me is just as transient as
superficial. I deceived myself, however. It proved to be more perma-
nent and powerful than I wished.* Soon after my last proving there
appeared remarkable weakness and prostration of the body. I was not
able to make my usual rounds in the suburbs on foot. The painful
tension, already noticed in the former experiments, here and there in
the joints as if the tendons were too short, or as if I had been struck
there, occurred now more frequently. The tensive pain in the groin
and popliteal space was sometimes so great that in walking in the
street it was with trouble that I could get on for a few m. The
irregularity in respect to the time and repetition, and with regard to
the quality of the evacuations, which I observed during the whole course
of my proving (with the larger quantities), continued far into May. I
had, namely, now no evacuation, now only one in the d., now two,
three, even four. These were sometimes soft, sometimes quite fluid,
sometimes hard. Frequently they were followed by smarting in anus.
At same time I had continuously rather a small appetite, no quiet sleep,
very vivid connected dreams, looked badly, got much thinner and was
unusually depressed. The indifference to the absence of salt in my
food showed itself in a strongly pronounced manner long and continu-
ously. For some weeks my food could scarcely contain too little salt.
Strongly salted things suited me remarkably ill. A very small portion
of salted herring which I ate one e. resulted in commotion in the
bowels, distension, loss of appetite, and a very uneasy sleep interrupted
by frequent drinking. Towards middle of the month of May a peculiar
very troublesome periodical affection of the urethra and rectum developed
itself, for which I knew no other cause than the considerable quantity
of salt which I had taken. There occurred frequently during the d.,
though irregularly, often several times in an h., often at intervals of 5
* My proving of common salt does not furnish exactly a particular support to the
hypothesis that a medicine requires another special impressionability (disposi-
tion) than that of general human frailty, in order to unfold its actions on the
organism. At the same time it provided me with the key to the secret how to
become drug-diseased. It could not be easy for anyone to show themselves less sus-
ceptible to small as well as large doses of common salt than I showed myself at the
beginning of my experiments. The small doses made none or almost no particular
impression; the larger were ejected by the organism in the shortest way and in all
possible haste.
And yet the medium doses, used continuously for a longer period,
developed the salt disease in me almost to complete cachexia; and of all the medicines
which I have hitherto proved, none created ultimately such a deep penetrating tena,
cious action in me as common salt,
382
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
and 10 m., often only in 2, 3, 4 h., sensitiveness of urethra not increased
by external pressure, contractive pain in the part and in rectum, with
urging to urinate and to stool. The urine was clear, in sufficient
quantity, and passed without pain. After micturating, as a rule, the
urging to stool disappeared. The latter could in general be suppressed,
but still threatened several times in the course of the d. The stool
was soft, more fluid, without previous griping, not accompanied or
followed by straining; moreover there was no kind of discharge from
the urethra and no affection of the sexual organs present. The affection
just described disappeared completely by the end of May with the use
of colocynthin. Whether the sensibility and swelling of the testicles
which appeared subsequently from June 7th to 10th, and the tension
in the inguinal region connected therewith-this tension was aggravated
by movement and was accompanied with stitches from sacrum towards
groin-whether these symptoms be further effects of salt I will not take
upon me to decide positively. (Ibid.)
20. Dr. F. C. WEINKE undertook three experiments. He has
furnished the following report thereon.
X
a. I trit., March 4th to 8th. Every d. in forenoon 10 gr., with-
out any noticeable effects. 10th.-20 gr.
20 gr. Half an h. after dull pressure
in 1. half of thorax, which ceased after walking for h.
3 p.m., a few
dull stitches in r. half of chest. At n. (after much walking) consider-
able cough with scraping sensation in chest in m. 12th and 13th.-
20 gr.
No particular effect except weariness and ill-humour (perhaps
ascribable to the annoyances incidental to our profession).
b. 6th dil., April 12th, 9 a.m., 6 dr. without water. Hereupon dry-
ness of mouth, particularly of tongue, lasting more than h. 13th.-
Same dose. Weariness and flatulence throughout whole d. 14th.-
Awoke in m. in very bad humour, which became angry irritability. The
latter disappeared at the commencement of my visiting. At 7 p.m.
prickling pain and feeling of coldness in scrobiculus cordis, from which
stitches extended backwards and up into chest. Half an h. later (whilst
walking) prickling feeling in under surface of 2nd toe of r. foot.
10 p.m. (after having taken wine), very violent sneezing followed by
shaking dry cough. A good sleeph. after. 15th.-6 a.m., 10 dr.
At I p.m. on inner side of 1. knee, stitches from within outwards as if
a fine nail had been driven in there. 16th.-9 a.m., 10 dr. Shortly
after transient pressure in 1. half of chest. 18th.-7 p.m., 10 dr.
Hereon considerable dryness of tougue for h. At 2 a.m. awoke in
perspiration and with feeling of painful anxiety as if I were enclosed in
a deep dark cellar, which feeling first disappeared when I perceived the
first streak of light through my window. Hereafter sound sleep.
26th.-11.30 a.m., 20 dr. Half an h. after while smoking tobacco,
gnawing feeling in a carious tooth in 1. lower jaw. At same time
feeling of sinking in stomach and several times empty eructations. In
spite of this had excellent appetite at dinner. Afternoon, unusual
cheerfulness; heart-elevating consciousness of physical and mental
power; unmitigated assiduity during very far excursions in the most
unremunerative parish practice. 7 p.m., whilst walking, at each time
of raising 1. foot very sensitive, pressive shooting, at same time convul-
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
383
sive pain from knee upwards along axis of thigh. This pain disappeared
after about 3 m. further walking. Later an extraordinary longing for
wine, increased still more by partaking of Italian sasuage. After
drinking half a measure of wine excellent sleep. 28th.—11 a.m., 20
dr. without water. After 7 p.m., in walking electric shock from r. hip-
joint downwards and inwards. 29th.—At n. very vivid dream of
burning thirst which was not quenched by beer drunk wholesale (of
course only in the dream). On awaking dry tongue.
c. Dec. 6th.-10.30 a.m., 2 drachms of salt in a glass of water.
Directly after, burning in stomach, and at same time shivering in peri-
phery of body; feeling of sinking in stomach; constant spitting.
Half an h. after shivering in a well-heated room. An h. after that
diarrhoeic stool, followed by inodorous eructations, which disappeared
some time after, but which again returned during dinner. The appe-
tite, hitherto excellent, considerably diminished. 2 p.m., a second fluid
evacuation. 3, after partaking of black coffee, giddy fulness of head,
which continued 2 h. 5, I drachm in water, without any effect except
faintness in stomach. 7th.-10.30 a.m., 2 drachms in water, soon
after which coolness and slight pinching in belly, flatulence, indisposi-
tion to mental exertion, sleepiness. In an h. a sufficient evacuation,
partly watery, partly pappy. At noon tolerable appetite. About
2 p.m. a small fluid evacuation. At 5.30 3 drachms in 2 tumblerfuls
of water, which dose was borne remarkably easier. No other effect
than very confused yet vivid dreams in n., whose chief content was the
proving. At 3 a.m. awoke quite lively, which has not happened to me
for years. Towards 3 I fell asleep again, and was only with trouble
awakened about 7.30. 11th.-At 9.30 a.m. 1 oz. in a tumblerful of
water. Immediately thereon feeling of coldness and pressure in
stomach; general coldness; inclination to vomit. An h. after toler-
ably copious, fluid, dark-brown evacuations. At 11.30 a.m. a second
copious watery stool, coming away tumultuously; immediately after it
a strong erection, without any sexual provocation.-At noon tolerable
appetite. At 2.30 p.m. a third watery copious stool. At n. a very
vivid long dream (correctly remembered next m.), respecting a dan-
gerous journey by water in a small boat. During the whole
time of the proving with large quantities of salt I noticed a frequent
easy expectoration of grey, globular, compact mucus. (Ibid.)
21. Dr. J. N. WÜRSTL, æt. 40, sanguineo-choleric temperament,
strong constitution, troubled frequently in early life, particularly after
a chill in the feet, with gouty-rheumatic affections of the extremities
and diarrhoea, but at time of proving perfectly well. He undertook
four experiments, and exclusively with the dilutions. His report on
the results of the same is literally as follows:
a. March 2nd, 1843, at 9 a.m., 5 dr. of 9th dil. In h. after
taking it, I noticed in region of stomach, for about breadth of hand, a
pressure, which continued almosth. and again disappeared, during
which eructations of wind occurred several times. Two h. later
had feeling as if stomach hung by a thread, which feeling, however,
lasted only a short period, but the emptiness of the stomach only first
disappeared towards noon. About 3 h. after dinner head suddenly felt
384
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
very dull, with slight pressure from forehead towards temples and stop-
page in ears, which, however, again disappeared every time he yawned.
3rd.-M., 5 dr. The emptiness in stomach returned an h. after taking
medicine, but ceased h. afterwards with emission of flatus, more down-
$
wards than upwards. Head was frequently dull in course of forenoon,
with giddiness. In afternoon again the troublesome feeling of stoppage
in both ears. 4th.-M., 5 dr. In forenoon I noticed, with exception of
feeling of emptiness in stomach, no phenomena; towards noon great
desire for food, which increased almost to bulimy. Appetite very
good; after dinner, however, great weakness and sleepiness. Towards
e. incarceration of flatus and frequent rumbling in the hypogastrium,
In n. frequent frightful dreams. 5th.-6 dr. Directly after walking
I felt great looseness of bowels, which was followed in h. by a pappy
stool, with emission of much wind, without the feeling as if diarrhoea
would come on ceasing. After the evacuation I took the 6 dr., where-
upon soon constant and great borborygmus followed, and 2 h. after
that a second copious almost watery evacuation. Throughout whole
d. great weariness, and in afternoon great inclination to sleep. 6th.—
As the rumbling and threatening of diarrhoea continued till this m. I
took no medicine; subsequently the feeling of emptiness was less
remarkable, and the yawning seldomer. Appetite good. In afternoon
again great sleepiness, and about 7 p.m. great dulness of head, with
vertigo. There also showed itself after waking a large vesicle in red.
part of upper lip, which already began to dry towards e. 7th.-Early
in m., fasting, 6 dr. Half an h. after breakfast I felt great distension
of bowels, which, however, abated after a loose motion and emission of
much flatus of a strong, almost putrid odour. To-day I noticed the
lower lip greatly swollen and rather burning, after which again a large
vesicle showed itself, that formed next d. into a scab and scaled off all
round. In afternoon great sleepiness and profound sleep with vivid
dreams, as during n. At 7 p.m. strong pressive frontal pains, with
threatening of vertigo and great weariness. 8th.-Early in m. 6 dr.
An h. after its administration I had again that pressive sensation in
stomach; later frequent yawning and eructation of mere gas, which
symptoms disappeared towards noon, when I had a very good appetite.
In afternoon slight propensity to sleep; towards 5-7 p.m. frequent
returns of giddiness. On lower lip a second vesicle, which contains
much lymph. Although I took no medicine, still the same pressive
sensation in stomach, with emptiness and frequent yawning, recurred
about same h. as on previous d., and disappeared towards noon. In
afternoon head was less dull and giddy. Stools became again more regular,
firmer, and only once a d. The scabs on both lips began to dry up;
at same time epidermis cracks, lip bleeds easily, and causes burning.
10th.-6 dr. The abdomen feels tense, but loses this tension in about
3 h.; in afternoon great weakness, with great dulness of head. 11th
and 12th.-No medicine. Inclination to constipation, inasmuch as the
evacuations first occurred in afternoon, and are more solid than usual.
In course of these 2 d. frequently during d. slight drawing in both
legs, in l. arm and thumb. Scabs on lips are falling off, the epidermis
cracks and bleeds easily. 14th and 15th.-Each d. 10 dr. An h,
20
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
385
after each time of taking medicine I noticed fulness in stomach, and
soon afterwards below that organ slight tension, which disappeared
again 2 h. after; at same time I had constantly a very good appetite,
which bordered almost on bulimy. From 5 to 6 p.m. head was dull
and giddy. 16th, 17th, and 18th.-Without medicine. The forenoon
passed without any remarkable phenomena, yet no afternoon came
without the head being dull, with ringing in ears, beginning at 5
o'clock, but only lasting an h. 19th.-15 dr. Even in an h. after
taking them I felt region of stomach greatly distended and whole abdo-
men tense, with rumbling therein, which, however, again disappeared
inh. About 4.30 p.m. I suddenly felt violent pressive pain in frontal
region above both eyes; whole of head felt dull; heaviness in occiput,
with pulsation and stiffness in nape of neck; chiming and ringing as of
bells in both ears, with feeling as if I would fall to the ground in
attempting to stand. These phenomena continued alternating for
about 2 h., and a cup of coffee seemed to aggravate the pains. Although
I took no medicine for 5 d., I felt still every afternoon at same hour the
above phenomena, which, however, became daily weaker and less
troublesome, until they ceased entirely on May 25th. 26th.—15 dr.
In forenoon I observed nothing particular, but in afternoon phenomena
similar to those of March 19th appeared, and were repeated daily for
4-5 d.
b. From 15th to 17th April, each d. 5 dr. 5th dil. Excepting
frequent yawning and incarceration of flatus with feeling of tension in
the abdomen, I remarked in course of forenoon no phenomena. From
5 p.m. slight threatening of pressive headache, which, however, con-
tinued only a short time. 20th-23rd.—Daily 10 dr. Abdomen was
during these d. more distended. The pressure in stomach returned
again frequently, during which for sake of relief I was obliged to yawn
frequently. Stools certainly regular, yet looser. In afternoon great
inclination to sleep; fits of giddiness. Subsequently head was more
dull. Pressure in r. forehead, sensitiveness of eyes, pulsation and stiff-
ness in neck upwards towards occiput, which symptom first began to
abate in about 2 h. Even the nights were more restless and disturbed
by vivid dreams, so that on awaking I felt head still very dull
and heavy.
c. The 13th, 14th, and 15th Nov., 5 dr. of 4th dil. In forenoon
I was troubled with fulness and tension in abdomen, with the feeling
as if an emission of flatus would follow constantly; if an emission did
take place, or an empty eructation was repeated a few times, then
tension soon abated. Evacuations became daily scantier, and it was
only with trouble that I parted with very dry stools. The 17th, 18th,
and 19th, 15 dr. The difficult scanty stool passed into actual consti-
pation, during which a hard stool followed only every 2nd d.-an extra-
ordinary phenomenon in me for years; at same time I felt very well and
had a particularly good appetite. I was attacked on 20th with a catarrhal
fever that lasted 4 d. ; on which account I took no medicine. During
this time the constipation ceased again, and the stools appeared daily as
usual. The 27th, 28th, and 29th, 10 dr. 3rd dil., daily. A couple of
h. after each administration of the above I noticed repeatedly congestion
VOL. III.
25
386
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
and heaviness of head, which became more violent every d., and in
afternoons degenerated into severe, semi-lateral, shooting headache in
r. forehead, with transient painful shooting in eyeball, recurring in three
attacks of 2-3 h. and first disappearing completely towards 9 p.m.
Even the nights were more restless than usual, and on awaking I felt
still heaviness and dulness of head.
d. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Dec., 5 dr. of 2nd dil. daily. With
exception of slight dulness in head, with vertigo and emptiness of
stomach, I perceived during forenoon nothing; in afternoon, however,
head was duller, with beating in occiput. 5th, 6th, and 7th.—10 dr.
daily. As the ordinary stool did not appear, abdomen was distended
whole forenoon, and tension first commenced to abate in afternoon
after several emissions of offensive gas. Frequent tickling in rectum.
Frequent urination; urine seemed hotter; also I experienced slight
itching in orifice of urethra. Frequent erections during n., and dreams
that he had gonorrhoea. 8th and 9th.-Without medicine. The stool
certainly appeared again daily, but with greater effort. The itching con-
tinued in rectum, and was relieved by scratching; I also perceived
itching in legs, particularly inner side of calves. 10th, 11th, and 12th.
-15 dr. of 1st dil. m. and e. daily In course of d. I perceived no
troublesome phenomenon; instead, however, the sleep was very uneasy,
and disturbed by frequent waking and constant vivid dreams. In spite
of taking no more medicine for 7 d., the irregularity of stools, which
were always difficult, the dulness of head, the periodical attacks of
giddiness, especially in forenoon, the beating in occiput and the itching
and burning in rectum continued. 20th.-Early in m. 20 dr. of Ist
dil. Two h. after taking dose head became very dull and giddy, with
sparkling before eyes. At same time frequent yawning, which always
relieved head. Towards afternoon frequent eructations of empty gas
without any odour. Nevertheless appetite was excellent. After the
meal I was seized with great sleepiness, which I could scarcely keep
off. There suddenly occurred at 5 p.m. an exceedingly violent pres-
sive headache proceeding from r. temporal region towards half of fore-
head and r. eye.
At same time ball of eye was very sensitive. The
slightest touch aggravated the pains, and made them almost unbear-
able; light also was extremely troublesome. These attacks continued
alternately for about 4 h.; after drinking much water became somewhat
better, but first ceased completely after a full supper which I thoroughly
relished, and which was followed by a good n. Since 20th I took no
medicine, and yet for 3 d. the above phenomena returned always at 5
p.m., in less degree every d. (Ibid.)
22. Dr. WURMB proved first the dilutions, then the raw material,
and then returned to the dilutions. He took on each occasion 10 dr.
of the dils.
a. The 30th dil., taken Feb. 24th, 1843, in e., on 26th, 27th, and
28th, and March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, m. and e., showed itself on n. of
24th by vivid dreams, on 25th in forenoon and 26th by dulness of
head, accompanied on 3rd during whole forenoon by rumbling in belly
and four pappy diarrhoeic stools, in e. by chilliness even in neighbour-
hood of warm stove, and accelerated pulse (100). Usual evacuation
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
387
failed on 4th. From March 6th to 10th a dose of 27th dil. daily m.
and e. produced no symptoms, excepting that on 7th the stool did not
appear as usual in m. but first towards e., and insufficient, loose, with
much straining; but on 8th totally failed,—a phenomenon which the
prover believes he may ascribe with so much the greater certainty to
the medicine taken, as he has every m. (punctually) immediately after
rising a proper evacuation of the bowels. The 24th dil. was taken on
11th and 12th, m. and e., without any effect whatever. But much
more powerful effect had the 21st dil., which he took on 13th, 14th,
and 15th, and after omitting on 16th continued for 3 d. further m. and
e. On 13th he had in m. an insufficient evacuation, but felt quite well
rest of d. About 7 p.m., however, he had feeling of chilliness in arms,
thirst, accelerated pulse, repugnance to food. The feeling of chilliness
spread itself gradually over whole body, and disappeared first 4 h. after,
followed by heat with shooting in integument of whole body. The
heat continued 1 h. During that time he sneezed frequently.
Sweat
now appeared, which had a sour smell and lasted till 2 a.m., at which
hour the attack of fever terminated instantaneously. He was fetched
at 2 a.m. to a patient, but felt himself, in spite of previous fever, quite
well. About 3 he returned to bed, and soon fell asleep. The sleep,
however, was not composed, but disturbed by vivid fearful dreams, by
frequent waking, and constant tossing about in bed. The following d.
head was dull, he felt weary, but only in sitting, had now chilliness,
now heat or sweat. The pulse was accelerated the whole d. (a few
beats in m.). After dinner frequent emission of flatus.
At 4 p.m.
an insufficient evacuation appeared after much straining. In e. he fre-
quently sneezed; he had sensation as if cold in head would come on.
He was frequently awakened out of his sleep at n. by vivid dreams.
On 15th in m. he had an insufficient stool with much flatulence. The
16th and 17th passed without any symptoms. On 18th felt a few
times painful pulsation in 1. temple towards occiput; indisposition to
mental exertion (want of ideas); forgetfulness; no evacuation that d.
In e. in walking feeling of heaviness in feet; sleep disturbed by vivid un-
pleasant dreams and frequent waking; each time he awoke dull pain
in head, and sweat. On 19th in m. in spite of violent urging to stool
only an insufficient evacuation, accompanied with much emission of
gas (which was repeated after dinner). The 18th dil. was only tried
for 3 d. (20th, 21st, and 22nd). On 1st d. no symptom showed itself.
On 2nd, delay of stool till e., when an insufficient evacuation with loss
of blood from the hæmorrhoidal vessels followed. Thereupon pain as
if bruised in sacrum. On the 3rd m. dulness of head, as if from
impending coryza; an insufficient evacuation with shooting in anus.
The pain as if bruised in sacrum showed itself alternately weaker or
stronger, and lasted whole d., particularly when sitting. The 15th
dil., taken from 23rd to 26th like the previous dilutions, was followed
on 23rd by sensation in 1. popliteal space as if tendons were tense;
during whole d. troublesome gnawing in l. os calcis; in afternoon in
sitting, chilliness, which disappeared when he went out at 5, but
returned in e., though weaker, in sitting; before falling asleep pressure
in sacrum. Át n. vivid dreams and frequent awaking. At midnight
388
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
profuse sweat, especially on chest. On 24th short cough, dry,
returning during d. frequently, now at shorter, now at longer intervals;
pressure in middle of sternum and in back below 1. shoulder; dulness
of head, troublesome pulsation at base of skull; constipation; the
gnawing in the heel occurs again for a moment in e.; at n. vexatious
dreams and frequent waking. On 25th no symptoms showed them-
selves. On 26th constipation. After the prover had omitted several
d. on account of a violent cold he commenced in the above manner on
March 31st till April 2nd with the 12th dil. The first n. he had again
vivid dreams and awoke often. On 2nd he had in m. an insufficient
evacuation, distended hæmorrhoidal veins, painful to contact, pappy
taste in mouth. In second half of n. vivid dreams and frequent
awaking; on 3rd d. the same hæmorrhoidal troubles as on previous d.,
slimy, bitter taste in mouth, with proper taste of food; in e. frequent
hawking up of bitter mucus. The 9th dil. was proved from 3rd-6th,
and after an interruption of a week from April 14th to 16th. 3rd.-
In m. scanty opening of bowels; slimy, bitter taste in mouth; white-
coated tongue (particularly at base); frequent hawking up of phlegm ;
towards e. cutting in belly (flatulent colic), call to stool and a pappy
evacuation, whereupon abdominal symptoms disappeared; in e. a
scraped, raked condition of throat. 4th.-Constipation; tongue, taste
and hawking up of mucus as yesterday; sensation of heat in anus and
1. testicle; pressure on sternum, in afternoon; in 1. popliteal space
and in 3rd, 4th, and 5th toes of r. foot, feeling as if tendons were too
short; at n. anxious dreams, so that he cried aloud; frequent awaking.
5th.-Constipation; at n. frequent erections; at the same time burning
in fossa navicularis of urethra. 6th.-Burning in urethra in early m.
in urinating; scanty stool; throughout d. frequent threatening of
headache; night's rest disturbed by painful erections; towards m. a
seminal emission. 14th and 15th.-No symptoms. 16th.-Constipa-
tion, distension of belly, emission of much flatus. The 6th dil., taken
from April 17th to 21st, like all the previous ones in doses of 10 dr.
m. and e., effected on 1st d. no remarkable change; on 2nd unusually
frequent micturition; on 3rd d. constipation; on 4th in m. a hard in-
snfficient stool after much straining and violent pains, as if rectum
would burst, followed by bleeding from hæmorrhoidal vessels, and the
whole forenoon pressive pain in rectum and frequent urination; in
afternoon tension in 1. foot, particularly on inner side of thigh, and
some very sensitive shoots in 1. popliteal space; on 5th, almost whole
d. through, pressive beating pains in head, particularly in 1. region of
forehead, failure of usual stool in m., after dinner contractive pains in
belly, hereon emission of much flatus and a hard scanty stool with
burning in anus, which continued almost whole e.
b. The 3rd, 2nd,* and 1st trits., prepared in the proportions of I
of medicine to 99 of sugar of milk, and taken from 3 to 4 d. m.
and e.
in doses of 10 gr., produced partly none, partly only very few symptoms;
the 3rd trit. on 1st d. induced delay of stool till e., when a hard, scanty
evacuation appeared after great discharge of flatus; on 2nd d. constipa-
tion and frequent micturition. The 1st trit., on 2nd d., caused slimy
* Between the provings of the 3rd and 2nd trit. comes an interval of 6 months,
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
389
taste in mouth, scraping in throat, and in e. an attack of tickling
cough, which lasted almost 4 h., and terminated with coughing up of
tenacious mucus. Not much more productive was a seven days' trial
with the first trituration prepared in the proportion of 10: 90. On
Ist and 2nd d. (after 55 gr. at 9 a.m.) he had towards e. a profuse,
pappy, and ½ h. later a fluid evacuation, although he had in m. his
usual normal stool. On 2nd d. he had, prior to the appearance of the
fluid stool, cutting in hypogastrium. On 3rd and 4th d. (after 55 gr.
m. and e.) stool did not make its appearance; the appetite was con-
siderably increased. On latter d. in e. attack of tickling cough came
on, which ended after 10 m. with coughing up of saltish phlegm. On
5th d. (after a similar dose) the (scanty) evacuation was retarded until
afternon, and occurred only after much straining. In e. several attacks
of tickling cough appeared. The same attacks were repeated in e. of
the 6th d. (after 110 gr. in m.). Tonsils, soft palate, and uvula
greatly injected. The 7th d. (after another 110 gr.) passed without
any symptoms. A further trial of 3 d. with the 1st trit. prepared in
proportion of 1: 5 was likewise without results.
C. WB-
now proceeded to the proving of the raw material. He
took of it on Nov. 10th, 11th, and 12th every m. 3j; from 13th-
18th zij; 20th ziij; 22nd oz., which he repeated on 25th, 26th,
27th, and 29th. The 30th he increased the dose to 3vj, and
concluded on Dec. Ist with 1 oz. The salt for this purpose was on
each occasion dissolved in water (4 tablespoonfuls to I drachm).
These large doses enriched the sphere of action of salt by only a few
symptoms. The results are comprised in the following: Ioth.-
Increased desire for food; sensation in 1. popliteal space as if tendons
were too short, returning frequently in course of forenoon, most fre-
quent in rising from a seat; in e. cutting in hypogastrium; frequent
attacks of dry tickling cough; stoppage of nose; sneezing; frequent
urination (also during n.). The latter phenomenon continued also the
following d., 11th. After 2 a.m. he was frequently awakened out of
sleep by vivid dreams. 12th.-Constipation; frequent micturition.
The n. from 13th to 14th was sleepless from 2 o'clock. 14th.—The
stool failed; following d. was insufficient. The 16th was completely
void of symptoms. The 17th he had again constipation. In n. prier
to 18th he awoke about 3.30 and lay wide awake for an h. When he
fell asleep after that he was tormented with anxious dreams. From
10th to 18th the sexual instinct was unusually active. The 3iij of
the 20th created soon after their administration nausea, accumulation
of water in mouth, vomiting of a watery fluid with subsequent great
thirst, which first ceased after drinking much water. In course of d.
secretion of urine was diminished, stool constipated. Sleep was dis-
turbed from 3 a.m. by vivid dreams and frequent awaking. He was
also obliged during n. to rise once to micturate. 21st. Frequent
urination. The following n. the phenomena of the previous d.;
besides these, great sweat. 22nd.-After oz. no stool for 2 d., then
the 3rd d. an insufficient stool, e. 25th. Same dose caused constipa-
tion, frequent micturition, sensation of shortened tendon in hough,
night's rest broken by vivid dreams and frequent waking. Similar
390
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
I
nocturnal disturbance occurred after same dose the 2 following n.-
27th. M., a scanty stool; noon, a copious pappy stool; n., liquid stool;
abdomen much distended. Frequent hawking of salt-tasting phlegm,
violent, almost unquenchable thirst, frequent and copious micturition.
On 29th after oz., and on 30th after 6 drm., immediately violent
thirst, slimy, bitter taste, hawking of salt phlegm. All symptoms went
off after breakfast. On 29th repeated feeling of shortened knee-
tendon, a.m. On 30th cutting pain in hypogastrium, with violent
urging to stool, followed by copious pappy stool, and after 1 h. watery
diarrhoea. Dec. 1st.
Dec. Ist.-1 oz. inpint of water. This caused imme-
diately flow of saliva into mouth, inclination to vomit, cough, frequent
blowing of nose, scarcely quenchable thirst, disgusting pappy taste.
After 2 h. cutting in hypogastrium, frequent urging to stool, and
very copious evacuation, partly pappy, partly watery. After dinner
quite well except tensive sensation in legs, especially houghs. Next 4
d. no or very scanty stool, and (3rd) increased secretion of urine;
heartburn and frequent hawking of salt mucus, e. ; on going to sleep
violent itching in both calves. Frequent waking n.—4th. After
dinner very exhausted, as after great exertion, but only when sitting.
From Dec. 10th to 18th took 10 dr. of 30th and 27th dil. n. and m.,
and had very similar symptoms, and in addition cramp-like contrac-
tion in calf-muscles for several h. (Ibid.)
23. Prof. v. ZLATAROVICH proved drug on 11 of his students.
a. AB-, æt. 22, took from Nov. 7th, 1843, to Jan. 18th, 1844,
every m. 10 gr. 1st dec. trit. During all the proving his digestion was
deranged, he had little appetite, very furred tongue, insipid pappy taste,
increased saliva, much flatus smelling of sulphuretted hydrogen, occa-
sional purging. Urine diminished, yellow, causing burning in urethra.
Sleep always restless (though very sleepy e.); dreamt much, which was
unusual. After waking often headache; sometimes transient tearing
pain in calves. In the middle of the proving troubled with great
itching of skin for 14 d.; after scratching small vesicles appeared.
b. KR—, æt. 21, made a similar proving. During past month
experienced nothing but increase of saliva, slight burning in stomach
and bowels soon after taking the dose. Afterwards had itching in
various parts, especially about 1. knee-joint. After scratching nettle-
rash-like spots soon going off. Stools irregular, sometimes liquid, some-
times none. N. frequently restless, full of dreams, sometimes quite
sleepless.
c. KK made a similar proving, but had to stop taking the med.
from 8th to 26th Dec. on account of bilious fever. From Nov. 7th
to Dec. 8th his report is :-In the first days no effect except a
moderate headache, to which he was not subject. On 6th d. a diar-
rhoeic stool, and this happened daily throughout the proving. He had
previously been very irregular in his stools. He had also been subject
to painful fits of piles twice a month, but had none during the proving.
But his sleep, which had previously generally been sound, was often
disturbed and broken, and he was often very drowsy by d. In the
second period of the proving, from Dec. 26th to Jan. 14th, the sym-
ptoms observed during the first period recurred (excepting the head-
M
心
​NATRUM MURIATICUM.
391
ache), and there was an extremely disagreeable itching all over the skin
of the body, which was particularly bad at n. and did not allow him
to sleep well.
d. Mr—, æt. 21, made a similar proving. During the first week he
was much troubled with flatulence, but the digestion was unimpaired.
Afterwards he had congestion of blood to head, restless, short, broken
sleep with many dreams, often complete sleeplessness, increased sexual
excitement, occasional emissions. In the m. he was generally cross.
Towards the end of the proving his digestion was deranged, he had
furred tongue, bitter flat taste, especially m., sometimes vertigo and
stitchings in head. Urine and perspiration rarely increased.
e. PD-, æt. 23, made a similar proving. The past 5 d. he had,
immediately after the dose, shooting in temples, after dinner great
drowsiness. Later on increased saliva, flatulence and swelling in
bowels, itching all over body, especially on head.
ƒ. Pj—, æt. 25, made a similar proving. He previously suffered
from constipation, but since commencing the med. the bowels became
regular, he felt stronger, was not so sleepy in e., his disposition became
more cheerful. Immediately after commencing proving, there broke
out on his back numerous pustules which gradually became small lumps
and disappeared after he ceased to take the medicine.
g. Ro—, æt. 22, made a similar proving. Before this his bowels
were opened only every 3 or 4 d. and the motions were hard. They
now became normal. The symptoms he observed were, low spirits,
vivid dreams, which disturbed sleep, especially after midnight, hawking
up of much phlegm, after waking, m., subsultus tendinum in thighs,
often for several m., itching in sacrum, spreading to belly and hepatic
region and thighs, weariness of lower extremities, mostly m.
h. SK, æt. 23, made a similar proving. The first weeks he only
had great drowiiness, exciting dreams, transient stitches about pylorus.
Later great sliminess of mouth, flatulence, rumbling in stomach,
uncommon urging to urinate, nocturnal emissions, very hard stool, con-
stipation. The constipation only occurred when he took the dose
before breakfast, not if he took it after breakfast.
i. So made a similar proving. He observed diminished perspi-
ration, increased saliva and urine, restless sleep, vivid dreams, seminal
emissions. Before the proving his digestion was usually bad, he had
pressure in stomach after a meal, usually 2 stools a d. During proving
he had good appetite, his digestion was good, and he had one normal
stool per diem.
j. Ss, æt. 21, made a similar proving. He complained at first
of flatulence, but his digestion was better than before; increase of
mucous secretion in mouth, especially m., occasionally spasmodic con-
tractions in muscles of upper arm. On Dec. 8th he had an attack of
hæmoptysis which he ascribed to unusual exertion. But as this attack.
was renewed more severely and without apparent cause, on the 17th
he stopped his proving. On the 11th it was without any effect. (Ibid.)
24. POGGIALE examined the blood of a man, both at the time that
the usual diet was taken, and whilst 154 gr. of salt were consumed
daily. The following are the results :
392
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
Water
Blood-corpuscles
Albumen
Fibrin
Fatty matters
•
Extractive and salts.
(Comptes-rendus, t. xxv. 1847).
During usual meal. While salt was taken.
767.6
143'0
74°0
•
779'9
130'1
77'4
2'I
l'I
9'3
••
2°3
1'3
11.8
25. Confirming conclusions already published by Voit (Brit. and
For. Rev., ii, 1862), Rabuteau has shown that N. m. increases vital
combustion; for while taking an extra daily dose of 10 grm., hist
excretion of urea was 20 per cent. more and his temp. half a degree
higher, than when under a dietary from which salt was excluded. Simi-
larly Knapp found that with taking 1 grm. of salt, the amount of urea
excreted was increased 4 centigr., the other soluble constituents of the
urine being diminished.
An excess of dose causes not only
thirst and disordered digestion but also impaired blood conditions. . . .
Very large and concentrated doses cause vomiting, watery purging, and
even gastritis. (PHILLIPS, op. cit.)
II. Poisonings.-1. A girl, æt. 181, of scrofulous constitution, had
suffered till her 14th year from various scrofulous affections, such as
ophthalmia, tinea capitis and running ears. Before the menses came
at 17 she had a kind of chlorosis, pale face, nausea, anorexia, weakness
and emaciation. The menses were for a long time of a morbid character,
scanty, irregular, pale and watery. During that time, i. e. for 1½ years,
she had an insuperable desire to eat salt and sugar alternately and she
often had voracious hunger for bread and fat things. From this time
there appeared on her hand innumerable warts (she had previously only
2 or 3) so that not a pin's head in size of the hands was free from
them. She also had for a year slight attacks of spasms in the stomach
which gradually increased and were accompanied by spasms in abdomen.
She also grew thinner and paler. She only sought medical advice on
Dec. 7th, 1832. She presented then the following symptoms, which
correspond tolerably to symptoms of Natr. mur. recorded in Hahne-
mann's Chronic Diseases. Very pale suffering appearance with sunken
dull eyes surrounded by blue rings. On account of weakness she slips
from one chair to another, but feels best when lying, which she does for
several hours during d. Her countenance betrays the highest degree of
sadness, crossness, irritation of disposition with tendency to anger and
quarrelsomeness; she readily bursts out crying. Disinclination for work.
She is vexed at having to answer questions. The circumference of her
body has strikingly diminished. She has become thin. Heat of mouth;
heartburn, sour taste, loss of appetite, constant loathing, nausea, with
flow of saliva into mouth. Feels as if a plug were sticking in her throat,
with contraction. Sour and slimy vomiting, generally 2 h. after eating,
followed by headache; after a meal immediately feeling of fulness and
pressure in stomach with contraction; shooting and cutting in bowels;
burning in abdomen from below upwards. Chill all over body after
vomiting; great chilliness of back; tearing in back from above down-
wards, worst in afternoon. Menses irregular and scanty. Hands full
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
393
of warts. For 2 months she was treated with nux vomica, ipecacuanha,
veratum album, bryonia, arsenicum and rhus tox., but in vain. On the
31st Jan, the antidote of Natr. m., sp. nitr. dulc., was commenced, and
in 6 d. almost all the morbid symptoms were gone. She regained her
appetite and could retain food. All the warts dried off in a short time.
She recovered her former good spirits and cheerfulness and became
strong and blooming. (ENGELHARDT, Oest. Zeits. f. Hom., iv, 17.)
2. A big, thin, dark-complexioned man, æt. 32, complained of the
following symptoms :-Loss of memory, so that he can with difficulty
find the right word, forgetfulness, dazedness in forehead, and loss of
ideas; want of sympathy, misanthropy, prefers to be alone, low
spirits, sadness, fear of some serious illness, though he is indifferent to
life. Pressure and heaviness in occiput, worst after eating; weari-
ness; heat in head when eating; pressure and heaviness of eyelids, so
that he can with difficulty keep them open. Itching ulcers in nose;
aching in right lower maxilla; yellow spots in face. Burning in tip
of white furred tongue; white watery saliva accumulates in mouth
shen speaking; undefined toothache in afternoon. Itching eruption
scrob. cordis. Pressure in stomach after food; many flatulent
sufferings; stool pappy, followed by exhaustion. Constant irritation
in genitals. Intermittent heart-beats with anxiety, in afternoon.
Bruised feeling in sacrum, especially m., when standing or walking ;
lame feeling in sacrum; boring pressure in sacrum when sitting;
prickling and formication on skin of sacrum. Tearing in bones, at one
time of arms, at another of legs; slight tearing-drawing in hands and
feet; prickling in tips of r. fingers and in r. big toe; falling asleep of
hands and feet. Great exhaustion, especially m. Itching all over
body in different places; dislike to cold air, chilliness in open air. The
doctor thought these symptoms had such a strong resemblance to those
of Natr. m. that he prescribed that as a remedy. But as the patient
became worse, he made inquiries and found that he was a great salt eater,
so he gave sp. nitr. dulc. 2 dr. in a tablespoonful of water to be taken
during the d. by teaspoonfuls, and in 4 d. the chief symptoms were
gone. (NEUMANN, Ibid., 19.)
3. [In the 8th vol. of this journal (p. 435) is described a case of
purpura hæmorrhagica," which the present writer considers one of
"scorbutus petechialis. It was curious in that the patient bore vene-
section to a surprising extent,-86 oz. of blood having been taken (in-
dependent of the hæmorrhages) in 18 d.; and that the blood had a
thick and firm "buffy coat." The writer goes on:-] "This
copious appearance of coagulable lymph would, at one period of
medical opinion, have been thought incompatible with so high a state
of scurvy. But I have met with several cases of scorbutus petechialis
similarly characterised, and unexposed to any of those causes which
are generally considered as alone productive of this malady. In every
one of these cases I discovered that the patients had indulged an inor-
dinate inclination to common salt; and there is one expression in the
case so well related by Dr. Jeffreys which inclines me to believe that
the disease in his patient had a similar origin-' He craved much for
his usual diet of salt beef.' . . . . I have no doubt that a free use
(C
""
394
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
of common salt during a certain length of time will be capable of scor-
buticising the system with the same certainty that mercury will produce
salivation." (SHERWEN, Ed. Med. and Surg. Journ., x, 44.)
4. Mr. T—, suffering from dyspeptic symptoms, prepared, Oct.
10th, a mixture of two tablespoonfuls of salt to Oss of brandy, of which
he took about two teaspoonfuls m. and e., shaking vial before each
dose. On m. of 14th, shortly after taking his dose, he noticed slight
itching of skin about neck and under chin. He found that scratching
did not relieve him, but itching rather grew worse. Upon examining
parts affected, he perceived a faint blush of red and very trifling swel-
ling, but no distinct eruption. He now began to experience consider-
able burning of skin accompanying the itching, and during d. irritation
extended down chest and arms, then down body to lower extremities,
even to feet. He began to suspect the salt and brandy, but took his
usual e. dose. After tea itching and burning began again with tenfold
violence, and was almost intolerable. It passed from above downwards
as before to soles of feet, where he experienced the greatest suffering.
To use his own words,-" I could not have suffered more if I had been
walking upon red-hot coals." His feet felt swollen, but no swelling
was perceptible to eye. This intense suffering lasted nearly h.,
when the irritation went off, leaving him comparatively comfortable.
He had slight itching of body during n.
Next d. he omitted m. dose,
but after breakfast and again after tea he experienced a similar attack
to yesterday's, that in the e. being even worse than before.
On 3rd
and 4th d. he suffered in like manner, but less in degree, being always
worse after tea. (BARTLETT, N. A. J. of H., ii, 132.)
3
5. A child of 6, healthy save for a lameness of r. leg, was for this
ordered complete rest. In consequence constipation occurred, and to
overcome it she was ordered an enema in which a considerable quantity
of common salt had been dissolved. During following n. she became
very thirsty, and drank large quantities of water, passing also much
urine. These symptoms continued, rather increasing than otherwise,
from May, 1868, till November, when Professor Abelin saw patient.
The amount of fluid taken in 24 h. at beginning of June was over a
gallon, and the quantity of urine voided in same space of time was
somewhat under a gallon. Patient by that time had commenced to
lose flesh and strength. Her appetite diminished, and sleep was inter-
rupted by need of allaying thirst and voiding urine. Bowels have been
regular; no perspiration, skin being generally cold. Temper has
become irritable and peevish. Nov. 12th.-Patient is of ordinary size
and development for age; face tolerably plump, but body thin. Skin
pale, dry, elastic to feel; temp. normal. Thorax laterally somewhat
compressed; resp. even, uniform, and calm. Heart normal; pulse
full, soft, 92. Tongue slightly coated whitish yellow; appetite in-
different; bowels regular; abdomen somewhat enlarged, but soft and
resonant. Urine clear, of peculiar greenish colour and feebly acid
reaction; becomes frothy when shaken, its sp. gr. in m. is 1005; p.m.
M. urine shows by nitric acid test evidence of albumen; in
afternoon no trace of it. In the specimens hitherto microscopically
examined no tubular casts found. At end of 1 years A— heard that
NATRUM MURIATICUM.
395
patient's state had not changed, in spite of treatment. (Brit. Journ. of
Hom., xxxi, 415.)
6. E. A-, æt. 28, having enjoyed almost uninterrupted health until
a year ago, since then had been in a very infirm state, and compelled to
relinquish the teaching by which she lived. Dr. Hare saw her March
21st, 1854. Her mind seemed hopeless and confused. Her chief
complaint was of great chilliness, accompanied by languor; headache
and great dyspnoea every m. about 3, followed by great heat with
thirst, which terminated in profuse perspiration. It was elicited that
just before her illness she began to eat salt as a vermifuge, and in course
of time acquired a taste for it and habitually ate it in great quantities.
The quantity consumed daily seems to have been about 3j or iss. On
further inquiry, the following symptoms were ascertained :-Constant
craving for food, but is unable to eat more than a few mouthfuls, imme-
diately after which she feels distended almost to suffocation, and has
violent palpitation; thirst constant; great pain at præcordium after
eating or drinking; heartburn and waterbrash daily, occasionally
empty vomitings; gums are sore and swollen, and bleed easily; breath
foul; submaxillary glands swollen, stiff, and painful; tongue red and
shining; bloody saliva runs from mouth at n.; voice completely
changed, is husky and monotonous, resembling that of a woman addicted
to ardent spirits; uvula much swollen and elongated, clinging to r.
tonsil; vessels of throat much congested. Periods very uncertain, at
first every 2 weeks, now 6 or 7 weeks frequently intervene. She is
generally chilly, but each n. suffers excessively from rigors, followed by
heat and profuse perspiration; as the rigors come on, and during their
continuance, her languor is excessive, and the headache and dyspnoea
almost indescribable. Urine is scanty, but there is constant desire to
micturate; it is painfully acrid, contains three times its proportion of
chlorine, and deposits large quantities of uric acid. She is naturally
constipated, but for last 3 mos. has suffered much from constant diar-
rhoea. She complains of rheumatic pains in arms and legs; feet and
ankles are particularly painful and stiff. Her hair has fallen off, and
she is occasionally troubled with an itching eruption on her scalp.
Her perspiration was so saline as to produce excoriation on parts of
body where skin was thinnest. His mind was much weakened; her
once keen sense of honour and of right and wrong seemed blunted;
she was in turns vehement and passionate, moody and silent. Omis-
sion of the salts effected little change, nor did arsenicum, but sp. nitr.
dulc. speedily initiated improvement, which under other remedies
went on to complete recovery. (Monthl. Hom. Rev., iii, 211.)
7. I always suffer when I have eaten anything salted, as bloaters,
&c. When salt is used as a condiment I suffer from thirst and a
sensation of heat over the whole body, a kind of fever.
After having
taken much salt I suffer from eructations, even vomitings; flatulency;
bad taste in mouth, &c. (LIEDBECK, Brit. Journ. of Hom., xxx, 405.)
8. A patient tells me that whenever she eats salt her breath becomes
short and chest tight and as if a dry stick of wood were down throat,
with cough. (Berridge, N. Y. Journ. of Hom., i, 312.)
396
NATRUM NITRICUM.
NATRUM NITRICUM.
Sodic nitrate, NaNO3. Nitrate of soda, cubic nitre.
I. Provings.-1. WEIDNER, æt. 22, tall and robust, arterial con-
stitution, took from June 25th to July 2nd zij zvj without any peculiar
symptoms except that whereas the venesection wound before taking
the drug healed in 12 h., that made after taking the drug was still
suppurating on 3rd d., and that on the last 3 d., when taking 3ss
daily, large quantities of urine were discharged,-on June 30th 3lxj, on
July 1st 3lxxxij, on July 2nd 3lxxxiv, whilst on same days only
3xxxix, lj, and xlij water were drunk. His pulse, which before the
proving was 65, fell on 2nd d. of the proving to 62, on 7th d..to 52,
and was always under 60. Soon after leaving off drug it rose again, and
on the 5th d. was at its normal velocity. The blood drawn on June
21st and July 2nd gave the following result:
1000 parts blood showed-
Serum
Dry residuum
Ash
Clot
Dry residuum
Ash
Red sediment
Fibrin
Water
Dry residuum
Fat
Before taking drug. After taking drug.
456'3
47°2
5'9
•
491'3
207.8
18.9
52.4
3°21
731.6
265.2
442°7
48.4
6.8
500'0
168.7
14.8
57'3
3'14
801.6
195'3
I'7
3'I
Before taking drug, blood dark red, viscid; few colourless corpus
cles, many elementary corpuscles; coagulated in 8 m.; separation of
serum very rapid, so that after 1 h. the clot seemed to be not much
larger than 15 h. later. Clot very firm, buffy coat. After taking
drug, blood in colour and consistency looked like expressed cherry-
juice, many colourless corpuscles. Time given to coagulate 3' 33",
separation of serum slower, clot firm, buffy coat thinner. During last
days face thinner and paler. (Zeitsch. f. Erfahrungsheilk., i, pt. 4, p.
41; in Frank's Mag.)
·
2. A. LÖHR, æt. 29, very robust, arterial constitution, took at same
time as Win 8 d. same quantity. The first bleeding did not affect
him. After that of July 2nd, when walking, felt exhausted and weak,
especially in knees. Slight derangement of digestion in latter d. of
proving. From June 28th tongue whitish, head slightly confused,
painless rumbling in bowels occasionally; stool retarded. Little effect
on quantity of urine, though more fluid was drunk than before. The
sp. gr. increased from 1005 gradually to 1010, 1015, 1020 up to 1025.
The colour at first became lighter, but soon as dark as before.
before taking drug rose above 60, once only 54, afterwards never above
50, on 30th only 40. Six d. after leaving off drug it was 54, on 10th
Pulse
NATRUM NITRICUM.
397
d. 58. Before taking drug the difference of pulse when sitting and
standing was 10-15, whilst taking it 4-8 only. Towards end of
proving face paler and thinner. Examination of blood on June 21st
and July 2nd showed the following result :
1000 parts of blood showed—
Serum
Dry residuum
Ash
Clot
Dry residuum
Ash
Red sediment
Fibrin
Water
Dry residuum
Fat
•
Serum
Dry residuum
Ash
Clot
Dry residuum
Ash
Red sediment
Fibrin
Water
Dry residuum
Fat
•
•
Before taking drug. After taking drug.
435'5
444°2
52.7
49'5
9°3
528.9
171.9
II O
26.9
2.16
7'5
507.8
199.6
8.7
56.7
2'12
735.8
262.1
2·8
Before, blood dark red and viscid, a good number of white corpus-
cles; time taken to coagulate 8 m., clot hard and elastic. After, blood
like expressed cherry-juice, many and large white corpuscles, time taken
to coagulate 4' 59", clot pretty firm. (Ibid.)
`
3. C. GILLMEISTER, æt. 23, strong, venous constitution, took in
12 d. from July 10th to 22nd 3v ziij; in first 2 d. zij, on 3rd d. ziij,
and after that 3ss daily. The analysis of blood drawn on July 6th and
23rd gave following result:
1000 parts blood showed--
492 2
2009
24°3
104.8
:
..
1'5
680'9
317.6
Before taking drug.
403'I
44'5
5.8
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
772.9
224.9
1.9
• ··
After taking drug.
415.8
34'I
5.8
543'7
158.6
28.4
40'5
2'I
7874
210'5
1'2
3'5
Before taking drug, blood dark red; many white corpuscles; time
taken to coagulate 7′ 4″; clot moderately firm and elastic. After
taking drug blood like cherry-juice; fewer but very large colourless
corpuscles; time taken to coagulate 6' 23"; clot very soft and friable.
General sensations: Afterwards, for some d. occasional extreme
exhaustion ; from July 21st this became permanent; every d. this ex-
haustion increased, it was aggravated by every movement, he had the
greatest difficulty in going upstairs. At same time great psychical
laziness; head confused, appetite lost, the pulse, which was previously
large and full, became daily smaller and softer, face paler, features
sunken. This state reached its climax on July 24th after a small vene-
section the previous e. ; it was less on 25th; and on 27th only felt after
398
NATRUM NITRICUM.
bodily exertion; head free, appetite restored, but pulse still small and
weak. Pulse grew fuller on 28th, when the vein wound made 2 d. pre-
viously was healed. Occasionally during the last 2 d. some pain in
bowels. Urine not increased in quantity was, while taking drug, much
lighter, sp. gr. increased, sometimes turbid and depositing a slimy sedi-
ment. (Ibid.)
4. W. DEETZ, æt. 20, rather tall and thin, nervous constitution,
with tendency to ebullitions of blood, took in 8 d. from July 2nd to
9th 3iij zij. Pulse fell once to 63, normal pulse 75, diminished in
fulness and tension.
General sensations: On 4th d. such exhaustion he could not take
long walk without repeated rests; it increased the following days,
and on 9th became so great that he could hardly walk. At same time
peculiar painful sensation in ankles and adductors of thigh. On 13th
the exhaustion was still so great that after a short walk, e., he had a
fainting fit.
Urinary organs: In spite of profuse perspiration in the warm
weather while taking the drug more urine was present than fluid
drunk, whereas before and after the opposite state occurred. Sp. gr.
increased. On letting it fall on paper there remained behind very
iridescent, crystalline scales. There was also frequent, often anxious,
urging to urinate and increased mucous secretion, shown by turbid
urine and copious mucous sediment. The great loss of water was also
shown by a tiresome burning dryness in mouth and throat.
Analyses of blood drawn June 29th and July 9th gave following
results :
1000 parts blood showed-
Serum
Dry residuum
Ash
Clot.
Dry residuum
Ash
Red sediment
Fibrin
Water
Dry residuum
Fat
•
K
Before taking drug. After taking drug.
410'7
448.4
47'I
44'5
7.2
515.6
259'5
19.8
73'7
2'9
735'7
261'4
3.6
..
:
...
···
:
..
8.4
511.2
236.9
27.0
40'4
2:5
757'6
239'9
2.6
Before taking drug, blood dark; a good number of white corpuscles,
scarcely larger than the red corpuscles; time taken to coagulate 13′ 5″,
clot firm. After taking drug, blood brighter; many large white corpus-
cles and very pale red corpuscles; time taken to coagulate 7' 15", clot
soft, friable. (Ibid.)
5. W. LAMBERT, æt. 20, tall and strong, nervous constitution, very
excitable vascular system, very apt to perspire, took from July 10th to
20th ziv zij, after a small venesection on June 25th. Normal pulse
between 75 and 80, while taking drug almost always below 75,
repeatedly 70 and less, down to 66. Pulse grew softer in latter days.
General sensations: Exhaustion and disinclination for mental and
NATRUM NITRICUM.
399
¦
bodily exertion, increasing quickly the next 2 d., constant drowsiness,
sleep not refreshing. Health and strength gradually returned some d.
after leaving off drug. No alteration in urinary secretion or digestion;
from 14th to 18th the stool, whatever its consistence, occurred with
great straining; in the last days there was continual urging to stool.
Analyses of blood of 25th June and 20th July gave following
results :
1000 parts blood showed :
Serum
Dry residuum
Ash
Clot
Dry residuum
Ash
Red sediment
Fibrin
Water
Dry residuum
Fat
•
•
•
Fat
Fibrin. a. Moist
b. Dry
•
·
•
Before taking drug. After taking drug.
404.8
486.1
44°5
38.2
7'5
540'5
179°3
22.6
54'7
2.8
1000 parts of the blood contained :
Solid matter of the defibrinated blood
Water thereof
Solid matter of the serum
Water thereof
Blood-corpuscles
•
744.8
252'4
-2.9
Albumen (dry) of serum
Extractive matter and salts thereof
Before taking drug, blood bright red; along with deeply tinged
corpuscles many white ones; time taken to coagulate 12′ 36″; clot
firm, elastic. After taking drug, blood like cherry-juice; along with
slightly coloured corpuscles, many white ones; time taken to coagulate
6′ 50″, clot soft, easily broken up. (Ibid.)
6. BEUDER, labourer, æt. 43, very strong. Five years ago got
severe ophthalmo-blennorrhoea, treated by 2 blood-lettings and mercurial
ointment with extract of belladonna; was able to resume work in 14 d.
There remained a thin spot on cornea. Sight generally worst in spring
and summer. He got himself bled when his sight was bad and it
improved. The last 2 years the sight was good; he was bled no more.
The last 24 d. the sight has been weaker, and he had exhausting painful
diarrhoea. In 2 d. he took 6 powders, each containing gr. of opium.
After 14 d. he felt quite well.
··
•
•
7.7
476.8
146.9
25.8
37'1
1'9
•
751'5
246.6
2.5
205.000
795'000
88.400
911.600
113'519
75*140
13.260
0*265
7'570
3.081
487.160
Coagulum
Serum
Sp. gr. of serum
The total quantity of blood taken amounted to 77 grms. ; the
first examination was on July 28th at 10.17 a.m.
512 820
1026.7
400
NATRUM NITRICUM.
A moderate buffy coat was formed. After 2 h. the serum was
decanted off; it was clear and the colour of urine. Coagulum very
black, commences after 4 m. to redden slightly. After 8 m. the colour
becomes light brown with some black places. The redness becomes
gradually more intense. He took, July 31st, a tablespoonful every h.
of the following mixture:-Natri nitrici iiss, Sacch. alb. 3j, Aq.
dest. viij. Soon after commencing this he had pains in abdomen
difficult to describe. This was speedily followed by 3 diarrhoeic stools,
when the pains ceased. Next m, a normal stool. On August 1st at
10.15 a.m., 83°2 grms. of blood were drawn.
1000 parts blood contained :
Solid matter of defibrinated blood
Water thereof
Solid matter of serum
Water thereof
Blood-corpuscles
Albumen (dry) of serum
Extractive matter and soluble salts thereof
Fat
Fibrin. a. Moist
b. Dry
Coagulum
Serum
Fat
Fibrin.
3*341
458.910
Sp. gr. of defibrinated blood
541*090
1053°
Sp. gr. of serum
1025°2
The blood had a buffy coat. The serum is clear and wine-yellow
coloured. After 2 h. it was separated from clot. More dissolved
colouring matter than in first bleeding. The reddening of the clot
went on quicker than in the former case. The black places fewer and
much smaller. (BOECKER, Allg. Zeit. f. Hom., Suppl. 7, 44.)
7. CARL STEINBERG, æt. 24, cloth worker, of athletic build, rosy
colour, dark brown hair. Had been suffering for more than a week
from rheumatic pains in limbs. July 11th, 10.15 a.m., was bled to
91.2 grm.
1000 parts blood contained:
Solid constitutents of defibrinated blood
Water thereof
Solid matter of serum
Water thereof
Blood corpuscles
Albumen of serum
Extractive matter and salts thereof
a. Moist
b. Dry
Coagulum
Serum
190°500
809.500
83.600
•
916.400
103487
69.305
14'295
0*250
8.000
203.000
797'000
85.200
914.800
115.908
WAN
72 420
12.780
0.213
3.312
1.892
487.394
51-2.606
1056'0
1025'1
Sp. gr. of defibrinated blood
Sp. gr. of serum
The serum was turbid and reddish. It was decanted from clot
NATRUM NITRICUM.
401
after 2 h. The clot reddened quickly, in 5' was already bright red.
Very few black spots. Took, July 11th, a tablespoonful every 2 h. of
following mixture:-Natr. nitr. 3ij, Sacch. alb. 3j, Aq. dest. vij. By
July 14th the pains were much relieved. During the 2 d. whilst
taking mixture the stools were increased. No other symptoms could
be observed.-July 14th, 10.15 a.m., 88.7 grms. of blood were drawn.
This removed all remaining pain.
1000 parts blood contained:
Solid matter of defibrinated blood
Water thereof
Solid matter of serum
Water thereof
Blood-corpuscles
Albumen of serum
Extractive matter and salts thereof
Fat
Fibrin, a.
a. Moist
b. Dry
Coagulum
Serum
Sp. gr. of defibrinated blood
Sp. gr. of serum
•
184.000
816.000
70'400
929.600
111984
58.344
12.056
O'176
3°232
1616
423'730
576 270
1050
I022 I
2
4
The serum is reddish and turbid but soon clears, and its red matter
is deposited on surface of coagulum. After 2 h. the serum was
decanted. As soon as the clot came into contact with the air it
became intensely red, very few melanotic spots to be seen. (Ibid., 49.)
8. Dr. E-took m., fasting, drm. in substance. After 2 h. no appe-
tite for usual coffee, this lasted d.—1st d. Cold feet up to knees.
Occasional rigor all over.-2nd d. Sour taste and sour eructations almost
like heartburn for a short time. In-pressing pain on malar bone.—
No time stated. Confusion of head as after prolonged thinking.
Abdominal muscles painfully drawn towards spine. (Archiv, xiii, 179.)
9. Dr. H— took h. after rising, m., 1 drm. dissolved in 2 oz.
water. After h. distension and heavy feeling in hypogastrium, with
discharge of much flatus. A cold feeling streams through upper part
of body and arms followed by increased warmth.-After h. pressive
bruised pain in joints of feet, toes, shoulders and fingers.-After 9 h.
flatulent sufferings which cause pressive pains in scrob. cordis and
higher up under sternum as if in chest, aggravated by bodily exercise,
relieved by discharge of flatus or eructation.-After 48 h. very dilatory
evacuation of large fæces after great straining, leaving behind sensation.
of more to come, at 2 p.m.-No time statea. The whole 1. concha
becomes burning hot, whilst the r. remains cold; this hot feeling soon
spreads over 1. temple, and after some time changes into in-pressing pain
there; after some time longer, this hot feeling goes into r. side of head,
especially the outer ear, and goes thence into general feeling of heat and
pressive pain in 1. frontal protuberance, p.m. In r. ear, as if in mem-
brana tympani, pain, a kind of earache, with warm feeling in internal
ear, e. Peculiar, almost coppery taste on lips and tongue, all forenoon.
When lying in bed, e., some obtuse stitches in back of throat on drawing
VOL. III.
26
402
NATRUM SULPHURICUM.
in air by nose.
On breathing deeply, and at every inspiration when
sitting bent forward, pressive pain as if between and on ribs under arm
end of r. pectoral muscle. Asunder-pressing pain in first joints of r.
index and middle fingers. Icy coldness of 1. foot half way up leg, in warm
room and when walking. (Ibid.)
NATRUM SULPHURICUM.
Sodic sulphate, Na₂SO. 10 H₂O. Glauber's salts.
I. Provings.-1. NENNING. Proving (manner unknown) on self and several women
and girls. Cheerful, happy mood, which she notices herself, particularly after loose.
stools; a.m., 1st d., she seems to be in very good humour, is cheerful, this changes into
cross, irritable mood on 3rd and 4th d.; nothing succeeds well that she undertakes,
and she does not know why; great irritability, she dislikes to speak or be spoken to,
particularly in m.; m., very sensitive, and easily flying into a passion, which mood goes
off towards afternoon (5th d.); lachrymose, thinks only of sad things (6th d.); music
affects her very much, it inakes her melancholy and feel like crying, although it was
merry dancing music (5th d.); very much disheartened, is tired of life, despairs of getting
well. Vertigo, with inclination to fall to r. side, with frequent yawning all d.; vertigo,
followed by vomiting of sour mucus; feeling as though brain were loose, and when
stooping as though it fell to 1. temple, frequently; pressure in forehead, particularly after
meals (1st d.); pressure in forehead as of a hard substance; violent pressure in r. side
of head, so that she held it with both hands; pressure inwards in r. side of head, after
lying down in e., all n.; after a little strong coffee violent pressure in back part of
head on entering a room; pressing or squeezing pain in whole back part of head,
lasting for hours; headache, pressing from both sides of back of head, 6 p.m., fol-
lowed by quiet n., but pain returned next m. for 2 h., and then extended all over r.
side of face, this repeated for 3 consecutive m.; tearing pain in r. temple upwards to
top of head, 4 p.m., continued all n. till next m., accompanied by chill running up
back, with chattering of teeth and shaking, without external coldness, not lessened
by warmth of stove; violent tearing pain in r. temple, towards facial bones; tearing
pain in r. side of back part of head, when keeping quiet (1st d.); piercing pain in I.
side of head when exerting his arms; violent piercing pain from 1. forehead to back
of head, 10 a.m., while sitting; fine piercing pain in 1. forehead, near protuberance;
beating pain in both temples when walking, with indescribable pain on top of head,
almost like suppuration, as if top of head would split, the same when touched, con-
tinuing all d., not better by pressure, returned next d., disappeared at n. when in
bed (during catamenia); violent pulsating headache, continuing all d., somewhat
lessened in afternoon; a sudden jerk in head, so that it threw it towards r. side, which
frightened her very much, forenoon, while sitting; two little bunches on both sides
of back of head, sensitive only to touch. Shuns light for long time during his
provings; eyes cannot bear light in m., and burn; eyes weak, objects appear dim to
her; eyes seem blurred in m., and often water, without redness or pain; vision
dim, with burning and tearing sensation in eyes, as if they gave out heat (10th d.);
sensation in r. eye as though a small white leaf were before it, through which she
could not see plainly, disappearing for awhile by washing, but always returning
towards e.; after blowing the nose, hard, small, glittering, yellow pointed bodies
appear before eyes; piercing pain in eyes, at same time nausea in stomach; eyes burn
in e. for several h., and in m. also when near the fire; burning in r. eye, with fre-
quent efflux ‹f burning water in afternoon, outdoors, for h.; great dryness and
burning of eyes, growing worse from afternoon till e., sensation as though her eye-
balls were hot; redness of eyes with dryness and burning; pressure as of two fingers
above edge of 1. eye at noon; on lower edge of 1. bulbus tearing sensation in short
jerks (1st forenoon). Sound in 1. ear as if bells were ringing at a distance; sounds
as of a bell in r. ear, fulness of both ears for several m. (4th d.); ringing in r. ear as
if near a belfry (5th d.); several sharp stitches fly like lightning out of r. ear; suddenly
a violent stitch into r. ear, which startled her so that she jumped from her chair;
NATRUM SULPHURICUM.
403
many fine stitches into r. ear. Coryza with stoppage of nose, he can draw breath
through nose only with great difficulty; epistaxis, 2 p.m., while walking, often
stopping for awhile and then returning, light red, sometimes also while sitting, even
while lying in bed (during catamenia); tearing pain in r. side of nose as if an eruption
were about breaking out. Tearing pain in r. side of face, afterwards tearing and
beating along neck; frequent itching in face, now here, then there (5th d.); tearing
pain in 1. cheek-bone, not relieved by either rubbing or pressure; during a pain in
neck, and worse afterwards, tearing pain in 1. cheek-bone, which is stopped by hard
rubbing, but soon returns, lasting 10 m.; tearing pain in 1. cheek-bone, afterwards
grasping and raging pain in root of an upper tooth, 1. side, generally in m., particu-
larly when exposed to cold air; in m., after getting up, great pain in maxillary
joint, which is stiff, so that she can only open her mouth with difficulty, it seemed to
her as though a bone was lying there which made it hard to open her mouth, after
repeated and strong efforts it gradually disappeared; two small knots are formed
deep in skin, on r. side of lower jaw; pimple on chin, with burning tensive pain
when touched. A blister with inflamed edges and burning pain on one side of 1.
upper lip, lasting 5 d.; small vesicles break out on under-lip, which disappear after a
short time; dryness of upper lip, and skin peels off; her lips burn in e. as though
they had been rubbed with pepper. Tearing pain in several decayed lower 1. teeth,
at n. when out of bed; tearing and piercing pain in last molar, 1. side, but only
during d.; jerking pain in an upper 1. molar, beginning while outdoors, but con-
tinuing afterwards in room; raging pulsating pain in an upper molar, 1. side,
wakes her 2 a.m., at same time heavy feeling in head, increased warmth of whole
body, and restlessness, so that she did not know where to lay her head, followed by
nose-bleeding which did not relieve head; beating toothache in upper 1. side, in e.,
after lying down, could not sleep all n. for it, if she dozed awhile pain would wake
her up; a tooth in r. upper jaw becomes loose, seems longer, and there is drawing
pain, cold air makes it better, tobacco-smoke also lessens pain; her gums burn like
fire, so that she cannot eat bread; redness of gums and dryness in mouth; a movable
painless swelling on outside of gums, 1. lower side; a blister on upper gums, which
suppurated and then dried up; m., after perspiring, very dry in mouth, without
thirst; dryness of mouth with thirst and redness of gums; burning in mouth as from
highly seasoned food (5th d.); m., no taste, mouth feels rough and almost insensible;
m. and all the forenoon, slimy taste and tongue covered with mucus; blisters, with
burning pain on tip of tongue, disappear soon; tongue burns as if covered with
blisters on tip. Whole palate burns as if sore or the skin broken (during catamenia);
blisters on palate, which increased daily, so that palate became so sensitive she could
hardly eat, anything cold in her mouth relieved it; in m. had to clear her throat
several times, irritated by collection of mucus there; in m. after clearing her throat
she expectorated salty-tasting mucus, which had collected during n.; dryness of
throat as if she did not have enough saliva (7th d.); dryness in throat, without
thirst, often extends into oesophagus (3rd d.); sore-throat when swallowing, and when
not swallowing, 1. side, in m. on waking until after breakfast (a few h. before and
during catamenia); feeling of contraction in throat, often intermitting while walking,
all d. Particular absence of thirst first days of proving; thirst every e. without
any especial cause; thirst at n., and following m. before rising; thirst for something
very cold for 3 d., and dryness in mouth (all 9th d.); want of appetite; she is
obliged to yawn, and is thirsty, 2nd m.; 1st d. seems to have more appetite for fruit,
afterwards (9th and 10th d.) appetite and hunger are wanting altogether, food does
not taste well, thirst p.m., hard stool, great sleepiness (14th d.); hunger, but no
appetite, while eating she feels disgusted; violent pressure in back part of head after
drinking coffee. (Several of the complaints of the m. cease after dinner.) A debili-
tating hiccough, lasting h. towards e. in room; hiccough lasting a long time, and
which could not be stopped after eating bread and butter, afternoon; constant rising in
throat of sour water (3rd d.); when going downstairs in forenoon, nausea, then
vomiting of salty sour water without relief; nausea as if to vomit with waterbrash for
5 m. when walking p.m.; with nocturnal headache, and during d., sour water often
collects in mouth, which makes her want to spit constantly, also nausea; after
vomiting, extreme feebleness and a boring headache; feeling in stomach as with
voracious appetite, with boring pain, immediately after medicine, disappears after
breakfast; feeling of great fulness in stomach up into chest, with difficult breathing,
404
NATRUM SULPHURICUM.
in e. in bed, falls asleep at last, feels nothing of it next m. (during catamenia);
beating pain in stomach, with slight nausea (2nd d.); boring pain in stomach h.
in m. after getting up, returning in 2 h. preceded by nausea and soft stools (1st d.);
burning and pinching pain in stomach in m. after getting up, disappears after break-
fast; trembling and pressure in pit of stomach, with want of breath, feels faint while
sitting for 5 m., afterwards also when walking. Very painful sensitiveness to touch
in region of liver when walking for 5 m., 1 p.m.; tension and piercing pain in region
of liver when walking outdoors; on taking deep breath sharp violent stitch as if in
liver and would burst apart there, while sitting, unchanged by pressure, 4 p.m.;
piercing and pulsating pain in region of liver, when walking in m. (2nd d.); painful
contraction in belly up into chest, oppressing her breathing, then soft stool; pinching
pain in belly, with feeling as though intestines were being stretched, intermitting and
returning; short pinching pain in belly, now here, now there, often from both sides.
towards middle, with passing of flatus and empty feeling in stomach; violent pinching
in belly into groins, afterwards soft stool (on 3rd d., 4 times); low down in abdomen
painful digging, 9 p.m., disappears in bed, with chill followed by thirst (during
catamenia); at 5 a.m., she is awakened by bellyache, urging to stool, after which it
ceases (2nd d.); bellyache and pain in small of back as if bruised, awakens her in n.,
2 a.m., it is so violent she can only get a little relief by lying on 1. side, but still
cannot sleep, it continued some time after getting up (10th d.); burning sensation in
belly, changing from place to place very quickly, e.; while riding in a carriage
much rolling and grumbling in stomach and belly, afternoon; feeling in belly as
from a purgative, with scentless flatus; loud grumbling in upper part of belly, fol-
lowed by emission of very fetid flatus, e. ; soon after taking med. grumbling and
olling in whole belly, with sudden pinches as after a purgative, then soft stool, the
same p.m.; constant feeling of fulness in abdomen, as long as soft stool continues,
with emission of much flatus; digging sensation from flatus, with pinching pain
around umbilicus towards noon, increased until 4 p.m., until flatus began to pass
(1st d.); flatus rolls about in belly, and is arrested here and there; burning sensation
in bend of thighs, between menstrual periods, in e., disappears when in bed; pain in
r. flank as if distended, up into stomach, when sitting in e., and also next m.; he was
awakened during n. by violent pain in r. flank, with sensation as if soft body were lying
there, for 1 h., after midnight several times; sharp piercing pain in 1. flank, which ex-
tended into armpit when moving, 5 p.m., when resting it disappeared in h.
piercing pain in 1. flank, as if drawn together, when resting or in motion, also at n.
piercing pain in r. flank with nausea, for 1 h., when resting or in motion (1st fore-
noon); in m. piercing pain in groin, which extends into small of back, as if from
flatus or such as precedes hard stool, but it is followed by diarrhoea; feeling of great
fulness and tension in r. groin as if it would burst, with intermittent pinching pain
here and there in belly, when resting or in motion; piercing pain in both groins, with
urging to urinate, p.m., when walking outdoors (1st d.). Seems to promote stool
in its primary effect, and to retard it secondarily; first doses make soft stools, later
doses more solid ones; 1st d., in m., regular stool, with burning in anus during and
after stool, another, p.m., without the burning. Urine increased so that she had to
rise several times during n.; 1st d. more urine than usual, with burning sensation
when passing it, at n. burning increased, had to rise twice during n. for the pur-
pose (1st n.); soon after taking the drug less urine, but after 2 h., more, then less
again, and less often (1st days, after 12 d. with burning in orifice of urethra); violent
pinching pain around umbilicus for 3 m., while sitting, into groin, with urging to
urinate, urine so burning that it was retained, with pain in small of back; urine of e.
left a yellow-red sediment. On scrotum troublesome itching that rarely ceases after
scratching, which makes place burn; piercing pain in vulva and vagina, p.m., while
sitting. Catamenia 3 d. too late, more than usual, and with bellyache, which she
did not generally have; catamenia 16 d. too late, with bellyache and costiveness or
hard stool; catamenia very little, without complaints and at regular time, 2nd d.
more; catamenia every forenoon for 5 d., lumps of coagulated blood; during cata-
menia in m. in bed, pinching pain, and when moving, walking, in forenoon, several
times passed clotted dark blood at long intervals; menstrual blood is acrid, makes
thighs sore, and only flows much for 2 d.; chill, p.m., without thirst, during cata-
menia; on 3rd d. of catamenia, in m., white bloody mucus instead of blood. Short
breath when walking, gradually relieved by rest, later the want of breath continues
-
;
;
I
NATRUM SULPHURICUM.
405
5 m.
while sitting; tickling in throat exciting a loose cough (m., 5th d.); generally dry
cough, particularly in m. after getting up; dry cough with tickling in windpipe for
h.; dry cough, with soreness in chest and rough feeling in throat, particularly at
n., she had to sit up and hold her chest to get relief; frequent cough with some ex-
pectoration,-if while standing, he feels sharp stitch in 1. side of chest, with short-
ness of breath; pressure on chest as of heavy load; piercing pain in 1. side of chest,
with cough and want of breath when moving about, 1 p.m., relieved during rest;
piercing pain in 1. side of chest, with irritation to cough, but pain so violent that he
cannot possibly cough; several stitches like flea-bites in 1. chest, and then again in r.
forehead; piercing pain in r. chest above nipple, 5 p.m., while sitting; near 1. nipple
a piercing stitch while sitting, soon after a renewed dose several times while standing
stitches in 1. side of chest (10 d.); piercing pain in 1. chest, when stooping to either
r. or 1. side, continues all ist d.; internal trembling or quaking in chest, making her
irritable. Intermitting tearing pain and tension in tendons on r. side of neck, while
sitting; tearing sensation in veins of r. side of neck, pulsation in the arteries is seen,
frequently intermitting for h. at a time, again after a few d.; piercing pain in
rape of neck, continuing long time (3rd d. and following n.); indescribable pain in
r. side of nape to back part of head, so violent that it made her scream, lasted
and disappeared only after rubbing it a long time, while sitting; piercing pain, as of
knives, between shoulders while sitting in e. (6th d.); tearing pain down back,
feeling in bones as though dogs were gnawing them, in all positions (5th d.); directly
after going to bed at n. she has pain in small of back, as if it had suppurated, almost
unbearable, it disappeared in m. after getting up; bruised pain in small of back from
m. to e., disappeared after going to bed; violent piercing pain in middle of sacrum
while sitting. Frequent piercing pain in 1. axilla in all positions; tearing pain in
bone of r. upper arm, sometimes under shoulder-joint, from time to time; tearing
pain as if in bone of 1. upper arm; tearing and piercing pain on external surface of
humerus in e., disappears after rubbing; feeling of heaviness in r. arm, with tearing
pain in middle of upper arm (10th d.); ulcerative pain in r. elbow and in tendons of
r. forearm, painful to touch (1st and 2nd d.); transient burning sensation in different
places above and below elbow (4th d.); tearing pain from both elbows into fingers,
with sensation of numbness, disappearing after rubbing, but returning in m. in bed;
tearing pain in bone of r. forearm on upper side in afternoon, below elbow in e.;
itching pimples on inner side r. forearm that burn after being scratched, and disappear
next d.; several itching pimples on r. forearm that burn after being scratched and
contain limpid water (during the catamenia); twitching of hands and feet at n., par-
ticularly during sleep, after midnight; sensation in r. hand as if it were filling with
blood, it feels too full and fingers as if stiff (in afternoon, while knitting, until e.);
piercing beating pain on back of 1. hand when moving it, it stops for a while, but
always returns, forenoon; violent piercing between the metacarpal bones of fore and
second finger of r. hand; piercing in middle of palm of r. hand; burning with red-
ness on back of both hands, as of nettles, afternoon till e. ; a number of small pimples
on inner surface of r. hand, which tempt him to scratch; tearing pain along 1. thumb
while sitting; tearing in front of r. forefinger; same in last phalanx of 1. forefinger
towards tip; fine piercing in points of r. thumb and forefinger, as if veins were being
pulled out, while knitting; crawling sensation in finger-tips of r. hand as if becoming
numb, 1st e. and 2nd m.; violent itching between fingers of r. hand, burning after
scratching; small itching vesicles between 1. thumb and forefinger, piercing ulcerative
pain under nail of r. forefinger. Excruciating pain in r. hip-joint on getting out of
bed in m., continuing all d. and next, particularly when stooping and from some
motions, when stretching or walking feels nothing, when rising from a seat or moving
in bed feels it most; violent piercing and rending from os coccygis into middle of I.
thigh in bone during motion and rest; bruised pain in middle of thigh and lower
part of leg all ist d.; painful dragging sensation in hollow of r. knee while sitting,
which disappears from motion; great weariness in feet at n., makes her often change
their position; legs very weak and as if bruised during rest or motion; drawing pains
in legs when standing and walking; rending and drawing in both calves and in
tendons, which makes it hard for her to step, during rest and motion, sometimes
relieved by hard rubbing; drawing pain upwards in tendons and calves; both legs are
quite hot up to knees in e. before going to bed, and next m.; drawing pain in tendo
Achillis, then in calves; piercing and rending in r. heel for 2 m. while walking, re-
406
NATRUM SULPHURICUM.
lieved by rubbing; great piercing and rending pain in both heels, so that she can
hardly help screaming, while spinning, nothing relieves it; ulcerative pain in r. heel
so that she can hardly step on it; piercing pain in sole of 1. foot so that it made her
twitch while standing, relieved by rubbing; burning sensation in sole of 1. foot all
n.; numbness of r. great toe in m. while sitting; piercing in 2nd and 3rd toe, r. foot,
when stepping on it, and in 4th toe of 1. foot while sitting; itching on balls of toes,
with feeling as if it drew them together, relieved by rubbing (10 d.); rending in
little toe, r. foot, and at same time in 1. forearm. Transient, twitching, rending
pain in all limbs, now here and now there, also in face and 1. ear-lobe (e. and n.);
weary and sore in hands and feet in m. after nocturnal attack of fever; great
weariness of whole body, more p.m., so that he had to lie down, felt better when
walking. Restlessness at n., which keeps her awake a long time; very restless n.,
she wakes up at times from violent headache; when she is hardly asleep starts up
without waking entirely; dreams often, but does not remember substance of dreams
(1st to 4th d.); very vivid terrifying dreams, of falling from a height, of being
thrown from a carriage, of circumstances which vexed her, also beautiful dreams of
flowers and gardens; dream that he was much hurt and provoked because he had
been insulted; dream which terrified him about an operation on a friend, the fear of
it awoke him, and he felt violent pain as though knives were sticking in his toe.
Chilly towards e., she thinks she will get the fever; chill 7 p.m., h., not followed
by heat or sweat (2nd, 3rd d.); chilly e. in bed, so that he could not get warm all n.
(12 d.); violent chill up back, with chattering of teeth and shaking without external
coldness, n.; she awakes, 1 a.m., shaking all over and teeth chattering, with anxiety,
8 m., then falls asleep; in e. he is always chilly without thirst, longs to be near
stove; chill, 6 p.m., which ceases after lying down, not followed by sweat; in m.,
immediately after getting up, chill without thirst but with external coldness; in m.
after walking on empty stomach, coldness and violent shaking chill, with feeling of
internal heat in head and pale face, she believes her head must also be hot externally,
coldness lasts till e., but disappears after going to bed; chill with icy coldness and
goose flesh, 4 p.m., increases till 8 p.m., after going to bed it disappears without
being followed by hot stage, 4 a.m. sweat without thirst (during catamenia); in-
creased warmth of whole body, and restlessness; dry heat all over body as if perspira-
tion would break out, several afternoons; she often has sudden flashes of heat towards
e. ; thirst with remission of headache, a.m., p.m. sweat without thirst; profuse sweat,
without thirst and without feeling weak after it, during 3 n.; after sweat, very dry
mouth. (Annal. d. hom Kl., iv.)
I
2. SCHRETER. Manner of proving unknown.-Very depressed, irritable (5th
d.); taciturn, speaks but little, and is generally irritable (1st d.); dull and out of
humour in m., when getting up, until breakfast time (7th d.); great fear with dread
of a misfortune. Vertigo when getting up, with dulness of head; vertigo after
dinner, as if everything were spinning round him, with buzzing in head (1st d.);
after vertigo, heat rising from body towards head, becoming more violent until sweat
broke out on forehead, after dinner (1st d.); dulness in head, with feebleness;
muddled feeling in head, as though he should fall, with darkness before eyes, a few
m. (2nd d.); stupid feeling in head all d. (4th d.). Pressing headache in r. forehead,
returning periodically, 15 to 30 m. (2nd d.); boring pain in forehead, as if it
would burst, for 1 h. (9th d.); violent boring pain in 1. forehead, as if it were forcibly
closing 1. eye (4th d.); boring pain in back of head; grasping pain in middle of
forehead, while taking cold footbath it ceased, but returned more violently after 1
h. (2nd d.); breaking pain in middle of forehead immediately after dinner, followed
by great sleepiness (3rd d.); headache while reading, made him feel hot and perspire,
when he ceased reading and walked about heat and perspiration on his head ceased,
but pain continued (3rd d.); feeling like an electric shock on top of head, towards r.
side, once during forenoon and afternoon (4th d.); sensation like electric shock in 1.
head (8th d.); in m., while combing his hair, scalp very sensitive, as though each
single hair pained him (3rd d.). Pressing in eyes in e. while reading by lamplight,
and eyelids heavy, as though lead were on them (3rd d.); pressure in 1. eye, as though
a lentil had fallen into it (5th d.); itching, in l. then in r. eye, same in r. ear, he had
to scratch it (4th d.); itching in r. eye and 1. ear (5th d.); 1. eye glued together
with matter, he had to wash it, at same time aversion to light (3rd d., same in both
eyes 14th d.). Ringing in ears as of a small tinkling bell (2nd`d.); hissing in 1. ear
NATRUM SULPHURICUM.
407
(4th d.); pressure from ear outward, as of something pressing on tympanum as far
as the meatus externus, at same time he hears well (after 2 h.); pressure in r. ear,
worse towards 9 a.m. (3rd d.); piercing pain in r. ear (after 1 h.). Itching exter-
nally on both wings of nose, which makes him scratch and rub (2nd d.). Some
perspiration on face, while sitting at a meal, with slight oppression of chest, r. eye
filled with water (1st d.); face pale and wan, immediately on waking in m. very
cross and disheartened (2nd d.). Great flow of saliva after meals (4th d.). Sore-
throat, an obstacle when swallowing, tonsils and glands swollen and inflamed for 3
d., inflammation worse on m. of 2nd d. (3rd d.). Great thirst in e., after violent
exercise (1st and 5th d.); great appetite, without thirst (1st and 5th d.). Squeamish-
ness in stomach before meals (2nd d.); eructations of disagreeable smell and taste,
with incarceration of flatulence, nausea, and flow of saliva, towards e. ; pressure in
forehead after meals. Dull, piercing, continuous pain in 1. hypochondrium when
walking outdoors (8th d.); in l. hypochondrium and 1. side of belly, piercing pain,
while sitting, forenoon, followed by piercing pain in r. chest, but less violent (5th
d.); bellyache, such as often precedes purging (5 d.); bellyache without distension
(all d.), in afternoon passed wind several times with difficulty, giving relief each
time (3rd d.); bellyache in m. before breakfast (5th d.); bellyache around umbilicus
while sitting at his desk (4th d.); tearing pain around umbilicus, with flatus, before
breakfast, after breakfast it was better, but 1 h. later it returned, only less violent.
(4th d.); grumbling and fermenting in abdomen after meals (1st d.); rolling in
belly, after 4 h. (9th d.); flatulent colic above umbilicus, flatus will not pass, e. (1st
d.); emission of foetid flatus after dinner (2nd d. and m. of 6th d.); p.m., emission
of much wind, hard to pass. Itching in anus. Great burning in urethra when
passing urine (2nd d.); burning in urethra after passing urine (5th d.); urine of a
more lateritious sediment (first days); urine of m. has a whitish-yellow sediment
(4th d.). Itching on glans, obliged to scratch (6th d.); itching of lower surface of
penis, was obliged to scratch, after which it ceased, a.m. and p.m. (3rd d.); itching
on scrotum and lower part of penis (7th d.); itching on perinæum, he was obliged
to scratch (2nd d.); itching on mons veneris in afternoon (1st d.); sweat on
scrotum, while sitting towards e. (5th d.). Oppression of chest in m. on awaking
(5th d.); stitch in 1. side of chest, when yawning, with pain in nape of neck and in
shoulder-blades as if bruised (after 2 d.); piercing pain as from a spindle in 1. chest,
when walking fast towards e. (3rd d); stitch in 1. side of chest, as of a dull instru-
ment, after meals (2nd d.); much expectoration of mucus in m. after heavy, anxious
dreams (4th d.) Itching on back when undressing in e. (3rd d.). No strength in
1. hand, if he takes hold of anything heavy it drops from his hand (1st d.); when
closing hand or grasping anything pain in flexor muscles, from wrist to above
elbow, as if they had been too much extended (5th d.); trembling in hands on
awaking, later when writing (2nd d.). Pain as if he had been bruised in muscles
of r. thigh in front, chiefly when walking, for 6 h. in afternoon (3rd d.); pain in
extensors of 1. thigh as if they had been stretched too much (7th d.); weariness in
knees, breaking and rending pain in r. shin (6th d.); sprained sensation in r. ankle,
could not step well on it until he had walked up and down room several times, in m.
when getting up (4th d.); irritating itching on top of both feet, from ankle to toes,
which made him scratch, which increased the itching, in e. while undressing (2nd
d.); on outside of 1, foot near 1. toe, a glow as of fire in afternoon (2nd d.); alter-
nating itching on sole of foot and toes (4th d.); feet are sensitive, sore, and heavy
as lead, in m. when awaking (2nd d.); itching of all toes, causing him to scratch,
which relieved it, in e. when going to bed (1st d.); pain in extremities, as if bruised,
or as after a long journey on foot, all m. (8th d.). Weariness of whole body, particu-
larly in knees, that feel as if they could hardly bear him (3rd d.); trembling of whole
body, with spasmodic visible motion of muscles, worse on 1. side of chest, with great
anxiety and fear of a misfortune. Stretching and yawning, with internal coldness;
lazy, sleepy directly after breakfast, no inclination to work (5th d.); grew sleepy
earlier than usual, 9 p.m., but he also woke up earlier (2nd d.); restless sleep, he
awoke often, had heavy, anxious dreams, and afterwards raised much mucus (4th d.).
Internal coldness with yawning and stretching; shuddering chilliness, with thirst, he
drank much water, chilliness did not last long, and was not followed by heat or
sweat, but thirst lasted all m. (3rd d.). (Ibid., vol. iii.)
3. a. LEMBKE. August 11th, 1865, 6.45 a.m., 10 dr. 5th dil.-12th, 11 p.m.
408
NATRUM SULPHURICUM.
2
2
tearing on dorsum of 1. foot and r. knee.-13th, 8.30 a.m., same dose. 9 a.m.,
wandering pains in sinciput. 10.30 a.m., pressure near nose.
II p.m., a second soft
stool.—14th, 8 a.m., same dose. 8.45 a.m., strong compression above 1. elbow.
9.30 a.m., pressing in 1. calf when standing. Noon, pressing in 1. deltoid.
I p.m.,
several stitches under 1. ribs anteriorly; soon afterwards boring in dorsum and outer
side of 1. foot.-15th, 8 a.m., same dose. About noon and later, 2 fingers' breadth
from 1. ear, feeling as if skin were drawn up. 2 p.m., stitches in 1. short ribs when
sitting, tearing in 1. ankle, pressing in r. calf, later in 1. ankle, aggravated by moving
joint and treading, more persistent when at rest. 7.30 p.m., tearing in back of 1.
forearm. 9.30 p.m., pain in r. big toe.-16th, 8 a.m., when sitting pressive pain in
muscles of anterior part of r. thigh, then in 1. knee, drawing in 1. thumb-joint, later
in 1. side of forehead.-17th, 8 a.m., same dose. 8.30 and later, pressive pain in 1.
forearm. Repeated shooting in all 1. toes; pressure in r. deltoid. 2 p.m., drawing
in various parts of r. thigh; pressure in 1. shoulder; tearing in sinciput. 4 p.m.,
pressure in whole 1. arm; severe compression in r. wrist repeatedly. 5 p.m., same in
r. elbow-joint; pressure in r. knee-joint at side of patella; drawing and pressive pain
in occiput with feeling of heat and pain there; drawing in r. toes. 6 p.m., great
compression in 1. leg followed by shooting in all 1. toes; burning on tip of tongue.
Though he had drunk less, passed urine oftener and more copiously; the urine was
darker coloured. 9 p.m., boring as with a blunt instrument in r. angle of lower jaw,
later in r. side of forehead spreading over sinciput.—18th, 7.30 a.m., on 1. zygoma
as if skin were drawn up. I p.m., drawing in calves, pressure in 1. knee when
walking, then in l. shoulder, 4th 1. finger, r. wrist, 1. zygoma, and 1. side of head.
p.m., pressure in 1. thumb-joint, pulsation in tip of I. little finger for some m. 3
p.m., pressure in r. big toe. 5 p.m., boring pain in r. side of frontal bone; boring
as with a blunt instrument in 1. temple. 8 p.m., on dorsum of nose feeling as if an
insect were crawling there, for h. when walking; pressure in 1. knee, then in r.
wrist and in r. temple. Later, pressure on r. knee when sitting, also in r. thumb-
joint. 9 p.m., shooting in all 1. toes; pressure in 1. shoulder. Drawing and pressure
in both legs when sitting, later in r. knee. 9.30 p.m., pressure as of a peg in r. angle
of lower jaw, repeatedly; great smarting on tip of tongue.-19th. On rising, 6.15
a.m., tearing in r. fingers repeatedly. 7.30 a.m., tearing in r. shoulder, 1. toes, in
muscles of r. thigh, in 1. forearm. 8 a.m., compression in r. knee and 1. ankle;
drawing on r. side of head, in r. ankle. II a.m. and later, tearing in toes and
fingers when walking. 2 p.m., boring in 1. side of occiput. 5 p.m., compression in
r. wrist and 1. elbow; drawing in teeth of lower jaw. 9 p.m., severe persistent
tearing in r. sole when sitting and standing. 10 p.m., tearing in 1. fingers and pressing
pain deep in palm.—20th, 8 a.m., tearing on dorsum of r. foot and in 1. hand, when
sitting; pressure in r. knee, also when walking; compression in 1. forearm; transient
pain in r. knee when walking; boring in 1. shoulder anteriorly; drawing in skin on
outer side of 1. leg. 9 a.m., drawing below 1. scapula, then in nuchal muscles and 1.
thumb, then pressure deep in head; drawing in r. elbow; tearing in joints of 1. little
finger. 2 p.m., boring in 1. side of head. 4 p.m., tearing in 1. thumb; piercing in
1. wrist. 9 p.m., shooting in region of 1. nipple when sitting; drawing in lower
incisors. 10.30 p.m., boring in I. side of head, in 1. knee, then in r.; wandering
pain in 1. side of head, especially behind ear; compression in 1. then in r. elbow;
drawing in r. palm, in l. ankle, in r. toes, in r. shoulder-joint.—21st, 8 a.m., boring
in 1. knee; shooting in l. big toe; pressure and heaviness in 1. shoulder-joint; boring
in joints of r. big toe; drawing in l. fingers and hand, in 1. side of nape, in muscles of
thigh, in r. ankle; pressure and wandering pains in forehead. During d. many of
the pains and feeling in 1. zygoma as if skin were drawn up.-22nd, 8 a.m., same dose.
9 a.m., drawing in joints of 1. big toe; compression in 1. wrist.
4 p.m., tearing in
outer side of 1. leg; pressure in r. knee, then in and above r. elbow repeatedly;
tearing in fingers, especially in 1. thumb; boring in 1. wrist; when walking pressing
and tired pain above l. ankle, then same feeling above 1. knee, later in r. knee; boring
pain in bone behind r. ear. 8 p.m., pressure in both wrists, repeatedly; pressure as
from a peg in 1. temple, drawing in r. toes and outer border of foot.-23rd. On
waking 6 a.m., in bed shooting in joint of 1. big toe, worse when pressed on. Soon
after rising same pain. In bed, compression in muscles of 1. upper arm, also after
rising. 8 a.m., tearing between scapula and on r. side of forehead. 9 a.m., pressure
in 1. ankle when walking, then above 1. knee, and tired pain in both knees; tearing
•
NATRUM SULPHURICUM.
409
in r. toes and 1. thumb. 10.30 a.m., drawing between scapula and boring in 1. side
of frontal bone; tearing in 1. scapula and 1. pectoral muscles extending to nape, when
walking. 3 p.m., repeated boring on r. tibia when walking. Drawing in r. fingers
and in forehead, repeatedly; bruised pain and tired feeling in elbows; pressure and
weight in forehead. 7 p.m., tension and pressure in 1. fingers and thereafter in r. arm
and 1. toes; in 1. zygoma shooting and feeling as if skin were drawn up; shooting in
region of middle thoracic vertebræ ; in occiput wandering pains, then in both zygomata.
9 p.m., boring in bone behind r. ear; pressure in r. knee; persistent boring in joint
of 1. big toe, alternating with same pain in r. and pressure above both eyebrows.-
24th, 6 a.m., in bed tearing in 1. ankles and toes. 8 a.m., boring in joint of 1. big
toe. Tearing in r. scapula and 1. wrist. Acute shooting in I. knee, then in r.
shoulder; drawing in forehead and fingers, in 1. little finger and in hand. 4 p.m.,
drawing in knees and 1. toes; stitches dart through root of tongue.-25th, 8 a.m.,
repeated shooting in femoral muscles, drawing and stiffness in r. fingers. Pressing in
flexors of both forearms; pressure in r. wrist, when walking, then in r. ankle, in 1.
pectoral muscles, in 1. hand. 2 p.m., pressure in nape extending to occiput for 10
m., aggravated by moving head. 9 p.m., pressing in I. wrist, in finger-joints, cutting
tearing in 1. little finger to border of hand. Pressure in r. foot and 1. shoulder-joint.
Tearing in 1. side of frontal bone. Cutting pains under r. border of ribs anteriorly.
Severe pressive pains in scrob. cordis when walking for some m.-26th. Some of
former pains but slighter, worse e. 10 p.m., boring in r. side of frontal bone,
when sitting.
b. 27th, 7.30 a.m., 10 gr. 3rd trit. Before taking med. pressure in 1. ankle and
r. elbow, r. thumb and index, and third metacarpal bones. Pressing in r. femoral
muscles and 1. elbow-joint. 8 a.m., pressure in joint of 1. middle finger. 9 a.m.,
pressing in 1. shoulder-joint and muscles above r. knee. 10.30 a.m., tearing on inner
side of 1. upper arm. Pressive pain in joint of r. big toe for h., hindering walking,
returns at noon, lasts h., also pressure in nape extending to occiput, aggravated by
moving neck. I p.m., persistent pressure in joint of 1. middle finger, later in joint
of r. index. 3 p.m., tearing in forehead. Sudden pressure in r. shoulder for a few
seconds, then in r. wrist and 1. trochanter, in l. nape-muscles extending to l. ear, with
stiffness and pain on moving head, repeated later. 5 p.m. pressure in 1. ankle when
walking. 6 p.m., drawing in r. toes, pressing in l. wrist, shootings through 1. thumb,
in back with pulsation. 7.30 p.m., burning like pepper on tip of tongue; compres
sion in lower part of 1. calf, in joint of r. index. Occasional shooting in orifice of
urethra; pressure in r. scapula, gradually increasing and going over shoulder, after-
wards in 1. knee-joint.-28th, 8 a.m., pressure in joint of 1. middle finger and 1.
nuchal muscles, later in r. knee with tired pain. 9 a.m., pressure in 1. shoulder-joint,
in joint of 1. big toe, later in r. big toe. Sudden pressure in r. shoulder, then in 1.,
later in both knees. In e. of 27th occasional stitches in inner canthus of 1. eyeball,
same on 28th. 4 p.m., pressure in 1. knee; drawing in joints of 1. fingers.-29th,
6.30 a.m., on rising, boring pain in 2nd joint of 1. thumb, drawing in toes.
tearing on inner side of both upper arms, then in joint of 1. thumb and outer side of
1. leg. Boring in 1. temple. Pressure in r. knee, in joint of 1. index. Drawing in
upper r. teeth. Tearing in r. shoulder-joint and in forehead, 1 p.m. Pain in 1. side
of nape, at first burning, then with feeling of coldness under skin. 6.30 p.m., when
urinating, cutting in orifice of urethra, boring in joint of r. big toe and r. shoulder-
joint, pressing in r. wrist, then above r. elbow, in 1. wrist. Tearing in 1. scapula, at
same time burning pain going into nape, increased by moving head; on r. shoulder-
joint repeated pressure. 8 p.m., pressing above 1. wrist, extending into fingers; re-
peated pressure in and below 1. outer ankle. Painful burning on 1. side of nape-
muscles and stiffness for several h. Tearing in 1. foot.-30th. Woke at 5 with
shooting pain in joint of 1. big toe and on 1. side of nape. 7.30 a.m., same dose.
8.30 a.m., pressure in 1. pectoral muscles, in r. forearm. Drawing in 1. thumb, in 1.
little finger and along hand, in r. shoulder-joint. Tearing in r. toes, in forehead, in
r. elbow-joint, in bend of 1. elbow, in r. hand. Pressure in 1. knee, in 1. wrist going
into fingers, especially 1. thumb. Wandering pains in 1. thoracic wall, especially
under 1. nipple. Repeated drawing in flexor aspect of 1. forearm. Drawing on 1.
side of nape with stiffness. Pressure in joints of 1. fingers; shooting pains in soft
parts under 1. axilla extending backwards. Tearing in joints of 1. 4th finger, in
knees, occiput, wrists, tibiæ. Pressure and burning in 1. side of nape extending to
9 a.m.,
410
NATRUM SULPHURICUM.
in arms.
occiput and clavicle, with stiffness; later, coldness and prickling in skin, lasting 1 h.,
and not quite gone till 1 p.m. Later, burning in tip of r. big toe under nail for
some m.—31st, 9 a.m., boring in 1. ankle-joint, drawing in r. knee down leg. 6 p.m.,
pressure on inner side of 1. knee. 7 p.m., tearing in sinciput; pressure in 1. inner
ankle; tearing in r. fingers and pain in 1. side of nape. 10 p.m., sudden pressure in
r. shoulder-joint, then in 1. scapula.-Sept. 1st, 6.30 a.m., 30 gr. 8.30 a.m., drawing
in forehead and nape. Tearing above both ears and in shoulders. Crawling as of
an insect on back of nose repeatedly. 9 a.m., pressure in r. elbow-joint; drawing
When urinating, cutting in orifice of urethra, continuing after urina-
tion. Boring in 1. elbow. During d. several of former pains; tearing in inner side
of both upper arms.—2nd, 6.15 a.m., on rising pressure in 1. thumb-joint and
shooting in 1. shoulder-joint. 7 a.m., drawing in skin over r. zygoma. Drawing in
1. side of nape. 3 p.m., tearing in 1. fingers and toes repeatedly. Burning in 1. side
of tongue. Boring in joints of 1. third finger; repeated boring in r., then in 1.
temple. Stitches under 1. ribs anteriorly. Occasional pain in r. trochanter. Pressure
on sides of dorsal vertebræ. Pain in I. hip-joint on treading. Drawing in ankles
when sitting and walking. 10 p.m., pressure between sternum and r. nipple when
sitting, increased by pressure and inspiration. Pressure in r. knee, long continued,
when sitting, then boring in bone behind r. ear and in frontal bone; pressure in r.
shoulder.—3rd, 8 a.m., tearing on 1. side of hand and 1. shoulder. Stiffness in 1. side
of nape; tearing in 1. knee down leg. Shooting under 1. ribs anteriorly, also at
3 a.m. During d. much tearing in joints, 1. side of nape, r. side of head, in r.
shoulder and elbow-joints repeatedly, on 1. scapula, in knees. Pains worse e.
Woke
at 2 a.m., and felt tearing in toes and knees.
c. 4th, 7 a.m., 10 gr. 2nd trit. 8 a.m., pressing in 1. wrist; shooting pains in
region of 1. nipple. Pressure round about 1. elbow, above and below it, in r. big
toe, r. side of head, 1. side of nape. I p.m., stitches under 1. ribs anteriorly for h.,
increased by inspiration and pressure, when walking. All d. frequent pains in joints
named, in cranial bones, in nape. II p.m., on going to bed, shooting in tip of r.
then of 1. big toe, pressure in their joints, in the other toes, and in chest between
nipples.-5th. During d. same pains in joints of hand, shooting in tips of toes.
Burning as from pressure on tip of tongue; stitches under 1. ribs anteriorly.-6th,
m., in bed, pressure in r. scapula. 7 a.m., same pain in 1. elbow-joint, for several
m., and in scapula. Drawing in r. toes and sinciput, repeatedly. Pressure on inner
side of both upper arms and on sides of dorsal vertebræ. During d. pressure in
joints, especially of knees, shoulders and fingers. Burning on tip of tongue; tearing
on r. zygoma and cranial bones.-7th, 6.45 a.m., 20 gr. 8 a.m., pressure in finger-
joints, knees, ankles, elbows and big toe. Pain and stiffness in 1. side of nape;
drawing in inner side of both upper arms; pressure in r. side of forehead. Persistent
pressure deep in r. hip-joint.-8th. Same pains in joints, dorsal muscles, knees,
shoulder-joints. Burning on tip of tongue.—9th, m., some pain in joints, and in 1.
nape with burning and thereafter cold feeling. During d. the former pains, but
slighter.-10th, m., tearing in fingers, toes, r. sole, repeatedly. Pressure in wrists and
knees. Tearing in r. side of head, forehead, ankles. Many pains in joints and
tibiæ, when walking and sitting. At n. on waking pressure in joints of big toe,
burning in its tip and under nail.-11th, 7 a.m., drawing in joints of r. fingers and
wrist. Pressure in r. knee. Pressure behind 1. ear, on r. zygoma, and in other
joints. Stitches on r. pectoral muscles, increased by inspiration. When walking a
feeling deep in r. leg as if the part were swollen or congested with blood, for h.; this
sensation occurs repeatedly. Wandering boring in bones of root of nose. Shooting
on 1. trochanter, e., increased by pressure, for h.-10th. Much sneezing.-11th.
Tickling in larynx and dry cough, also n. Pains as before.-12th, m., pains in big
toe and ankle, r. shoulder-joint, then 1. During d. the former pains. At same time
frequent scraping in larynx and dry cough.-13th. Same pains and cough.
d. 14th, 6.30 a.m., 10 gr. 1st trit. 8 a.m., drawing in fingers, 1. side of nape,
occiput, toes; pressure in joints of r. big toe, II a.m., tearing in 1. zygoma and r.
forearm. Pains in joints as before, boring in tip of tongue. Many pains in joints of
big toes and fingers; tearing in various parts of head. On lying down, e., pain in 1.
wrist, increased by moving it. On waking, m., pressure in toe-joints.-15th, 8 a.m.,
pressure in shoulder-joints. 8.30 a.m., 20 gr. Tearing in different parts of head.
Persistent pain in nape and stiffness; pressure in shoulder-joints. When walking,
NUX MOSCHATA.
411
contraction like cramp in muscles of 1. calf. E., tearing and pressure in r. side of
occiput. Some of these symptoms continued till 23rd.
The
e. 24th, 7 a.m., 20 drops of a solution of 5 gr. of Nat. sul. in 1 oz. water.
accustomed pains in big toes repeatedly. Drawing in 1. cheek as if skin were drawn
up. Drawing in r. finger-joints and knees. 9 a.m., deep pressure in 1. side of lumbar
vertebræ, increased by moving body and pressure. Tearing in front of r. thigh.
Boring in finger-tips. Pains in joints, tearing in forehead. E., drawing in joints
and behind 1. inner ankle; stitches in balls of big toes. 10 p.m., tearing in r. side of
crown and in r. instep. Drawing deep in r. hand to fingers and arm with some
feeling of exhaustion and internal heat. Boring and shooting in tip of tongue, then
former pains in 1. arm from shoulder, and in 1. ankle-joint.-25th, 7 a.m., 40 dr.
Immediately shooting in big toe. 8 a.m., drawing in l. finger and wrist-joints,
shoulders and dorsal muscles. 9 a.m., pressure in 1. little toe, and 1. side of nape;
drawing in 1. side of lower jaw. 8 p.m., frequent pressure in shoulder, knee, elbow
and ankle-joints; cutting in fore part of urethra when urinating.—26th, 6 a.m., soft
stool at unusual time; burning in tip of tongue, some joint pains.
2 p.m., took a
teaspoonful of solution; pressure and tearing in joints as before. 6.30 p.m., when
sitting anxious feeling in heart, rapid, short heart's beats, with dimness of vision
wishes for open air, which relieves. 11 p.m., tearing in shoulder and wrists, and 2nd
soft stool. He took still larger doses of this solution and afterwards 5 and 10 drops.
of 100th dil., but no fresh symptoms were developed, the same pains in joints, nape
and head occurring with greater or less severity. (N. Zeit. f. hom. Klin., xi, 97, et seq.)
NITRUM. See KALI NITRICUM.
NUX MOSCHATA.
Kernel of Myristica officinalis, L. Nutmeg. Nat. Ord., Myristicacea.
I. Provings.-I. PURKINJE. An entire nutmeg, taken piecemeal
with sugar, produced no other effect than a certain dulness of the organs
of sense and some heaviness in locomotion. Three of them, however,
taken after a moderate meal, caused irresistible somnolence, and a deep
sleep with quiet agreeable dreams. On awaking, he went to a theatre.
On the way, he lost all thinking power, and fell into a peculiar state of
hallucination. He feared he had not taken the right road, felt it impos-
sible to make out where he was, and found the distance and the time
taken excessively long-thinking he had been an hour on the way and
should miss the beginning of the piece. During the whole performance,
dreams and reality contended in his mind, till at last the disorder of
mind gradually subsided. There were no other symptoms. Later, P—
took 8 grm. of the grated nut in brandy; and this time, instead of
quiet somnolence, he was seized with a general agitation of the muscular
system, accompanied by vertigo. (N. Breslauer Samml., 1828.)
2. HELBIG. Provings on self and 26 others, without information
as to subjects or dosage.
a. AL—, woman.-1st d. Indifference.
Indifference. She is all d. as if drunk,
her head is heavy, there is first pain on 1. side through forehead and
temple, then it goes into occiput. Blue rings about eyes. Appetite
increased, but fell off next d. Movement in abdomen as though colic
were coming on. Uncommonly sleepy, eyes always close.
intoxicated and sleepy, she knows not where she is, her eyes close.
As soon as she comes into the cold and damp air she shivers and
As if
412
NUX MOSCHATA.
becomes pale, e.-2nd d. Commencement of griping; began on 1. side
of abdomen and spread to r. and downwards.-2nd and 3rd d. Com-
mencement of pinching under stomach, with feeling as if it would come
to actual colic. No stool 1st d., 2nd d. hard and passed with difficulty,
3rd d., instead of flatus some watery evacuation came away. Is
easily chilled in cold air.-No time given. In m., taste on tongue as
after a debauch. She feels no proper call to stool at the usual time, the
evacuation is hard and passed with difficulty. (Heraklides, part i, 1833.)
K
3. ANT-, woman. After 1 h., feeling as if bellyache would come
on. Tickling and pricking in nose, making her rub it. Ist d.
Pressure on r. side of head, partly over ear, partly on r. corner of
occiput, as if it pressed on the bone internally, transient. (Ibid.)
4. C—, a man.-No time given. All n., restlessness, dry heat,
sleeplessness, dry sticky lips and tongue, without thirst; feeling as if
all the blood-vessels were throbbing; a throbbing pressive pain on
small spots of head, especially on 1. eyebrow. (Ibid.)
5. DERLE, man. After 6 h., pain, especially on temples, when he
shakes his head a waggling as if brain struck against skull; temples
painful to touch, and head hot. (Ibid.)
6. Dê—, man.
DK-
He
man. Burning of eyes and lachrymation. (Ibid.)
7. Dâ—, man. After 6 h., hands hot and burning, lasting d.-
Ist d. Lachrymose humour, with burning and weeping of eyes.
drinks much. Pain like spleenic stitches, which drew him together,
on r. side, near navel.-2nd d. Slimy, diarrhoeic stool, as when there
are worms. (Ibid.)
8. GRIMMER, man. Towards e., distension of abdomen and nausea ;
twitching about navel, which sometimes goes towards heart, some-
times downwards; thread-worms passed by stool. After doing very
little, must lie down exhausted. (Ibid.)
9. HARTMANN, man. Staggering and great anxiety. (Ibid.)
10. Dr. HELBIG.-a. From tinct. Immediately, confusion and
dulness of forehead. Pressive pain in forehead, drawing towards 1.
eye, with stupefied feeling, for 2 h. After h., warm feeling in
stomach. After 3 h., when reading, he gradually sinks into an absence
of thought, which is apt to pass into sleep. After 5 h., before answering a
question, has to think for awhile; often, in spite of every effort, he is
unable to give a suitable answer,—a kind of slow flow of ideas. He
staggers when walking, and when thinking he has but one idea, until he
wakes up from his loss of thought, and he has then to recall to mind where
he is. After 6 h., a jerking shooting in chest anteriorly, coming upwards
in a slanting direction and taking away breath. After 7 h., hot stitches.
on chin. On account of dry feeling in mouth, he constantly presses the
tongue against palate; at same time a peculiar taste, something like the
after-taste of very salt food, all d. After 21 h., though there was
always slight griping, with tendency to flatus and diarrhoea, and a
sensation as if diarrhoea was coming on, he must strain to expel a stool
of normal consistence, which was bright yellow, and showed undigested
bits of fruit. After 24 h., though the fæces were not hard, the evacu-
ation was slow, and it felt as if some remained behind. Urine decreased
in quantity, but saturated and clear.-1st d. When walking in open
NUX MOSCHATA.
413
air in e., he staggers greatly towards the l., instead of walking straight.
Along with confusion of mind, there is a painful feeling in upper part
of brain and skull as though that was compressed from above and from
the side and spasmodically affected or contracted, with drowsiness.
Dryness of eyes, reading by candle-light is difficult, the eyes close as if
from sleep, head and forehead confused, e. Some stitches in ears.
The saliva and mucus in mouth seem so thick that the buccal cavity
feels quite dry; this makes him inclined to drink, though he is not
thirsty; at the back of tongue a feeling as if after taking much salt.
Tongue and palate dry, and nose as if blocked up with thick mucus ;
no thirst, but tongue feels like leather, n. Increased appetite, it has
hardly been satiated when it recurs anew. Slight nausea, alternating
with increased appetite. Cutting and distension in upper part of
abdomen. Cutting from navel extends in 2 rays to either side, down-,
back-, and side-wards, n. Pinching in umbilical region, in bed, n.
Urging to stool and feeling as if swollen in anus, but nothing comes.
Spasmodic pain in penis, going from below upwards. Cannot help
falling asleep after dinner, when awakened falls asleep again immedi-
ately, the sleep is not very sound.-2nd d. M., pain in forehead.
Full feeling in eyes, pupils seem contracted. Pains in ear, as if a not
quite blunt instrument were pressed hither and thither in it. A pain
betwixt aching and shooting in r. ear, m. Spasmodic compression and
contraction from both joints of jaw forwards. Feeling of fulness above
and anteriorly in chest prevents deep breathing, which causes pressive
pains in jerks under sternum. The posterior muscles of r. thigh are
painful when walking or when touched, as if he had fallen on them or
been riding, m. Pressive pain in anterior aspect of 1. leg, when
standing, m.-3rd d. Soreness of skin under chin, as if an eruption of
pimples would come there, all d. On moving arm pain in region of
pectoralis muscle as from a blow, much increased by touch and
pressure. Slight chilliness, bellyache and sacral pain, little appetite,
white furred tongue, pressive pain in soft palate, breathing difficult
from pressive pain in chest, great drowsiness, e.-4th d. Tenderness
and pain in 1. upper and lower molars.-7th d. Sacrum and legs as if
beaten and very tired.-8th d. Pinching in navel after febrile chill, e.
in bed. To the sacral pain there is added, in e., chilliness, which in
the cold increases to rigor, but goes off in room. At same time con-
fusion of head, especially forehead; little appetite, slimy tongue; merry
humour, disposed to jokes, e.—10th d. Hard pressing pains on top of
head, a.m. Stitches in 1. ear.-11th d. While driving, e., had a
painful feeling, which seemed to go from inner ear to posterior wall of
fauces (Eustachian tube), as if a rough body were sticking there and
were forcibly pressed out; the sensation commenced first in fauces and
then went to ear, and thence to buccal cavity.-12th d. Pain in the
parts lain on when he lies on a hard place.-13th d. Tearing pain at
1. elbow in extensor muscles, hindering movement.-Several d. He
has a difficulty in remembering things he learnt a short time before,
his memory seems paralysed for such things. Pain as if a loose tooth
were seized in order to be extracted, combined with the feeling as
though a shock to the body was the cause of it, and this indeed some-
414
NUX MOSCHATA.
times causes it (going upstairs, &c.).-No time given. A kind of hot
pressure on sides of head, especially temples, like pressing out. Single
sharp pressures in l. ear, appearing to increase by, and partly to depend on,
movement of lower jaw. During most of the proving, tenderness of
incisors and anterior molars when air penetrates into mouth; at first
warm liquids caused the pain, after a few d. not. Painfulness of chest
in front, impeding respiration, sometimes accompanied by a pressive
pain in r. side, but more anteriorly, e. When damp wind blows on
him it causes pain in nuchal muscles. On flexor side of upper arm,
shoulder- and elbow-joints a shooting pain, which occurs occasionally
for several weeks and seems to be seated in the blood-vessels. R. knee
feels constricted, as if someone took hold of it.
b. From tinct. rubbed on abdomen.-Soon he has a constant flow
of merry conceits, and appears gay to himself, sees the ridiculous side
of everything. Thirst for 1 h. Considerable hunger.
c. From mace (aril of kernel).—After 6 h., when writing, leaves
out some letters, writes involuntarily in various alphabets, and goes
from one thing to another.-Ist d. When writing, he has only half
written down his thought, when all at once he forgets what he was
going to write, he must make a great effort to recall the remainder,
and often he cannot do so, he must first rest; he begins to write again,
but cannot write more than a word, must again make a great effort.
Under 1. eye feels swollen. Feeling in rectum as though diarrhoea
would come, a part of it seems forced down, but no stool till next m., and
then with slight urging and a kind of tenesmus in rectum, fæces very
scanty and rather diarrhoeic. Pain in sides of lumbar vertebræ as if he
had got a blow from a fist. All d. looks very sleepy.-2nd d. A
forward-pressive pain in a small spot over 1. eye in forehead, m. Pres-
sive pain in r. cheek towards ear and maxillary joint, m. Slight prickling
in incisors, e. Tone of voice altered, dry feeling in larynx. Pain as if
dislocated in some joints of 1. little finger on grasping, m. The r.
knee pains as if sprained when moving, especially going upstairs.-
3rd d. About the arch of velum and on 1. tonsil a pressive pain, or as
if he had swallowed a hard body and it had left soreness.
When lying,
noon, feeling of warmth and throbbing in inner border of r. foot.-
13th d. Head compressed from back and front on waking from siesta.
-No time given. Little appetite, soon satisfied. In whole front of
chest, but especially under sternum, feeling of pressure and weight,
lasting all d., but is particularly severe on waking up from siesta and
on going to bed at n., making him take deep breaths to expand chest.
Nausea and flow of water into mouth, with great desire to sleep, though
it is m. (Ibid.)
II. Dr. HENCKE. Soon, heaviness and compression of head, with
feeling as if the 1. side of it and of the face were slightly swollen, with
prickling sensation as from electric stream. Digging pressive pains in
middle of soles, m. Wandering, digging, pressive pains, always on
small parts, as if in bones, on forehead, eyebrows, upper arms, tibiæ;
they are like undulating squeezing pains, coming and going. Irresist-
ible sleep, disturbed by vivid dreams. After h. rumbling and gurgling
in abdomen. After 1 h. dryness of lips, palate, and velum, with burning
doprava
NUX MOSCHATA.
415
feeling as in catarrh. Nose stopped up, chiefly 1. side, with creeping
and sneezing; must keep mouth open to breathe, goes off when he
moves or gets up in bed. After 2 h. pain in sacrum as if he had been
broken on the wheel, especially when at rest (also after 7 h.). Dull
drawing pains in periosteum of r. tibia. After 3 h. out-pressing flatu-
lent disturbance in 1. flank. After 5 h. flatulent distension of abdomen.
Dilatory stools, they are soft but passed with difficulty only after pres-
sing and straining, with feeling of fæces remaining. After 9 h. pressive
headache on a small spot above 1. frontal eminence. L. nostril stopped
up, lasts several d. After 10 h. wandering, digging, pressive pains,
always on a small spot, not remaining long there, but soon returning,
for several d. 1st d. Sleep at n. disturbed by voluptuous dreams.
-2nd d. Teeth blunted, feel as if covered with lime. Taste like
chalk, m. Scrapy eructation shortly after eating.-No time given.
Confusion of head. Pustules on chin with broad red borders. Jerking
drawing in 1. upper molars, from long and continuous speaking, also from
entrance of air. Dryness at back of throat, no thirst. Scrapy dryness
in throat. Sharp scrapy feeling in throat, especially when swallowing.
Chalky taste. Qualmish sensation in distended abdomen, with pain in
sacrum. Bellyache; a kind of pinching in hypogastrium for several
successive d., after breakfast; goes off by resting. Flatulent distress,
e., pinching in bowels with discharge of much flatus with relief. Dila-
tory, difficult, and yet soft stool, for several d. Constrictive pain in
pectoral muscles, with tightness of chest, making him breathe deeply,
when moving. Pressive wandering pains on various parts, always only
on small spots. Great heat in face and hands, with faintness and
hypochondriacal disposition, a.m. (Ibid.)
12. KADE, man.—Ist d. He cannot comprehend what he reads.
The eyes, which feel dry, are as if stuck together, so that he can hardly
open them; drowsy, and the head drawn to 1. side.-2nd d. The ten-
dency to bleeding of gums increases. After pressing down towards
pelvis there occur some thin evacuations; he has at same time a feeling
in rectum as if some acrid fluid was there, which caused biting; after
the stool there remained a sensation as if more was to come. He is
chilled when he comes into cold air. (Ibid.)
13. KTZL-, man. After 10 h. in the region where the diaphragm
is attached, from scrobiculus to back and scapulæ, a spasmodic pressing
pain, like an outward and inward pressure, as from a weight; at same
time impeded breathing, and need to breathe deeply and expand chest,
with dry cough that seems to come from back and gets loose in m.
This lasts several d., and is accompanied by drowsiness and dryness in
nose. On 3rd d. there was, besides, pain in middle of back betwixt
shoulders. (Ibid.)
14. LCK-, woman. Immediately, heat and redness of cheeks. After
5 m. eructation like pine oil. After 1 h. tickling and pricking in nose,
making her rub it.-Ist d. Sour taste. Stool delayed, next d. early
and diarrhoeic.-No time given. She staggers. Pressure in eyelids as
if sleepy. Some earache. (Ibid.)
15. KÖRNERIN, Woman.-Ist d. Very tired all d., gasps for breath,
felt as though she should faint. (Ibid.)
416
NUX MOSCHATA.
16. LD—, woman.-No time given. Jerking here and there in
abdomen. Menses 4 or 5 d. too soon, with forcing from navel down-
wards and drawing in limbs; on the next occasion also they came too
soon, and were irregular. Painful drawing here and there in thighs.
(Ibid.)
17. LDIN.-Ist d. Slight oppression in scrobiculus. Transient pal-
pitation. Jerking drawing in arms, and sometimes boring out in elbow.
Slight rigor followed by heat, m. and e. Agreeable warmth of hands
and feet, e. (Ibid.)
18. LINKE-, man.-1st d. He is as if intoxicated, and staggers.-
No time given. Almost irresistible desire to sleep. (Ibid.)
1
19. ML-, woman. Immediately, pain in forehead. After h.
pressure in head betwixt vertex and occiput. Shooting in throat,
making her hawk. Griping in umbilical region, relieved by pressure.
After h. presssing-in on r. side of chest inferiorly, it then ran up to
throat and mouth, into which bitter water flowed, with dry cough.
After 1 h. headache when stooping, pressure from vertex to forehead.
Constriction in r. upper abdomen when walking. After 24 h. dry
feeling in fauces and choana towards front, with desire to swallow but
no thirst. Ist d. Much urging but little urine passed, n. Sleeps
restlessly n.—2nd d. Dry feeling in mouth, but it feels slimy, especi-
ally n. at same time thirst, the palate feels floury and the nose
dry. Two thin stools in 1 d. (in a child æt. 6). Sleeps restlessly, m.
-3rd d. After drinking cold water peculiar jerks in molar, and cheek
becomes red. (Ibid.)
M
20. OR-, woman. Immediately, heat rises up to crown, with
feeling of constriction and pressing-in on top of head. After 18 h.
tension round r. eye, especially in lower lid, as though she could not.
open it, and pressure in eye; must contract the eye, when it seems to
her as if she could expand it.-1st d. Tension and dryness of lids.
Discharge of fetid flatus.-No time given. Thinner stool than usual,
Menses delayed 2 or 3 d., preceded by pain in sacrum as if a piece of
wood lying crosswise were forced out, with headache on top of head,
exhaustion, pressure on stomach, with watering of mouth and pain in
liver; the blood was darker and thicker, and after drying more gluey
than usual. At the time when the menses were due there was only a
slimy discharge. Dazed, as if intoxicated and sleepy. (Ibid.)
21. Os-, man. After 24 h. stool so hard that it can only pass
through rectum with a great effort, and on doing so caused pricking as
from needles there, painful contraction in rectum and anus during and
after stool.-No time given. Increased hunger, with navel and belly
very distended. (Ibid.)
22. SCHM-, man. Immediately, very much increased appetite.
(Ibid.)
23. SCHULZ, man.-1st d. Contrary to habit, several loose and
easy stools in 1 d. (Ibid.)
24. SH, man.--No time given. Pressure and drawing in sper-
matic cord from above downwards, where the testicle had had a squeeze
some years previously. (Ibid.)
25. SSG―, man. After 1. h. throbbing in 1. calf as though he had
NUX MOSCHATA.
417
i
burst a blood-vessel, for 20 m. After 2 h. on r. side not far from navel,
confined to a small spot, contractive pain, a kind of pinching.—1st d.
Oppression in chest, as if he had lard in windpipe which hindered the
air from penetrating, e. in open air, lasted 8 m.-2nd d. Cutting and
pressure in abdomen, especially above bladder, as though diarrhoea would
ensue, e. Next d. stool passed with greater difficulty than usual.
Sore feeling in trachea with cough.—No time given. Pressive pain in
sinciput with stupefaction; it sometimes closed the eyelids and he
yawned. Teeth feel blunt and soft. Dry feeling in mouth, in tongue,
and in nose, without thirst. Clean tongue, with sensation of dryness
in it and in nose. Fomenting sensation in muscles of upper arm.
Drawing pains in muscular parts of limbs, worst when at rest, several
d. Anxiety and tendency to tremble of whole body. Laxness of limbs,
especially arms, and pressure here and there, weariness. (Ibid.)
;
26. Sıv—, man. Immediately, shooting outwards in temples, in jerks
and soon ending. Soon, transient pressure and shooting pain in 1. temple.
Pressure in stomach and burning there, rising upwards. Transient
pain in upper and inner part of thigh, as though he had fallen on it,
aggravated by movement.-1st d. Sometimes grave, sometimes dis-
posed to laugh. Variable humour, at first he is inclined to do some-
thing, but when it comes to the point he changes his mind. Quite
contrary to usual, everything makes him laugh, which is particularly
noticeable as he is in the open air. He stood still in the street, made
silly gesticulations, occasionally sunk in the completest absence of mind,
and on collecting himself, everything that was around him appeared
ridiculous; at same time he looked stupid and childish, like a fool
rather better in-doors. Loss of thought, like an intoxicated state,
and absence of mind. He speaks little, confused images present them-
selves to his mind, he must always make an effort when he wishes to
speak. A violent pressing forwards in head towards forehead, which
feels pressed out and twice as big; at same time giddiness as after a
debauch, and staggering. To the finger, it feels like a part asleep or
as if covered with leather. Very great dryness in mouth, the saliva
feels like cotton wool. Such great dryness in throat that he cannot
swallow a bit of apple. Great want of thirst. Increased appetite for
several d. At noon very ravenous hunger; he ate hurriedly, and
although he had pressure in stomach, he would like always to eat.
Dislike to tobacco. Pressure and distress in abdomen, as before
hæmorrhoidal flux. Feeling as if he had eaten too much and abdomen
was over-distended. Pressing from both sides of abdomen towards
scrobiculus, such as he used to have before hæmorrhoidal flux, n.
Stool less easily passed than usual. Has inclination for coitus, though
genitals are lax. Feeling of cold in head, sneezing. Oppression
on chest and congestion to heart. Hands cold and as if frozen, and
when he came into the room he felt a kind of thrilling under nails.
Painful weariness in lower limbs as though he had walked a great
distance, the dorsum of feet pain as if a hard body had fallen on them,
but the pain grows less above the ankles; though treading increases
the pain in the feet, he must constantly trample about on account of
restlessness in legs. Great drowsiness and at same time much disposed
27
VOL. III.
.
418
NUX MOSCHATA,
to laugh. Rigor coming from loins, when he took down his trousers to
go to stool.
Cold feeling in feet with hot hands.-2nd d. The feeling
of dryness in mouth, lips, and throat continues. L. nostril feels colder,
not dry or stopped up, but feels as if he could not breathe through
it. The dry cough becomes loose, and he expectorates much mucus.
Thrilling in all toes as if they were frozen, especially where the
proximal phalanx joins the foot; it extends over soles to heel, which
pain as if excoriated, in all positions, and renewed by treading (also in 5
d.).—3rd d. Frequent violent sneezing, m. Hoarseness. Raw pain in
chest from coughing.-4th d. Elevations the size of a millet seed
where the frenum of the tongue is connected with m.m. of mouth,
especially on 1. side; they are bright red, shining, with sore pain, several
together. In lumbar muscles pain as if he had been well beaten.
State as if, after profusely sweating, he had got chilled, nape and bones
are all painful, and there is pressing out at forehead.-5th d. Drawing
pain in flesh at border of r. lower jaw. Velum and fauces slightly
reddened; their blood-vessels injected, with raw feeling.-No time
given. Dazedness and loss of thought, and when he rouses himself
with an effort he has first to collect himself. On account of dryness
and roughness in eyes he can hardly open and shut them. Dryness of
eyes. Teeth begin to grumble as if they would become painful.
When eating bread tenderness of teeth. Tongue feels dry on touching
it. Blue spots on skin. Though previously greatly given to sweat,
the skin is now always dry. (Ibid.)
27. Ww—, man.-2nd d. Coughs up some blood, sometimes mixed
with mucus, sometimes pure, with stitches in chest. (Ibid.)
28. No name of prover. Immediately, scraping, scratchy dry
feeling in throat. Rumbling in bones. Intoxicated feeling in head, it
is painful, and she was so sleepy she could not sit down without
falling asleep. After 1 h. dryness in mouth, throat, and tongue, with
fulness in stomach and anorexia. After 20 h. urine scanty or very
saturated. On waking, m., some sudden spasmodic stitches in heart
with slight colic.-1st d. Without actual thirst, and though the tongue
is not really dry, she has such a dry feeling in mouth and tongue that
it seems to adhere to palate; she feels as though she had eaten salt
herring, e. Tongue and buccal cavity covered with white mucus, but
yet dry feeling in throat and much thirst. Cutting in mid-belly, with
monitions of flatulence and diarrhoea; pain in temples, e. Chest in
front pains as if beaten, especially during inspiration and when there is
flatulent colic, e.-2nd d. After looking out of window in m., there
came a pain in 1. lower anterior molars, which spread thence to
a r. molar where it pressed outwards; recurred on washing and on
getting a chill, e. Pain in front of cheek like a weight, and accom-
panied by oppression, impeding inspiration, e.-3rd d. During inspira-
tion, sudden pain around chest in region of diaphragm, a.m.-4th d.
Violent pain in r. cheek-bone, n. Feeling of weight in chest, impeding
inspiration, e. While lying, when he suddenly moved r. lower limb,
violent cramp in calf, relieved by pressing foot against something.-No
time given. He never executes what he undertakes, but remains
standing in one place without thought; he seems quite different to those
NUX MOSCHATA.
419
On
about him. Shooting pain in r. temple, frequently for several d.
both sides of tongue where the salivary ducts open a disagreeable,
almost painful, pressive sensation. Stool soft but passed with diffi-
culty, with feeling of fulness and distension of abdomen; several d.
Want of desire for coitus, which is attended with little pleasure.
Though there is some sexual desire, the erections are feeble and short.
Sneezing. Scraping and tickling in r. side of chest superiorly, causing
cough, m. Oppression of chest coming from pit of stomach. Out of
breath after eating. Pain in sacrum and weariness of lower limbs as
if he had had a blow on sacrum and calves. Pain in back when driving.
Great weariness, his knees feel as if he had had a long walk, accompanied
by drowsiness; speaking even is too much for him. Sleepy, dreamy
state, eyes close. Great sensitiveness to cold air. (Ibid.)
29. HERING, from chewing wild nutmeg* at 10 a.m. For a long time
had burning externally on lower lip. After 3 m. pain in 1. and upper part
of forehead (organ of wit). After 4 m. violent pain in r. middle finger,
as if in bone. After 5 m. the pain in forehead goes to over 1. eye, is of
gnawing pressive character (in organ of locality). Limbs affected, espe-
cially thighs, superiorly and externally. For 1 h. pains in various spots
1. side of top of head and over forehead, slight toothache on 1. side.
After 1 h. pain in 1. upper arm near middle, as from severe pressure by
a hand grasping it. For several h. pains in 1. side of sinciput supe-
riorly, and in 1. upper arm. Before I p.m. burning externally on 1.
side of lower lip. Slight burning in stomach and empty feeling. On
crossing legs the r. feels congested, and then the 1. thigh feels as if going
to sleep, like congestion of blood, prickling, &c. At I p.m. very acute
pain in 1. forearm externally and near elbow in radial region, in the flesh.
of all the muscles and in the bones a kind of pressive gnawing, lasting till
3 p.m. In afternoon headache on r. side, and next m. a kind of pres-
sure on a small spot on r. side of top of forehead. Headache all after-
noon and e.; very cross, unable to work, very lively on walking out.
(Hom. Vierteljahrschrift, x, 90.)
30. Mr.
took 10 dr. of tinct. for 2 d. Fifteen m. after each
dose repeated shooting in abdomen about level of umbilicus, from r. to
1. On 4th d. same symptoms without repetition of dose. After
further doses, painless diarrhoea all d. (BERRIDGE, U. S. Med. Inv.,
1875, p. 101.)
Ta
-
II. Poisonings.--1. A nobleman, æt. 36, of good temperament and
excellent health, having felt for some d. a little flatulent colic, to ease
this ate 4 nutmegs (weighing together about 2 oz.), drinking some beer
the while. He had scarcely finished when he was seized with great
heat, violent pain in head, vertigo, and delirium, and forthwith became
deprived of speech, sight, and all senses. He was put to bed, where he
remained 2 d. and 2 n., his body overpowered with lassitude, always
drowsy, but nevertheless unable to sleep. I was called on the 3rd d.; I
found the symptoms I have just reported; he was in the state known
as coma-vigil; pulse was feeble and intermittent. Under nervine stimu-
lants he had on the 4th d. come somewhat out of his lethargic state,
but he had entirely lost all memory of his past life. A continued fever
* Called by him " var. Sphenocarpa," by Allen "Myristica fatua, Houtt.”
420
NUX MOSCHATA.
supervened, accompanied by obstinate sleeplessness; palpitation fol-
lowed, and at length paralysis of all limbs. After 8 d. he recovered his
reason, and said that during the first 12 h. of his illness it seemed as if
a thick veil were before his eyes, and that a multitude of sparks con-
tinually issued from them. The symptoms now gradually went off,
and after 3 mos. his health was completely re-established. (SCHMIDIUS,
Eph. Nat. Cur., dec. ii, an. 2, obs. 120. 1683.)
2. A person by mistake took zij or a little more of powdered
nutmeg. He felt it warm in his stomach, without any uneasiness, but
in about an h. he was seized with a drowsiness, which gradually in-
creased to a complete stupor and insensibility, and not long after he was
found fallen from his chair, lying on the floor of his chamber, in the
state mentioned. Being laid abed he fell asleep, but waking a little
from time to time, he was quite delirious; and he thus continued,
alternately sleeping and delirious, for several h. By degrees, however,
both these symptoms gradually diminished, so that in about 6 h. from
the time of taking the nutmeg he was pretty well recovered from both.
Although he still complained of headache and some drowsiness, he slept
naturally and quietly through the following n., and next d. was quite in
his ordinary health. (CULLEN, Mat. Med., ii, 204. 1780.)
3. A shoemaker, troubled for 8 d. with diarrhoea, took a whole
nutmeg, powdered, on bread and butter. The n. was quiet, and the
diarrhoea ceased, but on waking next m. he found that he could not
appreciate distances, his workshop appeared so far off that he felt he
could never reach it. His whole body felt heavy, his head muddled
and quite hot; he could not find words to express his thoughts. He
returned to bed, and drank an infusion of elderberries in rum.
Such
aggravation ensued that his physician found him unconscious, with
protruding red eyes, open mouth, rattling breathing, pale face, and con-
tracted pulse. Copious bleeding and antiphlogistic purgatives restored
him. (THÜMEN, Berl. med. Zeit., 1833.)
4. I took a broken nutmeg and put it into my pocket, and in the
course of 6 h. had eaten half of it. Soon after I felt a dizziness and
an unaccountable derangement of intellect, transient loss of memory,
but perfect consciousness of all that I said or did. I became remark-
ably loquacious, and seemed to be neither in this world nor in the
other; felt happy and free from any pain; was truly in an indescribable
state. My friends were greatly alarmed, and the doctor was sent for
in great haste; bleeding was proposed, but I was unwilling to submit
After keeping them laughing and crying till about 11 p.m., I
retired to bed without anything having been done for me. I awoke in
the m. as well as usual. (Communication to Portland Advertiser (about)
1840; from HERING, Mat. Med., vol. i.)
to it.
5. a. A man took about a teaspoonful of mace, eating it in small
bits between II a.m. and 12.30 p.m. At latter time, he writes, "I felt
a pain on the crown of the head, extending over a space about the size
of a penny piece, also slight nausea in stomach as if I had been smoking
inordinately. I walked home, and dined about 3. I still felt the pain
slightly, and also the nausea, with slight giddiness. On rising from
dinner I felt the blood rush to my head, but the feeling was as if an
NUX MOSCHATA.
421
me.
electric current had passed from the crown of the head downwards. I
got mechanically downstairs, and then felt the same sensation which I
suppose a person would experience who had become nearly insensible
from extreme cold, and as if, should I yield to its influence, I could
have slept away out of existence without pain. I felt this sensation
twice. I walked about in the back yard to endeavour to drive away
these extraordinary feelings, but in a few m. a cold shiver came upon
I returned to the house, and lay down on a sofa near the fire.
From that time I felt every variety of heat and cold from their respec-
tive extremes. At every
time the blood went from and returned to my
head the current changed the sensation, sometimes feeling myself very
hot, and then very cold. I felt at one time such a pressure in the head
that it appeared as if all the blood in the body had rushed to obtain pos-
session of that region, and I thought I could hear it gushing in my ears.
These symptoms gradually became weaker. Some brandy was then
administered. The effect of this upon me was as if I had been elec-
trified from the roof of the mouth downwards in a straight line, current
dying off towards the feet; it then seemed to diffuse itself over the
whole body, as if I had hold of slightly galvanised wires, apparently
working in antagonistic directions, out of tune and jarring with each
other. The state of the mind was, I should suppose, similar to that of
the opium-eater, entertaining no apprehension of the result, though
aware of the presence of some danger. The pulse during the several
paroxysms was very varied, from 70 to more than 100. During the
attacks I felt every nerve in my teeth, but no pain.”
b. The reporter adds:- Præcordial anxiety was remarkable.
The feet were cold, and required artificial heat; head throbbed, eyes
looked injected, and countenance acquired a singular expression, while
the words patient employed to express his sensations were the very
opposite of what should have been used. His temporal arteries beat
strongly for several h. The persistence of the intellectual disturbance
was remarkable; for on the 3rd d. the excited state of the sensorium
had not quite disappeared, so that he even then felt himself unable to
attend to his office books. His thoughts hardly submitted themselves
to his control unless by a consciously great effort." (Watson,
Lond. Med. Gaz., 1848, i, 260.)
6. A man, æt. 25, of nervous temp., but in good health, ate 2
nutmegs about 9 p.m. In 15 m. he was asleep. On awaking he
experienced the following symptoms :-Head seemed bulky, and rolled
round almost uncontrollably, was obliged to bring to its support one or
both hands, while sitting at a table; intense frontal headache, with
tense and painful sensation in scalp; eyes felt enlarged, with intolerance.
of light, while objects seemed to float before vision; lids drooped, and
could only be fully opened by use of hands; buzzing in ears; paralysis
of organs of deglutition, making it difficult to swallow saliva; nausea,
with shuddering aversion to food, vomiting, foul taste in mouth
pressure in pit of stomach; constriction about waist and abdomen, so
persistent and distressing that hands are placed on side to try and
relieve it by lateral pressure; a most distressing urgent want of breath
and painful feeling of oppression upon chest, to relieve which he would
;
422
NUX MOSCHATA.
straighten up, when rush of blood to head occurred, obscuring sight;
quivering of heart or violent palpitation,-the organ labouring under
fearful embarrassment; pulse intermitting, intervals between pulsations
being so protracted as to excite fears of impending dissolution; nape of
neck tremendously constricted, all bodily energy lapsing into passive
suppleness in the grasp of the unseen giant; arms and legs felt sorish,
large, and heavy; great languor and drowsiness, with no desire to move,
felt unwieldy like a mass of metal; chilliness. Went to bed, and slept.
profoundly. In m. was several times called before he could rouse;
could not account for his strange feelings on waking, but was painfully
conscious of some powerful influence exerting itself upon his system;
started for office through a park, but to retain footing was obliged to
catch hold of trees and fence, turned home, went to bed, and did not
get about again for 2 or 3 d. (M. M. DOWLER, from Hering.)
7. A woman, æt. 30, in order to check a too profuse menstruation
grated 2 nutmegs into a half-pint of boiling water, and began taking
the "tea" about 8-9 a.m., stirring before sipping. She continued
this during m., being unusually lively, laughing, and bright; but about
I she began to feel giddy and light in her head, chilly and cold all over.
She stopped taking mixture at 2, symptoms gradually increasing in
severity, with loss of memory, thought uncontrollable, objects would
vanish for an instant, and at times she would lose consciousness alike
momentarily, though it seemed to be forh. Sickness at stomach,
but no vomiting. About 4, feeling as if blood were rushing to heart,
thence to head, then all over body, then again to heart, and so on (the
extreme coldness and the other previous symptoms being still present).
The alternate paleness and redness of the surface, indicating this dis-
turbance of circulation, was distinctly visible. About 5 she com-
plained of sensation as if heart was grasped, with sharp cutting pain in
cardiac region. At 5.30 I found her sitting up in bed, tossing from
side to side. Surface cold and blue; deep blue semicircles under eyes;
hippocratic countenance; pulse almost imperceptible; skin cold over
whole body. She complained of feeling faint, with lightness, giddiness,
and emptiness of head. She answered promptly and correctly all
questions put to her, but had great fear of death. Under stimulants
and a mustard foot-bath she promptly recovered. (ROBERTS, Hahn.
Monthly, iii, 530.)
8. I ate 2 nutmegs between 8 and 9 a.m. In about an h. I felt
somewhat elated, light-headed, and bewildered; this feeling kept
increasing; my mouth and throat felt very dry and I seemed to choke
with thirst. I kept on at my desk till 11.30, when I went to dinner.
I ate it mechanically; my wife noticed that I acted very strangely, but
was not alarmed. After dinner I returned to business, all the previous
symptoms becoming intensified. My head seemed to be whirling
round, my eyes starting from my head; I felt that my legs and feet
were getting numb, and on trying to write I found my hands almost
useless. I now began to feel alarmed, and a little before 2 started for
home. Twice I thought I should fall down; by sheer strength of
will I reached my house. By this time my breath was coming in long
gasps; my blood seemed dried up; ears and lips were white; knees
NUX MOSCHATA.
423
knocked together; hands had lost all power; tongue clave to roof of
mouth; and I thought my end had come. After taking two doses of
salts and senna I felt a little better, but my whole body seemed be-
numbed and dried up. I was in bed all next d. and do not think I
fully recovered from the attack for 2 weeks. (Med. Counselor, Sept.,
1880.)
9. Mrs. G―, æt. 24, was confined about 10 d. since. She made
a rapid recovery; but as there was some lochial discharge still, a friend
advised her to take some nutmeg. She took nearly a whole one about
9 a.m., and soon experienced a severe burning sensation in lips, mouth
and throat. About I p.m. she felt strangely over the whole system,
with almost irresistible desire for sleep, much jactitation of muscles,
vertigo and pain in frontal region, with great confusion of ideas. I
was called to see her at 4; found her sitting in a chair, her husband
rubbing her extremities, which felt numb; there were momentary
paroxysms of blindness, when she would grasp her head saying how
strange it felt; there was great incoherency in attempting to explain
her ideas; marked muscular erethism, especially of extremities, simu-
lating chorea; many ridiculous or extravagant acts and expressions,
while she seemed perfectly conscious, and at the next moment would
appear chagrined at her conduct, saying she could not control her
actions; disposition to laugh or jest at everything; changeable humour,
one moment laughing, the next crying; once stupid look for a moment;
great dryness of lips, mouth and throat, without thirst; strong inclina-
tion to sleep, without the ability. Next. d. there was pain in lumbar
region and considerable prostration; but as camphor was used rather
freely as an antidote, the prostration may in part have depended upon
that. In 3 or 4 d. she had fully recovered. (C. L. HART, Am. J. of
Hom. Mat. Med., iv, 5.)
10. a. A woman, æt. 30, 5 mos. gone in pregnancy, having a
leucorrhoeal discharge, was advised to take a nutmeg. She grated one
upon an egg and a little sugar, and got through the whole between
II a.m. and 5 p.m. During e. she had dulness of senses and loss of
voluntary power and control. The upper lids were swollen, red round
their edges, and drooping; she looked as if she had been crying. Her
hand seemed to her red, covered with red spots, and enlarged. Indis-
tinct sight. At 3 a.m. Dr. H. N. Martin was called to her, and
learned above facts. She was suffering now with labour-like pains,
having sensation as if something had fallen against rectum, causing
desire and frequent efforts for stool, which came abundantly in a semi-
Auid state. Mouth was dry without thirst. All these symptoms were
relieved in an h. by a dose of nux vomica.
b. Patient subsequently gave further account of her sensations.
"From the time I commenced taking the nutmeg, my mouth and lips.
were very dry, but I had no desire for drink. There was frequent
micturition of pale clear urine in small quantity, with constant desire
to pass it. There was also rectal prolapsus. My head felt full and
dilated, without pain; I was foolishly mirthful, but could not speak,
had no desire to do so. I never felt so famished in my life, could
scarcely control my appetite or indeed myself, Everything seemed to
424
NUX MOSCHATA.
me too large, my hands double their size. There was a dark mist
before the eyes, which felt as they looked. There was a sensation
as if a string was tightly drawn round my arms, and all the blood
kept in my hands, which felt full and numb. I felt myself entirely
without energy, nothing could excite me. Stools were at first very dark
and hard, then watery, then pappy. I walked about all e. with my
husband, and trembled and swayed about while going." (Hahn. Monthly,
1870, 63.)
At
11. July 20th, 1881, I had to see Mrs. S-, whom I found suffering
from the effects of a dose of nutmeg, which she had taken for the relief
of a severe colic accompanied by diarrhoea. She had often taken a
similar dose without ill effects. Her usual method had been to grate
up a small, thoroughly dried nutmeg, adding a little sugar and some
brandy. Upon this occasion she had no brandy, and used water
instead. The nutmeg was larger than usual, and not so dry. She
took half the mixture at 10 a.m., and the other half 15 m. later. The
quantity of nutmeg taken was equal to a large teaspoonful. In about
io m. after taking the second dose her "head commenced to feel
queer;" this was followed by great dizziness. In a few m. a sense of
swelling ensued, until her "head felt as large as all outdoors."
this time she became utterly unable to reply to any questions, although
her eyes were open and she apparently understood everything trans-
piring around her. Her pupils were markedly dilated; eyes staring
into vacancy; face ashy pale; respirations laboured and shallow.
When spoken to loudly she could be awakened from this semi-
conscious state, and would endeavour to reply, but would immediately
lapse into her former semi-comatose condition. At first her pulse was
small and rapid, but during this unconscious period it became irregular,
fuller, and exceedingly weak. Mustard and warm water were given,
and a free emesis obtained. A few drops of the spirit of camphor were
administered as an antidote, under which she regained consciousness.
Afterwards digitalis was prescribed, on account of the weak pulse. At
3 p.m. she had so far recovered from the poisoning as to give a clear
account of her sensations. When consciousness first returned she kept
her hands to her head. This, she said, was to prevent her head from
dropping off; was also obliged to use her hands to move the head, it
being too large and heavy for her body. The explanation she gave of
the superficial breathing was, that her chest felt as if it were in a vice
which allowed it to expand only to a very limited extent.
A strange
mental condition remained some days; this was an inability to use
words properly. Frequently she would be obliged to stop in the middle
of a sentence and change it entirely, because she could not think of the
appropriate words which she wished to use. The patient was also very
irritable and nervous. No new symptoms appeared after those primarily
developed. There was no subsequent difficulty with the digestive tract,
or with the function of menstruation. (A. P. WILLIAMSON, N. Y. Med.
Times, Jan., 1882.)
12. About an h. after a mid-day dinner I set out for a country walk
of some six or seven miles; it was during this that by dint of perseve-
rance I succeeded in consuming a whole nutmeg. I more than once
NUX MOSCHATA.
425
Σ
Jeg
1
:
thought of desisting on account of a nauseous feeling it created. It
was about 10 p.m. the same d. when the first unpleasant symptoms
manifested themselves by a gradual coldness and faintness; these sen-
sations came and went several times, and although I did not faint I
felt the power of breathing was leaving me. I got to bed quickly and
slept well, but on waking in the m. and attempting to dress, I found I
was weaker than I anticipated, and every now and again a tendency to
faint came on and compelled me to pause. I succeeded in walking to
Dr. -
about half a mile from my rooms, and told him what I had
done, and he immediately said-" It is nutmeg poisoning." I felt the
faintness coming on whilst with him, for which he gave me a dose of
camphor. These attacks diminished in strength, but continued for a
year, occurring at no regular period. Another feature was that the
abdomen felt as though full of wind but unable to relieve itself, and
the heart seemed to beat in a vacuum; it also had a numb cold feeling
and as if it dripped sometimes; at times its action seemed suspended.
There was a tendency to drowsiness and loss of energy.
After eating
the nutmeg I felt sick but rejected nothing. (Communicated. When
patient saw me, some little time later, he mentioned also that objects
seemed gradually to diminish in size as he looked at them.-R. H.)
13. Miss M. R—, æt. 24, tall, spare, nervous temperament. During
the latter part of March, 1872, and while menstruating, partook freely
of several nutmegs to lessen the flow. At 2 p.m. on the 22nd March,
she ate an entire nutmeg. Between 3 and 4 p.m. same d. ate a second.
An h. later, having eaten another, she began to feel faint and discon-
tinued eating. 5.30 p.m., inability to open eyes; lids felt heavy and
stiff; both eyes bloodshot and much swollen; looked bewildered, but
vision at time good. Later, objects looked misty. She now made an
attempt to walk, but upon standing became very dizzy; she walked to
the table and partook of her usual supper (bread, butter, meat, and
fried potatoes). On going upstairs she felt weak and numb in her
limbs with sensation as though she were floating through the air;
was seized, while ascending, with much feeling of weight and oppres-
sion in the stomach. On lying down she quickly passed into a deep
slumber, was very restless, and tossed about much for about half an
hour. Calling her name roused her; she heard the first summons and
answered reluctantly, but could not thoroughly arouse herself, and was
petulant and irritable when roused. Sleep was irresistible. The
thought of a contemplated journey was uppermost in her mind, and
she asked to be taken to the train, but at once said she "could not
go, she felt too ill." Finally, her sister succeeded in awaking her;
she then went downstairs; mouth and tongue now pasty and dry,
having a velvety and spongy feeling. Tongue felt stiff, she could not
articulate distinctly. On taking a seat the head dropped forwards, and
could only be raised by a strong effort. Countenance now presented a
silly look; occasionally she would give a diabolical grin; mind still
running on her journey. 8 p.m., speech rather difficult; tongue rolled
in mouth like one intoxicated; ideas confused; eyes very dull and
heavy; indescribable feeling of languor over whole body; felt especially
bad about head; while upright and walking could hold head erect, but
426
NUX MOSCHATA.
when sitting it dropped; looked pale and distressed; eyes bloodshot
and swollen, so that she could scarcely see. Had much difficulty in
getting into bed; on lying down a sinking sensation as though she
were going to die, with no fear, however, and free from pain. Felt
happy and unconcerned; sensation not complete ; faculties undisturbed
save in the expression of her ideas; knew all that was going on; later
on ideas muddled; tongue thick, with coldness commencing in lower
limbs. Soon after 9 o'clock felt chilly, almost shivering, several chil!s
followed with intervals of freedom of several m. between. Conscious
during chills, but in intervals a desire to sleep; the movements of those
around her prevented sleep; hands were very cold; rubbing made her
petulant; people moving in room annoyed her greatly. Both upper and
lower limbs continued dead and numb until noon next d. Dr. von Tagen
found following condition between 10 and II p.m. : Patient lying on
back, breathing slow and heavy, apparently unconscious, not answering to
her name when called loudly; limbs rigid, hands clasped across breast and
firmly clenched. Attempt to separate hands brought on convulsions
(clonic spasms); jaws firmly closed; was able to swallow after inhaling
chloroform; then fell into deep sleep; on awaking, same spasmodic
condition ensued. While under chloroform breathing natural, 18 per
m. ; pulse soft, regular, 78 per m.; during spasms pulse small, feeble,
and rapid, scarcely countable; resp. 10 per m.; eyes red, watering
profusely, and pupils dilated. Lids could not be opened to inspect
pupils during the spasms. Expression of face denoted much suffering;
much grinding of teeth and laceration of tongue; froth and blood
escaped from the mouth. The auricular, epicranial, and palpebral
groups of muscles seemed involved. About I a.m. symptoms of opis-
thotonos appeared, remaining only as long as the effect of the anæs-
thetic was withdrawn. Patient passed water during n. involuntarily
while under spasms. Stomach very much distended. Skin in parts of
body mottled and appeared bluish. Menses had ceased entirely; womb
and ovaries tumefied and much swollen; considerable tenderness over
both ovaries, especially 1., ever since. There was much retching
during n., but fruitless efforts to vomit. The condition described
lasted all n., lessening in severity towards m. About 9 o'clock next
m. appeared to be sinking. She lay completely relaxed, almost pulse-
less, and breathing almost inaudibly. (Stimulants were then resorted
to instead of chloroform.) 10 a.m., after more chloroform, swooned
away, and for 20 m. lay as if dead. Patient began to arouse, and at
once vomited a pint of green bilious fluid containing particles of un-
digested food and of nutmeg. From this time recovery dates. Towards
noon slept lightly and fitfully, easily roused. Very sore, as if beaten ;
severe headache; weak and prostrate; deathly sickness on raising head
from pillow. A year later there still remained considerable irritability
about the pelvic viscera, especially at the monthly periods, when the
ovaries and womb were much swollen and tender on pressure; also
frequent micturition and bearing-down pains-a sort of strangury
accompanies the last few drops of water. Another sequence is impaired.
digestion; after each meal sense of weight over epigastrium, with
empty eructations, preceded by and relieving a feeling as of a lump in
T
NUX MOSCHATA.
427
the throat. Attacks of palpitation to which she was subject have been
worse since the poisoning. On awaking in m. dryness of back of
mouth and of throat, without thirst; saliva thick and pasty. Starting
in sleep continues, like electric shocks, with dreams and nightmare.
Dreams of falling from high places and of being pursued by persons
seeking to harm her. Trembling and weakness of lower limbs, espe-
cially going up or down stairs; easily startled, causing palpitation;
more or less constant desire to take a deep breath, which she cannot
accomplish. (N. Amer. Journ. of Hom., Feb., 1873, p. 315.)
Her
14. A young lady took an ounce of finely ground nutmeg in half
a pint of whiskey on going to bed. She went to sleep, but was
awakened in n. with precordial anxiety and burning in the epigastrium.
She rapidly grew worse, thought she was dying, and sank into a semi-
conscious condition, in which Dr. Howard found her at 8 a.ın.
pulse was 130, respiration oppressed, face ashy, and eyes sunken. She
seemed to understand what was said to her, and would begin to reply,
but forgot what she was saying in the middle. Complete loss of
memory lasted several d. ; it seemed too much trouble to follow a con-
nected train of thought. Voices of persons in the room sounded far
away; words spoken seemed as if spoken a long time before; objects
appeared multiplied, and the extra images of different sizes. Her head
felt much too large, and she had a sensation as if the head were being
drawn backwards. Did not dare to sleep for fear she should die; sen-
sation of brain constantly whirling round. Throbbing in every part of
the body; in "the ovaries" this feeling lasted a week. She lost all
feeling all over the body, except the head. When she moved even
the eyelids she had a sensation like "electric shocks" all over, but
when she did move she was surprised to find how much power she
had. She found the numbness was relieved if anyone touched her.
Next d. she complained of cutting pain in both ovarian regions, and a
dull pain in the small of the back; her stomach felt empty, but she
could eat nothing; bowels moved freely; urine profuse and smelling of
nutmeg; profuse, greenish, acrid leucorrhoea. Subsequently bowels.
costive, preceded by cramps in abdomen. Stool small and narrow,
lack of expulsive power; dysphagia, food seemed to stop in oesophagus.
She had a sensation as if someone were scraping her back between the
shoulders. Always when sleeping, d. or n., she had troublesome
dreams of sexual excitement, and awoke weak and exhausted, with a
swollen sensation in the ovaries. She was affected with stammering,
which was unusual with her. All these symptoms gradually yielded
to treatment, but the menstrual function was not established for some
time. (The dose was taken to bring on the delayed menses.) (Hahn.
Monthly, Feb., 1880, p. 105.)
15. A porter in the employment of Messrs. Boericke and Tafel had
diarrhoea for several d., when he grated a whole nutmeg and took it in
soup at 6.30 a.m. The diarrhoea was checked, but at 9 a.m. he had
nausea, great weariness, and sleepiness; eyes were dull, face pale; he
looked very ill. Could hardly reach his home, on account of terrible
pains in both shins from knees to ankles. This pain increased so much
p.m. that he could hardly walk across the room.
It felt as though
"
428
NUX VOMICA.
the bone had been smashed to pieces." Next d. the pain was some-
what relieved, and it gradually went off. (TAFEL, in Hering.)
III. Experiments on animals.-I. The volatile oil of nutmegs is a
strong poison. Six drachms killed a middle-sized rabbit in 13 h.;
zij killed a strong rabbit in 5 d.; 3j killed a small rabbit in about 30
h.; 3j injected into stomach of a full-grown rabbit made it sick and ill
for several d., after which it recovered. P.M.-In stomach was found
extravasation of blood and formation of blood-vesicles on mucous
membrane, which was partially softened and devoid of blood, without
being inflamed in the adjacent parts. Interior of duodenum was much
divested of epithelium and filled with mucus. In the first experiment
(with 3vj) stomach and jejunum were injected with blood. The most
important symptoms of poisoning were-frequent and powerful pulsation
of heart; slight acceleration of breathing; at first restlessness, after-
wards muscular weakness; little or no diminution of sensibility;
evacuation of hard fæces; ejection of a peculiarly smelling sanguineous
urine after the smaller doses, but no diuresis. Later, decrease of
strength and of pulsation of heart; difficult breathing; diminished heat
in external parts; death without convulsions. (Pharm. Journ. and
Trans., x, 350.)
NUX VOMICA.
Seeds of Strychnos Nux vomica, L. Poison-nut. Nat. Ord., Loganiacea.
I. Provings.-I. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Med. Pura, part i of original,
vol. ii of English translation. Contains 1200 symptoms from self, and
300 from three fellow-provers and thirteen authors.
II. Poisonings.-I. a. PIERRE DUSTE, æt. 45, of bilious tempera-
ment and vigorous constitution, resolved in a fit of jealousy to poison
himself. With this intention he took, June 13th, 1820, a considerable
quantity of powdered Nux v., which he dusted over his food. Almost
immediately after swallowing this he was attacked with violent convul-
sions. A medical man who was called excited vomiting by giving hot
water and milk; the patient was then carried to the Hôpital St. Louis,
where he arrived about 6 p.m. His features were very much altered;
he felt completely prostrated. Convulsive paroxysms closely followed
one another, marked by rigidity of all muscles, jaws strongly closed,
trunk and limbs forcibly extended, lasting 1-2 m. Patient was ex-
tremely agitated, uttered inarticulate cries, and called for help. Pulse
remained normal. An emetic excited copious vomiting; an enema
was also administered. During n. the senses of sight and hearing
acquired an excessive sensibility; such was the irritability of the muscles
that touching the patient is sufficient to excite convulsive movement;
even a slight noise produces the same effect. During the convulsions
the pulse is quick and agitated, and the body is bathed in perspiration.
14th.—7 a.m., the patient is calmer, the convulsions are shorter, less
violent and less frequent, but are still liable to be excited by the causes
GR
NUX VOMICA.
429
previously mentioned. The pulse is normal, sensation of lassitude and
of being bruised throughout the whole body, no pain in abdomen (a
weak opiate draught was given). 9 a.m., the convulsions have ceased,
and hopes are now entertained of his recovery. He continued in this
calm state during d. and n., complaining, however, of weakness and
general pains. In e. of 15th the pain is concentrated in the epigastric
region, skin is dry, and the pulse frequent. 16th.-6 a.m., pulse
small, almost imperceptible, dryness and heat of skin, redness of margins
of tongue, acute pain in epigastric region, also pulsations there, feeble-
ness, extreme prostration, alteration of features, eyes staring; intellectual
faculties entire. Death at 10 a.m.
b. Examination 48 h. after death.-About 4 oz. of serum in the
lateral ventricles of brain, no appreciable alteration in meninges or
cerebrum, considerable serous effusion under arachnoid membrane of
the spine. Liver large. The stomach contains some tablespoonfuls
of a muco-sanguineous brownish liquid; the internal surface presents.
at various points a discoloration varying from red to a deep black; it is
impossible to say whether this is owing to ecchymosis or to inflamma-
tory action. The duodenum is filled with yellowish mucous fluid and
is inflamed; the redness and injection of the mucous membrane ex-
tends, gradually decreasing, to the small intestine; the middle portion
of this is contracted and thickened, the mucous membrane at the con-
tracted portions being ulcerated. Bladder is small, contracted, empty,
and slightly inflamed, containing about a spoonful of a puriform liquid.
Congestion of lungs, especially towards their base, which is reddish.
Heart normal. Considerable rigidity of muscles (although immediately
after death they were quite pliant); ecchymosis of skin, especially at
the dependent parts of the body. (CLOQUET, in Orfila, op. cit.)
2. A young woman swallowed purposely 1 drm. of Nux v. mixed in
a glass of wine. In 15 m. she was seized with pain and heat in stomach,
burning in gullet, sense of rending and weariness in limbs, succeeded
by stiffness in joints, convulsive tremors, tottering gait, and at length.
violent and frequent fits of tetanus. Milk given after the tetanus
began excited vomiting. She was further affected with redness of
gums, inflammation of tongue, burning thirst, and pain in stomach.
The pulse also became quick and the skin hot. Next d., though the
fits had ceased, the muscles were very painful, especially on motion.
Tongue and palate were inflamed, and there was thirst, pain in stomach,
vomiting, colic, and diarrhoea. These symptoms, however, abated,
and on the fourth day disappeared, leaving her exceedingly weak.
(TACHERON, Lond. Med. Repository, xix, 456.)
3. A young woman swallowed between 3 and 4 drachms in powder,
and inh. was seen by Mr. Ollier. She was sitting by the fire, quite
collected and tranquil; her pulse about 80 and regular. He left her
for about to m. to procure an emetic, and on his return found that she
had thrown herself back in her chair, and that her legs were extended
and considerably separated. She was perfectly sensible and without.
pain, but seemed in alarm, laid hold of her husband's coat, and entreated
him not to leave her. A perspiration had broken out on her skin, her
pulse had become faint and much quicker, and she called frequently for
ANNA SAN
430
NUX VOMICA.
:
drink. She then had a slight and transient convulsion. Recovering
from it, she was in great trepidation, kept fast hold of her husband, and
refused to let him go, even for the alleged purpose of getting her drink.
In a few m. after she had another and more violent attack, and shortly
afterwards a third; the duration of these was from 1 to 2 m. In them
she retained her grasp; her whole body was straightened and stiffened,
the legs pushed out and forced apart. I could not (says Mr. Ollier)
perceive either pulse or respiration; the face and hands were livid, the
muscles of the former, especially of the lips, violently agitated, and she
made constantly a moaning chattering noise. She was not unlike one
in an epileptic fit, but did not struggle, though, as she was forced out,
it was difficult to keep her from falling on the floor. In the short in-
tervals of these attacks she was quite sensible, was tormented with
incessant thirst, perspired, had a very quick and faint pulse, complained
of being sick, and made many attempts to vomit (I should state she had
swallowed some ipecacuanha powder to evacuate the poison). She con-
tinued to refuse to let her husband move, and to the question whether
she was in pain, replied “No, no, no!” A fourth and most vehement
attack soon followed, in which the whole body was extended to the
utmost, and she was rigidly stiff from head to foot, insomuch that, with
all the force of the surgeon, he could not bend her thighs on the pelvis
to replace her on her seat. From this she never recovered; she fell
into a state of asphyxia, and never breathed again. She now relaxed
her grasp; her discoloured hands dropped upon her knees; her face,
too, was livid; the brows contracted; the lips wide apart, showing the
whole of the closed teeth, and a salivary foam issued plentifully from
the corners of her mouth. The expression of the whole countenance
was at this time very frightful. On removal of the body, it was dis-
covered that the urine had been discharged. She died in about an h.
after taking the poison. Five h. afterwards she was still as straight and
stiff as a statue; if you lifted one of her hands, the whole body moved
with it, but the face had become pale in comparison, and its expression
more placid. (OLLIER, Ibid., p. 448.)
M.
4. A. D-, æt. 20, a healthy labourer, was admitted into the Royal
Free Hospital, having h. previously taken about ziss of powdered
Nux v.
When admitted he was in profuse perspiration, the skin of
the face, neck, and chest was greatly congested, the eyes suffused, the
pupils slightly contracted, the pulse hard and excited. The patient
was greatly agitated, and on moving he grasped firmly the nearest object
for fear of falling. A few m. after admission a tetanic paroxysm came
on suddenly, the man was thrown into a state of opisthotonos, all his
muscles becoming rigid and respiration for the time suspended. This
fit lasted about half a m., when the muscles became relaxed and he was
again able to answer questions. He states he swallowed nearly all the
powder. Soon after he felt a little drowsy, and the first paroxysm of
He had several of
tetanic spasm came on about 10 m. afterwards.
these fits before he was brought to the hospital, and five after his
admission into the ward. They went on decreasing in severity, and
none were observed after the fifth was over. The n. following the
patient slept well; next d. he complained of cramping pains in the
NUX VOMICA.
431
limbs when he moved them; tongue dry, much thirst, bowels confined.
Next d. patient was dismissed well. Stomach-pump was used. (Lancet,
1853, ii, 385.)
5. A. C, æt. 16, h. before admission into the Liverpool Hos-
pital had swallowed some of Gibson's Vermin Killer. When admitted
she was much excited and hysterical, and complained that her back felt
stiff and her throat hot. An emetic of sulph. zinc. was administered,
causing her to vomit. About 10 m. after admission twitching of the
muscles, which was aggravated by touching the patient, even when she
did not know she had been touched, commenced in the limbs and back
and rapidly extended over the body, increasing in violence and rapidity,
until about 20 m. after admission the whole body was violently con-
vulsed, the back being slightly arched, the jaws firmly clenched, and
the face livid, apparently from interference with the respiration in con-
sequence of spasm of the muscles of the chest. The respirations were
very slow and laboured, ceasing entirely when the patient was moved
or touched. Pulse quick and strong. A hypodermic injection of ziss
of solution of hydrate of chloral (3j to 3j).
When half an ounce had
been injected the spasm of the muscles of chest and jaws relaxed, the
patient being able to breathe freely and speak, the face resuming its
natural colour; gradually other symptoms disappeared. Next morning
she seemed well. (Ibid., 1873, i, p. 698.)
6. a. A somewhat stout maidservant, who had always been in good
health, took the desperate resolution, on account of some disagreeable
circumstances she had encountered, to deprive herself of life. She asked
an apothecary for threepence worth of rat poison (rattenkraut)—by
which arsenic is here understood-instead of which the apothecary
gave her about two drachms of grated Nux v. About 10 a.m., 10th
May, 1796, she took the whole of this quantity in a little water. In 1/10
h. she complained of severe pains in the bowels, which increased every
moment and soon reached an indescribable degree of severity. I was
called to see her about noon, and found her in bed suffering the most
dreadful convulsions, especially opisthotonos, which abated and returned
several times in a m. The face was strongly suffused with blood,
scarlet, the eyes fixed and glistening, the hands cold, the pulse almost
gone. All this time she was perfectly conscious and told me she had
taken three pennyworth of rat poison, upon which she soon felt pain in
the bowels and then an indescribable anxiety, which still continued.
She had drunk a quantity of lukewarm milk without the smallest relief.
Under the certain belief that she had taken arsenic, in addition to the
ordinary external applications I made her take a solution of the liver of
sulphur, gave her a clyster, and opened a vein. But all in vain ! The
pains went off, a cold sweat broke out, and she died a little after
I2 at n.
b. An examination of the body took place the following d. in the
presence of several witnesses. Externally the whole r. side was purple,
the abdomen dreadfully distended, the hands convulsively clenched, the
head pale and collapsed, the mouth shut, the lips blue with traces of
blood having run out of them, the nails natural and firm, but the hair
was easily pulled out. In the abdomen, the liver, spleen, kidneys and
432
NUX VOMICA.
womb were perfectly sound. The intestines strongly distended with
air. The stomach violently inflamed and in the neighbourhood of the
pylorus almost mortified (brändig). The inflammation extended to the
middle of the jejunum. The ileum was quite healthy. In the stomach
a large worm (spulwurm) was found eaten through into three different
portions, and about six ounces of pulpy matter, which I carefully col-
lected into an iron pot for examination. The head and chest were not
opened. The examination of this pulp revealed the presence of a
quantity of grated Nux v. but no trace of arsenic. (CONSBRUCH,
Hufeland's Journal, v, 42.)
7. A lady, æt 50, affected with some abdominal complaint, took by
mistake a teaspoonful of a sol. of zij of the alcoholic extract in zij of
menstruum. Almost immediately after taking the medicine she was
attacked with rigor and vomiting, and got worse every m.
Her face,
previously pale, became of a very red colour; her cheeks were burning
hot; eyes were fixed, and often so strongly drawn upwards that the
(contracted) pupil could not be seen; features were distorted; mouth
fast closed; grinding of teeth; rapid, grunting, interrupted breathing;
great anxiety; violent palpitation; and involuntary loud crying out.
When she screamed out her head was drawn backwards, whereupon.
the mouth was opened wide and gave her countenance a horrible
expression; the tongue was at same time protruded, and was several
times severely wounded by the jaws closing suddenly upon it. She
had great aversion to fluids, which she was sometimes utterly unable to
swallow. She trembled all over, and could only keep seated for a few
m. at a time; was then compelled, as by an electric shock, to rise up
and totter about room. Speech was continually interrupted by hiccup;
it was weak, monosyllabic, and often quite unintelligible, so that her
wishes could only be guessed at from signs. Pulse small, hardish and
quick. These symptoms lasted about 3 h. : they were followed by
great exhaustion for several d., and an eruption (kind not stated) over
whole body. (LEONHARD, Med. Zeit., 11 Jahrg., p. 225.)
*
8. a. É. S—, æt. 16, was low-spirited in her situation, and left her
mistress's house about 10.30 a.m., Jan. 25th, 1856. About noon she
reached her home, about 2 miles off; and rushed into a room in a state
of great mental excitement, exclaiming that her mother had been
murdered, seating herself suddenly on a chair, and then being seized
with convulsions. Mr. Sleeman was sent for, and 2 more fits super-
vened before his arrival at 12.30. He found her lying down in violent
* "A young man, æt. 20, whose 1. arm was completely and r. partially paralysed,
was given pills of equal parts of extr. and powder of Nux v., weighing 2 gr. each.
Gradually increasing dose, he finally took 6 pills m, and e. On the 12th d. he was
seized with raging pain and shuddering in r. arm, with violent redness and swelling
of limb and breaking out of pustules, which seemed to form an almost confluent erup-
tion and gradually spread over whole body, the paralysis improving in proportion.
Six d. after eruption had appeared it dried up and fell off in large whitish scales.
Patient continued his pills, and eruption broke out a second time, preceded by rigidity
of limb. From 16 pills daily he now came down to 8; the former had caused shocks
and tetanic rigidity, the 8 produced heaviness of tongue and hurriedness in all his
motions. At last he only took 1 pill a d. The eruption broke out twice more, but
only in the shape of small vesicles, which dried up and left patient perfectly cured'
(DIERBACH, in Hempel, op. cit.).
"
NUX VOMICA.
433
tetanic spasms. Her head was drawn back, arms extended, fingers
flexed to palms, jaws firmly contracted, countenance somewhat livid,
eyes open, fixed, and somewhat protruding, trunk stiff, legs extended,
feet turned outward, toes flexed to plantar surface, skin dry and warm;
respiration loud, almost amounting to stertor; pulse could not be
counted. This paroxysm lasted about 2 m. An interval of perfect
sensibility ensued, during which she admitted having taken the poison
(about oz.), expressed her sorrow for it, and said that during the fits
she suffered much pain.
b. A full dose of sulphate of copper was administered as an emetic,
but did not produce vomiting. The stomach pump was about to be
used, but a fresh paroxysm prevented it. During the interval between
the paroxysms all the limbs were perfectly relaxed, the body pliant,
and she was much exhausted: occasionally, after one of more than
usual severity, there was a slight tendency to coma. Countenance was
pallid, eyes and breathing natural; pulse about 80, moderately full;
skin warm and dry. The paroxysms lasted about 2 m., the intermis-
sions about 5 m., when patient was first seen; former gradually
increased in severity, and latter became shorter, but always allowing of
consciousness even to that before the last paroxysm, which occurred a
few m. before 2. During the last h. the slightest movement caused
a paroxysm, even an attempt to speak or drink: she begged to be left
alone because of the pain she suffered "when in a fit. The P.M.
examination presented no feature of interest. (Med. Times and
Gazette, Feb. 9th, 1856.)
;
9. A lady affected by rheumatism took, at 7 a.m., 60 dr. of tinct.
She remained quite well for 2 h., then she suddenly became convulsed,
and in a few m. was quite tetanic. The lower jaw moved in a jerking
way from side to side, but could not be opened. The arms were
drawn spasmodically up close to the chest, thighs upon abdomen
fingers and toes were strongly flexed. It was with great difficulty that
the bent limbs could be extended. The patient whined and groaned,
but could not speak a word. Her skin was perfectly insensible, and
she felt neither pinching nor pricking. These symptoms lasted 1 h.
and then went off. (Horn's Archiv, xx, 2, 245.)
10. A chemist, by way of bravado, took one n. 3 or 4 dr. of the
homœopathic mother tincture of Nux v. He awoke early next m.
with feeling as if head would burst. He was so giddy that he could
neither sit nor stand; he had rushing sounds in his ears, intolerance of
light and sound, and could not see. His face was tumid, and he
looked besotted, like a man reeling drunk. (CHAPMAN, Annals of
Brit. Hom. Soc., i, 380.)
11. On August 14th I was suddenly called to attend a lady who, I
was told, had just had a stroke of paralysis. I found a young woman
lying upon a bed, where she had been laid fainting a few m. before.
She had regained consciousness as I entered the room, and was much
alarmed, complaining that she had suddenly lost all power over her
hands and feet, and was unable to move them. Her fingers were ex-
tended, and she could not flex them; close inspection detected almost
continuous twitchings of the small muscles of the hand. The condi-
28
VOL. III.
434
NUX VOMICA.
tion was evidently one of tonic spasm, and not of paralysis. The face
was pale, and the pupils were equal and widely dilated; the patient
complained that she could not see distinctly, and that everything looked
far away and blurred.
and blurred. The respirations, although disturbed in rhythm
by nervousness and excitement, were, nevertheless, evidently efficient;
a moment's auscultation showed the heart beating clearly and forcibly
about 100 times per m. The patient's mind was even abnormally sen-
sitive, and she herself keenly apprehensive; despite her alarm, natural
under the circumstances, there was a certain dignity and apparent effort
to keep calm—an absence of the dramatic element in her manner, which
silenced any suspicion of hysteria which might have been suggested by
symptoms somewhat difficult to account for in any other way under the
circumstances. In addition to this, the dilatation of the pupils was so
conspicuous as to call for some other explanation. The mental clearness,
associated with marked disturbance of the functions of the spinal cord,
at once suggested strychnia, and I asked if she had not taken some-
thing-a medicine for her eyes, the last teaspoonful of a tonic mixture,
&c. The members of the family denied that she had taken any medi-
cine for a long while, and, being wedded to the opinion that the trouble
was paralysis (of which they said many of their relatives had died),
almost resented my persisting in asking questions. Suddenly the
patient herself remembered that she had taken some homoeopathic
granules which she had long been in the habit of prescribing for herself
when threatened with a sick headache. The dose had originally been
five granules, taken two or three times; but that m., feeling very badly,
and fearing that the medicine might have lost its strength by having
been kept for a year or so, she increased the dose to 14 granules, and
took it five times-70 granules in all-in the course of 1 h. This
occurred about an h. before the alarming symptoms presented them-
selves; she had for the time forgotten that she had taken the medicine,
not dreaming that it was the cause of her sickness, and, indeed, con-
sidering that "homoeopathic medicine was in any case harmless, since it
affected merely the disease, and not the patient. The vial of granules
was given me, and on the cork I read " Nux." During the few m.
required for diagnosis, the symptoms became more marked; a slight
convulsion occurred, with suspension of respiration and a suggestion of
opisthotonos. The face became deathly pale, the pupils even more
widely dilated, and the patient fainted-apparently from cerebral
anæmia. The inhalation of a few drops of nitrite of amyl (a bottle
of which I was fortunate enough to have with me) rapidly restored her.
Some chloroform was obtained just in time to be administered during a
second convulsion, which was a little more marked than the first had
been; 2 drachms of bromide of potassium were given as soon as the
patient was able to swallow. The room was darkened and kept quiet,
and slight inhalations of chloroform were continued for about 20 m.
until the bromide of potassium could be absorbed and produce its
effects. No further convulsions occurred; in an h. the danger had
passed, and very soon afterward the symptoms had all disappeared. I
have been unable to discover the strength of the granules; they were
obtained while the patient was travelling in the West, and the circum-
دو
-
NUX VOMICA.
435
stances attending their purchase have been forgotten. One of them,
which I allowed to dissolve in my mouth, had a distinctly bitter taste,
and the symptoms above recorded undoubtedly attest the presence of a
larger proportion of the original drug than is sustained by any tenet
which survives the visionary Hahnemann. (N. Y. Med. Record, 1880.)
12. A man, æt. 56, took by mistake, April 29th, 3 p.m., a tea-
spoonful of tinct. nucis vom. Rademacheri, which is only half as strong as
the ordinary tinct. At 12.30 a.m. another teaspoonful. He had a
restless n. and peculiar drawing on dorsum of feet and in soles.—30th,
8 a.m., a teaspoonful. 8.15 a.m., alternate heat and chills, head hot.
On trying to rise from chair, he could only stand, but could not
raise his feet to take a step; next drawing and stiffness of masticating
muscles and nuchal muscles; the movements of eyes are difficult from
stiffness of the ocular muscles; drawing and pricking as with needles
on dorsum and soles of feet and in toes; a similar sensation in arms
and hands. He looked somewhat heated, skin rather moist; legs could
be moved when seated, but could not sustain body. He got coffee and
camphor. 9.30 a.m., better, with assistance could walk into next
room. Urine passed in a stronger stream than for years. 2 p.m.,
quite well. (LEMBKE, N. Zeitsch. f. hom. Klinik., xiii, 152.)
13. Post-mortem examination of a woman, æt. 26, who had com-
mitted suicide with 3j pulv. nucis vom. Body very stiff, head drawn
forwards and to 1., flexed and contracted arms and fingers of both
hands, jaws firmly closed, dark violet spots on face and upper part of
chest, and traces of vomited greyish mucous masses.
P.m. sugilla-
tions in various parts, flow of bloody mucus from nose. Meningo-
spinal vessels slightly congested; vessels of arachnoid not perceptibly
injected, in its cavities a little reddish serum, where it covers the I.
lobe a reddish-black serous infiltration. Brain substance soft, grey and
white substance well defined. On cutting through it many bloody
points seen; in lateral ventricles half tablespoonful of reddish serum;
lobes of cerebellum covered with red and gelatinous exudation, espe-
cially on their upper surface; pia mater very red and injected; cortical
substance very soft and very dark, white substance injected. The cavity
of the arachnoidea medullæ filled with copious, clear, dark red fluid;
vessels of dura mater slightly injected; the thoracic portion of spinal
cord very soft compared with the other parts; the grey central parts
traversed by visible blood-vessels. Larynx, trachea, and bronchi filled
with blackish-violet, slimy, viscid fluid; their m.m. blackish-violet, their
capillaries not injected; posterior parts of lungs almost black, crepita-
ting strongly, and on being cut through a large quantity of black fluid
blood escaped. Heart flabby and very large; on its surface near r. border
8 to 10 ecchymosed points like flea-bites irregularly grouped and close
together; one isolated spot near 1. border inch from apex; its cavities
contained black fluid blood, as also the large arterial and venous trunks.
In pharynx blackish blood slightly staining its walls. Stomach and
intestines distended with gas; in former a blackish-brown spot towards
the inner surface of spleen; several injected venous trunks under serous
membrane. In stomach a clear, beef-tea-like, greyish liquid. Its
m.m. throughout whitish, with some brownish-red marbled marks.
pg 14T
Kunenetazoliner
parātika do petka
436
NUX VOMICA.
In the part of the saccus cæcus ventriculi corresponding to the external
brown spot the same venous clusters in the m.m., which showed a red
spot as big as a florin, very dark and punctated, growing paler towards
circumference. Throughout the intestinal canal m.m. whitish; some
of the greyish fluid seen in stomach was found in the duodenum, none
in jejunum. Liver healthy; spleen very soft, very easily broken up,
and containing much black fluid blood. A cyst as large as a pigeon's
egg in 1. ovary, filled with clear colourless serosity. (OLLIVIER, Arch.
gén. de Méd., viii, pt. i, 17; als in Exank's Meg.)
14. A man, æt. 45, of nervous-bilious temperament, took June 13th,
9 p.m., a considerable quantity (12 sous' worth) of coarsely triturated
Nux v.
Almost immediately violent convulsions.
When brought
to the hospital his features were altered, general bruised feeling, strength
much diminished; convulsive fits of 1 to 2 m. duration at frequent in-
tervals, extremely pronounced stiffening of all muscles, jaws fast
closed, great restlessness, uninterrupted cries and requests for speedy
relief, pulse not altered (emetics and purgatives given). At n. hearing
and sight extremely sensitive, the convulsive fits were renewed by
touching him and by the slightest noise; during fits pulse frequent and
agitated; he is bathed in perspiration.-14th, 7 a.m., quieter, the con-
vulsive fits rarer, shorter, and slighter, but still excitable in the same
way, a feeling of relaxation and prostration in limbs (Pot. calm. živ,
Op. gr. vj). 9 a.m., cessation of convulsions.
cessation of convulsions. This state of quiet con-
tinued all d., also next n., and on the 15th there only remained a
general feeling of pain and weakness. E., complained of pain in epi-
gastrium, skin dry, pulse quick.-16th, 6 a.m., pulse small, almost im-
perceptible, dryness of skin, redness of border of tongue, acute pain in
epigastrium, extreme prostration, with unimpaired mental faculties.
Died at 10 a.m. in a state of general clammy sweat but no stiffness of
limbs. P.M. (after 48 h).-In lateral ventricles of brain about 3j fluid,
in cavo arachnoidea of spinal cord a considerable quantity; the posterior
part of that membrane studded with numerous irregular cartilaginous
plaques. Liver large. Gastric m.m. has several red and black spots,
contains some spoonfuls of slimy, bloody, brownish fluid; duodenum
filled with a yellow slimy fluid, without a trace of inflammation, the
redness and injection of its m.m. goes off towards jejunum. Its middle
part contracted, its walls thickened, and ulcers on the m.m. correspond-
ing to the contracted part. Bladder small, contracted, slightly injected,
and containing a spoonful of puriform fluid. Some adhesions betwixt
pleura pulmonalis and costalis, lungs full of blood, especially at the
base.
Heart normal. Considerable stiffness of limbs; almost all the
skin violet, especially in depending parts. (BOUILLAUD, Journ, univ.
et hebd., xiv, 396; Franks Adag, ¡y (298)
15. A young woman took by mistake a quantity of rat poison con-
sisting of coarse powdered Nux v. She was soon unable to walk,
and fell down without losing consciousness. When seen was lying in
bed with pale face, expression of indifference, anxiety, alternately
laughing and crying, eyes wide open, pupils contracted. Breathing
irregular, superficial, pulse irregular, small, not hard or quick, skin
cool, forearms half flexed, hands and fingers moving convulsively, lower
:
NUX VOMICA.
437
extremities immovable, stiff, all the muscles hard, tetanically contracted.
No pain, no nausea. Respiration became every instant more difficult,
and she complained she was suffocating. She got 5 gr. tart. em. After
10 m. no feeling of nausea, a cup of tea was given, and throat irritated
with a feather until vomiting ensued. She then got various medicines.
The symptoms gradually subsided, but the sight continued dim for 3 d.,
and she had a bruised sensation and tired and painful feeling in thighs
as though she had had a long walk. (BASEDOW, Hufeland's Journ., Ivii,
i, 86. 1828.)
16. A man for suicidal purpose took, Feb. 7th., 9 a.m., about of
an oz. of powdered Nux v. After 1 h. he felt his feet and soon after-
wards his legs and thighs growing cold and stiff. He went to bed;
then there came on an indescribable pain in back and loins, soon followed
by tetanic convulsions. At same time nausea, inclination to vomit,
but without vomiting. After being 1 h. in bed his body was covered
with profuse warm perspiration, though the legs remained cold, damp,
and stiff. When seen at 4 p.m. was bathed in sweat, very anxious and
repentant of his foolish act. The legs were stretched out and stiff.
The arms also felt cold and crampy, but were still at patient's command.
Breathing oppressed. Pulse very quick, 65 to 70, full. On touching
him he had immediately a convulsive fit. He could with difficulty put
out his tongue, which was furred white. His expression was anxious,
his speech stammering and interrupted by convulsions in extremities and
back (opisthotonos). After a clyster of Glauber salts the violence of
the fits subsided somewhat. He remained perfectly conscious. He
slept restlessly, and next m. felt very exhausted, but he could get up
and move slowly about the room. He complained of pain and prostra-
tion in back and sacrum, fetid odour from mouth, the sensibility of the
lower extremities somewhat dulled. Urine turbid, with dirty yellow
sediment.—9th. Convulsive movements quite gone, only painful feel-
ing in back and loins remains. Tongue still loaded, no appetite.—
11th. Quite well. (LEVIE, Schmidt's Jahrb., xxx, 296. 1841.)
17. A few d. ago I received an urgent call to go and see a patient
who had been suddenly seized with cramp, and who appeared to be in
a dying state. This was about 4 p.m., and he had been attacked about
h. before that. On reaching the patient I found him labouring under
the following tetanic symptoms, viz. drawing, crampy pains in back of
neck, with paroxysms of internal stiffness and rigidity from nape down-
wards. The paroxysms varied in intensity. During the mild attacks.
the muscles of the neck alone were affected, when he could walk about
and speak freely. During the more severe attacks not only the mus-
cles of the neck but those of the chest and throat were affected, causing
great difficulty of breathing and choking sensation, especially when at-
tempting to swallow anything, also the muscles of the head, and espe-
cially of the forehead, causing a contraction of the eyebrows, and giving
him a peculiarly sullen expression of countenance. During the most
severe attacks all the muscles of the back and legs were affected, and
the entire body became rigid and curved backwards; at times he was
unable to keep his seat on the chair, and when he attempted to get on
his feet he could scarcely stand or move his legs, his muscles were so
438
NUX VOMICA.
rigid. Each paroxysm lasted 1—2 m. He always made an effort to
move about when the attacks came on, and to rest the affected parts.
Having learned the cause of the complaint I at once gave him camphor
every few m.
In the course of h. the spasms gradually lessened in
severity, and disappeared altogether in about 3 h. Shortly after he was
suddenly seized with violent strangury. The efforts to urinate were
constant and most painful, without being able to pass a drop. For this
he got opium, which speedily gave him relief. Next d., with the ex-
ception of a little fatigue and shakiness, he was quite well. This
patient had been labouring under some slight nervous affection, for
which he applied to a well-known orthodox professor in Edinburgh, who
sent him a prescription for 60 (!) pills, each containing 1 gr. Nux v.
Of these, one was to be taken 3 times a d. The tetanic sym-
ptoms came on after taking the second pill. The first was taken
in the m., the second at 3 p.m., and in 10 m. after that the cramps
in neck and back came on. (COCKBURN, Month. Hom. Rev., ii, 49.)
16. In the larger medicinal doses the effects of Nux v. manifest
themselves by a disordered state of the muscular system. A feeling of
weight and weakness in the limbs, and increased sensibility to external
impressions (of light, sound, touch, and variations of temperature), with
depression of spirits and anxiety, are usually the precursory symptoms.
The limbs tremble, and a slight rigidity or stiffness is experienced when
an attempt is made to put the muscles into action. The patient expe-
riences a difficulty in keeping the erect posture, and, in walking, fre-
quently staggers. If, when this effect is beginning to be observed, he
be tapped suddenly on the ham while standing, a slight convulsive.
paroxysm is frequently brought on, so that he will have some difficulty
to prevent himself from falling. I have often in this way been able to
recognise the effects of Nux v. upon the muscular system, before the
patient had experienced any particular symptoms. If the use of the
medicine be still persevered in, these effects increase in intensity, and
the voluntary muscles are thrown into a convulsed state by very slight
causes. Thus, when the patient inspires more deeply than usual, or
attempts to walk, or even to turn in bed, a convulsive paroxysm is
brought on.
The sudden contact of external bodies also acts like an
electric shock on the patient. The further employment of the drug
increases the severity of the symptoms; the paroxysms now occur with-
out the agency of any evident exciting cause, and affect him even while
lying perfectly quiet and still in bed. The muscular fibres of the
pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, and bladder also become affected; I am
acquainted with two cases of paralysis, in which the use of Nux v.
caused almost constant nocturnal erection. The pulse does not appear
to be uniformly affected. Previous to the production of the affection.
of the muscles, various painful sensations are oftentimes experienced in
the skin, which patients have compared to the creeping of insects (for-
mication) or the passage of an electric shock; and occasionally an erup-
tion makes its appearance. (PEREIRA, op. cit.)
17. The first effects of the drug are a drawing in the temples and
nape, which patients call headache, but which they know to be quite
different from any trouble of this kind they have hitherto experienced.
STRYCHNINUM.
439
The jaws are a little drawn, or rather they become stiff, as if the play
of the articulations were a little less free. It is not long before the
stiffness invades all the muscles of the trunk and limbs. The patients
cannot completely dilate the chest, and their great efforts at inspiration.
are cut short by a sort of general muscular spasm. This stiffness,
however, is not constant, or rather it becomes aggravated at intervals.
The spasms are often preceded by horripilation, accompanied by marked
shivering; tingling then comes on along the course of the peripheral
nerves, sometimes with painful sensations described as like the passage
of electric sparks. The more marked these precursory phenomena the
more severe the subsequent spasms.
Other muscles, which are usually
less under the control of the will, become affected; such are those of
the pharynx and oesophagus, and the erectors of the penis, so that
swallowing becomes difficult, and nocturnal and diurnal erections.
trouble persons who have long lost their virile power. Women even
experience increased sexual desire. The tinglings which have been
mentioned are at first deep, but afterwards become superficial, and
when all the spasmodic phenomena have passed off there sometimes.
remains an almost intolerable itching. The itching is often the first
effect noticed; it occurs chiefly on the parts covered with hair. It is
only later that the rest of the skin becomes involved. When the dose
of Nux v. is a little larger, the electric shocks resemble a veritable
tetanic convulsion, which though not dangerous is decidedly painful,
and may be followed by such stiffness of the limbs that walking is
impossible. When the shocks surprise the patient standing, he has
difficulty in maintaining his equilibrium, and sometimes he falls; in
some cases he is thrown as if from a spring and falls. The intellect
in no way affected; some swimming and ringing in the head and flashes
before the eyes, and a certain nervous excitement like hysteria may
appear, but they pass off as soon as the drug is discontinued. The
symptoms do not all come on at once, nor do they all last equally long.
Rigidity is the first symptom, then the "electric sparks, then the
shivering and the spasms. The tingling and itching only supervene
after the drug has been given several days. When examined by means
of the galvano-forceps it is found that the excitability of the muscles,
motor nerves, and spinal cord is preserved, while that of the sensory
nerves is abolished. In animals it has been found by experiment that
strychnine has an elective action on the extensor muscles, the flexors
remaining at rest, except a few fibrillary contractions. In healthy eyes
strychnine does not increase the perception of colours in general, but
augments the sensibility of the periphery of the retina for blue rays.
The field of vision is temporarily enlarged and acuteness of vision in-
creased, so that objects situated at the periphery of the visual field can
be distinguished at a greater distance than usual. (TROUSSEAU et
PIDOUX, op. cit., sub voce.)
"
C
Strychninum.-Alkaloid derived from Nux vomica (also from
Ignatia). CH22N₂O2.
I. Provings.-1. R. R—, æt. 29, bilious-sanguine temp., robust
and very healthy, proved the liquor strychniæ of the British Pharma-
440
STRYCHNINUM.
copoeia,-4 gr. to the oz., under Mr. Robinson's superintendence.
January 3rd, 1868, took 10 dr. m. and e.. Tense pain in r. hypochon-
drium and sleepless n. 4th.-Same m., noon, and e. Abouth.
after 1st dose considerable stiffness of muscles of mastication, and diffi-
culty in opening and shutting mouth; during d. flushing and heat of
face, slight confusion of ideas, stiffness of extensor muscles of thighs, as
if they were made of wood. Sleepless n. 5th.-3 doses of 12, 15,
and 10 dr. respectively. Slight trembling of knees; considerable con-
fusion of ideas (after 2nd dose); general drowsiness, lasting for some
h. 6th.-4 doses of 10 dr. each. Slight stiffness of muscles of jaw
and hands (after 3rd dose); during d., dull pain shifting along line of
aortic arch. 7th.-Same doses. After 4th, stiffness of extensors of
thighs, and of muscles of back of neck and hands, causing inability to
write. 8th.-Same. No symptoms. 9th.-Same. Occasionally
spasmodic explosive cough. 15th, 16th, 17th.—Each d. 48 dr. in 4
doses. No symptoms. 18th.-60 dr. in 4 doses. Troublesome itch-
ing of skin for about 2 h. 19th.-60 dr. in 3 doses. Involuntary
idiotic-like chuckle; on raising hand to take hold of a cup, it was
drawn back suddenly as if it had been burned, and there came on spas-
modic twitchings of both arms-he was obliged to eat with elbows
resting on table, muscles of forearm being under control, but not those
higher up (after 2nd dose); in bed twitchings of limbs, and spasms as
if heart was being firmly grasped; slight confusion of ideas. 20th.—
60 dr. in 4 doses-last 3 largely diluted and sipped at intervals of about
10 m. No symptoms.
21st.-Same. Rheumatoid pains, especially
in articulations of lower jaw and extensors of thighs. 22nd.--Same.
Similar pains in front of thighs, and in forearms and fingers. 23rd.-
Same. No symptoms. 24th.-Same. Bad taste in mouth; slight
shivering. 25th.-Dizziness, humming in ears, general coldness, espe-
cially in sacral region, which feels as if it were iced. These symptoms
proved the precursors of a "fever of an adynamic intermittent type,
such as the prover had frequently witnessed at Peshawur in India, with
considerable prostration. Upon this, after 7 d., supervened uneasiness
increasing to pain in bladder and urethra, with constant urgency to pass
water, pain (shooting) involving rectum, and attack culminating in
inflammation of r. spermatic cord and testicle. From Feb. 16th,
profuse perspiration set in at n., and general condition improved.
Testicle, however, remained hard and swollen, and eventually there
came on burning pain of 1. side of scrotum, where skin was tense over
testicle, and a large abscess formed in dartos and cellular tissue. This
was opened, and yielded a great quantity of semi-transparent fluid,
partly mixed with blood; after discharge of which size of testicle
became somewhat less, though there seemed no connection between it
and the abscess. Soon after this spasms of darting pain in rectum, with
gurgling sounds, which had never left him, became more frequent and
severe; stools throughout being lumpy, either dry or covered with
mucus. Therewith was constant headache, sleeplessness, and slight
fever. Sulphur 30, ter die, caused rapid and almost complete relief.
[We have summarised these phenomena subsequent to Jan. 23rd, as it
is very doubtful whether they were effects of the S. They can only
""
STRYCHNINUM.
441
?
be noted for confirmation.-EDS.]
(Monthly Hom. Rev., xii, 251,
560.)
;;
2. a. A. F, æt. 34, an unmarried woman, in good health, active
and temperate, proved same preparation. March 17th, 1868, at 3.45
p.m., took 15 dr. in water. 4.15, sharp momentary pains at bottom of
r. heel, and then in r. thumb and r. hip-joint; peculiar creeping chilli-
ness, with heat, in r. side of head and face. 5.30, sore contracted
feeling in muscles of abdomen generally; strange darting sensation in
calf of 1. leg and muscles of 1. upper arm; sharp contractive pains in
muscles of chest ; peculiar muddled vacant feeling, forgetfulness, she felt
disposed to sit still and sleep; dull aching pains at nape and up behind
ears; stiff sensation in legs on going downstairs, especially in knees;
fixed deep-seated pains in lower abdomen; intense aching in small of
back. 10, while sitting, suddenly a kind of spasmodic jumping in
lower part of trunk, and now and then in 1. arm; when falling asleep
at n., several convulsive jerks of entire body. Sleepless at n.; visions
of dead persons. 18th.-On rising severe headache, with sensation on
stooping as if head would burst; feeling of intense fulness in ears
extreme chilliness and drowsiness; shooting pains under jaws, and in
muscles generally; transient crampy feeling in toes of 1. foot at
intervals; dull shooting pains in glands of neck and behind ears; intense
itching of nose, as if in bone, lasting entire d.; sharp pains flying about
head, at times fixed pain in vertex; creeping, tingling sensation in
auricles. Afternoon, burning in 1. ear and eye; vacant feeling, forget-
fulness; tight stiff sensation up spine when bending head down; hot
pains and dry sensation in throat, coming on at intervals and lasting a
short time; griping pains in bowels; sharp darting pains in 1. calf. 8
p.m., severe pains in head generally, in 1. eye, and behind ears, with
feeling of stupor and drowsiness; sharp pains in r. wrist, and then in 1.
arm from shoulder to wrist. 19th.-On rising felt much better.
9
a.m., sharp cutting in 1. ankle, 1. arm, r. lower half and 1. upper half
of abdomen, in succession; momentary darting pains in head and under
1. jaw; unusually good appetite. 10, sharp pain in r. little finger, and
at same time such intense aching in ankles that she must sit down
momentary griping pains in bowels. 4 p.m., headache coming on
suddenly, especially in 1. side (including eye); peculiar creeping chilli-
ness all over, with tremulous sensation in jaws. 7 p.m., severe sharp
pains in shoulder-joints and muscles of chest ; severe fixed pain in upper
1. chest ; a single cold chill down entire length of spine, afterwards she
feels deathly cold; dimness of eyes; giddiness and nausea; sensation as
if brain had been overworked, with great weariness; dry, hot feeling in
throat; darting pains in muscles of arms and in r. calf; dull pains in
glands of neck and behind ears. At n. when falling asleep peculiar
spasmodic jumping, at times in 1. arm only, and afterwards in r. hand;
severe toothache at midnight. 20th.-On rising, slight sensation of
sore-throat, 1. side, with general dry feeling in throat; dull pains in head
and eyes, with feeling of stupor and great weariness; griping pains in
bowels and constipation; sharp cutting pains in muscles of 1. thigh and
in both arms. 3 p.m., darting pains and contracted feeling in back of
neck and head and behind ears; feeling of weariness in brain, great
;
442
STRYCHNINUM.
desire to lie down and sleep; loss of memory; sharp pains in upper r.
chest and in top of shoulders, at short intervals; extreme chilliness,
even in warm room; sharp pains in back teeth and jaws. 5.30 p.m.,
sharp pain in r. thumb and r. great toe; stiff hard feeling of muscles of
neck. (All the pains are more cramp-like than rheumatic; they make
her feel as though she would be stiffened.)
b. 21st.-At 3.45 p.m., 20 dr. 5.45, slight dull pain in head,
behind r. ear; severe sharp pain in muscles of abdomen. 7, peculiar
sudden faint sensation, with sense of extreme brilliancy of vision; jaws
were suddenly stiffened for a few m., and then in a moment became
relaxed. 9, pains in 1. knee, palms, and 1. thumb, as if they would be
stiffened. Spasmodic jumping in arms at n. 22nd. Shortly after
rising, feeling of contraction in throat, 1. side. 10, contractive pains in
palms. 11.30, sudden drowsy sensation; hard stiffness of muscles of
face; stiffening sensation in jaws; sharp darting pains in 1. temple and
round to back of 1. ear; spasmodic jumping of muscles of arms, passing
off suddenly. 5 p.m., sharp pains in r. elbow, at short intervals; great
weariness and prostration. At n., disagreeable dreams; strange
wanderings of the imagination. 23rd.-M., muddled, confused feeling;
stiff sensation in eyes, she felt unable to look up; soreness in 1. side of
throat; tongue much coated, bad taste. 10 a.m, feeling of extreme
stupor; weight in eyes, with sharp pains in 1. head and eye; pains in
back of head extending down whole length of spine; extreme chilliness.
3.30 p.m., painful coldness of head; feeling as if eyes were suddenly
stiffened and drawn back, lasting a few m.; prickly numbed sensation.
in 1. hand at intervals during d. 8, throat began to feel much worse,
hot pains shooting from its I. side into ear and eye; cramp-like pains
in palms, she can scarcely extend them. Sudden spasmodic jumping
or starting of entire body when falling asleep; intense gnawing pain in
1. half of neck at n.; peculiar paralysed feeling in 1. head and face;
tremulous feeling in muscles of face; noise in 1. ear, like wind.
(Menstruation came on on 21st, and was quite normal.) 24th.—M.,
same soreness in throat. Forenoon, intense gnawing pain in 1. half of
back from shoulders to waist; exceedingly low-spirited. 2 p.m.,
2 p.m., deep
spasmodic pains in chest and back; feeling of extreme stupor; sharp
pains in back of head, extending to 1. eye and to back of r. ear; cutting
pains in 1. calf and 1. wrist; digging pains deep in 1. ear.
10, sudden
burning heat in 1. ear and along lower jaw of same side; throat painful
and sore, with redness and slight swelling; crampy pains in r. foot and
leg. 25th.-10 a.m., violent headache, with bursting pains in forehead,
especially 1.; at times great nausea; eyes very hot and painful; extreme
chilliness; throat painful and sore entire d. ; tender bruised feeling over
1. eye, with fixed pain towards e.; stiff pains in r. knee when sitting.
26th.-Deep pain in 1. lower abdomen, at intervals during d., also
occasionally pains of same kind at pit of stomach; sharp cramp-pains
in 1. palm and sole, also in muscles of neck; slight giddiness at intervals.
c. 27th.-25 dr. at 3.50 p.m. After 1 h., sudden giddiness and
extreme drowsiness while walking in street, she felt as if a cloud was
coming over her; stiffening heavy sensation in jaws and facial muscles,
also stiffening in muscles generally, especially of knees and 1. hand;
STRYCHNINUM.
443
trembling in legs, with sensation of falling; icy coldness all over, with
shivering and yawning. 7, rumbling in bowels, with feeling of diarrhœa,
also deep pains in abdomen generally; severe darting pains in back of
neck and head, and through head from back to front; burning heat in
eyes; painful dryness and contracted feeling in throat. 28th.-M.,
stiffness in back of legs; painful dryness of throat; sore pains in scalp, as
if hair had been pulled; rheumatic pains in various muscles and joints,
at short intervals; burning heat in eyes and lids. Afternoon, spasmodic
pain about pit of stomach, extending to heart at intervals, also at times
similar pain in hypogastrium; extreme chilliness; sudden pain and
pressure at top of head and in 1. eye; numbed prickly sensation in 1.
hand for short time at intervals; sharp cutting pains in I. hypochondrium
and at times in 1. half of back; sharp pain deep in upper part of chest.
8, sharp needle-like pains under jaws, especially 1. side. 29th.-Severe
dull pains in muscles and glands of neck, at times shooting up into head;
pains in maxillary joints and back teeth; sharp needle-like pains in
cheek-bone and under jaw, 1. side; rheumatic pains in legs from knees
upwards, at times in joints of knees and hips, especially 1.; confused
giddy feeling at intervals, with loss of memory; intense aching and icy
coldness of entire back; rheumatic pain in 1. back about waist; peculiar
stinging in nostrils, as if a cold was coming on; very low-spirited and
gloomy; deep pains in abdomen at intervals, generally from below
upwards; soreness of tongue and roof of mouth.
d. 30th.-At 2.45 p.m., 30 dr. 3.30, intense aching in soles and
outer sides of feet; stiffening of muscles of legs, later also of back and
neck; tremulous and powerless, also rigid, feeling in legs; giddiness ;
hot fixed sensation in eyes; sharp pains at pit of stomach, extending
round to region of liver. 6, stiffening of hands, she fears to take hold
of anything, and when she did she could not grasp it firmly; when
stretching out arms, hands became involuntarily clenched; agonising
gnawing pain in muscles of legs above knees, and in back and neck;
intense itching of skin of entire body, even of scalp; icy coldness down
spine, accompanied by a kind of nervous shuddering; bitter greasy
risings with bad taste. 31st. On rising, intense soreness in muscles
generally, especially of legs and back; sharp pains in back teeth and
maxillary joints; rheumatic pains behind 1. shoulder, and in muscles of
arms and legs; dull pains in occiput and temples; giddiness at inter-
vals; deep boring pains in r. lower half of abdomen, changing suddenly
from one part to another. By e. soreness and aching of whole body
had become much worse, with intense aching in back, especially 1. half
about waist, and behind ears; dry contracted feeling in throat; sharp
needle-like pains under jaw, 1. side; icy coldness down spine; extreme
drowsiness, with stupid headache. April 1st.-M., violent bursting
headache, with stiff contracted feeling in eyes; burning heat in eyes;
contracted feeling in muscles of neck; icy coldness down head and
spine; feverish thirst, nausea, and bad taste; sore pains in bowels,
with sensation of threatening diarrhoea; rheumatic pains and stiffness.
of knees and hips; sore pains and stiffness of back; sharp needle-like
pains in ends of fingers and toes; intense aching of feet when walking;
a kind of internal twitching and nervous feeling, radiating as it were
444
STRYCHNINUM.
from pit of stomach. E., sharp sore pains in eyeballs; sharp darting
pains in shoulders and elbows.
e. 2nd.-At 4 p.m., 30 dr. After 1 h., sharp momentary pain in
top of 1. shoulder, shooting down to breast; needle-like pains in r.
knee ;
extreme giddiness, with loss of memory and drowsiness
shaking of legs, especially knees; stiffening of jaws and down back;
convulsed, stiffened and twisted feeling at one moment in arms and
hands, at another in muscles of face, arms felt snatched back when
taking hold of anything,-lasting about 3 h., and then suddenly passing
off; sharp pains at pit of stomach. N., sudden heat down spine, with
trembling faint feeling; sharp pains in back of head and glands of
neck; occasional jerking of whole body; choking sensation, as if
something were tied tightly round throat; violent itching and tingling
in soles and palms. 3rd.-M., felt much better, head and eyes free,
which they had not been for a week. Forenoon, rumbling in bowels,
with feeling of threatening diarrhoea; stiffness down spine and in
knees; spasmodic feeling of contraction in throat. Afternoon, keen
sharp pains behind 1. upper arm and in front of thighs, also in r. upper
chest. N., sudden jerking of legs. 4th.-M., sharp pain in 1. hypo-
chondrium, at times shooting to pit of stomach. Noon, rheumatic
pains in thighs. Afternoon, giddiness at intervals, with tremulous
feeling; sore stiffness in knees and r. calf; violent sharp pains in r.
hand; extreme stiffness of back; pains in back teeth and maxillary
joints. E., violent thumping pains in head, especially r. half, and over
1. eye, lasting about 2 h.; intense aching in soles. N., violent cramp-
like pain in lower r. abdomen. 5th.-M., same pain in abdomen, also
severe cutting in bowels, with feeling of impending diarrhoea. Noon,
intense aching in shins when walking; sharp darting pains behind r.
ear; rheumatic pains and momentary stiffness in hands. E., dull
pains in maxillary joints, shooting into temples. N., extreme rest-
lessness and talking in sleep, with peculiar sense of "working
at back
of brain. 6th.-Sharp tearing pains down entire length of spine, also
in muscles of arms, and in r. knee, with tremulous feeling.
در
f. 6th. At 4.15 p.m., 30 dr. From this there was a speedy
recurrence of the symptoms previously noted, giddiness, tremulous
feeling, stiffening of muscles, convulsive shocks, cold chills down back,
pains and itching in legs. There was intense burning in eyes at n.,
with nervous agitated feeling and sense of stupor and aching in head ;
next d. feeling as if bad headache were coming on, with extreme ful-
ness of head and ears, and burning and bruised feeling of latter; also
(for this and following d.) intense pain down neck and spine, and sharp
darting pains in various parts.
g. 9th.-At 4.30 p.m., 30 dr., with similar result; tremor and
giddiness being very marked. In addition, there was sensation as if a
cold iron cap was on head, and rolling of eyes, which felt like cold
bullets; sudden cold perspiration and icy coldness of entire body; at
n., intense burning and itching of ears, nose, and eyes; next d.,
burning and tingling in nose, ears, and lips; scanty urine, with con-
stant urging; constipation for 2 d., diarrhoea on 3rd, bowels uneasy
with either, nausea and bad taste with latter. On 4th d., low spirits
STRYCHNINUM.
445
and feeling of intense stupor. Throughout restless nights, with profuse
perspiration.
h. 13th.-30 dr., with similar effects. Also, sudden burning heat
in face, and extreme sensitiveness to slightest touch; if foot was touched
it jumped as though it was shot. Very sleepless n., with extreme
nervous excitability, palpitation, ugly faces passing before eyes; while
falling asleep, quite suddenly, several jerks as from womb, with burning
irritating heat and violent pulsation in vagina, also feeling of great
pressure and bearing down. On 2nd d. felt very much shaken; usual
pains prevailed, with intense aching in lower back and over hips, and
extreme lowness and gloom. On 3rd d. violent cutting pains in
abdomen, with feeling of diarrhoea, distressing flatulence, coated tongue,
bad taste, and headache in forehead and eyes. On 4th d., with head-
ache and sharp pains here and there, sensation as though cold water fell
from elbow or shoulder at intervals.
i. 17th.—30 dr. With usual immediate symptoms, rapid pulsation
in 1. upper eyelid, lasting several h., and darting pain and thrilling in
vagina, with momentary pulsation at short intervals; also extreme sen-
sitiveness to slightest touch or noise-every sound appeared to beat at
back of brain. On 2nd d. same pulsation in lid, with weakness and
watery discharge from eye for 8 h. On 3rd d. violent pains in head,
especially in forehead and over 1. eye, and same pains in r. ankle, making
it painful to walk. While at dinner sudden violent attack of spasm
at stomach, lasting about 1 h., attended with very severe pain and
feeling of suffocation, so that she had to loosen her clothes. On 4th,
same pains in head, and dimness and aching of eyes. Restless nights
and profuse perspiration throughout.
j. A. F continued the proving some time longer, taking 30 dr.
April 20th and 23rd, 35 dr. on the 27th, and 30 dr. April 30th and May
4th. The immediate effects were always those already noted, and those
of the subsequent days showed the stiffness and soreness, the darting
and shooting pains here and there, which have been so often seen.
The following fresh symptoms may be mentioned. On 1st d. (doses
being taken about 4 p.m.) immoderate fits of laughter; sudden jerks
in stomach, especially on opening mouth; frequent fits of sneezing,
with itching and stinging of nose. On 2nd d. short breathing, with
dry cough; hoarseness, with feeling as of a cold on chest, lasting 2 h.;
peculiar pulsation in chin, as if in nerves of lower front teeth, at short
intervals. On 3rd d. violent tearing pains in womb and 1. breast,
coming on at intervals and lasting a few m.; irritability of temper;
sudden violent cutting pain in back about waist, as though she were
chopped in half, extending r. and 1. to stomach. On 4th d. rapid pul-
sation in 1. temple and 1. hypochondrium; prickly sensation in feet at
intervals; intense pain in back, aggravated by least exertion; constant.
aching round waist. No cumulative effects appeared, and after dose
of 23rd (making 300 dr. in all) she felt much better in herself. (Ibid.,
vols. xii and xiii.)
II. Poisonings.-1. a. G. S—, seen to stagger in the streets (of
Milan), was taken in a carriage to Moro's pharmacy. He was visited
there by Drs. Casanova and Cavalleri, and by the surgeon Gonzales.
446
STRYCHNINUM.
Seated, and perspiring, he called out in a strong natural voice that he
was seized with the cholera, then prevalent in the city. He complained
of formication in legs and arms, and of a feeling of spasm in his throat
and stomach, with vain attempts to vomit. No choleraic physiognomy.
Dr. Casanova tried to calm his fears, and prescribed zij of peppermint
water with 3j of anodyne liquor and one of laudanum, which the patient
took by degrees. Flatus came away, and the spasm of the stomach
appeared to subside. Then he rose of his own accord and lay down
on the bed, but his cries and fear of cholera did not cease, notwith-
standing the assurances of all the doctors who came to see him. The
above symptoms, whilst increasing, were accompanied by spasmodic
contractions and opisthotonos; the formication in the extremities
changed into cramp; the spasm of the stomach reappeared alternately
with that of the throat, and was complicated by painful jerks as if from
electric shocks every time the extremities or any part of the body was
touched. Dr. Casanova thought there was an acute affection of the
spine, and bled him, with the approval of the other physicians. The
blood gushed out as if from an artery, and coagulated in the usual
manner, without any special appearance of the serum, either in quantity
or quality. Towards 4 o'clock, G. S― seemed quieter, the spasmodic
contractions appeared at longer intervals, but the general jerkings in-
creased in violence; the slightest touch provoked them. The patient.
still insisted on his fears of cholera, and desired to be taken to the
hospital. As much to humour him as to rid the Moro family of such an
inconvenient guest, his request was granted, and he was taken there
about 7 o'clock; but on the way from the surgery to the hospital the
patient died.
b. The post-mortem examination required by law was made by Drs.
Antonio Tarchini-Bonfanti and G. Martinelli about 24 h. after death.
Exterior appearance: G. S—, apparently about 45 years of age,
was tall, well made, and finely proportioned, robust, and of embonpoint.
The face of the corpse is calm, the pupil moderately dilated, the mouth
closed but not contracted. The neck is a little large; the chest ample,
dilated, and very sonorous, the abdomen slightly swollen; the upper
extremities are very flexible, the lower extremities rather rigid, the
fingers clenched, but not quite closed. The corpse lies on its back;
the front of the body is pale, but the posterior is entirely of a violet
colour, as if cyanic; this colour is also seen in the fingers, and is
strongly marked in the scrotum. The cadaveric odour is slight. No
trace of lesion exists on the exterior.
Head: Infiltrated blood in posterior portion of scalp; skull of normal
thickness. The dura mater, of a white pearly colour, adheres strongly
to the level of the sinus, which contains a little darkish blood, rather
fluid than thick. The arachnoid and pia mater are thin and transparent,
showing a very few bluish vascular ramifications. The grey substance
of brain is pale and a little dense, the medullary portion is milk-white
and firm. The plexus choroideus
The plexus choroideus is of a rose colour. The pineal
gland is ash-coloured and soft. The venous sinuses at the base of the
brain retain a small quantity of thick blood. The cerebellum is in the
same condition as the brain.
STRYCHNINUM.
447
Spine: On opening the vertebral canal there is an abundant san-
guineous effusion, and here and there circumscribed collections of
black blood. The dura mater lining the canal is red, dull, giving the
appearance as if the whole cord were made of red wax; the arachnoid
is transparent; the pia mater strongly injected; the substance of the
cord normal.
Neck Some of the cervical glands are of the size of a filbert; the
thyroid gland is a little larger than normal, reddish, but healthy in its
texture.
Chest: The mucous membrane of larynx, trachea, and bronchi is
rose coloured, covered with a little mucus; the bronchial ganglia are
blackish and a little swollen. The lungs are pressed back from the
sternum to the extent of three fingers' breadth; they are ashy, with
large black spots, light, feebly crepitant, and congested with blood.
No serous effusion either in pleura or pericardium.
Heart is flaccid and so softened that it is most easily torn; it is filled
with red blood. Its volume is one fourth larger than the fist of the
corpse. On the anterior and external surface there is a strong and re-
sistant cartilaginous patch. Its various cavities contain a small quantity
of dark, thick, viscid, coagulated blood; valves normal. The arteries.
and veins contain a certain amount of blackish pitchy blood.
Abdomen: No serous effusion. The liver of moderate size, dull red,
dense, granulous, presents an engorgement of blackish, thick blood in
the principal branch of the portal vein. Gall-bladder is full of viscid,
greenish bile. The spleen is small, pale red; the pancreas is pale and
hard, enveloped in a thick coating of fat; the kidneys are of a dull red
colour, and the tissue very dense.
The mucous membrane of mouth, of pharynx, of oesophagus, is
rose-coloured and normal, that of the stomach is pale rose colour with-
out any partial injection, and covered with whitish mucus; the cardiac
and pyloric orifices normal. The intestines are rather pale and dis-
tended with gas, otherwise normal. Strychnia was found in contents
of stomach. (TARDIEU, Empoisonnement.)
2. a. A lad of 17 swallowed, immediately after dinner, about 40 gr.
of pure S., and washed it down with a glass of wine and water.
Immediately afterwards he began to feel uncomfortable, ran about the
room, and experienced much anxiety and restlessness. 4 gr. of tart.
em. were given without causing much vomiting, and the reporter saw
himh. after the poison had been swallowed. He lay stiff and unable.
to move on his back in bed, the head drawn forcibly backwards; he
showed an inclination to turn on the r. side; he could still freely use
His countenance was pale and altered; temperature of the
skin normal; pulse quick and wiry. His consciousness was perfect, he
spoke in his natural voice about his state; he was occasionally inter-
rupted by a transient stiffness of the lower jaw, but not to such an
extent to prevent him speaking quickly and easily. This stiffness did
not prevent him opening his mouth to take liquids, which he swallowed
easily. The trismus gradually increased, and the spasms soon involved
the muscles of respiration. The chest was oppressed, the breathing
irregular and interrupted, and occasionally there was a rapid succession
his arms.
448
STRYCHNINUM.
of short respirations, with small, contracted and rapid pulse. Every
effort to excite vomiting was unsuccessful. While still retaining con-
sciousness, there occurred a succession of attacks of trismus and oppres-
sion of the chest, with a few m. interval between each, which continued
to increase in violence, soon extending all over the body; and all of a
sudden the patient experienced a series of almost electrical shocks
throughout the body, and after a short pause opisthotonos followed,
whereby the body, though not much bent backwards, was, throughout
its whole extent, as stiff as a statue, and was raised a few inches from
the bed in the middle. This state was accompanied by the most violent
suffocative symptoms. During this attack, wherein the trismus was
extreme, but without any distortion of the muscles of the face, he
uttered bleating noises, and seemed to be trying to speak. The upper
extremities were firmly drawn over the chest, the forearm immovably
flexed at the elbow; the lower extremities were stiff and immovable,
the feet were bent in such a manner that the soles were opposed to one
another. The skin assumed a bluish colour, the face was puffed, of a
dark violet hue, the lips dark blue, the neck swollen, the jugulars dis-
tended, the eyes projecting and turned immovably towards the r. side,
the pupils dilated and unaffected by light, the conjunctiva red. He
now ceased to utter any sound; he became unconscious as if suffocated,
and the body lay still and stiff. All at once the spasm ceased; the
arms fell by the side of the body, the mouth opened, and he drew a
deep breath, whereby he seemed to revive and resume his senses, speech,
and power of swallowing. The dark coloration of the skin likewise
went off. The contraction, however, continued in the muscles of the
back, neck, and legs, but he could move his arms freely. Even after the
third attack of this sort, the patient recognised the bystanders, and
seemed to understand questions put to him, though he was unable to
answer them intelligibly. In the fourth paroxysm he died, 1½ h. after
the poison had been swallowed.
b. Post-mortem, 20 h. after death. Surface of body blue; abdomen
tense, hard, but not swollen. The whole corpse uncommonly stiff;
all the muscles rigid, especially those of the lower extremities; the feet
still distorted. The flesh of the muscles, notwithstanding their stiff-
ness, was uncommonly soft and doughy, and of a brownish colour like
smoked meat. On opening the spinal canal there flowed out about 2
lbs. of viscid, not coagulated, black, tar-like blood. The plexus venosi
spinales, which are in ordinary states unnoticeable, were distended with
dark blood; and between the fourth cervical and fourth dorsal, and
again between the tenth dorsal and fourth lumbar vertebræ, they had
the appearance of a thick black venous net, some of the veins being as
thick as a crowquill. The vessels of the pia mater of the cord showed
the same congested appearance, especially at the corresponding points.
Within the membranes some exudation was observed, more particularly
about the cervical portion. The cord, when cut across, was at its
upper parts soft, in some parts even pappy; lower down it was harder.
The cranial cavity was also congested; all the vessels of the dura and
pia mater, especially the choroid plexus, and even the cerebral substance,
were full of blood, whereby the cortical substance appeared of a bluish
.
STRYCHNINUM.
449
colour.
The cerebellum was rather softer than usual. The organs of
the chest and abdomen were, on the contrary, very destitute of blood;
the heart was flaccid, and its cavities and large vessels so empty that
scarcely any blood could be obtained from them. The stomach was
distended with solid food, which had quite a fresh appearance. The.
mucous membrane of the stomach was much reddened, that of the
small intestines slightly so. Liver full and distended, more full of blood
than the other viscera, otherwise nothing abnormal. (BLUMHARDT,
Frank's Mag., ii, 234.)
3. Mr. B- has been afflicted, for a considerable period, with tic
douloureux, occurring at regular intervals and in paroxysms of excessive
violence. For the relief of the pain of these attacks he has been in the
habit of making use of the muriate of morphia, at first in small quan-
tities, and afterwards in gradually increased doses, until 3 gr. were
necessary to produce its effect. At this time he went into the shop of
a druggist in the town in which he resided, for the purpose of obtaining
some muriate of morphia, and received a quantity of a powder, slightly
yellowish in colour, which was stated to be that substance.
same d., having occasion to go a short distance into the country
on business, he took, previous to going out, his usual 3 gr. of the
powder, which was simply placed on the tongue and swallowed, and
he remarked at the time that it was extremely bitter, and that the taste
was more than usually persistent; but it did not occur to him that
anything was wrong. Shortly after, however, while walking along the
street, he felt slightly indisposed, the most prominent symptom being a
sense of numbness in the back and legs, which he attributed to the effects
of cold, to which he had been exposed in the early part of the m. As
these symptoms did not appear of any importance, he proceeded by a
public conveyance to the village where his business lay, and returned
by the next opportunity. During the whole of this time the symptoms
remained precisely as they were the moment he first observed them;
but as he was walking along, on his return, they suddenly increased,
the numbness being accompanied by a sense of want of power, and a
sort of dragging of the muscles of the legs, which soon became so great
that, as he described it, he had to put his hands at the back of his
thighs in order to push his legs along. This occurred nearly 21 h.
after he had taken the dose of the supposed muriate of morphia, and at
this time there could have been nothing remarkable or unusual in his
appearance, for on his way home he met a friend to whom he com-
municated his sensations, and who laughed at his evident apprehensions
and assured him that it was all imagination. As he was in the midst
of describing the effect upon his muscles, and bending himself so as to
show how it occurred, he suddenly overbalanced and fell heavily back-
wards. He was immediately raised, and on attaining the upright
position he felt himself much in the same state as before, except that
he was excessively nervous and alarmed. The want of power in the
legs did not at all increase in intensity, and no spasmodic affection was
observed, although the patient was himself under the impression that
his fall was somewhat connected with the previous symptoms. The
patient's fall and the nervous state into which he had got now fairly
VOL. III.
29
450
STRYCHNINUM.
4
alarmed his friend, who begged him to get home as fast as he could,
and accompanied him on his way, as he experienced considerable diffi-
culty in walking, and could not get on without support. On reaching
home he felt somewhat better, and remained sitting for some time, and
at length retired to bed, about 5 h. after the first appearance of the
symptoms. Just previous to stepping into bed, in order to ensure a
good night's rest, of which the recent symptoms rendered him some-
what doubtful, he took a second dose of the powder equal in amount
to the first. In less than 10 m. after he was seized with a violent
tetanic spasm, affecting the legs and muscles of respiration, and had
only time to call for assistance before the sensation amounted to abso-
lute suffocation. Fortunately assistance was close at hand, and he was
immediately raised up in bed, with the effect of entirely relieving the
sense of suffocation, and a medical man was sent for. Spasms now
followed each other in rapid succession, the intervals being about h.
or 20 m., and the affection was confined principally to the legs, back,
and respiratory muscles, the arms being comparatively unaffected.
The numbness and dragging of the muscles, which had been continuous
during the first 5 h., disappeared entirely during the intervals of the
spasms, and the patient was left without any uneasy sensation, excepting
the exhaustion of the previous fit and the apprehension of its successor.
During the whole of this time he was not only perfectly conscious, but
his senses were preternaturally exalted, and he distinctly heard a variety
of whispered observations of the physician and his friends, which from
their tenor were obviously not intended to reach the ears of the patient.
The paroxysms, after continuing for some time, began gradually to
diminish, the intervals becoming longer and duration of each spasm
shorter, and it was hoped that they were about to pass off, when all at
once they returned to all their original violence. This proved, however,
to be the last expiring effort of the poison, for the symptoms now
entirely ceased, about 13 h. after the first dose was taken. At the
conclusion of the spasms the patient was left in an excessively exhausted
state, and was unable to turn himself in bed. From this, however, he
recruited with great rapidity, as he was able to get up on the e. of the
next d., and on the second he walked out and went about his usual
business. The most remarkable fact connected with the case is, that
from that time the attacks of tic douloureux entirely ceased, and he has
not since had any return of it. The medical treatment employed in
this case was unimportant and had not any effect on the progress of the
symptoms. Chemical analysis proved the drug to be S., and not
morphia. (ANDERSON, Monthly Journ. of Med. Sc., 1848.)
4. A man, æt. 34, paralysed on r. side, had 1 gr. sprinkled on raw
surface of powerless leg. In less than an h. he had twitchings in it,
which increased in intensity every m., boring pain in occiput, slight
vertigo, and noise in ears. The twitchings spread to r. arm, and then
over whole 1. side, with increase of headache, and at last unconscious.
ness, with rattling difficult breathing. Pulse was very full, hard, slow,
and intermitting; face bluish red, puffed; eyes projecting, pupils very
much dilated, mouth open. He tossed about in bed for the violent.
convulsions and difficult breathing. Skin of r. leg had a blue marbled
-
•
STRYCHNINUM.
451
I
:
appearance. This patient recovered under the use of morphia ender-
mically administered. (RICHTER, Frank's Mag., i, 104.)
5. A man, æt. 60, took about 75 dr. of a solution of 3 gr. of the
acetate in 3j of water. Inh. he had vertigo, and in drinking a cup
of coffee his hands trembled and he was forced to rise from his chair,
when he was led to bed. He then had general trembling and dyspnoea.
His look was wild; pupils dilated; face red; tongue dry in middle,
red at edges; very rapid breathing; full, hard, quick pulse. The least
noise, the slightest touch produced tetanic convulsions accompanied by
frightful cries. Patient continued to get worse, preserving, however,
perfect consciousness. The cry was forced from him involuntarily,
and was not occasioned by pain. The most disagreeable symptom he
experienced was the oppression of the chest. The symptoms lasted
altogether 2 h., and then went off, leaving only thirst and exhaustion.
(FOHR, Ibid., iii, 899.)
6. In May, 1850, Dr. BARTLETT was called to see a young man,
æt. 22, suffering from "spasms." He had red hair, blue eyes, fair
skin, and had previously suffered from dyspepsia. He complained of
a singular indescribable sensation all over, quickly followed by general
tonic spasm. The extremities were held in a convulsive movement
(both flexors and extensors being rigidly contracted), and he looked
like one in an ague fit. His countenance was extremely sad and
despondent; he was morose and indisposed to answer questions.
8 p.m., patient on back breathing heavily, dysphagia, eyes closed, pulse
120 and full, continued tetanic spasms of all the muscles, spasm lasted
4 m., attacking chiefly back and throat. As he lies, legs are wide
apart, toes strongly flexed; wide awake, mind active and anxious, in-
tense thirst, dry mouth and tongue, burning heat and great fulness and
throbbing in head (a little pain in forehead). Starts every 15 or 20
seconds; least noise or slightest touch starts spasms, which are all
alike, differing only in severity and duration, lasting from 10 seconds to
5 m. One description will suffice: He starts very suddenly, his legs
are immediately drawn asunder as far as possible, his body curved so
that head and heels only touched floor, muscles of arms and legs rigid,
respiratory muscles frightfully affected, so that it is with great difficulty
he breathes at all; his face becomes blue and then black; jaws tightly
closed; vomiting occurs. During this spasm he has not breathed at
all for 3 m. and has lost consciousness, looking like a suffocated man.
Tongue protrudes, eyes stand out from sockets, and no action of pulse
or heart, yet the paroxysm holds on. Mind harassed with dread, and
he weeps, but cannot tell why. After a spasm, sighing, aching of
insteps, and a dead numbness all through body. At midnight, nausea,
burning heat all over; hot sweat, followed by a dried-up feeling all
over surface of body; feels warmth in bowels; eructations of bitter
and tasteless wind before vomiting; bitter taste in mouth. By 5 a.m.
he was much better; only slight twitchings; other symptoms present,
but slight. This patient had taken 3 gr. of S. in ignorance of the
proper dose. (N. Amer. Journ. of Hom., i, 469.)
7. H- took 3 or 4 gr. of S. When first seen about 15 m. after
he was only partially conscious and unable to answer questions intel-
452
STRYCHNINUM.
ligibly. He soon became quite unconscious and quite stiff. During
the h. and half that followed the spasms were severe; he would throw
himself about, snap at a hand that touched him, strike and kick. Sud-
denly his body would curve backwards and rest on the head and heels,
with the elbows on the bed at the sides. The muscles would continue
to contract, drawing the head back, until the occiput nearly touched
the spine and the face became buried in the pillow. Occasionally he
would extend his arms at his side with the fingers straight and separated,
and rising to the sitting posture would stare wildly about the room as
if in fear. Breathing was only maintained by the aid of artificial
respiration. (H. P. ČOLE, U. S. Med. Invest., ii, 432.)
8. Dr. HIPPEL says that he has found by personal experience that
when given in doses of 2 to 4 milligr. S. produces the following effects,
viz. 1, increased peripheric sensibility for blue; 2, temporary increase
of visual power; 3, more distinct perception of peripheric points; 4,
lasting enlargement of the field of vision. (Hom. Times, iv, 86.)
1
9. A man, æt. 59, applied for relief from an intense feeling of cold,
attended with visible sluggishness of the capillary circulation, especially
in the hands and feet (the remnants of an attack of hemiplegic para-
lysis from which he had suffered 12 mos. previously), and from an
extraordinary enlargement of the abdomen, which he had been led to
believe was dropsical. The abdominal distension turned out on exa-
mination to be mere tympanitis, from partial paralysis of the muscular
coat of the bowels, and strychnia was ordered, gr. three times a d.
On the occasion of the man's next visit I thought at first that he was
drunk, as he had the uncertain gait, meaningless smile, and flushed
perspiring cheeks characteristic of intoxication. To my surprise, how-
ever, I found that this effect had been produced by a dose of the S.
taken h. previously, and he had come to me to complain of the
medicine because it "made him drunk ;" this I ascertained subsequently
by personal observation was really the fact. He also complained that
all sounds caused a "deafening noise" in his ears. The dose was de-
creased to gr., and the disagreeable effects upon consciousness and
co-ordination of movements were no longer observed; but a very
remarkable increase of temperature of the surface was still produced
by each dose, and by degrees became constant. (ANSTIE, Stimulants
and Narcotics, p. 151.)
1
24
10. M. T—, a man of 40, a great drinker, had become a teetotaler
lately, because he had had one or two attacks of delirium tremens; but
this had not saved him from sinking into a state of chronic "horrors,'
so that he feared he should be driven to suicide. He was ordered to
take S., gr. ter die. He came on the 3rd d., complaining of decided
stiffness in lower jaw muscles, copious flow of saliva, and "flashes of
fire before his eyes." His eyesight was much weakened; he could
only read the very largest type at any distance, and said that even this
looked dim and misty. The flashes complained of always occurred if
he looked towards a bright light, and even in comparative darkness,
soon after each dose of the medicine. The sensibility of the skin did
not seem notably raised. (Ibid., p. 211.)
11. A woman, æt. 33, was suffering from a peculiar numbness,
در
STRYCHNINUM.
453
2
attended with partial paralysis and some wasting of the muscles of the
forearm. S. was administered in gr. doses, with the most manifest
good effects. On dose, however, being raised to gr. 1, skin of both
arms and forearms, of palms and of soles, became exquisitely tender to
the touch, so that she could not bear to walk, and a considerable ten-
dency to reflex muscular contraction developed itself. But the most
distressing symptom was the painful effect which any sound made upon
it was not that sounds were heard at all more distinctly, but
that the slightest sound occupied the woman's whole hearing faculty,
so to speak, and anything like a multiplicity of impressions on the
auditory nerve became positively painful. (lbid., p. 212.)
the ear;
12. A young man, æt. 19, suffering from enuresis, took S. in doses
gradually increased up to gr. 1. The first dose of this immediately
produced impairment of sight and distressing sensibility of the eyes to
the dazzling influence of light, and even "flashes" after the eyes had
been shut, or sometimes in a dark room. (Ibid, p. 213.)
1
13. a. S., even in permissible doses, may produce a chain of
threatening symptoms, differing only in degree from true S. poisoning.
After gr. there may appear nausea, redness of eyes, formication,
12
exalted sensibility to external impressions, feeling of weight in feet,
and stiffness in limbs. With these symptoms are occasionally associ-
ated disagreeable tension of certain groups of muscles, and painful erec-
tions. Girl several times observed, after the repeated internal adminis-
tration of S., the occurrence of periodic spasmodic attacks, reappearing
during the course of several weeks, of a tertian type, resembling an
intermittent fever, and ending with sweating. After they had ceased,
they could be reproduced by S.
6. In the case of a woman who took gr. of the drug, Skinner
saw a scarlatinous exanthema, which disappeared after it was discon-
tinued. (LEWIN, op. cit.)
14. In a case of amaurosis, a small powder = about 3 milligrammes
was applied to the lachrymal orifice of one eye. Scarcely 3 or 4 m. had
elapsed before patient's face assumed a livid colour, and he yawned spas-
modically; then followed vertigo, which made him fall into an arm-
chair. Windows were opened, the powder removed, cold affusion, &c.,
practised; but in spite of this toxic symptoms of graver kind came
rapidly on,-complete loss of speech, absence of pulse, respiration
laboured and interrupted, then tetanic shocks of extreme violence.
From 10 to 12 of these occurred, their force increasing up to the 5th,
when they became feebler. As patient improved, he felt painful
pressure on bladder and rectum, and a copious evacuation ensued. In
less thanh. he had completely recovered. (Gaz. Méd. de Paris,
1861, p. 98.)
1
TO
15. In addition to the violent spasmodic contractions produced by
S., BALLY has observed an appearance of stupor, vertigo, tinnitus
aurium, sleeplessness, and turgescence of the capillaries of the face.
(Bull. de Thér., Feb., 1838.)
III. Experiments on animals.-I. a. Dr. Brown-Séquard has proved
that the action of S. consists in an increased nutrition of the spinal
marrow, by which excess of nutrition the reflex faculty becomes inten-
454
STRYCHNINUM.
!
sified; and also in a special power of stimulating this nervous centre
independently of the quantity of blood it contains. Kölliker's experi-
ments demonstrate that in whatever manner the drug acts, it does so
upon the nervous centres alone, and not upon the nerves themselves or
on the muscles. His experiments also prove that during the action of
spasms may be excited by a stimulus proceeding directly from with-
out, or transmitted through the brain. Dr. Marshall Hall states that
if a dog under the milder form of strychnism be allowed to remain
quiet, it will recover; while, if continually excited, it will as
certainly die.
b. The experiments of Dr. Spence (Ed. Med. Journ., xii, 44) con-
firm these conclusions. He showed that S. applied directly to the
nerves of frogs produces no effects whatever, but that its application to
the medulla oblongata and spinalis immediately develops specific
phenomena. He also proved that even when injected into the abdo-
minal veins it remained ineffectual if the ventricle of the heart was cut
away so as to prevent the poison from being thrown through the
arteries into the nervous centres. On the other hand, his experiments
demonstrated that the poison, if taken into the stomach, acts only when
its access to those centres is not prevented. Its mode of action, he
concludes, consists in stimulating the nerve-cells to excessive action,
and keeping them in that condition until they perish from exhaustion.
But before this process is completed, death may take place from
asphyxia brought on by spasm of the respiratory muscles. (STILLÉ,
op. cit.)
2. a. Dr. Brown-Séquard found that when the spinal cord was cut
just below the origin of the nerves supplying the forelegs of a frog, and
all the blood-vessels going to the lower section of the cord were also
severed so as to isolate the latter, on the exhibition of S. convulsions
occurred in the anterior part of the body, while in the posterior segment
quiet and a normal reflex activity were maintained, although the blood
was carrying the poison to every part of it save the spinal cord. This
experiment has been repeated a great number of times by MM. Martin-
Magron and Buisson with similar results.
b. Richter and Mayer have ascertained that S― causes
a very
decided rise in the arterial pressure, and the former has seen contrac-
tion of the vessels of the frog's web under its action. (H. C. WOOD,
op. cit.)
3. After the death of a dog poisoned with S. I examined spinal cord
and brain, chiefly with a view to discover any congestion which might
have existed in the several parts. In the brain I met with no unusual
degree of congestion, but I was particularly struck by a remarkable con-
dition of the grey matter of the lumbar bulb; it presented, in fact,
numerous small effusions of blood, while in the medullary portion no
abnormity was found. In another dog, similarly killed, I found in the
grey matter of the lumbar portion aneurismal dilatations of the capillary
vessels, which were in consequence on the verge of bursting. In both
cases the two horns of grey matter were most beautifully injected with
blood. (VAN DER KOLK, Spinal Cord, &c., New Syd. Soc., p. 78.)
4. ARNOLD (of Heidelberg) found that if gr. is administered to a
5.
ŒNANTHE.
455
1
10
10
1
frog, tetanus comes on in not more than 5 m., and death ensues in 45
-90 m. After gr. it supervenes at about same time, but death
comes later. After gr. it took 10-20 m. to develop, but continued
in one case for 48 h., frog being found dead after 54 h. In young
frogs, gr. 1000 brought it on in 7-12 m., and it lasted 7 h. On
giving gr. 100000, after h. or so irritability was somewhat increased,
but no spasm ensued in strong, full-grown animals. But in one frog,
which the d. before was tetanic for some h. after gr. 1000, but which
had quite recovered, a slight attack came on h. after gr. 1000000
ending in the death of the animal after some h. (Hygea, xvii, i, 56.)
1
9
1
1
ŒNANTHE.
Enanthe crocàta, L. Hemlock water drop-wort. Nat. Ord., Umbelliferæ.
II. Poisonings.-1. In 1748 8 Irish boys, having taken this plant for water
parsnep, ate several of the roots. In 4 or 5 h. the eldest fell suddenly on his back and
died in convulsions. Four others died in the same way, without having been able to
utter a word from the instant the poison seemed to attack the nervous system. Of
the three remaining one became furiously maniacal, but came to himself the next m.;
another lost his nails and hair; the third was the only one who escaped free, having
run two miles and drunk hot milk, which produced copious perspiration. (RAY,
Phil. Trans., xx, 84.)
2. a. March 20th, 1758, 17 soldiers of the garrison of Ajaccio poisoned them-
selves. One of them, having a mind to treat his comrades with good soup, had boiled
in it a plant of which he had cut the leaves and root. They drank the soup with
avidity, but in 1 h. some fell into syncope and convulsions. One had died before
I arrived, 2 h. after supper; a second was expiring; a third showed no sign of life
but trembling and convulsions. The activity of the poison was so great that I saw
two fall into a swoon, while, at perfect ease about themselves, they were attending to
their sick comrades.
The up-
b. The author of this deadly feast seemed in the most hopeless state.
turning of his eyes, the contraction of his lower jaw, the feebleness of pulse, the
inability to move, feel, or know anything, with an universal chill spread over his
whole body, seemed to be so many signs of death. After vain attempts to give an
emetic I had him rolled and well shaken in a blanket by 8 men for 2 h.
He reco-
vered warmth, and then insensibly movement and life. The first signs were efforts
to vomit, which, aided by an emetic, were effectual, and the vomiting went on for
days, take what he would. He fell asleep for 15 h. On April 1st his tongue was
extremely sore and swollen, from being bitten during the convulsions. From 2nd to
5th his nose bled twice, and I bled him 3 times from the arm. The following d. his
sufferings abated. He remembered nothing that had befallen him from the 1st to the
3rd d. of his illness. (VACHER, Journ. de méd., 1863.)
3. A man about 40, when fasting, ate this root. He soon complained of great
heat in throat; h. after he became speechless, fell down unconscious, and was seized
with terrible convulsions, which lasted h. and ended in death. It was impossible to
give any medicine, the jaws being closed by trismus the whole time. (BRY, Rec.
périod, lxxxii, 63. 1823.)
4. In 1843 21 men of the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, ate n. by mistake for
celery. Nine were seized with violent convulsions and loss of consciousness h. after.
One, with face swollen and livid, and bloody froth issuing from his mouth and nos-
trils, stertorous and convulsive respiration, insensibility, and prostration, died in § h.
Another, after being a prey to the most violent convulsions, was in a kind of apo-
plectic state,-insensible, speechless, with pupils dilated, face puffed and livid, respira-
tion laborious, limbs contracted, and jaws fixed in trismus. On his recovering con-
sciousness the convulsions were renewed, he fell into a coma, and died in an h. in a
456
CENANTHE.
fresh convulsive fit. In 2 the convulsions gave way to maniacal delirium, with tossing
about. Others felt numbness and feebleness of limbs. Two left hospital on 5th d.,
believing themselves cured, but returned, having been seized anew with syncope.
Purgatives made them pass débris of the root on 6th and 7th d. They nevertheless
succumbed, one on the 9th, the other on the 11th d. of the poisoning. (BOSSEY,
Lond. Med. Gaz., 1844, p. 289.)
5. The following is a résumé of the post-mortem appearances in 6 fatal cases :
a. Exterior aspect: Very marked rigidity of the corpse; hand strongly bent, with
thumb applied forcibly to palm; nails bluish; small livid patches on front of trunk,
on back part generally a deep purple discoloration, which also pervaded scrotum and
penis. Face injected and puffy; eyelids slightly apart, conjunctiva slightly congested,
pupils widely dilated; lips, groins, and ears purple; tongue showing through teeth
and bitten at tip; froth issuing from nostrils.
b. Nervous system: Incision of scalp let out great quantities of black fluid blood.
Veins of pia mater, greatly distended, form numerous arborescent patterns on surface
of convolutions and in their intervals. The cerebral substance is strongly injected,
especially the white matter; so also the medulla oblongata. Serous effusion pretty
abundant under arachnoid and in ventricles. Sinuses distended with much fluid blood.
Sheath of cord strongly injected; vertebral tissues full of black fluid blood, and medul-
lary substance redder than usual. In one man, who died in an h., there was found
beneath pia mater an escape of blood which covered both hemispheres.
c. Respiratory system: Epiglottis deeply discoloured, with considerable injection.
of network of veins covering it. From glottis to ultimate ramifications of bronchiæ,
mucous membrane is deep red and covered with a thick layer of reddish frothy mucus.
Lungs dull and blackish, with numerous small extravasations.
d. Circulatory system: Heart contained much black fluid blood.
e. Digestive apparatus: Papillæ at base of tongue turgid and vascular. Velum
palati, tonsils, pharynx, and oesophagus coated with glairy mucus and deeply livid.
Lining of stomach and intestines scarlet, coated with viscid mucus, under which
membrane is strongly injected and looks mammillated, owing to prominence of nume-
rous swollen follicles. Here also were points of extravasation, and black lines along
venous trunks. (BLOC, L'Art Médical, March, 1874.)
III. Experiments on animals.- —1. Five decigrammes of the resin were given, sus-
pended in a mucilage of gum arabic, to an adult, well-conditioned rabbit. At first it
suffered depression and sadness, refusing its food; soon after, some convulsions in
forelegs and muscles of head and face, posterior extremities refused their support.
This state continued 20 h., after which the animal gradually recovered. (BLOC,
op. cit.)
2. Six decigrammes of the resin were diffused through a yolk of egg and slightly
diluted with a little hot water; a full-grown small dog was made to swallow it. He
at first exhibited the same depression and sadness as the rabbit, whilst the weakness
of the extremities was still greater. Respiration short; the tongue hanging out and
extremely dry; anxiety insupportable. The oesophagus was not tied lest it should
occasion death. There was no possibility of stopping vomitings, which were glairy,
reddish, and slightly bloody, and no doubt carried the poison out. They were
accompanied by fetid liquid stools and an abundant discharge of urine. After
these evacuations, and even during them, the animal suffered convulsions and ex-
tremely violent spasms in anterior extremities, tail, and face. Gradually these
sufferings abated. He took no food for 45 h., and then slowly recovered. (Ibid.)
3. An adult strong rabbit, who swallowed 3 oz. of distilled water in which a quan-
tity of the root was steeped, with the addition of a good deal of the essential oil, did
not experience the least inconvenience. All the experiments seems to prove that the
resin alone is poisonous and the other parts of the plant very little so. (Ibid.)
4. Sixty centigrammes of resin were mixed up with some minced meat, of which
three boluses were made. One was administered to an adult dog of middle size by
force, as the smell of the resin made him shrink back. In 20 m. he began to be
restless, and he kept turning round upon himself, seeking for a comfortable position;
2 or 3 m. after he had nausea without vomiting. They gave him a second and then
a third ; the phenomena then became characteristic. At first growling, with
increased anxiety; by degrees posterior extremities do not move in accord with
anterior; at last he could not support himself. In 5 or 6 m. he had bloody stools,
CENANTHE.
457
at first containing other matters, then blood only. Nausea returned more severe, as
well as a violent hiccough. Four times he vomited white matters tinged with yellow
and coated with bloody slime. The muscles of the face are contracted, with inces-
sant anxiety. Trismus prevents the exhibition of an emetic; the vomiting and stools
become more frequent. He tries to walk, knocks himself about everywhere, and
does not seem to know where he is going. He falls back, is seized with violent
contractions, and dies in 35 m. after the poison. No post-mortem. (Ibid.)
5. Forty centigrammes of the alcoholic extract diluted with a little water were
given to a pretty strong rabbit. He suffered from depression, and refused food;
convulsions ensued, hind legs became visibly weaker; muscles of the head and face
contracted; this state continued from 9 to 12 h. and then he recovered. (Ibid.)
6. a. July 12th, 6 a.m., I introduced into the mouth of an adult dog, in good
health and fasting since previous e., a teaspoonful of fresh juice. At once he made
efforts to vomit, and uttered hoarse cries. He is much agitated, runs, and attempts
to vomit, but in vain; foams at the mouth, and threatens to bite; often goes to
drink, and seems relieved pro tem. About 9 a.m., after incredible efforts, he vomited
all the liquid he had swallowed, refused broth, and slept calmly. On awaking ate a
little, and drank eagerly and often. Gums, mouth, tongue, and pharynx are red and
injected, with red patches at edge of velum pendulum and columns. Urine scanty, no
stool, abdomen slightly distended, was left to rest all d., and fell asleep; plaintive
barking at short intervals, trismus but little marked. At 8 p.m. he awoke, whined, and
tried to vomit, changed his place continually, and rejected, with violent hiccoughs,
food mixed with bile, smelling remarkably acid. Next d. one diarrhoeic stool. At
n. he seemed better. I mixed a tablespoonful of fresh juice with 200 grammes of
broth, which he took without repugnance. But he was almost immediately seized
with retching, and rejected the ingesta; went to drink as yesterday and lay
down. At noon yawning and three diarrhoeic very fetid stools. Next d. at 8.30 a.m.
I was much surprised to find the animal, who seemed doing well overnight, with a
death-rattle, after very fetid green stools; his eyes were stiff and glassy; skin dry,
with an eruption or rather venous red spots on back and flank; jaws set fast; heart
beating tumultuously and irregularly. He was nearly motionless, so I despatched him
by cutting the jugular, and proceeded immediately to the post-mortem.
b. Abdominal cavity.-—Acute peritonitis, arborescent injection on intestines,
which are tympanitic and empty, especially the large; ascending and transverse
portions much injected, with large reddish-brown spots on their surface, indicating
incipient gangrene. Mucous membrane of cæcum partly detached; ileum much
injected, jejunum less so; duodenum only inflamed at pylorus; surface of the
stomach little injected. Stomach.-At opening bright red, with injection over whole
of large cul-de-sac; mucous membrane bloated; lesser cul-de-sac less injected.
Pyloric orifice choked by an oedematous puff of a bright red; cardiac equally
inflamed, and congestion extends to extremity of oesophagus; interior of buccal
cavity red, with spots such as above named. Spleen a little congested. Kidneys con-
gested; no urine in renal pelves. Liver, nothing peculiar, vena portæ contains some
clots. Gall-bladder, very little bile. Respiratory organs.-Lungs injected, crepi-
tating, float well. Trachea normal, some ganglions congested. Larynx, mucous
membrane slightly oedematous. Circulating system. -Heart very bulky, r. ventricle
contained a very large blood-clot, fibrinous at upper part, and entangled in tricuspid
valve; auricle contains a small blackish clot; numerous clots in pulmonary artery.
L. side normal, except a marked violet tint on columnæ carneæ; slight endo-
pericarditis. Brain.-Considerable effusion of bloody serosity between brain and
dura mater; injection up to edge of anterior lobes. Vieussieux's centrum ovale
pointed. Ventricles, serous effusion abundant. Cerebellum normal, except peduncles,
which are injected. Spinal cord.-Marked injection all the way to cauda equina;
at edge of olive there was some serosity indicating inflammation. (Ibid.)
7. A dog above 10 months was poisoned with 30 dr. of the alcoholic tincture in
100 grammes of distilled water. The 1st d. anxiety, agitation, nausea, burning
thirst. The 2nd d. 40 grammes of tincture mixed with broth; same symptoms, with
tottering gait besides; can no longer run, but drags along; after this he reels and
falls if forced to walk; trismus. The 3rd d. the animal is better, and we let him
rest. The 4th d. at 7 a.m., 20 dr. of fresh juice mixed with his broth. Almost
immediately violent shaking of head and limbs; same nausea and vomiting; extreme
458
OLEANDER.
prostration; fetid and frequent stools. At 11.30 he died. A post-mortem took place
and nearly the same alterations were found as in the preceding case. (Ibid.)
OLEANDER.
Nerium Oleander, L. Common rosebay or rose-laurel. Nat. Ord., Apocynaceœ.
I. Provings.-I. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Med. Pura, vol. i of original, vol. ii of
translation. Contains 542 symptoms from self and five others, and 10 from authors.
2. LOISELEUR-DESLONGCHAMPS took 3 dr. of a sol. of 30 grm. of extr. in
120 grm. of wine, and repeated it daily, each time increasing dose by i dr. It caused
anorexia, malaise, weakness of limbs, anxiety, and great muscular debility. (GALTIER,
Toxicologie, vol. ii.)
II. Poisonings.-1. A delicate boy, æt. 24, swallowed, Aug. 18th, at 1 p.m.,
2 handfuls of the flowers. After 10 m. he was observed to be very restless. He was
carried into the house, and on the way thither, and again 5 m. later, he vomited the
flowers and some food. After the second vomiting he became very gay, and, contrary
to his habit, jumped about all afternoon like a playful kitten. At 4.30 p.m. he
took his coffee with appetite. 6.30 p.m., became again restless, wished to go to bed,
lay there quietly and seemed to sleep. He did not reply to questions, face and body
were pale, eyes open, pupils very contracted, head and rest of body quite cold and in-
sensible, pulse and respiration slow and irregular, he could not be roused, and his
father thought he was dead. 7 p.m., again vomited food, recovered his senses, and
for 10 m. was lively; he then again became comatose in a greater degree than before.
After a dose of ipec. he vomited at 9 p.m. a clear watery fluid without any solid
matter, again becoming lively for a short time and then again comatose. He had
three alternations of liveliness and sopor several times. At 11 p.m. he got some
strong coffee. This roused him, and he became somewhat cheerful, but remained
exhausted and sleepy; his pulse intermitted every 4 or 5 beats till 4 a.m.; it was
weak, small, and rather quicker. Towards m. the intermissions of the pulse were
after 10 to 12 beats.-19th. The pulse intermitted every 13th beat, the weakness.
and drowsiness continued, the pupils were dilated so that hardly any of the iris was
visible. He vomited everything he took. As he had no stool he got a dose of
carb. of magnesia every h. from 12 noon, but he always vomited it. After the 6th
dose and some lemonade the vomiting ceased; he fell into a quiet sleep, which lasted
till 6 a.m. of the 20th. On waking he had a stool, the weakness and drowsiness
were gone and he was well. (Hom. Vierteljahrsch., xi, 159; from Zeitsch. d. k. k.
Gesellsch. d. Aerzte zu Wien.)
2. Five persons who partook of barley broth which had been stirred while cooking
with a branch of O. were taken seriously ill. One cried aloud and tossed about,
vomited a green fluid, his eyes looked suffused with blood, the pupils were much
dilated. Another had dilated pupils, uttered cries, had slight convulsions of the
limbs. A third had vertigo, pain in stomach and in joints of limbs and a kind of stu-
pidity so that he did not understand what was said to him. A fourth showed greater
stupefaction, complete insensibility, his head was bent down upon his chest. A fifth
was apparently completely stupefied, eyes distorted, bilious vomiting. All recovered
in a week. (GALTIER, op. cit.)
3. A man took 1 grm. 10 centigrms, of the powder of the bark. On the 2nd d.
he had copious painful vomiting, cold sweats, syncope, and other serious symptoms,
which went off after drinking copiously of sugar and water and ether. (Ibid.)
4. An officer, to protect himself from the mosquitoes, made himself a kind of
alcove of O. branches in his room, closed all the doors and windows, and went to
sleep. The next m. he was found to be dead. (Ibid.)
5. A Hindoo, æt. 25, slight and delicate-looking, was brought to the hospital at
Kholapore in the m. of August 9th, 1858, in a state of insensibility. His wife stated
that after a quarrel he had swallowed more than an oz. of the expressed juice of the
He was then about 5 yards off his house, to which he repaired immediately
and fell, unconscious, on the threshold. On admission, face and eyes were swollen,
head hot and covered with sweat, stertorous breathing, and foam issuing from mouth.
root.
OPIUM.
459
With this there were violent spasmodic contractions of the muscles of the whole
body, most marked in upper extremities and on 1. side. In the intervals of the spasms
the patient lay motionless on his back. When the attack commenced, the stronger
contraction of the 1. side threw him on the r., and he remained in this position as
long as it lasted, falling then upon his back as one exhausted. Sulphate of zinc pro-
duced free emesis of greenish matter; but, insensibility persisting, with rapid pulse
and hot skin, leeches were applied to the temples, and sulphate of magnesia obtained
watery greenish evacuations. The spasms returned at intervals of an h., and were
apparently brought on by every attempt to move or to raise himself. Towards e.
the spasms diminished, the face became pale and pulse thready, eyes were sunk in
orbits, and extremities grew cold rapidly. Frictions, mustard, and stimulants restored
the circulation, but the insensibility persisted, and there was an involuntary stool.
He remained in this state all next d., the spasms less violent and frequent, evacuations
still involuntary. In e. reaction was established, but insensibility continued; after
action of a full dose of castor-oil this merged in a sound sleep. On m. of 11th he
woke quite himself, though weak, and soon recovered, remembering nothing of what
had passed since he swallowed the poison. (BROUGHTON, Trans. of Med, and Phys.
Soc. of Bombay, 1859.)
III. Experiments on animals.—1. ORFILA has proved by his experiments that O.
exerts a narcotic action on the brain, and an irritant one on the alimentary canal.
(Op. cit.)
OPIUM.
Inspissated juice of Papaver somniferum, L., white poppy. Nat. Ord., Papaveraceæ.
I. Provings.-I. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Med. Pura, vol. i of original,
vol. ii of translation. Contains 144 symptoms from self and 4 fellow-
provers, and 518 from authors.
2. a. BARD counted his pulse every h. for a d., and found it kept to
70-73, rising to 79-84 after meals. Next m. at 7, finding it 71, he
took 1gr. of O. 8, B- now began to feel distinct effect of O.,
neither disagreeably nor pleasantly, in head and stomach; had a sense
of lassitude, difficult to describe, and occupation began to be irksome
and even impracticable; pulse was 69. During next h. pulse fell to 64,
and he had strong desire to sleep; there was dizziness in head but no
pain, and sense of fulness in face without obvious turgor of vessels. 9,
pulse 64 still, fuller than usual. 9.30, pulse 66; took a light break-
fast, not without some repugnance. 10, pulse 65; he was thirsty, and
his mouth was filled with an unpleasant taste. At 10.30 pulse was 61,
at 11, 60, at 11.30, 59. At 12 it was 57, and he could hardly keep
awake any longer. Up to this time he had (as on previous d.) abstained
from any exertion, but at 1, having walked two or three times about his
room, pulse rose to 65. On sitting down again, by 1.30 it was 63; at
2, 61; at 2.30, 58; at 3, 60. After dinner it now rose to 70, and
thence after a walk to 75; nor did it fall again below 69. By 6 p.m.
he felt no effects of O. save a slight pain in head. Next m. he woke
with a most unpleasant taste in mouth, saliva thicker than usual, and
yellowish, and tongue much coated. B-repeated this experiment on
himself 4 times, and always with same results. When he took 21 gr.
he had nausea and vomiting for 2-3 h., and with this pulse was
quickened.
b. On another occasion B- took same dose in 6 portions. Pulse,
460
OPIUM.
which on previous d. was found as before, was 70 at 7.30 a.m., when
he began to take the 6 doses at half-hourly intervals. It was unchanged.
till after breakfast, when it rose to 76. By II it had fallen to 66;
slight vertigo had followed 5th dose at 10, and now desire for sleep came
on. Pulse continued to fall slightly, till at 2 it was 62. After dinner
it rose to 71, and remained thereabouts for rest of d.
c. On d. following all his experiments, respiration (undisturbed
during action of drug) was anxious and oppressed, with frequent sigh-
ings and mucous expectoration, and this lasting some 3 d. (Tent. de
Vir. Opii, Edinb., 1765.)
3. a. One whom I well knew took before bedtime i gr. of crude O.
He slept at first as if anxious, and plagued with many, mostly sad,
dreams, so that he seemed to be in a somnolent state, a prey to constant
delirium. At this time the breathing was hurried, tight, and anxious,
with quicker and feebler pulse than in the normal state. Later he slept
more soundly. After about 8 h. he perspired all over the body, and
was next d. quite well save for a slight diarrhoea, very fœtid; a puffy
face, especially in lower eyelids, with bluish and earthy-pale complexion,
a white tongue, and weakness and torpor of the legs.
b. On another occasion he took, about 3 p.m., 3 gr. In the 1st h.
he noticed only sadness and mental weakness. Towards 5 p.m., feel-
ing faint, he went to bed. He lay there moderately warm, tortured
with præcordial anxiety, constantly inclined to sleep, which yet he
could not do; his pulse was slower. There then arose gradually in
both hypochondria, but especially the r., a pain which seemed to seize
the region of the colon. As it grew more violent, it produced such
tension in the abdominal integuments that a finger could not be intro-
duced under the margin of the false ribs towards the diaphragm. At
last, between 7 and 8, it increased to an incredible degree of severity,
and the rhythm of the respiration was at the same time so completely
disturbed that he dreaded suffocation, and hastily got out of bed in the
greatest anxiety. In utmost distress, and gasping with open mouth, he
wandered with trembling limbs several times across the room.
He felt
ravenously hungry, and yet shuddered at food; he passed much lemon-
yellow urine with copious sediment. Retaining his sound senses, he
noticed that his pulse was slower and weaker. His pale skin, papillated
with cold, secreted abundant perspiration. At 9 he took a lemon and
drank some cups of tea. Now the cramp in muscles of chest and abdo-
men began to abate, and so did the pains; his cold hands became a little.
warm, and some eructation followed. (With the dyspnoea there had been
hoarseness, the glottis seeming to be tightly contracted and the gullet.
dried, while only a little phlegm could be detached by hawking.) Most
of the torments were now over. The bitter taste of the mouth was
succeeded by nausea, and this again by vomiting of the tea and lemon,
and of gastric mucus. To slake his thirst he took several more cups of
tea by sips, and lay down again in bed; within 2 h. his feet got warm,
and between II and 12 he began to sleep, at first anxiously and as over-
whelmed by dreams, afterwards softly and quietly. At 5 a.m. slight
general perspiration. Upon this he left his bed, little refreshed by sleep.
He directed the business of the following d. with all his powers save
Maoll
OPIUM.
461
those of his intelligence. Before midday there occurred an evacuation
of frothy fluid mucous fæces, with itching, burning, and extreme
straining, which last continued many h., and caused much discomfort.
Then everything returned to the healthy state, except that during this
d. the tongue was dry and white, and the whole body pale and livid.
(GRIMM, Nov. Act. Nat. Cur., iii.)
4. a. Having breakfasted lightly at 9 a.m., I took at 12 1 gr. of O.
diffused in a teaspoonful of warm water. Pulse was 70-its natural
standard. After 5 m. it was 74, after 10 m. 76, at 15 m. the same, at
20, 25, and 30 m. 74, at 35 and 40 m. 72, and thenceforward 70 again.
I could scarcely perceive any variation in its strength or fulness, nor
was the dose succeeded by drowsiness or any similar affection.
b. At 1 p.m. I gave to a robust, healthy young man, whose pulse
beat but 44 in a m., I gr. as above. His pulse, remaining stationary
for 20 m., at the 25th had reached 50, at the 30th 52, at the 35th 54.
It then fell gradually till at the 90th m. it had gone down to 42, and
at the 10th to 40. It was not till the 135th that it had attained its
normal rate again. Coincidently, after 25 m. there was manifest increase
in strength and fulness also; which in an h. began to diminish, and con-
tinued to do so till near the end of the experiment. A slight heaviness,
which came on at 55 m., was the only other effect experienced from it.
c. At 12.45 p.m., my pulse beating 70 as usual, I took 2 gr. in
3 of water. Already in 5 m. pulse had risen to 74, and by 30
m. it had reached 80. During the next 15 m. it fell to 64, and after
another h. had returned to its normal rate. In 20 m. I perceived a
slight warmth, and soon after a degree of moisture on my skin, fulness
of pulse increasing as well as frequency. Inh. I found myself, or at
least imagined myself, more alert and sprightly than before. In 40 m.
I perceived a pleasing kind of languor, gradually increasing; in 90 m. a
dull headache, which in 2 h. time was much increased, and attended
with drowsiness and nausea. In 2 h. every disagreeable symptom was
increased. I took a spoonful of vinegar, which somewhat relieved the
nausea. In 2 h. all symptoms still increasing, with slight vertigo and
tremors in hands. In 3 h. nausea increased to vomiting, and I threw
up contents of stomach. The headache and vertigo were soon after
relieved; but I continued in a stupid state for rest of d. (CRUMPE,
Nature and Properties of Opium, 1793.)
5. a. GÜNTZ took 4 dr. of a tincture prepared by dissolving one.
part of purified O. in three of rectified spirit and three of distilled
water; within a few m. noticed slight pain over whole head, bordering
on congested feeling, lasting only 10 m.; at same time face and hairy
scalp became warm. Six dr. of same tincture taken in oz. water
caused some headache after 5 m., and lasting several h. Later, a
diarrhoeic stool was passed. After 9 dr. same headache came on, but
no other symptoms. Repeated experiments, beginning with 1 dr.
After a few m. noticed slight pressing pain in region of glabella, lasting
a few m. Two dr. produced same effect. After 3 dr. felt slight
nausea, and for 5 m. increased secretion of saliva, followed immediately
by pressing pain in frontal region, spreading after 5 m. towards root
and later tip of nose, when it changed into colic, lasting only 15 m.;
462
OPIUM.
1
head was quite clear in h. from taking dose. Fæces somewhat softer
than usual. Four dr. produced same effect. After 6 dr. neither nausea
nor salivation occurred, and in place of headache confusion of forehead.
came on, lasting 2 h. During succeeding n. dreamt unusually vividly,
but only awoke once, soon after midnight. Next m. at 6.30 had some
cutting pain in abdomen, soon followed by loose evacuation. On
August 4th, at 8.30 a.m., took 8 dr. in 1 oz. water; same nausea and
flow of saliva followed. After 10 m. oppression of forehead came on,
accompanied by heat and sweating of face; after 20 m. this moderated,
leaving only emptiness of head, lasting 3 h. Did not enjoy midday
meal; during afternoon had cutting pain in umbilical region and at
7 p.m. loose stool. Next d. took 12 dr. ; after 5 m. oppression of fore-
head came on, interrupted at times by stabbing pains over eyebrows,
which spread 1 h. later over whole head. This morbid condition of
head improved towards midday, so that throughout p.m. only emptiness
and dulness of head remained behind, although stabbing pains were
still felt at times. Transient heat occurred at times in face, and kept
whole body in a continual state of perspiration till towards e. At
3 p.m. had feeling of constriction of chest, with dyspnoea, lasting † h.
At 8 p.m. passed loose stool, preceded by few cutting pains in abdomen.
On 6th, at 8 a.m., took 18 dr. After 10 m. head became so heavy
and stupid that he was obliged to support it, and could almost feel rush
of blood towards head. At 10 a.m. was so sleepy that it needed all
his efforts to keep awake, and he could hardly speak collectedly;
coupled with this there was heat of face and perspiration. The stupor,
which passed off towards midday, was interrupted at times by feeling
as of tight band round neck, with occasional fleeting stitches, appa-
rently from within to without. During p.m. head remained dull,
sleepy, and empty, and intellect clouded. Cutting pains and loose
stool followed as before. During n. sleep was restless, and at midnight
he was awoke with feelings of constriction of chest, which came on
suddenly every 3 m., and after 1 m. vanished. Wild dreams disturbed
his sleep during remainder of n. Next m. at 6 a.m. loose stool and
cutting as before. Towards 8 a.m. head, which was clear on awaking,
became as dull as during previous afternoon, but this soon passed off.
Next d. bowels remained constipated.
b. Same took gr. purified (solid) O., which he swallowed with
oz. water. After 10 m. confusion of head and pressing in eyes came
on, latter feeling as if upper lids were being pressed downwards towards
lower. Both symptoms had vanished within 4 h. Next took 1 gr. at
8 a.m.
After 10 m. felt confusion of head, increasing every m., face
meanwhile glowing and head sweating. Globes of both eyes felt
pushed from within outwards; stabbing frontal headache alternated
with drawing pains in internal ear. Head finally became so heavy that
he was obliged to lie down at times or he would have fallen. Pulse-
beat somewhat fuller than usual. These symptoms lasted till about.
II a.m., leaving behind great lassitude and somnolence; some dulness
of head and incapacity for mental exertion were noticeable until 5 p.m.
Whole body perspired during p.m. Next d., except for slight lassitude,
felt quite well. (JÖRG, Materialien.)
OPIUM.
463
oz. water.
10 m.
6. HEISTERBERGK took I gr. rubbed up with 3 gr. magnesia and
After 1 h. cutting pains in abdomen set in, and lasted
First evacuation took place next m., fæces being copious and
hard. Same effects followed 1 gr. After 1gr. pains were quite
colicky, and lasted 10 to 12 m., returning less violently at 2 and 4 p.m.
Bowels were constipated as before. After each dose felt disinclined
for serious occupation. (Ibid.)
4
7. a. KNESCHKE took gr. Slight confusion of whole head and
pressing frontal headache followed after h., lasting fully 1 h. Same
effects followed after gr. accompanied by slight giddiness. From 2
till 5 p.m. felt some lassitude, with inability to concentrate thoughts;
well-known things appeared less familiar, and his speech less voluble.
Slept well, but arose unrefreshed next m., and bowels did not act until
e., after which they did not act again for 36 h. Effects of drug were
noticeable until e. of 3rd d., especially in shape of indifference to every-
thing, even to favourite occupations. After gr. same effects followed,
coupled after 2 h. with slight cutting in small intestines, lasting 2 h.
Pulse during d. was somewhat slower than normal. Bowels did not
act for 60 h. after dose, fæces being hard, followed next m. by two
liquid evacuations, and acting naturally on m. of 5th d. After I gr.
same symptoms followed, only that pains in bowels were more colicky
and lasted 4 h. Pulse was somewhat slower than normal during p.m.
Towards e. frequent and troublesome yawning came on, and he was
obliged to go early to bed; slept well, but arose unrefreshed. Felt
lassitude all next d. and bowels remained constipated. Next m. bowels.
acted slowly. All effects had passed off by m. of 4th d.
b. After doses of 6, 7, 8, and 9 dr. of tinct., noticed only slight
confusion of head, lasting but a few m.; felt also less lively p.m.
Bowels regular, but fæces somewhat hard. (Ibid.)
4
8. a. LIPPERT took, Jan. 30th, 1 gr. of O. After few m. felt dull
gentle frontal headache, lasting all forenoon, and slight aching in bowels.
Same effects but more pronounced followed dose of gr. On Feb. 3rd
took I gr. Subsequent headache was more acute, spread over whole
head, and was combined with heaviness, confusion, and buzzing in
same. Colicky pains were more acute, and recurred for few m. every
h. until noon, whilst head symptoms lasted until well on into e.
Bowels acted rather oftener than usual. Next d. took 2 gr. After
h. head became confused and giddy, so that he could hardly stand;
lassitude and weariness spread over whole body; felt at first cheerful
and good-tempered, but as other symptoms increased became quiet and
serious. Pulse meanwhile was large, full, and quicker than usual.
Colicky pains came on after 1 h., increased very much, and manifested
themselves as tearing or cutting pains, but at longer intervals, and
lasting till afternoon. Experimenter became gradually more weary
and tired and very sleepy, so that he could not stand without danger of
falling. Heat of skin was increased, but without sweating. These
collective effects of drug increased gradually until noon, and decreased
during p.m., so that by e. there was considerable abatement. After
3 gr. same effects followed, accompanied by unusual feeling of dryness
in mouth, although neither mouth nor tongue were really dry, and,
464
OPIUM.
further, feeling as if he would be sick, although he felt no nausea; and
lastly constipation until next m.
b. After successive doses of from 1 to 9 dr. of tinct., he noticed
only that evacuations were more difficult and scanty. After 12 dr.
confusion of head, which also occurred after 14 dr., accompanied by
quick, full, and hard pulse. Same symptoms occurred h. after 16 dr.,
accompanied by giddiness so that he could scarcely stand, and head felt
heavy even while sitting. The symptoms lasted nearly all d. Similar
results followed 18 dr. After 24 dr., besides confusion of head felt dull
pressing in same, passing on gradually to giddiness, so that thinking
was rendered very difficult. Circulation was affected as before. (Ibid.)
9. a. OTTO took 2 dr. mixed in oz. of water. Only noticed unusual
weariness and lassitude of body, indifference to everything, aversion to
usual occupation, much inclination to sleep and peculiar indolence, lasting
together the whole d. Slept well, but arose next m. unrefreshed. After
3 dr., besides lassitude noticed slight pressing headache, which ceased
towards e. On August 6th, at 8 a.m., took 4 dr.; towards 9 became
giddy, his thoughts went astray, and occipital headache came on; these
head symptoms lasted 10 m. Towards noon weariness again appeared.
At 4 p.m. this increased so much that he could not keep on his feet;
intense giddiness was also present, face became red and head hot;
sweat broke out all over body, darkness came before his eyes, and he
lost consciousness. This condition, which lasted abouth., was
ushered in by nausea, eructations, and inclination to vomit. Such
weakness spread over whole body that it was with utmost difficulty
that he could move his limbs, and yet an inward unrest constantly
urged him to sit or lie elsewhere; decided lassitude oppressed him
until e.; bowels were not open during d. Appetite and sleep
unaffected. Awoke next d. with slight headache, which he soon lost.
Soft, pappy fæces passing during p.m. Urine since taking O. was
browner, and covered with an iridescent pellicle. On repeating same
dose on m. of next d. but one soon felt giddiness and confusion of head,
lasting 15 m., then for h. cutting pains in abdomen with urging to
stool, followed by evacuation of soft scanty motion and transient
weariness. At 4 p.m. pressing pain over whole head came on, and
lasted till bedtime, accompanied by great distaste for work and indiffer-
ence to everything. Next day awoke with same headache, which
became worse after getting up, but gradually passed off during forenoon
in open air. During p.m. passed pappy stool.
b. O— now took gr. of O. After 8 h. felt slight congestion of
chest and head, lasting 15 m., but leaving behind slight confusion of
head ceasing suddenly after 2 h. on going into open air. On July 27th
at 8 a.m., took gr. After I h. felt lassitude and weariness of
whole body, increasing gradually until he was obliged to sit; he then
passed into a reeling condition as if tipsy, everything in room appearing
to him to turn round; felt at same time constriction of head as if
brain were being compressed by scalp; slight pains coming and going
inside head, and irritation of globe of eye, followed by diminished
power of vision; next came sleepiness, manifested by frequent deep
Pulse-beat large, full, and strong.
yawning and general lassitude.
1
4
OPIUM.
465
After this group of symptoms had lasted fully I h., they gradually
passed off, leaving the headache and a feeling of general listlessness
behind, lasting until e. Bowels did not act all d. nor till noon of next
d., but fæces were soft. On repeating same dose, experienced same
effects, and in addition fixed tender pain in region of 1. mastoid process,
which troubled him several hours during p.m. Bowels were affected
as before. Next took gr.; very soon felt slight giddiness, accompanied
with belching up of flatus, and changing to oppression of head which
here and there almost amounted to pain. Pain was also felt in abdo-
men, first in stomach then lower down in small intestines, changing
later into general cutting, followed by copious natural action of bowels.
During p.m. was troubled with lassitude and sleepiness. Slept well
during n., but arose not thoroughly refreshed. Same abdominal sym-
ptoms followed & gr., but this time stool was pappy. After 15 m. from
time of dose, slight giddiness came on, lasting only 15 m. and leaving
no pain behind. Lassitude and weariness, especially of lower extremi-
ties, troubled him much, with sleepiness and indifference to everything,
even his most important affairs. Sleep during n. was sound but
unrefreshing; felt same weariness next d. (Ibid.)
10. a. PIENITZ, on February 4th, at 9 a.m., took gr. At 10 felt
head confused, heavy and oppressed, pulse small and frequent, skin
warmer than usual, whole body weary and unstrung, and spirits
depressed; before 12 all had passed off. On 7th, took I gr. at 9 a.m.
No symptoms occurred until 8 p.m., when there was dryness of mouth,
constriction of larynx, pressing in and over both eyes reaching to
vertex, increased superficial heat of whole body, and general lassitude;
all passing off before 10 p.m. Next d. bowels did not act until after
dinner. Next took 1 gr. After 1 h. felt lassitude and weariness of
whole body, followed immediately by oppression of head, and feeling
as if he had been drinking spirituous liquors, trembling and weakness
in extremities, moist cold skin, dryness of mouth, thirst, and great
inclination to sleep, all lasting 1 h.; pulse meanwhile being weak
and quickened. For next 3 h. suffered with nausea, want of appetite,
belching of flatus and distension of abdomen, and general weakness.
Pulse during this time had become fuller and quieter. Eyes became
cloudy and dark. Next d. bowels acted only p.m., action being accom-
panied with slight colic in region of stomach. On repeating same dose,
after h. feeling of indifference came on, with tipsy feeling noticed
above, confusion of head, and sensation of tension over surface of
head. Later there were added, want of appetite, heaviness and rumbling
in abdomen, and distension of intestinal canal, all disappearing after
about 2 h. Bowels were affected as before.
b. P― also took 3 dr. of tinct. in oz. water.
After 1 h. lassitude
and inclination to sleep came on, accompanied by quicker and weaker
pulse; both symptoms disappearing within 1 h. Had little appetite
for midday meal. On repeating same dose lassitude and weariness
lasted 2 h. On taking 6 dr., besides lassitude and somnolence, felt
heaviness of whole head, pressure in forehead, and smaller pulse, lasting
2 h. (Ibid.)
II. SIEBENHAAR, 1 h. after 5 dr., felt same heaviness in head, with
VOL. III.
30
466
OPIUM.
pressure
feeling as if head had been hanging down for a long time, lasting barely
I h. Then took 6 dr. After 1 h. was surprised by feeling of
in region of stomach, followed shortly by heaviness and confusion of
head lasting 15 m. Pulse meanwhile was quicker and smaller than
usual. After 7 dr. same symptoms occurred, but lasted nearly 2 h.
Appetite for dinner diminished. After eating this and going into
street, was seized with such severe nausea that he with difficulty
refrained from vomiting; this nausea continued for 10 m. and then
gradually disappeared, and was accompanied by an extraordinary feeling
of lassitude and weariness, lasting whole d. and associated with inclination
to sleep. During following n. was very restless; at 2 a.m., on getting
out of bed, was seized suddenly with giddiness and nausea, so that he
had to lie down again. This condition lasted 15 m., after which he
fell asleep again. Felt some headache on awaking next m. Next d.
took 8 dr.; after h. felt troublesome pressing and cutting pain in
region of stomach and deeper in abdomen, lasting about h.; with
this there was confusion of head, especially in frontal and parietal
regions, changing to actual pain, which lasted several h.
Pulse mean-
while was slower and weaker than usual. During latter part of d.
there was uninterrupted lassitude, weariness, and distaste for mental or
bodily exertion. Next m. felt unrefreshed. Similar effects followed
dose of 9 dr. except that he felt sleepy, and weariness and lassitude
lasted all d. Pulse was unaffected.
4
b. February 4th, at 9 a.m., took gr. of Op. At 10 a.m. an
attack of giddiness and confusion of head, changing at times to lassitude
and indifference to everything around; pulse meanwhile was several
beats quicker but weaker than usual. These symptoms lasted about
1 h. Similar symptoms followed dose of gr. with addition of consti-
pation. On 9th, at 9 a.m., took I gr. ; towards II felt pain in abdomen
more pressing than cutting in character, especially in umbilical region,
spreading thence over whole abdomen, which appeared somewhat dis-
tended, increasing in intensity till noon, and disappearing at 1 p.m.
During afternoon and e. felt more tired and weary than usual. Fæces
next m. were hard. Similar effects followed dose of 1 gr., with head-
ache during e. in addition. Next took 2 gr.; after 1 h. abdominal
pain came on, and lasted 5 h.,aving feeling of weariness, lassitude,
and indifference behind. Zest for food was all day less than usual.
Bowels only acted on m. of third day, fæces being hard. ( (Ibid.)
1
12. JÖRG, on August 15th, at 8 a.m., took gr.; at 9 a.m. slight
confusion spread over head almost imperceptibly, increasing about 10
to feeling of complete intoxication, and accompanied with giddiness,
vanishing again about 11. From this time till e. felt frequent pressing
in eyes, with diminished secretion of mucus, and mistiness of sight;
constant feeling of dust in one or other eye, with itching and burning
in same; at times felt as if accumulated mucus obstructed sight, eyelids
were, however, rather dry. This condition of eyes passed off at dusk,
but recurred during next 3 d. if exposed to bright light. On intestinal
canal, drug produced following effects :-At 9.30 a.m. cutting in abdo-
men came on, and soon after great urging to stool, which he could not
resist; small hard motion was passed, but without relief, for cutting
OPIUM.
467
1
4
pain lasted till 1 p.m., nausea being present between 11 and 12.
After 3 p.m. was troubled with pressing pain, sometimes in vertex, at
others in occiput, spreading later towards nape of neck, and becoming
at times boring in character, lasting till bedtime and only disappearing
during n. after several h. of very disturbed sleep. Similar effects upon
brain and intestinal canal followed dose of gr. In addition to this,
after 1 h. pulse beat 8 to 10 times in m. quicker than normal, was con-
tracted and hard; after 4 h. it became full, and towards e. gradually
returned to its normal condition. From 2 to 4 h. after dose felt pressing
and stabbing in thorax, especially towards posterior wall, and at times
as if to spinal muscles. Occasionally slight cough was present. Skin
became generally warmer,-face being hot, and sweating considerably
from 9.30 till noon; complexion during this time changed several
times from dark red to pale red, former being most prominent, especially
on cheeks. During afternoon and e. bowels were constipated, and
abdomen distended; during n. sleep was much disturbed; awoke next
m. tired and unrefreshed, and suffered from characteristic headache from
9 a.m. till noon, with some cutting pain in abdomen.
b. Took I dr. of tinct. After 1 h. felt pressure in forehead and
over eyes, but not painful; coupled with this was a tremulous drawing
in scalp covering forehead and parietal region, lasting h.; gradually
pressure in forehead and over eyes changed to heaviness and inclination
to sleep; felt all d. as if he had not slept enough. On Aug. 7th, at
8 a.m., took 2 dr. After 25 m. was attacked by pressing pain in both
frontal eminences, descending to nose, and apparently affecting espe-
cially (both) nasal bones; I h. later this pain passed off, but left behind
pressure in forehead, especially over eyes, and general heaviness of
head. With first appearance of pain increased heat suddenly spread
over whole body, soon succeeded by outbreak of general perspiration
and feeling of increased vascular action. Pulse-beat 10 above normal,
large and hard; fulness and hardness ceased at 10.30, and acceleration
between 3 and 4 p.m.; perspiration ceased between 11 and 12 a.m.
Besides these effects of drug, at 9.30 felt pressing pain between tip of
r. shoulder-blade and posterior wall of thorax; pressing pain kept mean-
while coming and going in 1. frontal eminence. At same time eyes
became dry and weak with feeling of dust in them, lasting till bedtime.
From 5 till 10 p.m. slight pressing headache, especially in 1. half of
vertex and forehead, alternated with pains in spinal muscles, at times
extending into thorax. Bowels were sluggish. On 9th, at 8 a.m.,
took 3 dr. After 15 m. felt general oppression of head, passing on
15 m. later to confusion, almost amounting to giddiness, rendering
thinking and speaking difficult. At same time there came sudden heat
over whole body, especially about head, where abundant sweat broke
out. Pulse was contracted and rather hard, beating 10 above normal.
At II a.m. the contraction passed off, and during p.m. circulation
became normal. Confusion of head became less after 9 a.m., then
came somewhat sensitive cutting in region of navel, soon accompanied
with urging to stool. Cutting pain lasted 1 h., and was accompanied
by recurring pressing in thorax, causing and relieved by slight cough.
Almost at same time for 15 m. there was feeling of thrusting from
-
468
OPIUM.
thorax and spine towards nape of neck, and as if muscles and vessels
there were being squeezed together. Upon this followed at times
recurrent stabbing, apparently spreading from within the thorax out-
wards, and especially to region of r. shoulder-blade. From 10, mouth
and gullet became somewhat dry. During p.m. slight confusion of
head continued, combined with two slight attacks of pressing pain on
r. side of vertex and forehead, lasting each time about 20 m. From
noon till e. abdomen was distended; neither flatus nor fæces passed
until 10 p.m., when after great straining a small stool, not hard, was
passed. From noon till 6 p.m. felt heaviness, lassitude, and distaste for
work; after 6 these symptoms changed to somnolence. N. was rest-
less; sweated much and passed much foul-smelling flatus. Next d.
felt "
out of sorts," and for 3 d. was troubled with same pressing head-
ache as after 2 drops. This pain in head and nose appeared as if fixed
in periosteum. (Ibid.)
13. a. EDWARD JÖRG took I dr. on Aug. 10th at 8 a.m.
After a
few m. felt buzzing in head soon followed by confusion, and cutting
pains in abdomen lasting till 9.30, recurring at 10.30 and lasting h.
After 9.30 confusion changed into true pressing headache, attacking
forehead more especially, and descending towards eyes and nose, ending
between 11 and 12, and leaving behind general weariness and lassitude.
Next d. at same hour took 2 dr. After few m. smart cutting in region
of stomach and umbilicus came on, and after 15 m. pressing and con-
fusion spreading over whole head, but especially towards vertex. All
these symptoms vanished about 10 a.m.; then eyes began to burn and
feel as if there were sand or dust in them. At same time considerable
heat of whole body came on, but more especially of head; skin gene-
rally quickly began to sweat, and congestion of head showed itself;
then head became really painful, especially in frontal region. Pulse-
beat was 10 above normal, full and hard. Eyes were better towards
noon, but other symptoms lasted until well on in afternoon, also accom-
panied with lassitude and general weariness. During p.m. and evening.
headache became at times very troublesome, spreading from vertex
towards right orbit, and apparently pressing from within outwards.
At 10 p.m., on going to bed, heat and headache prevented his sleeping;
later on slept quietly; next m. head confused and dull and abdomen
heavy, but these symptoms gradually passed off during forenoon.
Morning stool was abundant.
1
b. E. J-took & gr. of Op. Immediately after felt numbness of
head, accompanied after 1 h. by increased heat over whole body, and
2 h. later by urging to stool. Numbness lasted 10 m., changing to
confusion of head, and towards noon to pressing headache, which
recurred from time to time during p.m. Increased heat lasted till
5 p.m.; sleep was disturbed during early part of n.
After gr.
noticed slight confusion of head, and, later, weariness, somnolence, in-
creased heat of body, and quickened pulse. Next m. felt some head-
ache, especially from vertex towards 1. eye, lasting with more or less
intensity the whole d. (Ibid.)
1
Tz
14. a. Frau Cн-, on Aug. 14th, at 8 a.m., took & gr.
After h.
was seized with confusion and severe pain in head, especially in r. half
OPIUM.
469
of forehead, becoming towards noon so acute that she could not collect
her thoughts. Pulse meanwhile was quicker, larger, and fuller than
usual, and skin was warmer than normal. During p.m. frontal head-
ache was less troublesome, but she suffered from general pressing pain
over whole head, and from rheumatic pains in 1. hand and arm. Eyes
became hot, misty, and dry. During n. slept well, but next d. felt
same pressing headache, weariness and lassitude of whole body, and
considerable depression of spirits. Bowels were somewhat constipated
both days, although she felt movements in stomach and small intestines.
as if from a dose of aperient medicine. On 16th, at 8 a.m., took
1
gr. Similar effects followed, but in addition there was increased
heat of whole body, especially in face, and palpitation, pulse being 12
beats above normal, large and full. Palpitation lasted till 4 p.m., but
increased heat, headache, and somnolence till bed-time; did not sleep
till midnight, and during whole n. sleep was very disturbed; bowels
acted at 10 p.m., fæces being hard. Next m. felt very tired and
weary, and suffered between 8 a.m. and noon from severe stabbing
headache, especially over r. eyebrow, changing during p.m. to more
moderate general pressing ache, which diminished gradually towards e.
During a.m. felt also constriction of chest. From 2 to 3 p.m. distres-
sing dreams during siesta, and, later, lowness of spirits. During fol-
lowing n. still felt constriction of chest, which disturbed her sleep.
Next d. felt still some headache in r. frontal region, lasting from 9 till
II a.m., and same, though in lesser degree, on following d. Bowels
during all this time were constipated.
b. Same took dr. of tinct. After 15 m. felt slight confusion in
head, and 10 m. later uneasy movements in stomach, lasting h.
After 1 h. confusion of head gradually disappeared. Next d. took
I dr. After 5 m. felt above symptoms, pains in stomach approaching
nearer to actual cutting. After these pains had disappeared for 1 h., felt
sinking feeling as from prolonged fast, not relieved by eating. Enjoyed
dinner, but immediately afterwards oppression of head, which had
never ceased, changed to stabbing headache spreading from forehead to
occiput, especially on r. side, accompanied by longing for sleep; on
sleeping for 1 h. had uneasy dreams and awoke unrefreshed. Headache
lasted till 5 p.m., and was accompanied at 4 by giddiness. Bowels
only opened in e. after several ineffectual attempts at stool. After
2 dr. same symptoms followed, uneasy feeling spreading to small intes-
tines, and accompanied after 2 h. by sinking, nausea, and general lassi-
tude. After 3 h. there was general warmth; after 4 h. considerable
heat and redness of cheeks, pulse being large, full, and hard, and 10
beats above normal. At noon had 1 h. of restless sleep; between 2
and 3 heat vanished, but headache became worse, especially in r. half
of forehead. Bowels constipated all d., acting at 10 p.m., fæces hard.
During n. slept more quietly than at noon, but all next d. suffered with
general lassitude, weariness, and, except at rare intervals, with head-
ache. (Ibid.)
15. TH. JÖRG, on August 10th, at 8 a.m., took I dr.; almost
instantly felt confusion and pressing pain in head and transient pressing
in stomach; after 15 m. momentary stabbing in 1. corner of 1. eye;
470
OPIUM.
soon afterwards weariness, especially in knees, and frequent stretching
and yawning. Head-symptoms and weariness became worse towards
10 a.m., and he was also troubled with rheumatic pains in joints and
painful sensations in region of spleen and back; by II a.m. confusion
and weariness alone remained, and by noon these had disappeared.
Pulse all a.m. was quickened and excited. Next d. took 2 dr.; con-
fusion of head with pressing in forehead followed after 15 m. and lasted
till 10 p.m., though moderating towards e., and accompanied from
9 a.m. till noon by cutting pains in abdomen, changing during p.m. to
distension of intestinal canal. During p.m. and e. nose was very dry,
and watered several times. Pulse from 9 a.m till 2 p.m. was quicker
than usual. During afternoon much troubled with sleepiness and
distaste for work. (Ibid.)
16. a. WIBMER took, July 26th, 11.45 a.m., 4 gr. Op. After 1 h.
on rising up felt heaviness and slight stiffness in limbs, which went off
after 20 m.
In afternoon was very active, not the least desire for
sleep. No stool all d., very unusual.
b. July 28th.-After a stool, took, at 7.30 a.m., the pulse being
70, 1 gr. Op. The bitter taste lasted some time. After 20 m. head
felt heavy, heat of face, pulse increased by 3 or 4 beats. 7.45 a.m.,
heaviness of head nearly gone, as also the heat of face, but arms and
legs felt as heavy as lead, making all movements difficult; at same
time slight sickness and inclination to vomit, followed by eructation ;
pupils somewhat dilated. 8.15 a.m., well, except some heaviness of
head and weariness.
c. July 31st, 7 a.m., after stool, pulse being 72, took 2 gr. Op.
After 20 m. head heavy, face hot, thinking and writing difficult, pulse
5 beats quicker, pupils not dilated. Ten m. later the limbs, especially
thighs, could only be raised with difficulty. 7.45 a.m., heaviness of
head and limbs and heat diminished, but he was unable to work, a kind
of giddiness prevented him thinking. 8 a.m., sleepy, slept some m.
After 8 a.m. head heavier than ever, trembling, sight dim, could
neither think nor write. Nausea, eructation, retching and ineffectual
efforts to vomit, after which he became easier. In open air, head
remained heavy, giddiness and nausea. 12, noon, slept a little and
ate his dinner, after which all the symptoms disappeared. (Op. cit.,
iv, 72.)
17. OPPENHEIM took 7 gr. at once. He had congestion in head,
pulse quickened, vertigo, headache, flickering before eyes, dyspnoea,
increased heat, restless sleep. After 4 h. woke exhausted, stupefied,
pulse quick. Felt unwell and excited for 24 h. (Ibid., 73.)
1
18. PURKINJE took 5 gr. After h. nausea in stomach, which
gradually affected all motor nervous system, especially branches of
sciatic, with feeling of great weakness and faintness, so that he could
with difficulty walk h.; at same time great depression of spirits,
always occupied with thoughts of death. All this went off after a
glass of wine. (Ibid., 71.)
19. J. HEUKENBECK, æt. 47, Feb. 8th, 7 and 11.30 a.m., 0‘030 grm.
9.30 a.m., restlessness, a kind of anxiety, oppression of chest, trembling,
chiefly of lower extremities and about lumbar vertebræ, frequent eructa-
A
OPIUM.
471
1
4
tion, dryness of tongue and palate, then painful pricking in jaws, especially
about condyles, confused head. After 2nd dose nausea and inclination
to vomit; thereafter a slight contractive feeling in stomach, rumbling
and pinching in bowels, in 1. leg a feeling of movement as if a fluid
moved to and fro in it. Afterwards had, however, extreme faintness,
drowsiness and uneasy sleep for 1 h. After waking staggers as if
intoxicated. P.m., after supper all the symptoms went off, except the
trembling; soon there came on nausea, eructation, lame feeling in
knee-joints with an obtuse pain there, occasional painful twitchings in
muscles, especially of limbs, dryness of whole buccal cavity and
tongue, bitter rather burning taste, sometimes obtuse headache and
staggering gait; slight persistent pain in bowels. All symptoms went
off by 8 p.m. No stool this day.-10th, 8.15 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.,
0'040 grm. 9.30 a.m., repeated eructations. After h. pinching in
stomach, rumbling in bowels, slight bellyache, soon followed by
dryness of tongue. 10 a.m., pain in bowels increased, dryness in fauces.
10.45, vertigo. 11.15 a.m., dull headache, staggering gait as if intoxi-
cated, inclination to vomit and dizziness. 11.45 a.m., sad humour, same
feeling in knee-joints. 12 noon, creeping feeling in both legs. Slept
from 1 till 2 p.m. On waking some headache and dryness of mouth,
all gone by 3 p.m. 5 p.m., eructation. 6 p.m., dryness in mouth,
pinching in bowels. 6.30 p.m., trembling of thighs. 8 p.m., pain in
stomach removed by movement. 9 p.m., quite well. One stool, hard
and grey.—10th, 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., 0040 grm. 9 p.m., 0'050 grm.
Op. 10a.m., some retching which ended with eructation. 11.15 a.m.,
slight lame feeling in knee-joints and transient pain in houghs. 11.30
a.m., vertigo. 11.45 a.m., pinching in belly. 11.58 p.m., all symptoms
gone. Slept uneasily from 3.30 till 4 p.m., dimness and dryness of
eyes, which felt stiff; sometimes they were very watery. From 6 till
7 p.m., vertigo. From 7 till 8 p.m., pressure in abdomen and oppression
of chest, dry mouth. One stool, hard and yellow. Woke up at
2.30 a.m. with great itching of anus and hiccup.-11th, 8 and 11.30
a.m. and 8.30 p.m., 0050 grm. 9 a.m., a transient stitch in cardiac
region. 9.30 a.m., alternate watering and dimness of eyes.
much hiccup till II a.m., then dryness of mouth. About noon, vertigo
with continued dry mouth, and return of hiccup. After dinner slept
I h. From I till near 4, pains in head, after that very cross and angry
without reason, with occasional intervals of cheerfulness, confusion of
head and vertigo, bitter taste, dryness of mouth, pretty intense thirst.
7 p.m., pain in supra-orbital region. 7.30 p.m., hiccup. 9 p.m., a
hard stool. 10 p.m., great headache, vertigo, staggering gait. Loss
of appetite. Slept well.-12th, 8.15 a.m. and 2.15 p.m., o'050 grm., and
9 p.m., 0‘060 grm. 9'29 a.m., violent pains in abdomen of short dura-
tion. 10 a.m., eructation. 10.30, slight dimness and moisture of eyes.
11.15, formication in 1. leg. 11.30 a.m., pain in gullet on swallowing.
12 noon, dry mouth, vertigo, trembling of whole body; transient
stitch in 1. hypochondrium. After dinner slept till 1.30 p.m.; quite
well on waking. 3.46 p.m., violent pains in abdomen, watering of
eyes; abdomen tympanitically distended, slight pressure caused pain in
umbilical region. 6 p.m., oppression of chest and choking in throat,
10 a.m.,
472
OPIUM.
weariness of knee-joints, dry mouth, eructation. 7.30 p.m., rumbling
in belly, coldness in stomach, trembling, depression of spirits, vertigo,
headache and sleepiness. 8.30, quite well. No stool, slept well.-
14th, 8.30 a.m., 2.30 and 9 p.m., 0·050 grm. 11 a.m., dull pressive pain
in abdomen. 11.43 a.m., trembling of upper and lower extremities.
12 noon, vertigo, stupefaction and a kind of intoxication, not lively,
dryness of mouth and sleepiness, little appetite for food which, however,
tasted well, slight perspiration when eating, especially in upper part of
body. After dinner slept till 2.15 p.m.; quite well on waking. From
4 till 4.44 p.m., slight pain in abdomen. 5.30 p.m., vertigo, drowsy,
great noise in ears. 6.16 p.m., very violent pain in chest lasting till e.
and causing dyspnoea. Eyes watered in open air.
Eyes watered in open air. Could read and
write by candle-light without spectacles, which he could not do before.
10 p.m., pulse 70, strong, slept well. During d. frequent dryness of
mouth, no stool.-15th, pulse 65, strong. 8.30 a.m., 3.30 p.m., 0*050
grm.; 9 p.m., особо grm. Good appetite on rising. 7 a.m., not quite
wide awake, lazy, obtuse headache. 7.30 a.m., quite wide awake.
9.30 a.m., rumbling in abdomen and stomach, II a.m., vertigo and
dull pressive pain in umbilical region. 11.30 a.m., perspired when
walking. 5 p.m., vertigo with intoxication till 5.32 p.m. Went to
bed at 10 p.m., woke up at 3 a.m. with violent pain in stomach,
oppression of chest, choking in throat, dry mouth; then slept till
7 a.m. and woke quite well. Pulse at 10 p.m. 68, no stool.—16th, m.,
pulse 66. 8.30 a.m., noon, 4 p.m., o'060 grm. Appetite good, but
soon satisfied. During d. much flatus. The first 2 h. after each dose
spasmodic contraction of anus; one hard stool. 7 a.m., on rising pretty
well. II a.m., vertigo, oppression of chest, lazy and sleepy. Noon,
immediately after taking dose stiffness and weariness of knee-joints,
vertigo. After dinner till I felt nothing, slept till 3.30 p.m.; on waking
felt as if he had been intoxicated. 6 p.m., vertigo, weariness of lower
extremities, especially knee-joints. 6.30 p.m., sleepiness and laziness.
7.30 p.m., dull headache. On going to bed at 10 p.m., vertigo, formi-
cation in legs; quiet sleep till 6.45 a.m.; on waking, cheerful and
brisk.-17th, 10 a.m., pulse 66, not so strong as usual. 8.30 a.mn., 3.0
and 9 p.m., o'c80 grm. Appetite bad for dinner at noon, rest of d.
good. Quite well on rising. 10 a.m., sleepy. 11.30 a.m., vertigo,
confusion of head, intoxication, weariness in knees. Noon, dull head-
ache, trembling of lower limbs, dry mouth. 12.30 p.m., after eating
without appetite, symptoms gone, soon afterwards pressure in stomach.
12.45 p.m., cheerful and brisk. Slept till 2.45 p.m., woke thirsty.
From 3 till 7 p.m., quite well and cheerful. 7.15 p.m., pinching pain
in stomach. 7.30 p.m., violent pinching in abdomen. A hard and
lumpy stool. Woke several times at n. with pains in abdomen till
5 a.m. During the abdominal pains, spasmodic closing of anus and
difficult flatus. At n. slight sweat, and at 3 a.m. urging to urinate
with difficulty of passing urine.-18th, 8.30 a.m., 3 and 6 p.m., o'080
grm., and 9 p.m. o'090 grm. P.m. and e., bad appetite, no stool.
On rising 7 a.m., well. 10a.m., choking for a short time. 10.15 a.m.,
stiffness of eyes, sleepiness. 10.30 a.m., vertigo. II a.m., trembling
of lower extremities. 11.30, well, From I p.m., restless, dreamfụ]
OPIUM.
473
sleep. 3.30 p.m., intoxication. 4 p.m., vertigo, great gaiety, and
dysuria as if the urethra were closed; this went off at 5.30 p.m. 6.45,
nausea and vomiting, afterwards bitter taste, trembling of whole body,
cold feet, pressive pain in stomach, eructation, vertigo, headache.
7.15 p.m., nausea, numbness and coldness of r. hand. 7.30 p.m., pain
in abdomen, staggering gait and drowsiness. 8 p.m., vertigo. On
going to bed at 9.45 p.m., intoxication and vertigo. Slept till 5 a.m.
On waking difficulty of passing urine, violent pain in chest, dry mouth.
-19th, 98 grm. blood abstracted. II a.m., o'060 grm. On rising
7 a.m., violent pain in chest, dry mouth, trembling of body till 9 a.m.
10 a.m., vertigo. 11.30 a.m., sleepy. 12.15 p.m., trembling and lame
feeling of knees. 2 p.m., well. 2.30 p.m., great vertigo till 3.30 p.m.,
then dull headache, sleepiness, bitter taste and trembling of whole body.
4 p.m., no symptoms. 5 p.m., vertigo, transient oppression of chest.
8 p.m., painful formication in 1. leg, pressive pain in abdomen, vertigo.
All d. bad appetite and frequent urging to urinate, with scanty but
easy discharge of flatus; one stool, hard and lumpy. During all the
proving no inclination for, or power of, coitus.-20th, 2 stools, the first
hard and very painful on account of the spasmodic closure of anus, the
second easier. On rising at 7 a.m. brisk and cheerful. 8.30 a.m.,
vertigo. 4
11 a.m., sleepy for h. The same vertigo and sleepiness at
3 p.m. 6 p.m., sleepy and not brisk, gnawing pains in belly till 9 p.m.,
then trembling of arms.-21st, on waking m. trembling of whole body.
A certain amount of laziness and exhaustion lasted for several d. The
stools became gradually softer, were frequent (2 in d.) and painless.
The hearing has not been so good since taking the Op. In 14 d. he
was quite in his usual state.-During this proving the blood and urine
were carefully examined. It was found, Ist, that the weight of the
body remained unaffected; 2nd, that the quantity of food consumed
was lessened; 3rd, that the quantity of the urine was increased, to
the amount of about 150 grms., but that the quantity of solid matter
in it was diminished; 4th, that the amount of the fæces, perspiration
and semen was diminished. (BÖCKER, Zeitsch. f. Erfahrungsheilk., iv,
pt. 1, pp. 1-80; in Frank's Mag., iv.)
20. a. FRANZ ALB- first proved several dilutions of opium, but
they produced no effect except a bitter astringent taste and a feeling
of scraping and constriction in the fauces for 2 or 3 m.
On August
15th, at 9.30 p.m., he took 5 dr. tinct. The bitter astringent taste
and scraping and constriction of fauces lasted 6 m.; drinking water
relieved it. Woke up at 3 a.m. with tickling in larynx, and violent,
dry, fatiguing cough, lasting 10 m., relieved by drinking cold water,
but it returned after 15 m. with such severity that the eyes overflowed
with tears, again relieved by drinking cold water; fell asleep at
3.15 a.m., but awoke again at 6 a.m. with a fit of coughing with some
mucous expectoration. 9.45 a.m., pressive tensive pain in occiput at
insertion of m. cucullaris, that spread all over nape and inner border of
scapula to their apices. The pain was most intense at the 4th cervical
vertebra, whence it extended to last dorsal vertebra, aggravated by
motion, relieved by rest; on waking from midday siesta it was gone.
At 10.30 a.m, tensive pain in flexor muscles of both thighs to hough,
474
OPIUM.
lasting 12 m. Heaviness and weariness in legs, his gait became slow,
and on returning home at 12.30 p.m. felt as tired as if he had taken a
fatiguing walk. On sitting down became so drowsy that he could not
help yielding to it, and lay down and fell asleep at once.
At 3.15 p.m.
was awakened by same dry cough with flow of tears, lasting 6 m.,
relieved by drinking water. About 6 p.m. sudden drawing tearing pain
in 2nd joint of r. ring finger, increased by movement, relieved by rest,
lasting 10 m., then gradually diminishing, and spreading over wrist to
head of radius, lasting till 8 p.m. In 1. little and ring fingers numbness
from 2nd joint to tip, lasting 4 m., removed by rubbing fingers. Urine
passed at 6.30 p.m. of normal colour and strong smell. The stool,
which usually occurred in the m., was delayed till 6 p.m. and then
passed with effort; it was viscid, dark brown, of fetid, mouldy smell.—
16th. Was long in falling asleep on account of a very painful boil on 1.
buttock. Dreamt of small humming-birds. At 2 a.m. ticklingin larynx
and dry cough for 5 m.-17th. At 11.15 a.m. heavy feeling in both
legs till 5 p.m. Stool at 8 p.m. same as yesterday.-18th. Urine
passed at 5 a.m. in h. turbid, with same peculiar smell. On coming
home from a meeting at midnight had rumbling and griping in
transverse colon, hurried call to stool, which was watery, copious,
with much flatus passed with rapidity and noise, and followed by
tearing in rectum for some m. Woke at 3 a.m. with the dry cough
with tickling and scraping in larynx, lasting 5 m.-19th. At 8 a.m.
stool of viscid consistence, yellow-brown colour, and mouldy smell.
2.30 p.m., a second stool of same kind, preceded by griping about navel.
Frequent discharge of flatus till 5 p.m. Tension and full feeling in
whole abdomen, especially its upper part.
b. Sept 2nd, 5.30 a.m., 25 dr. 8.5 a.m., sight dim as if through a
veil, lasting 10 m. Dulness of hearing in 1. ear for 4 m. Tension in
abdomen. 11 a.m., numbness from 1. shoulder-joint to tips of fingers,
worst in volar aspect of hand, thumb, and little finger, lasting 6 m.,
recurring after 20 m. and lasting 4 m. Soon afterwards empty feeling
in stomach, with feeling of hunger. Though he ate at dinner (I p.m.)
much more than usual, the empty feeling lasted till 3 p.m.; during this
time eructation of air. 2 p.m., recurrence of the same dimness of
vision. 3.45 p.m., copious discharge of urine. 5 p.m., slight drawing
tearing pain on a small spot about the small fontanelle, gradually in-
creasing, lasting 8 m., and then suddenly ceasing. It recurred after
20 m., thence spreading all over spinal column, and lasting 6 m.
6.30 p.m., horripilation from anterior aspeet of r. thigh to knee for a
few seconds, after 4 h. the same symptom occurred in nape, spread-
ing over back to sacrum for a few seconds. Urine passed at 7.50 and
10 p.m. copious, of normal odour, and pale coloured. No stool.-3rd.
The dry cough came on later in m., with tickling and scraping in
larynx and dry tongue. Soon afterwards urging to urinate, passed a
large quantity of urine of yellow colour. On waking at 6 a.m. again
copious urine. No stool. 7 a.m., after breakfast cramp and heavy
feeling in legs on rising from seat, lasted till 6 p.m. 9.30 a.m., sudden
lightning-like tearing on outer side of r. knee-joint, going down outer
aspect of leg to ankle. Empty feeling in stomach and hunger, which
OPIUM.
475
was not satiated by eating a good deal. At noon ate a large dinner,
which did not remove the empty feeling in stomach.-4th, 6 a.m.,
copious urine, stool. Noon, passed much urine, out of all proportion
to fluid consumed; also tension and fulness as though clothes were
too tight. This continued till 28th. (Zeitsch. d. Ver. d. hom. Aerzt.
Oesterr., i, 3, 28.)
21. BRESSLAUER, æt. 43, proved 30th and 12th dil., but got few
and unimportant symptoms except great urinary tenesmus, contraction
in urethra and bladder, relieved by passing urine, and on one occasion
hæmaturia for 4 d. (Ibid., 36.)
22. DUDITSCH, medical student, proved the 30th and 12th dilutions,
and carefully observed his pulse and respiration, both of which seemed
to be slightly increased in rapidity. He also felt pressive stupefying
headache in r. side of forehead, eructation of bitter fluid, shooting in I.
side of forehead, numb and prickling sensation in 1. lower extremity and
weakness of 1. knee. (Ibid., 40.)
23. a. Dr. EIDHERR, æt. 30, June 4th, 7 a.m., took 4 dr. Ist dil.
After h., heat alternating with coldness along spine. Later, warmth
proceeding from stomach over whole body with moist skin; frequent
yawning; heaviness of head, especially of sinciput, and dazed feeling
there; inability to follow out train of thought. After 2 h. felt as if
anus was spasmodically contracted; when touched externally, burning
pain there for 10 m., when it gradually subsided, but could be renewed
by touching the part.-5th. 6 dr. after breakfast. After 1 h. in-
creased warmth throughout body and yawning; persistent tickling at
anus, ending in itching there.-6th. 8 dr. 10 m. after breakfast.
After h. feeling of anxiety, restlessness, heaviness of limbs, general
exhaustion and dazed head; sensation of warmth proceeding from
stomach and spreading all over body. Feeling of hunger, which on
taking food changed into a feeling of emptiness and pressure in stomach;
rapid trembling of lower jaw for 5 m. Sensation of stupefaction,
lastingh. Profuse perspiration, unsteady gait, and soon tired. At
10.30 a.m. a cigar, which he was accustomed to smoke, caused vertigo,
great nausea, inclination to vomit, cold sweat all over, trembling of
limbs. All this was immediately relieved by a glass of cold water.
The crampy feeling in anus lasted till 3 p.m. That same e. before
going to bed took 10 dr. The n. was very restless, with much tossing
about. Sleep very light, heard every noise in the street; the striking of
the clocks in the house painfully affected him. Had dreams of
various sorts all n.-7th. Did not rise so early as usual, and then felt
more exhausted than when he went to bed. Head heavy and dazed.
Took no med.-8th. 20 dr. after breakfast. After 1 h. felt more ex-
hausted, head confused, frequent yawning.-9th. 24 dr. 2 h. before midday
meal. After 20 m. same symptoms as on 6th, and besides, vertigo,
pressive feeling in head, vision as through a veil, profuse sweat and
sleep. Coffee relieved the symptoms.-24th. Began with 4 dr., and
increased the dose daily by 1 dr. until he came to take 10 dr. Similar
symptoms were observed. Stool retarded all through this proving.
b. August 8th. 5 dr. of tinct. After 25 m. confusion of head
with slight vertigo on looking to either side. Cheerful humour and
476
OPIUM.
increased acuteness of hearing. After 1 h. out-pressing headache in
temples and forehead. Vertigo with buzzing noise as of a bee, with
stopped-up feeling of both ears and diminished acuteness of hearing.
Weariness of whole body, diminished mental power.
When sitting
writing became so sleepy he had to lie down, and slept for 20 m., then
awoke quite well. Pulse increased from 60 in 40 m, to 68, in 1 h. to
72.-9th. 10 dr. Same symptoms.-10th. 12 dr. Same symptoms
but still greater drowsiness.-11th, 9 p.m., 20 dr. After 15 m. head
felt relieved, cheerful spirits. After 20 m. so sleepy he could not keep
eyes open. All movements are performed lazily, and he hardly knew
what he was doing. Woke after 2 h. by a noise in street and could not
get to sleep again. Memory dull, could not think connectedly. Head-
ache in temples as if compressed. Feeling of emptiness in stomach,
relieved by breakfast for 20 m., when it again recurred and continued
with slight intermissions all d., though he ate frequently. Great prostra-
tion and despondency all d. Next d. felt better, but the pressing pains
in temples lasted all d. No stool on 10th, 11th, and 12th, stool with
great forcing on 13th. Urine increased in n. of 11th.-15th.
20 dr.
caused similar symptoms.
24. Dr. FREUD, æt. 25, May 28th, 6 a.m., 6 dr. tinct. 10 p.m., same
dose.—29th, 6 a.m., 6 dr. No symptoms these 2 d. except constipa-
tion.-30th, 6 a.m., 6 dr.
Sudden call to stool, which was soft.-31st.
No med. M., a pappy, soft, copious stool. In e. a violent pressive
headache till bedtime.-June 1st, 8 a.m., 6 dr. Very little appetite
for dinner. In e. when sitting playing had a sudden faintness, so that
he could scarcely sit on his chair. Lay down on sofa and the face was
sprinkled with cold water, which soon revived him.-2nd. Only
slight exhaustion remained, and he had a coryza with cough that lasted
4 d. (Ibid., 50.)
(Ibid., 43.)
25. a. Surgeon JENITSCHEK, June 3rd, 1 h. before breakfast, 3 dr.
Ist dil. Soon fulness and tension in abdomen.-4th, m., 5 dr. No stool
(was used to have 2 stools, one before and the other after breakfast). 8
a.m., uncommonly sleepy, great forgetfulness, fearfulness, with giddiness
and excited condition, so that he was several times in danger of being
run over. As the day advanced became cheerful. At 7 p.m. a copious
firm stool.-5th. Took 5 dr. No symptoms except irritability.-7th,
6 a.m., 10 dr. After h. pain in forehead, forehead felt warm.
Peevish humour.-8th. 10 dr., no symptoms.—9th. IO dr., no
symptoms.-10th and 11th. Frontal pain in afternoon; it was in-
tolerable on the 11th, it was a boring pain, intermittent, and spread
from forehead to crown. Tongue furred, sticky pasty taste but
the stool was regular on the days when no medicine was taken.-13th,
afternoon, 15 dr. At 6 p.m. fulness in head, vertigo on stooping,
tinnitus aurium and distinctly-felt pulsation of cerebral vessels, increased
saliva, furred tongue, complete constipation; urine turbid, dark
red, saturated, frothy, with reddish-yellow greasy sediment.-14th.
15 dr., no symptoms except scanty, costive stool.-15th. One
h. before dinner, 15 dr. After dinner, when lying on sofa a painful
beating and visible rising and falling of the full stomach synchronous
with pulse, so that he could not bear to lie on his back, but must get
OPIUM.
477
I
up and walk about; this gradually went off in 1 h.—16th, m., 15 dr.
No symptoms.-19th. 20 dr., no symptoms.-20th. 30 dr., and
same dose on 21st. No symptoms.
b. June 24th, 4 p.m., 3 dr. tinct. No effect. Continued taking
ever-increasing doses up to 15 dr. till July 6th without effect.—7th,
4 p.m., 30 dr. 6 p.m., feeling of anxiety, weight in chest, must often
breathe deeply, occasional gasping for breath, clothes felt too tight,
heart's beats not felt; skin hot and its blood-vessels full. Later in e.
nipping and pinching in belly, and all through n. noisy emission of a
large quantity of inodorous flatus and occasional eructation of air,
which continued during next d.-8th. Early in m. a liquid, frothy,
copious stool with great relief. Forehead confused, thickly furred
tongue, pasty taste, redness of conjunctiva and increased secretion of
tears; felt very exhausted, prostrated, and cross; felt as if he had passed
a sleepless n. after a debauch.-9th, afternoon, 30 dr. Recurrence of
the pinching in belly, emission of flatus, distension of abdomen; in e. a
liquid stool.—10th, m., 3 liquid stools with tenesmus and burning in
rectum and anus; urine increased, at first dark coloured, afterwards
less so.
From nose and mouth there came a yellow, viscid, mouldy-
smelling mucus. As he felt great loathing at the medicine he took no
(Ibid., 51.)
more.
26. a. W. JENITSCHEK, æt. 9, June 4th, 3 dr. 1st dil. Soon,
pressive headache in forehead, pressive pain in 1. hypochondrium, nausea,
increased saliva for 2 h.-5th, m., 5 dr. After h. complained of
frontal headache, forehead felt warm for 1 h. Afternoon, kept eyes
open by effort, they felt dry and as if dust were in them, had to rest
them frequently; increased redness of palpebral and ocular conjunctivæ.
Constipation; skin dry, hot, and turgescent.-6th. 5 dr., frontal
headache, constipation, and increased turgor vitalis.-7th. No med.
Stool normal.-8th. 8 dr., frontal pain and eye symptoms as before,
but the eyes were full of tears. Rumbling and pinching in bowels,
sweet taste, constipation.-9th. 8 dr., frontal pain and increased tem-
perature, constipation. Urine in forenoon turbid and dark.-10th,
4 p.m., 8 dr. 6 p.m., tongue thickly furred, pricking in belly, consti-
pation.-14th, afternoon, 10 dr. E., headache, transient shoots in
head, noise in ears, furred tongue, scanty stool, hot skin.-15th. 10 dr.,
some confusion of head.-16th. At bed-time 10 dr. No symptoms.
-20th and 21st. 15 dr., no effect.—22nd and 23rd. 20 dr., no effect.
b. 24th and 25th, 2 dr. tinct. No effect.-27th. 5 dr., some
pricking frontal pain and increased warmth of forehead.-28th. 5 dr.,
besides yesterday's symptoms constipation.-29th. 5 dr., same sym-
ptoms. 30th. 5 dr., shooting, throbbing, frontal pain, heaviness of
head, feeling of a heavy body in it, swaying to and fro, increased heat
of body. Burning shooting pain in r. wrist, and on back and palm of
hand some pimples the size of peas which rose in blisters. E., 2 similar
but smaller pimples on r. cheek, painful when pressed; constriction of
stomach, constipation and lachrymose disposition.-From July 1st to
4th, 5 dr. Frontal pain, vertigo with swaying of body, objects seemed
smaller. The blisters of yesterday gone, but others rose on the side of
the neck; they were not red but tender.-4th to 7th. No med. No
..
478
OPIUM.
symptoms, the pimples gone.-7th, 4 p.m., 10 dr. Hard stool.-8th.
Io dr., hard stool.-11th and 12th. 15 dr., no effect.-13th, 10 a.m.,
20 dr. In afternoon a liquid stool.—14th. 20 dr., 4 diarrhoeic stools.
(Ibid., 56.)
27. Surgeon A. SCHAUER, æt. 27, June 8th, 20 dr. tinct. II a.m.,
slight discomfort, confusion of head especially in forehead, lachrymation
and burning in eyes, weariness of lower extremities.
2 p.m., these
symptoms increased, and in addition a tiresome pain betwixt shooting
and boring in coronal and sagittal sutures. Slight redness of conjunc-
tiva of ball and lids, slight swelling of caruncula lacrymalis. Tongue
furred more than usual. Little appetite for dinner, after which irresistible
drowsiness; an empty almost pressive feeling in stomach. Weariness
of limbs, spasmodic twitching in muscles of calf; stool delayed for
some hours; emission of very fetid flatus. Sadness, loss of power of
thinking, incapacity for mental work; then general prostration. From
5 to 7.30 p.m. pretty free from these symptoms; then the confusion of
forehead returned, with general weak feeling lasting till 9 p.m.
Next
d. same symptoms but slighter. (Ibid., 60.)
28. Dr. STERN, æt. 36, accustomed to have 2 stools daily, one early,
the second after a meal. The dilutions from 30th to 1st caused no
symptoms.-May 25th. 5 dr. tinct., no stool.-27th, 7 a.m., 8 dr.
No stool.-29th, 7 a.m., 10 dr. No stool. Confusion of head.
Breathing laboured as if thoracic muscles were relaxed. After break-
fast a second stool, and 1 h. later a third liquid stool.-31st, 7 a.m.,
15 dr.
After 1 h. vision veiled, head confused as after drinking
alcohol. Constipation, emission of flatus. From 5 to 7 p.m. dull
pain in occiput, tearing and drawing in forearms.-June 1st, 7 a.m.,
15 dr. Depressed spirits, dislike to work, constipation.-3rd, 7 a.m.,
20 dr. 9 a.m., vision dim. II a.m., feeling of discomfort, emptiness
and sinking in stomach, accumulation of water in mouth, frequent
spitting, inclination to vomit, exhaustion, trembling of hands and feet,
transient jerkings in hands, cold sweat on forehead, confusion of head,
heaviness in eyes. This lasted till noon. Cold air revives momentarily.
Complete anorexia, loathes food. After a cup of coffee these symptoms
went off. (Ibid., 63.)
29. a. Dr. A. v. SzONTAGH, æt. 27. Dilutions from 30 to 5 caused
no symptoms.-July 6th, noon, 5 dr. tinct. No effect.-8th, noon,
8 dr. In afternoon and next m. pressive pains in rectum like hæmor-
rhoidal congestion, increased by touch.-11th. 10 dr., no effect.—
13th. 15 dr., immediately pulse rose 14 beats higher, slight burning
in ears, weakness of knees and prostration of whole body, nausea re-
lieved by eructation. All this lasted 1 h., but on eating there was a
kind of spasm of oesophagus which made even water difficult to swallow.
16th. 15 dr., next m. at the normal time a stool, at first hard and
difficult, at the end diarrhoeic.-11th. Was wakened at 5 a.m. by
call to stool; he had a copious, pappy, dark-coloured, almost inodorous
stool. Pulse 90, roaring in ears for 8 m. Soon afterwards a second
diarrhoeic stool. E., on extensor side of 1. thigh 2 itching wheals the
size of peas, which went off after some d.-19th, noon, 20 dr. Soon
eructation, weakness in arms and legs, sleepiness; when eating, every
OPIUM.
479
91
time he swallowed, spasm in oesophagus, after meal discharge of much
Alatus. A kind of urinary tenesmus; at the commencment of micturi-
tion had always to wait some time on account of spasm of the
sphincter vesicæ, but when the urine came it was in full uninterrupted
stream. This occurred every time he urinated. Frequent erections
at n. in sleep.-21st, noon, 25 dr. After eating, much flatus. E.,
roaring in ears for some m. Next d. pulse quickened by 10 beats,
roaring in ears, heat and sweat for 10 m. After falling asleep n., a
sudden jerk through whole body that woke him up.-23rd, noon,
30 dr. Soon great weariness in legs, increased secretion of urine.
After 1 h. hurry in doing things, thinking, too, was rapidly performed,
but its quality was unaltered.-25th. While sitting roaring in ears
for 20 m. 28th, 35 dr., and 30th, 40 dr. Besides prostration and
emission of flatus, no symptoms.
b. Aug. 11, noon, 5 gr. 2nd trit. No effect.-14th, noon,
5 gr. Ist trit. At midnight, after sleeping 1 h., profuse perspiration.—
16th, noon, 10 gr. Sweat at midnight.-19th, 1.30 p.m., 15 gr.
Soon weariness in knees, elbows, and masseter muscles. Difficulty of
swallowing food or drink on account of spasm of esophagus.-21st,
1.30 and 2 p.m., 10 gr. Weariness in legs and forearms. Pressure
against external meatus auditorius; spasm of oesophagus during and
after swallowing. After 1 h. indistinctness of seeing and hearing as if
slightly intoxicated; this went off after 2 h. Increased secretion of
urine; with a full bladder difficulty of urinating on account of spasm
of sphincter vesica; the full stream is sometimes interrupted all`d.—
24th. At same times 12 gr. Slight intoxication, which, however, did
not interfere with his thinking or work, for which he had greater in-
clination and capacity than usual. Redness and heat of cheeks and
feeling of burning in them; increased discharge of urine. All right in
2 h. Sleep at first restless, afterwards sound, refreshing. Stool next
m. at usual time, but passed with greater effort.-31st, 1, 1.30, and
2 p.m., 10 gr. (= 3 gr. pure opium). Pressure in maxillary joint and
malar bones with heat and burning there, also in lobes of ears, slight
noise in ears, pulse large and quick, disagreeable buzzing in ears when
talking or whistling; heaviness of upper eyelids as if they were swollen;
increase of urine; frequent interruption of the stream of urine, which
only came after long delay on account of twitching in sphincter vesicæ ;
drowsiness when reading. Next d. there appeared on wrist and flexor
aspect of both forearms thickly set itching wheals, the size of hemp-
seeds, which went off during n. (Ibid., 65.)
30. a. Dr. L. TEDESCO, æt. 42, March 16th, 6 a.m., 5 dr. 30th dil.;
20th, 12 dil.; 24th, 6th dil. No effect.-From 28th to 31st, 5 dr. 6th
dil. 3 times a d. On 29th pressure in stomach for several h. On 30th
a liquid stool.-April 28th, m., 5 dr. 1st dil. 2 p.m., pressive frontal
pain till 10 p.m., after a refreshing sleep he woke quite well.—
May 2nd, 7 a.m., 5 dr. In afternoon scraping, rough feeling in fauces.
-6th, m., 10 dr. After dinner pressive pain in forehead and occiput,
confusion of head, giddiness, altered taste, dislike to tobacco, increased
saliva, slight nausea, feeling of water-brash, lasting all afternoon, gradu-
ally going off in e.—11th, m., 15 dr. Afternoon, pressive headache as
480
OPIUM.
before; at midnight a liquid stool.-12th. 20 dr. Afternoon, frontal
headache, liquid stool.—13th to 17th, every d. 25 dr. Every d.
frontal headache in afternoon till late in e. Also each d. 1, 2, and 3
liquid stools of whitish colour.
b. May 29th to June 1st, every d. 5 dr. tinct. No effect.-2nd.
10 dr. Some h. after dinner, dazednesss and confusion of head, passing
into pressive pain over eyes to nape.
Dislike to tobacco and unusual
taste in mouth. 3rd, m., 15 dr. Same symptoms in afternoon.—
4th to 9th. 15 dr., no noteworthy symptoms.-16th, 20 dr.; 17th,
25 dr.; 18th, 19th, and 20th, 30 dr. No effect except more or less.
pressive frontal pain.-July 13th. 10 dr., only constipation.-17th.
10 dr., no stool.—18th. 10 dr., no stool, sight dim.-19th. 10 dr.,
sight still dim.-20th. JO dr., in afternoon pressive, sometimes throb-
bing headache from back to front along median line. Sight so bad
that when writing the letters ran together. Stool insufficient and hard.
-21st. 15 dr., eye symptoms as before, no stool.-22nd. 15 dr.,
eye symptoms continued.
9 p.m., a normal stool.-23rd. 15 dr., eye.
symptoms less.-27th. 20 dr., dim vision, constipation.—28th, 29th,
and 30th, 25 dr. Same symptoms.
Same symptoms. A hard stool on 30th.—31st, and
Aug. 1st and 2nd, no med. On 2nd d. 2 fluid stools at 9 and 12 p.m.,
with slight griping.—3rd, 4th, and 6th, 30 dr. Only the above-
mentioned symptoms in moderate degree. As the smell of the medicine
caused loathing, stopped the proving. (Ibid., 69.)
31. I have tried many experiments with doses from gtt. to gtt. ij
of tinct., and in every instance the pulse has been quickened, and some-
times rendered sensibly fuller, in 2 or 3 m., e. g. from 66 to 68 and from
70 to 76.
After a longer or shorter interval, e. g. in from 5 m. to an
h., determined by the dose, the beats return to what they were at the
beginning, and sometimes afterwards descend a little below this.
(SHARP, Essays on Medicine (1874), p. 724.)
32. a. Nov. 2nd, 1876, at 12 m., pulse being 64, I took 1 dr. of tinct.
in a little water. At 12.3 pulse had risen to 70, at 12.10 and 12.30
it was 68, and continued thus for a considerable time. On the 4th,
at 7.25 a.m., pulse 68, 5 dr. were taken. In 15 m. pulse was 70, in
35 m. 74, in 60 m. 76, at which point it remained for an h., after
which it fell gradually to 68, remaining thus for some h.
At 25 m.
there was flatulence, and after dinner at 1.30 considerable indigestion.
b. In Nov., 1876, Mr. S—, while continuing his usual habits and
his active occupations, took (at my request and without knowing what
it was) 1 dr. of 1st dil. n. and m. for 10 d. The only effect which he
noticed was a considerable increase of appetite. At another time he
took 5 dr. of the same dil. n. and m. for 10 d., under similar circum-
stances. The result was the same-a decided increase of appetite, so
that he thought I had been giving him a tonic.
c. Mr. S-, at 6 p.m., having just finished tea, pulse 72, took 10 dr.
of tinct. and sat down to read. Pulse fell, somewhat irregularly, during
next 2 h., so that at 1.10 m. it was as low as 53; it then began to
recover, and at 9.15 (after supper) it was 64. At 70 m., when it had
fallen to 62, it is noted as "very weak." The only other effect
observed was drowsiness.
1
00
OPIUM.
481
d. On another occasion Mr. S— took 6 dr. at 12.30 p.m., pulse
being 54. In 25 m. it had risen to 58, after which it fell to 52 (40-
45 m.). When dinner had been taken it rose to 64. (IBID., The
Actions of One Dose, p. 13.)
32. I frequently tested the pulse of a pupil, æt. 16, in health, and
always found it 90-108, when not quickened by exercise. I now
rubbed into his leg a mixture of zij of laudanum with ziij of olive oil
till the whole was absorbed. In 10 m., when nearly half was rubbed
in, pulse was 88, soft. In 20 m. it was 84; he was drowsy, and com-
plained of being cold; eyes look heavy. In 50 m. pulse was 72,
feeble, and small; countenance pale; coldness continues, and is accom-
panied with disagreeable sensations. In 60 m. pulse 76, weak, and not
quite regular; complains of great weakness. Pulse rose through fol-
lowing 60 m. to 108, and grew regular and stronger. Disagreeable
sensations did not go off till after supper, which he ate heartily.
Experiment was repeated 2 d. later, 3iij of laudanum being used.
Pulse, 95 before applying the O., fell in 30 m. to 83, and became soft
and weak; he complained much of being cold, and felt so; looked
sickly and dull; felt depressed and drowsy. He ate breakfast greedily,
and was soon relieved of disagreeable sensations. He said the word
"horror" well described the extremely unpleasant coldness he had ex-
perienced. (WARD, Med. and Phys. Journ., vii, 136.)
33. Mrs. G. W—, æt. 34, well save for paraplegia, had mvj of
tinct. injected hypodermically. After 1 h. pulse accelerated 10 beats;
no somnolency; had felt uncomfortable, and was now faint, and gave
way to hysterical crying and sobbing. After 2 h., pulse weak, accele-
rated 16 beats; had vomited twice, and now retched violently, and
threw up mucus mixed with bile; face pale and anxious. After 5 h.,
pulse small, feeble, and intermitting, accelerated 20 beats; had vomited
bilious matter twice, and experienced constant nausea, with consider-
able drowsiness, but was restless, distressed, and unable to sleep on
account of illusory objects which continued to pass before the vision as
soon as she closed the eyes; surface cold. Nausea, repeated action of
bowels, somnolence, giddiness and faintness continued up to the 11th
h., when she went to sleep for the first time, and slept throughout n.
with much dreaming and wandering. Pupils and tongue remained un-
changed throughout. (HARLEY, Old Veg. Neurotics, p. 130.)
34. Opium taken in the dose of 1 gr. always causes in me after
12 h. a diarrhoea that lasts at least 24 h. The evacuations are not
frequent, from 4 to 5 times in the 24 h., have a whitish colour, are
pappy, and cause burning in anus that lasts for 1 h. (STRECKER,
A. h. Z., xii, 133.)
35. At first I took gr. O. for dose, always after a meal, but expe-
rienced no effect, whereupon I took I gr., and this did not act. But
if I took it shortly before bedtime, my sleep at n. was often broken by
waking up, and it was long before I could get to sleep again, so that
once I got up at 3 a.m. When I took 2 gr. in the form of pills, they
caused headache, sleepiness, red congested face, quickened pulse, and
profuse sweat. The largest dose I took at once was 4 gr. in pills.
One h. after swallowing it I had violent headache, my face became
VOL. III.
31
482
OPIUM.
redder, pulse accelerated, profuse sweat broke out; there was drowsi-
siness, but I could not sleep quietly, and 5 h. after the dose I vomited.
8 times without much straining, a thing I am not used to, and it caused
great exhaustion. (WALTL, A. h. Z., xxii, 160.)
II. Poisonings.-I. a. Mrs. T, æt. 30, of slender form, hypochon-
driacal, and very irritable, was in the habit of frequently taking 30 dr.
of laudanum for the purpose of relieving certain distressing sensations.
On Feb. 27th, in a moment of passion, she swallowed 6 dessert-
spoonfuls, having previously taken four glasses of port wine and some
spirits in her tea. After 3 h. she was found in her bed, and perfectly
insensible. She was then deadly pale and cold, her limbs were relaxed,
and felt flabby when handled. She breathed slowly, and apparently
with great difficulty. There was a loud mucous rattle in the trachea,
with great frothing at the mouth, which was wide open, the under-jaw
having fallen towards the sternum. The eyelids were closed, and when
raised by the finger exhibited a distorted, fixed, suffused eyeball, with
extremely contracted pupil; pulse 100, and exceedingly feeble, free
from intermission, although the motions of the heart were tumultuous.
The temperature of the body generally was very low, but it was high at
the præcordium. There was paralysis of the muscles of deglutition,
with intense coma. Fourteen h. were fruitlessly employed in the
administration of emetics, stimulating enemata with sulphate of zinc,
and frictions. Towards m. she could swallow small quantities of tea,
coffee, broth, bread, and ammonia at intervals, and complained only of
great distress in breathing. Soon afterwards she recognised her
medical attendants, and knew all her domestics. She detailed all the
proceedings of the preceding n., regretted what she had done, and ex-
pressed much anxiety as to the result. The limbs were still powerless
the eyelids were raised, but only by a great effort, and they quickly
resumed a half-open position, exposing suffused balls, a persisting con-
traction of the pupil, and a frightful strabismus. For a moment she
appeared able to direct eyes to an object; they then rolled as if free
from control, and settled into quiescence, the cornea being turned up-
wards and wholly concealed. On a few occasions she vomited a small
quantity of fluid darker than coffee, and without any odour of O. She
partook of strong chicken broth, and was soon capable of conversing
with a minister, from whose hands she received the Sacrament. This
excitement being over, being about 18 h. after taking the dose, the
difficulty of breathing became an agony. She referred all her sufferings
to her lungs, asked for a blister to her back, and announced that she
was surely dying. The wrist was now pulseless, the extremities cold,
the limbs relaxed, and in 5 h. more she was dead, retaining her con-
sciousness until a few moments before she expired.
;
*
ܝ
b. The body was inspected 19 h. after death; it was then warm
and very rigid. The limbs were strongly extended, the hands clenched.
The whole front was pale, while the underlying parts were deeply
ecchymosed. The lungs filled the chest, and scarcely retired on expo-
* DR. WRIGHT considers the dyspnoea of O. poisoning due to dryness of the respi-
ratory passages, and finds it greatly relieved by the inhalation of steam (Amer. Journ.
of Med. Sc., 1851, p. 540).—EDS.
OPIUM.
483
1
¡
I
!
sure; they crepitated when handled, and yet they felt firm and fleshy,
and resisted the scalpel; their anterior surface presented an anæmic
appearance, studded with small black spots of a circular form; internally
they were gorged with livid blood. The large pulmonary vessels were
nearly empty, as was the heart, the blood which they contained being
fluid. The liquor pericardii amounted to oz. The stomach was
distended by a brownish, inodorous fluid; the internal tunic exhibited
purple marks, attributable more to vascular turgescence than to extra-
vasation. The intestines were pale throughout, except near the gall-
bladder, where they were extensively and deeply tinged with bile; and
they were undistended by flatus. The voluntary muscles were particu-
larly florid. Examination of the head was not permitted. (KIRBY,
Dubl. Med. Press, 1845, p. 406.)
2. An infant was killed in the course of a n. by a decoction of
poppy-heads. There was a great deal of livor over the whole back
part of the body. All the sinuses and vessels of the brain were gorged
with fluid blood, and a good deal of serosity was found in the ventricles
and base of the skull.* The lungs were distended, and so gorged with
fluid blood that it ran out in a stream when they were cut. The
cavities of the heart contained the same fluid blood. Although the
body had been kept only 2 d. in the month of February, the belly
emitted a putrid odour when it was laid open.† (CHRISTISON, op. cit.)
3. A. S―, an unmarried woman, æt. 28, swallowed 3j of laudanum
with suicidal intent. I saw her at 5 p.m., within an h. of its inges-
tion. When I entered she was sitting supported in bed, her eyes were
wild and staring, face flushed, skin hot, pulse (when it could be reckoned)
126, and voluntary muscles strongly convulsed. The violent action.
of the muscles occasionally relaxed, and was replaced by slight sub-
sultus. Vomiting could not be induced till zij of sulphate of zinc in
sol. were given. Her mind all this time was in a state of great con-
fusion; at one moment she was sensible of her crime and called for
assistance, at another she resisted the means used to save her. Pain
being complained of in abdomen, emollient clysters were given; at
first it was difficult to introduce them from the contraction of the
sphincter, afterwards to get them retained, owing to its relaxation.
At 8 the increased action of the system abated, and the delirium was
followed by languor and indifference. The thirst was intense, but the
stomach was so irritable that it rejected whatever was given. At 11
lethargy had increased so much that it required the utmost exertions to
*Turgescence of the vessels in the brain, and watery effusion into the ventricles
and on the surface of the brain, are generally met with. Dr. Bright mentions an
instance where unusual turgescence was found, and on the surface of the brain a spot
of slight ecchymosis as big as a crown piece. I have seen turgescence of vessels and
serous effusion in one instance to a considerable extent; each ventricle contained
3iij of fluid, the arachnoid on the surface of the brain was much infiltrated, and the
vessels both in the substance and on the surface of the brain were a good deal
gorged.,
† It appears that the body is often apt to pass rapidly into putrefaction. In one
of the cases I examined, although the body had been kept only 30 h. in a cool place,
in the month of December, the cuticle was easily peeled off, the joints were flaccid,
and an acid smell was exhaled.-[C. mentions two other instances, yet more pro.
nounced.-EDS.]
484
OPIUM.
keep her awake; pulse was 55, breathing laborious, countenance dark
and often ghastly, eyes sunk and often shut, muscles flaccid, extremities
coldish. Though thirst was still excessive, and she always called for
drink when aroused, the stupor was so great that she sometimes fell
asleep with the basin at her lips. Next m. pulse was 70, soft and full;
tongue clean; thirst great; no appetite; skin hot and dry; bowels
natural. In the e. she was in a profuse perspiration, but gradually
recovered, save that her mind continued to be in a state of imbecility
till she had left town for a time. (McKECHNIE, Ed. Med. and Surg.
Journ., vii, 305.)
4. A soldier took, to kill himself, iiss of laudanum and zj of
extr. of O. at 6 p.m. An h. later he was brought to hospital with
colic, stiffness of whole body, and extreme tendency to sleep. Ten gr.
of tart. emetic caused free vomiting, and this was followed up by
draughts of diluted vinegar. Next d. he had violent spasmodic move-
ments, with plaintive cries; sharp pain in stomach and whole abdomen;
tongue was black; pulse quick and full; face animated; there was
considerable heat; he complained of intense headache and prostration
of strength. The heat was followed by profuse sweats. 3rd d.-Some
abatement of symptoms, but 1. arm was paralysed. 4th d.-Tongue
not black now, but yellowish; stools also, which were black at first,
returning to their colour; urine lemon-yellow. By 6th d. paralysis of
arm had disappeared, but on 8th headache, which had much lessened,
regained its intensity. At 7 a.m. patient felt sharp pains momentarily
in lower jaw, and spasmodic contractions in muscles of face, lasting
2 m. and not recurring. On 10th d. pain was lighter, and from this
date he convalesced, always complaining, however, of drawing in
abdomen, want of appetite, and painful digestion ; of embarrassment of
breathing at intervals; and of a malaise he could hardly describe. He
was subject also to numbness and weakness, now in one limb, now in
another. (Journ. de Méd., xvi, 21. 1808.)
5. A young man swallowed 3j of laudanum with intent to destroy
himself. When seen he was lying in an armchair totally insensible; a
death-like paleness had come on, and his features were distorted, par-
ticularly angles of mouth; lower jaw was fixed; respiration performed
at long intervals, and laboriously; pupils insensible to light; skin
cold; hands clenched; pulse rapid, small, and intermittent. Sulphate
of zinc, &c., induced free vomiting, and he was walked up and down
the room. He was now able to move one leg before another, perspi-
ration broke out upon his forehead, and he groaned aloud. He became
affected with spasms, particularly of muscles of back, neck, and extre-
mities. These continued some time, until consciousness returned.
Next m. his face was flushed and hot, lips dry, tongue lined with
brown fur, throat and stomach sore, pain in head with weight in eyes;
he was very drowsy; pulse quick, but not hard or full. In a few d.
he entirely recovered. (YEATMAN, Med. and Phys. Journ., xxxi, 468.)
6. a. "In about 4-5 h. after taking a dose of O. I become sud-
denly almost deprived of sense and hearing, and then am seized with
shivering. These symptoms go off as soon as I get warm in bed, and
a rash then makes its appearance on my face, arms, hands, neck, and
OPIUM.
485
lower extremities, causing a burning, pricking sensation. The effect
is the same on my skin when O. is applied externally. On one occa-
sion 2 dr. of laudanum produced a slight attack of the kind."
b. This was patient's statement. Reporter witnessed an attack of
the kind, brought on by 2 small doses of paregoric. Vomiting was
troublesome for a few h. Desquamation of cuticle began, as in scarlet
fever, about end of 5th d. ; and during convalescence she was at one
time threatened with anasarca. (It was for a teasing cough, remaining
after bronchitis, that she took the paregoric.) (Dubl. Med. Press, xlix,
319. 1863. A similar case, in an old lady, is reported at p. 489 of
same volume.)
7. a. The first effect of O. on the Chinese smokers of the drug*
is to render them more loquacious and animated. Gradually the con-
versation drops, laughter is occasionally produced by the most trifling
causes, and to these effects succeed vacancy of countenance, pallor,
shrinking of the features, so that the smokers resemble people conva-
lescing from fever, followed by deep sleep for h.-3 or 4 h. An
inordinate quantity causes headache, vertigo, and nausea.
The Malays
are rendered outrageous and quarrelsome by the O. pipe.
b. The continuance of this destructive practice deteriorates the
physical constitution and moral character of the individual, especially
among the lower classes. Its powerful effects on the system are mani-
fested by stupor, forgetfulness, impairment of the mental faculties,
emaciation, debility, sallow complexion, lividity of lips and eyelids,
languor and lack-lustre of the eye, appetite either destroyed or depraved,
-sweetmeats or sugar-cane being the articles that are most relished.
"In the m. these creatures have a most wretched appearance, evincing
no symptoms of being refreshed or invigorated by sleep, however pro-
found. There is a remarkable dryness or burning in the throat, which
urges them to repeat the O. smoking. If the dose be not taken at
the usual time there is great prostration, vertigo, torpor, lachrymation,
and in some an involuntary discharge of semen even when wide awake.
If the privation be complete a still more formidable train of phenomena
appears. Coldness is felt over the whole body, with aching pains in
all parts. Diarrhoea occurs; the most horrid feelings of wretchedness
come on, and, if the poison be withheld, death terminates the victim's
existence." The offspring of O. smokers are weak, stunted, and
decrepit. (SMITH, of Penang, Lancet, Feb. 19th, 1842.)
æt. 24.
8. HILL witnessed O. smoking in the person of a Chinese soldier,
He took 8 whiffs before going to sleep. After the 2nd, the
eyes became full and sparkling, the face began to flush, and the pulse
to increase in quickness and fulness; the breathing likewise became
more frequent, and the whole system seemed considerably excited.
These symptoms continued to increase until the 7th application to the
pot of O. (1 h.), at which time the pulse was 120, full and bounding.
After the next two applications (5 m. more) he appeared quite stupefied
by the drug, and lying down on the couch instantly fell asleep.
was allowed to wake of his own accord, which he did in about 3 h.
He
-
* Only one full whiff is taken at a time, but it is repeated until the effects of the
drug are felt,
486
OPIUM.
Considerable depression now seemed to have followed the previous
excitement, the eyes, though still full and projecting, being dull and
heavy, and the whole countenance having a languid and stupid expres-
sion. The breathing was likewise heavy and oppressed, and the pulse
considerably below the natural standard, scarcely 60. (Lancet, 1840-2,
i, 820.)
9. The effects of the O. fumes when inhaled are far more exhilar-
ating and immediate, as well as more transient, than when the drug is
taken into the stomach. The pulse vibrates, it becomes fuller and
firmer; the face glows, the eyes sparkle, the temperature of the skin is
elevated, and it becomes suffused with a blush; the organs of sense
are exquisitely sensitive; perspiration flows profusely; respiration
becomes quicker; the action of the heart is increased; the nervous
energy is exalted, and a glow of warmth, and sensations similar to
those which often attend highly pleasurable and agreeable feelings,
overspread the body. The mind shares in the general exhilaration, and
is filled with those delicious and brilliant ideas which follow the other
modes of employing O.; but if the smoking is too long protracted,
these pleasing feelings vanish. All control of the will, the functions
of sensation and volition, as well as reason, are suspended; vertigo,
coma, irregular muscular contractions, and sometimes temporary
insanity, supervene. (MCPHERSON, Two Years in China, quoted
by Stillé.)
10. a. Mr. LITTLE describes the mode, &c., of smoking at Sing-
apore in terms nearly the same as those we have quoted from Dr.
McPherson, adding that, after the effect of the stimulant has passed
off, a state of languor, listlessness, and incapability of exertion succeeds,
together with loathing of food, nervousness, aching of the limbs, gloom,
and indefinable wretchedness, a state from which the smoker has no
relief until the period comes round for renewed indulgence in the
gratification which led to it, and which again infallibly induces it.
b. He also draws a frightful picture of the derangement of the
nervous system and of the digestion, the oppressed breathing, and hazy,
bleared eyes of the devotees of this vice. The sexual organs lose their
power, and are affected with a gleety discharge; the flesh withers, and
the bones are racked with pains. The stooping figure, shuffling gait,
drooping eyebrows, and dull eyes surrounded by a livid circle, give an
appearance of premature decrepitude. In both sexes the procreative
power is lessened, and in females the secretion of milk is defective.
Ultimately, the stomach is the seat of an incessant gnawing pain, the
food is vomited, diarrhoea comes on, the urine is turbid, and Bright's
disease is not uncommon. (Ibid.)
II. Dr. LIBERMANN, who was a medical officer at the capture of
Pekin by the English and French, has furnished a picture of the effects
of this vice, which corresponds exactly to what has now been presented;
but he adds some touches which were wanting to complete it, by de-
scribing the state of chronic delirium into which the O. smoker ulti-
mately falls. The wretched man is assailed by the most various
hallucinations, but all very unlike the voluptuous visions which he
enjoyed on his first dalliance with the poison. The most disgusting
T
OPIUM.
487
objects and the most horrible scenes are perpetually before him, but
most of all at night, when he in vain seeks refuge from his misery in
sleep. He is haunted by spectral toads and all manner of obscene
animals, or a fiery dragon swoops around and drags him into a flaming
pit. Sometimes he endures all the tortures of the Buddhist hell; or,
fancying himself one moment in voluptuous embraces, the next he
finds within his arms the mangled limbs of a hideous monster. These
images, which, we are assured, are literal copies of the O. eater's
phantasms, present a vivid resemblance to the more familiar spectral
illusions of delirium tremens. (Ibid.)
12. A young man who has a mind to accustom himself to the
immoderate use of opium is initiated in the following way:—His
master first gives him some grains of this juice in wine or brandy, and
then a quantity of the latter to drink after it, till a heavy fit of drunk-
enness deprives him of all sensibility and throws him into a deep sleep.
After 7 or 8 h. he is roused by shaking, however much the over-
powering effect of the sleep fetters him, and has to drink a great deal
of cold water. But each cup he throws up with vomiting, nausea,
and retching, and with eyes full of tears stares at the bystanders with-
out recognising them, or knowing what passes before him. At last
they give him warm wine with nutmeg. Now he no longer vomits,
but, sleepy and unconscious, yawns often, and by this time sleep
threatens to overpower him again, when they give him a second but
doubled dose of O. Laughing, crying out, dancing, noisy music keeps
our scholar of some hours in a state of utter unconsciousness. He
wants to talk, but the organs of speech remain immovable, though his
mouth is open. He goes through a number of silly actions, which
excite the laughter of the bystanders, e. g. he stretches out his arm to
reach the guitar, and at the same instant forgets to take hold of it or to
draw his arm back, and the like, until at last he falls to sleep smiling.
After 4 h. rest, the sleeper is again awakened and doused with cold
water, his eyes washed with vinegar, and every possible art employed
to drive away sleep. They drag him out of bed, force him to walk,
but hardly will his stumbling feet obey, until they are at last with some
trouble put in some sort of motion. The scholar stammers out some
half-intelligible words, and complains that he is cold; they give him.
warm wine, he finds himself better, and longs to eat, but hardly has he
swallowed a few morsels, after tedious chewing, when hunger and
appetite flee away. He wishes to sleep, to which, however, he is not
left till within a few hours before the expiration of the period, which
is reckoned from the last dose of opium. Scarcely has he rested these
few hours when he is awakened forcibly and obliged to take again the
same quantity of opium, whereupon he is again treated as before. Thus
the system is day by day accustomed to this medicine, and already
between the 8th and 11th d. the scholar feels the desired effect of the
previous treatment; he goes about, it is true, with a swollen face and
bloodshot eyes, but his very peculiar significant look testifies to an
inward happy feeling of a quiet state. But this joy is not lasting;
when the effect of the opium fails again, which with beginners is
usually the case in 24 h., he feels great anxiety, restlessness, frightful
488
OPIUM.
images all around, shivering, and nausea, which do not pass off till he
has taken another dose of opium. Then these sufferings cease, and a
quiet, agreeable intoxication sets in for 10 or 12 m., and ends with the
liveliest imagination of the very ideas which the opium-eater wished to
experience. If, for instance, he sets his heart upon anger, he becomes
passionate even to fury, and is capable of no other idea than this. He
sees not the danger into which he blindly rushes at all risks, and even
the person whom he attacks in his terrific rage. On the other hand,
if he wishes to give himself up to amiable, gentle feelings, he stays
quiet, smiles with internal contentment, seeks to testify of his happiness
in perfect silence to those around; until after the intoxication has
evaporated he leaves off dreaming, returns to humanity, and goes about
his business in tranquillity. Still he feels a certain timidity, becomes
forgetful, incapable of any of the finer feelings, and for ever indifferent
to pain and pleasure. The opiophagus requires continually larger
quantities, and at shorter intervals. Afterwards 1 oz. is hardly enough
for the d., and now he becomes dull, and in this state of apathy in
every sense extremely miserable, sleep flies from him, no dream in the
slightest degree recalls the memory of former enjoyment; the opium
itself becomes disgusting to him, and yet a state which is otherwise
intolerable and dangerous compels him to the frequent use of it, and
he never dares, for fear of his life, leave off while he lives. His figure
becomes quite deformed, his face swollen, with its muscles immovable
and hanging quite flaccid, his eyes bleared, his whole body feeble and
collapsed, as his bones refuse their sufficient support. He is always.
chilly, rolls himself into all warm places, baths, and hearths; being
incapable of rational ideas he forgets decency, and becomes an abhor-
rence to all men, until at last dropsy puts an end to his misery.
(REINEGGS, Blumenbach's Med. Bibl., ii. 1785.)
13. DE QUINCEY took O. occasionally for ten years, experiencing
only its exaltation. A gastralgia which then supervened led him to
take it daily, gradually increasing the dose till it reached to some
8000 dr. of laudanum. After describing the intellectual torpor and
profound melancholy thus caused, he writes:
a. "I now pass to what is the main subject of these latter confes-
sions, to the history and journal of what took place in my dreams, for
these were the immediate and proximate cause of my acutest suffering.
The first notice I had of any important change going on in this part of
my physical economy was from the reawakening of a state of eye gene-
rally incident to childhood, or exalted states of irritability. I know not
whether my reader is aware that many children, perhaps most, have a
power of painting, as it were, upon the darkness all sorts of phantoms;
in some that power is merely a mechanic affection of the eye, others
have a voluntary or semi-voluntary power to dismiss or summon them,
or, as a child once said to me, when I questioned him on the matter,
'I can tell them to go, and they go, but sometimes they come when I
don't tell them to come.' Whereupon I told him that he had almost
as unlimited a command over apparitions as a Roman centurion over
his soldiers. In the middle of 1817, I think it was that this faculty
became positively distressing to me; at night, when I lay awake in
OPIUM.
489
bed, vast processions passed along in mournful pomp; friezes of never-
ending stories, that to my feelings were as sad and solemn as if they were
stories drawn from times before Edipus or Priam, before Tyre, before
Memphis. And at the same time a corresponding change took place
in my dreams; a theatre seemed suddenly opened and lighted up within
my brain, which presented, nightly, spectacles of more than earthly
splendour. And the four following facts may be mentioned as notice-
able at this time: 1. That, as the creative state of the eye increased, a
sympathy seemed to arise between the waking and the dreaming states
of the brain in one point,-that whatsoever I happened to call up and
to trace by a voluntary act upon the darkness was very apt to transfer
itself to my dreams, so that I feared to exercise this faculty; for, as
Midas turned all things to gold, that yet baffled his hopes and defrauded
his human desires, so whatsoever things capable of being visually repre-
sented I did but think of in the darkness immediately shaped them-
selves into phantoms of the eye, and, by a process apparently no less in-
evitable, when thus once traced in faint and visionary colours, like writings
in sympathetic ink, they were drawn out, by the great chemistry of my
dreams, into insufferable splendour that fretted my heart. 2. For this,
and all other changes in my dreams, were accompanied by deep-seated
anxiety and gloomy melancholy, such as are wholly incommunicable by
words. I seemed every night to descend-not metaphorically, but
literally to descend-into chasms and sunless abysses, depths below
depths, from which it seemed hopeless that I should ever reascend.
Nor did I, by waking, feel that I had reascended. This I do not
dwell upon, because the state of gloom which attended these gorgeous
spectacles, amounting at least to utter darkness, as of some suicidal
despondency, cannot be approached by words. 3. The sense of space,
and in the end the sense of time, were both powerfully affected.
Buildings, landscapes, &c., were exhibited in proportions so vast as the
bodily eye is not gifted to receive. Space swelled, and was amplified
to an extent of unutterable infinity. This, however, did not disturb
me so much as the vast expansion of time. I sometimes seemed to
have lived for seventy or 100 years in one night, nay, sometimes had
feelings representative of a millennium, passed in that time, or, however,
of a duration far beyond the limits of any human experience. 4. The
minutest incidents of childhood, or forgotten scenes of later years, were
often revived. I could not be said to recollect them, for if I had been
told of them when waking I should not have been able to acknowledge
them as parts of my past experience. But placed as they were before.
me, in dreams like intuitions, and clothed in all their evanescent cir-
cumstances and accompanying feelings, I recognised them instanta-
neously. I was once told by a near relative of mine, that having in
her childhood fallen into a river, and being on the very verge of death
but for the critical assistance which reached her, she saw in a moment
her whole life, in its minutest incidents, arranged before her simulta-
neously as in a mirror, and she had a faculty developed as suddenly for
comprehending the whole and every part. This, from some opium
experiences of mine, I can believe; I have, indeed, seen the same
thing asserted twice in modern books, and accompanied by a remark
490
OPIUM.
which I am convinced is true, namely, that the dread book of account
which the Scriptures speak of is, in fact, the mind itself of each indi-
vidual. Of this, at least, I feel assured, that there is no such thing as
forgetting possible to the mind; a thousand accidents may and will inter-
pose a veil between our present consciousness and the secret inscriptions.
on the mind. Accidents of the same sort will also rend away the veil;
but alike, whether veiled or unveiled, the inscription remains for ever;
just as the stars seem to withdraw before the common light of day,
whereas, in fact, we all know that it is the light which is drawn over
them as a veil, and that they are waiting to be revealed when the
obscuring daylight shall have withdrawn."
b. "In the early stage of my malady the splendour of my dreams
was chiefly architectural, and I beheld such pomp of cities and palaces
as was never yet beheld by the waking eye, unless in the clouds.
To my architecture succeeded dreams of lakes, and silvery
expanses of water.
The waters now changed their character,
-from translucent lakes, shining like mirrors, they became seas and
oceans. And now came a tremendous change, which, unfolding itself
slowly like a scroll, through many months, promised an abiding tor-
ment, and, in fact, it never left me until the winding up of my case.
Hitherto the human face had often mixed in my dreams, but not
despotically, nor with any special power of tormenting. But now that
which I have called the tyranny of the human face began to unfold
itself. Now it was that upon the rocking waters of the ocean the
human face began to appear; the sea appeared paved with innumerable
faces, upturned to the heavens; faces, imploring, wrathful, despairing,
surged upwards by thousands, by myriads, by generations, by cen-
turies; my agitation was infinite; my mind tossed and swayed with
the ocean."
C. "One memorial of my former condition still remains (i.e.
after he had reduced his dosage to a minimum); "my dreams are not
yet perfectly calm; the dread swell and agitation of the storm have not
wholly subsided; the legions that encamped in them are drawing off,
but not all departed; my sleep is tumultuous, and, like the gates of
Paradise to our first parents, when looking back from afar, it is still (in
the tremendous line of Milton)' with dreadful faces thronged and fiery
arms.' ››
""
d. "The symptoms which attended my case for the first six weeks
of the experiment"-of leaving the drug almost entirely off" were
these enormous irritability and excitement of the whole system, the
stomach in particular" (in which he had become "aware of an in-
creasing callousness or defect of sensibility ") "restored to a full feeling
of vitality and sensibility, but often in great pain; unceasing restlessness
night and day; sleep-I scarcely knew what it was-3 hours out of the
24
was the utmost I had, and that so agitated and shallow that I heard every
sound that was near me; lower jaw constantly swelling; mouth ulce-
rated; and many other distressing symptoms that would be tedious to
repeat, amongst which, however, I must mention one, because it had
never failed to accompany any attempt to renounce O.,—namely,
violent sternutation. This now became exceedingly troublesome, some-
OPIUM.
491
times lasting for 2 h. at once, and recurring at least twice or three times
a day." He speaks also of "the excessive perspiration, which even
at Christmas attends any great reduction in the daily quantum of O.,
and which in July was so violent as to oblige me to use a bath 5 or 6
times a day." (Confessions of an Opium Eater.)
14. In 1841 an opium eater, æt. 26, was admitted into the London
Hospital. He was accustomed to take zij-ziiss of solid O. daily.
He originally began its use to relieve the attacks of angina pectoris.
He was now most anxious to leave off this habit, though the difficulty
of doing so was extreme. It did not diminish, but, according to his
assertion, augmented his appetite; for after each dose he ate vora-
ciously. At first when he commenced its use it caused dryness of
mouth and throat, and constipation; but latterly his bowels have been
as regular as usual. His pulse ranged from 88 to 96. His urine was
somewhat less than natural. The condition of his skin varied; in
general it was dry, but occasionally was covered with profuse perspira-
tion. He described the effects of the O. on his mental faculties as
those of calmness, comfort, and serenity. Under its use he was able
to support great mental and bodily fatigue. He never experienced the
exhilarating and pleasurable sensations described by De Quincey. His
feelings, when not under the influence of O., were most distressing.
At this time his eyes were hollow, dark, and sunken; features haggard;
hands trembling; voice and manner anxious; mouth parched; appe-
tite wanting; sleeplessness. Unable to sleep for want of his accus-
tomed dose, he used to pace the ward of the hospital at n. almost
frantic, though quite sensible of his miserable condition, and anxious to
abandon the practice. (PEREIRA, op. cit., sub voce.)
15. a. E. M—, æt. 35, was admitted May 26th, 1835. About
17 years before she began to suffer from a pain in the r. iliac region,
for which a medical man ordered her to take 10 dr. of laudanum n.
and m.
This was gradually increased, the pain continuing, until at
last she took 3 teaspoonfuls every 4 h. n. and d. At first the 10 dr.
relieved the pain, but it was found necessary to increase the dose to
produce the same effect, so that the 3 teaspoonfuls at last did not pro-
duce so much relief as did the 10 dr. at first. As the dose was in-
creased, she found it produce a very comfortable condition of the mind.
She felt lively and cheerful, and capable of doing any amount of work;
it also produced a sense of warinth over the whole body. She had
severe family afflictions, but was not at all distressed by them while
under the influence of O., though she felt them severely at other
times. If she passed over the usual time for taking a dose, she felt the
most distressing sensations about the joints, not of pain, but such as she
was unable to describe. She suffered from involuntary motions of the
arms, fingers, and toes; numbness in the limbs and body generally;
profuse perspiration; nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite; saline taste
of the saliva and bad taste in mouth; tremor in limbs; great sense of
debility and lassitude. Memory and mental powers generally became
greatly impaired, attended by a miserable depression of spirits. These
symptoms were all relieved by a repetition of the dose. The O. also
produced constipation,-not more than one motion occurring in a
492
OPIUM.
week, and she does not recollect whether even this was produced by
medicine or not. If the dose was deferred, she always suffered from
severe headache; her sense of smell was so much impaired that she
could perceive no pungency in snuff; her taste was so much lost that
she could not distinguish pepper or mustard; and her hearing had
become so defective that she could hardly detect the voice of anyone
who spoke, yet her own voice sounded most disagreeably loud to her;
her touch was so much affected that she could not execute any needle-
work. The acuteness of all her senses was restored by the usual dose,
the want of which was attended by flushing and heat of the face.
During the period of taking the O. she had very little sleep, and in
the intervals she could not attempt to sleep for want of the desire, so
that she generally worked all n. What sleep she had was generally
in the daytime, and that little was much confused, and easily ended.
b. About 5 or 6 years ago, her resources being exhausted, she ob-
tained admission into the hospital. Her laudanum was here left off for
the first 3 d., and all the above symptoms continued; she now, for the
first time, began to see frightful animals and other objects in the ward.
The symptoms were again relieved by her usual doses. The laudanum
was decreased during the whole time, and when she left the hospital.
she took only a teaspoonful in the course of the d. On returning
home, and being dependent on her friends, she was obliged to discon-
tinue the laudanum and wine, and was even unable to get beer. She
was now more miserable than before, all the symptoms returning with
increased severity, and for the first 6 mos. she was almost entirely
helpless. She was then first affected with pain in her chest and a
cough, which has continued ever since. She was 12 mos. at home
before the above distressing symptoms disappeared. The only conse-
quences of her opium eating at present are a much impaired taste,
numbness of the limbs, coldness of the feet, inability to walk far with-
out aching pains in the limbs, and a general sense of lassitude.
(TAYLOR, op. cit., p. 589.)
16. The habitual opium eater (in Turkey) is readily recognised by
his appearance. A total attenuation of body, a withered yellow counte-
nance, a lame gait, a bending of the spine, frequently to such a degree
as to cause the body to assume a circular form, and glassy deep-sunken
eyes, betray him at the first glance. The digestive organs are in the
highest degree disturbed; the sufferer eats scarcely anything, and has
hardly one evacuation in a week; his mental and bodily powers are
destroyed. As the habit becomes more confirmed, his strength con-
tinues decreasing; the craving for the stimulus becomes greater, and,
in order to produce the desired effect, the dose must be constantly
augmented. After long indulgence, the opium-eater becomes subject.
to neuralgic pains, to which O. itself brings no relief. These persons
seldom attain the age of 40 if they have begun to use O. early.
(OPPENHEIM, quoted in Ibid.)
17. A gentleman of a very haggard, sallow, gloomy appearance, and
trembling all over, entered a druggist's shop and asked for an ounce of
laudanum, which was properly refused without medical sanction. He
then asked to be shown how much an ounce was; and when it stood
OPIUM.
493
before him, measured in a graduated glass, he seized it from the
counter, and eagerly swallowed it. The druggist was struck powerless.
The gentleman, seeing his great alarm, assured him it was needless, as
he had been a long time an opium-eater, and took twice daily as much
as he had now drunk. He remained for h. in conversation with the
druggist, who was surprised to observe the wonderful change which so
short a period had made in his visitor, whose manner became animated,
at the same time that his face became plump and suffused with a
pleasing blush. (KIRBY, quoted in Ibid.)
18. MADDEN, having witnessed O. eating in Turkey (which he
describes as do others), tried it himself, taking 4 gr. in divided doses,
and thus relates his sensations :-"My faculties appeared enlarged;
everything I looked at seemed increased in volume. I had no longer
the same pleasure when I closed my eyes which I had when they were
open; it appeared to me as if it was only external objects which were
acted on by the imagination, and magnified into images of pleasure; in
short, it was 'the faint exquisite music of a dream' in a waking
moment. I made my way home as fast as possible, dreading at every
step lest I should commit some extravagance. In walking, I was
hardly sensible of my feet touching the ground; it seemed as if I slid
along the street, impelled by some invisible agent, and that my blood
was composed of some ethereal fluid, which rendered my body lighter
than air. I got to bed the moment I reached home. The most extra-
ordinary visions of delight filled my brain all n.
In the m. I rose, pale
and dispirited; my head ached; my body was so debilitated that I was
obliged to remain on the sofa all d., dearly paying for my first essay at
O. eating." (Travels in Turkey, &c., Lond., 1829.)
19. a. There not unfrequently occurs in some persons, even after
doses of gr. to, a feeling of excessive fulness of head, dizziness, and
headache, lasting several h., or even a number of d., seated sometimes
in frontal, sometimes in occipital region. After larger doses, but still
less than the maximum, there have been noticed buzzing and ringing
in ears, confusion of ideas, dimness of vision, disturbances of hearing,
and partial or complete unconsciousness. The motor sphere may also
be affected, there occurring in some cases, as Albers stated, spasm of
tendons, particularly of extensor muscles; tremor of the hands; jerking,
weakness, and even temporary paralysis of the legs.
b. The changes which sometimes occur in the skin after the use of
O. are especially worthy of study. Aside from the sometimes very
profuse sweating which takes place, the face is congested and intensely
reddened, and the rest of the skin feels hot to the touch. Annoying
itching, without eruption, may also be present. This "pruritus opii
was mentioned by Dioscorides and Paulus Ægineta, and also by
authors of the last century, and described as a tormenting and intoler-
able affection. In rare cases an eruption, with or without pruritus, is
noticed after the use of O. The first recorded observation on this
subject emanated from Tralles, who believed that the eruption bore a
certain relation to the sweating which appeared simultaneously with it.
The presence of the latter symptom is, however, not essential to the
production of the exanthema. Duclos lays special stress on the fact
494
OPIUM.
that this may occur without augmentation of the secretion of the skin.
It consists usually of small red isolated spots, resembling in form those
of measles. According to an observation of Rieken, these spots may
spread diffusely over the whole body, and thus present the appearance
of scarlatina. Even the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat,
this writer states, may be attacked by this "erythematous inflammation."
He witnessed the occurrence of such an eruption on a man every time
he took O. internally, and even after the employment of ointments
and collyria containing it. According to Bérenguier, the erythematous
spots show themselves shortly after taking the drug, on face, neck, arms,
and breast, and disappear without leaving traces of their presence
behind. Behrend has also recently studied an O. eruption.
appeared after taking a few gr. doses, accompanied with violent
itching, on the chest from clavicles to lower end of sternum, on inner
surfaces of both upper arms, flexor surfaces of forearms, and over wrist-
joints, spreading down legs and terminating at ankles in a stripe of livid
colour about three fingers in width. It appeared as a pale scarlatina-
like redness, which, on closer examination, was seen to be composed of
papules of pin-head size lying close together. Several d. after the eruption
had passed away there occurred a fine branny desquamation of the
epidermis. Brand also observed an eruption which spread over the
trunk and flexor surfaces of the body, was attended with intense itching
and high fever, and presented the appearance of a diffuse redness made
up of innumerable small points. In this and a similar case there
appeared after 8 d. a desquamation in the form of flakes of various sizes,
which lasted nearly 10 d. (LEWIN, op. cit.)
be
The
20. a. Dryness of mouth and fauces, huskiness of voice, and dimi-
nution in the sense of taste, occur in a short time, after administration
of the drug in small medicinal doses, and continue during the whole
period of its influence. To the dryness succeeds a viscid secretion,
which contains excrementitious matter having a foul odour. When
O. does not produce nausea, the appetite may not be impaired, may
even increased; but the rule is that the desire for food is lessened.
secretion of mucus, and of the special glandular apparatus of the gastro-
intestinal mucous membrane, is lessened by O., and hence the diges-
tion and the peristaltic movements are less active. The excretions
being thus locked up, dulness and hebetude are experienced, the skin
looks muddy, the tongue is coated and the breath offensive. When the
influence of the O. ceases, it not unfrequently happens that the con-
stipation is succeeded by relaxation of the bowels; and rather profuse
and fœtid evacuations, and increased urinary discharges, take place.
The action of the heart becomes stronger, and the arterial tension rises.
The face flushes a little, the pupil contracts slightly, the conjunctivæ
may be somemhat injected, and the expression of the eyes more brilliant.
At this stage the ideas flow more rapidly, but are less sustained and
orderly. The appreciation of time, the sequence of events, and the
sense of moral fitness, are diminished. The cerebral excitement is,
after a period which varies in different individuals, succeeded by calm
and drowsiness; sleep when it occurs is usually disturbed by visions and
dreams, often of a frightful character. In most subjects, when the
ì
OPIUM.
495
stupor has passed off, headache, vertigo, confusion of mind, nausea,
constipation and muscular hebetude are experienced.
b. When full medicinal doses are administered the symptoms
above described occur in a more intense degree. The stage of cardiac
stimulation and of cerebral excitement* is of much shorter duration,
and the stage of intoxication and sopor not only comes on more quickly,
but is much more pronounced. At first the pulse is increased in fre-
quency, and the respiratory movements are more rapid, but the cardiac
pulsations soon diminish in number and force, and the respirations
become sighing in character and more shallow. There is also present
decided dryness of mouth, fauces, and larynx, and swallowing becomes
somewhat more difficult, and the voice grows husky. Nausea and
vomiting, or at least weight and oppression of the epigastrium, ensue.
Confusion of ideas, vertigo, somnolence, are succeeded by deep sleep,
contracted pupils, slow and relaxed pulse, slow and snoring respiration,
a perspiring skin, and in many persons a general pruritus, which, how-
ever, is more harassing at the nasal orifices. Persons not habituated
to the use of O. usually experience, after a full dose has expended its
force, very distressing sequelæ, referable to the cerebro-spinal system.
The most important of these after-effects are headache, confusion of
mind, vertigo-which is especially severe on assuming the erect pos-
ture, nausea, retching and vomiting,† complete anorexia, and consti-
pation. A mild but defined hepatogenic jaundice not unfrequently
occurs, and the urine is tinged with the colouring matter of the bile.‡
(BARTHOLOW, op. cit.)
21. a. Where the quantity of O. is large, and the form such as
to permit rapid absorption of the whole, the course of symptoms is as
follows: The patient, if an adult, quickly becomes conscious of a
sense of fulness in the head, which seems to commence in the nape of
the neck, and to spread therefrom; and in the course of a few m. feels
great and increasing drowsiness, and a sensation of general heat, which
increases to an almost intolerable degree, and is then accompanied by
sweating. This sweating, which generally bathes the body in mois-
ture, tends to suspend all its other secretions.
b. If the dose given has been very large, it reduces the surface to a
clammy coldness. The drowsiness passes into semi-coma; the patient,
unless aroused, lies unconscious, and is heedless of everything around
him, but if roughly spoken to and shaken can still be induced-though
the speech is thick and hesitating-to answer questions, and even to
*"It is commonly asserted that there is a stage in the action of O. in which the
activity of the mental faculties is exalted. This may be so in some persons, and
especially in those who have accustomed themselves to the use of the drug as a stimu-
lant; but my experience is that in those who do not habitually take O. true mental
power is, in all stages of the action of the drug, diminished rather than increased
(H. C. WOOD).
+ "Very frequently vomiting does not occur so long as absolute rest in the hori-
zontal position is maintained; indeed, an almost diagnostic sign of this affection
may be found in the fact that the stomach is quiet so long as the patient keeps the
head upon the pillow, but the distress occurs at once upon rising up” (IBID.).
"Some persons can never take even a small dose of laudanum or morphia with.
out producing for a day or two clay-coloured motions and high-coloured urine "
(RINGER, op. cit.).
496
OPIUM.
get up and walk about; on leaving him, however, he immediately sub-
sides into his former stupor. The pupils are generally contracted to
the size of a pin's point, and become insensible to light; and there is
buzzing in the ears. The pulse, which in the first or hot stage was
rapid and somewhat full, becomes feeble or irregular, and falls to the
normal rate, or even below it; simultaneously with this alteration the
features become pinched and ghastly, and flushing gives place to livid
pallor, while the muscles of the limbs are affected with spasmodic
jerkings. The mouth and fauces are dry, and there is commonly
nausea, and often vomiting. The general depression of the system is
marked. The respiration becomes more and more embarrassed; in
the later stages the presence of a quantity of mucous secretion in the
tubes makes itself known by the rattling sound of the breathing. The
respiration comes to a standstill usually some m. before the entire
cessation of the heart's action. Death, that is to say, takes place by
apnoea.
c. The course of events differs considerably in young children,
especially in infants. Here there is a more rapid passage into profound
stupor, but what is specially characteristic is the much greater fre-
quency with which convulsions occur. The convulsive movements
vary from mere twitchings of the facial muscles to rhythmical startings
of the limbs; to severe clonic convulsions, which may be hemiplegic,
or may affect both sides of the body alike; and even to tetanic spasms.
I have seen three adults thrown into a state of apparently complete.
tetanic rigidity of the whole body, the mouth open and squared, all the
facial muscles highly tetanised, the spine strongly curved, resembling
the shape of a well-drawn bow; and this state of opisthotonos con-
tinue in each case without abatement 12-48 h., and then only
become relaxed to grow rigid again for a longer or shorter time,
according as the effect of the O. was kept up. One of the patients
remained more or less in this state for 4 or 5 weeks, O. having been
given in the first instance to relieve toothache, and continued for the
convulsive spasms which followed. As soon as the O. was discon-
tinued the patient recovered, but some months afterwards, having acci-
dentally taken it again, the same results quickly reappeared. (PHILLIPS,
op. cit.)
III. Experiments on animals.-I. a. O. acts on all invertebrate
animals by diminishing the contractility in the tissues which have this
property, and consequently weakening all their movements. These
animals always die in a completely powerless state, in a variable time,
and without having shown any signs of excitement.
b. In vertebrate animals, O. exerts the same action on contractility;
it also depresses the nerves, further weakening movements, and blunt-
ing the impressibility of the surface. It causes at the same time con-
vulsive movements, tetanic contractions recurring paroxysmally, and
the other signs of a violent over-excitement of the cerebro-spinal axis.
c. In fishes, amphibia, and reptiles the convulsions are not strong.
enough to cause death, and they die powerless like the invertebrata.
Mammalia and birds often perish during the tetanic paroxysms.
d. The highest mammalia, besides the two previous classes of
1
OPIUM.
497
effects, may present the phenomena of cerebral congestion, as in man ;
but this is not strong enough to cause death.
These propositions are the result of numerous experiments.
(CHARVET, L'Action de l'Opium, Paris, 1826.)
2. SCHROFF, who performed numerous experiments with O. and
its constituents, remarks that although 2 and even 3 gr. certainly con-
tain less than a gr. of morphia, yet their action is strikingly more
intense, occasioning rapidly a degree of narcotism bordering on coma,
but soon subsiding without leaving decided secondary effects behind;
while morphia does not readily produce narcotism, but its after-effects
are of longer duration. O., he further remarks, increases the tempe-
rature of the body and also the sense of heat, but morphia lowers the
temperature even when the sense of warmth is increased. O. primarily
augments the frequency of the pulse, and afterwards diminishes it as
narcotism comes on; but morphia primarily renders the pulse less
frequent. O. is less prone than morphia to disturb the stomach and
excite vomiting, or it does so, if at all, for a shorter time; and it is also
much less apt to produce vesical irritation and retention of urine.
(STILLÉ, op. cit.)
3. a. I injected mxx of tinct. beneath skin of a bitch, pulse being
120, pupils contracting to in. in the light and dilating to. Between
5th and 15th m. she was very qualmish, and at last vomited a heap of
food. The diaphragm acted spasmodically for 3 m. more. She then lay
down with head on the ground. After 7 m., bowels acted, clear mucus
ran from mouth, and pulse was 112. Inh. after injection, pulse was
78 and irregular; respiration irregular and sighing; glairy alkaline
mucus continued to drop from mouth; pupils were broadly dilated in
moderate light. Slight somnolency was now manifested for the first
time, with a little twitching of the hind legs. As the somnolency did.
not increase, I injected at the end of the hour mxx more.
In 1 h.,
pulse was 72, and very regular in relation to the breathing-i. e. the
expiratory rate was 40, and the inspiratory about 120. Resp. 16, and
regular. She continued in the same position, and there was no
further contraction of the pupils. Every now and then she raised her
head and looked about her, and then slowly laid it down again upon
the carpet and closed the eyes. In 15 m. more she became decidedly
drowsy, and the pupils, from being broadly dilated, contracted to 4.
The drowsiness continued for an h., but did not amount to sound and
continuous sleep at any time; and at the end of this period, upon
being a little disturbed, she got up and walked away, and began to
retch. From this time the drowsiness began to pass off, and she
continued to walk about, listen to footsteps on the other side of the
door, and pry about. Pulse was now 78, and less irregular; resp. 18.
b. Injected mxl by two punctures, one on either side of body.
From 7th to 10th m. vomiting, until stomach was emptied. At 15th
m. lay down and remained quiet, with eyes open; pulse 130, regular;
respiration shallow, irregular. During next h., respiration was much
disturbed, and occasionally suspended for 15 seconds; after a long-
drawn inspiration, it gradually became slower, and ultimately sank to
15; the pulse meanwhile was depressed to 72, and influenced by the
VOL. III,
32
}
498
MORPHINUM.
breathings. Glairy mucus continued to trickle from the mouth. Up
to end of 3rd h. she did not have any sound or continuous sleep; she
remained dull and quiet, and when called, or disturbed by the approach
of anyone, would get up and walk slowly into the next room. When
left undisturbed she fell off into a nap, from which a slight noise awoke
her. After 3 h. the somnolency had almost entirely passed off, and
she was walking about most of the time. She could run, and jumped.
well off a chair. Pulse 80, respiratory. Resp. 15, irregular. Pupils
at diffuse daylight, and dilated widely towards dusky
(HARLEY, op. cit., p. 109.)
contracted to
6
side of room.
Morphinum, morphia ; alkaloid obtained from opium (C17H15NO3.
H₂O.)
I. Provings.-I. CHARVET, 5.50 a.m., when his pulse was 65, took
I gr. acetate in I drachm water. 6.15 a.m., pulse 90, tension in head.
6.30 a.m., vertigo, drowsiness; pulse 80, fulness in orbits, tinnitus
aurium. Slept 5 h., dreamed of many things, but heard all that took
place about him, and was fully conscious of his state. At first it was
pleasant, he felt lively twitchings in arms, head, and face. 8.30 a.m.,
woke up by nausea and inclination to vomit; pulse 62. He then fell
asleep again. 1 p.m., wide awake, he had call to urinate, but could not
pass anything. 2 p.m., recurrence of inclination to vomit. 7 p.m.,
nausea. 10 p.m., was able to urinate. Next d., anorexia, heaviness of
head, constipation. (Op. cit.)
4
2. a. CHEVALLIER took gr. acetate in 3 oz. water. Bitter taste
and irritation of œsophagus for 20 m., then headache more in r. than
1. side for h., a painful sensation remained behind, pupils somewhat
dilated. After h. nausea, tongue red on borders, violet in middle;
pulse slow, full, intermitting; could not work; restless sleep with
frequent starting for 6 h.; on waking, head painful, eyes sunken, espe-
cially r., mouth doughy, general exhaustion; all went off after
exercise.
1
b. gr. in 3 oz. water. After h. violent headache, face red, lips.
and cornea as if injected, pupils unaltered, tongue uniformly red, great
nausea, dryness and contraction of oesophagus, pulse strong, quick, skin
warm, itching, especially on arm, slept 5 h. quietly; on waking, pain
in r. side of head, doughy mouth, weary limbs, pains along spine, urine
clear and light coloured.
c. gr. in 3 oz. water. After h. violent headache, irritation of
œsophagus, dilated pupils, pulse strong, anxious respiration with acute
pains in chest, at every inspiration violent pain in abdomen and along
spine; then restless sleep with frequent starting; after sleep stiffness,
pain in arms, patches of red papules, mental powers obtuse, urine
turbid and slimy.
d. I gr. in 3 oz. water. After 20 m. violent headache, great irri-
tation of œsophagus, inclination to vomit, burning thirst, pulse raised,
dyspnoea with violent pain. Drowsiness, tranquil sleep for a long time.
Woke with headache, cramp, nausea, anxiety, general prostration,
dazed expression, arms and legs covered with red papules. (Rev. Méd.,
1824; from Wibmer.)
MORPHINUM.
499
3. a. WIBMER took, Feb. 18th, at 9.20 a.m., pulse 75, gr. of
acetate. After 10 m. head dull, especially in forehead. After 1 h.
pulse hard, small, 72; head heavy, with tensive feeling in it as though
both frontal bones would be pressed asunder; thinking and working
difficult. After h. dulness of head still present, though less; face
hot; pulse 75. Headache now went off gradually; slight stiffness and
heaviness of limbs on rising from chair. 10.30 a.m., no headache, but
confusion of head. 10.45 a.m., head free, pulse 68. Now took gr.
After h. dull headache, which went off in a few m. 11.30 a.m.,
slight nausea with increased heat of face, head heavy, hot, inclination
to vomit; after a few m. face got cool, paler than usual, general weak-
ness affecting limbs, pulse 66, pressive headache, drowsiness. 11.45
a.m., great inclination to vomit, nausea, irritation. Lay down and
slept 10 m., in sleep slight twitching in limbs. Noon, got up, felt well,
pulse 70, head somewhat dazed. 1.30 p.m., took a drink of vinegar,
which increased nausea and headache; little appetite. When and after
eating increase of heaviness and stupefaction of head. Lay down
and slumbered; during sleep twitching of muscles of face and limbs ;
on rising the heavy stupefied head symptoms returned. Pressive sen-
sation in stomach, drowsiness. When writing unsteadiness, trembling of
hand. Could not think or read well and headache increased thereby, felt
quite well when lying in a slumber. This nausea and vertigo on rising
lasted till 6 p.m., when he vomited his dinner and felt better. From
8 to 9 p.m. violent itching all over body. Passed turbid urine in e. ;
no stool this d. or next m., only a scanty hard stool at 2 p.m.
b. July 21st, 7 a.m., pulse being 70, took gr. morph. After h.
head confused, thinking difficult, heaviness of limbs. Heat, especially of
face, increased. 7.45 a.m., tensive feeling in head as if cranial cavity
were too narrow for brain; reading, writing and thinking difficult, head
hot, frequent rumbling in belly. 8 a.m., eyelids tended to close, felt
very prostrated, great desire to lie down. 8.15 a.m., all symptoms.
lessened, his head somewhat dazed and limbs heavy. 8.30, took gr.,
pulse 75. 8.45, quite well. Inh. head began to get dazed and
confused. 9.30 a.m., quite well. Went out to work till 12 noon,
felt dazedness and confusion of head, difficulty of thinking, sight clouded.
Coming home had eructation and nausea, threw up some phlegm and
was relieved, great weariness and trembling of limbs made him lie
down. On rising up had nausea and inclination to vomit. 1.30 p.m.,
vomited acid, bright green fluid with relief to sickness. Lay down
from 2 to 3.30 p.m. in a half-waking slumber, had most confused
fancies, his limbs lay stiffened and immovable without great effort of will.
Constant twitching, especially in jaw, otherwise felt well while lying.
3.30 p.m., got up, was very tired, could not work, head confused, hands
trembled. After this gradually got well. (WIBMER, op. cit., iv,
133.)
3
4
4. a. ALLINIO, æt. 22, bilious temperament, pulse 66, took at 3 p.m.
gr. acetate. After 5 m. pain in pit of stomach, drowsiness, dyspnea.
After 20 m. profuse perspiration all over body, pupils greatly dilated,
pulse 94. After 33 m. drowsiness, frontal pain. After 50 m. lips
livid, face red, puffy, conjunctiva swollen, throbbing pain in sinciput.
500
MORPHINUM.
After 52 m. pain in vesical region, look stupid, eyes very sparkling,
great thirst, weakness. 4.30 p.m., itching of skin, pain in urinary and
genital organs, especially r. spermatic cord, weight in forehead. This
continued till 7 p.m., when he had great pain in scrob. cordis,
nausea, inclination to vomit. Till 1.30 a.m. restless, headache, pain
in umbilical region; slept soundly till 6.30 a.m. Woke with dull
pain in forehead.
1
b. 8.15 a.m., took gr. acetate; pulse 66, bitter taste. After
20 m. tongue red, pupils dilated. After h. violent frontal pain,
burning heat of skin, exhaustion, pulse 80. 9 a.m., lips livid, great
thirst, inclination to vomit. Felt exhausted all d.
c. 8.30 a.m., 1 gr. Almost immediately pain in stomach, dilated
pupils, eyes looked as if they would start out of sockets, face red, lips
pale, tip of tongue red, palate scarlet and painful. 9 a.m., violent
headache, pulse 78, pain in scrob. cordis. increased, weight in forehead.
Then restless sleep, face covered with sweat, pulse 88. II a.m., woke
with pain in forehead, scrob, cordis and bladder; exhaustion and pain
in joints till noon. No appetite, nausea, inclination to vomit. Slept
well at n. Next m. watery diarrhoea. 8.30 a.m., violent frontal
pain, cold sweat on back, fainted twice, with dilated pupils, tongue
pale, mouth sticky and bitter. During d. 2 painful stools. Recovered
gradually. (BERANDI, Annal. universal., 1829, from Wibrner.)
5. a. CRISPO, æt. 21, sanguine-bilious temperament, took at 3 p.m.
gr. Taste very bitter. After 4 m. nausea. After 20 m. stupefac-
tion, dilated pupils, rumbling in belly, pulse 79. After 30 m. circum-
scribed redness in cheeks, stupid look, sparkling eyes, cold sweat over
body, weight in head, sleepiness, profuse general sweat. 5.30 p.m.,
pain in bladder, I watery stool, pain in scrob. cordis, slept well at n.
b. gr. when pulse was 65, pain in scrob. cordis. After 5 m.
burning at back of fauces. After 20 m. redness of tongue, dilated
pupils. After 25 m. weariness in limbs, sacrum, neck, joints; pulse
68, irregular, conjunctiva injected, face red, puffy, lips pale. All n.
pupils dilated. Next m. eruption all over body.
c. Pulse beating 84, took at 8.30 a.m. gr. After h. inclination
à
to vomit. After h. dilated pupils, pulse 94.
10 a.m., face red and
puffy. Appetite for dinner good. After dinner drowsy (unusual),
slept till 5 p.m., then woke with frontal pain, and then violent pain in
umbilical region. Next m. well, but face and most of body covered
with a rash. (Ibid.)
6. a. NABUNI, æt. 19, sanguine temperament, took gr. Pulse
63, in h. rose to 108, border and tip of tongue red.
8
b. gr. caused only bitter taste and red tongue.
1
c.gr. at 8.30 a.m., when pulse was 66. After h. pupils dilated,
pulse 82. 10 a.m., pulse 92. Slight pain in scrob. cordis and abdo-
men. (Ibid.)
7. a. BERANDI himself, with pulse at 65, took at 3 p.m. gr.
Immediately pain in scrob. cordis, to bladder. After 5 m. profuse
general sweat. After 15 m. nausea, dyspnoea, heaviness, pale tongue,
pulse 66. After 50 m. pupils much dilated, pain in occiput, pressure
above eyes, conjunctiva injected. After 55 m. intolerable pain in r.
MORPHINUM.
501
}
side of head, restlessness, red face, beads of perspiration on face, stupid,
sad expression, itching of skin. 4 p.m., violent headache, face livid,
after a few m. restless disturbed sleep for 3 h.; on waking, violent
pain in scrob. cordis and bladder, scanty clear urine with much urging;
on rising persistent nausea and pressure in umbilical region. Food in-
creased pain in stomach. 10 p.m., diarrhoea, pains in stomach, navel,
and bladder. N. restless, skin dry, itching. Next m. diarrhoea.
&
b. gr. Immediately pain in scrob. cordis and r. side of head,
pupils much dilated even when he looked at sun. Pulse rose from 61
to 86. Then nausea, inclination to vomit, weakness of joints, con-
junctiva injected, lips pale, eyes sparkling, dull pain in forehead, espe-
cially on r. side. 10 a.m., fell asleep, cheeks red; on waking, tip and
borders of tongue red, middle violet, pain in stomach, navel, and bladder,
febrile pulse. 11, vomited green stuff; got gradually well during d.
c. At 9 a.m., when pulse was 60, took 1 gr. After h. pulse 80,
pain in stomach, face puffy, eyes injected, tongue red, headache; slept
quietly till 11 a.m., then nausea and vomiting ensued. After a moderate
dinner, headache, violent pain in stomach, so that he had to go to bed.
Slept till 8.30 p.m. At n. restless sleep, fever, headache, itching of
skin, diarrhoea which lasted next d. Suffered for 3 d. from pain in
stomach. (Ibid.)
1
3
8. Having occasion to take a dose of M. I was struck with the
largely increased urinary secretion and its clear limpid character.
Next d. I measured all the quantity passed in 24 h., and proved it to
be 28 oz., sp. gr. 1014. The next d., after urinating on rising, I ate
and drank as usual, but took gr. of the sulphate at 7, 10, 1, and
4 o'clock; and, measuring all the urine passed up to 9 p.m., found it to
be 45 oz., very limpid, sp. gr. 1003. This experiment was repeated
carefully at intervals of 5 d., and each time showed a corresponding
increase in quantity and lowering of sp. gr. Since that time I have
several times repeated the experiment, and always with the same results.
Lest this should be the result of some idiosyncrasy I subjected five
young men to the experiment, and with four of them obtained a very
large increase and lower sp. gr. With one of them, on two trials,
found no perceptible increase or diminution of the quantity, but a
marked lessening of sp. gr. I have not obtained the same results with
O. itself. (WOODWARD, Bost. Med. and Surg. Journ., lxv, 157.)
9. a. Whenever I have taken a single full dose of the sulphate
(which, with me, is about gr. ) I have invariably been entirely unable
to sleep for 4-6 h. afterwards. My wakefulness has always been calm,
placid, and pleasurable. Thus, when I have taken the dose at the
beginning of the e., I have usually been kept awake by it till about 2 the
next m., though the sleep obtained during the remainder of the n. has
seemed to refresh me as much as if I had slept the whole time.
b. The first dose I ever took consisted only of gr. 1, and in about
6 h. it produced a very disagreeable vertigo, and would doubtless have
produced vomiting had I not confined myself to my bed till the whole
effect of the drug had passed by. (TULLY, Ibid, vii, 29, 31.)
10. Three doses of M., of gr. each, dissolved in alcohol, produced
on SERTÜRNER and three of his pupils a decided stimulant effect, which
502
MORPHINUM.
was followed by prostration, numbness, and faintness. In one delicate
individual who swallowed vinegar while in this condition, violent
vomiting was immediately excited, which was followed by profound
sleep, and next d. by headache, heaviness, anorexia, nausea, retching,
and torpor of intestines. (Ibid., p. 32.)
11. gr. of M., taken by me when in a state of health, produces.
scarcely any appreciable effect, supposing that I am in a state of
indifference as to food (i. e. with a stomach neither recently filled nor,
on the contrary, pained with hunger). Administered at a time when
I am decidedly hungry, it has a most remarkable influence in dispelling
the desire for food, for which it substitutes a warm and comfortable
feeling, not merely in the stomach but also in the whole body, which
exactly resembles the pleasant sensation occasioned by a moderate meal
of good food, and endures for about 1 h. or 1 h., and then quickly
subsides, leaving no trace of depression except that occasioned by
hunger. I have repeated this experiment at least a dozen times, at
intervals of several weeks; and always with the same result (except
or two occasions the influence of the drug has lasted
longer). The medicine caused no particular inclination for sleep. The
largest dose I have been able to take without producing greater effects
than those mentioned is gr. . (ANSTIE, Stimulants and Narcotics,
p. 119.)
that on one
12. Dr. A. M. CUSHING took 100 dr. of 3rd dil. of sulphate, Dec.
8th at 10 p.m. Next d. frequent dizzy spells with momentary loss of
sight. Repeated dose at same time. 10th.-Awoke with severe colic.
Spells of dizziness and loss of sight all d. At 10 p.m. took 3j. 11th.
-Awoke with cramp in epigastrium as if clenched by a hand.
At II
p.m. took ziss. 12th.-In m. dull frontal headache; mouth dry;
colic, relieved by turning on back; desire for stool for 2 h., then small
stool with great straining; at 2 p.m. soft loose stool with horrid
tenesmus and burning in rectum, almost causing frenzy ; pain over and
at side of 1. eye all d., with some pain in 1. ear.
"I made and procured several other short provings of the drug,
but have mislaid them. The most prominent symptom in all of them
was violent and sudden neuralgic pains, similar to those of belladonna."
(Publ. of Mass. Hom. Med. Soc., iii, 569.)
6
13. M. E, æt. 48, strong, but suffering from sciatica. Pulse
78; pupils at light, towards dark side of room dilating to ; tongue
a little furred and not very moist. Injected gr. of acetate. After
30 m., pulse unchanged; pupils, dilate to . At first experienced
a little nausea; after 15 m. drowsiness, and since then sleep. After I
h. 20 m., pulse unchanged, nausea gone, felt a little giddy, and con-
tinued heavy and sleepy. After 2 h. 18 m., pulse fallen 6 beats, full,
regular; pupils as at 30 m.; mouth unchanged throughout. Still con-
tinued drowsy. Now walked home, a distance of 3 miles; felt very
weak going along, and on getting home "broke out into a cold per-
spiration, and was low-spirited, faint, and almost ready to drop."
Recovered in abouth., after taking a cup of tea; but still feeling
poorly and sleepy, went to bed and slept about 2 h. The injection
* The acetate was used in all Harley's experiments.
1
10
MORPHINUM.
503
was repeated on another occasion with exactly the same results.
(HARLEY, op. cit., p. 124.)
1
14. J. L—, æt. 54, an able-bodied man, suffering from severe
facial neuralgia. Pulse 74, regular, good volume and power; pupils ;
tongue clean and moist. Injected gr. . It produced great somnolency
1.
after 15 m.; and after 2 h. pulse was reduced 19 beats (to 55), un-
changed in volume and power, pupils. Had continued very drowsy,
and slept at intervals. Walked cautiously, and felt giddy. No nau-
seating or other effects. Walked home, and continued sleepy for 2 or
3 h. (Ibid.)
Ginge
-
15. S. M, æt. 49, able bodied and well nourished, but for 15
years a great sufferer from facial neuralgia. Pulse 74, of fair volume
and power; resp. 19-20; pupils at light, sideways; tongue moist,
and when the pain came on there was much slobbering.
a. Injected gr. . Somnolency followed, and after h. he fell
asleep and had a short nap. After 2 h., pulse 70, a little fuller and
stronger; pupil. Somnolency had continued, and he still felt a
little sleepy.
1
3
0
1
b. Injected gr. 1, 3 h. after tea; urine acid, sp. gr. 1022, about zij
in the hour. After 15 m. great somnolency. After 30 m., pulse
accelerated 6 beats, unchanged in volume and power; intermitted
thrice in 2 m.; pupils ; somnolency continues. After h. dozing;
resp. 15, regular; pulse accelerated 8 beats, no intermittence; pupil,
sideways After 1 h., pulse only I beat quicker, of diminished
volume; after 24 h., pulse decreased 8 beats, and of less volume and
power than before injection; pupils as at 30 m.; somnolency con-
tinued, and he was very comfortable; head, face and hands cool. The
somnolency was at no time so great that he could not prevent sleep;
and when he gave way to it he passed into a gentle slumber from which
a slight noise awoke him. During the 24 h. 3iv of bright acid urine,
sp. gr. 1020, was secreted.
c. Injected gr. 2 h. after tea; had secreted during the previous h.
3ij pale acid urine, sp. gr. 1009 2. After 10 m. began to feel very
sleepy; pulse accelerated 16 beats; resp. 16, regular; eyes suffused;
pupils, sideways. After h., pulse accelerated 20 beats, increased
in power; resp. 14, regular; tongue unchanged; membranes of eye
much injected; cheeks hot and flushed; scalp a little less so. After
I h. pulse had attained its maximum acceleration of 26 beats, strong
and regular, and of good volume-a pulse indicative of strong stimu-
lation; resp. 14, regular; pupil, sideways; general diffusion of
warmth throughout body; eyes injected, face and head hot and
flushed. After 2 h. the maximum acceleration of the pulse and the
other symptoms continued unchanged. After 3 h. the symptoms.
began to decline; the pulse had fallen from 100 to 96, and had nearly
returned to its original volume and power; resp. still 14; pupils
sideways; less heat and flushing of head and face; somnolency rather
less. After 3 h., pulse 94, still a little fuller and stronger; resp. 14,
regular; anterior part of tongue dryish. Had slept throughout com-
fortably and a little more soundly than in ordinary sleep. Was not
conscious of dreaming, but muttered a good deal. During the 3 h. fol-
1
10
504
MORPHINUM.
lowing the injection, 3vss of bright acid urine, sp. gr. 1022, was
secreted. The only after-effect was a little sleepiness during the next
48 h. (Ibid.)
16. J. W—, æt. 33, subject of severe lumbar neuralgia. Pulse 78;
pupil ; tongue clean and wet.
1
-
a. Injected gr. 1. After 50 m., pulse decreased 4 beats; some
drowsiness and giddiness. After 1 h., pulse decreased 10 beats, un-
changed in volume and power; pupil; face slightly flushed. Had
begun to feel more light-headed and sleepy h. previously. After 3 h.,
pulse 60, i. e. decreased 18 beats, of normal volume and power; pupil.
Dozed, and had had some sound sleep since last date. No change
throughout in mouth or vision; continued to read newspaper for 1 h.
succeeding injection. Now walked away a distance of 4 miles.
4
b. Some weeks after, injected gr. . Somnolency followed within
5 m. After 1 h., pulse decreased 4 beats, unchanged in volume and
power; had slept soundly for h., and was now very sleepy and giddy;
pupil; vision unimpaired. (Ibid.)
17. C. V, æt. 32, strong man save for chronic lumbago. Pulse
76; pupils at light, sideways, at dark side of room. Injected
gr. 2 h. after breakfast. Passed 3ix urine, acid, sp. gr. 1010'4.
After 30 m., pulse unchanged; pupil, sideways, and at dark side
of room; tongue clean and moist; no drowsiness. After 1 h., pulse
decreased 16 beats, regular, of unchanged volume and power. After
2 h., pulse decreased 20 beats; passed 3xviiiss of urine, alkaline,
sp. gr. 1008.8.
After 4 h., pulse decreased 22 beats, being now 54,
regular, and of good volume and power; pupils continued as at 30 m.;
tongue and mouth remained unchanged, moist, and clean; no nausea
or somnolency throughout; passed vij more of urine, freely acid,
sp. gr. 1009 2. Now walked home, and between 5th and 6th h. felt
a little nausea, but no somnolency. The injection was repeated on
two occasions with the same result, viz. decrease in frequency of pulse
and contraction of pupils; but, in addition, a little heat and flushing
of face and slight giddiness. There was no apparent somnolency on
either occasion. (Ibid.)
18. Mary B—, æt. 46, well nourished, but very lame from sciatica.
Pulse 80; pupils at light, aside barely. Injected gr. behind
1
trochanter. After 10 m., giddiness and somnolency; then fell asleep
for h. After 1 h. awoke, and complained of being very giddy, and
said that everything was running round; cheeks and forehead hot and
flushed, hands hot," felt hot all over;" pulse increased in volume and
power; pupils at light, aside; tongue clean and wet. After 2 h.,
-had felt very drowsy and sickish; pulse 74, regular, of same volume
and power as before injection; pupils at light, aside; tongue moist,
a slight whitish fur, indented. During next 5 h. was distressed with
nausea, faintness, and constant retchings, with alternate flushes of heat and
cold. Experiment was repeated with exactly the same results. (Ibid.)
19. Mrs. N-, æt. 40, a spare, very excitable, loquacious little
woman, afflicted with severe neuralgic pains in r. shoulder. Pulse
100; pupils tongue clean and moist; general health good.
Injected gr. into affected part. After 40 m. looked very heavy, and
Ü
dejting
1
MORPHINUM.
505
felt "dreadfully tipsy;" pupils. After 1 h., pulse decreased four
beats, regular; drowsiness gone off; now felt very ill, with "inde-
scribable sensation, worse to bear than any pain" behind lower half of
sternum; sick and faint. After 2 h., pulse decreased 30 beats, feeble,
and slightly irregular; had suffered constant nausea, and vomited twice;
bowels had acted loosely twice; was pale and cold, and almost unable
to walk. During next 4 h. she continued in this state; and did not
recover from the weakness, and tendency to nausea and faintings, for
a week. She subsequently told me that M. always had the above-
described effect on her; that 6 dr. of laudanum by stomach would
make her sick and faint; and that she could readily distinguish between
the action of laudanum and morphia, the latter always producing a
more intense feeling of distress in the præcordia. (Ibid.)
1
10
6
15
20. a. Mrs. W, æt. 34, stout and healthy, of hysterical tempera-
ment, and liable to neuralgia, which she had now had for two years in
fingers; pulse 80; pupils at light, at dark side of the room;
tongue clean and moist. Injected gr. 1 into arm. In 15 m., drowsi-
ness. After h., pulse accelerated 6 beats; pupils at light, away
from it. After 1 h., drowsy and giddy; pulse same. After 2 h.,
pulse 80, regular, of good volume and power; pupils as at 2 h.; giddi-
ness and drowsiness had now passed off; tongue and mouth unchanged,
and there was no nausea or faintness throughout.
b. Some time later, injected gr. into affected finger. After & h.,
pulse weaker; face slightly flushed; had felt faint, tremulous and sick
for 15 m. After 1 h., had napped for 20 m.; pulse feeble, decreased
4 beats, intermitting occasionally; felt sick and faint; face pale
and anxious, and she was generally cold and tremulous; resp. irregular,
with frequent sighs. After 3 h., had slept h. more, but still con-
tinued very sick and faint; pulse very small, weak and intermittent,
accelerated 6 beats; pupils and mouth unchanged throughout. She
now walked home. Slight drowsiness continued for a short time, but
there was no more nausea. A month later, same dose was given with
same results, but vomiting and retching continued some h. (Ibid.)
21. a. The train of symptoms from gr. of acetate by the mouth
were these :—The first was nausea, which was accompanied, in 25 m.,
by tightness across the brows, and headache; pulse was retarded;
saliva diminished; mouth and fauces became dry. Later, pulse was
still further retarded. The nausea passed off in a few h., the most
persistent symptom being headache. With larger doses pupils become
contracted, and nausea and loss of appetite may continue for some time
after the other symptoms have passed off, or vomiting even may occur.
1
2
b. Nausea was not observed to follow the introduction of the drug
into the rectum in so marked a degree as when it was given by the
mouth. In some cases, itching of the skin was a prominent symptom ;
but no other difference in the kind of symptoms was observed.
c. From injection of gr. into cellular tissue, the first signs of
absorption (after 4-10 m.) were dizziness and faintness; then ensued
headache, nausea, acceleration of pulse with slight increase of tempera-
ture, burning heat of face and flushing of cheeks. The period of
excitement passes off in about 20 m.; pulse is retarded, temperature
506
MORPHINUM.
falls, natural secretions are diminished; saliva ceasing to flow, mouth
and fauces become dry and constricted; general lassitude and dis-
position to sleep come over the patient; pulse beats yet more slowly,
and occasionally is irregular; in some cases itching of the skin is felt,
in others profuse sweating. If the dose be large, retching and even
vomiting may follow, nausea and headache being prolonged for some
time. (Med.-Chir. Trans., 1, 572.)
22. a. Man, æt. 31, in perfect health. At 11.35 a.m., 2 h. after
breakfast, gr. was injected, pulse being 60. 11.40, slight dizziness
and faintness, which gradually increased and became severe at 11.45,
when they were accompanied by headache, tightness of forehead, pain
at back of eyeballs, and slight nausea. 11.50, heaviness of eyelids;
pulse 68; previous symptoms increased. 11.55, burning heat of cheeks
and face. 12, pulse 60; dizziness increased, decided dryness of
tongue; head symptoms severe; some dimness of sight. Partial relief
from these disagreeable symptoms was obtained by lying down. 12.7,
pulse 58, headache rather less; other symptoms unaltered. 12.10,
marked decrease in quantity of saliva, with general dryness of mouth
and fauces; utter incapacity for work or exertion of any kind. 12.17,
pulse 54, intermittent; inclined to doze; general lassitude and disin-
clination to work; dryness of mouth, constriction of fauces. 12.32,
pulse 53, irregular; somnolence. 1.10, speech thick; inclination to
misuse words; pupils contracted. 1.37, slight itching, with general
dryness of skin. 1.55, pulse 48, very sleepy; slept for a short time.
3.5, dull and heavy, but not so overpowered with sleep. 4.20, able to
go out and do some work; the more potent effects of the drug are
passing off. Pulse irregular. 5.5, head a little lighter. This state
continued till 11.30 p.m., when pulse was 50, and he had headache,
heavy eyelids, and flushed cheeks. Went to bed; heavy sleep dis-
turbed by dreams, and disinclination to rise on following m. Next
d. urine diminished in quantity; less bile in stools than usual; appetite
bad. Pulse at 9.30 a.m. had returned to 60. Dryness of mouth lasted
till 1.30 p.m., that of skin till 5.30. Headache remained, though in
minor degree, till e. of 2nd d., and nausea was not removed till m. of
3rd d.
b. Same individual took, at 11.44 a.m., same dose in a drop of
water on tongue; pulse 64. 11.54, slight nausea; pulse same.
12.12, nausea increased, and accompanied by some tightness of fore-
head. 12.42, pain across forehead and nausea; pulse 56. Symptoms
very slight, and no disinclination to work. 1.11, dryness of mouth
and tongue, not so marked as on previous occasion.
1.42, dizziness
began to pass off; pulse 54; pupils not observed to be small. 1.57,
nausea giving place to feeling of hunger; headache remained, but there
was less dizziness; pulse 54. 6.30, pulse 66; no nausea or dizziness
secretion of saliva restored; no alteration observed in quantity of
urine, bile, or perspiration; only slight heaviness existed across brows.
This had quite passed off, and no symptoms remained, at 11 p.m.
(Ibid., p. 604.)
T
23. At 9 p.m., Feb. 15th, 1875, Dr. C. P. GATCHELL, for ex-
periment, administered to himself two hypodermic injections of M.
MORPHINUM.
507
ath. intervals, each injection of gr. 4. The 1st produced only
heaviness of arms and head and tingling in feet. After the second,
very sleepy, mind very active, but seemingly without control of the
will. Thoughts followed each other in quick succession, and the
mind jumped rapidly from one subject to another. The condi-
tion seemed to be analogous to that which exists when in a dream,
seeming to involve days or weeks, but known to occupy but a few
seconds or m. of time. Went to sleep for a short time, but was soon
wakened by an itching sensation over whole body, which induced
vigorous and constant scratching. This was felt on every part of
body, from crown of head to soles of feet. Head itched as though
innumerable insects were crawling through his hair. Face felt as
though covered with cobwebs, which he tried to wipe off; bottom of
feet as if he had chilblains. Legs, arms, abdomen, and back all itched
as if tickled with feathers. This, with the scratching induced, lasted
until m. Occasionally after scratching he would fall asleep, but only
to be awakened by the itching, necessitating more vigorous scratching
In spite of this, skin in m. was smooth and white. Much vertigo on
rising. Pupils much contracted and irresponsive, eyes feel small-too
small for sockets, look watery and countenance haggard, like one who
had been dissipating. Gait irregular and staggering like a drunken
man. Impossibility to study or fix mind on one subject. For an h. after
rising, in talking had to stop in midst of the simplest sentence and
think what word to say. At intervals during d. and in e. slight itching,
as from fleas. This was the only remaining symptom after 24 h. (U.S.
Med. Invest., March 1st, 1875.)
II. Poisonings.-1. M. X-, æt. 30, in good health save for occa-
sional severe headaches and cerebral congestions following upon a
meningitis at 14 years, took immediately after dining, with suicidal
intent, I grm. of acetate in bread-crumbs. He returned h. later to
his lodging, apparently calm, but fell suddenly as if lightning-struck.
Time was lost in summoning a brother, and Dr. Salviat did not see
him till after 2 h. more. He found him stretched on the ground en-
tirely insensible; teeth locked; limbs relaxed; eyes fixed, insensible to
light; face flushed; pulse full, slightly quickened. Ignorant of the
cause, he opened a vein. As the blood flowed, patient opened his eyes
and appeared to regain some sense; on being questioned, he confessed
to having taken M. An emetic was then sent for, but before it could
be given he had relapsed into insensibility and teeth were clenched.
Mayer's hammer was applied to various parts of body, but only provoked
some convulsive movements, which soon ceased again. Pulse and
surface temperature had now fallen considerably. Nothing further was
done, but about 4 a.m. consciousness began to return, the emetic was
given with effect, and then some coffee. The physician, recalled,
found coma indeed, but not such as to prevent questions being sensibly
answered. He gave another (antimonial) emetic, and directed a strong
solution of tannin to be administered when vomiting should have ceased.
At 2 p.m. he saw him again, and found him quite conscious. He now
had convulsive movements, tingling all over body, nausea, profuse
sweatings, burning thirst, constipation, suppression of urine, but no
508
MORPHINUM.
contraction of pupils. By e. he was better, and next m. was up, com-
plaining only of great fatigue and some tingling in limbs. (TARDIEU,
op. cit.)
2. A young doctor swallowed 24 gr. of acetate in 1 oz. water.
After 10 m. burning in back of head and pit of stomach, whence an
itching formication spread along linea alba to r. and 1. hough.
After a
little the same feeling occurred in upper extremities, and all the limbs
felt bruised. This was followed by heat of whole head; after several
h. burning thirst, dry tongue, consciousness perfect, no nausea or
vomiting, shooting in eyes, which seemed to have a veil before them.
The heat now went through whole body, but the limbs remained cold;
abdomen was distended, carotids throbbed, and he now for the first time
felt approaching stupor. Inh. afterwards, when the people of the house
came into his room to learn why he lay so long in bed, he could not see
them, though he was sensible enough to reply to their inquiries that he
lay in bed because he had not slept the n. before.
Soon after this he
fell into a state of profound stupor, and lost all consciousness. In 13 h.
he was visited by Orfila, who found him cold, quite comatose, and
affected with lockjaw; the pupils were feebly dilated, pulse 120,
breathing hurried and stertorous, belly tense and tympanitic; and there
were occasional convulsions, with intense itching of the skin. By
means of copious venesection, sinapisms, ammoniated frictions, stimulant
clysters, ice on the head, &c., he was gradually aroused, so that in 6 h.
he recognised Prof. Orfila. In subsequent n. and d. he had difficult and
scanty micturition, with pain in kidneys and bladder, and difficulty in
swallowing; but these symptoms went off during 2nd n., and on 3rd
m. he was quite well. (CHRISTISON, op. cit., 4th ed., p. 725.)
3. A young man addicted to opium-eating, but who had left off the
practice for a twelvemonth, took first 10 gr. and in 10 m. 40 gr. more
of the acetate. In 5 m. from last dose he had excessive general feeble-
ness and sense of impending dissolution, which forced him to confess
what he had done. In 15 m. more M. Castara found him motionless,
almost comatose, and breathing laboriously. Limbs were flaccid, pupils
contracted, face and lips livid, skin warm and moist, pulse full and hard,
deglutition impossible. He was bled to 18 oz., upon which he started.
as from sleep, rubbed his eyes, said everything turned round him, and
that he could not see the people present. When left to himself he
quickly fell into a calm slumber, but if kept awake he told collectedly
all that happened before he became comatose. He complained chiefly
of slight itching and a general bruised feeling. In an h., by keeping
him constantly roused, his consciousness was almost restored, and this
without vomiting having been produced, though 2 gr. of tartar emetic
had been swallowed and three administered by the rectum. In 4 h.
after he swallowed the poison he vomited freely and had diarrhoea.
After this he recovered, the sleepiness continuing all next d., and the
itching of the skin even longer. (Fourn. de Chim. Méd., vii, 135.)
4. A girl, æt. 19, was brought to the Edinburgh Infirmary perfectly
insensible; breathing somewhat hurried and oppressed; pulse almost
imperceptible, and so rapid that it could not be counted; pupils con-
tracted to size of pin's head. It was ascertained that a viij cough-
MORPHINUM.
509
mixture had been prescribed for her, containing rather more than I gr.
of the muriate. She took the whole of it in divided doses between
8 p.m. and 2 a.m. She then fell into a state of insensibility, which had
continued up to the time of her admission to hospital at 9 a.m.
She
died soon afterwards. On inspection, the only morbid change observed
in the head was a somewhat less marked appearance of the depressions
between the convolutions; and the vessels contained dark-coloured
blood. The stomach, which was much corrugated, contained a pint of
greyish-coloured fluid. In heart and great vessels were numerous
coagula of blood. There was purple lividity of face, neck, and arms.
(TAYLOR, op. cit.)
5. A. B- took a quantity of the acetate in warm wine. Dis-
agreeable taste, restless n. Next m. took some milk, after 1 h. vomited
and had copious stools. II a.m., more vomiting, firm, intermitting,
small, contracted pulse, slight pain in umbilical region. 4 p.m., sweat,
free, full pulse, soon stupefaction, slight twitchings. II p.m., uncon-
scious, head drawn backwards, laboured breathing, blue complexion,
some mucus in mouth, upper part of body covered with viscid sweat,
lower extremities cold, pulse small, intermittent, violent spasmodic
shocks. Twenty leeches to pit of stomach, and venesection, allayed these
symptoms, but they recurred 2 h. later. The 3rd d., 6 a.m., body
blue, warm, respirations rattling and rare, pulse could not be felt, pupils
very contracted. Venesection brought only a few drops of blood, the
face gradually became cadaverous, and death ensued at 1.15 p.m.
P.M.-Blue coloration of skin, frothy mucus in r. nostril, the jejunum
externally red, red spots on m.m. of cardiac end of stomach, emphy-
sema and black ecchymoses in its m.m., veins distended, semi-
hepatisation of r. lung, exudation of bloody water in both pleural
cazities, r. side of heart filled with black blood, its structure soft, dura
mater tense, sinuses and veins of brain distended with blood, arachnoid
red and congested, serum in ventricles, cerebral substance firmer than
normal. (CHARVET, op. cit.)
6. A porter in a druggist's shop, æt. 53, strong and healthy, but
fond of brandy, coming chilled from walking in the cold into the
laboratory, drank some of a mixture of alcohol and morphia. He ate
his supper at 8 p.m. as usual, went home, complained of confused head
and giddiness, and went to bed. Next d., at 6.30 a.m., he was found
lying in bed unconscious, lying on the 1. side of his face, the pillow
soaked with saliva. The doctor found him apoplectic, destitute of
consciousness, sensibility and movement, breathing snoring and rattling,
face bluish and bloated, heart and carotids beating strongly, pulse hard,
urine and fæces suppressed. 2 h. after venesection pulse not so hard
and full, breathing short and unequal, snoring and rattling louder, eyes
dull, pupils contracted, features fallen in and bluer, œsophagus quite
paralysed, forehead and extremities cool, rest of skin warm.
After 4
h. pulse small and irregular, sometimes intermittent, tongue dry and
covered with thick dirty slime, on back and thighs many dark bluish
red spots. Died the 5th h. P.M. 45 h. after death. Suggillations.
numerous, rigor mortis less than usual, abdomen much distended; veins
of pia mater and medulla oblongata, plexuses in central cavities and
510
MORPHINUM.
sinuses of dura mater distended with black fluid blood. Heart's
ventricles and coronary veins distended with fluid, blackish-red blood.
Stomach much distended with gas, food in it undigested and smelling
faintly acid.
M.m. reddened in saccus coccus, near pylorus and in some
parts of duodenum and ileum. Veins of mesentery and liver contained
much black discoloured blood; bladder distended with urine. (PFISTER,
Schweiz. Zeitsch., ii, 2, 283. 1837.)
7. A man, æt. 25, took from 30 to 36 gr. and presented the
following symptoms :-Pale face; perspiration; pulse small, contracted,
quick; pupils very contracted, immovable; vision distorted and
obscured; complete ischuria; constipation; sopor; slight itching of
skin, restlessness, heat all over body at n.; sleeplessness followed by
sopor. (LEISSIER, Journ, des conn. méd. chir., Novr., 1838; quoted by
TRINKS, A. h. Z., xviii, 288.)
1
8. A female infant, æt. 11 weeks, who had been nourished arti-
ficially for 4 weeks, got on 4th March, e., by mistake th gr. She
immediately fell into profound sleep, occasionally interrupted by con-
vulsions. After 12 h., at 10.30 a.in., she was found still sound asleep,
from which she could with difficulty be roused, face bloated, lips livid,
look staring, pupils very much contracted and immovable. This state
was occasionally varied by attacks of convulsions and trismus, and there
was very much diminished sensibility. The cervical and temporal
arteries beat strongly. Scanty emissions of urine, no stool.
She got
from 10.10 till noon a teaspoonful of black coffee every and then every
h., and between 12 and 3 p.m. 2 clysters of coffee. Then an emetic
of ant. tart., which did not cause vomiting. Cold compresses to head
and douches of cold water every h., which every time woke her up.
At 4.30 p.m. the bowels opened freely, the excrement was very fetid,
but the other symptoms continued as before. Camphor emulsion was
then given every h. from 6 p.m. till midnight. At 7 p.m. the child
was still in profound sleep, from which she could be partially roused,
when she had attacks of opisthotonos; she looked like a corpse.
Leeches were applied to mastoid process, and soon afterwards the con-
vulsions ceased and she slept quietly all n. Next m. she awoke nearly
well, and on the 12th the mother reported her better than before.
(ZEPUDER, Wien. mediz. Halle, 1861, No. 14, quoted in A. h. Z.
Mbl., iii, 49.)
9. A young woman, labouring under uterine scirrhus, and suffering
from vomiting and pain in stomach, had applied to the epigastrium,
from which the cuticle had previously been removed by a blister,
gr. of the muriate. The application was repeated next m.
Some
time after this patient fell into a state of complete narcotism. She
suffered from pain in head, stupor, ringing in ears, dizziness and inco-
herency, a hot and dry skin, and a strong and frequent pulse. Among
the symptoms was one somewhat remarkable,—she saw only the
(lateral) half of surrounding objects. The cerebral congestion was
followed by convulsions. Venesection was performed, but this pro-
duced only a stronger attack, followed by another.
A compress soaked
in vinegar, with ice, was applied to the forehead, followed by sinapisms.
to legs. The symptoms gradually abated, but it was three weeks
1
32
MORPHINUM.
511
before vision and speech were perfectly restored. (Bost. Med. and
Surg. Journ., xxxiii, 128.)
1
10. A woman, æt. 63, suffering from extremely painful incurable
spasms, for which gr. of acetate was prescribed to be applied ender-
mically on both sides of the cervical vertebræ, had once too much
(how much?) sprinkled on. The doctor, called in 3 h. afterwards, found
her sitting up in bed, the face, which was rather red, and all the
body, covered with cold sweat, breathing short, indescribable anxiety,
pulse small and irregular, a convulsive twitching all over body, con-
stant retching, extreme exhaustion, consciousness not quite lost.
These dangerous symptoms yielded in a few h. to washing off the
drug and applying camphorated spirit on compresses to the gastric re-
gion, enemata of vinegar, strong coffee, and camphor emulsion; but it
was some weeks before she quite recovered. (HEYMANNS, in Casper's
Wochensch., No. 25, p. 402. 1837.)
II. A washerwoman, æt. 36, who had been confined to bed for
8 d. with violent tearing pains in head, had gr. applied endermically
on the nape. After 2 h. the face, previously pale, was dark red and
bloated, eyes wild and prominent, veins of forehead distended, mouth
drawn awry, lips convulsively twitching, indescribable anxiety and
restlessness, breathing short, quick, and jerky, face and limbs covered
with cold sweat, pulse irregular, intermittent, nausea; but full con-
sciousness. It was found that for 3 d. previously she had been taking
opium internally. She recovered under antiphlogistic and derivative
remedies in 24 h. (HOFMANN, Hufeland's Journ., lxxvi, Pt. 2, 37.
1833.)
12. a. BILLROTH, in the case of a lady who took small doses (gr.
12—1), saw such anxiety, nausea, and vomiting, that, although suffer-
ing intense pain, she refused to take the remedy again.
22
b. WERNICK has called attention to a paræsthesia of taste occurring
after M., especially in weakened states of the system. The persons
affected complain, shortly after the injection, of an intensely bitter or
sour taste in the mouth, which usually ends simultaneously with the
cessation of the M. action.
c. The incidental effect which M. sometimes produces on the eyes
has been carefully described by v. Graefe. There occurs, particularly
in very irritable persons, a spasm of the accommodation, the result of
the stimulating influence of the drug upon the ciliary muscle. The
focal point approaches so near that the range of accommodation is much
limited and myopia therefore occurs. Sommerbrodt also observed
spasm of the accommodation, lasting only 30 seconds, after injection of
gr. . The outlines of faces and heads of persons standing around bed
seemed to patient suddenly to run together, so that he was unable to
recognise anyone. Although, according to v. Graefe, this condition
usually occurs 30-45 m. after the injection, in this case it presented
itself immediately after it.
d. APOLANT saw in the case of a man who took several times 12-
15 dr. of a sol. of the muriate, gr. 1 to 3iiss, an urticaria-like eruption,
which the patient, without knowing what he had taken, at once attri-
buted to M., having already discovered that he was specially suscep-
512
MORPHINUM.
tible to its incidental effects. The eyelids were swollen, the whole face
oedematous, and red wheal-like prominences appeared on the hands.
and other parts of the body. After 5 d. desquamation set in, during
which large coherent pieces of epidermis could be pulled off. (LEWIN,
op. cit.)
13. A patient took, for cough, a sol. of the muriate in such frequent
doses as to induce excessive drowsiness, "falling asleep even while she
was speaking." On the e. of the d. in which she did so she was
attacked with vomiting, and was soon covered with a papulo-vesicular
eruption, which, beginning on face, quickly extended to neck, trunk,
and lower extremities. In its crescentic form it strongly resembled
measles. The M. was discontinued, and next d. there was little trace
of the eruption. (Med. Circular, June 10th, 1863.)
14. A patient took, for dysmenorrhoea, teaspoonful doses of a sol.
of 3 gr. of acetate to 3j water (!). The first few doses produced nausea.
and vomiting. She retired at 8 p.m., feeling, as she said, "quite
drunk." An h. after she was found perfectly insensible, lying upon
her back with eyes open, a delicate flush in cheeks; lower extremities
seemed paralysed, and were cold and doughy, they were violently
pinched and pricked with needles, but-even after consciousness re-
turned-without result. Consciousness partly returned in an h., when
r. arm and leg were paralysed, with violent trembling and shaking.
(Amer. Journ. of Hom. Mat. Med., iv, 60.)
15. A girl, æt. 20, suffering from neuritis and neuromata, had for
mos. at first o'012 and after awhile o'015 grm. ; every injection pro-
duced in the beginning intense but evanescent redness of face, surring of
the ears and palpitations, more rarely vertigo and vomiting; another
frequent manifestation was a long-continued singultus and a hoarseness
when speaking for any length of time, whereas her voice is usually
extremely clear. As her constitution became used to the remedy, all
these symptoms disappeared except a peculiar tickling sensation in the
nose, œsophagus, and larynx, as when one has to sneeze, which she
experienced after every injection. (Amer. Hom. Obs., vii, 420.)
16. The effects of M. and its salts on the various organs and systems
of the body may be considered in the three following respects: I, the
progressive course of the phenomena; 2, the relationship between the
varieties of these phenomena; 3, the special modifications due to the
mode of administration.
a. Digestive system.-Increased thirst is one of the first symptoms,
it comes on in from a quarter of an h. to a few h.; most quickly if
placed on the denuded skin and less quickly and certainly after internal
administration. Dryness of the mouth and throat always accompany
the thirst, and sometimes dysphagia. Very occasionally, however,
thirst is not increased, and an increased flow of saliva occurs. This
takes place only after external application. It is to be noticed that in
these circumstance swallowing is always easy, and that a diminution in
the saliva precedes the ptyalism. Bitterness of the mouth does not
ensue from the use of morphia, but the vomiting due to it is very
noticeable. There appears, therefore, to be no relation between bitter-
ness of mouth and vomiting. As long as drowsiness and the malaise
:
MORPHINUM.
513
preceding vomiting last, there is dislike for all sorts of food. When
the head symptoms have passed off the appetite may continue poor, but
it may, on the other hand, be very good. Digestion is badly performed.
Vomiting occurring during the last few days of dressing a raw surface
passes off in a short time, leaving only a little nausea or none at all
remaining. Hypodermic injections cause nausea, but rarely vomiting.
After internal administration vomiting occurs late and may last long.
The vomiting is entirely unaccompanied with gastric pain or alteration
in the condition of the tongue. The lower part of the digestive tract
is not less affected than the upper; either constipation or diarrhoea may
occur as a result of the use of M.; the former always after the external
application, and the latter only after internal administration for several
d. Even so, constipation always precedes the diarrhoea. The most
noticeable modifications that M. and its salts produce on the digestive
canal, then, are thirst, loss of appetite, difficulty of digestion, nausea,
vomiting, and constipation or diarrhoea. Of these the first three and
the constipation may exist without nausea or vomiting; the presence
of vomiting supposes the existence of the whole series of phenomena.
I
b. Secretory apparatus.-The urine may be increased or diminished;
diminution takes place more often than increase, but in either case the
drug must have been given for at least 2 d., in doses of 5 to 10 centigrs.
Rarely the alteration occurs after 1 d. and 5 centigrs. Increase is more
frequent after internal administration; diminution is much more fre-
quent than increase. According to the researches of T. and P.,
urination is rendered difficult both in men and women; other authors
state that dysuria occurs only in men. In most cases, after prolonged
effort only a small quantity is passed, and where it was necessary to
draw off the urine only 200 or 300 grms. were removed. (The dysuria
may be explained in part by supposing a condition of dryness similar
to that of the mouth, and in part by a lessened contractility of the
muscular walls of the bladder.) An h. or two after external applica-
tion of M. profuse sweat appears, at first in the neighbourhood of the
part where the drug was applied, and gradually extending to the rest of
the body, and lasting some 24 h. The heat of the skin is increased
and the face is more or less flushed. After internal administration,
sweat appears less promptly but not less surely. Women perspire
much more freely than men; this is noteworthy in connection with
the fact that in men the kidneys are more affected than in women.
Itching of the skin, of more or less severity, is generally produced. It
appears and spreads in the same manner as the sweat has been stated to
do. Sometimes it may be in the eyelids, the nose, the back, or the
loins that the itching begins; it may be limited to these parts, but
generally it becomes universal, remaining more severe in the parts in
which it began. The sweating and itching commonly go together, but
they may occur separately, especially near the beginning of the adminis-
tration. Sometimes the sweating and the itching exist in inverse pro-
portions; in several cases it was observed that while the forehead was
sweating profusely, the eyelids and nose were quite dry and itched very
uncomfortably. Eruptions, such as prurigo, urticaria, erythema and
eczema, appear as the result of considerable sweating, and are asso-
33
VOL. III.
514
MORPHINUM.
ciated with itching. But it should be understood that the itching also
occurs independently of the eruptions and much earlier in the course of
the administration. These skin phenomena come on chiefly during
external use of M., but they occur also, though less often, from its in-
ternal use. In the latter case these symptoms come on more slowly,
and are less pronounced. The formula of authors, "increase of cutaneous.
secretion, diminution of internal secretions," is subject to exceptions;
generally speaking, any secretion capable of increase under the influence
of M. may also be diminished thereby; the order of diminution pre-
ceding increase, however, is always preserved.
c. Generative apparatus.-In 8 women menstruation was rendered
either more profuse or earlier in its onset than ordinarily; it was even
re-established after having long ceased.
d. Circulatory system.-The perspiration described is always accom-
panied by a development of heat, a heightened colour of skin, increased
frequency of pulse and respiration.
e. Nervous system.-Disturbances of vision, noises in the ears,
pains and heaviness of head, and weakness of muscles, are well-known
effects of the drug. Contraction of the pupils takes place, and coincides
with the vomiting and sleepiness; the eyelids droop; they assume a
violet tinge, which extends along the furrow, commencing at the inner
angle. These modifications, together with the appearance of depres-
sion and weakness spread over the countenance, make it easy to recog-
nise the effects of opium, even in moderate doses. Only on one
occasion have the authors seen violent and noisy delirium produced by
M. Sleep may be calm when the dose is a small one, and the patient.
feels no other narcotic effect; but when, at the same time, nausea,
itching and contraction of pupils exist, the patient is stupefied, and
wakes up only at once to fall asleep again, but this sleep is of short
duration, and is accompanied by painful dreams. This condition lasts
as long as the administration and daily increase of dose continues, but
when the administration is left off the most rebellious insomnia may
trouble the patient, even for weeks together. In some cases profound
coma exists, in which the patient is insensible to every stimulus.
f. Experiments show that M. is absorbed more quickly by the skin
than by the stomach; in the former case symptoms of intoxication
beginning in 2 m. after the application to the denuded derma, in the
latter delaying perhaps for an h. or two, and vomiting not setting in for
2 or 3 d. Among the phenomena that have been described some begin
from the very first d., while others delay for a longer or shorter time.
The 1st class are thirst, vomiting, frequent urination, sweat, itching,
sleepiness, contracted pupils, and depressed and languid expression of
countenance. The 2nd are, salivation, constipation or diarrhoea, in-
crease of urine, appearance of menstruation, and obstinate sleeplessness.
(TROUSSEAU et PIDOUX, op. cit., sub voce.)
17. Dr. BALLY made a great number of observations of the effects
of morphia and its salts on patients suffering from various affections in
a large hospital. As the result of these observations he gives the fol-
lowing as the effects of this substance: slight dryness of throat, bitter
taste; retching and vomiting without loss of appetite, frequently
MORPHINUM.
515
occurring transient shooting pains in stomach, eructations of air pre-
ceding the sickness. Constipation sometimes followed by diarrhoea;
colicky pains, chiefly about the navel, but also in ascending and
descending colon; these pains are usually of short duration. Irrita-
tion of neck of bladder causing frequent urination. Usually the patient
has to make efforts to pass his urine for from 2 to 15 m., then the
urine will come all at once, stop again, then flow, and so on till bladder
is emptied. Sometimes there is complete retention requiring catheter
to be used. In one case the bladder after death was found to be so dis-
tended that it reached up to the epigastrium. Sometimes after a number
of ineffectual attempts the urine flows away involuntarily; sometimes it
is in a full stream, in which case it will often suddenly stop and only flow
again after waiting and renewed effort; sometimes it dribbles away.
The urinary symptoms are only observed in males; women only some-
times complain of heat in the urethra. Little or no effect on circula-
tion or respiration was observed. There is often intolerable but tran-
sient and recurrent itching of skin, sometimes all over, sometimes
chiefly on face, neck, and loins, occasionally on external genitals, in-
terior of nose, and eyelids. Sometimes attending the itching there
is an eruption of small conical red or colourless pimples. Vertigo
in which the walls, bed and furniture seem to whirl round, the floor
to rise up, and the ceiling to sink down. The gait is unsteady, some-
times they go forwards and then backwards, sometimes obliquely or
sideways, some stagger about and require to hold on to a support, some
fall suddenly down, all complain of intoxicated feeling. The vertigo
is most felt when standing, but sometimes persists while lying. The
latter when they rise up have a trembling or rather a kind of shaking
which propels them upwards and from behind forwards, or jerks their
arms upwards. Sometimes electric shocks are felt through body and
limbs. Mists or specks before eyes are sometimes present, others see
phantoms of various kinds, some see flames, and as if the place was
illuminated by thousands of candles. (These symptoms occur more in
dry warm than in wet weather.) Some imagine they see abysses,
curious monsters, new worlds, Purgatory or Paradise. Drowsiness,
stupor of physical and mental faculties, are frequent. Sight is often
obscured, so that patients cannot read. Pupils are sometimes con-
tracted, rarely dilated, but generally unaffected. The vertigo is often
attended or followed by headache. There is sometimes tinnitus aurium,
sometimes a crepitating sound is heard in head, and sometimes loud and
sudden explosions. (Mém. de l'Acad. roy. de Méd., i, 99.)
18. Dr. —, æt. 65, had valvular disease of heart, dropsy, and
neuralgic pains of limbs. For relief of latter began hypodermic M. in
usual doses, and increased them till he took a gr. every 8 or even 5 h.
After he had taken this quantity daily for 6 mos., the following was his
condition :—From 1-3 h. after injection of gr. j pulse full, strong,
regular, 90-100; countenance ruddy, bright, and cheerful, and patient
abounded with his natural vivacity and mental vigour. From 4-8 h.
after, pulse 80-90, weak and flaccid, but still regular; he was hag-
gard, depressed, and irritable. The M. soothed the pains, which
seemed now more imaginary than real, but it never induced a trace of
516
MORPHINUM.
hypnosis, muscular spasm, or contraction of pupil. Tongue is always
preternaturally clean and smooth, resembling recent muscle in colour
and in the appearance of superficial translucency, moist or even wet,
but sometimes inclining to dry and glaze. (HARLEY, op. cit., p. 127.)
19. An old gentleman, after paralysis at 75, took opium every n.
to procure sleep. After 3 years M. was substituted, and from time to
time increased until he took 1 gr. every n. After continuing this for
6 mos., its effect was as in previous case. It produced a quieting
effect, but patient was never conscious of sound sleep as a result of its
use. Tongue, from being constantly furred, became preternaturally
clean and smooth, like raw flesh, and had a great tendency to become
dry and glazed. Appetite remained good, and secretions were as active
as when no opiate was taken. (Ibid., p. 132).
20. A lady got by mistake a hypodermic injection of 3 decigr.
of M. Immediately violent pain at point of injection, and extreme
anxiety. Seen after 20 m. face dark red, vertigo, oppression, strongly
beating carotids and pupils extremely contracted, pulse 92, resp. 24.
Atropine, 1 milligr., was injected twice at short intervals. Then
pupils began to dilate, but the oppression and sleepiness increased,
speech became slow, difficult, stammering, face dark red, eyes sparkling.
Coffee was given, and an ice-bladder applied to head and leeches to
mastoid process and nostrils, without effect. To prevent sleep a tepid
bath with cold douches was given, and patient, supported between two
persons, made to walk about. Resp. having sunk to 4 per minute the
phrenic nerve was faradized. Patient made no response to calling to
her, nor to irritants. She was put to bed and sank into profound sleep.
After h. of sleep the respiration had sunk to 3 per m.
She was again
faradized. She then woke smiling, her face was paler, pupils more
dilated, but she again fell asleep. The sleep was short, interrupted by
vomiting every h., then came on merry delirium which left her little
rest. Resp. increased to 6 per m. 12 h. after the poisoning the chief
symptoms had gone and the mind was clear. She remained for a fort-
night weak, giddy, and unable to think or walk quickly. Sugar was
found in the urine. (LEVENSTEIN, Morphiumsucht, 104.)
21. Another case of acute poisoning, in which death occurred in a
few h. with stupefaction, coma, and cyanosis, showed albumen and
sugar in the urine.* (Ibid., 106.)
22. The evil effects of M. show themselves after it has been taken
6 or 8 months. Many find themselves very well for a while, their
appetite keeps good and they retain their flesh, but others emaciate.
But afterwards the organism begins to suffer; sometimes one part,
sometimes another, is first affected. The skin often loses its turgor,
its colour, and its tension. The subcutaneous fat first disappears, but
in some cases, especially of women, there is no loss of embonpoint. The
* Sugar was found in the urine of rabbits and dogs poisoned by M. (ibid., 115-
119). "The occurrence of sugar after toxic doses of M., which, after the cases in
human beings and the results of experiments on animals here recorded, must be
regarded as a frequent phenomenon, will henceforth be of importance in a forensic
point of view. The absence of sugar in a suspected case of M. poisoning will leave
it doubtful if the death was owing to that cause" (Ibid., 121). [See III, 8.]
MORPHINUM.
517
face is usually ashy pale, seldom red, only exceptionally unaltered in
hue; perspiration is often much above normal. Inflammation of the
sebaceous glands, urticaria, eruptions similar to shingles, chiefly located
on chin, cheeks, and intercostal spaces, occasionally appear, disappear,
and reappear, or remain permanently. The points of injection are the
seat of abscesses, circumscribed indurations, or infiltrations. The latter
sometimes attain the size of a man's head. On their dirty grey mucous
surface are numerous small ulcers, connected by fistulous passages with
one another, which when pressed discharge pus. The eyes are gene-
rally dull, the look fatigued and shy; but a fresh injection makes the
eyes lively, fiery, and ecstatic. Diplopia and diminished power of
accommodation are not rare. Pupils generally contracted, rarely dilated,
sometimes unequal. The pulse in the severe cases is small and thread-
like, but sometimes full, tense, and intermittent. There is sometimes
palpitation. Epistaxis and, immediately after the dose, hoarseness and
oppression (asthma nervosum). Many patients have immediately after
the M. injection a bitter or metallic taste, and rumbling in bowels; the
buccal m.m. is usually dry, they complain of great thirst, anorexia,
later of nausea, vomiting, dislike to butcher's meat, bulimy; with the
last-named there is a feeling of burning gnawing in scrob. cordis, com-
bined with syncopal weakness; this often occurs shortly after a full
meal, often wakes the patient up at n., and he cannot get to sleep
again without taking some food, a small quantity suffices. Large
quantities of fluid do not quench the thirst. Stool generally retarded,
diarrhoea seldom. The patients are tormented by restlessness, anxiety,
sleeplessness, hypnoid states, hallucinations, hyperæsthesias, neuralgias,
which cause variable spirits; the reflex irritability is exalted, but at the
climax of the disease the knee-jerk disappears. There is trembling of
hands and of the tongue when it is protruded, and alterations of articu-
lation. The sleeplessness is not absolute, the patients often lie for 5 or
6 h. in bed before going to sleep, and the sleep they then get is not
refreshing, even when it lasts a sufficient time. Hyperæmic states like
those of the chronic poisoning by alcohol and lead are frequently
observed. The features become relaxed, the eyelids hang down
heavily, the eyes are dull and lustreless and cannot be fixed; the
patients are generally able to answer simple questions, but are puzzled
by anything complicated, such as simple sums in arithmetic. Starting
up in sleep, or even when awake, is not uncommon.
Attacks of syn-
cope are sometimes observed. Hallucinations are rare; they generally
come on in the e., soon go off, and are chiefly connected with vision.
Stammering is sometimes noticed. In some cases the kidneys secrete
albumen. The quantity of urine is often diminished, its sp. gr. varies
greatly (from 1004 to 1038). Sugar is generally present. Neuralgic
states of the bladder, violent constrictive pains which radiate to
perinæum, anus, and urethra, spasm of detrusor and sphincter vesicæ,
paresis of bladder, are frequent effects of abuse of M. Retention of
urine may lead to catarrh of bladder. Men become impotent, women
amenorrhoeic. (Ibid., 14.)
23. The victims of the M. habit are liable to fever of an intermittent
character. There are 2 forms, a slight and a severe. These forms
518
MORPHINUM.
have this in common with malarious ague, that the first paroxysms
disappear after quinine, but soon return in spite of continuance of the
Q., that they are improved by change of air and recur after some
injurious impressions (errors of diet, sea-voyages, &c.). There is
chilliness increasing to rigor, headache, oppression, heat and perspiration.
This fever ceases immediately on giving up the M. or even on diminish-
ing the daily dose. Sometimes the attacks are irregular, but generally
they are regular, usually tertian, more rarely quotidian. They some-
times are ante-, sometimes post-poning. The fits last from 4 to 10
h. Along with the febrile paroxysms there are often neuralgias in
various parts-supra-orbital, intercostal, or cardiac.
The temp. is
always increased, ranging from 38.5° to 40° C. The spleen is usually
enlarged. In some cases delirium occurs at the height of the fever,
which sometimes amounts to furious mania. Great exhaustion follows
the fits. When there is not regular ague, there is often chilliness,
increased heat (not above 38.3°C.), great thirst, exhaustion and oppres-
sion. This state lasts about I h. and generally comes on in the e., but
sometimes it lasts a d. Another form begins with headache, tinnitus
aurium, vertigo. The patients complain that they cannot read (paresis
of accommodation); they are weak and apathetic, and wish to go to bed,
they feel so chilly and uncomfortable. They sometimes keep their
bed for 3 to 6 weeks. Their temp. does not exceed 38.3°. There
are also attacks of fever that only take place when the injections are
performed in certain parts-as the upper arm. (Ibid., 25.)
24. The delirium of M. intoxication consists of a series of symptoms
that possess all the characters of alcoholic delirium.
From my
observa-
tion two forms may be distinguished, the acute and chronic. The
chronic develops during the course of M. intoxication, continues
during the period of abstinence, and runs its course without excitement.
The acute form appears as a consequence of the withdrawal of the drug,
and breaks out with violent symptoms. In the chronic form the
depression is variable; most of the patients exhibit a kind of joyfulness,
only for a short time interrupted by anxiety; in some individuals during
the d. the mood is depressed, but in e. there is some excitement, and at
times illusions of the senses. Trembling of hands and twitching of
muscles are constant features. In spite of the alternations the patients are
perfectly lucid and self-possessed. They are able to ward off for a longer
or shorter time their depressed or excited moods, and they can mingle in
society. The acute M. delirium develops in the course of 6-12 h.
after the withdrawal of the drug. The patients at first become excited
and restless, run constantly about the room, weep and cry, and at last
become delirious under the action of painful sensations and hallucina-
tions. The attacks, which last only a few h., are followed by a quiet
stage, during which the patients have hallucinations, which involve all
the organs of sense except that of taste. They see brilliantly-coloured
birds, hear voices, have a sensation of sitting in wet, and perceive the
most various odours. These illusions are associated with a hypochon-
driac mood; the patient thinks he will die, that he has seen his own
burial; seems to see persons by him constantly growing larger, &c. ;
also constantly talks with himself and with absent people. Tremor of
MORPHINUM.
519
MAGRA ZN
hands increases, and is associated with muscular twitches, nystagmus,
and trembling of whole body. At the commencement of the acute
delirium the voice and speech become altered. (Ibid.)
III. Experiments on animals.—1. The following symptoms followed
the subcutaneous injection of 4 gr. in two animals of opposite disposi-
tion, the one a grey horse, about 6 years old, of a quiet and stubborn
temperament, the other a weakly and excitable thoroughbred colt, 2
years old, pulses 32 and 36 respectively. Acceleration of pulse occurred
in 15 m. An h. after injection, acceleration had attained its maximum
of 20 and 28 beats respectively in the 2 animals. There was consider-
able restlessness, indicated in the one by constant stepping from side to
side, chiefly with forelegs; in the other, by as constant pawing of the
ground; and they were impatient of restraint. There was increased
moisture of mouth, rise in temperature of skin, tendency to sweat, and
slight dilatation of pupils. All these symptoms continued, and at end
of 7 h. pulse of strongest animal was 12 beats more than before
injection, while that of weaker and more excitable one still retained its
maximum acceleration of 20 beats. Shortly after this time the restless-
ness subsided. The general effect upon both animals was a powerful
stimulant action; the force and volume as well as the number of pulsa-
tions were increased. Mucous membrane of mouth and tongue
remained clean and healthy throughout, and moistened with a super-
abundant clear fluid. The restlessness never amounted to delirium, nor
was there any increased injection of the membranes of the eye. There
was complete retention of secretions as long as animals remained under
observation. There were no after-effects. (HARLEY, op. cit.)
2. After an interval of 6 d., 6 gr. of acetate, dissolved in 3iss of
water, were injected by two punctures into each of these horses, their
pulses being 36 and 44 respectively. Precisely the same effects followed
as when 4 gr. were given, but in a more intense degree. At end of
an h. pulse of grey horse was 72, being exactly doubled; that of colt
was only 5 beats less. Both were in a high state of excitement, mouth
very clear and pink, but hot and wet almost to slobbering; head and
skin hot, conjunctival membrane injected and wet, and pupils slightly
dilated. At end of 4 h. pulses had attained their maximum accele-
ration, and numbered 85 and 90 respectively; but volume and power
were a little diminished. At end of 7th h. pulse in both was 60, and
the restlessness was now abating. Both animals had staled freely.
Pupils unchanged. Throughout the whole of this time, and for an h.
subsequently, the horses were in a state of great restlessness, and trod
their clean straw beds to a complete litter. Their mouths were hot
and wet, and the skin warm and almost sensibly perspiring. Next d.,
19 h. after the doses were given, the animals appeared in their usual
health; they had dunged rather copiously, and the dung was a little
greener and moister than usual. The pulse of the grey horse was 42,
and that of the colt 60. Pupils natural, mouth clean and wet. (Ibid.)
3. Gr. 12 of the acetate, dissolved in 3iij of water, were administered
by 3 punctures to each of the two horses. The effects were as
follows:-In the grey horse, after 5 m., strong erection of the penis,
and copious emission of semen; then gaping. After 20 m. lids began
520
MORPHINUM.
to droop and head to nod, and he continued very drowsy for the next
21h. He remained standing still and very quiet the whole of this
time, breathing slowly and heavily, and every now and then falling off
to sleep, and snoring slightly for a tew m. Pulse meantime rose from
44 to 72, and became full; pupils were unchanged; mouth clean and
wet, and forehead warmer than usual. After 3 h. the animal became
very restless, constantly pawing ground with hoof of 1. foreleg; but a
considerable amount of drowsiness and stupor still continued. Pulse
rose quickly to 96, and was regular and of good power; pupils were
slightly dilated, and appeared to be fixed; membranes of eye injected;
mouth hot, but clear and pink, and wet to slobbering; temperature of
the skin raised, and its secretion increased, but not to such a degree as
to wet the hair. He continued in this state of restlessness and delirium
till the 6th h., when the symptoms began to decline. Half an h. after-
wards he took food and water. In the brown colt, not the slightest
sedative effect was produced. Twenty-five m. after dose, muscles of
trunk were affected with slight tremor and some rigidity, lasting only a
few seconds; and 5 m. afterwards he began stepping from side to side, and
continued thus in restless motion for the next 9 h. Pulse at the same
time rose rapidly, and at end of an h. attained its maximum acceleration,
and numbered 96. Restlessness greatly increased, and at end of 4th h.
he was walking rapidly to and fro, bathed in sweat, and slobbering from
mouth; heart was much excited, the facial pulse 96 and weak. Pupils
were unchanged, being rather dilated; membranes of the eye injected.
There was no appearance of stupor or delirium, but an intense excite-
ment, with apparent distress, giving way to exhaustion.
Towards 9th
h. restlessness and other symptoms gradually subsided, and at this time
he took food and water. Ten h. afterwards, both animals were in
their usual condition. There was neither constipation nor any other
after-effects. (Ibid.)
4. Gr. 36 of acetate, dissolved in 3vij water, introduced by 3
punctures into subcutaneous tissue of a powerful full-conditioned hunter,
about 7 years old, caused the following symptoms:-15 m. after, and
continuing up to end of 3rd h., great somnolency, and a gradual rise of
the pulse from 36 to 96, and it became full and thrilling; pupils mode-
rately dilated and fixed. The drowsiness and stupor were very great,
but they did not pass into sleep. At first he continued to pick up a
little hay, and masticate it at intervals in a slow mechanical way, and
with eyelids closed. After 25 m. he ceased eating, but continued to
stand still, pointing his ears in the direction of any sound, and
occasionally turning head round to 1. On attempting to move he
staggered, and once nearly fell down. The soporific effects attained
their maximum at about 45 m. after the dose, and he occasionally
leaned against the wall with the whole of his weight, or forwards over
the rail, moving at short intervals slowly and awkwardly. An h. after
dose a fine rigid tremor affected head, neck, shoulders and tail, but
passed off in a few m. Eyelids were also very tremulous, and he
blinked on approach of a light; pupils were dilated and fixed. Respi-
ration was slow, and occasionally inetrrupted by a sigh. Such was his
condition up to the end of the 3rd h., when great restlessness and severe
MORPHINUM.
521
delirium set in, and, soon attaining its maximum, continued unabated
for 7 h. It then began to decline, but the animal continued under the
influence of the morphia for at least 24 h. after, and at end of this time
he was greatly exhausted. Between 3rd and 10th h. he continued to
walk rapidly, and sometimes even run, round his stall, and always in
same direction, viz. from r. to 1. Shoulders, sides, and haunches were
damped with perspiration; pulse 96, quite regular, full and thrilling ;
respiration accelerated. The animal was perfectly blind, and allowed
a candle to approach near enough to singe the eyelashes; pupils were
dilated and fixed; membranes of eye and nose so intensely injected as
to present appearance of crimson plush; mucous membrane of mouth
pink and wet, with a superabundance of thin glairy mucus. Eighteen h.
after dose pulse was 75, regular, very soft, and of moderate volume
pupils moderately dilated, but contracting on exposure to a strong light;
membranes of eye and nose of dark crimson colour, and vessels turgid,
as if blood were stagnant in them; tongue was red, clean and moist,
skin warm.
Some restlessness and impatience of restraint still remained,
and alternated throughout d. with intervals of drowsiness. (Ibid.)
;
5. The action of M. upon the dog differs in no respect from its
action upon man.
There are two classes of individuals, each of which
is affected differently. In the one, the hypnotic effects of the drug
are readily and constantly induced, and, if the dose be sufficient, pro-
found narcotism results; if the dose be larger than is necessary for this
purpose, the narcotism sometimes gives place to delirium with stupor.
In the other case it is difficult, and in many cases almost impossible, to
induce sleep or narcotism by any dose excepting such as would destroy
life. In this class M. produces the most distressing effects, viz.
faintness, prolonged nausea, and retching, with intervals of dreamy
delirious somnolency, rarely or never passing into sleep, which only
comes to the exhausted body when the protracted effects of the drug
have passed off. (Ibid.)
6. Upon the mouse the action of M. is uniform and characteristic.
It consists essentially in forced exercise associated with a cramped con-
dition of the spine. Hypnosis is altogether an after-effect, and nar-
cotism only occurs after a dangerous dose. The mouse runs about
nimbly for a m. or two after the subcutaneous injection of gr. 10
of the acetate. Then sudden and frequent pauses are made, and the
animal remains for a few seconds at a time in a fixed attitude, as if of
attention to some internal sensation. During the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
pause the tail begins to bend slowly and stiffly upwards from its root
until it is elevated in a single curve or double undulation over the back
at some short distance from it. The spine is at the same time shortened
by rigid flexures, whereby the head is a little raised and the face bent
downwards to a r. angle with the body, the back elevated into a high
hump, and the lumbar and sacral regions so depressed as to bring the
perinæum in contact with the surface upon which the animal rests, the
sharp upward curvature of the caudal extremity of the spine giving at
the same time a backward and upward inclination to the hinder part of
the pelvis and the attached limbs. The cranio-spinal axis is, in short,
affected by three curves,-an anterior and a posterior, corresponding to
1
20
-
522
MORPHINUM.
the junction of the head and tail respectively, and the summits of which
are in opposite directions, and an intermediate and more considerable
one affecting the thoracic vertebræ, cramping the chest and abdomen
together, and giving to the back a contour exactly resembling that of
the hog. The movements now become slow, stiff, and creeping, and
the animal is arrested every 4 or 5 paces by inaction of the hind legs,
the thighs being closely appressed to the sides of the pelvis by the
downward inclination of the sacral part of the spine, and apparently
useless, while the legs and feet are extended in a straight line with each
other at r. angles to the thighs, and the hinder parts of the body are
thus supported upon the extended and divergent toes. After a few
seconds the body is very slowly advanced, as if by an under-curving
action of the anterior part of the spine and a simultaneous pressure upon
the hinder part of the dorsal curve. The feet, remaining stationary
meanwhile, are thus left in the rear until, the forward balance of the
body preponderating, the little animal is impelled a few paces forwards,
and the cramped lagging action of the hind legs is for a moment inter-
rupted. As soon as the body comes fairly to rest, the forward impetus
again commences and soon prevails, and thus the mouse is kept in a
state of cramped rest and forced motion, as if by two antagonistic
powers exerting their influence simultaneously upon the anterior and
posterior parts of the body respectively. Sometimes the one power pre-
vails, and the mouse is urged round and round the limits of his cell at a
slow, measured, laborious pace, as if upon a treadmill, and showing the
soles of the feet at every step; and sometimes the other power is in the
ascendant, and the animal is arrested in his progress for several m. at a
time, while the hinder legs, first one and then the other, are stiffly ex-
tended backwards in a straight line with the body, or raised upwards in
the air. But sooner or later the anterior power so far prevails that a
slow, laborious, forced creep is maintained for hours together. It is
probable that some amount of delirium accompanies this condition, but
there is not the slightest tendency to somnolency. The hearing continues
excessively acute; at first the animal is startled by the least noise, and
the above-mentioned phenomena are effaced for the moment, and he
runs a short distance as usual, but soon coming to a pause relapses into
his cramped condition. After a time, however, stupor comes on to a
greater or less degree, dependent upon the dose; and then the animal,
unless strongly aroused, takes no notice of interruptions. As often as
the depressed face comes in contact with the fingers or any other object,
the little animal leans against it with all its weight, and rests for a
while. (Ibid.)
7. HUGHES BENNETT made several experiments with a meconate
on rabbits and dogs. His conclusions are :
a. In both animals, M. acts on the encephalon and on the spinal
cord; but in dogs the action is more cerebral, while in rabbits it is
more spinal.
b. Either delirium or hypnotic effects may be produced, but hypno-
tism predominates.
c. In rabbits, death is often produced by convulsions.
d. In both animals, while deeply under the influence of the drug,
MORPHINUM.
523
as stimulation of the motor nerves caused muscular contractions, we
must hold that the sensibility and conducting power of the nerves is
not destroyed.
e. In both, stimulation of the vagus in the neck causes stoppage of
the action of the heart. Consequently, the vaso-inhibitory fibres in
the vagus are not paralysed by M.
f. In both, stimulation of the sympathetic causes dilatation of
the pupil. Consequently, the sympathetic trunk is not paralysed.
(Antagonism of Medicines, p. 35.)
8. A sol. of o'15 grm. of the muriate in 5 grm. of water was
injected into one of the external jugular veins of ten rabbits; and the
blood of the liver and arteries examined for sugar. The following
results were obtained :—The sugar in the liver was more than double
the normal amount, rising from 0.59 to 1.39. That of the arterial
blood was also about double the natural quantity, rising from o'05 to 0‘II.
The proportion between the two remaining normal, the combustion in
the lungs was neither increased nor diminished. The urine was not
examined.* (Gaz. Méd. de Strasbourg, 1857, &c.)
9. a. ANSTIE made 12 experiments with large doses of M. (gr. 1-5)
on dogs, cats, and rats, by injecting an aqueous solution into the
peritoneal cavity. Convulsion, in one shape or another, was noted in
every case, except that of a dog who received a (for that animal) very
small dose. Clonic convulsions were present in every instance where
there was convulsion at all. Violence and frequency was proportionate.
to largeness of dose. Paralysis, at any rate of sensation, was always
developed prior to the occurrence of clonic convulsions.
b. "Dr. Sharpey was good enough to inform me that in experiment-
ing upon frogs with an aqueous extract of opium, he found that tetanic
convulsions were produced; and I have since repeatedly verified this
observation. Moreover, I have observed the same phenomenon, in 2
cases, in experimenting upon rats with large doses of M. Rats are also
liable to a very peculiar affection from M., which closely resembles the
state known as hysteric catalepsy, and which was well shown in the
following experiment (as well as in several others) :—A full-grown rat
had 3 gr. of the acetate, dissolved in 3j of distilled water, injected into its
peritoneal cavity. After 27 m. the surface of the body was everywhere.
insensible to any but the strongest impressions. Inh. later still a
partially cataleptic state was developed. If the limbs were placed in
any position, however awkward, they retained it steadily. Thus the
animal was made to sit upright upon its hind quarters, with its forelegs
extended in the attitude of a popular preacher; it maintained this posi-
tion for several m., the head slouched to one side. On being pushed
so as to lose its balance, it recovered itself somewhat, and crouched
down. A few m. later, on being stirred up, the animal walked a little
way, lifting the hind legs with great difficulty (they were found to be
somewhat rigid). Soon after this the cataleptic condition became more
* CL. BERNARD found that M. caused glycosuria as surely as curare or puncture
of the floor of the fourth veutricle; and believed that all three acted by dilating the
blood-vessels of liver and kidneys, and so causing increased formation and elimination
of sugar (see Lond. Med. Record, i, 707—9).
524
MORPHINUM.
marked, and voluntary movements entirely ceased. Clonic convulsions.
now set in, and continued to recur frequently for about h. A general
tetanic spasm then seized the animal, which lasted for about 6 or 7 m.,
when respiration was found to have ceased; the heart beat faintly for
2 or 3 m. longer. The whole body was quite rigid very soon after
death.
c. Five gr. of M., in solution, were injected into the peritoneal
cavity of a full-grown and remarkably strong and lively cat, at 11.46
a.m. 11.49, the animal, which had taken no notice of the operation,
and had been purring contentedly, twirled suddenly round several times
upon the same spot, with a very excited manner, and with a dazed, stupid
look. It now commenced running rapidly round the room, sometimes.
stopping to sit down on its hind-quarters for a moment. At 12.5 it
lay down for a few m., panting, and with the heart beating quickly.
Sensibility was slightly diminished in the hind limbs. The tongue was
constantly protruded from the mouth, the lips covered with slaver and
quite insensible to impressions. The pupil was very widely dilated and
insensible to light. The cat soon got up and began to run round the
room again. I now observed that it took its leaps in a very curious
manner, seeming to dance on the tips of its toes, and evidently not feeling
accurately the surface of the floor. 12.55, the animal has been alternately
running round the room and lying down, with its legs folded under its
body, the tongue protruded, the mouth covered with foam, breathing
rapid, heart's action rapid and feeble. It is now lying down, and there
is evidently a great diminution in the sensibility of the fore limbs, and
complete abolition of it in the hind limbs. 1.10, the animal made a
sudden attempt to spring forward, but the limbs gave way—the hind
legs being pushed out in a perfectly dead, helpless way, the forelegs
extended and struggling. Insensibility of the skin perfect, almost
everywhere. About 1 m. later the cat fell on its side, and went into
a series of epileptiform convulsions; it remained profoundly unconscious
until death, which occurred at 1.45 by cessation of the respiratory
movements, the heart beating some m. later.
d. Ten gr. of M., in solution, were injected into the peritoneum of
a lively young terrier at 2.30 p.m. No symptoms of any kind occurred
for 3 h.
At the end of this time, it was observed that the hind
quarters drooped a little as the animal walked, and on examining them
sensibility was found to be considerably diminished. Left alone, the
dog sank gradually into the characteristic coma of opium, from which,
however, he could be easily roused by shaking him. At 8 p.m., motor
paralysis was complete in the hind limbs, and sensibility was completely
lost in the hind, and partly in the fore limbs; not in the face. Shaking
the animal still restored its full consciousness. At 9.58, the dog, which
had been lying still, lifted up its head and began to whine. Sensory
paralysis was found to be complete; no impression could make the
animal wince at all. Heart's action irregular and intermittent; respi-
ration rather gasping. At a few m. past 10, the dog suddenly became
unconscious, and at once experienced a violent epileptic convulsion.
For the next 24 h. it was profoundly unconscious, and the clonic con-
vulsions recurred at very short intervals; the reflex sensibility was
APOMORPHINUM.
525
much heightened, and it was only necessary to direct a stream of cold
air on any portion of the body to induce a fit. At the end of this time
consciousness returned slowly, and the animal had completely recovered
a few h. later. Paralysis of sensibility and motion disappeared latest
in the posterior limbs. (Stim. and Narc., pp. 179, 181, 203, 205.)
10. Dr. OGLESBY observed effects of hypodermic M. on the tempe-
rature in animals. He finds it at first lowered, but soon-when the
subject is healthy and strong-a steady rise follows, lasting some h.
The bulb of the thermometer was inserted well into the rectum, and
left there 6-15 m. In Exp. I a healthy young cat, deprived of food
for several h., had a temp. of 100°. At 9.30 a.m. a sol. of the bime-
conate containing gr. was injected. Till II temp. fell, reaching at that
time 990; it then gradually rose, till at 2 it was 102.1° and at 4 102.3°.:
The effect of the dose was very marked, the cat being much affected
by it, jumping and running round the room, and uttering plaintive
cries. The increase of temp. lasted several h. In Exp. 2 a guinea-
pig, 4 h. after a meal, had a temp of 101 2°. At 4 p.m. it received a
similar dose of the acetate. Here there was no fall, but a steady rise
till at 8 o'clock 104'1° was reached, at which point it remained till 10,
when there was a very sudden and progressive fall to below the norm,
owing (Dr. O. thinks) to the long fast the animal had undergone.
The subsequent experiments conformed to one or other of these types.
When the dose was small, and the animal not visibly affected by it, the
desire for food was often intense, and large quantities were consumed
greedily. This was especially noticeable in the case of rabbits and
guinea-pigs. (Practitioner, iv, 27.)
Apomorphinum, prepared from Morphia by treatment with
hydrochloric acid under pressure. C₁H₁NO.HCI.
17 17-
2
ર
I, II. Provings and Poisonings.-1. Dr. J. G. BLACKLEY, May
25th, 1869, at 9 p.m., injected mx of a 10 per cent. sol. under skin of
1. arm, pulse being 72 and temp. 98°. During the first 2 m. no
effects were produced. After about 3 m. pulse began to rise slightly,
and respiration became slightly accelerated. At end of 4 m. I felt a
sudden qualmishness, almost immediately followed by nausea and pro-
fuse vomiting. This continued for several m.; and was followed, as
soon as the contents of the stomach had been evacuated, by severe
retching. On taking a draught of water with a little brandy in it this
was immediately rejected, and on drinking cold water this too returned
at once. No bile, however, came up in the vomited matters. At the
end of 7 or 8 m. from the commencement of the experiment I began
to feel very faint and was compelled to lie down, and almost immedi-
ately on doing so I fainted entirely, and remained in a state of syncope
for about 5 m. On awaking from this I felt giddy and chilly, and was
obliged to take a little brandy and water. This was retained, and as I
began to feel slightly drowsy I remained lying down for about an h.,
during which time I perspired profusely. On rising I still felt slight
giddiness, but no inclination to vomit. I went to bed, and slept
soundly all n., awaking about 8 a.m. in my usual health, slightly pale,
but very hungry."
526
APOMORPHINUM.
Pulse at 9.5 had risen to 80, at 9.12 fallen to 65. Temp. at 9.5
was 99'2°, at 9.12, 97.8°. (Brit. Journ. of Hom., xxxi, 498.)
2. Same injected into arm of a stout carman, æt. 28, having an
ulcer on the leg, at 8.4 p.m., a solution containing gr.. Pulse was
76, temp. 98.30. 8.8, felt giddy; complained of pressure at epigas-
trium; pulse 88, weak but regular; pupils moderately dilated. 8.9,
began to vomit slightly. 8.10, vomiting profusely; this continued for
3 m. 8.13, ceased vomiting; took a drink of water, which came up
immediately; milk was also rejected in same manner.
Pulse 80, weak;
temp. 98.6°. 8.20, still feels very giddy and looks pale ; pupils dilated.
After lying down forh. he got up and walked home; felt no
unpleasant after-effects, and at 9 ate a good supper. (Ibid.)
3. a. Oct. 26th, 1873, M. LACHIZE injected into my 1. arm
3 mlgrm. of A. ; pulse was 60, resp. 16, temp. 36.8°. 9.23, pulse 72;
no other change. 9.25, violent inclination to vomit; feeling of heat
all over, but especially in head; face congested; pulse 92, resp. 20,
temp. 36.9°. 9.28, pulse 96, resp. 22; no other change. 9.30, pulse
slightly irregular; less nausea; pulse 80, resp. 20. 9.35, pulse still
irregular; nausea ceased; drowsiness; temp. 36.8°, resp. 16. 9.40,
sleep. 10.15, awoke, feeling well; pulse 63, temp. 36.8°, resp. 14.
Breakfasted at II without feeling anything abnormal.
b. Nov. 6, 6 mlgrm. were injected at 9.40 a.m., pulse 76, resp. 15,
temp, 36.9°. 9.43, pulse 80. 9.45, violent inclination to vomit; full
regular pulse; pandiculations; pulse 100, resp. 18, temp. as before.
9.48, retching; pulse 104, resp. 24, both irregular, temp. 36·8°.
9.50, easy vomiting; pulse 94, still irregular, resp. 20. 9.53, pulse
96, resp. 21; more vomiting. 9.55, vomiting ceased, still some
nausea, pulse 94, resp. 18, both irregular, temp. 36.7°. 10, quite
quiet; drowsy; pulse 76, resp. 12, temp. 36.7°. Quiet sleep for an
h.; on waking, pulse 68, resp. 8, temp. 36.8°. Ate next meal without
any uneasiness.
c. Dec. 10th, 3 ctgrm. were injected at 2.20 p.m., pulse 66, resp.
14, temp. 36.8°. 2.22, pulse 134, resp. 19; vomiting, without pre-
vious nausea, preceded for a m. by sudden sensation of heat, running all
over body, and lasting for 3 m.; during it pulse 100-102, resp. 20-
24, temp. normal. 2.26, extreme fatigue; tried to get up, but could
not; pulse 84, resp. 16. 2.27, pulse 78, resp. 15. 2.28, nausea, pulse
96, resp. 18. 2.29, several vomitings, violent headache. 2.32, quiet,
drowsy; pulse 98, resp. 17, temp. 37°; so much fatigued that eyes
closed involuntarily. 2.36, nausea, pulse 104, resp. 16, temp. 37°.
2.38, vomiting, less copious than before; invincible need of repose.
Slept in a chair. 4, ached with fatigue; no other bad feeling; pulse
80, resp. 15, temp. 37°. (VICTOR BOURGEOIS, in Allen's Encyclopædia,
i, 427.)
4. gr. was swallowed by a man in good health. In 20 m. he felt
dizzy and depressed, with an uncomfortable sensation in the head, very
qualmish, not in the least somnolent; he then became very pale, and
was salivated; in 25 m. after the dose he vomited freely; after doing
so twice he felt much relieved, drank half a glass of wine, and in h.
regained his usual condition. (GEE, Trans. of Clin. Soc., ii, 167.)
APOMORPHINUM.
527
10
5. A healthy young man was injected in the arm with gr. 1. In
about 3 m. he began to feel uncomfortable in his head; in 5 m.
he was
much depressed; in 7 m. he looked very pale and low, his pulse became
infrequent and rather weak; he sweated; in 10 m. from the injection
he vomited thrice; after a little brandy the vomiting ceased, and he
recovered in abouth. (Ibid.)
6. A gentleman who was working with A., and had his hands
sometimes wetted with the solutions, frequently vomited 3 or 4 times.
in the e. ; besides this he was, at times, depressed, uncomfortable in the
head, and unfit for work. (Ibid.)
7. Once or twice, when A. has been used as an emetic, there has
been an amount of depression both of the circulation and of the
general muscular power beyond what could be accounted for by the
vomiting. (Ibid.)
10
8. A man affected with chronic Bright's disease was injected with
gr. 1. In 4 m. he vomited freely. The vomiting continued at inter-
vals for h.; he then passed into a mildly delirious state for h., after
which he went to sleep for an h.; when he awoke he felt, according to
his own account, better than before the injection. (Ibid.)
9. RIEGEL and BоEнм have observed quite commonly giddiness,
headache, and a disposition to yawn; also free perspiration and great
drowsiness, with apathy. In none of their experiments was the pupil
affected; the pulse was very generally diminished in force and volume.
(H. C. WOOD, op. cit.)
10. a. If the dose injected is insufficient to produce vomiting, the
patient is observed (5-10 m.) to grow pale, and the circulation to
slacken. We have seen in such a case a fall of the pulse from 72 to
48. The patient is then attacked with faintness and profuse sweats,
the eyes become dim, the strength fails, and the pulse is as feeble as it
is slow. These phenomena are fortunately transient, and the pulse
soon rises again; the other symptoms gradually pass off, and by the
end of an h. the relieved patients enjoy a refreshing sleep.
b. When the dose is emetic the results are different. There is no
faintness without nausea, as in the former case, but, on the contrary,
pronounced nausea, ending after 3-5 m. in vomiting. The latter
may even supervene primarily. It is rapidly performed, but moderate,
and merely empties the stomach, rarely bringing up bile, and never
followed by diarrhoea. Each attack of it is brief, and followed by
marked quietude, sometimes even a little sleep. (TROUSSEAU et
PIDOUX, op. cit.)
III. Experiments on animals.—1. A. injected in large doses into the
the lower animals produces grave symptoms referable to the nervous
system. Two gr. were injected into a dog; he vomited, and in 2 or 3 m.
began to course round the large room in which the experiment was
performed in a curiously methodical manner. He recovered completely.
Three gr. injected into a cat produced more excitement; her running
about was frequently interrupted by high leaping into the air and turning
somersaults; her pupils were dilated to the extreme and insensible.
Two more gr. produced epileptiform convulsions. Two gr. yet were in-
jected, making 7 in all; the convulsions were followed by perfect
528
CODEINUM.
relaxation, the heart beat pretty forcibly; she was found dead the
following m. All the organs were perfectly natural; no hyperæmia
of any of them. (GEE, loc. cit.)
2. Under skin of abdomen of a large powerful tom-cat injected gr.
dissolved in 10 dr. of water. This was at 10.20 p.m. Within a few
seconds after he began to be excited and to jump about the room;
pupils became very much dilated; runs wildly round room looking up
at walls. 10.25, resp. and pulse very much quickened; very excited
and savage; highly sensitive to slight noise; ruus round room and tries
to scale walls, falling backwards on back at each attempt. On exami-
nation with ophthalmoscope retinal vessels appear much congested.
10.40, injected another gr. Urination; walks to and fro like a tiger
in a cage, constantly looking up at the wall; pupils dilated to their
fullest extent; breathing 92 per m., laboured; pulse too rapid to be
counted, II, injected anothergr.; slightly salivated; tongue pro-
truding; is very savage if touched; runs about from side to side, hind
legs being slightly dragged; slight twitchings of head, especially on
hearing any noise; runs backward. Next m. all symptoms had
disappeared save a slight dragging of hinder extremities, which con-
tinued for 2 d. (BLACKLEY, loc. cit.)
1
3. CHOUPPE divided the two pneumogastrics in a dog, which was
then allowed to rest until the vomiting produced by the operation had
entirely subsided. He then made a subcutaneous or intravenous injec-
tion of apomorphine, tartar emetic, and ipecacuanha. With the two
former, vomiting occurred as quickly and as freely as when the nerves
were intact; with the third vomiting never occurred. (Gaz. Méd. de
Paris, Aug. 1, 1874.)
4. SIEBERT and MOORZ have shown that A. does not affect the
blood-pressure, and that the pulse rises when emesis comes on, reaches
its maximum during vomiting, and declines in the interval. It causes
at first increased rapidity of breathing, afterwards diminishes the force.
and depth of the movements, and finally arrests them. This result
occurs even when the vagi are divided. It has no appreciable influence
on the temperature. As respects its influence on the nervous system,
it is at first strongly excitant. Afterwards it causes muscular tremblings,
followed by paralysis and convulsions. The muscular irritability is
impaired but not destroyed, and the functions of motor and sensory
nerves remain intact. (BARTHOLOW, op. cit.)
Codeinum, alkaloid obtained from Opium, C₁8H21NOŽ.H₂O.
3
I. Provings.-1. In G. W, æt. 17,2 gr. taken every other m. an
h. before breakfast caused slight contraction of pupils, feeling of stiffness
in integuments over forehead, and occasionally troublesome itching of
skin, chiefly affecting forehead and shoulders. Same dose taken
towards bedtime sometimes caused slight drowsiness, contraction of
pupil from to, and acceleration of pulse a few beats. (HARLEY,
op. cit., p. 175.)
2. W. W, æt. 19, took C. in increasing doses. No effects fol-
lowed until dose reached 4 gr. Half an h. afterwards there was sudden
increase in temp. of skin, and, to use his own expression, he “broke
CODEINUM.
529
out into a feverish heat." Pulse was slightly accelerated, pupils con-
tracted, and there was considerable giddiness, obliging him to sit down
for an h.
After continuing 2 h., these symptoms passed off. On one
occasion he took food at end of 3 h., but within an h. vomited it, and
for some h. afterwards was troubled with rumbling and griping pain in
belly. On another occasion these symptoms recurred, but the nausea
did not end in vomiting, and it passed off after two loose stools. There
was no inclination to sleep on either occasion. (Ibid.)
3. S. M—, æt. 49. Pulse 74, pupils at light, aside.
a.
Injected subcutaneously I gr. of C. 20 m., pulse unchanged;
felt a little heavy. I h., pulse 68; pupils, aside. Was drowsy.
2 h., pulse 64; pupils as before; somnolency passed off. A little
heaviness continued for the following b. There were no after-effects.
b. Injected at 7.45 p.m. gr. 14. Resp. 19; urine acid, sp. gr.
10264; skin sweating. Had taken a chop and tea at 6 p.m. Somno-
lency came on in h. I h., pulse accelerated 15 beats, fuller and
stronger; pupils, sideways; was drowsy, but presented no appear-
ance of heaviness. 24 h., pulse accelerated 10 beats, of same volume
and power as before injection; resp. 18; pupils as at first h.; anterior
part of tongue and hard palate a little dry; had been very drowsy
during the last h., and still continued heavy, gapish, and sleepy. The
looks betokened heaviness, and the membranes of the eye were slightly
injected; skin moist and cool; no nausea. Passed, after a prolonged
effort, nearly zij of urine, of sp. gr. 1024, otherwise resembling that
passed before the injection. Walked home, still feeling a little drowsy.
Slept well; no after-effects.
c. Injected 2 gr.; pulse 74, tongue wet and clean. 1 h., pulse
accelerated 8 beats, unchanged; pupils, sideways. Somnolency
came on after 1 h., and continued, but as yet he had not slept. 2 h.,
acceleration of pulse continued, it was now slightly increased in volume
and power. Had slept for h. Felt a little squeamish. 3 h., pulse
accelerated 4 beats, of same volume and power as before injection;
pupils contracted as before, sclerotic a little injected; anterior part of
tongue dry. The nausea continued for an h., and was accompanied
by general warmth and itching of skin, especially between shoulders.
Still continued to feel drowsy. The somnolency passed off as he
walked home. There were no after-effects. (Ibid.)
4. In the dose of o'i grm. C. caused increasing bitter taste, frequent
eructation, violent pains in stomach, nausea, inclination to vomit,
salivation, confusion and heat of head, feeling of pressure in forehead
and temples, occasional tinnitus aurium, weak sight, inability to engage
in mental work; pulse slow (in one observer it went down 28 beats in
the first 4 h.), small and weak. After 4 h. trembling of whole body,
lasting several h. till he went to sleep. Next d. drowsiness, slowness
of flow of ideas, diminished attention. In one prover it caused feeling
of pleasant warmth, confusion of head, dysuria, and sleepiness.
(SCHROFF, op. cit., 516.)
5. I gave the crystallized nitrate to several of my pupils, taking it
myself also. No one felt anything up to 3 gr., but 4-6 gr. produced
somewhat remarkable effects,-at first, acceleration of pulse and heat
VOL. III.
34
530
CODEINUM.
in head and face; then striking mental excitement like that produced
by intoxicating drinks, a pleasant feeling and lasting some time.
was accompanied by very pronounced itching, beginning in head and
spreading over whole body. After some h. this state was followed by
a disagreeable depression, with nausea and occasional vomiting. None
of us observed the least tendency to sleep, except after the stage of
depression. We did not push the dosage further. (GREGORY, Journ.
de Pharm., xx, 85. 1834.)
paint
II. Poisonings.—1. A man, depressed and languid, had for some
time been passing large quantities of urine (sp. gr. 1038), containing a
great quantity of oxalate of lime in octahedral crystals and abundance
of sugar. One m. he took a pill containing 4 gr. C. and gr. sul-
phate of strychnia at 9.30. Soon after 10 he felt uncommonly jolly,
as if up to anything. Had a genial glow all over him. After walking
2 h. he sat down to write, and could not see letters distinctly. Suddenly
sight failed him and he felt the room going round. He got into the
open air, feeling very bewildered. He knew he met two ladies, recog-
nising their voices, but could not speak to them. At 1.30 he was
standing indoors with a terrified look, was very pale, and had large
beads of sweat on his forehead. Pupils slightly contracted, radial pulse
scarcely perceptible, surface of body cold and clammy, and voice reduced
to a whisper. Had vomited a mouthful. Said he felt" sick as death."
A tumbler of hot water containing brandy and ammonia was imme-
diately ejected. Lay down, and was wrapped in warm rugs. In h.
began to improve, was not sleepy, only terribly sick, as after smoking
a lot of bad tobacco. He remained thus till 10 p.m. On slightest
movement, began to retch violently. No sleep all n., slightly delirious.
Got up at 9 a.m., very sick and ill. Pulse 56, surface cool, face pale,
pupils much contracted. Had passed about 6 oz. urine, sp. gr. 1018, no
sugar, oxalates plentiful. No appetite all d. After tea and toast in e.
he went to bed, slept well and felt himself in m. (A. S. MYRTLE,
M.D., Brit. Med. Journ., 1874, i, 478.)*
3
III. Experiments on animals.-1. a. HARLEY injected gr. 107
beneath skin of a bitch that was very susceptible to action of morphia.
Eyelids became swollen in 20 m., and continued so for 25 m. more.
Pulse fell in a h. from 120 to 80, and thence to 64, always accelerated
by inspiration. She remained very quiet and timid, as if feeling poorly,
till 9th h., when she had returned to her usual condition. Till then
no excretion had been passed. For first 3 h. there was nausea, and
during part of this time a little tendency to sleep, but she did not close
her eyes throughout. Pupils were unaffected; secretions of mouth
increased. Later, she received 2 gr., without any other effect. He
then injected 3 gr. into a stout beagle weighing about 40 lb.; and,
there being no change in h., 3 gr. more.
Within a few m. followed
whining and restlessness, and repeated action of bowels. After 2 h.
resp. was irregular, wholly abdominal, "expiration consisting in a pro-
longed collapse of abdominal muscles, accompanied by a subdued whine
1
20
* We have given this case in spite of its lack of purity, as the dose of strychnia
was too small to produce physiological effects, and in fact none of its characteristic
symptoms appear in those recorded.-EDS.
OPIUM ALKALOIDS.
531
ending with a slight grunt." Heart's action weak and irregular; pulse
65, respiratory. Pupils contracted closely at light. After 3 h. resp. was
8 only, but now thorax moved slightly; pulse 84, very feeble, ranging
60-120 during each inspiration. Dog lay down most of time, but
walked well though feebly. After 6th h. gradual recovery ensued, but
he continued for some time in a restless whining state, not lying more
than 2-3 m. in same place. As he lay down his flaccid legs were
slightly jerked with faint spasms; at 2nd h. muscles of chest occa-
sionally quivered with a much stronger spasm.
b. In the mouse C. produced the same effect as morphia (II, 6);
but the forward movements were after a time performed by a series of
little jerks, and then tetanic convulsions came on, in which respiration
(previously shallow and irregular) became arrested, and death ensued.
P.m., 1. heart was empty, pale, and contracted; r. distended. (Op. cit.,
p. 170.)
The other alkaloids of Opium must be more briefly presented.
Cryptopia. This has received little examination save from Harley (op. cit.,
His
pp. 156-168), who has experimented on man, on the dog, and on the mouse.
conclusions are as follows:-1. Cryptopia, like morphia, has two distinct effects, an
hypnotic, and an excitant of a most remarkable and exceptional kind, dependent
partly upon an illusion of vision, and partly upon a tendency to convulsive action.
(This is in animals; H- says: "I have as yet been unable, after careful inquiries, to
detect the slightest tendency to illusory or other excitant effects in man.”)
2. The
hypnotic effect is both considerable and protracted in those who are readily calmed
by morphia. No unpleasant effects have followed its use (in man). 3. Its action
upon the respiratory function is first stimulant, but subsequently depressant, and death
is the direct consequence of this depressive effect. 4. The effect on the heart's action
is regulated by that on the breathing, and is therefore indirect. 5. In large doses C.
causes dilatation of pupils.
J
but
Meconinum.-This, too, is chiefly known-pathogenetically-through Harley
(pp. 151–156). Administered by the stomach, it has no effect, or so slight a one as
to be inappreciable. By the skin, gr. to 2 is tranquillising and hypnotic, and is not
followed by any unpleasant results. In animals similar effects were observed;
when gr. proved fatal to a vigorous mouse (p. 347), there were convulsions before
death, and for 10 m. after. The kidneys were congested, the bladder distended, and
the urine (as did that passed 2 h. after the dose) contained many blood-corpuscles.
Narceinum has been declared by Bernard, Behier, Debout, Liné, and Eulenburg
to possess narcotic power secondary only to that of morphia. Da Costa and Harley
find it much less active, and ascribe its efficacy in the hands of the French observers
to admixture with codeia or meconine. Such as it is, it seems purely hypnotic, and
its action leaves no disagreeable after-effects. Anuria and dysuria have been noted
from its use; but Harley considers these mechanical effects, its insolubility leading to
its precipitation in the urinary passages. In animals, given in sufficient dose, it
kills by paralysing the respiration, without producing convulsion. (HARLEY, op. cit.)
Narcotinum appears to be, in the lower animals, a convulsant. Schroff and
Tully have proved it on the human subject. The former found in the dose of
7 to 15 centigr. at first increased quickness of pulse by 6-11 beats, then as many
beats under normal. The temperature first rose o 2º C., then sank o'28° C. Taste
insipid, not bitter; sometimes scrapy feeling. Soon after taking it a transient head-
ache with humming in head, redness of face, injection of eyes, dilatation of pupils, in-
creased transpiration, peculiar disagreeable formication in limbs, agreeable warmth in
chest, deeper breathing, pleasant disposition, weakness and drowsiness, followed by
coldness and rigor, especially in back. The muriate in doses of 2 decigr. caused
532
ORIGANUM.
After 1 h. rigor all over body, slight
(Lehrb. d. Pharm.)
disgusting, bitter, astringent and acrid taste.
pressure in forehead, heat and redness of face.
Prof. Tully proved N. on eight persons. In the first, 2 gr. at 10 a.m, reduced
pulse from 70 to 60 in h. Four gr. more, taken at 4, brought it down by 5 to 52,
and it was softer and more compressible. By 5.30 there was also mazy and confused
feel of head; by 6 considerable languor, perspiration, and vertigo increased on
motion; by 7 much somnolency, disagreeable sensation in epigastrium, itching of sur-
face, and hoarseness; by 7.30, slight thickness of speech and vacillation of gait, and
bladder emptied itself slowly and with difficulty. All these symptoms increased for
2 h. more, and then remained with some variations up to 11, when he went to bed,
slept heavily, and woke in m. with mouth somewhat dry and clammy, and still some
difficulty in evacuating bladder. The second took same doses, and had same sym-
ptoms, with also nausea and repeated vomiting. The third was as the second, but his
symptoms lasted all next d.; both found that a short walk improved all symptoms
for the time. A fourth took 8 gr. at 11 a.m. About 11.30 began to feel highly
pleasurable sensations; by 12 itching of whole surface, most intense at nose and
inside thighs, increasing up to 2.30, after which it gradually subsided. From 12.
much somnolency, increasing up to 5. Pulse went down (from 68) to 48; pupils
were contracted. Other symptoms as in former provers. Next three experiments
were with small repeated doses,-gr. every 2 or 3 h. in two, gr. j every h. in a
third. Same symptoms were produced. (Bost. Med. and Surg. Journ., vii, 37.)
30
All this is in strange contrariety with H. C. Wood's statement that "20 or 30
gr. have frequently been taken without effect, and even doses of 120 gr. are said to
have been exhibited with no greater results." (Narcotine is not mentioned by
Harley.)
I
Papaverinum has been experimented with by Hormann (Wien. med. Wochenschr.
for 1868), who took on 3 successive d. doses of gr. 1-8 of the muriate. In 1½ h.
after 3rd dose, severe hiccough came on, and lasted for 6 m., followed by pain in
epigastrium, and when this disappeared frontal headache came on. (See Allen's
Encyclopædia, sub voce.)
Thebainum acts on animals like strychnia. Two gr. injected by Harley under
the skin of a dog weighing 25 lb. killed it in 4 h. by arrest of the respiratory move-
ments. "Rabuteau took 10 centigrs., with the production only of a feeling of
tightness in the head" (Wood).
ORIGANUM.
Origanum vulgare, L. Wild marjoram. Nat. Ord., Labiatæ.
I. Provings.-1. M. de CESSOLES, æt. about 60, took 1 dr. of tinct. Rheumatic
pains in arms, hands, thighs, and feet, sometimes wandering or intermittent; pimples
of vivid red colour, but slightly raised, painful to touch, on outer side of legs; a few
scattered spots on thighs, legs, and belly, rose coloured, 2-3 centimetres long; many
dreams; he is frequently awakened by desire to micturate; swelling of nipples; epis-
taxis in m. (GALLAVARDIN, Causeries Cliniques, i, 80.)
2. A young woman, of lively disposition, took 1 dr. of tinct. May 3rd and 4th,
1842, 2 dr. on 5th, and 5 dr. on 6th. Rheumatic pains in foot, toes, breast,
shoulder-blade, arm, and hand, on r. side only; itching in nipples; excitement of
venereal appetite. From 16th-24th she became very self-absorbed, pensive, taciturn,
sad, hopeless, felt inclined to throw herself out of window, and to walk about con-
tinually, it was impossible to keep herself quiet; everything seemed contrary; disgust
for life, in which all things felt tame, and longing for death; great heat in head,
when it increased head turned involuntarily from side to side; extravagant ideas;
desire to walk very fast, and for fresh air, which comforted her; dissolute feeling,
desire to change her condition; loss of appetite; great thirst during n. and frequent
waking, constant and extravagant dreaming, waking with a start and trembling. On
the 24th, great vivacity and need of active movement. (Ibid.)
OSMIUM.
533
3. A companion of the above took 30th dil., 2 globules on May 16th and 22nd.
She, too, experienced much mental depression, followed by excitement, and had
similar excitement of venereal desire, but no information is given as to her character
and previous state of health. (Ibid.)
OSMIUM.
Including the metal itself, and osmic acid—osmic tetroxide, OsO4.
same
I. Provings.—1. a. Being in excellent health, I took, May 12th,
1855, 2 gr. of 3rd trit. of the metal at 8.30 a.m. without effect.
13th.-Repeated dose. All afternoon fulness and aching in upper and
back part of head, indoors and out; worse on throwing head back.
7 p.m., took same. 14th.-Next d. took same at 4 and 10 p.m.
After 1st dose, dull headache like a band round head above ears, after
2nd extending from base of brain into jaws. 15th.-At noon
dose. At n. return of dull aching of previous d.; irregular attacks of
stabbing in tips of fingers, especially 1. 16th.-Arose very tired, with
muddled head and aching limbs and body; and was thus all d. Stool
delayed, small and costive. 10 a.m., 2 gr. In e. perceived urine to
be strongly scented, somewhat like violets, very high coloured, and
apparently full of bile. 17th.-No med.; urine and head the same.
18th.-2 gr. at 11 a.m. and at n. 19th.—2 gr. at 11 a.m. All d.
yesterday and to-d, uneasiness in stomach, increasing to anxiety and
contraction; worse after food, and much aggravated by stimulants.
Felt restless and fidgetty. Bowels moved daily, but costively. Feeling
so poorly, took no med. till 22nd, when I repeated dose in forenoon.
(Rawness in larynx now began, increasing by 24th to severe laryngeal
catarrh ? medicinal. 24th to 26th.-Also aching, drawing and
shooting in several joints. Felt very weak and easily tired.) On
28th took 1 gr. at 2.30 p.m. 6, weakness of stomach almost amounting
to nausea, and aversion to cocoa (usually well relished). 29th.-
Rose, feeling jaded, after restless tossing n. Took 1 gr. at noon.
30th and 31st.Took 1 gr. each d. On n. of 30th restless as before.
b. June 6th, took 1 gr. at 3 p.m.
gr. at 3 p.m. All e. had distension of stomach
and bowels, though dinner was only plain roast mutton and potatoes.
Restless m., and dull head all d. on 7th; bowels not moved till 4 p.m.,
and urine brown and scanty. At 3 p.m. another dose.
At n. slight
griping in bowels; stool passed hastily, with burning at anus; it was
bilious and partly fluid. 8th.-This m. urine scanty and strongly
scented, but not so dark as before. Took I gr. at 11 a.m.
In e. again
distension of stomach and bowels, with difficult passage of flatus. 9th.
-Urine scanty and dark coloured. Took I gr. a.m. All p.m. abdo-
men very sensitive and distended. Only small lump of fæces, like a
marble, passed to-d. after much effort. 10th.-1 gr. a.m. Again
troubled with distension all p.m. and e. 11th.-1 gr.
Pulse 90,
normally 72. Before (mid-day) dinner contractive pain and weight in
epigastrium, often attended with feeling as if I had swallowed rugged
No appetite for dinner; bowels distended p.m.; pressure on
stones.
✔
534
OSMIUM.
both inguinal rings. No stool till to p.m., dry and full of air (sic).
12th.-Sleep restless every n., with dreams of painful events; rise
jaded. In forenoon constrictive pain in stomach. Pulse 80. Stool
at 10 a.m., small. Urine scanty and dark.
16th.-
2 gr. at noon.
Took no more med. Bowels remain costive; urine scanty and dark,
but improving. Have several times felt before-mentioned stabbing pains
in tips of 1. thumb and fingers. Sleep haunted by weighty but unre-
membered dreams. In about a week from the time I left off this
last trial my health resumed its usual vigour and evenness, which had
been rather unpleasantly ruffled by this powerful drug. (STOKES,
Monthly Hom. Rev., iii, 164.)
2. C. HERING. a. From olfaction.-Peculiar feeling in head, and
great pain in upper r. forehead (soon); cold jerks in l. upper jaw and
front teeth; in m. first hard, then thin soft stool of striking orange.
yellow colour (3rd d.); pain in r. nostril (immediately); pain near 1.
lower rib, a dull stitch (imm.); sensitive pain in middle of 1.
humerus, soon after in fingers (2 h.); violent bone-pain in 1. elbow
(imm.); burning pressure on outer side of r. forearm; flying cutting
pains in bones and joints of r. foot (1st h.)
b. After triturating.-Severe pain in 1. petrous bone, above and
behind ear; ringing in r. ear, and pain; pain in spermatic cords, espe-
cially 1. (soon); throbbing, sticking, pricking, pinching pain on 1. side
of glans penis.
c. From 1st dec.-Misplacement of words in same phrase; head-
ache in upper 1. forehead, a tearing to and fro, deep in, at same time.
similar deep-seated pains in bones of limbs (e. of 1st d.); falling out of
hair is increased and continues (12th d.); sensation as if axis of vision
was moved back and forth a short distance, without moving eyes,-
with closed eyes (e. of 1st d.); ringing in r. ear (inh.); tongue
much coated; coffee tastes badly,-3rd d.; urging to stool, but
passage of flatus only (p.m., 2nd d.); mushy stools 3 times in d.;
unusually strong erections; pain in spermatic cords, especially 1. ;
glans penis reddened on one side; mucus hangs in larynx like a thread,
irritates to hawking and cough, causing retching and almost vomiting
(11th d.); burning pains in 1. ring finger (6th d.); violent itching on
spot an in. wide and a hand long above crest of 1. ilium, towards
abdomen,—place is red, with many small points as if tetter would appear
(7th d., et seq.); fulness and restlessness in legs which becomes quite
unbearable, he does not know what to do with them, and finally has to
lie down (e., 5th d.); violent itching on legs and ankles; burning
stitches in skin at many places, particularly in r. upper eyelid, worst at
inner border of nail of 1. fourth finger, where it burns like fire (soon);
itching as from crawling insects on shoulders and back in e. when going
to bed, it scarcely permits sleep and makes him very impatient
(9th d.).
K
d. From 1st cent.-Violent itching in 1. inner canthus, irresistible
desire to rub it (2nd d.); violent pain around 1. eye, as if externally on
bone, for h.; earache, first in r., then in 1. ear (e. of Ist d.); violent
yet undefined pains at tip of glans and in prepuce; violent pinching in
bones of r. forearm; pain in 1. wrist-bones, m. after stool (2nd d.);
OSMIUM.
535
legs and feet appear as if too full; pinching pain in ankles; pinching
pressing pain in head, as if in bone, first 1. then r. (2nd d.).
e. Without specification of dosage.-Inward weakness, thinks he will
have to give up practice on account of mental weakness (in e. while
riding out); thoughts of accidents having happened to others, gradually
growing upon him as if he were to do such injuries (after several
weeks); pain in muscles of mastication, after eating wheat bread, for
2-3 h.; sensation of great weakness in both groins toward cord (soon);
cough on rising, in violent short bursts without expectoration; sweat
in axilla, smelling of garlic, for a week (8th d.); severe pinching pain
in 1. upper arm, a handbreadth above elbow, inwardly and on inner
posterior side, often repeated and very severe, for 15 m. (soon); severe
pains in r. forefinger, especially in 1st phalanx, stinging and twitching
towards point (after a week); severe pains in r. ankle, which do not
prevent walking (1st h.). (Mat. Med., vol. 1.)
I
3. Dr. NEIDHARD, 5 m. after olfaction twice repeated, had pressing
headache in forehead, soon followed by ulcerative pain in 1. leg and
gluteal muscles. (Ibid.)
4. Dr. RAUE, after olfaction, had pressing headache in organs of
identity; pulsating dull stinging on inner side of r. shoulder-joint ;
drawing on inside of r. forearm. (Ibid.)
5. a. Dr. BOJANUS on Dec. 24th, 9 a.m., smelt at undiluted osmic
acid and the 1st dec. dil. while preparing it. Symptoms: Odour pungent,
causing prickling in nose and increased secretion of mucus. The
odour remains long in nose and changes into an odour of blood. Sen-
sation in nose as if it were stopped up, and as if coryza were about to
come on. Immediately afterwards increased secretion of saliva causing
him to spit frequently. When breathed in it caused scrapy, rough,
prickling sensation in larynx as if catarrh were coming on, compelling
frequent hawking. Soon afterwards catarrh ensued. In afternoon.
after frequent inhalations of 1, at I p.m. nose and larynx very sensitive
to cold air, constant discharge from nose, and at same time nose felt
stopped up. Scraping and raw feeling in epiglottis. Has a constant
smell of the acid in the nose or a sensation as if unslaked lime had
penetrated into nose, along with prickling sensation in nose. Scraping
in larynx exciting short dry cough; during and after cough pain in
larynx and trachea to middle of sternum as if raw and sore, as if with
every cough the m.m. were torn away. This feeling of rawness in
chest is permanent, and causes hawking and tussiculation.
At 4 p.m.,
dimness of vision in r. eye, not relieved by wiping it, as if a veil rose
before eye or the room was full of smoke. Frequent abortive sneezing.
5 p.m., the candle flame is surrounded by a bluish-green halo with
bright red border; when the candle is removed far from eye (10 to 12
paces) the halo disappears, and the flame appears indistinct as if enve-
loped in smoke. The catarrhal symptoms increase, as also the pains
in larynx and cough. Smelling of the Ix is very disagreeable and
repugnant, and is like what one feels on smelling at strong mustard.
Lachrymal secretion increased, especially when looking long at any
object. Nausea with flow of saliva into mouth. 10 p.m., frequent
sneezing with increased discharge from nose. The coloured halo
536
OSMIUM.
round candle-flame continues unaltered. Towards e. the cough becomes
loose with expectoration of colourless mucus, the scraping and raw
feeling in larynx and under sternum continue. On blowing nose
smell of the acid in nose, very marked, and feeling as if blood came
from head into nose, which is very sensitive not only to cold air but to
that in the room. Nausea and flow of water into mouth, as if vomiting
would ensue. Sudden pain in hip-joint as if dislocated, preventing
walking for a few m. Tobacco scrapes the throat and causes cough
and increased raw feeling in larynx. II p.m., the pain in 1. hip-joint
occurs once when walking but soon goes off. Coffee does not relieve
these symptoms.
No symptoms during n.-25th, 5.30 a.m., dry
feeling in chest, dry shaking cough. When coughing pain under ster-
num and both sides of chest, burning, sore as if chest were all raw
inside. After coughing a long time, expectoration of viscid, yellow
lumps of mucus. Tightness of chest, dread of breathing. When
breathing the air causes sore pain in bronchial tubes. Mucous râles in
chest and larynx, in the latter there is some pain, but not so bad as in
chest. The feeling of scraping in larynx is still there. The catarrh
goes on as before. Sense of smell much impaired. Eyes the same as
yesterday, the coloured halo round candle-flame still slightly observed.
In abdomen rumbling and rattling as if air and water were in the
bowels. Smell and taste much impaired, can hardly tell what food is
eaten.-26th. Catarrh continues, and all the chest and larynx sym-
ptoms, even the cough, though less in degree. In open air smell of
lime-dust in nose. Smell and taste still impaired. On back of 1.
hand betwixt thumb and index small, pointed vesicles with red areola
and intolerable itching (6 years ago had itch here), similar vesicles
appeared on ulnar border of same hand from metacarpal joint to
phalanges of little finger and on dorsal aspect of wrist. No vesicles
on r. hand, but much itching. All the vesicles disappeared in 24 h.
The catarrh continued with only slightly diminished severity till 29th ;
cough in m. only, the sensation before described in the chest is still
present. All the symptoms were gone on the 30th December.
b. January 4th, 10 dr. Ix. Taste and smell of acid repugnant.
Immediately increased heat of chest along course of œsophagus.-5th.
Same dose. Immediately same sensation in chest. In e. twitching
jerks in r. upper hollow tooth, very painful and often preventing
speaking. E., stool, at first hard, then soft; before stool strong urging;
after stool extreme burning in anus with urging to stool preventing
sleep, only a little lumpy yellow mucus was evacuated.-6th. Same
dose. In m. confusion of head with pressing and weight, especially in
1. frontal eminence, going off p.m. At n. towards m. same toothache
as yesterday in same tooth, but more drawing, and relieved by sucking
at tooth with tongue.
c. June 1st, 10 dr. 1; immediately nausea with rush of water into
mouth making him spit frequently. Soon afterwards empty eructation,
at first without, afterwards with taste and smell of acid, with relief to
nausea. After 20 m. incessant disgusting eructation with smell and
taste of acid, whereby the nausea is so much increased that vomiting is
momentarily expected, but it did not occur; much spitting of the
-
OSMIUM.
537
constantly accumulating saliva, which is very watery. Soon after this
vomiting of much slimy water mixed with smell and taste of acid with
many blackish grey specks like the sediment the acid causes when in
contact with organic substances. The vomiting comes in jerks, at first
of the above-described water, later of yellowish but not bitter-tasting
viscid water which draws into threads. After vomiting eructation of air
with taste and smell of the acid and continuance of the flow of saliva.
After 2 h. exhausted, tired, drowsy, dislike to work and to intellectual
occupation, as weary as after a long walk. Taste metallic, as is also
smell before nose; nausea and salivation continue. Tobacco not relished.
Head feels stupid and full, with irresistible sleepiness, limbs feel heavy as
lead, weariness and heaviness of legs, especially knees, cannot stand
long, must often sit down. Taste blunt, smell of acid constantly before
nose, great loathing at it and its odour. At 10 a.m. a normal stool.
All m. till noon eructation of air with smell of radish. Sticky and pasty
in mouth as after a long illness, feeling in body as if a serious disease
were coming on. Sinking sensation and discomfort under navel with
feeling of weakness, occasional rumbling in bowels. At 9 p.m., a soft,
almost pappy, but afterwards thin formed stool. At n. slept well, con-
fused but not frightful dreams of conflagrations. Slight nausea and dis-
comfort in scrob. cordis in m.-2nd. Same dose. Soon same array of
symptoms as yesterday with nausea, vomiting, salivation, exhaustion,
drowsiness, &c. Later, when driving in street, sinking feeling in scrob.
cordis and nausea as if about to vomit. Sinking feeling in whole
abdomen with profuse salivation. After eating sinking feeling, extreme
discomfort, dull pain and weight in scrob. cordis. Appetite much
diminished.-3rd. Same dose, and immediately the same symptoms,
but longer continued and more intense; great general malaise pre-
venting him from working all d. Visible and sensible twitching of r.
levator palpebræ superioris, m., relieved by rubbing, but always recur-
ring, lasting 2 h. 4th and 5th. Dull paralytic pain, deep in 1. radius,
aggravated by lifting anything or by allowing arms to hang down, last-
ing 3 d. and going off very gradually; on 3rd d. the same pain went
into r. forearm, but was much less severe and soon went off. During
whole time from Ist to 7th June, clear urine with brick-coloured
sediment, sometimes sinking to bottom, sometimes adhering to sides of
vessel. All the time unusual attacks of nausea by d. without any
apparent cause, continued till roth. (Intern. hom. Presse, v, 275).
6. a. Prof. BRAUELL observed from small doses (taken by self)
burning feeling in conjunctiva, discharge from nose, irritation of
Schneiderian membrane like that caused by snuff, sneezing, coryza,
hoarseness, tickling in larynx and constant short cough. In e. the
candle flame was surrounded by a bluish-green halo with ash-grey
border. The nasal discharge, hoarseness, irritation of larynx and
cough lasted 3 or 4 d. ; they were aggravated in open air.
b. Larger doses caused the same symptoms in a greater degree, and,
in addition, salivation, frequent hawking of mucus with inclination to
vomit, tickling in larynx and trachea, taste of blood, oppression of
chest and dyspnoea, as if the lungs were collapsed and the access of air
hindered, hence difficulty of breathing (relieved by deep inspiration),
538
OSMIUM.
exhaustion, laziness, sleepiness and disinclination for all work. Exposed
to the fumes he got heaviness of head, compression in forehead and
temples, pressive pain in eyeballs, diminished acuity of vision, so that
distant objects seemed enveloped in a thin mist, pressive pain in sacral
region and shivering especially in back. There was also crossness,
irritability amounting to anger, and the greatest repugnance to the acid,
all which lasted a long time after the trial. (Ibid., 230.)
II. Poisonings.-I. HELLMANN, exposed for a longer time to fumes,
had at first burning in eyes, copious lachrymation, constant mucous dis-
charge from nose, followed by profuse salivation, constant expectoration
of phlegm causing inclination to vomit, a peculiar irritation in nose,
fauces, larynx, oesophagus and trachea as though scalded by hot water,
at same time sensation of constriction of trachea, in consequence of
which and of oppression of chest there is dyspnoea. In addition heavi-
ness of head and peculiar pressing and aching in back from scapulæ to
sacrum aggravated by movement and coughing, and pain in lumbar
region. On walking in open air after h. had to rest frequently on
account of weakness and dyspnoea. He went to bed but found no
relief from drinking warm milk or from medicine. No appetite. On
trying to read the letters ran together. He felt the greatest disgust at
coffee and tobacco, which he was passionately fond of in health.
During e. the flame of the candle appeared surrounded with a green
red-bordered halo. No sleep at n. Next d. was much better, the
following n. slept well, but the vision was only perfectly restored on
the 3rd d. From the 4th d. he regained his appetite for tobacco and
coffee, but he still saw the halo round the candle-flame on the 5th d.
Although he went on steadily improving he had to keep his bed for 10
d. on account of want of strength. It was not till the 3rd week that
he felt quite well. (Ibid., 227.)
2. In April, 1845, at 1 p.m., Prof. CLAUSS sniffed up for an instant
the fumes from osmic acid in a bottle. Immediately violent burning
pain in eyes (with lachrymation), nose, fauces, larynx, and trachea.
Later, copious salivation with constant expectoration of mucus, with
retching but not nausea, constant discharge from nose with oppression
of chest, difficult whistling respiration, dry spasmodic cough, heaviness.
of head, pain in sacrum and pressure in both groins, which when he
coughed extended to testicles. After these symptoms had lasted 1 h.
he got 6 dr. laudanum, mustard to chest, and warm milk to drink.
After 3 doses of the laudanum at 5 m. interval the retching and respi-
ratory distress were much relieved, and in 1 h. more he could eat his
dinner. After dinner he attempted to read, but the letters ran together.
and he had to give it up. In the e. he was troubled with salivation,
hawking of mucus, and the pain in groins, but the other symptoms
had disappeared. The candle-flame all e. was surrounded by a yellow
halo. Next d. he complained of pain in testicles, which had kept him
awake all n. The lachrymation continued, but the salivation and
sacral pain were relieved; no stool. On 3rd d. stool, pain in spermatic
cords to testicles, and inflammatory swelling of r. inguinal gland the
size of a pigeon's egg; sight normal. From the 4th d. the pain in
spermatic cords and testicles decreased, and ceased entirely on 7th d.
OSMIUM.
539
The swelling of inguinal gland continued till the 10th d. The irrita-
tion of fauces, trachea, and larynx, the oppression of chest with cough,
the dyspnoea, hawking of mucus and nasal discharge became less every
d., but were not all gone till the 15th d. (Ibid., 229.)
3. a. A man, æt. 30, began in December to work at separating O.
from its compounds. At first in good health, he began to suffer from
extremely acute pain in eyes without disturbance of sight; his sleep
became heavy, unpleasant, interrupted by nightmares. Towards end
of February he had a copious eruption on forearms, hands, and on side
of face. On entering hospital, April 1st, he stated that he had for
some little time had 9-10 diarrhoeic stools in d., preceded and
followed by colic, and accompanied nearly every time by emission of
a certain quantity of blackish blood (he had no hæmorrhoids). He
had also suffered since commencing his work from violent and obstinate
headaches, which even prevented his sleeping. A fortnight before
admission he had nausea without vomiting, followed by cough; and
4 d. later was seized with chills and dyspnoea, recurring every other d.
I was struck with the difficulty he had in breathing; he seemed
threatened with asphyxia. Skin was dry and hot; temp. 40·6°. Exa-
mination of chest showed generalised bronchitis, and on 1. side pretty
extensive pneumonia. Surface of forearms and hands was dotted with
papules, some large, some small; they were reddish brown; the epi-
dermis came off in scales. Albumen was found in large quantity in
the urine. Patient lived a week in hospital, gradually growing weaker.
Fever and albuminuria continued, also pneumonia, which had the
mobile character noted by Vulpian as an ominous prognostic.
b. P.M. examination found 1. lung in some parts in grey, in some
in red hepatisation; while in others a gangrenous cavity was in process
of formation. Bronchial glands were enlarged, red, and soft. Kidneys
showed Bright's disease in second stage. No change in other organs
save stomach, where ecchymoses as large as the hand occupied the
greater curvature. Histological examination found renal epithelium
in state of fatty degeneration. (RAYMOND, Progrès Medical, June
27th, 1874.)
4. Other workers in, or inhalers of, O. have noticed-decrease of
sight, for 3—4 d. each time after smelling at binoxide,—flame of lamp
in e. seemed much larger and more confused than natural; a very
large rainbow-hued ring around flame of every candle (after each
exposure to fumes); crises of nervous asthma; a singular and persistent
cutaneous affection. (See ALLEN's Encyclopædia, sub voce, and Bull.
de la Soc. Med. Hom. de France, xvi, 363.)
III. Experiments on animals.-1. Into the stomach of a small dog
was injected zixss of a fluid containing oxide of osmium. After 2 m.
constant vomiting for 1 h., first of a fluid smelling strongly of O., then
of small quantities of white froth; with great effort, at last cough.
Next d. would not eat, was perceptibly thinner, but gradually recovered.
(GMELIN, Versuch., &c.; also in Franks Mag., iv, 664.)
2. A rabbit, which after the injection of zixss of same sol. into
stomach would not eat and became very thin, got 4 d. afterwards 3ixss
at 9 and 9.30 a.m. Immediately after 2nd injection very weak, hinder
540
PÆONIA.
¦
extremities seemed paralysed, but it recovered a little. The next m.
it was found dead. P.M.-Extreme emaciation; oesophagus, stomach,
and small intestines externally bluish black, internally like coal, and
rough and hard to the feel. Large intestine, heart, lungs, liver, spleen,
bladder, brain, and nerves unaltered. Stomach and small intestines
empty; the walls of stomach near cardia somewhat dropsical (œdema-
tous?). (The black colour was evidently owing to the chemical
decomposition of the oxide of O.) (Ibid.)
3. A small dog vomited the instant the injection of zixss into the
stomach was performed; this recurred several times the next h. Then
another similar injection was performed, when white froth was vomited
with great effort; this lasted 2 h. and recurred occasionally after 8 h.,
occasional cough. Next d. the animal was lively but would not eat.
On 3rd and 4th d. the excrements were semi-fluid, mixed with black
flakes. (lbid.)
4. 3xv sol. of oxide of O. (= 1°305 grm. metallic O.) injected into
external jugular of a strong dog. After h. frothy vomiting, twice
repeated, exhaustion, dyspnoea. After 50 m. it died slightly convulsed.
P.M., immediately.-Voluntary muscles very irritable on application
of stimuli; the heart also contracted slightly when irritated, its r. half
was filled with black fluid blood; the blood in 1. ventricle was brighter
but not normally bright; the blood took a long time to coagulate.
Lungs much distended, pale, with red spots, bronchial tubes filled with
much white froth, the trachea with thick snow-white froth resembling
soapsuds; when water was added to it it behaved just like diluted
blood serum; it had come out of mouth and nose before death,
and it was found also in oesophagus and stomach. Liver, kidneys,
spleen, and abdominal veins filled with black fluid blood; bladder
empty. (Ibid.)
PÆONIA.
Paonia officinalis, L. Peony. Nat. Ord., Ranunculaceœ.
I. Provings.- -1. (No information of any kind). Pressing 1.-sided headache, after
dinner. Boring pain, from without inwards, in r. temple. Twitching tearing in r.
temple into head. Gnawing headache. Itching of r. upper eyelid at short intervals.
Very painful shooting in r. upper eyelid towards its inner canthus, not removed by
rubbing. Pinching behind r. ear. Very painful jerks in cartilage of ear. Burning
heat in face. Formication in upper lip. Pressure from fossa of lower jaw through
internal ear, eased by opening jaws for a length of time, e.g. in drinking, and
aggravated by pressing the jaws together. Pressure under heart, as from great
anxiety. Drawing formication below navel, relieved by scratching. Pappy diar-
rhoea, with sinking sensation in belly and burning in anus after stool, which recurs in
6 h.; it comes on rapidly, followed by internal chilliness; the malaise is, as a rule,
greatest some h, afterwards.
On perineum at anus a small ulcer, which constantly
secretes moisture of very bad odour, it is painful for 8 d. Formication in tip of nose.
Throbbing through r. side of thoracic cavity, and from behind up to nape, where it
ends in an intermitting pinching. Cutting pressure on 1. side of chest when sitting
bent forward. Pressing ache near both sides of sternum at its inferior part, while
eating. Obtuse stitches in thoracic cavity from before backwards, as if through
heart. Pinching, now in dorsal, now in abdominal muscles. Shooting on several
ì
PÆONIA.
541
parts of back, going off when scratched. Fine boring pain on 1. scapula, going off
on moving. Sharp stitches in axillæ. On flexing arm the muscles are tense above
elbow-joint, with feeling as if the part were pressed. Shooting pinching in 1. wrist-
joint, behind thumb. Severe cramp in ulna, near wrist. A living crawling and
working in a part of 1. forearm. Very transient pricking formication in fingers and
sides. Weary pain in ankle-joints when sitting. Cramp-like pains in r. temple,
from without inwards. Strong cramp in r. knee-joint when sitting. Single sharp
blows on inside of knee, from within outwards. Itching of calves, removed by
rubbing, and burning itching of toes, which were swollen and drawn crooked, and
pain as if a sharp knife were stuck through them at short intervals. Burning heat
of face, back, and chest, with cold extremities. (Prakt. Mittheil. d. corresp. Ges.
hom. Aerzte, No. 4, July, 1827, p. 61.)
2. Dr. GEYER, æt. 23, took, Nov. 10th, 10 p.m., 6 dr. tinct. After sleeping 2 h.,
woke up on account of great heat all over body, as also unusual heat in gastric
region, and amorous dreams, which disturbed his sleep during remainder of n.-11th.
Felt well till 5 p.m., from which time till he went to bed he had tiresome rush of
blood to head, with pressure and dull pain under forehead, one ear hot, the other
cold. Very irritable and dejected without cause. Sleep next n. disturbed by dis-
tressing and frightful dreams (of the death of near relations, &c.).—12th. No sym-
ptoms all d., so he took in e. 13 dr. Next n. was undisturbed.-13th. 6.30 a.m.,
13 dr. After 1 h. violent perpendicular stitches in I. half of chest, beginning under
1. clavicle and going through whole chest to diaphragm, near the heart, most severe
during expiration, increased by walking about; at same time pressure and stitches
towards r., from ensiform cartilage. 10 a.m., shooting pains near r. nipple, increased
by walking and running at 1 p.m. All p.m. till e. very drowsy and tinnitus aurium.
Sleep next n. unrefreshing and disturbed by many dreams and frequent and copious
micturition.-14th, m., considerable inflammation of eyeball, a pain in 1. eye, as if a
sharp grain of sand were beneath upper eyelid. P.m., recurrence of pains in chest,
lasting 2 h. 8 p.m., severe pressure in middle of sternum, going off at n., but
returning more severely on 15th, and lasting all m. For some d. past the toes are
extremely sensitive. The symptoms go off with dying away of one finger, all except
the pressure in 1. eye.-16th. No symptoms all d. II p.m., 18 dr., which caused
disturbed sleep from heat all over body, burning in stomach, and vivid, curious
dreams.-17th, m., full feeling in whole head and pressure in occiput. E., increase
of full feeling in head, and violent pressive pain in 1. eye.
eye. All d. tormented by
inexplicable anxiety. Next n. very distressing dreams, pain in occiput, and violent
pains in 1. eye, the inflammation of which attains its greatest intensity on 18th.
The conjunctiva is bloodshot and swollen, difficulty of opening eye on account of
pain and photophobia for a short time, with copious lachrymation. This inflammation
continues for 8 d. After a very restless n., on 19th m. recurrence of stitches in 1.
side of chest, parallel to axis of body. There is, besides, periodical shooting in
lowest cervical vertebræ. E., recurrence of stitches in r. side of chest.
Next n. sleep
worse than ever before; the distressing dreams increase to nightmare, he dreams of
an extraordinary figure, which sat on his chest and affected his breathing, and is
often wakened by his own groaning. (Hygea, xxi, 313.)
At n.
3. a. Mr. HEGER, farmer, æt. 21, took, May 8th, 11.30 a.m., 8 dr. tinct. 4.45
p.m., cutting around navel, lasting h., recurred at 8, and at 10 p.m. was very
violent. At n. woke up frequently, dreamt much, had an amorous dream, with
emission.—9th. At noon, slight stitches down through 1. side of chest.
dreamt about quarrelling.—10th, 10 a.m., 13 dr. During d., 5 diarrhoeic stools;
unusual painfulness of corns.-11th. At noon, 20 dr. Only felt some pressure in
abdomen in e.-12th, 10 a.m., 30 dr. At n., an amorous dream, with emission.-
13th. 40 dr. were followed by anxious dreams and some colic.-14th. 80 dr, no
effect.-17th. 50 dr.-19th.
100 dr. only caused restless n., full of dreams.
b. June 3rd, p.m., 100 dr. At 8 p.m., cutting in abdomen and one normal stool.
9.15 p.m., a diarrhoeic stool. At n. many unremembered dreams. Next d., 3 diar-
rhoeic stools, with cutting in abdomen. At n. anxious dreams and an amorous
dream, with emission. On 3rd d. a slight cutting in abdomen.
c. June 17th. 10 dr., some cutting across upper abdomen.-18th, e., 15 dr.—
19th, m., the urine passed in drops with constrictive sensation in neck of bladder.
3.30 p.m., shooting in 1. thoracic cavity parallel to axis of body, accompanying each
542
PEONIA.
15 dr.
inspiration, lasting 1 h. This recurs at 9 p.m. At n. anxious dreams; next d.
very cross.-20th.
On 21st, p.m., cutting in stomach and transverse colon,
and a loose stool. Also during d. periodical attacks of stitches from middle of
stomach upwards. Next 2 n. many dreams.-23rd. 15 dr. Next n. many curious
and anxious dreams. The following d. formication in abdomen. 3rd d., shooting in
1. side of chest, and, p.m., cutting in abdomen. (Ibid., 316.)
4. HELBIG made 2 provings on different persons; no information as to dose, &c.
a. Starting in sleep, even in the daytime. Smarting at back of palate, e. (after
5 d.) Diarrhoea. Transient pain in chest superiorly and anteriorly, beneath
sternum, a kind of pressure, m. (5th d.). A transient, sharp, pressive pain in r. side
of chest inferiorly, above liver, m. (after 2 d.). Pain in r. upper arm to elbow when
moving, for several d. Sensation in r. big toe as if splinters were sticking in skin,
when it is touched,e. (2nd d.).
b. Always rough in throat, he must hawk and cough in order to clear it. The
nostrils posteriorly are full of mucus, worse during sleep at n. and at noon, and when
the weather is rainy. Diarrhoea. Smarting itching at orifice of anus, causing him
to rub, it feels swollen, p.m. (2nd d.). Slight pains in tips of 1. fingers. Beneath
calf, a feeling impeding walking, as though the muscles and tendons and aponeurosis
were stiff, or had been beaten. (Ibid., 320.)
II. Poisonings.-1. After pressing juice out of roots and chewing a morsel, felt,
on going up a gentle acclivity, fine prickling in skin, first in chest, then in axillæ,
on shoulders and arms and down side of back; burning smarting, as from nettles, on
head, chest, and limbs, with itching of skin, making him rub the part; vertigo,
dazedness, and weight in head, in warm room; nausea, simmering in head, loss of, or
dulness of, senses, feeling of faintness, after a short walk uphill, on coming into
warm room. Nausea relieved by a glass of water, but vertigo persists. Exhaustion,
heaviness of limbs, better after eating. E., great weakness and prostration of all
limbs; vertigo with every movement, constant whirling in head; vertigo, especially
when walking about room, things sway to and fro. Walks unsteadily, whirling in
head, the limbs totter. Burning of eyes and lids. Restless, dreamful sleep, dreams
not remembered. Next d. dry, smarting eyes, not easily opened. Burning in eyes,
itching and dry feeling in eyes. Nose stopped up and dry in bed. m. Pressive pain
In 1. side
in occiput and nape persistent. Very acute shooting out at r. ear, a.m.
of head above eyebrow pressive shooting. Heat in throat, burning in fauces; feeling
in throat as if something burning acridly crept up. Hawking up of viscid phlegm;
when hawking the heat in throat increases, p.m. Head confused, heavy, giddy, hot.
Prickling itching and pricking on skin in open Heat and burning, like nettles,
on chest, back, and shoulders. Exhaustion, when walking so tired and heavy on
chest and in limbs, that he must often stand still, in open air. Ebullition of blood
to head and face, with perspiration. Vertigo, uncertain gait, staggering. Nose
stopped up, e. (SCHELLING, A. h. Z., xxviii, 182.)
air.
2. A chlorotic girl, æt. 19, who had not menstruated for 8 weeks, took every
day fasting a cupful of a decoction made from one large peony-flower. Soon after-
wards she always got a pressive headache with confusion, noise in ears, flickering
before eyes, nausea and several liquid stools. On the 3rd, 4th, and 5th days vomiting
and painful diarrhoea. By e. the symptoms had nearly gone, but on the 5th e. the colic
continued, nerves greatly affected, shivering, slight delirium, twitchings and tearings
in extremities, face red and bloated, eyes red, tearful; skin very warm, pulse hard,
contracted; tongue red, abdomen tender, and especially along transverse colon and in
epigastrium, hard and contracted; external genitals swollen, painful, urine scanty and
passed with burning, great thirst, dysphagia, loss of appetite, weariness, prostration,
pain and dazedness in head, paroxysmal tearing pains in extremities, leaving behind a
numb feeling. Recovered in 4 weeks. (OPPENHEIM, Zeitsch., iv, 1850, quoted in
Hom. Vierteljahrsch., ii, 474.)
PALLADIUM.
543
PALLADIUM.
The pure precipitated metal.
I. Provings.—1. C. HERING, April 5th, 1850, while triturating and soon after,
felt pressure on r. forehead in boundary line of hair, covering small spot, and lasting
30-60 m. At noon, sudden stinging pain in metacarpal bone of I. middle finger.
10 p.m., a first hard then mushy thin stool with protrusion of anus. Strong inclina-
tion to use forcible language and violent expressions. 6th.-Several of above sym-
ptoms were repeated. 7th.-Last n. again severe pain deep in 1. hand, burning and
boring, as if part were shattered; it woke him. Towards m. peculiar pain in 1. side,
never felt before, disappearing on turning. Heavy, tired in limbs, inert and unde
cided, in m. Sensation in 1. arm as if it were going to sleep. Pain in rectum with
retained stool; no urging for its evacuation. 11.30 a.m., took a teaspoonful of the
black water obtained from washing out the mortar after making the 1st trit. Inh.
very painful dulness in head, and stitches running to and fro in its 1. side; sudden
twitching in r. wrist and metacarpal bones. Pain in rectum increased till 1 p.m.,
when it ceased after a soft stool. P.m., felt worse; violent digging pain in r. side,
2-3 in. to r. of epigastrium, then pressing pain under 1. ribs. Slight inclination to
stool as if diarrhoea would set in, while walking in e.; it also seems to him,
repeatedly, as if he had grown much taller. Dulness in occiput lasting entire e.;
burning on small spot in 1. groin (same in r. face in m.); increased urging to urinate,
and he passes more; very tired when walking, he reels on coming into room; burn-
ing in nose as from horse-radish, followed by watery discharge. 8th. Thin stool,
with quick and violent urging, as if diarrhoea would set in. L. arm as if "gone to
sleep" for h. at 11 a.m. While sitting still, constant painless twitching which
crooks fingers, till noon. Frequent painful pressure in cardiac region and low down
in 1. chest, occurring at intervals. Constricting sensation in r. head, at noon, through
entire inner 1. head at 1 p.m. R. corner of mouth pains as if sore. Edges of eyelids
feel dry. 9th.-Dryness of fauces and tongue; tongue looks redder in middle.
Took another swallow of the rinsings at 9 a.m. Burning and itching on spots below
r. shoulder-blade, also on various places on r. thigh and leg. For several d. two pim-
ples on scalp behind 1. ear, running a slow course. Eyes dry and itching nearly every
e.; rubbing gives no relief. Short violent stinging pain in 1. metacarpal bones and
thumb. Again ill-humoured, drowsy and lazy in e. After stool with much pres-
sing, sense of fulness in anus. (All stools since proving commenced, save on 8th,
occurred in afternoon or e.). 10th.-Drowsiness and fatigue again in e., but later; he
is very much exhausted and disinclined to work, lies down and goes to sleep if he can.
Itching over whole body while undressing at n. There are small pimples in various
places, besides those behind ear, painfully sore. 11th. For nearly a week has had
same kind of dream every n., viz, of buildings which he was viewing or exploring. For
several d., and especially this d., sensitiveness of a 1. incisor and feeling as if it was a
dead foreign body. Very painful contraction of muscles of r. neck, felt several times
during proving. Vesicles on eyelids and pimples in whiskers. 12th-15th.-
Aversion to beer. Frequent headache as before, inwardly, in places size of apple or
fist, or dull crooked stitches. R. arm and hand often get numb in n. (N. A. J. of H.,
N. S., ix, 136.)
Noticed no sym-
2. a. Mrs. C- took 3 dr. of 4th dil., June 16th, at 6.30 a.m.
ptom till 6 p.m., when after a walk she had dull heavy pain in 1. eye and back of
orbit, lasting 1 h.; it grew severer in spreading over body and vertex, and then dis-
appeared. 17th.-At 5.45 a.m., again 3 dr. Towards 8, after walk, pain in 1. eye
and temple and around ear. During dinner same, and slight unpleasant sensation
around 1. eye. 18th.-Four dr. at 5.30 a.m. Colic before rising, afterwards pain in
r. temple. 7.30, while walking, pain in r. hip. 9.15, pain in r. thumb, then in fore-
finger, first in r. then in 1. temple, in r. shoulder and arm, then again in r. temple.
In after-part of d. similar pains, shifting and transient, most frequently in temple
and longest lasting there. 19th.-At 3 p.m. overpowering sleepiness lasting 1 h.,
passing off with pain in 1. temple. With these symptoms closed, and 6 globules of
5th, then of 6th, for 3 mornings, produced no more. Her next period came several
d. too soon.
M
M
544
PALLADIUM.
b. July 12th, took 4 dr. of 4th at 6 a.m. 7.30, while walking in open air, dull
pain in temple and orbit, dull gnawing pain in 1. hip. 10, while walking, pain round
eye extending beyond r. eyebrow; after sitting awhile, congested feeling in r. chest ;
very marked tension in temples; pain in r. wrist extending into forearm; pain in
temples and on vertex, lasting several h. Took another dose before retiring. On
following days sensation as if heads of femora expanded or were pressed out of their
sockets, especially on 1. side, not noticed when walking but when pressing down as if
for a stool. (Ibid.)
3. Dr. RAUE, April 8th, 1850, took dose of 3rd trit. in m. Painful drawing in
neck and shoulders, and down 1. arm, of short duration. Fluttering pain at seat of
"cautiousness," r. side, between a stinging and a pressing, passing off on touching
or fixing attention on it. 11th.-Repeated dose. Pressing pain in 1. renal region, as
if urine had been retained too long, worse while sitting; pressure rather relieves it,
but it gets worse afterwards. Frequent urging to urinate; aching in bladder.
Aching along edge of ribs and in diaphragm. In e. mental effort irksome; pain in
kidney very marked. 12th. Still some renal pain while sitting; also in l. trapezius,
as from lying on it too long, worse when turning head to l. 13th.-Vesicle inside
under lip near 1. corner. 14th.-Deep-seated pimple on r. cheek near ala nasi, red,
uot painful; a few lightning-like stitches in r. shoulder, almost making him scream;
stitches in r. chest in region of nipple, running deep in, worse from taking deep
breath; drawing pain in 1. forearm, as if lanie, more on radial side. While walking
in open air, stitches in chest and lameness in arm disappear, but he feels aching in I.
groin at every step. On returning to room, again painful drawing in r. shoulder, and
fleeting stitches on inner side of clavicle. 15th.-Took a third dose. Pimple on r.
neck, of some d. standing, begins to itch and burn; one near r. canthus burns and bites.
when touched. Rheumatic pains in r. shoulder in e. In afternoon dull pressing
headache, as from sitting up stiffly too long. Stool no longer daily, but every other d.
17th.—At approach of stool, dull stitches or dull aching twitches in 1. side of rectum ;
stitches through bladder and painful weakness. 18th, 19th.-Pimples on cheeks.
20th. On bending forward while sitting, flying stitches from mid-chest towards
shoulders; very tired in e. (at which time nearly all symptoms appeared or were
more felt). Frequent micturition; bladder feels full, and yet but little urine passes.
(Ibid.)
4. OSCAR TIETZE, April 10th, 1850, at 9.30 a.m., took dose of 3rd trit. Prover
was troubled at times with symptoms of tapeworm. P. seemed to stir these up, and
after its influence had subsided, he felt no more of them for over a twelvemonth.
Besides these, he had tensive pain in r. knee, of short duration; sensation as of
impending stiff-neck, and immediately after at level of lower border of scapula pain
as if from pressure with a dull body,—this is again followed by the stiffness; peculiar
pain in throat when swallowing, as if bread-crumbs had lodged there, disappearing and
returning suddenly, relieved for a time by eating; pressing in suprasternal fossa;
isolated short stitches in legs; neuralgic pains in body here and there; stitches
through urethra to glans; pressing in bladder, as if it was full of urine; small stitches
above knee, like flea-bites; itching in eyelids, has to rub them, more 1. than r.;
stitches in fingers, first 1. then r. ; frequent urging to micturate, with scanty discharge.
Last symptom continued for next 2 d. (Ibid.)
5. Dr. PEHRSON, April 25th, 9 a.m., took 1 gr. of same.
I
An h. later,
dulness in frontal region, as if a heavy load were lying on brain; each expiration is
accompanied by feeling as if this load was pushed forward from occiput to forehead
(it occupies more the central portion of the brain, temples being free). Pain had
reached its climax in 1 h., then abated gradually, and was gone in 3 h. (Ibid.)
6. Dr. CoxE proved 3rd trit. on a woman, æt. 29, who had had a headache for
some d. She took 1st dose at 10 p.m., Nov. 16th. Slight pains and itchings in
various parts followed almost at once. At 7 a.m. next d. took another dose. Varia-
tions in headache, with great irritability, occupied forenoon; p.m., sensation as of
flea-bites in various spots, and at 2.30 violent throbbing throughout body, preventing
siesta for a time. Repeated dose in e., and m. and e. till 8 doses altogether had been
taken. After 3rd dose itchings as at first; after 6th, return of irritability with head-
ache. After 8th, during m. twitching pain in 1. hip-joint; in e., pain at hypogas-
trium, and at 2 a.m, pain in cardiac region. On 6th d., in m., pain above 1. knee,
extending thence into chest. On 7th d., sharp colic in hypogastrium before stool
PARIS.
545
pain and soreness in liver; aversion to any exertion. Headache continued off and on
all the time. (Ibid.)
7. Same proved 3rd trit. on 5 other persons.
a. M. L. C― took 2 gr. daily for 6 d. Took 1st dose at 10 p.m. At 7 next m.
formication over entire back and thighs, with itching; disappears from scratching,
but soon reappears in a neighbouring place. Within 36 h. it had become very
troublesome, and it lasted throughout the proving, and 2 d. after. One d. observed
small elevations here and there as of urticaria, red, on base whiter than skin. Stools
soft during proving, but habitual constipation returned afterwards. Slight fulness in
forehead and sensation as if brain was being shaken lasted for 36 h.
b. S. A. C—, æt. 10, took same for 5 d. Some headache; sensation of rough-
ness on forehead and slight itching, off and on for 2 d.
c. D. C—,æć. 15, took same for 4 d. Formication and itching on various parts of
body; stools more frequent and softer than usual.
d. L. L. C—, æt. 13, took same for 4 d. without effect.
e. J. R. C― took 1 gr. daily for 8 d. Slight numbness in 1. forearm, extending
to fingers, from afternoon of 7th d. till e. of 11th. (Ibid.)
8. Dr. NEIDHARD gave a nursing mother 1 gr. of same before 7 a.m., 2 d. before
she expected her catamenia, which occurred throughout period of nursing. P.m.,
dull aching and weight across forehead and over eyes, lids heavy; for about an h.
aching through limbs as if beaten, with feeling as if menses would appear. Both
symptoms diminished in e. without entirely disappearing. Child was irritable, and
had frequent stools followed by slight colic. Next m. again heaviness over eyes and
in forehead. Felt as if beaten in muscles of both shoulders and arms to elbows;
improved in e. Menses did not appear. (Ibid.)
III. Experiments on animals.-1. A big dog got 9ss of the chloride in iss water.
After 4 m. vomiting first of brown (colour of P. solution) fluid, latterly of white
froth. After h. diarrhoea, all d. very tired and cross. Next d. well. (GMELIN,
Versuch., &c., in Frank's Mag., iv, 665.)
It
2. A rabbit got 5 gr. in water, without effect; it then got 15 gr. in water.
would not eat, and on the 3rd d. died. P.M.-The walls of stomach, especially
between the serous and muscular layers, permeated by a reddish, clear fluid, m.m.
thickened, greyish-brown, very brittle. On surface of lungs small black points, intes-
tines much contracted, liver and spleen small, animal much emaciated. In both
auricles and in r. ventricle of heart blood. M.m. of bladder inflamed, urine dark,
thickish, red, but containing no trace of P. (Ibid.)
3. Án old, medium-sized dog had 3 gr. in 3iss water injected into the external
jugular. He yelled out, made 2 or 3 respirations, and died in 1 m. P.M. in 5 m. Heart
not contractile. In its r. half not coherent coagulated blood, in 1. half fluid, scarlet-
coloured blood; peristaltic movements active, voluntary muscles irritable. (Ibid.)
4. Another dog, poisoned in the same way and with same result, showed similar
pathological changes. (Ibid.)
PARIS.
Paris quadrifolia, L. Herb Paris, true-love. Nat. Ord., Trilliaceæ.
I
I. Provings.-1. Gross.* After 5 m. tension and pressure in 1. cheek. After
10 m. tearing in r. ear, as if it were torn out of head. After h. sensation as if a
thick fog lay before both ears, preventing him hearing well. After 1 h. sensation as
if a sharp point were placed on the r. frontal protuberance (superficial shooting
pressure). After 24 h. on 1. parietal bone a very sore place, only when touched, as
if after a hard blow, at n. After 2 d. tearing in whole of 1. index.-No time stated.
Sudden whirling vertigo, especially when sitting. Stupid feeling in head. In 1, side
of forehead, a stupefying headache, throbbing like a pulse. Tension in integument
of forehead and occiput; it feels as if the skin were firmly adherent to the bone, and
could hardly be moved. Head heavy, the nape muscles cannot support it, it sinks
forwards. Tension in muscles of neck and nape, so that the head is involuntarily
* No information given in any of these provings.-EDS.
VOL. III.
35
546
PARIS.
drawn forwards. Sensation as if a great weight lay on nape. Small dry papules,
with itching biting above 1. eyebrow; the biting is aggravated by scratching, and it
then feels as if a splinter were sticking in skin. Burning pain in inner canthi. In
the daytime eye-gum in inner canthi and burning pain, especially on touching.
Watering of eyes, after rising, m. Itching red spots on cheeks and rami of inferior
maxilla, like millet seeds, which are painful when rubbed or scratched. Horrible
itching, biting and burning on 1. side of lower jaw and under its 1. border, e.; after
rising, m., there are on this spot scratched-off, bloody papules, the size of millet seeds.
Root of tongue brown, after rising, m. Mouth quite dry on waking, m. Hawking-
up of mucus from fauces. A reddish, crooked stripe above navel, where the ribs
leave off, with painful pressive sensation, especially in its centre. Above and to 1.
of navel, on a small spot, pressure as if something hard lay there. Painless rumbling
in hypogastrium. After rising, m., nose quite stopped up; with difficulty he blows
from his nose mucus mixed with blood. Blowing of red and green nasal mucus.
Fluent, alternating with stopped coryza. Trachea and mouth quite dry on waking,
m., with hoarse voice. Roughness in trachea, causing deep bass voice. Irritation
to short cough in larynx, as from sulphur fumes, and he can bring up but little
mucus; after which, in a few m., the irritation recurs, and he must again cough.
After rising, m., constant short cough, without expectoration; after h. some green,
viscid phlegm comes up. Very frequent short cough in order to bring up viscid
phlegm, that seems to be located at back of larynx. Coughs up viscid green phlegm
from larynx. Constant short cough, without expectoration; as soon as he lies down
in bed, he coughs so violently that sparks come before eyes. Very violent cutting
and shooting pains in r. side of thorax, near ensiform cartilage, as if the pain were
midway between back and sternum, in the centre of the thoracic cavity, but more to
r. Palpitation of heart, when at rest and when moving, e. Pulsating sharp shooting
in coccyx. In r. hip-joint painful sensation only when walking; when he puts down
1. foot and the r. leg is stretched to its utmost just before being brought forward, he
has drawing pain in r. hip-joint, as if the leg were powerfully torn back. Painful
tension on r. knee only when it is flexed and supports a part of the weight of body,
but not when he is standing, sitting, or lying. On 1. sole paralytic pain when treading
for several d. (Archiv, viii, 1, 177.)
2. HAHNEMANN.-No time stated. Internal headache on waking at m., like
bubbling, he could not go to sleep again on account of internal restlessness. Pimples
on forehead, with pressive pain when touched. No relish for tobacco-smoking. The
abdomen becomes distended and uncomfortable after a meal. Pressive pain in abdo-
men. Uneasiness in abdomen. Very fetid stools, like putrid flesh. Urging to
urinate every 10-15 m., and burning when it passes. Nocturnal emission of semen.
Cough when he lies on 1. side in bed. (Ibid.)
4
3. HARTMANN. After 3 h. thin, slimy stool. After 1 h. constant painful pres-
sure deep in r. frontal protuberance. Fine needle-pricks in r. hip, frequently recur-
ring. After 1 h. chilliness in chest, abdomen, and lower extremities, with goose-skin
and yawning, with icy-cold feet. After 1 h. rumbling in bowels under stomach, as
if from emptiness. After 2 h. pressive pain in r. temple, removed by pressing with
hand. After 24 h. slight chilliness on lower extremities and sensation of contraction
of skin, whilst upper part of body and arms and feet are warm. After 3 h. painful
pricking betwixt 4 last r. ribs, close to spine, worse on inspiration. After 33 h.
cramp-like pain about r. palate. After 4 h. continual yawning. After 4 h. the
whole r. half of body from head to feet is cold, whilst the other half is warm.
5h. on inspiration pressive shooting on 1. nipple.—No time stated. Painful pressure
over 1. orbit, which seemed to press down the upper eyelid. Constant hiccup after
eating. (Ibid.)
1
After
4. LANGHAMMER. After 1 h. dilatation of pupils. Bitter taste, with dryness
and roughness of tongue. After h. a pustule in the middle of the upper lip
beyond the red, with red areola. A vesicle on inside of lower lip. After h. hiccup.
After each micturition, m., urinary tenesmus. Increased heat of all the body.
After 1 h. stupefying stitches in 1. side of forehead externally. After 1 h. pain of
hairy scalp when touched as if the hairs were painful. Tongue furred, white and
Fine stitches at mouth of urethra. Obtuse
rough, as if covered with millet seeds.
stitches on dorsum of r. foot. After 1 h., while sitting, violent sharp stitches on 1.
inner ankle. After 2 h., on standing, pain extending upwards in tendons of r. hough.
1
PARIS.
547
A
Very painful stitches on sole across balls of toes. After 2 h., while sitting, violent
burning at orifice of urethra. After 3 h. intermittent drawing pain in muscles of r.
side of occiput. After 3 h. itching papule on metacarpal bones of r. index and
middle fingers, the part pains after scratching. After 4 h. ringing in 1. ear.
pimple on upper lip under nose, with pus in its apex and surrounded by a red areola.
After 4 h. violent tearing in r. forearm. After 4 h, mucus in chest, without in-
clination to expectorate. After 5 h., when smoking, headache. After 12 h. pale
face. Yawning, with drowsiness, p.m. After 15 h. several stools. After 24 h, an
itching pimple on r. side of chin, paining when scratched. After 22 and 48 h., on
waking, m., general biting itching perspiration, making him scratch.- No time stated.
Pain in forearms, as though he had been writing for a long time, worst when the
arm hangs. Pain as if suppurating, or as if blood were extravasated, in tip of middle
finger. Sleep at n. full of dreams." (Ibid.)
5. STAPF. After 1 h. such great hoarseness that he cannot bring out an audible
word, periodically recurring in and h. After 2½ h., after a small dinner, he has
a flush of heat with sweat over back and forehead, then rigor down back and cessa-
tion of sweat and dry burning heat and redness of face. After 3 h. hard, difficult
stool. After 10 h. a rapidly developed pain in both ears, as if a wedge were forced
into the meatus, which forced apart its turnings; latterly only heard in r. ear; relieved
for a short time by boring in finger, when walking in open air, e.—No time stated.
Saliva rushes into mouth, which, though tasteless, draws the mouth together like
astringent things. Far back on palate a rapidly developed dry and scrapy feeling,
with efflux of a quantity of tasteless water into mouth, as when one is hungry.
Hunger soon after a nourishing meal. For several d. very dark-coloured urine, with-
out sediment. Constant hawking up of phlegm, a quantity of phlegm seems to lie
in larynx, which he must hawk up; it is white, viscid, and tasteless. For several d.
there comes constantly from upper part of trachea a lump of mucus, without much
hawking. (Ibid.)
6. TEUTHORN.
After 3 h. epistaxis. Afjer 6 h. violent epistaxis. (Ibid.)
7. WISLICENUS. After some m. formication on several parts of skin. After
IO m. shivering. After 1 h. cramp-like tearing in all abdominal muscles up to scrob.
cordis, worse when sitting bent forward than when walking. Feeling of weight in
arms. After h. twitching and quivering of upper eyelid of r. eye. Biting,
gnawing pain in sternum. After h. scraping pressure under zygomata. After 1 h.
cramp pain at back of 1. wrist. After 1 h. formication on inner surface of 1. hand,
as if gone to sleep. After 10 h. pinching on dorsum of foot.. After 24 h. formica-
tion on border of r. eyelid. (Ibid.)
I
8. BETHMANN. After 4 h. must often spit out watery saliva. After 12 h., in e.
on lying down a very violent drawing cutting pain in 1. side of thorax and abdomen
(on which he lay), which began above the diaphragm, seemed to bore through it, and
extend down into abdomen, then passed, more of a cutting character, through small
intestines to entrance into true pelvis, where it disappeared, but almost at the same
moment again began in thorax; at same time respiration laboured and superficial;
lying on back gradually took away pain. After 18 h. drawing in anterior part of
urethra. Ist d. Great appetite.-1st and 2nd d. Must go to stool oftener than
usual, but the stools are generally unsatisfactory and pappy.—2nd d. In m. as if a
stone lay in stomach.—No time stated. Disagreeable, disgusting irritation. Diges
tion not so good as usual. When urinating burning in urethra behind glans. Urine
dilatory in coming away; he has urging, but must wait some m. before it comes.
Altered smell, milk and bread smell like putrid flesh. Drawing deep in middle finger.
(HARTLAUB and TRINKS, R. A. M. L., iii, 149.)
9. HARTLAUB.-No time stated. Disinclination for mental work. Confused
head. Fine stitches in 1. temple. Painful pressure in upper orbital border as if in
bone. Tearing pressure on upper surface of r. eyeball. Ringing in 1. ear. Hot
darts in 1. malar bone, which is painful when touched. Drawing pain in a hollow
tooth. Firm, almost painless, swelling on hard palate near backmost molar, size of a
pigeon's egg. A sharp shoot in oesophagus. Belching. Painful pressure in a
small spot on 1. side of abdomen. Rumbling in abdomen and discharge of flatus.
Violent sneezing. Must always hawk phlegm from larynx and trachea. Dull pres-
sure in r. side of chest. Obtuse stitches in 1. side of chest. On bending head to 1.
side paralytic pain on 1. side of nape. Burning feeling in 1. shoulder, as if in bone.
548
PARIS.
i
Drawing in upper arm. Shooting in 1. palm. Drawing in metacarpal bones.
Drawing pain in thumb and index. Violent tearing in proximal joint of r. middle
finger. Obtuse shooting on back of index. Throbbing-shooting in index, in bone.
Paralytic drawing in whole r. lower limb, when at rest and when moving. A stitch
in 1. natis. Tearing in 1. knee. In bed, drawing in lower end of tibia. Slight
drawing in outer ankle. Paralytic pain in 1. ankle-joint, as if the hip-joint was
relaxed. Numb pain on inner ankle. Dull drawing in heel-bone. Painful shooting
in fore part of r. big toe. Weariness. Itching all over head, after scratching it burns.
Violent itching in coccyx. Great itching of skin here and there. Single little scurfs
on head. Day drowsiness. (Ibid.)
10. HERING. After 1 h. sensation in whole head as if it were blown out, or as if
temples and eyes were forced outwards from within.- -Ist d. Disposition to get
angry and discontented with others for a trifling cause, and to express himself in a
few contemptuous words. Silly; he speaks much on every subject, passes quickly
from one to another, speaks for the sake of speaking, and would even do so if he
were alone, has pleasure in his own frivolous and ridiculous chatter. Feeling in head
as if the meninges of brain and brain itself were stretched, then a tensive feeling in pal-
pebral region as if the skin was thicker there and could not form wrinkles. Scraping
in throat. Less urine than usual. Drawing in lower extremities.-No time stated.
Vertigo, everything goes round with him. Slight pressure in 1. temple. After
reading aloud, vertigo; speaking and looking closely at anything are difficult for him,
and he feels as if he were going to have a violent headache; this is worse when
walking; there occurs a pressure from within outwards in whole head, with feeling of
intoxication. When going upstairs slight undulating and throbbing headache. The
hair falls out, and is painful on crown. The eyes feel sunken and as if their orbits
were too small; at same time he can look at nothing fixedly, objects appear to move.
Slight boring and smarting in eyes (from vapour of juice). Much muco-pus in eyes,
Transient cramp in 1. sterno-cleido-mastoid muscle. Pain in skin of palate,
which exfoliates next d. Dryness and tickling-burning in hard palate. Burning and
then scraping in oesophagus. In m. white slimy foam on corners of mouth. Flat,
slimy taste. Fiery urine, which after standing shows in its middle a flaky substance,
but later a reddish sediment, and a thin iridescent film on the top. Urine after
standing quite turbid, with a greasy film on top. Increase of sexual desire, very stiff
erections. Slight burning in larynx. After dinner drowsiness and sleep, with
disagreeable dreams. Afternoon sleep, with many voluptuous dreams and seminal
emissions, with stiff erection. (Ibid.)
m.
II. NENNING. After 1 h. shooting in r. side of head. While walking, cutting
in 1. iliac region. After h. heat and sweat on upper part of body, with quick
full pulse. After 2 h., stupid in head, like vertigo, going off in open air. Pulse
slower by a few beats. After 3 h. urine pale yellow.-1st d. Lively, talkative.
Shooting and gnawing in 1. frontal region, then gnawing in 1. side of lower jaw, very
painful. Pressure in stomach relieved by eructation. As if full in stomach. Gastric
region distended, as from flatulence, and painful when touched. Urine increased.
Heat and sweat on head, with nausea, after breakfast.-2nd d. Diarrhoeic stool.
Cold on lying down, e. After 3 d. painful drawing in a hollow molar, cold makes
the pain jerking; worst a.m., relieved by walking, lasting 5 d. Toothache like
tickling, chiefly p.m., worst n., aggravated by cold and hot things. Two diarrhoeic
stools.-4th d. Burning and watering of eyes. Half sleep all n.-No time stated.
Sharp stitches on 1. side of vertex. Headache aggravated by thinking. Tearing in
1. ear. Feeling as if something burning hot came out of both ears. Painful tension
under 1. eye. Tongue dry and rough. Tongue feels to her too large and too broad.
Frequent flow of water into mouth after breakfast. Frequent empty eructation, with
pressure on chest, a.m. Clear tasteless water comes up from stomach without nausea,
m. Burning, like heartburn, and nausea, rising up from belly to chest, after break-
fast. Violent pinching in stomach, going off by eructation, p.m. Burning from
stomach into belly. Shooting in r. hypochondrium. Cutting and rolling in belly,
with 2 stools. After dinner, violent cutting in belly, and ineffectual call to stool.
Pinching in whole belly, especially around navel, when sitting, p.m., relieved by
walking. Audible rumbling from stomach up to throat. Ineffectual call to stool.
Two ordinary stools in rapid succession. Urine rather scalding. Menses 3 d. too soon.
Breathing rather oppressed. Frequent deep breathing. Shooting in r. side of chest,
-
PARIS.
549
which goes thence into r. clavicle, then into a r. molar, and finally into r. calf.
Tearing in muscles of neck and nape. Shooting betwixt shoulders as if in bone.
Long-continued shooting beneath I. scapula. Shooting into back, when sitting.
Tearing in coccyx when sitting. Tearing in 1. shoulder. Tearing in shoulders
down to fingers. Weight in r. arm. Tearing in r. elbow and ankle. Tearing in r.
palm. Tearing in thumb. Gone-asleep feeling in fingers. Tearing in hip-joints.
A severe sudden tear in r. hip, when sitting. Tearing in outer side of r. thigh to
heel. When sitting gnawing in posterior side of thigh. Tearing in calves. Tear-
ing in r. outer ankle. Tearing in r. heel and thence to outer border of foot to
little toe. Long-continued formication in heel. Tearing in sole. Twitching in r.
big toe, when sitting, e. Such violent tearing in r. big toe, she could cry out, when
sitting. Feet as if beaten and trembling, when walking. Frequent yawning, with
sleepiness. Sleepy early in e. Restless sleep for 3 n. Constant tossing about
in bed, in half sleep. Anxious dreams all n. for several n. On awaking at n.
imagines she is in a strange and solitary place. Often warm and anxious all over
body. Frequently heat and sweat all over body. Sweat on awaking at 3 a.m. (Ibid.)
12. RUECKERT.- -1st d. Contractive pressive pain in forehead. His eyeballs feel too
large. Cool feeling in r. eye. Gums feel loose. Ball-like pressure in throat while
and while not swallowing, frequently recurring.-2nd d. All worse e., headache
involves whole sinciput, feels as if the skin of forehead were drawn together and
the bone scraped raw; the eyelids have a red border and are heated; feels as if a
thread were firmly drawn through eye to middle of head, very painful. Pain as if
teeth were full of holes and the air blew cold into them, at same time gums feel
corrugated and pain as if burnt. Trembling of hands. Constant feeling of coldness
as if the inward parts were quite contracted by cold, and as if they trembled to and
fro.-No time stated. Frequent persistent pressure in head, especially in both temples.
Pressure in occiput. Shooting pain in centre of head and in temples, later heavy
pressure on forehead, especially when stooping. Some stitches through middle of
eye, the sight of which is misty. Swimming before eyes. Unsteady vision, as though
he had been weeping. Ringing in ears and earache. Hot face. Shoots in upper
lip, nape, hands and feet as if beneath skin. Chapped and swollen upper lip, and
tetter about mouth. Every m. pain as if a knife cut into gums. Drawing and throb-
bing in teeth. Pain in palate as if excoriated. Pressure in r. tonsil. Pressure out.
wards in throat on stooping and in e., as if a ball were continually growing bigger
and would burst the throat. Sharp shooting scraping in throat, mostly e. Nausea
and sour taste. Sinking in stomach. Frequent sneezing. Some hoarseness. Fre-
quent stitches through lungs. Frequent pinching in heart and lungs; on stooping
feels as if a stone lay on back. On turning round neck feels stiff and swollen.
Stitches through and through on both sides of back and nape. Paralytic pain in
finger-joints, later in arm and other joints. The fingers are sometimes hot, some-
times cold, death coloured and dying away. Fingers often as if gone asleep. Draw.
ing in inner side of 1. thigh. Drawing burning under toes, especially e. Many
tendons are painful when touched. Cramp-like pinching in joints almost always.
Constant stitches in all limbs, especially e. On every movement, feeling as if joints
were broken, and on stretching out as if they had been pressed in, on twisting and
turning as if swollen and sprained. All the skin feels sore when touched. Great
heaviness in all limbs and increased cold, e. Short broken sleep. Chill as if he
trembled inwardly, e. and also a.m. Feet always cold, especially n.
Here and there
icy cold spots, like finger-tips, on skin. Sometimes of an e. heat from nape along
back. (Ibid.)
III. Experiments on animals.—1. Twenty berries were given to a dog and the
œsophagus ligatured; soon the dog made efforts to vomit, and spat up the accumu-
lated viscid mucus and uttered piteous cries. For 1 h. no further symptom was
observed. Then the symptoms became worse, the efforts to vomit recurred several
times with renewed intensity for 4 h., then the ligature was removed and the dog got
quite well.
(SCHUBARTH, Horn's Archiv, xlv, H. i, p. 67, 1824; also in Frank's
Mag., ii, 196.)
550
PETROLEUM.
PETROLEUM.
vol.
X
Rock-oil, oleum petræ album. (For preparation see Brit. Hom. Pharmacopœia.)
I. Provings.-1. HAHNEMANN, Chronic Diseases, part iv of original,
of translation. Contains 776 symptoms from self.
2. Dr. P. C. O. BENSON took 10 dr. of I, dil. at 9.30 p.m.
Before
midnight felt pain in frontal region, with slight nausea, increasing, and
inclination to belch wind, with slight pain in transverse colon and 1.
lumbar region. Awoke at 5 with pain below umbilicus, rumbling,
belching, and disposition to stool. Arose at 6; all symptoms increased
on movement pain in bowels became sharp and cutting, and increased
desire for stool. Soon had a free movement, loose, lightish-brown, and
very thin; pain returned just after. Headache, frontal, dull and
disagreeable. Before 7 sickness had increased so much that at one time
he thought he should vomit. Still much rumbling in bowels, and at 7
again urgent desire for stool, but repressible. No more movement of
bowels occurred till 6 p.m., when he had a natural stool. During d.
there was at times much sickness of stomach, almost to vomiting, so
that several times he was obliged to lie down. The attacks came on
every 10 or 20 m., and lasted 3-5 m. Frontal headache, at times
quite severe, especially while the nausea remained, belching of wind,
and constant feeling of weakness in rectum. At 3 next m. awakened
by urgent desire for stool; movement very free and watery, with a
gush; a little pain just before and after. Same occurred at 5 and 6.
At 8 ineffectual inclination, and nothing more during d., but weakness
was felt, especially in rectum and anus. Dull headache continued till
II a.m., where it was relieved after a slight epistaxis. Tongue was
coated white in centre, with dark streak along edges. Symptoms all
passed off during 2nd d. (Trans. N. Y. State Hom. Med. Soc., vi, 29.)
II. Poisonings.-1. A peasant woman, æt. 30, had long suffered
from endemic ague. She took, Oct. 18th, e., a tablespoonful of P.,
hoping thereby to cure her fever. Soon she had violent pains in
stomach followed by persistent vomiting of bile and blood and profuse
diarrhoea. This continued all n. and next d. It sometimes ceased
for a while, but was renewed by taking anything warm, as soup or
milk. Seen on 18th, about 4 p.m., the following was her state :—
Face
distorted, features sunken, pale, cold as marble, cold sweat on forehead,
eyes deeply sunk in sockets. Tongue thickly furred, dry; unquench-
able thirst, but as soon as she took any drink it was thrown up mixed
with bile and sometimes with blood. Respiration gasping. Stomach
and whole abdomen very sensitive to touch, severe burning in stomach,
great restlessness, frequent tossing about and occasionally screaming.
Stools watery and contained shreds of bowels and blood. Urine scanty
and passed with violent pain. Constantly increasing anxiety, extremely
small thread-like pulse, coldness and cyanosis of all the body, especially
of the extremities, which were cramped down to toes and fingers, along
with the other symptoms looking like cholera. After leeches for
stomach and abdomen, poultices and various medicines, the patient
PETROLEUM.
551
recovered, but the urinary secretion remained scanty for some d., and the
catheter had to be used to empty bladder. (JELLINCK, Wien. Mediz.
Halle, 1861, No. 44; in A. h. Ž., Mtbl., v, 6.)
2. A journeyman baker, æt. 23, on Sept. 11th, thinking he had
got hold of a bottle containing brandy, whereas it contained petroleum,
swallowed down three mouthfuls before stopping. A violent burning
in his throat showed him his mistake. He rushed off to the doctor,
and complained of violent contractive pains about navel and scrob.
cordis, and of a disgusting bitter taste.
His breath smelt of petroleum,
pulse quick. He was put to bed, and had warm water to drink and
cold compresses to abdomen. He soon began to vomit, a small quantity
of petroleum was thrown up; the pains in the abdomen were relieved,
but the burning in throat increased. After a few h. he had chills
without subsequent heat, great thirst, and dryness of throat. During
n. he only slept 1 h., burning pain on passing urine, which smelt of
petroleum. Burning in scrob. cordis, griping about navel. No stool.
During n. violent headache over eyes, which was relieved towards m.
12th. Pain in head and abdomen and burning in throat relieved.
Thirst, no appetite, disgusting taste, frequent eructation, but without
petroleum odour. The urinary symptoms better; feeling of weight in
lower extremities. In m. chill and trembling of whole body, face cool,
cheeks livid, fingers and nails blue. Pulse 66, hard. Temp. 36·6° C.
He got Nux. v. 2 every 4 h.-13th. During d. much eructation, last e.
vertigo and noise in ears for 1 h. Appetite returned. Tongue still
furred. Yesterday and during n. 2 liquid stools. Frequent urging to
stool. Pain in navel gone. Only slight pain when passing urine,
which is clear, yellowish, and contains no albumen. (GROos, A. h. Z.,
Mtbl., xxi, 27.)
3. After a poisonous dose of petroleum there came on inflammation
of throat, violent colic, with inclination to vomit; a short time after-
wards violent tetanic fits. The patient twists about in horrible pain,
soon followed by stiffness, crying, and howling. After 10 m. of tole-
rable ease a similar attack of greater severity, during which he can.
take nothing to drink and makes violent efforts to vomit. The con-
vulsions were so violent that 4 people could scarcely hold him.
(HUMBERT, Journ. de Chimie Méd., in A. H. Z., Mtbl., xxii, 48.)
4. A case diagnosed as nephritis died under the care of Dr. Ó. Lassar.
The urine had been highly albuminous, and contained "hyaline and
granular cylinders." At the necropsy body was extremely oedematous,
and the epidermis in places was raised in little blebs. Dissection
showed dropsy of the cavities and oedema of lungs, but no lesion
of any organ to account for the dropsy, the kidneys being perfectly
normal. The most scrupulous histological investigation failed to
find a trace of interstitial growth, proliferation of nuclei, amyloid
degeneration, or more than traces of fatty degeneration of the epithe-
lium." The man dated his illness from an extensive inunction of the
body with petroleum, used for scabies about 4 mos. before his death.
He used the petroleum for 4 d., and at end of a week noticed swelling
of feet, rapidly extending to abdomen and chest. In the course of
14 d. it disappeared, returning again after 8 d., and persisted until
552
PHELLANDRIUM.
death. While in hospital the radial pulse was noted to be small,
empty, and of low tension; the blood-corpuscles were few, but the
proportion normal. Temp. normal. Histological examination of skin.
showed localised areas of inflammation; along veins and lymphatics a
small-celled growth existed, and in all the layers of the cutis there was
a widely distributed nuclear proliferation. Lassar said the dermatitis
was doubtless the result of the petroleum inunction, and albuminuria
was the result of the skin affection, the renal disorder being purely
functional. The quantity of urine passed is not stated. (Lond. Med.
Record, 1878, p. 163.)
PHELLANDRIUM.
Enanthe Phellandrium, Lambk.
Fine-leaved water-dropwort. Nat. Ord., Um-
belliferæ.
I. Provings.-I. NENNING. (See vol. i, p. 30.) The usual alternations of mood, with
great predominance, however, of depression, apprehension, and ill-humour. Vertigo
marked, even to falling; in one prover, after 8 m., head was so heavy and giddy that
it threatened to fall to side to which he turned it; in another, after same interval,
worse when walking, seeming as if something projected from forehead and she could
not see over it. Heaviness, sense of intoxication, and various headaches occurred-
most of these troubles relieved during dinner and by open air; vertex was special seat
of pain, which was burrowing pressure, (almost burning) constriction, throbbing, or
stitching,-in one a painful heaviness, as if a hard body were lying on it. Eyes burn,
bite, itch, and water. Ears itch, and there is painful tearing or boring in them; one
was awakened at 5 a.m. by a sound in brain as if one were beating on a freely-swinging
bell, it gradually died away. There
There is coryza, with hoarseness, and some suggestion
of prosopalgia. The common symptoms of irritation of alimentary mucous mem-
brane obtain, among which may be noted-red vesicles, burning like fire, on tongue;
soreness of throat on empty swallowing, rather relieved by swallowing food; sense of
coldness in abdomen. There is some diuresis or vesical irritation. Menses came on
too early, and were accompanied with unusual weakness, in one with (equally unusual)
violent bruised pain in inner part of thighs. There are many stitches in walls of
chest, and in mammæ ; one woman had violent stitch through r. mamma near sternum,
extending to back between shoulders, and then downward into sacrum, hurting her
when breathing. Tearing and stitching are felt in neck, back, and limbs. There
was itching at various spots on surface; sleepiness; and much chilliness. (HARTLAUB
u. TRINKS, Reine Arzn., II, 142.)
II. Poisonings.-I. From eating the plant there has been observed intoxication,
confusion and heaviness of head, and vertigo. (RICHTER, in Ibid.)
Moto
រ
PHOSPHORUS.
553
PHOSPHORUS.
Common transparent phosphorus.
1. Provings.-I. HAHNEMANN, Chronic Diseases, part v of original,
vol. of translation. Contains 1915 symptoms, 1169 from self, 662
from 9 fellow-observers, and 84 from authors.
Was
2. ALPHONSE LE ROI took from 2 to 3 gr. Ph. in treacle.
tormented by very disagreeable affections for some h., felt heat and
gnawing pains in stomach, which seemed to him to be distended with
air, and he had frequent ineffectual efforts to vomit. Relieved by
sipping cold water. Urine deep red colour. Next d. had
Next d. had great increase
of sexual power and scarcely resistible desire for coitus. (Mém. de la
Soc. méd. d'emulation de Paris, 1797, t. i, p. 171.)
3. C. E. WEIGEL took 1 gr. of Ph. dissolved in oil. After 1 h.
pulse increased in rapidity by 12 beats, on repeating the dose by 20
beats per minute. Increased heat of whole body with feeling of internal
itching and great congestion of blood to head. (Diss. inaug., 1797, P.
14.)
I
4. Franz Bouttatz dissolved 4 gr. Ph. in ziv naphtha vitrioli, and
took of this 20 dr. every 2 h. The 1st dose caused slight nausea,
relieved by drinking water. The 2nd dose caused ravenous appetite,
pulse became more lively, heat of whole body increased, felt a peculiar
comfort and lightness of whole body. After 1 h. ate with the
greatest appetite; 2 h. after eating continued the med.; he took in all
5 doses. Nothing disagreeable ensued, he felt extremely well towards e.
Passed much flatus, felt increased muscular power and unusual excite-
ment of the genital parts. The quantity of urine passed was increased.
(Quoted by SORGE, Der Phosphor, 115.)
4
5. SUNDELIN took, 2 h. after breakfast, gr. Ph. in oil. Soon
great heat in stomach, and later in whole abdomen. After 1 h. painful
vomiting and diarrhoea with febrile symptoms. For several d. stomach
remained very tender, could only bear light food. (BIBRA and v.
GEIST, Krank. d. Arb. in d. Phosphor. Zündh., 225.)
6. Dr. A. L—, æt. 40, phlegmatic temperament, well, with the
exception of a slight catarrh, took, October 10th, 7 a.m., 4 dr. of 3rd
dil. After h., when washing, heaviness of r. arm, it cannot be easily
raised, as if stiff in shoulder-joint, lasting h. Frequent rumbling in
bowels.-12th, 8.30 a.m., 6 dr. After h., when washing, slight
pressive pain in muscles of ulnar side of r. forearm, followed by heavi-
ness of whole arm, more persistent than yesterday. Stiffness of shoulder
located in deltoid muscle. Drawing in r. hand. In e. burning pricking
in finger-tips of r. hand, several times repeated. At n. unusual and
vivid dreams.-13th, 7.45 a.m., 8 dr. Recurrence of stiffness in r.
shoulder, a kind of tension extending up to occiput.-15th, 6.45 a.m.,
10 dr. After 5 m. a shoot upwards in r. half of brain towards r.
parietal protuberance followed by pressure and heaviness of r. arm.-
18th, 6.45 a.m., 10 dr. While washing, a slight burning pressive sen-
sation in r. shoulder-joint when raising arm.
In deltoid muscle, as
also in upper dorsal muscles, up to nape, a tensive-pressive sensation.
554
PHOSPHORUS.
Heaviness of r. arm, sensation when it hangs down as if it were drawn
downwards. During a somewhat unsatisfactory thin stool burning in
anus; after 2 h. flat taste and frequent eructation with taste of food.-
19th and 20th, no med. On two successive n. emission with confused
dreams.—21st. 12 dr.; when washing, and for some time afterwards,
the same sensation in shoulder and nape and heaviness of arm. In occi-
put heaviness and pressive pain. Frequent eructation, taste of food even
some h. after eating. Next n. uncommonly vivid and persistent dreams.
-22nd, no med. Tension in all dorsal muscles. 6 p.m., after dis-
charge of fetid flatus, cutting in abdomen and a thin brownish stool.
Frequent eructation with taste of food during d.—24th, 7 a.m., 10 dr.
After 10 m. in 2nd phalanx of r. middle finger a slight burning going
to and fro in bone. A pressive sensation along extensor digiti medii
up to middle of forearm. Later the same in 2nd and 4th fingers.
During and after washing, the usual heaviness in r. arm, tension and
pressure in 'shoulder and nape muscles of r. side. Noon, recurrence of
slight gnawing pain in 2nd phalanx of r. middle finger.-25th, no med.
Soon after rising in m. usual heaviness in r. arm felt when writing.
P.m., spirits depressed, disinclination for work. In e. suddenly violent
sneezing with heaviness of limbs and confusion of head.-30th, 7 a.m.,
10 dr. Soon pressure in stomach and rumbling in bowels. When
brushing teeth, the tensive stiffness and heaviness of r. shoulder so
severe he had to let the arm fall several times.—31st, 6.30 a.m., 10 dr.
No symptoms.-Nov. 1st, no med. Catarrhal symptoms without
having had a chill.—2nd, no med. Last n., as generally during the
proving, uncommonly vivid dreams, remembered in m., which was
unusual. When washing the stiffness and pressure in shoulder and
heaviness of arm, also felt when writing. P.m., occasionally transient
pressive pain in side of occiput as if in bone.-3rd, no med. Same
sensation in 1. side of occiput, frequently recurring. 9 a.m., on outer
side of r. leg, about the middle of m. tibialis anticus, in crossing legs
four stabs as with a knife. The same pains repeatedly during d. at
varying intervals, but more of the character of burning shooting. They
were chiefly felt when sitting and when crossing legs, and when standing,
not when moving. In addition, transient, sometimes shooting, some-
times pressive sensation in various joints and other parts of body.-4th,
7 a.m., 4 dr. After h. painful stiffness in hands, particularly r.
middle finger. When brushing teeth and combing hair or raising arm,
the sensation in shoulder, the stiffness, tension and pressure were worse
than ever, so that he must let his arm fall several times; these feelings
lasted all the m. Transient pressive and boring pains as if in bone in
1. thigh and leg. When sitting unusual numb feeling in feet, especially
when covering them.-5th, no med. When washing, brushing teeth
and combing hair the usual heaviness of r. arm, stiffness and pressure
in r. shoulder were much felt. The burning shooting pain in r. m.
tib. ant. recurs frequently in course of a.m. No more med. taken.—6th.
The above-described pain in m. ant. tib. several times, which once
extended to m. ext. comm. The sensation in r. shoulder, back and
forearm was very marked on 7th and lasted to some extent for four
weeks. The consequence of the proving was a diminution of the
1
4
PHOSPHORUS.
555
sexual desire and too speedy ejaculation during coitus. This lasted at
least four months. (SORGE, op. cit., 123.)
7. a. Dr. B—, æt. 54, began from Jan. 16th to 25th with the 25th
dil., which he took for 5 d. without much effect. He only felt slight
urging in isthmus or neck of bladder, which was relieved by passing
urine. A similar symptom occurred when taking the 12th dil. On
Jan. 22nd to 29th he took every morning at 5 a.m. 5 dr. 2nd dil.
without any effect.-Feb. 7th, 5 a.m., 6 dr. During d. had several
times sudden urging to pass urine. Some prostatic fluid and urethral
mucus came away.-8th. 9 dr., several times urging to pass urine,
which smells of violets.-Till 14th every day a dose, rising to 15 dr.
No symptoms referable to the med.-21st to 23rd, recommenced
taking the Ph.-24th. Pulsation in 1. hollow upper canine tooth when
the cold air comes to it, frequently repeated (he has never had tooth-
ache). After continuing to take the same dil. up to 15 dr. the only
noteworthy symptom he experienced was on March 24th,-the last r.
upper molar somewhat loose, sensitive, and sunk down.
b. April 7th, began to take 12th dil., which he continued with
interruptions till May 24th. The only noteworthy symptom occurred
repeatedly soon after ingestion; it was burning in tongue, which on
the 24th May lasted all d., and in e. spread all over palate.
c. May 27th, 5 a.m. 3 dr. of "alcohol phosphoratus." Soon burning
in palate, less on tongue, in forenoon.-28th and 29th. 4 and 6 dr.,
slight burning. From 29th to June 5th took daily from 3 to 10 dr.,
which only caused slight burning on tongue and palate.
d. Oct. 9th, 5 dr. 10th, 6th dr, 11th, 7 dr. 3rd dil. On last d.
p.m. occasional dull stitches in 1. side of chest, relieved by deep inspi-
ration.-12th. 8 dr., soon transient burning on tip of tongue, later
vertigo on quickly turning and raising head.-13th. 3 dr., slight
burning in tongue. On going upstairs bruised feeling in legs.-18th.
3 dr., no effect.-29th. 6 dr., burning in throat.
e. Nov. 3rd, m., 3 dr. alc. pt. Transient burning in tongue.-4th,
5 a.m., 6 dr. Burning in tongue all a.m. In p.m. this extended to
larynx, causing repeated cough; it extended upwards to choana, causing
there false smell, urine of violet odour. E., 3 dr., and also 5th, m.;
slight burning.-5th, 9.30 p.m., burning in tongue till 11 p.m., and
burning smarting sensation in palate, with dryness of throat; urine of
violet odour.-6th. 4 dr., burning in tongue and in throat, great
relaxation of genitals, weak erections, transient oppression of chest, and
dull pain in 1. thorax like rheumatism.-10th, 5 a.m., some dr.
Burning in tongue extending to palate. P.m., dry feeling on tongue
and thirst; increased urging to urinate, shooting drawing in middle of
urethra.IIth. 3 dr., after coffee p.m. great thirst and frequent
micturition; feeling in urethra as if prostatic fluid came to orifice, for
h., wetting him while walking. At n. dry feeling in mouth and
burning on tongue.—12th, 4 a.m., 3 dr., after which he fell asleep. At
6 a.m. nightmare, so that he cried out, as he dreamt he was in danger.
P.m., much thirst, dry feeling in mouth, frequent urging to urinate,
urine of violet odour, acid. Towards e. for a short time glassy mucus
in orifice of urethra, Restless sleep at n., disturbed towards m. by a
556
PHOSPHORUS.
drawing pressive pain involving 1. side of thorax and abdomen, relieved
by rubbing and removed by eructation of air and discharge of flatus.
Tongue all d. as if burnt. P.m., dryness of mouth with thirst, tongue
swollen, especially on 1. side; it is red and the papillæ swollen into
vesicles.-14th. Tip of tongue still as if burnt, and 1. border of tongue
swollen. P.m., wet feeling at orifice of urethra, dryness of mouth and
thirst. Increased urging to urinate.-15th. Tongue sensitive, its 1.
border still swollen, yellow moisture at orifice of urethra. Dryness on
tongue. E., pruritus in glans penis, early drowsiness, sleep restless.
At midnight emission without dream, after that slept better.-16th,
p.m., after coffee frequent urging to urinate, thirst and dryness of
mouth moderate. After the proving he had insufficient erections
during coitus. (Ibid., 126.)
B
8. OTTO B-, æt. 15, took, Nov. 5th, 6th, and 8th, every e.
3 dr. 1st dil. Transient burning on tongue.
Pain in r. side of head
and pressure in r. temple came on on waking, m., worse on moving,
especially stooping, only in room, went off in open air.—11th, e., 3
dr. undiluted alc. pt. Soon burning on tip of tongue.-12th, m.,
on rising hoarseness, crawling in throat that became scraping when
speaking. P.m., scraping in throat causes frequent coughing till e.-
13th, m., occasional short cough. A.m., repeated sneezing. P.m., thirst.
E., repeated sneezing.-14th. Voice rather affected. A.m., frequent
sneezing, nose stopped up in r. and 1. nostrils alternately. In room,
e., nose more stopped up and sneezing.-15th, 8 a.m., dry heat of
face, head, and feet, fluent coryza and frequent sneezing all a.m.,
better in open air. P.m., in room sneezing and increased coryza.
-16th. Coryza very slight. (Ibid., 130.)
9. OTTO R—, æt. 171, Oct. 1st, 1 dr. 1st dil.—2nd, 3 dr.—3rd.
m., 5 dr. 10.30 a.m., heaviness of head with vertigo and indifference,
and heaviness of feet; standing was tiresome, and he had to sit down,
better in open air. h. after dinner he was better, and quite well in
another 1 h.-4th, 5 dr. 9 a.m., same state as yesterday, only worse.
At same time felt in both renal regions pressure, and sometimes deep
shooting pains. Strong pressure there was painful.
II a.m., could
not rest in house. Open air relieved head, but not kidneys, which
got rather worse. Soon after dinner he felt quite well.-5th. 5 dr.,
same symptoms as yesterday, well after dinner.-6th. 4 dr., relaxation
of body and vertigo, lascivious thoughts and dreams with strong erec-
tions. 27th. 2 dr. 2nd dil., slight feeling of weight in feet, which
went off at noon.-28th. 4 dr., languor of body and heaviness of feet
from 9 a.m., becoming gradually so severe that walking was disagree-
able. A.m., pain in head and vertigo. At 11 a.m. sensation as if a
fluid went from trunk into limbs, especially knees, elbows, and wrists.
All went off after dinner.-29th, 4 dr.-30th. 5 dr., noctu seminis
ejaculatio cum somnio sordido conjuncta.-Nov. 1st, 7 dr.; 2nd,
8 dr. Pollutio sine somnio.-3rd, 10 dr.-4th. No med. Transient
pain while urinating.-5th. No med. Persistent shooting pain in
whole penis, especially urethra. At n. pollutio sine somnio.-6th. No
med. Same as on 4th, writes, "Non possum quin credam cogitationes
libidinosas, quibus vexor, a Ph. oriri."-27th. 5 dr. 1st dil., rheu-
P
PHOSPHORUS
557
matic feeling in sacrum and knees. The most external part of urethra
and penis itself painful, the pain was worst during micturition, with
also occasional dull headache and feeling as if he had not slept enough.
-28th. After midnight, pollutio. At dawn took more than 5 dr.
Great weakness of whole body, anorexia, dull frontal headache, better
in the cold. Pain in urethra and glans penis. Towards e. nausea as
if stomach was deranged. A glass of beer removed all these symptoms.
About a fortnight after the last dose, after dinner a very disagreeable
sensation of flatulent distension of stomach, as if it were full of air and
dilated, with feeling of hunger but little appetite; this was repeated
for 5 successive d.-Dec. 26th. Still felt drawing and sometimes
burning in penis and urethra during micturition and at other times.
No emissions or lascivious dreams in Dec.-Jan. 4th. 3 dr. 2nd dil.,
weight in feet. During micturition several times violent burning but
transient pain in fore part of urethra, frequent erections, lascivious
dreams, and emissions.-5th. 5 dr., sometimes when not urinating
severe burning pain in urethra from scrotum forwards, lasting several
m. Frequent erections, lascivious dreams, 2 emissions.-6th. No med.
In m. for 1 h. feeling as if someone pressed strongly on head; weak-
ness and weight in feet. Frequent erections. Pollutio in somnio
se cum puella coire, which had never happened before.-7th. Ex-
haustion. 10 p.m., feeling as if stomach was strongly pressed,
aggravated by actual pressure. Frequent erections.-8th, 5 dr.;
9th, 5 dr. Emissions without dreams.-Ioth.
No med. A.m.,
slight pain in apice glandis for 1 h. E., slight pain in scrotum
occasionally.-11th and 12th. 5 dr., frequent pain in orifice of
urethra lasting long, sometimes also in upper part of scrotum.
Since commencing the proving eats less than formerly; has blue
rings round eyes.--From 22nd to 28th, daily, 5 dr. On last d.
great formication on 2nd knuckle of 3rd l. finger.—29th. 5 dr., pollutio.
-30th. 5 dr., pollutio.-31st, 5 dr.-From Feb. 1st to 10th, 5 dr.
Weakness and exhaustion of whole body, heaviness of feet, so that
walking is repugnant. In head heat, and m. dull headache, disinclina-
tion for thinking and mental work. Better in cold and open air than
in room. P.m., well. In bed m. and e. cogitationes et phantasmata
libidinosa.-2nd. P.m., weakness in whole body, especially feet.
Scalp of vertex painful as though he had got a blow there, worse when
pressed, and lasting the next 2 d. If, when sitting, he keeps his feet
still for some time, one thigh gets numb and insensible; this goes off
on walking. In e. a feeling in pubes as if one testicle was drawn up.
-3rd, m., weakness.-4th. Heaviness of feet.-5th. Great itching
in anus while walking, going off in room.-6th. Violent headache
from m. till noon. When walking, itching in anus. On coming into
room the whole upper part of body, especially chest, nape, and occiput,
felt as if beetles were scratching with their feet; this soon ceased.
All d. stomach felt deranged, in e. as if it were compressed, worse on
pressure. No inclination to work all d.-7th. All d. dull headache.
The same on 8th.-9th, m., knees felt trembling.-10th. Took
last dose.-11th. All d. very languid and prostrated, without the
least desire to do anything.-13th, e., as if one testicle was drawn
·
558
PHOSPHORUS.
up and pressed; same on 15th.-16th. From m. occasional spasmodic
pain in urethra and upper part of scrotum. The urine during proving
was sometimes dark, sometimes clear, often turbid, frequently with
slimy sediment which disappeared when heated, sometimes acid, some-
times neutral.-24th, 2 p.m., pressure in stomach as if he had got a
blow there.-25th, p.m., as yesterday. After 9 p.m. violent pressure
in stomach, which was distended as if he would vomit, retching and
eructation of air till midnight.-26th, p.m., as yesterday. 5 p.m.,
pressure with retching and eructation. After supper food rose several
times. Urine very acid, sediment of reddish flakes, whitish slime on
sides of vessel, urine turbid and dark yellow.-27th. Same state a.m.,
not p.m.
At beginning of March reported that he sometimes felt as
if he had eaten something rancid, so that his throat felt rough. In the
first days of March often sour eructations, especially a.m. After the
last dose he had often, especially in e., a feeling of tightness of chest
with slight pain, sometimes a stitch in 1. side above heart. These
sensations occurred after sitting for some time, and lasted till e. From
March 16th took daily, m., 10 dr. 1st dil. On the days he took the
Ph. he felt nothing, but after leaving it off, from 24th, he had after
dinner, and sometimes a.m., a pressure in stomach with feeling of
fulness and nausea, relieved by eructation; had often to loosen his
clothes.-26th and 27th. Pressive pain in last lumbar vertebræ and
on the r. side when sitting and standing. Phantasmata libidinosa
et erectiones penis per longum tempus, ad huc d. 29th, non habuit.
neque pollutiones.-28th and 29th. P.m. and sometimes a.m., in r.
arm from elbow to wrist slight drawing pain; p.m., nausea with vora-
cious hunger.-30th to April 3rd. P.m., voracious hunger, relieved
by eructation. Urine often very dark, with bright red sediment.-2nd,
e., r. thigh quite numb as if gone to sleep, for more than I h.; the fol-
lowing d. same in 1. thigh.-From 3rd the hunger became gradually
less, but nausea continued. Sometimes transient shooting pain in r.
side of chest. The pains in urethra, which had long ceased, returned
in beginning of April. They were shooting and burning, lasting
I m., always causing urging to pass urine. At end of April had a
slight attack of colitis, with slight fever, and stools consisting of pus
and bloody mucus with cutting and pressing. The sigmoid flexure was
painful to deep pressure, and felt swollen.-From 27th to May 1st he
had often, especially in e., pains in abdomen, chiefly in stomach, with
distension of belly. A pain in renal region at this period seemed to be
located in muscles. (Ibid., 131.)
4
10. G. MÜLLER, æt. 50, Sept. 15th, 7 a.m. took 2 dr. 1st dil. No
effect.-17rh, 7 a.m., 3 dr. After breakfast pinching pain round navel
for 2 h., then nausea, followed by rumbling in belly and urging to stool
without result. Very weak in all limbs, cross without cause. 5 p.m.,
after eating a pear nausea with empty eructation.-18th, 7 a.m., 4 dr.
Soon languid and prostrated in whole body, morose and cross. 10.30 a.m.,
dull pain in whole head, pressure in eyes and drowsiness, feeling of
distension of belly, and loss of appetite, ate little for dinner with relief
to headache. 3 p.m., cutting in abdomen with urging to stool, which
was not loose.-20th.h. before bedtime took about 4 dr. of alc. pt.
PHOSPHORUS.
559
This only caused eructation.—22nd. 5 dr., no effect.-23rd. 7 dr.,
soon transient slight nausea with frequent empty eructation lasting
several h. After coffee discharge of inodorous flatus with urging to stool,
which was normal. (Ibid., 137.)
II. TH. DE LE R-, theological student, æt. 20. In Sept. he took
every m. from 5 to 10 dr. of Ist dil. till the 21st. After pausing a few
d. he began on 27th to take 5 dr. of 2nd dil. till Oct. 1st. Since the
17th Sept. he was often sick, acid water sometimes flowed into mouth,
and appetite diminished till 2nd Oct. From 24th Sept. he had for
several d. coryza with frequent sneezing and pressive pain on both
sides of head.-29th. Frequent eructation like rotten eggs, and a
feeling in bowels as if diarrhoea were coming on.-30th. Diarrhoeic
stool with discharge of flatus, some cutting in abdomen and eructation
like rotten eggs.
When urinating slight pain in prepuce that lasted till
Oct. 2nd.-Oct. 1st. Pressive pain in r. middle finger and elbow.
E., gone-to-sleep feeling of r. arm and on 2nd formication in r. fingers.
After this he had nausea till the 8th, and a drawing pain in bones of 1.
arm and in lower jaw like rheumatism. Exhaustion and prostration
of whole body till 8th. A sensation of trembling in lower part of
spine, in jaws and fingers, which plagued him on the 3rd and 4th,
changed on the 5th to great nervous sensitiveness combined with a
peculiar weak sensation, worst in lowest lumbar vertebræ and sacrum.
Every little exertion fatigued him; carrying a small basket gave him
pain in back. This lasted till 7th, and he ten had pressive pain in
occiput and feeling of shaking of brain when stooping and rising up
again. During and after the proving he had every week on 2 or 3
successive n. emissions, which were previously much rarer.-19th,
8 a.m., 2 dr. of pure alc. pt. During d. drawing pains in the tendons
of semi-membranosus and semi-tendinosus muscles of both thighs.-
From Nov. 14th to Dec. 12th took daily 5 dr. of 2nd dil. From middle
of Nov. appetite bad and frequent eructation of sourish bitter water.
Heaviness in houghs till end of Dec. Formication in limbs frequent,
and for a day or two weakness in lower part of back. In Nov. and
Dec. more given to start than formerly. (Ibid., 139.)
12. C. SHENK, coachman, æt. 27.-Sept. 16th, 3 dr. alc. pt.
After h. frequent empty eructation, twice of tasteless water.
From 9 a.m., nausea, slight persistent pain in cardiac region. While
driving complained of chilliness over whole body as though he was in
cold water; the pressure in cardiac region continued till supper, after
which it ceased.-22nd. 3 dr., no effect.-23rd, 5 dr. 1st dil. Till
10 a.m. frequent eructation, after that pinching, contraction, persistent
pain in stomach, which was sensitive to pressure. The pain was worst
from 11 to 12 a.m., so that he had often to bend forwards, and then
came on pressive pain in forehead. The pains were relieved by eating.
nausea with empty eructation making his chest painful.-
Oct. Ist. After breakfast 7 dr. Till 3 p.m. empty eructation; after
eating two plums, nausea, water came into mouth, and he must spit
frequently. For 1 h. moderate contractive pain in abdomen with some
chilliness, till late in e., when he had inclination to swallow frequently.
-2nd. This last symptom continued, tongue yellow furred. 3 p.m.,
In e.
560
PHOSPHORUS.
constant slight pinching in abdomen for 24 h. with pressure under 1. short
ribs and water in mouth. Felt prostrated and phlegmatic. After supper
was quite well.-3rd. No med. 11 a.m., cutting in abdomen increasing,
twice with drawing in stomach, lasting till late p.m. After a very
moderate dinner feeling as if belly were too full, and loud rumbling in
it. Tongue furred, and fetid smell from mouth which he had never
before observed. By 3 p.m. all these symptoms went off.-24th. 3 dr.
3rd dil., no symptoms.-26th, m., 6 dr. From 9.30 a.m., pressure
in pit of throat with nausea and frequent flow of saliva which he must
spit out, till 11 a.m. After a few spoonfuls of food inclination to
vomit. P.m., flow of water into mouth, heaviness of head and whole
upper part of body with feeling of tightness of chest till e.-27th, 8 dr.
From 10.30 a.m., heaviness and heat of head and dull pain in forehead
down to root of nose and on upper eyelids, with vertigo, which was
aggravated by turning and quickly moving head, so as to make him fall.
Face and forehead red, watering of mouth. From 2 p.m. head lighter.
From 3 p.m. stoppage of nose, making him blow it often, which caused
pain to middle of forehead. 4.30 p.m., when in fresh air he felt well.
-29th. 8 dr., slight pain in forehead, watering of mouth and frequent
eructation, which sometimes brought up white, tasteless thin mucus.—
30th. In bed, e., cutting in abdomen for 1 h. relieved by bending
double and lying on r. side.-Nov. 1st. 3 dr. 2nd dil., empty, some-
times baulked eructations with nausea. A.m., severe drawing pain in
bone of 1. side of forehead, which felt warm to the hand, till p.m.-
2nd, 5 dr.—3rd, 1 dr. Ist dil. No effect.-5th. 2 dr., some eruc-
tation.-6th. No med. From II a.m., contraction and cutting drawing-
in pain round navel with inclination to vomit and flow of water into
mouth. Stomach sensitive to pressure.-7th. No med. 9 a.m.,
dull
pain in whole head and giddiness so that he cannot hold his head up,
and cannot see well, worse on turning head, when the pain extended
to the face, relieved by laying the head face downwards, with watering
of mouth and prostration of whole body, which showed itself in his
weary look. From 9 to 11 a.m. this state increased; was alleviated
by a little sleep, and went off p.m. There then appeared in the
middle of the forehead an irregular circle the size of a crown formed
by a band an inch wide, of bright red, in some places papular, elevated
turgescence of the skin of forehead, which was warmer than the
surrounding skin; the redness disappeared under the pressure of the
finger, but soon reappeared (eczema erythematosum). In the middle
of the circle there was an irregular round patch of normal skin; washing
with cold water or cold air blowing on it caused smarting.-8th. The
eruption was not so well marked, but the smarting from cold water
and cold air remained.-9th. Smarting gone, but the glabella felt
warm and showed some red places.-10th. Weight and slight pain in
cardiac region when coughing for about 2 h. In other respects well.
From middle of March he observed that the gum of the upper and
lower incisors was loose and bled easily and there was a feeling of
fulness in it. On rising in m. he always observed that the anterior
surface of all the incisors was covered with mucus and blood. The
17th April the gum of the upper and lower incisors and canines, which
PHOSPHORUS.
561
was firm and sound, was swollen and redder than the rest of the gum
and covered with a greyish-yellow, apparently purulent border. Blood
easily came on pressing the gum, its posterior surface was all right. He
thought his breath smelt ill, but others did not remark it. His teeth
have always been quite sound. (Ibid., 141.)
13. ROSALIE B-, housemaid, æt. 17, took from 10th to 19th
March every m. 5 dr. 3rd dil.—10th and 11th. No symptoms.—
12th. Since rising in m., has had severe pains in belly, with diarrhoea
and heaviness and tired feeling in all limbs, could not do her work.-
13th. Looked ill with blue rings round eyes, pains gone, menses came
on. The weariness lasted till 16th.-From 14th to 17th. Pains in
abdomen and diarrhoea every a.m., menses normal.- From 18th to
April 9th was quite well. On the last d. menses came on and she
took 4 dr. 2nd dil., m. From 10th to 14th took no med. Menses
normal.-15th. [Apparently resumed the med. every m., though not
stated.] Good appetite, cheerful.-20th. Slight cutting in abdomen,
and rush of blood to head. Same on 21st.—22nd.
Same on 21st.—22nd. Tearing in r. arm.
-23rd. Violent tearing pain in vertex and upper part of r. forearm
as if it had been beaten, the pain felt in the flesh; grasping it hurt her,
at same time tearing in leg and weariness in whole body.-24th.
Same symptoms.-28th. Slept restlessly at n. on account of severe
pain on commencement of menses. The pains in abdomen increased
from noon and were accompanied by pain on sacrum and drawing in
lower extremities, which she had never had before, and all her limbs.
felt bruised, so that she was quite depressed in spirits and had no desire
to eat or work. P.m., gradually became better, the menstrual flux
normal and lasting till May 3rd.-May 1st. Slight cutting in abdomen.
-2nd. Blue rings round dull eyes.-4th. Occasional tearing pains
for a short time in feet, and for 1 h. in face.—13th to 20th. Every
dr. 2nd dil.—21st. Menses came 2 or 3 days too late, very pro-
fusely and for 6 d., quite unusual.-27th. Quite well.-From Aug.
16th to 31st took daily 5 dr. 2nd dil. During all this time felt quite
well except that on 23rd she felt fatigued in all limbs. The menses
expected on 24th did not come on till 31st, and then with cutting
pain in abdomen and sacral pains, they were scanty, and lasted only 4
d. She took no more Ph., and next menses came on at right time and
were quite normal. (Ibid., 145.)
m. 4
14. Miss A. T—, æt. 32, April 26th took 2 dr. 2nd dil. Great
confusion of head, worst at noon, relieved by washing face in cold water,
weakness in whole body.-27th. 2 dr., great weariness of whole body,
and a tensive spasmodic feeling in houghs till e. Appearance of
menses 5 d. too early.-28th. Quite well.-29th. Menses stopped
m., but returned slightly p.m. Hardly any on 30th.-May 1st. Menses
gone. The scantiness and short duration of menses was quite unusual.
Great weariness and spasmodic drawing in houghs till 2nd.-3rd.
Recommenced taking 2 dr. After some h. great confusion of head
and some feeling of catarrh, relieved by cold washing, open air and
exercise, worse when sitting and when stooping. P.m., fulness of
head. Cannot sleep at n. on account of excited imagination. For
several n. has passed the n. half asleep with wild phantasies.-4th. 2 dr.
VOL. III.
36
562
PHOSPHORUS.
A.m., confusion of head, chiefly in region of frontal sinus. After dinner
was for some h. as if stupefied with vertigo, had to lie down; this was
attended with great languor of whole body, and the spasmodic sensa-
tion in houghs. At n. slept soundly and as if stupefied, was not inclined
to get up in m.-5th. No med. Dull pressure on eyelids with
compression of head, chiefly posteriorly. Since commencement of
menses strong urging to urinate and cutting and burning when urine
passed.-12th. Well.-14th. 2 dr. of a dil. between 1st and 2nd.-
15th. 2 dr. of same dil. Rheumatic pain in 1. knee lasting some d.,
hindering her in bending it, e. g. when going upstairs. When she bent
it quickly felt tightness of ligaments, and the inner condyle of femur
tender on pressure.-16th and 17th. 2 dr.-18th. No med.-19th.
3 dr. Each d. confusion of head.-16th. Repeated tinnitus aurium,
difficulty of getting to sleep at n., uneasy tossing about.-17th. Imme-
diately after going to bed, tinnitus aurium for 2 h., accompanied by
palpitation of heart and feeling as if blood were too restless, many disagree-
able phantasies until she fell asleep.-From 16th to 18th slight cutting in
abdomen with frequent but ineffectual call to stool. Great longing for
acid and piquant things.-19th. Soon after dose, sensation as if blood
were in mouth and loud rumbling in abdomen. Immediately after
rising for about 1 h. small dark spots, changing their position, before
eyes. Toothache, to which she was subject, much oftener and much
worse than before. All through proving out of spirits and sad, very
much affected by the crying of a child, which had never occurred
before. Took no more after 19th.-25th. Great confusion of head
and pains in sacrum.-26th. Confusion of head and toothache in m.
-27th. Toothache with headache and excitement of circulation.-
28th. Sacral pains.-29th. Toothache.-30th. Confusion of head
and toothache.-31st. Disagreeable relaxation and heaviness of limbs.
Severe toothache when heated.-June 4th. Nausea, great weariness.
and relaxation of arms and hands, disinclination for all occupation.-
-5th. Nausea, anorexia, heaviness in limbs.-6th. Same state.—
7th. Menses 14 d. too late. (Ibid., 147.)
15. Mrs. H. L—, æt. 32, took, Oct. 24th, 7 a.m., 3 dr. 2nd dil.
Some time afterwards continued formication and gone-to-sleep feeling
in r. arm. After 4 h. single stitches in occiput, sometimes on one side,
sometimes on the other.-25th, 7.30 a.m., 6 dr. From II a.m.till 4 p.m.
remarkable numb feeling in 1. leg from knee to toes, sometimes sensa-
tion as if hot blood flowed into it.-26th. No med.
No med. Transient numb
feeling in both feet.-27th. In course of d. here and there, transient
drawing and numb pains. P.m., without cause much excited.-28th,
7 a.m., 8 dr. Drawing forcing towards pelvis and rectum as if menses
were coming on, some ineffectual urging to stool. Urine when passed
quite clear, on standing quite cloudy and turbid.-30th, 7 a.m., 10 dr.
From 2 p.m. on posterior aspect of thighs from lumbar region to knees
a dull pain, such as is felt after lifting a great weight, worst when at
rest, and increasing so much in e. that she had to leave a party and go
home, relieved by movement, only going off when got to bed. Legs
go to sleep on crossing them. Transient feeling of catarrh consisting
of sneezing and stuffed nose. Since yesterday p.m., hurried call to
C
PHOSPHORUS.
563
10
urinate with some forcing.—31st, 7.30 a.m., 8 dr. At n. alternate
going to sleep of arms and legs, waking her.-Nov. 1st, 7.30 a.m.,
dr. After 1 h. violent shootings in 1. ankle-joint, going off in 1 h.-
2nd. No med. No symptoms.-3rd, 7.30 a.m, 9 dr. At n. going to
sleep of arms, drawing and forcing in hypogastrium as if menses were
coming on. Transient shooting and pressive sensation in various joints.
Arms and legs easily go to sleep.-4th, 7.30 a.m., 8 dr. Almost all
m. drawing and forcing down in hypogastrium as if menses were
coming on, 8 d. before expected time. Drawing pressive pains in
various joints of various degrees of intensity, always recurring, worst
when at rest, relieved by movement.-5th. No med. No symptoms.-
6th. Soon after rising drawing pains in joints. Very frequent going
to sleep of limbs and numbness in arms when working; transient pains
in joints. 7th. 10 dr. All d. violent drawing pains in various joints,
relieved by movement. In r. finger-joints frequent stiff and swollen
feeling, so that she must cease needlework. Soon after taking dose
feeling as if catarrh were coming on, going off after sneezing. P.m.,
for some h. roughness in throat and stuffed nose till e.
No more
med. taken; after this slight pains in joints occasionally. On 11th, her
usually regular menses came on 2 d. too soon and scanty. In Oct.
and Nov. of next year took, every time 8 d. before expected menses,
every m. 4 dr. Ist dil. She felt all d. before they appeared drawing
and forcing in iliac region as if menses were coming on.
The first
time the menses came on 3 d. too soon and were more scanty. The
second time the blood was darker than usual. During the days of the
proving in the latter months she had frequent and persistent vertigo, so
that she was for hours as if intoxicated, or there was heaviness and
confusion of head with feeling as if she would have an attack of
apoplexy. During the proving she was very irritable and excited, so
that the merest trifle would irritate her very much. In the last proving
she had pains in joints, especially shooting in ankles, often lasting for
hours at a time, relieved by movement. She had frequently going to sleep
of lower and upper extremities. Also frequent transient feeling of
catarrh. (Ibid., 151.)
16. Miss N. S―, æt. 23, took each time, about 8 d. before expected
menses until they appeared, every d. from 3 to 7 dr. 1st dil. From
Sept. 19th she took daily for 8 d. 3 dr. without experiencing any effect.
For 4 d., until menses came, daily 5 dr. On all 4 d. about 2 h. after
the dose, chilliness all over body, lasting h., with such a staggering
gait that she thought she must fall. At I p.m. dull pain and heaviness
of head and perspiration for more than 1 h. The menses were less
painful and more scanty than usual. In Nov. she took the first 3 d.
5 dr. without effect, then for 5 d. 7 dr. On each of these latter d.,
a.m., forh. chilliness and uncertainty of gait, and, p.m., heaviness of
head and perspiration. These symptoms came on daily 1 h. later, in
the intervals she felt quite well. On 9th d. of the proving the menses
appeared, much scantier and without pain, but with sleeplessness,
loathing at butcher's meat, and bad appetite. They lasted only 3 d.
In Dec. she took for 8 d. 7 dr., m. From 4th d. she had feverish
symptoms both a.m. and p.m., coming on each d. 1 h. later till the
564
PHOSPHORUS.
menses appeared. They were painless, very scanty, and lasted only
2 d. She took no more med. after this.-Jan. 29th. Menses returned,
quite painless and very scanty, lasting only 2 d. In the beginning of
Dec. she was affected as never previously. At 10 p.m. anxiety about
heart, accompanied by nausea, and peculiar feeling of hunger, re-
moved by eating, but sometimes tormenting her for hours in bed. In
Nov. she had another never before experienced ailment. A shooting
began from sternum, and went through chest to below 1. scapula, was
aggravated by working, slighter by d., worst in e. when spinning. In
the e. this shooting is generally ushered in by slight chilliness, soon
followed by slight perspiration. If she did not keep quiet during this
state she was seized with anxiety and palpitation of heart. Pressure
on the part of head affected was very painful. She had frequent tinnitus
aurium, sometimes changing into beautiful tunes. She had often pal-
pitation of the heart, during which she was much inclined to weep,
and felt very unhappy without cause. All the other symptoms went
away by the middle of February, but in July, when seen, she had dis-
tinct sufferings in the canal of the spinal cord, which she had felt since
the previous Nov. The spinal processes of the dorsal vertebræ betwixt
the scapulae were very sensitive to pressure, or else the muscles betwixt
the dorsal spine and the 1. scapula, less so on the r. side. Shooting
pains commencing from the spot near the 1. scapula went through the
centre of the chest to the front or vice versâ, and sometimes extended
to upper arm. By leaning firmly on the back, by rest and warmth,
the pains were relieved, but they were distinctly aggravated by lifting,
working, during menses, and especially by disagreeable mental emotions.
notably anger. These symptoms were not quite gone in the autumn,
though they were milder. (Ibid., 153.)
17. Dr. SORGE, æt. 34, subject to hæmorrhoids and congestion of
choroid, took, Sept. 15th, 7 a.m., 2 dr. Ist dil. After 2 m. feeling in
fundus of stomach as if something was going on there, with slight
rumbling in abdomen. After 5 m. feeling of tightness over heart to
thyroid gland, as if of incarcerated flatulence, frequent need to take a
deep breath, and slight nausea. After 10 m., the tightness having
diminished, there ensued a warming sensation above r. side of heart and
below 1. clavicle. This heat spread to apex of 1. scapula and to
acromion, when it left the heart. Then, those symptoms having
ceased, there was, till 8 a.m., empty, tasteless eructation, with con-
tinual nausea, aggravated by drinking cold water. After coffee and
roll repeated eructation, as if something liquid rose up from stomach,
with sour taste. From 9 a.m. disposition to emit flatus, with con-
tinued eructation. 1 h. after dinner had no relish for tobacco-smoking.
When returning home from a drive at 7, felt chilly in spite of a cloak,
with cold hands, pale face, nausea, with frequent empty eructation and
transient pressive pain deep in r. side of forehead and parietal bone,
with peevish humour.-16th. Quite well; took, 7 a.m., 3 dr. After
a few m. slight pinching in epigastrium to transverse colon, as if flatu-
lence were incarcerated there, which gradually spread equally on both
sides of abdomen, with slight warmth. All a.m. empty eructation,
only once with feeling of nausea; sometimes rumbling in belly, with
PHOSPHORUS.
565
3
discharge of flatus. Soon after coffee and roll chilliness in back and
arms, followed by corfusion of head, feeling of heaviness of head that
extended to eyeballs, as though the head were drawn forwards by a
weight; at same time feeling of fulness in head and face, as if too
much blood were in them, as he is accustomed to when he studies too
hard. Whilst the weight was worst, drawing in 1. side of occiput.
Head transiently relieved by smelling at spirit, and by shaking head,
increased by work. II p.m., still some tension in forehead and face.
All a.m, very irritable and cross.-17th. No med. No noteworthy
symptoms.-18th, 7 a.m., 4 dr.
18th, 7 a.m., 4 dr. Till 8 a.m., only flow of water into
mouth. After usual breakfast, pressive headache, chiefly on r. side, as
if head were heavy, with confusion and slight tension in both cheeks,
as if too full of blood. Sneezed once, and water ran from nose.
Headache went off during mental work. Feeling of exhaustion and
prostration, almost amounting to trembling, twice slight formication
in l. thumb. Better after dinner, in e. all right.-19th. Frequent
eructation of sour fluid, and general prostration as if very ill. Loss of
appetite for dinner and tobacco, which was recovered at supper-time.
-22nd, 6.30 a.m., 5 dr. After 10 m. empty eructation, repeated
later. After h. pressive sensation under r. short ribs. 8 a.m., when
eating, scrapy feeling in palate and fauces, feeling as if heartburn would
come on. After 9.15 a.m. feeling of distension of abdomen, oppress-
ing respiration. After this heat of cheeks for h., with prostration
and weariness, most felt in forearms. Then slight dull headache as after
prolonged study, with some giddiness. Numbness in tips of r. index
and thumb. At 10 p.m., along with these symptoms, a dull pain.
betwixt shoulders. After dinner pressive heaviness in head, spine, and
all limbs in jerks, with ill-humour, till e.-24th, m., 6 dr. Some
throbbing in 2 r. upper molars, and some empty eructation.-25th, m.,
8 dr. Empty eructation, and after 2 h. throbbing aching in 2nd upper
r. molar for a short time. 10 a.m., urging to stool, with soft pappy
evacuation. P.m., sour eructation, scraping in throat like heartburn,
rumbling in belly. 7 p.m., another pappy stool.-26th. From a.m.
weight in occiput and nape, down whole spine a dull feeling, as if over-
filled with blood, and in os sacrum a peculiar paralytic feeling like
what one feels in limbs when exposed to some unavoidable danger.
Along with this heaviness of feet, which were not placed on ground
with usual energy. He walked less strongly and often stumbled on
smooth road, so that his staggering gait was observable in e. Dimin-
ished sexual appetite, and feeling as if the penis could not become stiff
when excitement was present. Indifference of mind, which was quite
unusual. This, together with some tightness of chest, lasted all the
27th, till n., when the sensation in the os sacrum was especially
tiresome. The symptoms are better during scientific conversation, but
worse from drinking beer, which caused more severe and continued
heartburn than he had ever experienced. In the n. of 27th was much
troubled by a scraping feeling in throat.-Oct. 3rd. Feeling quite
well, took, m., 10 dr. Ist dil. Soon, slight heat of stomach. During
a.m. irritability of temper and slight paralytic sensation, with trembling
feeling in whole body, heaviness of head and upper part of back, and
566
PHOSPHORUS.
towards 10 a.m. paralytic feeling in upper part of os sacrum, and last
lumbar vertebrææ. Numb feeling in r. side of upper lip and tip of
tongue, formication in r. 4th and 5th fingers. In r. lower jaw, from
foramen mentale backwards, tearing for 5 m. Felt well and cheerful
after dinner. 3 p.m., when driving in close carriage, felt for 5 m. a
sharp shooting pain in bone of ball of r. little finger, repeated after 3 h.
Frequent tearing in bones of r. forearm and r. metacarpus on its dorsal
aspect, and extending to humerus. In e., almost all m., r. hand on its
dorsal aspect was numb for a short while. The above symptoms came,
not all together, but one after the other. 7 p.m., no appetite, nausea,
with scrapy feeling in palate and flow of saliva into mouth. From
being irritable became indifferent, with faint feeling and weight of head;
m., 2 thin pappy stools; p.m., frequent empty eructation and discharge
of inodorous flatus.-19th. Feeling quite well, took, m., 2 dr. 3rd dil.
Soon, some oppression in scrob. cordis. All a.m. numb formication in
last phalanx of r. little finger and thumb. 4 p.m., when driving in a
close carriage and warmly clothed, felt chilly; relaxed in limbs till 8,
little appetite for supper. During this time slight drawing pain on r.
side of head, deep in malar, frontal, temporal, and parietal bones. N.
very restless. The sexual desire, which had been strong during the
previous 10 d., became suddenly weak on 19th.-20th. Rose quite
refreshed, and passed water with the greatest ease.
7.30 a.m., felt
gnawing and smarting from orifice to an inch back in urethra. Nothing
abnormal in m.m. of urethra, but on r. side of apex glandis, beginning
from upper surface and extending down to the urethral orifice, a pale
red, soft swelling, about above level of surrounding parts. This
went off about 11 a.m., but after micturition drawing form. from
external orifice to membranous part of urethra.—23rd, m., 5 dr. 3rd
dil. Soon a tightness in scrob. cordis, and all d. numb formication in
all r. finger-tips, in 1. thumb and r. little toe, not all together, but succes-
sively. 24th, 7 a.m., 6 dr. Soon, empty eructation and rumbling in
abdomen, accompanied by a feeling of emptiness and weakness in
scrob. cordis. 7.30 a.m., the formication in all r. fingers, in 1. thumb
and index, in r. outer toes, in middle of vermilion of upper lip, in r.
thumb, combined with warm feeling, returned in succession, lasting,
with occasional pauses, till e., whilst there was pressive pain in r. meta-
carpal bones, and a dull drawing in r. metatarsal bones for a short time.
From 8 to 10 a.m. felt very cross and had a very striking sensation in
muscles of r. upper arm to elbow, as if blown upon by a cold blast of
air near a half-open window, or as if a strong wind blew upon a part
that had been wetted. In the elbow this feeling became a numbness,
which extended slightly to the fingers. This cold drawing was felt
even to the 25th, on which d. he took 6 dr.—26th. 2 dr. 2nd dil.,
no effect.-27th. 6 dr., soon rumbling and working in abdomen till
e., occasional formication.-29th. 2 dr. 1st dil., soon, tightness in
scrob. cordis, with slight pain in stomach, and after h. with rumbling
and transient cutting in abdomen, and occasionally with empty eructa-
tion. The rumbling and discharge of flatus worst before and after
supper. Pruritus in ano occurred always on the d. when the med. was
taken, this d. also accompanied by slight pressure in r. lobe of liver.
PHOSPHORUS.
567
There was weariness and bruised feeling in all limbs, accompanied by
some tightness in scrob. cordis and on chest, until n. Indifference
changed, p.m., without cause, to irritability.—31st. 3 dr. 1st dil.,
all a.m., heaviness in back and sacrum, and p.m., greatly excited
phantasy from reading a silly little story, so that he must make a great
effort to go on with his work. In a.m., great sexual desire, and at n.
restless, dreamful sleep, with much turning about.-Nov. 1st.
4 dr.
4th dil., after 1 h. pain in sacrum and in its connection with last
lumbar vertebra, as after lifting too heavy a weight, only felt when
standing, walking, coughing, and particularly when standing on one
foot and holding the other turned inwards and forwards, or when
stretching the back and then moving sideways. When the 2 last
lumbar vertebræ were pressed, numbness and stiffness were caused in
both feet. This sensation increased till noon, and then declined till e.
In the forenoon there was transient numbness on the volar side of r.
hand. P.m., frequent rumbling in abdomen, and discharge of inodorous
flatus. E., great irritation, followed by severe urticaria and many large
wheals.-2nd, m., urticaria and sacral pain gone, but both returned
slightly in e., with much rumbling and discharge of flatus.—4th, m.,
5 dr. Ist dil. After h. pressive pain under middle and r. side of
sternum, with some tightness of chest, relieved by eructation, lasting
only h. Frequent empty eructation, with heaviness and fulness in
whole body.-7th. 5 dr., pressing pain in a 1. upper molar, lasting
I m. This symptom frequently occurred after taking 1st dil.-8th.
6 dr. A.m., dull tearing in bones of r. forearm and hand. For several
months noticed a diminution of sexual function and frequent formica-
tion and weakness in limbs, which was quite unusual with him.
(Ibid., 155.)
18. Of a sol. of 1 gr. of Ph. to 3j of alcohol, Dr. HOLCOMBE took
20 dr. at 4 and at 9 p.m. of Feb. 10th, 1858. Glowing sensation in
stomach; slight fugitive pains during n., with many (intellectual)
dreams. Had to pass a very large quantity of urine before daybreak.
11th, 9 a.m., same dose. After soft easy stool considerable discharge
of blood, without pain. (Had been subject to bleeding piles, but had
had no symptom of them for several months.) Sensation of heat in
lungs; disposition to deep inspiration, with discomfort in it; shooting
pains in r. chest; occasional sneezing, which aggravates feeling in
chest; slight dizziness, with sensation as if muscles in walking would.
lose their equilibrium; frequent eructations; some twitches in decayed
teeth; stitches in lumbar region. 4 p.m., same dose. Fugitive pains
in both thorax and abdomen; very unusual and violent pain in teeth,
immediately after eating some candy; some hacking, tickling cough;
very tired feeling, without having taken even the usual exercise; in-
voluntary starting on someone's opening door; noise very disagreeable.
10, repeated dose. Micturition more frequent than commonly; colicky
flatulence in r. side; pains darting from small of back towards splenic
region; sleepless, inclined to study much later than usual; violent
starting of whole body when falling asleep; many dreams, character
unremembered. 12th.-Woke with some hacking cough; took 20 dr.
more at 9 a.m. First part of stool natural; last part soft, with much
568
PHOSPHORUS.
?
florid blood. An h. later, severe griping in bowels, with tenesmic in-
clination for stool. Headache with dizziness all d. ; decided malaise,
with feeling of exhaustion; flushes of pain in upper part of orbits; con-
siderable tremulousness, especially of hands, while writing; severe pain
at back of 1. lung, sometimes aggravated on inspiration, sometimes not.
Could eat no dinner. Deep-seated and very severe pains in bones of 1.
hand and fingers; deep-seated pain in eyes; mental irritability, un-
common vehemence in argument. 10 p.m., 40 dr. Glowing sensa-
tion throughout epigastrium and chest ; very sharp stitches in sacro-
iliac region posteriorly; sleepless, with prolonged disposition to study;
restless n., waking frequently; erotic dreams. 13th.-9 a.m., 20 dr.
Very considerable mucous accumulation in trachea, with some hoarseness;
sharp stitches in lumbar and splenic regions; urgent stool, followed by
about zij of florid blood (a less quantity than before); pain in epigas-
trium for about an h. after dose, with much eructation; frequent
stitches through lungs, especially on deep breathing; tenacious mucus
hawked up; great sense of fatigue, with mental depression, and a most
uncommon fearfulness or timidity. During d. 3 or 4 attacks of violent
cramp-like pain in breast, high up under sternum, lasting 15-30
seconds, and disappearing with flatulent eructations. At n. fearful
dreams of being bitten by a ferocious horse, so vivid as to make a very
painful impression on the mind. 14th.-Woke with considerable
mucous accumulation in throat, expectorated with difficulty; stool
partly bloody, as yesterday; violent headache on riding; pains going
off. Took 30 dr. at 10 a.m., but no new symptoms occurred, nor were
any of the old ones increased. On 15th there were only a few dr, of
blood after stool, and on 16th this was perfectly normal. (No blood
had recurred 3 mo. afterwards.) (N. A. J. of H., 1st S., vii, 144.)
19. a. Having just prepared some tinct. of Ph. [strength not
stated], I took 5 dr. about 5 p.m. Thinking no more about it, I
retired about 10, but was unable to sleep; desire for it was very great,
but I could not find a comfortable position. My mind was greatly
oppressed with melancholy; tears would start without cause; a feeling
of dread, as if awaiting something terrible, while unable to resist or
move, overcame me. Sometimes it seemed as if I was beginning to
bloat, and then I could hear a multitude of voices saying, in high glee,
"Fill him up a little more and he will burst," followed by demoniacal
laughter, which made cold chills run over me. Darting, cutting pains
gave me much distress, starting from separate points and flashing over
whole abdomen; I imagined myself an aurora borealis, and seemed to
hear distinctly voices shouting, "Beautiful, oh ! was not that splendid?"
as the pains became more severe and lasting. Soon, however, the
agony became so great that it threw off in a measure the stupor that
clouded my senses. Springing from bed, I hastily dressed and sat down
to collect my scattered thoughts. My fingers were all thumbs; I felt
a numbness of the whole body accompanied by sensation as if encom-
passed by innumerable needles that just touched, and on slightest
motion entered, my body. Throat felt dry and parched; a flame
seemed passing through me. When I attempted to walk my legs
seemed glued to the floor; the slightest motion caused great pain.
PHOSPHORUS.
569
With great exertion I reached the vessel. The moment the bowels
began to move the pains assumed the form of cramps. The passages
were like the scrapings of intestines and were almost constant, attended
with tenesmus for upwards of 2 h., at end of which I lay down on bed
weak, sore, and almost helpless.
b. Abdomen was now sore but not tender to touch. Thirst intol-
erable; drink did not quench it, but caused drops of cold clammy sweat
to exude from pores of skin the moment water entered stomach.
Lungs felt clogged up; troublesome dyspnoea; pleuritic pains through
thorax extending into throat and down r. arm; vertigo; headache;
involuntary passages on least motion; constant desire to urinate, but
nothing passed. I lay in this condition for 8 h., when passages changed
to mucus mixed with blood, still involuntary; muscles became flabby,
skin dry and wrinkled; tongue was coated with a thick fur, dark
centre and red edges; sordes on teeth; breath offensive, even to my-
self; at no time was I free from pain; could not extend my limbs,
but lay with them drawn up; least exertion produced great prostra-
tion.
c. At end of 12 h., passages began to come periodically, at first
every h., then every h., still involuntary, with tenesmus for half the
interval. Rectum lost its sensibility, sphincter became paralysed, and
there was slight prolapsus ani after each stool. About 6 p.m. passage
of urine became frequent,-copious, scalding, high coloured, with
strong ammoniacal odour; there was dull heavy pain in region of
kidneys. After this symptoms began to abate. Appetite was ravenous ;
but smallest quantity of food the moment it entered stomach produced
vomiting and action of both bowels and bladder. My mind now
became very clear; memory of past was extraordinarily vivid. As
darkness came on, I was disturbed by the most frightful visions and
thoughts, constant fear of death, with almost uncontrollable desire to
commit suicide. Pulse was thready, intermittent, and extremely
variable in rapidity. During n. stools came every 2 h., still involun-
tary unless I anticipated them. Next m. I dressed with difficulty and
went to office, feeling weak as from a long illness. Stools continued
every 3 h. for 2 d., always (as before) inodorous, save for a slight
mouldy smell. After 3 d. pains seemed to leave bowels and settle in joints,
producing a crackling noise on movement. Every time I went from a
warm room into open air my bowels would move. Could eat but
little food, as a few mouthfuls satisfied my ravenous appetite. For
some time I was not able to assume an upright posture while walking,
or endure much fatigue. I did not regain my strength till 2 mo, were
over, and during this time could eat nothing but the most digestible
food,-spiced food and pastry invariably producing looseness of bowels.
(Dr. E. R. HEATH, Amer. Hom. Rev., v, 215.)
20. Mr. H. ROBINSON took 50 dr. of "tinct. " (probably 3x dil.) at
bedtime in a wineglassful of water, and had 2 emissions during follow-
ing n. On another occasion, from 20 dr. taken in same manner, had
peculiar kind of painful stiffness in nape of neck. (Brit. Journ. of
Hom., xxv, 327.)
21. Same gave to a young woman gtt. j of 、 dil. 4 times a d.
I
570
PHOSPHORUS.
After 7 or 8 d. enlarged tonsils, with much dysphagia, and small
ecchymosed spots on chest and face. In another, to whom he gave 2
dr. of 3x dil. 3 times a d., there was noticed, after several d., profuse
lachrymation; nose feeling stuffed up; soreness of throat; tightness
of upper chest. (Ibid.)
22. Dr. SHARP took at 8 p.m., pulse 74, I dr. of Ist dil. (probably
prepared from the 3x as p). Pulse rose to 76 during 1st and 2nd m.,
gradually dropped to 70 during 5-6 m., was 72 at 10th, and 74 again at
20th, where it remained. At 8.30 took another dr. Pulse fell at once
to 72, and by 4th m. to 70, rising again to 72 from 8th-10th m., bur
at 20th found to be 70, and so continued. (Essays on Medicine, p. 720.)
30
1
23. After taking, in ethereal tinct., gr. 1 each m. for 10 d., and then
gr. for nearly 4 weeks, I experienced increased thirst and dryness
of mouth with coated tongue, flatulent distension and eructation, and
uneasy feeling in region of gall-bladder, without nausea or vomiting ;
motions were dark but healthy, urine natural. There was slight head-
ache and sense of fulness along vertex and over 1. temple, with increased
restlessness and sleeplessness. On discontinuing the medicine, these
symptoms disappeared in about 3 d., and on resuming it at the end of
a month I felt them return in about 10 d. time. (PHILLIPS, op. cit.)
24. With special reference to the action of Ph. on the sexual organs,
I have carefully experimented on 20 healthy men. Ten of them took
10 gr. daily for a fortnight, 5 took gr. for a similar period, and 5 took
gr. every 3rd d. five times. Toxic symptoms occurred in some of
the subjects, but, except possibly in one of the last set, no sign or feeling
of increased sexual excitement was observed. I have, however, seen
men at 40—60, apparently in good health, but suffering from complete
loss of generative power (in consequence either of previous sexual
abuse, or of overtaxed brain and nervous system), in whom very small
doses- gr. thrice daily-caused weak erections and involuntary
emissions, but mental depression was developed to such an extent as to
compel suspension of the drug. (Ibid.)
1
1
20
25. a. In a dose of 1 to gr., a little nausea may be observed
soon after its ingestion. This symptom is not constant. At some time
about the 2nd h., sensations of exhilaration begin to make themselves
felt. The capacity for exertion, both mental and physical, is increased,
and that condition which the French describe as one of bien-être is
experienced. If the subject have taken the dose while in a state of
fatigue, then he feels his strength renewed; if while in a state of
despondency, he takes a more cheerful view of things. The pulse
becomes firmer and a little more frequent. These effects pass off
gradually in the course of a few h., the period probably differing in
different individuals. A state of depression does not ensue. My own
experience, clinical and personal, agrees with the above description.
b. If the dose be repeated at regular intervals, so that from to
I gr.
is taken during the 24 h., some other symptoms may be observed
in addition. Pulse and temperature rise, the former becoming fuller
but not firmer; there are signs of peripheral capillary expansion; and
subsequently to the first few d. the temp. is reduced by 3 or 4 degrees
(Gubler). I have noticed symptoms of intoxication in my own person,
PHOSPHORUS.
571
after solid phosphorus only. They came on about 45 m. after taking
gr., and were shown by giddiness, and a tendency to roll in walking;
they lasted about h., and were not accompanied by any confusion
of intellect. The skin may become the seat of great irritation and
itching (Lobel); it becomes moist, or perspires freely; and the urine.
is secreted in larger quantity than usual, and is reddish and loaded.
The sensations of increased muscular power, intellectual activity, and
lightness of heart, before mentioned, appear and are sustained. At the
same time tactile sensibility becomes more acute.
The gums
have been known to suffer; they may become inflamed and retracted
from the teeth, especially from the incisors (A. Voisin). I have seen
looseness of teeth in one patient, tenderness of gums and teeth in
another. (J. ASHBURTON THOMPSON, Free Phosphorus in Medicine,
1874.)
26. During the following experiments the medicine was prepared
fresh every m. as follows: 10 drops of the 3x dil. were thoroughly
mixed with 2 oz. of water, and put into the inhaler for use during
the d.
a. Mrs. P—, æt. 22, began inhalation Dec. 5th. No symptoms
until m. of 8th, when 1 h. after inhaling for 15 m. she had a dreamy
and indistinct sensation, as if objects were passing before the eyes;
increased heat of head; moisture all over body, especially palms of
hands and chest; feet very warm (usually very cold); a pricking sensa-
tion in the r. large toe, worse when walking; acute pain in joint of
1. great toe; acute pain in 1. side when taking a breath, worse on deep
inspiration; soreness of scalp on crown of head, worse by pressure;
raw feeling in lungs, especially r. At 5 p.m. a 2nd inhalation of 20
m.; no symptoms until 11, then flashes of heat and cold across
shoulders; oppressive feeling at throat-pit; severe pain at base of
spine; bearing-down and painful feeling of uterus and bladder, with
smarting feeling on walking. 9th, m., another inhalation of 20 m.;
felt exceedingly petulant all d., nothing went right, dissatisfied with self
as with others, it seemed as if everybody did or said something to provoke
her.
3.30 same d., inhaled 15 m.; about 3 h. after was seized, after
eating, with severe vomiting and vertigo; about 20 h. after, increased
pain with swelling and appearance of inflammation all round joint of 1.
great toe; slight cough immediately after rising, with large quantity of
greyish phlegm as if mixed with dust; eyes gummy on awaking in m.
10th. At 1 p.m. inhaled 20 m.;h. later violent pain in region of r.
hip; pains in lower abdomen; severe pain in uterus and vagina; about 3
o'clock was taken with severe chill, followed by fever and flushed cheeks
(especially 1.); very thirsty; increased swelling of feet, with severe
pain in bones of same, but they continue warm as at first; pricking in
r. toe has entirely disappeared; head still sore on top; about 8 p.m.
pains in back and uterus have increased greatly, and resemble real
labour pains, particularly in lower part of abdomen; soreness of lungs.
much worse, very difficult to take a full breath. In afternoon (10th)
pimples all over body, bright red, with intolerable itching, scratching
relieved for a time only; feet very sore and painful. 11th.-Fever
with headache, no chill; indolent all d. 12th.-Feet not so bad, dull
572
PHOSPHORUS.
pain in joints; diarrhoea (very unusual). 13th.-Bowels still quite
loose, feet sore, headache. 14th.-Whitish discharge from vagina,
with considerable fever in e. ; feet still sore. 15th.-Headache with
fever p.m.;
feet same. 16th, m., diarrhoea greatly increased with
sharp cutting in abdomen before stool. 17th.-Diarrhoea and pain in
abdomen less severe. All the symptoms of diarrhoea did not disappear
for 2 weeks. The puffiness of toes and feet and the gouty pain in
great toes also continued several weeks, making it difficult and painful
to stand or walk.
b. Another prover, after 2 inhalations, became covered with an
itching eruption of a troublesome character, severe pain in chest and
head, great difficulty of breathing.
c. Another had pain in chest, cough with difficult expectoration,
and pains in limbs. (MARCY, N. Am. J. of Hom., Aug., 1885, p. 94.)
27. Provings with amorphous Ph.--(These were made on the healthy subject, and
with the first three dec. trits. ; but no further information is vouchsafed, and the
results are given in schema form only.)
Dr. GUMPERT.-Disinclination to study; anxiety and oppression, as if he had
heard bad news; dull, oppressed, ill-humoured; vertigo, with slight headache; bloody
mucus from nose; dryness in throat and mouth, latter tender also; stomach feels
empty, without appetite; nothing tastes right; constipation, dry and sluggish stool;
awoke at 4 a.m. with pain in bowels and diarrhoea, and had 4 watery stools between
this and 6; pain in r. side, with occasional stitches; frequent and painful erections,
awaking him several times; slight burning in urethra while urinating; some diuresis ;
tightness about chest as if air was forcibly kept out; cannot fill lungs as full as usual
(worse on 1. side); feeling of fulness about chest; slight pain, like rheumatism, in
both knees in m., by 3 p. m. this was gone, but he had same feeling in 1. arm above
elbow; painful feeling in 1. instep; troublesome itching of both legs; restless n., a
long while getting to sleep, though very drowsy when retiring,-woke at 7 a.m.
unrefreshed; stitches in different parts, passing off soon. (H. N. MARTIN, Hahn.
Monthly, xii, 353.)
27. Dr. HAND. (Took drug for a month.)-Frightened feeling, as though he
were going to be run over; nervous feeling, as if he were going to die; inability to
think; neuralgic pain from 1. temporal to occipital region; pain in back of head and
its l. side, lasting 3—6 p.m.; ringing in ears, roaring in r. ear; dimness of vision ;
nausea from 1 p.m. till retiring at 11 p.m.; belching of large quantities of wind
tasting like rotten eggs; appetite impaired and irregular; loose and frequent stools,
with much offensive flatus; sexual desire increased; urine turbid and high-coloured;
pain from 1. to r. nipple, thence to r. shoulder, thence shooting down to r. little
finger; pain in. below nipple, shooting like electricity, lasting h.; hideous
dreams; sleepy and stupid, hard to keep awake; chills at 1 p.m., lasting till 5, with
ringing in ears, especially r. (3 d. in succession); nausea 1-5 p.m., then dull pain
in occiput, followed by fever, flushed face, and thirst, till 9 p.m., also passing of great
quantities of loud wind from bowels. (Ibid.)
28. Dr. J. W. KIRK. (Proved, apparently, from May to Dec.). Could not
study, which caused headache, or keep his mind on any particular subject long at a
time; could not keep still; disinclined to converse, yet did not like to be alone. Heat
in head, with dulness, better by moving about; frontal headache with heat on
wakening, with disinclination to rise or move about; stupid feeling in head; headache
on r. side from mental application; very heavy dull feeling in head after eating;
dizziness, with feeling of lightness in head following it, increased p.m.
Pain in r.
throat at breakfast, relieved after swallowing a few times, but sore there till 11 a.m.;
continual hawking and clearing throat, worse from singing, when also voice breaks
on upper notes. Thirst for large quantities of water at rather long intervals; no
appetite for meals; belching of large quantities of wind; sensation as if little lumps.
rolled up oesophagus to throat, relieved by swallowing, then returning again with
slight nausea. Loose discharges from bowels, dark and offensive, accompanied with
PHOSPHORUS.
573
pain before and after, and between-whiles, also with urging and very sick feeling; then
for 2 or 3 weeks alternately constipated and loose,—costive stools difficult to expel, as
from inactivity of rectum; pain in hypogastric region; rumbling in abdomen; sore-
ness on pressure on both sides under short ribs,—when riding on horseback, stitching
at r. side. Seminal emissions every other n., with dreams and dribbling from urethra
at slighest provocation,—also strong desire for coition, but feeble erections. Pain in
lower chest on drawing deep breath; slight oppression of chest ; sense of constriction
in chest, with painful, difficult breathing, m. (all chest symptoms worse on 1. side);
breathing rather hurried; towards 6 p.m. very weak feeling in chest, slight pains in
different parts of chest, and disagreeable cough, lasting till retiring; cough of
various kinds, with dragging feeling in lower chest, and sensation as if something
was tearing loose in chest, worse from movement and from warmth. Soreness in
nape, felt most on turning head to 1. side. One glandular swelling in r. and 3 in l.
axilla, two of which suppurated; from 1. axilla small lumps size of pea, at irregular in-
tervals, ran down inner arm to wrist, tender on pressure; vesicles on hands; itching
eruption on anterior surface of arms (forming crusts, under which surface was raw
and bleeding, scratching caused smarting, burning, sore feeling), and skin was
chapped, rough, and scaly on borders of axillary spaces. Legs heavy and weary;
eruption on thighs and legs; numbness of 1. leg while lying on that side. Drowsi
ness in m. and e. Pulse short and quick; whole surface very hot at n., alternating
with chilly sensations, then profuse perspiration during sleep. (Ibid.)
;
II. Poisonings.-1. a. E. P-, æt. 24, took on April 27th, 1824,
3 centgr. of Ph. in some hot water. Experiencing no effect, he took,
3 d. later, 8 or 10 centigr. He breakfasted immediately afterwards,
and felt no bad effects; but towards 5 p.m., being at table, was taken
with violent pain in abdomen, and had painful and continued vomiting
and abundant alvine dejections. He continued to attend to his busi-
ess till May 4th, when at 7 a.m. Dr. Worbe saw him (no account of
his condition during this time is given). Abdomen was very tense;
epigastrium exceedingly painful; no priapism. Patient in state of
extreme debility; could only lie on his back; speech slow and difficult
features had a sort of fixity, giving to his physiognomy a singular air
of sadness, languor, and wandering of mind. Tongue and buccal
membrane natural; lips and face of livid shade; conjunctiva deeply
tinged with yellow. Eyes dull, opened with difficulty, could not bear
light long; pupil normal, iris little sensitive to light. Pulse a little
hard. Urine normal; but he had had no stool since the initial diar-
rhoea ceased. At 10 p.m. he recognised no one, was convulsively
agitated, and tore off with violence everything placed on his abdomen.
He carried his hands automatically to the epigastric region. Abdomen
was contracted, and pressure elicited plaintive cries and disordered
movements. Mouth was tightly closed; eyelids opened with difficulty;
and at intervals he made deep sobbing inspirations. On 5th, m., stomach
had become meteorised; patient grew worse every h.; there was in-
voluntary dribbling of urine, and abundant alvine discharges, followed
by extreme flaccidity of abdominal walls. Resp. became slow and easy;
strokes of heart regular and full. At 10 p.m., no radial pulse; whole
body intensely yellow and covered with cold sweat.
He died next
m. at 3.
b. P.M.-Skin yellow. Subcutaneous veins of abdomen and upper
thighs large and arborescent; scrotum bluish. In thorax much coloured
serosity. Lungs gorged; heart soft, collapsed, empty. Mucous mem-
brane of stomach was the only inflamed part. About cardiac and
574
PHOSPHORUS.
Intestines full of gas. Head
pyloric orifices much dark ecchymosis.
not opened. (WORBE, in Orfila, op. cit.)
2. A lady, æt. 30 odd, strong and healthy, swallowed at n.,
on going to bed, scrapings of lucifer matches containing about 3 gr.
Ph. For 8 h. she concealed her sufferings. Her violent and noisy
vomitings revealed her state to those in the house, and the doctor
was summoned. The patient lay prostrated, cold, and pallid, as if
moribund, and unconscious. Skin covered with cold clammy sweat,
here and there of a waxy yellow colour, complexion leaden-grey.
The eyes surrounded with dark blue rings, mouth closed, lips pale,
respirations retarded, short, laboured; heart's impulse weak, hesitating,
intermittent; radial pulse small, hard, slow, unrhythmic, now and then
intermitting. Abdomen distended, all over very sensitive, the slightest
touch caused violent pains, she could not bear the weight of her night-
dress, and her hand constantly moved as if to raise it. She had
vomited some 12 times with great effort and noise, at first watery
slimy fluid, mixed with epithelium and shreds of m.m., later some
clotted blood and blood-corpuscles embedded in mucus. Along with
this there were diarrhoeic stools of the same character. No urine was
passed, nor did bladder seem to contain much. The utero-vesical
region was very sensitive to touch. There was complete collapse, the
limbs hanging down in a relaxed state, and were as flexible as waz
Senses and mind were in unconscious apathy, she could only be rosed
by calling loudly into her ear. After Acon. I every 10 m. she s!
revived. Afternoon, skin moderately warm, pulse freer, fuller, quicly
consciousness only disturbed for a few seconds at a time, otherwise
quite clear. She complained of very violent burning pain in chest at
its lower part (oesophagus?), in the stomach and whole abdomen;
every touch and change of posture increased the pain. Vomiting and
diarrhoea had ceased, but she had still retching and ineffectual straining
at stool, when she felt burning like fire in large intestine and anus.
She passed with difficulty small quantities of dark yellow urine smelling
strongly of garlic, after micturition very severe burning. Abdomen
very much distended in every direction, and very sensitive to touch.
In e. there came on a violent exacerbation, accompanied by frequent
and persistent delirium, generally bearing on anticipations and appre-
hensions of death. Sometimes there were convulsions with loud cries
of anxiety. She tried to lean over the bed, but always fell back
fainting. This was frequently repeated during n. Consciousness was
completely gone. She now got Bell. 1, 4 dr. in 3iv water, a teaspoonful
every h., alternated with Acon. After some h. improvement set in.
She had longer intervals of quiet, the convulsive movements were
seldomer and slighter. No more cries, and she slept quietly for hours.
Consciousness returned. The heart's beats became rhythmical and
strong, the body became warm, and covered all over with gentle per-
spiration, the pain in abdomen was much lessened, and she could bear
it to be touched. She gradually improved. The abdominal and other
symptoms declined, but on the 10th d. she complained of drawing pains
in r. upper part of chest which affected the breathing. After a short
while this changed into deep persistent burning over spot size of a child's
PHOSPHORUS.
575
hand in the region of the sixth and seventh ribs, which sometimes.
made it impossible to draw a deep breath. There was constant ten-
dency to short cough, which she tried to suppress on account of the
pain it gave. She now got Bryon. 3, and by the 12th d. all these sym-
ptoms were gone. From the 15th for 2 weeks she was tortured with
boring burning pains in the bones which deprived her of most of her
sleep at n. These pains were particularly severe in the skull, the palatal
and nasal bones, both jaws, and the teeth. The boring burning
toothache was aggravated by taking cold or warm things into mouth,
or by chewing, so that she could only take tepid liquid nutriment.
Sometimes the pain in teeth became of a numb character; the teeth
then felt loose as though they would fall out. There was a similar
burning sore pain in the soft parts of mouth and throat, affecting also
the orifice of the Eustachian tube; the parts were bright red and
slightly swollen, and she felt as if they were raw and covered with
ulcers. There was a similar pain in internal ear, a buzzing noise
affecting the hearing, humming and ringing occasionally. Swelling of
concha and slight swelling of r. temporal and superior maxillary bones.
Soreness of Schneiderian membrane; the opening to nostrils was covered
with bloody scabs. Swelling of nasal bones and unusual blowing from
nose of blood and mucus. The stools, which were passed with burning
in anus and frequent tenesmus, contained bloody mucus, and small
fæcal masses covered with blood. There was almost always an urging
to stool. The urine was passed in drops which burned like fire, and
there was pain in kidneys and bladder. Sometimes the scanty urine
was mixed with blood. These symptoms improved under Merc. I and
Mez. 6. In the 8th week, when the patient was beginning to go about,
she felt a peculiar sensation of general loss of muscular power.
She
could not walk upstairs. This condition increased until every move-
ment was disagreeable and fatiguing. She took to bed and became
quite apathetic, alternating with angry words and actions. During
this time she was often very drowsy by d. No sooner did she fall
asleep than she began to speak nonsense or she went into an erotic
ecstasy, talked in a libidinous way, and touched herself so as to
satisfy her sexual desires. The menses, which occurred twice
during this illness, came regular as to time, but were very scanty
and attended by spasmodic pains in uterus and renal region, which
was quite unusual with her. After the menses she had burning
leucorrhoea that made the parts sore. The urine was clear and
in good quantity. Simultaneously with these nervous symptoms
there came on what the patient called "gouty pains" in knees
and ankles, which made walking very difficult. She had to take
great care to avoid falling, and she said she felt a gelatinous substance
between the parts of the joints that were in contact, which offered
great resistance to her movements. The soft parts of the joints were
indeed somewhat swollen, but not red or painful to touch. There was
considerable rigidity of the joints. The skin, which had been pale and
loose, now took on a yellow tint, there appeared bloated swellings in
some places on the eyelids and face, which left a depression when
pressed on with the finger. On the nape, back, and other parts the
576
PHOSPHORUS.
skin could be raised up with the fingers in large folds, which slowly
smoothed down again. Finally, a peculiar exanthem appeared, which
affected the skin about the joints and was not of very great extent; it
resembled ordinary eczema, it consisted of small vesicles closely col-
lected in groups, which rapidly turned into scabs, and frequently
recurred. Sulph. was given, and the patient gradually recovered.
(J. O. Müller, A. h. Ž., 1, 163.)
3. A youth, æt. 17, on Jan. 6th swallowed the Ph. from a boxful of
phosphorus matches without feeling any bad effects.-7th, 10 a.m.,
he scraped the Ph. from 1 boxfuls into a cup of milk and drank the
mixture. Soon he had fetid eructations and weakness. At noon he drank
3 glasses of beer. P.m., had a normal stool. 9 p.m., great sadness
and nausea. Midnight vomiting of a sour brown fluid. After a rest-
less n. he felt next m., 8th, very uncomfortable. Chilliness, shivering
in the warm room. Dazedness, pressure and dizziness in head at
times. Total loss of appetite, sour taste, tongue slightly furred, dry-
ness of throat, constant thirst, rather increased than allayed by drinking
water. He vomited twice, at same time rumbling and discomfort in
belly, great exhaustion. After a dose of Nux v. 4 the symptoms ceased
for 3 h., then they returned as before. Next n. restless, woke often,
frequent desire to change his position in bed. In the m. felt very
exhausted and must yawn frequently, nausea still present, taste sour;
milk tasted burnt; every smell, as of tobacco, wine or beer, increased
the nausea. Tongue clean. Urine dark coloured. Next n., 9th,
resembled the last. During d. of 10th vomited once. Next n. very rest-
less.-11th. Exhaustion increased; he felt so weak, kept his bed most
of the d., still some dazedness of head. The stomach pains were pressive
from the beginning, rumbling in abdomen. Noon, a formed but not hard.
stool, same in e. In e. sour, sometimes fetid eructations; vertigo and
stomach pain better. N. between 11th and 12th quieter, headache and
eructations gone. Noon, took some milk, but soon threw it up.
P.m., rumbling in belly and slight pressure in stomach. Great languor,
constant yawning. N. between 12th and 13th restless, woke at 4 a.m.
and could not get to sleep again. Head confused. No nausea, but
eructations tasting of food. Slight pressure in stomach. Rolling and
rumbling in belly. Urine dark, tongue clean, not so languid as yester-
day. Bad appetite; distaste for meat and fat food. Still some thirst.
Took another dose of Nux v. Better in e. N. between 13th and 14th
better. Slept soundly till 4 a.m., fell asleep again but soon woke.-
14th, 8 a.m, got up and felt stronger. Head free, taste and tongue
normal. Appetite not so good as usual. Some discomfort and fulness
in abdomen just above navel. Noon, normal stool. P.m., rumbling
in abdomen and pressure in stomach. Greater languor, desire to lie
down. Bitter taste, especially after eating bread. N. good.-15th.
Slight pressure in stomach and rumbling in bowels. Languor. Skin
of forehead and eyes slightly yellow. Urine dark. Says he has felt
weak since 8th, cannot stand long, hands tremble so that he could not
write.-16th. Felt well, but skin yellower, rumbling in belly and
pressure in stomach. Dark sediment in urine, fæces greenish red
Next n. slept well.-17th. Urine clearer. Skin not so yellow. Stool
PHOSPHORUS.
577
greyish red.-18th. Still languid, fæces normal.-19th. Complexion
normal. (ELWERT, A. h. Z, liii, 171.)
4. Laura M—, æt. 21, July 13th, poisoned herself with phosphorus
matches. From 13th to 15th vomited everything. Went to bed on
15th. Seen on 16th, when she complained of taste of Ph. in throat,
colic, vertigo, and headache; chilliness when she got up, thirst, and
great weariness. The doctor, not knowing what she had done, gave
puls. and visited her on the 17th. Lay in bed, uncomplaining. Pulse
not very quick, but soft, skin moderately dry and warm, tongue dry,
red in middle and shining, frequent drinking of small quantities of
water, abdomen only slightly tender, gastric region very tender to deep
pressure, complexion yellowish, on rising up complained of vertigo and
trembled.—18th and 19th. Got up, did light work, ate several times, and
complained of nothing.-19th. One white fetid stool; vomited blood
several times in e., and then lay down quietly in bed.-20th. M., her
mother found her lying on the floor, half unconscious, screaming horribly
and tossing about. 5 p.m., cool skin; chest, belly, face, and especially
conjunctivæ very yellow. Pupils sluggish. Lay constantly on r. side,
writhed about much with upper part of body and head, screamed fright-
fully, bit into pillow and tore it with her teeth, bit her own fingers, also
the spoon with which she was helped to milk, and spat out all fluids given
her, frequently mixed with blood. Lips quite dry and bloody, eyes
expressionless. Had passed neither urine nor fæces. She gradually
grew colder, and died between 10 and 11 p.m.-P.M., 21st. Body
already smelt badly, and was covered with many cadaveric suggillations.
Much dark blood had flowed from mouth, the linen was fouled with
grey fæces.
Abdomen distended, its veins full of black blood. Nothing
abnormal in brain or its membranes. Lungs bluish black. Heart
collapsed, contained a little black blood; duodenum reddened. A small
quantity of bloody water in abdominal cavity, but no abnormal conges-
tion. Stomach and intestines much distended, looked blue or bluish
grey. The beginning of the duodenum and some spots in middle of small
intestines showed dark red through their peritoneal covering. Liver
felt soft and withered, when cut into appeared of an intense yellow
colour; gall-bladder empty. Kidneys contracted, bladder empty.
Uterus empty, the m.m. of its fundus bright red. M.m. of stomach
was thickened, bluish red, and gelatinous, and the fundus where the
spleen touches it blackish grey. Its contents were bloody fluid mixed
with a number of little black pieces. Intestines firm, pylorus of in-
tense bluish red colour; the very much swollen m.m. nearly filled the
tube; at the top of small intestine there were blackish masses, m.m.
congested but less swollen. In the large intestine the swollen m.m.
completely filled the bowel. Whitish-grey, unctuous masses of fæces
without mucus in the colon smelt of Ph. (SORGE, op. cit., 98.)
5. Mrs. K-took a quantity of the heads of phosphorus matches
in order to poison herself. She had repeated retching and vomiting.
When seen 2 d. afterwards she was lying in an apathetic state, with
intermittent pulse; after 3 to 6 regular but weak beats there was a
pause. The tongue showed two slimy stripes; no appetite, could hardly
be induced to take any food. The 3rd n., like the previous ones, was
VOL. III.
37
578
PHOSPHORUS.
restless. Next d. pulse still intermittent about every 25th beat, and
very small and weak. Repeated diarrhoea. Tongue without the stripes
but dry. She resembled a person affected with typhoid fever.-6th d.
Constipation. Patient groans and sighs; very depressed in spirits.
Pulse no longer intermits; r. conjunctiva very yellow, 1. less so.
Tongue moist and of a slate colour.-7th d. Both conjunctivæ very
yellow; great sensitiveness of lower border of liver, when touched she
screams with pain. Great tearing pain deep in chest. She feels the
whole skin burning like fire. The burning pain seems to be in the
œsophagus. Burning and tearing in r. ear.-9th d. Complains of
stupid feeling in head; she says her head feels dead, but the intellect is
clear. Great anxiety, which makes her wish to get out of bed, though
she is unable to rise. Cold sweat of anxiety; rapid breathing without
acceleration of pulse. Painful pressure in scrob. cordis. Wakes her
husband at n. as she wants something to eat, must have some food
every 10 m., though always something different. (GOULLON, Int.
Hom. Presse, x, 496.)
6. A woman on March 21st ate an unknown quantity of Ph. rat-
poison in food. After 1 h. felt very ill. She complained of great
distension of abdomen, increased anxiety, later of burning and cutting in
abdomen and violent thirst, with inclination to vomit, and soon after-
wards diarrhoea, which lasted all n. and next d.—21st.
II a.m., she
had a wretched fallen-in face, could hardly keep on her legs, and began
to talk nonsense in an unconnected manner. Soon afterwards became
delirious, and died on the n. of the 21st.-P.M. Suffering expression
on face, eyes sunken, surrounded by broad blue rings. The veins.
shone blue through the wax-coloured skin. The whole front of the
surface of the body, especially the shoulders, chest, and abdomen, was
studded with petechia of the size of a hemp seed, somewhat raised and
of a bright red colour. When cut into they were found to be deposits
of thin bright red blood betwixt epidermis and cutis. The finger-nails
of a bluish-black colour. Peritoneum and omentum red and inflamed.
Mesenteric veins distended with dark blood. Stomach externally dirty
grey and reddish. Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of reddish-brown
colour, dotted here and there with verdigris-coloured spots; colon of a
reddish tinge. Stomach contained 2 oz. of a greenish-grey viscid fluid.
On posterior surface of stomach near pylorus two sloughing ulcers with
elevated blackish-grey borders. A third ulcer, the size of a sixpence, on
the cæcum had penetrated all the walls of the bowel and peritoneum.
The m.m. from cardia to fundus ash grey or dark red, in some parts
swollen and softened. The veins of stomach resembled thick cords.
The m.m. of intestines had a dark inflammatory redness, that of the
colon was not inflamed. The 1. lobe of liver showed several bright red
inflamed spots. The upper and under surface of diaphragm on the
r. side of the foramen oesophageum was inflamed and red to the extent
of 1 inch. The upper lobes of lungs were slate grey and marbled;
they crepitated. The lower lobes were full of venous blood, felt solid,
and crepitated little. The r. side of heart was distended by dark thin
liquid blood. The oesophagus had a dark red ramified colour, its m.m.
inflamed and corrugated; at the entrance to stomach it was dark grey,
PHOSPHORUS.
579
blackish, and could be easily removed in shreds. The blood-vessels of
the pia mater congested with blood; between it and arachnoid a collec-
tion of yellow opalescent lymphous exudation as thick as pasteboard,
welding together the two cerebral membranes in several places.
(GRÖBENSCHÜTZ, Med. Zeit. v. Ver. f. Heilk. in Preussen, xii, 1843,
No. 31, p. 137, in Frank's Mag., i, 125.)
7. ELISE STARK, milliner, æt. 23, took, June 15th, m., the scraped-
off heads of 1000 phosphorus matches [= 10 gr. Ph.]. She felt
nothing till the n. of the 16th, when she had frequent vomiting, con-
tinuing on 17th and 18th, after which the pains in stomach, which had
been severe, became less. On 18th pains in sacrum. She was brought
to the hospital on the 19th. Her skin and conjunctiva were strongly
icteric. Mucous membranes and cheeks very red. Countenance and
demeanour indicated the greatest exhaustion. Pulse 92, hard and
bounding. Tongue dry in the centre, and with a grey coating. Dis-
gusting taste, anorexia. Abdomen distended, especially about epigas-
trium. Pain in splenic and iliac regions, and liver, which projects
I to 1 inches in 1. lobe. Spleen enlarged. Stool retarded for some d.
Urine brown, containing bile-colouring matter and some albumen. Six
leeches were applied to epigastrium, and she got a mixture of decoct.
althææ with aq. amygd. amar. Some vomiting, p.m. Temp. 38.1°C.,
pulse 108. Next m. pulse still 108, temp. 377°. Pains in stomach
less; yellow firm stool. Though so weak, the pulse was full and
strong. P.m., collapse, soon followed by death.-P.M., 30 h. after
death. The icteric colour of skin and conjunctiva well marked. In
all the serous cavities small quantities of bloody fluid. Mesentery,
especially the appendices epiploicæ of sigmoid flexure, much con-
gested, and the surrounding parts red. The endocardium, especially
on the valves, shows bloody imbibition. Muscular substance of heart
on both sides pale grey, on the 1. side of a greenish hue. The blood
in heart fluid. M.m. of pharynx, larynx, and trachea partly dirty red,
partly greenish. Dark red suffusion on both sides of entrance to
larynx. Both lungs in posterior parts airless and very hyperæmic.
The greyish-yellow m.m. of stomach, when its blackish-brown con-
tents were removed, showed shallow depressions the size of peas on
fundus and both curvatures. Similar matter appeared in duodenum,
and a thick pappy matter in jejunum. In the ileum the contents were
of a pale yellow colour, further down the yellow colour was deeper.
The fæces in rectum were dirty green. Some patches of red in intes-
tines. Small prominent pimples on jejunum, which when scraped off
left small pits. Gall-bladder empty.
Gall-bladder empty. Thin dark brown bile in ductus
choledochus, its m.m. at its entrance through the intestinal parietes corru-
gated and red. Liver large and heavy, under its peritoneal covering
large emphysematous bullæ. Surface and interior of liver greyish
green, the central part of the large acini green. Spleen enlarged, firm
and chocolate coloured. Follicles hardly visible, trabecules numerous.
The bladder, relaxed and empty, has ecchymosed spots in its fundus.
Kidneys large, their glomeruli very red and the canaliculi very opaque.
A red secretion can be pressed out of the papillæ. The cellular sub-
stance of the pelvis of the kidneys is deeply imbibed with blood. The
580
PHOSPHORUS.
liver cells under the microscope were partly filled with fat molecules,
partly destroyed and changed into drops of fat. Uterus enlarged; the
blackish m.m. of the cervical canal shows a blackish slimy secretion.
M.m. of uterus is blackish red with shreds of membrane attached to it.
(Dr. E. MANNKOPFF, Spital's Zeitung, 1863, 26, in A. h. Z. Mnt.
Blatt, viii, 16.)
8. SCHLAWIG, a servant-girl, æt. 27, scraped off the heads of 3000
lucifer matches (= 30 gr. Ph.) into a pint of water and drank the
whole, April 2nd, 10 p.m. Next m. no symptoms. In forenoon fainted
twice, felt sick, and after noon vomited continually blackish-green
matter, at first slimy, and afterwards watery. Entered the hospital e.
She got milk, magnesia usta, and mucilage, and on account of violent
pains in head cold compresses to it. After cutting pains in abdomen.
vomited thrice. No sleep.-4th. M., skin slightly yellow and
covered with profuse sweat. Conjunctivæ of a deeper yellow than skin.
Cheeks very red, expression dull and aching. Heart's action and
respiration accelerated. Tongue red, clean.
Tongue red, clean. Arch of palate and pos-
terior pharyngeal wall slightly reddened. Abdomen distended.
Burning pain in pit of stomach, increased by deep pressure; r. hypo-
chondrium very tender. The vomited matter contains only bile, no
blood. Liver enlarged, its lower border on the median line lies
4 inches below base of ensiform cartilage. Urine scanty, clear. Yes-
terday there were pains in renal region, to-day pain is only felt there
on pressure. Cataplasm to stomach and decoct. althææ and
aq.
amyd. amar. The patient after this vomited thin bilious fluid. On
the 3rd and 4th d. there were several thin liquid stools, and no more
till 7th d., when an enema brought away a pappy, bright brown stool.
Temp. rose gradually to 39.6° C., and the pulse became quick in propor-
tion. Perspiration ensued, and the skin became more active. At the
same time the liver increased in size. The spleen, too, increased in
size. Pressure on the liver caused great pain. The urine during the
last d. became more copious, sp. gr. 1020—26, acid, at first copious
triple phosphates, latterly much uric acid. The colour was dark, and
contained a quantity of colouring matter of bile. From the 4th d. it
contained albumen and hyaline casts and some fat corpuscles.
headaches increased, and there were often attacks of faintness.
limbs were at first as heavy as lead, feeling as if paralysed, with pains in
the muscles. The countenance expressed great exhaustion; conscious-
ness was perfect. On April 9th the symptoms suddenly increased in
intensity, the pupils dilated and scarcely reacted, the extremities
became cold, pulse intermittent and scarcely perceptible. At 8 o'clock
she died. P.M., 3 d. after death.-Skin very yellow, with numerous
suggillations. The fat brownish. Some reddish fluid in pleuræ.
Bronchial tubes contain dark red mucus, and the m.m. red. Heart very
lax, contains little blood. Endocardium, especially about valves, very
red. Muscular substance of heart reddish grey, opaque, shows signs of
fatty degeneration. Blood dark red, loosely coagulated. Peritoneal
sac contained pint of dark red bloody liquid, m.m. of pharynx and
larynx of dirty grey colour. The distended stomach contained
1 pints of greyish-red thin liquid. The m.m. on fundus red, at
The
The
PHOSPHORUS.
581
pylorus and large curvature grey. Near an old cicatrix are two spots
the size of peas, black in their periphery, not discoloured in the centres,
lying under the m.m. In duodenum and throughout intestines grey
masses, fluid in small intestine, of more consistence in colon. Gall-
bladder relaxed and empty. The m.m. of small intestine is only red
on the top of its folds, the rest of it is grey. The follicles are
enlarged. The m.m. of uterus much swollen and reddened, covered
with reddish secretion. The glomeruli of kidney much injected, the
tubuli contorti filled with a granular mass consisting of fat. Spleen
enlarged, firm, and full of blood; reaches to 1. lobe of liver. The liver
on the r. side extends 3 fingers' breadth below border of ribs. Its
surface is smooth, some large red parts are sunken in; the remainder
of it, especially the anterior border, is of an intense yellow colour. On
cutting into it the yellow and red parts were abruptly delimited. The
hepatic cells in the yellow part were larger and more rounded than
normal, they seemed to be filled with firm fat corpuscles. In the red
part there was free fat, chiefly in large drops. The yellow parts
seemed saturated with yellow bile-pigment, but contained very little
brown granular pigment. The red part was quite devoid of these pig-
ments, but its acini were very large. (Ibid.)
9. A workwoman, æt. 26, Nov. 23rd, 4 p.m., swallowed the
heads of 1000 phosphorus matches in a cup of coffee. After 8 h.
anorexia, increased thirst, vomiting of phosphorescent masses, pains in
epigastrium, which increased and extended to both hypochondria, and
on the 24th, e., involved the lumbar region; urine scanty. The
vomiting was promoted by an emetic, and magnesia usta caused pro-
fuse diarrhoea.-25th, e., patient brought to the hospital. Her expres-
sion and posture in bed show great exhaustion; skin dry; frequent dry
cough; pulse quick, small, and soft; tongue thickly furred, no appe-
tite, thirst great; pain in pharynx on drinking anything warm;
abdomen much distended but soft, persistent pains, especially in epi-
gastrium, both hypochondria and lumbar region, aggravated by pressure;
spleen enlarged; liver shows as a firm tumour 2 inches below the ribs.
It extends 5 inches below the base of the ensiform cartilage. The
urine drawn off by catheter contains bile-pigment and a little albumen.
Cataplasm to abdomen and a mixture of decoction of bark, red wine,
aromatic tincture, and syrup. Next m. she had an icteric colour of
skin and conjunctiva, which increased next d. The frequent consistent
stools were tinged with bile. Urine scanty, contained a little albumen
and some bladder epithelium; its sp. gr. had sunk from 1024 to 1012.
The liver inch lower. Respiration 76, pulse 136. Temperature in
axilla rose from 38.2° C. to 39.8° C. She complained of chilliness.
Abdominal pains less. Vertigo and exhaustion increased. Headache,
anxiety, and restlessness, no sleep for the last nights. The last d. her
intellect was clouded.—29th, p.m. After extreme anxiety she sud-
denly became quiet, and after & h. she died, 6 d. after the poisoning.
-P.M., 4 h. after death. Brain and its membranes normal. Both
pleuræ and pericardium studded with ecchymoses. In cellular tissue
of mediastinum considerable suffusion, which extended along the
greatly injected bronchial tubes into lungs, which showed some hypos-
582
PHOSPHORUS.
3
tasis but no filtrations. Nothing abnormal in stomach except an old
cicatrix, nor in intestines. The contents of the bowels had a slight
yellow tinge. Spleen 4 inches long, 25 broad, 1 inch thick. Liver
2ğ I
9 inches broad, the r. lobe 8 inches high, 1. 5 inches, r. 3 inches
thick, 1. 12 inches, of doughy consistence; there were some reddish
places on its lower border. Acini ill defined. Gall-bladder contained
a little brown bile. Kidneys soft, when cut into they showed conges-
tion of the vessels; the red glomeruli contrasted with the icteric
coloured, very opaque urinary canals. M.m. of uterus, after the bloody
mucus was washed off, appeared bright red. Blood
Blood very dark. Car-
diac muscles doughy, of yellowish-red colour. The epithelia of
kidneys were changed into firmly granulated detritus, no epithelial
nuclei to be seen. The interstitial tissue appeared loose, and con-
tained some drops of fat. The liver lobules large, no cells could be seen
when cut into thin layers; they were all, from vena portæ to liver-vein
zone, fatty-degenerated. Betwixt the acini were broad bands of cellular
tissue, and betwixt its fibres a great number of star-shaped structures,
where lay a large number of fat-drops. (Ibid., 28.)
10. P. J, æt. 25, came May 2nd into the hospital. The
previous day at 6 p.m., after drinking a quantity of spirits, he scraped
off the heads of 3 packets of phosphorus matches, put them into a glass
of beer, and drank the mixture. He continued drinking wine and beer
till ro p.m.
At midnight he vomited a quantity of blackish-brown,
metallic tasting fluid, and vomited 10 or 12 times before m.
He came
to the hospital at 7 a.m. He complained of headache, dryness and
metallic taste in palate, slight burning sensation down oesophagus to
stomach, anorexia, thirst. Tongue dry, brownish black, fauces red.
Pulse full, regular, 72. Liver normal as to size, spleen somewhat
enlarged. Stomach towards pylorus tender to pressure, an uncomfort-
able feeling in it, but no pain. Magnesia hydrica was administered,
and he got milk to drink at his own request. When seen, e., he had
had 3 stools, and had vomited once.-3rd. M., the pains in stomach
increased, nausea repeatedly during d. Pulse quiet, 72–76. The
skin, especially on chest, yellow; urine dark-coloured, contained a
quantity of bile-pigment, no albumen. He got ice pills, mistura
oleosa, and cold compresses to gastric region.-4th. N., copious
vomiting and I purulent stool. Complained of increased headache,
pulse 88. Skin jaundiced, covered with perspiration, albuginea of
both eyes yellow, urine dark brown. Stool black, owing to decom-
posed blood. Liver increased in size, very tender.--5th. No change.
—6th. The same. Urine brown, sp. gr. 1021, acid, great sediment,
urophæin diminished, uroxanthin increased, urea diminished, uric
acid increased, no chlorides, earthy and alkaline phosphates increased,
sulphates increased, much albumen and urates, much bilophæin and
uroerythrin. Sediment, urates and earthy phosphates.-7th. In the
n. vomited 5 times, one stool, icterus increased. E., when lying asleep
on 1. side, his whole body shook violently synchronously with each
heart's beat, a loud blowing sound could be heard in the aorta at each
systole.-8th. After a sleepless n. he fell into a somnolent state,
answered questions slowly and with difficulty, and his speech was dis-
-
PHOSPHORUS.
583
connected. Colour of skin intensely yellow; temperature high. Tongue
very dry, with thirst, blackish-brown fur. Liver projected below ribs,
and the tenderness of it increased. Pulse 108. At the e. visit the somno-
lence had increased, pulse softer and slower, sound in aorta as yesterday.
Liver decreased in size.-9th. All n. cried out, made constant attempts
to get out of bed, had to be tied into the bed. At 2.30 a.m. he fell asleep,
and slept till m. Countenance fallen in, dull look; lips, nose, forehead,
and extremities had a livid hue, temperature of extremities low. Respi-
rations slower and accompanied by loud râles. Size of the liver much
diminished; pulse very small, soft, 132; blowing sound in aorta very
distinct. Since m. frequent convulsive movements of lower extremities;
when this happened the feet were drawn into the appearance of club-
feet. During a.m. convulsions of upper extremities also occurred;
trismus came on, so that it was impossible to get liquids into mouth;
there was loud rattling both in inspiration and expiration. A quantity
of dark frothy blood was discharged from the nose and mouth during
expiration, which, as well as the body, had a cadaverous odour; extre-
mities cold, radial pulse could not be felt, and at 4 p.m., after a rapid
succession of convulsions, he died.-P.M. Dura mater pale, icteric
tinge, vessels moderately distended, brain soft, in its cavities some drops,
in base of brain 1 drachm, of pale yellow serum. The intermuscular
cellular tissue of neck and mediastinum, as well as the sub-pleural
cellular tissue of the thoracic walls, studded with numerous patches of
extravasated blood. Back of tongue and m.m. of fauces covered with a
blackish-brown slimy substance. R. lung adherent at the back; both
lungs inflated, mostly bright red, containing fluid blood, in parts oedema-
tous; the lower lobes inferiorly somewhat swollen, dark red. In peri-
cardium 1 oz. reddish-yellow serum; heart collapsed, at its base ecchy-
mosed; the endocardium, especially of r. side, yellow tinged; cardiac
muscular substance fawn-coloured, in heart's cavities fluid blood. Liver
small, contracted, wrinkled, tough, bloodless; when cut into, fatty, yellow
and red—that is to say, on a red basis of interlobular tissue the acini
appeared as icteric-yellow granules the size of millet seeds. The acini
under the microscope were seen to consist of large and small fat-drops
with a few hepatic cells among them, whilst in the interlobular tissue no
cells were visible. Gall-bladder contained slimy blackish-green bile.
Spleen very long-shaped, reddish brown, some of the splenic elements
changed into aggregations of fat-globules. Stomach, duodenum, and
upper part of jejunum filled with blackish-red and black tar-like fluid.
M.m. of stomach pale, numerous hæmorrhagic erosions on the pyloric
end. In the rest of the small intestine yellow bilio-mucous matter, in
the large intestine grey pappy matter. Kidneys large, their cortical sub-
stance swollen, yellowish red, fawn-coloured, the pyramids dark coloured.
Under the microscope the urinary canaliculi of the cortical substance
appeared dilated, filled with fat-globules, epithelium gone. In bladder
pound of orange-yellow urine. The urine taken from the body of a
reddish colour, acid, with sediment of urates. The chlorides were in
diminished quantity. A small amount of albumen and a large amount
of bile-pigment. (KARAJAN, Wochenbl. d. Zeitschr. d. k. k. Ges. d.
Aerzte in Wien, 1863, 20; in A. h. Z. Mnt. Bl., viii, 29.)
584
PHOSPHORUS.
II. a. On 5th June, at 8 p.m., 6 h. after eating, Maria L-
swallowed the combustible matter of a box of matches suspended in a
cup of coffee. In about h. she felt severe pain in throat, sense of
swelling in tongue and of pricking in epigastrium. Pain was paroxysmal,
at intervals of about 5 m. The woman experienced great sense of
fatigue, and there was a peculiar insensibility in the skin of the
extremities. 6th.-Frequent and considerable nausea, without vomiting.
The feebleness experienced did not prevent her from walking about all
d. in the rain. Numbness of extremities with formication; sensibility
of fingers so much diminished that she could not pick up a pin. Pain
along pharynx and oesophagus. Towards e. an incomplete attack of
syncope; was then brought to hospital. She was pale; features
slightly changed; had lively thirst; epigastric pains more marked;
skin dry; pulse normal. An emetic was administered, which occa-
sioned a little vomiting. 7th.-Diminution of epigastric and pharyngeal
pains; frequent painful regurgitations, with expulsion of gas having an
alliaceous odour; commencing jaundice; chills. Very weak; intelli-
gence intact; calls for food. 8th. The pains are dull; bad taste in
mouth, nausea, without vomiting; somnolence. The jaundice is very
decided; the liver is sensitive to pressure, projects a very little beyond
the false ribs ; more chills. (A purgative was given.) At 4 p.m.,
chills more intense; febrile condition. 9th.-Same symptoms; pulse
50-60; no appetite. 10th.-Same. Upon arms some red spots,
which disappear on pressure. Pain in hepatic region. (Leeches to
anus, on 11th calomel and jalap.) 12th.-Pain in liver easier after
leeches, and now better still. 13th.-Augmentation of hepatic pain;
liver very tender on pressure, extends two fingers' breadth beyond edge
of false ribs; formication in fingers. (Blister on r. hypochondrium.)
In n. delirium suddenly supervened, followed by a comatose state, inter-
rupted by occasional screams. 14th.-Delirium, coma, dyspnoea, yawn-
ing, difficult articulation. 15th.-Still coma; cries; trismus; death.
on
b. P.M., 24 h. after death. Very slight vascularity of cerebral
pulp. Bloody serum in cavity of pleuræ and pericardium; ecchymoses--
costal pleura; pulmonary engorgement; heart small, collapsed,
empty. Ecchymoses under peritoneum, and bloody serum in its cavity;
stomach and upper half of small intestines full of bloody mucus; in all
this extent mucous m. tinged uniformly of a wine colour from imbibition
of the contained liquid; no softening or ulceration of the surface.
Liver larger than natural, of deep brown colour and softened; spleen
also enlarged and softened, with ecchymosis under its serous coat.
Bladder contained a very large quantity of bloody urine and many
ecchymoses under its mucous membrane; kidneys healthy. Sub-
peritoneal ecchymoses on uterus and its appendages, and also between
laminæ of mesentery. (LEUDET, Arch. Gén. de Méd., Mars, 1857.)
12. a. A soldier, æt. 21, swallowed ends of 6 packets of matches.
In 3 h. he was seized with vomiting, which recurred frequently
and expelled much of what he had taken; pulse was frequent,
tongue loaded, head hot; he complained chiefly of headache. (Emetic,
cold to head, demulcents.) Next d. headache less severe; pulse 92;
stomach but slightly sensitive to pressure, but there were pains in each
PHOSPHORUS.
585
hypochondrium. P.m., turgescence of face had increased, also hypo-
chondriac pains, but headache was gone; there was burning thirst, with
dryness of mouth; urine was high-coloured and frothy, its sp. gr. was
increased, and it was found to contain albumen and exudation cells;
the colouring matter was augmented, as were also the sulphates and
phosphates, while the chlorides were diminished. This state of urine
continued throughout. Three d. after Ph. had been taken, thirst and
dryness of mouth, with hypochondriac pains, had increased, and there
were darting pains in chest; epigastric sensibility was increased, and
tympanitic percussion-sound over stomach more extensive. Tinge of
face was brightened. (Leeches and ice to epigastrium; ice and
magnesia internally.) The above symptoms persisted, and face
assumed a remarkable bluish-red colour, except a colourless band of
about 1 in. in breadth, extending from highest point of forehead down
median line to chin, sharply defined, and giving face a most peculiar
appearance. An enema produced a yellowish evacuation. On 4th d.
hypochondriac pains had somewhat diminished, but those of chest had
become intolerable, without physical signs of mischief there. The
bluish-red colour of face had changed into a perfectly cyanotic hue,
median line continuing colourless. Epigastric pain had ceased. Patient
sweated profusely, and exhalations from body gave out an intensely
phosphoric odour (which breath and stool did not). Patient, who
retained perfect consciousness, stated that in the horizontal posture he
could perceive a feeble ray of light, but that when he sat up he could
not see at all; pupils were so dilated that only a narrow ring of iris
was visible, and they were uninfluenced by light; he complained of
darting pains in eyeballs. Pulse was 100, moderately full and strong;
p.m., 140, small and weak. At this time hearing was lost, sweat profuse,
extremities cool, and second sound of heart inaudible; he complained
still of severe pains in chest. Soon after, he died quite tranquilly.
•
b. P.M.-Brain was pale, bloodless, and softer than natural;
ventricles contained a minimum quantity of serum; sinuses distended
with dark fluid blood. Lungs dark red; in r. many patches of extrava-
sation; sub-pleural and mediastinal cellular tissue presented same
appearances; much bloody serum in pleura, and some in pericardium ;
heart soft, 1. ventricle empty, r. and large veins full of blood, fluid or
loosely coagulated. Liver enlarged, fatty, and perfectly bloodless, as
also was spleen. In stomach much thick mucus adhering to lining
membrane, but no inflammation here or in other parts of alimentary
tract. Some sub-peritoneal ecchymosis on intestines. Cortical sub-
stance of kidneys was granular; Malpighian corpuscles showed as red
points; on microscopic examination rete mirabile was found injected,
and uriniferous tubules blocked up with exudation matter. Mucous
membrane of pelvis of kidneys showed some ecchymosis. Bladder
contained a little cloudy urine. (NITSCHE, Amer. Journ. of Med. Sc.,
Jan., 1858.)
13. a. MARIE S―, æt. 31, servant, muscular and robust, entered
hospital Jan. 21st, 1859. On previous d. she steeped two boxes of
matches in hot water for an h., and drank the liquid at 6 p.m. after
stirring it. Inh. acute pain behind sternum and in epigastrium.
586
PHOSPHORUS.
Towards 8, several vomitings of food, phosphorescent. By 11 pains
had spread all over abdomen. Towards m., vomiting containing blood.
She was given magnesia in water. At 9 a.m. her state was as follows:
-Breath alliaceous; no buccal lesions; pain behind sternum; acute
pain-both spontaneous and on pressure-in whole abdomen (which
was distended), but especially at umbilical region; frequent desire to
micturate, and pain in act; pulse 72, feeble. Face is little altered;
patient only seems fatigued. Some tepid water with white of egg
caused several vomitings containing a little blood. 22nd.-Odour
gone from breath, dysuria and vomiting ceased, several stools (she had
had a purgative enema). 24th.-A vomiting without blood-tinge, a
semi-liquid black stool, rectal tenesmus; constant abdominal pains.
(Cupping and poultices.) 25th.-No vomiting; otherwise same.
26th.-Constant rectal tenesmus; liquid bloody stools; vomiting of
nearly pure blood, of dark colour. Liver is felt slightly beyond false
ribs, tender on pressure; heart-sounds distant and dull, its beat feeble,
but not abnormal; brain quite clear, but patient feels very weak.
(Stimulants and astringents.) On the following days patient's condi-
tion seemed to improve; abdomen remained large, but less tense; no
more vomiting; rectal tenesmus less; abdominal pains had much
diminished, save for an occasional colic preceding a stool containing a
little blood. She had grown thin, and was weak, but not prostrate.
She now stated that she was pregnant, and had seen nothing since
November. Cervix uteri was accordingly found soft and closed.
There had been no blood from the vagina; nothing, therefore, to make
one dread a miscarriage. Feb. 9th.-Reappearance of blood in stools.
11th.-Vomiting, or rather regurgitation without effort of nearly pure
blood; very abundant epistaxis, and hæmorrhage from both ears-
blood from all being very fluid and coagulating with difficulty. On
the following days patient still threw off a little blood by the mouth,
and there was always some in the stools. 14th.-Urine now tinged
with blood. (Ice and cold affusions.) With return of hæmorrhages
nervous phenomena appeared-at first, pain and numbness in 1. arm,
then in other limbs, cardiac pains, constriction of throat, and stifled
feeling. 16th.-Vesical tenesmus; pains in kidneys and hypogastrium;
always blood in stools, and sometimes nothing else (very fluid); still
blood in urine, and occasionally in sputa. 17th.-To-day a slight
yellowness appeared on face and limbs (not in sclerotics), and on the
following days became more pronounced; urine was not icteric, and
hæmorrhages nearly disappeared. On 27th, however, they returned-
with stool and urine, and from nose. By March 1st patient was much
weakened, lay supine, voice nearly extinct, eyes half closed, lips white;
pulse 70, very feeble, extremities cold. Hæmorrhages now diminished
again to complete cessation on 6th, but returned on 10th through all
channels. From 12th to 15th they subsided anew; and patient, less
weakened this time, desired to leave hospital.
b. While away her health was fairly good, save that she was weak
and easily fatigued, and had neuralgic pains in her limbs. The vesical
tenesmus had departed, but left in its place some incontinence of urine,
especially while walking. On 30th blood reappeared in urine rather
PHOSPHORUS.
587
freely, and on April 1st she returned to hospital. On that d. there
was copious vomiting of blood; but it did not recur, and no fresh loss
occurred save (up to 8th) a slight one by the kidneys. On 28th
she left again in a fairly satisfactory state, save for some anæmia; in-
continence and neuralgic pains had disappeared. She subsequently
had copious uterine hæmorrhage early in July, but went on to full
term, and was delivered without accident. She had scarcely recovered,
however, when she was seized with diarrhoea-not sanguineous, which
nothing would arrest, and she died in September. At the autopsy
nothing was found amiss but a slate-coloured appearance of the intes-
tinal mucous membrane. (TARDIEU, op. cit.)
14. Both the symptomatology and also the processes of the delete-
rious action of Ph. have been defined through the great activity of a
large number of meritorious investigators, who have proved that by it
sooner or later a fatty degeneration of the liver, kidneys, stomach, and
heart, of the voluntary somatic muscles, of the non-striated fibres of
the muscular tissue of the intestines, and even of the parenchyma of
the lungs, is brought about, and that numerous sanguineous extravasa-
tions are found throughout the body. I have examined a considerable
number of cases of acute poisoning with Ph., and should like to give a
prominent place to the fact that it is not only the central organ of the
circulatory apparatus that is involved in the fatty degeneration, but also
the peripheral parts of the arterial system, even as far as the minute
microscopic vessels. This can be observed in all the organs, but most
easily in the brain, in cartilage, in the marrow of the bones, and in the
liver. The principal symptoms of it are the sanguineous extravasa-
tions. When in a woman the poisoning occurs just before the men-
strual periods, the physiological hyperemia of the sexual organs strains
the parietes of the vessels, which are lowered in their power of resist-
ance by the fatty metamorphosis, and the hæmorrhages become more
severe, often so severe that general anæmia is a consequence. The
blood from the uterine walls escaping, we find at the autopsy only a
more positively hæmorrhagic condition of the lining mucous mem-
brane. It is, however, different in the ovaries. Here real blood-
tumours are formed, and as probably the hæmorrhage does not occur
all at once, but gradually, these at first remain within the ovary,
gradually enlarging its circumference; not until later are they voided,
either into the peritoneal cavity or-when adhesions have been formed-
into the rectum. The process attains its maximum when highly vas-
cularised connective tissue has been formed about the uterus in conse-
quence of a pre-existing perimetritis; then the hæmorrhage is not only
into the ovary, but also from the numerous thin-walled and now
fattily degenerated vessels of the new tissue. In 1870 I had an oppor-
tunity of bringing before the Berlin Obstetrical Society 4 cases of
poisoning by Ph., and of exhibiting preparations showing hæmatoceles
of sizes varying from that of a cherry to that of a man's fist. In two
of these cases they lay within the ovaries; in one there was a breaking
up towards the pelvic cavity; and in the fourth perforation into the
rectum had followed. (WEGNER, Virchow's Archiv, Bd. lv.)
15. a. Marie M-, æt. 34, married, was confined May 25th, 1864.
588
PHOSPHORUS.
All went well till June 16th, when on account of some domestic
troubles she determined to poison herself. She macerated in water for
24 h. the heads of a box-full of matches, and took the solution at
4 p.m., in her haste swallowing also some of the match-heads. There
followed immediately acute pain along alimentary tract, but no vomiting
or stool. At 8 a medical man who was summoned ordered an emetic,
which acted freely upwards and downwards; and this went on during
n., with some relief to the gastro-intestinal pains. On 17th, m., she
had profuse epistaxis. She was taken to hospital, where M. Vernay
saw her at 4 p.m. General condition seemed to have been good, and
mind was unimpaired. Bad taste (as of Ph.) in mouth; sense of
burning along throat and gullet; acute pains in abdomen, but espe-
cially at epigastrium; belly lax, not distended with gas, but least pres-
sure aggravated pain; no nausea or vomiting since n., one stool in m.
Acute frontal headache; she is drowsy, but cannot sleep; general
bruised feeling; weakness; very distressing sensation of lassitude in
arms and legs; neither anæsthesia nor hyperæsthesia. Slight cough,
causing a little pain at base of sternum; but no physical signs in chest
(or heart). Face pale, anxious; skin moist; pulse soft, compressible,
regular, 72. (To drink egg water, and to have a purgative enema.)
18th.-Sleepless but quiet n. To other symptoms is added very sharp
pain in renal region. No stool. (Castor oil and enemata.) 19th.-A
stool on previous e. had calmed somewhat the gastric pains. Headache
constant; insomnia; pains in legs; no fever. (Same, and milk with.
magnesia.) 20th.-Sleep restless; colicky pains, and those in renal
region very acute; headache, nausea, very painful sense of lassitude.
21st.-Last n. free evacuations upwards and downwards, which have
much diminished the colic; but headache persists, and she had during
n. two very painful and long-lasting cramps in calves. (Stop magnesia.)
22nd.-A little better; complains only of headache and some renal and
epigastric pains; limbs, especially legs, feel bruised. (Rice soup.)
23rd.-Pains worse; nausea; nervous twinges, which she attributes
to emptiness. (Chicken.) 24th.-Had yesterday a slight hæmate-
mesis, which has relieved her; prostration more marked; sharp pains
in epigastrium and kidneys; headache; more pain in limbs. (Per-
chloride of iron.) 23rd.-Catamenia appeared slightly yesterday; blood
pale. Colic sharper, nausea, diarrhoea with blood. For first time liver.
tender on pressure; does not seem enlarged. Urine scanty and albu-
minous. Headache less, but pains in limbs-especially legs-worse;
patient feels as if something were gnawing the bones. Sensibility
intact; no fever. 26th.-Vomited this m. 100 grms. of pure blood,
was relieved but weakened thereby; legs more painful, she can
scarcely stand upright; stools always copious and bloody. (Continue
iron.) 27th.-A fresh hæmatemesis this m., like that of yesterday;
sharp colic, numerous bloody stools with tenesmus; pain in liver and
kidneys (especially r.) more acute; no jaundice; increased prostration.
28th.-Blood from stomach and bowels, and with urine; greater hepatic
and renal pains. 29th.-Enterorrhagia with very painful tenesmus ;
weakness more marked. 30th.-Same; more hæmaturia; slight pain
in eyes, feeling as of sand below upper lids, vision somewhat troubled,
PHOSPHORUS.
589
conjunctivæ of a dead white, pupils normal. July 1st-3rd.—Same;
anæmia very pronounced; pulse sphygmographically normal. 4th.-
Yesterday e. somewhat copious hæmatemesis; in n. 3 very painful
cramps in legs; headache; sleeplessness; great weakness; blood with
stools and urine; a slight icteric tint over surface. 5th.-Same state ;
sight much affected, with dazzlings, cannot see to thread a needle.
11th. Sanguineous diarrhoea has ceased, and is replaced by constipa-
tion, but colic persists, as also hepatic and renal pain; copious hæma-
turia; pains in legs; icteric tint more pronounced. 17th.-Some
improvement; appetite and strength better; otherwise as on 11th.
21st.—Urine always very scanty and bloody, and its emission accom-
panied with acute pains in kidneys; till this m. she had passed no urine
for 2 d. 25th.-General condition, including sight, now very fair,
but urinary symptoms continue; liver is tender to pressure, and skin
is decidedly icteric.
b. She now left hospital. Hæmaturia gradually diminished, and
ceased early in September. Hæmatemesis recurred only on Sept. 28th,
after emotional disturbance. Jaundice and hepatic tenderness persisted
longer, but at last disappeared. Since her confinement catamenia
have occurred regularly, but are very scanty. (TARDIEU, op. cit.)
e.
16. M. J-, sempstress, æt. 29, affected with syphilis, resolved to
poison herself on the n. of 27th March. She soaked a number of heads
of Ph. matches in water, and drank the mixture. During n. and
following m. vomited copiously. Seen 30 h. afterwards.-Temperature
and Circulation. The first 5 d. her temp. rose slightly in e. and in m.
was normal. Pulse ranged from 104 to 120. On 6th d. she got
remittent febrile symptoms, which reached their acme on the 8th d.,
Then the temp. rose to 40·6° C. Pulse 136, very small and weak.
Thereafter the temp. declined, 9th d., m., 38.6°; e., 38.7°; 12th d.,
e., 39'2°. Pulse, 9th, e., 96; 12th, e., 112. With the 12th d. the
fever became more intermittent, rigor with increased temp., which
gradually fell.-13th d. after poisoning. Ist rigor came on 8.15 a.m.,
lasted 20 m.
Max. temp. 41.8°, pulse 144. Temp. fell with advent
of profuse sweat to 40'1°, rose in e. to 41°.-14th d. 2nd rigor, m.
Max. temp. 40.6°, pulse 112; temp. fell in profuse sweat, e., to 37'9°;
pulse 96.-17th d. 3rd rigor came on e., lasted 25 m.; temp, not
observed.-18th d. 4th rigor, m., lasted 30 m. ; temp. 41°, pulse 140.
Temp. fell, e., to 38.8°; next m. to 38 2°, with pulse. 84. There
was then a cessation of fever till 32nd d. 5th rigor, m., slighter, and
duration less than formerly. Max. temp. 38.9°. With sweat, temp.
fell, e., to 37.8°.-36th d. 6th rigor, m.; max. temp. 38.3°; fell, till
next m., to 37°. After this the temp. was very low for a considerable
time, 364° to 36′1° m., 36·8° to 36·9° e. Then 4 weeks elapsed
without any fever.-63rd d. 7th rigor, lasted 20 m. Temp. 37'4°.
-65th d. 8th rigor. Max. temp. 38.3°, fell during sweat to 37'4°.
-71st d. 9th rigor. Max. temp. 38.4°, fell, p.m., during sweat, to
364°-79th d. 10th and 12th rigors, 1st, 8 a.m.; 2nd, 10 a.m.
Max. temp. 38'1°, fell, p.m., to 36.7°; next m. to 36.2°.-89th d.
12th rigor. Max. temp. 384°, fell during sweat to 370. Then
came 3 paroxysms in which the temp. never exceeded 380.-129th d.
590
PHOSPHORUS.
more
16th rigor. Max. temp. 38.8°, fell, p.m., to 36.4°.—130th d. 17th
rigor. Max. temp. 38°, fell to 370.-143rd d. 18th rigor. Max.
temp. 37.8°.-144th d. 19th rigor. Max. temp. 37.8°-146th and
149th d. 20th and 21st rigors. No particular rise of temp. For the
next 3 weeks during which the patient was in hospital no
paroxysms occurred.-Icteric symptoms. 3 d. after poisoning skin quite
dry, 4th d. it had an icteric tint, the conjunctivæ more yellow.-10th
d. The skin began to perspire. The icterus increased until 17th d.,
then gradually subsided till it disappeared on the 48th d. The urine
on the 4th d. was slightly coloured with bile, and showed a little
albumen; its quantity decreased and sp. gr. increased. The bilious
discoloration continued to increase, but albumen could not always be
detected. On 18th d. the urine became more copious, was of a
brownish-green colour, sp. gr. 1009, albumen present. With the 20th
d. the urine became clearer, the biliary colouring matter less apparent.
After 30th d. only some albumen and biliary colouring matter appeared
in small quantity. Between 35th and 38th d. there was strangury
with urgent call to urinate, which the patient could not satisfy. As soon
as the urine is passed the urging recommences.
The urine is clear and
very acid.-Sensorium. On 5th d., when the icteric symptoms were
getting worse, there was great delirium, which lasted till the 7th d.
She forgets to pass urine, respiration very laboured, very small pulse,
dry skin, and brown furred tongue; says she is quite well. The nights
were mostly sleepless. From 10th d. the sleep improves, and her
mental state also. On the 15th d. there is still a dazed feeling in
head, with great exhaustion, and on 18th a manifest improvement sets
in, with the decline of the icteric symptoms and the diuresis. This
improvement continues till the 38th, when the patient wishes to get
up.- Peculiar symptoms. Copious epistaxis occurred on the 7th, 11th,
14th, 20th, 22nd, and 33rd d., and latterly was always attended with
profuse sweat. A pustular eruption appeared on forehead on 20th d.,
which on the 22nd extended over face; the pustules were the size of a
hemp seed and surrounded by a broad red areola; their centre was a
hair follicle filled with pus. Ecthymatous pustules appeared on the
nates and about anus, and some d. later on the 1. natis a boil the size
of a hazel nut, which discharged brownish bloody pus.
This was all
perfectly healed by the 32nd d.-On the 58th d. the menses, which
had been absent 9 weeks, came on, the next time 27 d. afterwards, and
the third time 21 d. after that. On the 105th d. after the poisoning
there came on a gumboil in the 3rd r. carious upper molar, which
caused the cheek to swell.-Stomach and bowels. Immediately after the
poisoning there was copious vomiting, afterwards nausea, great tender-
ness of epigastrium, dry tongue with brownish-yellow coat, distension
of abdomen, firm and lumpy stools of a clay colour. Purgatives
caused copious stools of the same colour. On the 3rd d. there were
3 stools, 4th d. 8, 5th d. 6, 6th d. 3, 7th d. 3, some liquid, but most
firm. After leaving off the purgatives the bowels became very sluggish,
and could only be moved by enemata, which brought away copious
evacuations, very loose, consisting partly of white, partly of yellow
fæces. About the 10th d. the tenderness of epigastrium ceased, the
PHOSPHORUS.
591
114
tongue became clear and moist. During the 1st and 2nd ague fits the
epigastric tenderness increased, and there was on both occasions great
vomiting of greyish-yellow half-digested food, and this was generally
observed during subsequent rigors. From the 16th d. the stools
became coloured with bile, and occurred without enemata about once
a d. On the 23rd d. the tenderness of epigastrium gone; on the 25th
d. the appetite returned. A few d. later there was constipation, which
was overcome by castor oil and enemata. There were symptoms of
accumulation of fæces in colon descendens, tenderness to pressure above
1. lig. Poupartii, and abnormal resistance in 1. iliac region. The oil
brought away hard bails of fæces well coloured with bile. On the
40th d. there occurred quite watery stools mixed with purulent and
cheesy masses, occasional vomiting, tenesmus; the stools are always
more or less coloured with bile. These symptoms lasted till the 60th
d., and then constipation again set in, which was removed by purga-
tives. The bowels only became regular after the 112th d.-Liver.
Within the first 4 d. there was painfulness on pressure in the hepatic
region. On the 5th d. the dull percussion sound became more
extensive. On the 6th d., e., the lower border of liver can be felt
just above the navel. On the 7th d. the extreme boundary of the 1.
lobe is 3" from the median line, the dull hepatic percussion sound is
heard behind 5th rib, in mammillar line. The liver after this never
grew larger, the painfulness on pressure declined, it only increased
during the rigor. On the 17th d. the percussion sound of the liver
became less intense, its upper boundary is still at the upper border of
the 6th rib. A marked decrease in the size of the liver was observable
from the 23rd d. ; the lower border is perceptibly higher up, and cannot
be felt so easily. On the 36th d. the size of the liver is nearly
normal, the upper boundary is at the lower border of the 5th rib, its
lower border reaches 2 inches below the ribs on the r. sternal line,
1½ in. in parasternal, 1 inch in mammillar line. On the 79th d. per-
cussion showed the liver to be abnormally small. The lower border
does not project below ribs. On the 98th d. the spleen shows an
increase in size.-Respiratory apparatus. In the early days very
decided increase of frequency of respiration, apparently owing to the
tenderness in the abdomen; auscultation showed only rare catarrhal
râles posteriorly and in r. side anteriorly. Soon a frequent dry cough
came on, with scanty expectoration branched like the bronchial tubes.
(nach den Bronchien verzweigten Auswurf), and the catarrhal
sounds in posterior lungs, especially the r., increased. On 13th d.
(1st rigor) percussion shows slight dulness posteriorly in lower part of
r. lung, with masked respiratory murmur and fine rales. Change of
posture alters the line of the dulness; diminished fremitus under line
of dulness on r. side posteriorly, from 9th dorsal vertebræ downwards.
14th d. (2nd rigor), the dulness 1 inch higher, bronchial respiration.
in the dull part. 17th d., the height of dulness somewhat lower, and
the expansion of the lower border of the r. lung posteriorly is obvious
on deep breathing. The ràles diminished, but the cough continues
unabated; it comes on in paroxysms, brings up a viscid muco-purulent
expectoration, branched like the bronchial tubes; after every rigor the
592
PHOSPHORUS.
paroxysms of cough increase. 50th d. Nothing abnormal in physical
sounds of respiration, but there is still great irritation to cough, which
only goes off at a later date. Heart showed no important physical
abnormality. The second (arterial) sounds were at first very weak; in
the first weeks a very rough first sound was heard over the pulmonary
artery. (KNOEVENAGEL, Berl. klin. Wochensch., April 19, 1869.)
17. Louisa K—, æt. 19, came into hospital July 4th, 1863; con-
fessed on 11th that on the 20th June had taken a quantity of tops of
Ph. matches, dissolved in hot milk, which she drank when cooled in
e., making two draughts of it. Soon she vomited for h. Slept well
1
at n. Next m. appetite gone, frequent eructations, sense of fulness
and pressure in gastric region. After 2 d. these symptoms declined,
and the stools were retarded. After 3 d. skin coloured yellow and
this gradually increased. Appetite returned to normal state, and she
could do her work. For the constipation she took pills.-July 2nd.
Observed slight swelling of joints, and the next d. the swelling had
spread up legs to abdomen. The 1. labium majus was much swollen
when she came to the hospital.-5th. Skin and conjunctiva deeply
jaundiced. Upper extremities and I. labium majus oedematous. Pulse
m. 88, e. 96; temp. m. 37.7° C., e. 38.2°. Abdomen much distended,
tympanitic all over, also in r. lumbar region, dull sound in l. lumbar
region. On account of this distension the size of liver could not be
determined. Spleen enlarged. Tongue clean, appetite so ravenous it
cannot be satisfied. Stools clay coloured, partly soft, partly lumpy.
Urine deep yellow, sp. gr. 1007, little albumen, much bilious colouring
matter. Breasts and uterus show she is pregnant.-6th. M. temp.
36.9°, pulse 96; e. temp. 37°9°, pulse 100. Abdomen more distended,
fluid can be detected. Patient slept well. One pultaceous clay-coloured
stool. Urine not so deep coloured.-7th. M. temp. 37'7°, pulse 100;
e. temp. 39'7°, pulse 120. Patient tossed about at n., and called for
food to satisfy her hunger. Icteric hue remains. Lies all d. with
closed eyes and sleeps much. Complains of headache, answers questions
hesitatingly. Pain on percussion in middle of abdomen, where, as also
in 1. lumbar region, the percussion sound is duller than yesterday.
distinct clearing of the dull sound on percussion. Absolute dulness in
r. side, not complete in 1. side. The only tympanitic sound in abdo-
men is in its upper part to the 1. of the navel. In chest posteriorly
slight dulness of both lungs where the respiratory murmur is diminished.
A
-8th. M. temp. 37'5°, pulse 100; e. temp. 37.8°, pulse 104. Last
n. very talkative and restless, rather delirious the first part of n., became
quieter afterwards. This m. she is quite sensible and seems well. Abdo-
men still rather tympanitic; 2 stools whitish in colour and of pappy con-
sistence.-9th. M. temp. 37'3°, pulse 112; e. temp. 40°, pulse 132.
Last n. raved much and made a great noise. This m. she looks stupid,
answers irrationally. Some effusion in peritoneum is perceptible. One
stool. The oedema of labia majora, especially the 1., is increased; latter has
become gangrenous. At noon she had a rigor, followed by great heat;
in e. is delirious. Tenderness of hepatic region on percussion. Liquid
stool of a yellow colour.-1oth. M. temp. 389°, pulse 130; e. temp.
38.1°, pulse 116. Raved much deliriously in the n.
This m. quieter
PHOSPHORUS.
593
Yesterday
but sings in a low voice. Abdomen continues the same.
she had a large pultaceous stool, of yellowish colour, bilious. During
n. and this m. has passed several similar stools. After puncturing
the labia they collapsed; aromatic infusion was applied to the gangrenous
part. P.m. 2 stools, partly dull yellow, partly bright yellow.-11th.
M. temp. 36'9°, pulse 100, e. temp. 39'4°, pulse 120. Was quiet last
n., and slept the greater part of it after an opiate. About 3 a.m. had a
violent rigor, which lasted 25 m. and was followed by heat. Is quite
sensible, appetite not disturbed, tongue not furred, no increase of
thirst. Abdomen still tympanitic. Liver not painful on strong
pressure. A yellow stool in the n.-12th. M. temp. 37.8°, pulse
116; e. temp. 39.5°, pulse 120. She had I gr. opium and slept well,
no delirium. This m. still rational. Complains of nothing, appetite.
holds good; 2 stools yesterday and I in m., of a greyish colour and
moderately consistent. Urine of reddish colour, contains biliary colour-
ing matter and a larger quantity of albumen than before. The gan-
grenous sloughs are beginning to separate. This caused p.m. a con-
siderable hæmorrhage from the labium majus, which was arrested by
chloride of iron.-13th. M. temp. 36.7°, pulse 112; e. temp. 39.6°
pulse 140. After 1 gr. opium she slept soundly and was not delirious.
This m. rational. Yesterday many pultaceous and yellowish stools.
8.30 a.m., a rigor. In r. side of thorax, posteriorly and inferiorly, there
is some dulness with slight bronchial respiration, and consonant râles.
At the base of the heart a blowing systolic sound is heard. Ecchy-
mosis in abdomen, on the thighs two pustules with bright red areolæ
and dusky centre. The liver does not project beyond the border of
ribs. In the afternoon labour pains came on suddenly, and a foetus of
about 6 months was quickly expelled.-14th. M. temp. 39'5°, pulse 124;
e. temp. 39.8°, pulse 136. Last n., after gr. opium, she slept quietly,
but before dawn she had a rigor. She is quite sensible, and complains
of pains in chest and r. side of abdomen. Percussion on the lower half
of the r. side of chest posteriorly gives a kind of dull tympanitic sound;
bronchial respiration cannot be distinctly perceived; many medium and
small râles, rather dry, distinctly consonant; in the lower half of the
1. side of the chest, the respiratory sounds are sharply vesicular, with
some medium-sized moist râles. No expectoration. The systolic
murmur in the heart is less than yesterday, not audible at all in apex.
Abdomen very much distended. Percussion in hepatic region as
before; signs of increased effusion into peritoneum. Some fotor from
vaginal discharge. There have been two or three stools of a grey
colour. Pulse of medium tension. All p.m. she spoke and sang in a
quivering voice, and showed much restlessness. Complains of abdominal
pains; the whole belly is painful when pressed. In spite of fomentations
the pains increased. Next n. she was very delirious; towards m. she
became quiet, and died about 6 a.m.-P.M. on the 18th. Endocardium
stained with blood. Heart's valves act normally. A large quantity of
ascitic fluid of an icteric colour. In the fundus of the stomach beneath
the m.m. there are depressed spots of the size of a pin's head, and of a
dusky blackish colour. Liver very lax; gall-bladder collapsed, con-
tains only some bile-tinged mucus. The length of the liver is 11", г.
VOL. III.
38
594
PHOSPHORUS.
"
I 8
1
I
lobe 6″, 1. 5″; its greatest depth in the r. is 64", in the 1. 54″; thick-
ness, r. 1", 1. ". The colour of the r. lobe is reddish, of the 1.
blackish yellow. In the yellow parts there appear some hæmorrhagic
points, as also upon the yellow parts of the peritoneal covering. In
the yellow parts the hepatic tissue is extinct, whilst in the red parts
the hepatic lobules are still visible. Their periphery is grey, and
between this and the yellow cortex a reddish zone is perceptible.
Spleen much enlarged, length 9", breadth 44", thickness 1"; its
substance is of a bluish-red colour, its connections soft. R. kidney
enlarged, length 51″, breadth 24″; when cut through it has an
icteric appearance. Its pyramids are a little more congested than the
cortical part; they are rather opaque, and show a twigged form
(delineationem virgatam). In the straight canaliculi many air-bubbles
can be seen. L. kidney, length 44", breadth 2"; same appearances
when cut into. The capsules of both are easily detached. The
uterus of large size, containing bloody mucus. Some ecchymoses in
peritoneum. The intestinal m.m. is normal; it contains a greyish
Auid. The muscular substance of heart has a greyish-red colour.
(F. A. WEIHE, De Intoxicat. Phosphor. Acut., Diss. inaug., Berolini,
1867.)
18. X—, a woman æt. 45, swallowed the Ph. from 120 matches
in water. Half an h. later she was seized with violent vomiting,
brought up almost all the poison, and, not wishing to betray herself,
said nothing about it. After 3 d. Dr. Ozanam was called to her.
He found the following condition :-The general aspect was that
of a typhoid febrile state, with profound prostration. Patient can
with difficulty raise herself, and complains of vertigo. The tongue is
red, dry and coated; much thirst. Stomach sensitive; patient had
vomited several times each d., but had not taken much notice of it, as
she often vomits when in her ordinary health. Pulse 90, skin cold;
respiration painful, though no râles were found; there was a well-
marked bruit with first sound of heart; urine red and scanty. Neither
urine nor breath smelt of Ph. Next m. patient was less restless,
pulse 90, slight general yellowness commencing to appear in eyes, chest
and limbs; had vomited twice freely. The vomited matter was black
like soot. It was chiefly fatty matter and blood-cells, mostly altered
or even changed to shapeless molecules; it was acid. No other
hæmorrhage found, or brown patches of skin, as is sometimes the case;
patient complained of frequent palpitation. She did not appear to
suffer much, and only asked to drink, calmly remarking that the poison
had done its work, and that it was too late for remedies. She died on
the 7th d. (L' Art Méd., xix, 146.)
19. A man, æt. 58, had been employed for 3 years in making Ph.
matches. Though his working-room was also his living-room, he never
felt any bad effects until one d. a quantity of Ph. took fire, and in his
efforts to extinguish it he inhaled so much of the vapour that he felt
suffocated and fainted. Soon after this he felt extremely weak in back,
as though he should fall in a heap; thereafter weakness of limbs, so that
he tumbled when he walked or attempted to grasp anything; later,
sensation as if something twitched under skin or was creeping betwixt
PHOSPHORUS.
595
skin and flesh. The genitals were more excited than usual at first, but
after a few months he was unable to have erections. Functions in
-On
other respects normal. On coming into hospital his state was :--
standing his limbs trembled and knuckled under him, he could only
walk a few steps, staggering and uncertain; his arms trembled when he
grasped anything or held them extended. When he lay quite still the
muscles of all the body, especially those of the extremities, appear to
twitch up and down under the skin; but the whole muscle does not
twitch, only single bundles of fibres at different times, like playing on
a piano. If they are quiet for an instant the slightest touch suffices to
set them going again. It is these movements that cause the feeling
of something creeping under the skin. The weakness of the back is
such that he cannot sit upright. The tongue when speaking often
refuses to move, so that he stammers. Pulse 112. Sulphur vapours
and alcoholic baths, strychnine, &c., did no good. (Huss, Schwedische
Hygea, 1884; A. h. Z., xxxiii, 58.)
20. A tradesman was engaged in unpacking large quantities of
Ph. matches. He became suddenly so ill that he had to abandon
his work. He had much nausea and vertigo. He had to lie in bed
for several d.; whenever he attempted to rise, the vertigo made
him fall back in bed. Thereafter he became emaciated, and his skin
became yellow. Even after he recovered his skin retained a yellowish
hue. For a long time he had anorexia and sleeplessness. (GOULLON,
Intern. hom. Presse, x, 496.)
21. Philip S-, æt. 21, was suddenly attacked by weakness and
exhaustion, complained of violent pains in stomachic region, slept
restlessly, lost appetite, had occasional vomiting, perspired profusely,
and grew perceptibly thinner. These symptoms had lasted 11 d. It
was found that the child had been in the habit of playing with Ph.
matches, which he sucked. The patient's skin was very pale, as also
the mucous membranes; he was very weak and faint, but he could sit
up and sometimes walk about. Tongue white, furred; he had frequent
retching without vomiting, complained of pains in umbilical region; he
was constipated. Slight catarrh of chest. Very emaciated, perspired
also by day, chiefly on head and chest. These symptoms increased day
by day, especially the pain, sleeplessness, and weakness. On the 8th d.
of treatment the gums appeared swollen and had a dirty brown coating;
they bled readily when touched, and also spontaneously; the teeth had
become grey, the m.m. of cheek showed several hæmorrhagic erosions,
the breath was very foetid. It was now discovered that all this time he
occasionally sucked the matches. On keeping the matches from the
child and giving appropriate treatment he gradually recovered. (Kraus,
Allg. Wiener med. Ztg., 1857, 5; in Sorge.)
22. A girl, æt. 3, ate some Ph. paste. At first slight sickness,
little or no pain, no fever, but constant thirst, apathy, then convulsions
and coma, jaundice with white stools, dribbling of coffee-grounds-like
fluid from mouth, death on 5th d.-P.M. Liver much enlarged, and
in a state of acute fatty degeneration. Heart and kidneys felt greasy
on section. On 3rd d. no albumen, but some sugar was found in
urine. (GROSE, Lancet, Nov. 2nd, 1889, p. 302.)
596
PHOSPHORUS.
23. CONCATO relates a case of poisoning with Ph. matches
which terminated fatally on the 11th d. Soon after taking the poison
there was pain in throat and oesophagus. Stomach symptoms came on
much later, there was never any increase of temperature or of the
velocity of the pulse till shortly before death, when it ran up to 146;
peculiar odour of breath, urine and sweat, constant green colour of stools,
though there was great icterus. P.M. showed destruction of m.m. of
œsophagus, of anterior wall of pharynx, and of epiglottis ; m.m. of
stomach and duodenum intact, gall-bladder and gall-passages empty,
increased size of the Brunner's and mesenteric glands, atrophy of liver,
increase of white blood-corpuscles, and diminished size and change of
shape in red corpuscles hæmatoidin crystals in liver, fat cells and
margarin crystals in softened spleen. The urine contained biliary
acids. (Virchow and Hirsch's Jahresbericht, 1868, i, 311.)
24. A child of between 2 and 3 had been caught in the act of
sucking and swallowing the heads of lucifer matches. 2 d. afterwards
she appeared unwell; there was some feverish excitement, but no active
symptoms-no pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea. 5 h. after she was first
seen she became violently convulsed, and died 3 h. later. On inspec-
tion a quantity of mucus mixed with blood, of a coffee-ground colour,
was found in the stomach. The mucous membrane of the organ was
very vascular throughout, and for the space of 2 in. it had a florid red
colour, and was covered with mucus. There were no less than 10
nvaginations in the small intestine, many of which included 2-3 in.
of intestine, which was inflamed at the invaginated parts. There was
no appearance of strangulation, and the bowels were empty. (SHEPHARD,
Lancet, Dec., 1843.)
A
25. VIRCHOW says that he does not agree with those who deny
gastritis as an ordinary effect of Ph. poisoning. Sometimes it is un-
accompanied by redness or hyperæmia, or extravasation, and there is
complete paleness of the parts after death. The m.m. is moderately
thickened and of a peculiar muddy appearance, opaque whitish, or
greyish or yellowish white. This swelling has its seat in the mucous
glands, which are enlarged; their epithelium fills the gland-ducts
almost completely, and each single cell is larger, duller, filled with a
fine granular mass, which by refracted light appears yellowish grey, by
reflected light whitish. Later fat globules appeared, the cells became
soft, broken down, and only granular detritus remained. There is here
serious disease of the stomach glands, a gastritis glandulosa, or gastra-
denitis. (Virchow's Archiv, xxxi, 400. 1864.)
26. A scrofulous girl of 7 used to play a great deal with lucifer
matches, lighting them, &c. Gradually a red swelling appeared upon
under part of chin; at first size of a fourpenny piece, it quickly enlarged
till it extended over face as far as eyes, becoming pale and doughy, how-
ever, as it left the chin. Upon original spot a group of pustules formed,
from which-on their breaking-resulted an ulcer, size of a sixpence.
At same time parts beneath became disorganized into a thin, slightly
discoloured, offensive, purulent mass. A disagreeable smell emanated
from mouth. Teeth, especially front ones of both jaws, became loose,
and salivation set in. The child from the commencement complained
PHOSPHORUS.
597
much of toothache and headache. Within 8 d. ulcer had destroyed
soft parts, even to the bone. After removal of cause and suitable appli-
cations, in 10 d. 3 thin pieces of bone, size of a bean, came away, and
on following days other small, very thin fragments of bone were
observed upon the dressing. Upon this sanious discharge ceased, and
ulcer in 3 weeks had cicatrised. (PLUSKAL, Oest. med. Wochenschr.,
July, 1846.)
27. Since the establishment of the phosphorus-match manufactories,
workpeople have occasionally been received in the hospital (de la Pitié)
from them. All these patients agree in saying that since they went
into the manufactory they have been affected with cough; they only
seek admission when the cough has become habitual, grows worse, and
is complicated with all the symptoms of acute bronchitis. In its
nature this bronchitis does not differ from the ordinary kind; but the
array of symptoms with which it is conjoined is different, inasmuch as
functional derangements of other organs are present at the same time.
Even those patients who are affected in a slighter degree are in a state
of excessive weakness; they complain of want of appetite, which they
allege occurs to them at the very commencement of their work, and at
the same time as the cough. Others suffer at the same time from
diarrhoea; the greater number from fever, even though there is no
inflammatory chest affection present. Those who have been often.
affected with inflammatory pulmonary catarrh (and these constitute
the majority) are strikingly emaciated, and sometimes suffer from
palpitation of the heart, although neither heart nor large vessels are
diseased. Their recovery from the attacks is very slow, and emphy-
sema of the lungs often remains behind. (GENDRIN, in v. Bibra und
Geist, Krankh. d. Arb. in den Phosphorzünd-Holzfabriken. 1847.)
28. J. Z—, æt. 52, tall, thin, but well made, with broad chest and
robust constitution, had been engaged for 9 mo. in a match manu-
factory. At the commencement of his occupation he was affected with
dry cough, which however went off when he put on warmer clothing
and took some diaphoretic drinks. After 6 mo. he fell ill with the
same symptoms, which were this time more severe, and at length com-
pelled him to abandon his occupation. On examination, his face
appeared congested; forehead covered with perspiration; tongue furred;
taste slimy; frequent excitement to cough, with flying shootings under
sternum and towards r. side of chest; copious muco-purulent expecto-
ration, with constant tickling and scratching sensation at bifurcation of
trachea; anxious, short, and hurried breathing, with elevation of whole
thorax, and especially of 1. side. Percussion gave a clear tone in
middle of r. side; auscultation revealed diffused mucous râles with pecto-
riloquy. Pulse was rapid, full, and hardish; skin dry and hot; thirst
increased. Besides these, great depression and debility. No gastric
symptoms. After antiphlogistic treatment and expectorants, he slowly
improved, and sputa became mucous only; but great debility and
depression, with anorexia, still remained, and required a lengthened
course of quinine to remove them. (GEIST, in ibid.)
29. a. The most notable effect of the action of the Ph. fumes on
the workpeople is the development of a peculiar disease of the jaw-
598
PHOSPHORUS.
out.
bones. The first symptom is toothache. This begins after having
been in the factory from 6 mo. to 12 years (one case, however,
occurred after only 5 weeks); it attacks one or several teeth, or in some
cases spreads over one side of the jaw like rheumatic faceache. Only
in the rarest and most severe cases it attacks both sides. It is charac-
terized by gnawing, throbbing pain, alternating with violent shooting,
sometimes intermittent and sometimes continued. In some cases it
comes on as soon as the occupation is commenced, lasts a few weeks,
then leaves the worker for months or years, but afterwards recurs
several times, until at length the more deeply-seated affection breaks
With the exception of but few cases, in which the patients had
not directed attention to the subject, or the teeth were extracted before
coming under observation (as not unfrequently happens), it was ascer-
tained that it is decayed teeth in which the pain commences, and
whence it seems to extend. With the toothache, according to Neu-
mann's observations, in some cases itching of the gums occurs.
After
this toothache has lasted for weeks or months, it spreads over whole
side of jaw in which the carious tooth is situated, and in more severe
cases over face and neck of same side. In some cases the cervical
glands swell and become painful; the gum surrounding the diseased
tooth reddens and swells, as also the cheek, and sometimes the soft
palate. In other cases there is formed, amid drawing throbbing pains,
a circumscribed phlegmon of the gum beside the diseased tooth; an
abscess is produced, which discharges at first laudable but afterwards.
grey foetid pus, and changes into an ulcer, which grows always larger
by gradual recession of its border. In either case the gums recede,
and the teeth, whether carious or healthy, become loose and fall out
(according to the extent of the diseased bone). The abscesses now
multiply, discharging fœtid pus; gums are livid, and undermined with
fistulous sinuses, through which probe detects carious bone; at last they
altogether disappear, and the denuded alveolar processes are seen pro-
jecting into the buccal cavity. The cheek, the throat and the parotid
may become sympathetically affected.
b. At the commencement of the disease the patients are affected
with slight febrile action, lose their appetite, suffer from increased thirst
and irregularity of the bowels, constipation being the most frequent
complaint. Gastric symptoms are not unfrequently present-furred
tongue, slimy bitter taste, pressure in epigastrium with frontal head-
ache. The febrile action may continue throughout the whole course
of the disease; or it may go off completely; or, if there are tubercles
in the lungs, it may cause them to soften, and turn into hectic.
c. The form of the disease differs according to whether the upper
or lower jaw is attacked. In the former it pursues generally a chronic
and mild course, ending in exfoliation, cicatrisation, and cure. In the
latter the necrosis may be either acute or chronic, but is always severe,
and the patients usually die of "consumptive fever." Of 30 cases,
the termination of which was known to the authors, 15 died. (Ibid.)
30. A countrywoman, who had always enjoyed good health, came
to work in a lucifer-match manufactory. After 14 d., during which
she had been employed in dipping the wood spills in the Ph., she
PHOSPHORUS.
599
became affected with intolerable dry cough and later with violent
bronchial catarrh. She now spent her time between the works and
the hospital. On the 5th occasion of her coming into the hospital
she suffered from frequent tiresome cough with muco-purulent expec-
toration, quick respiration, great oppression so that she had to sit up
to cough, at same time severe pain under sternum and feeling of con-
striction; remarkable resonance in upper third of r. side of chest, with
moist sibilant râles; ribs almost immoveable, thorax distinctly arched.
Besides,-complete anorexia, furred tongue, several loose stools per diem;
earthy complexion, emaciation, fever. In others the same work caused
cough, difficulty of breathing gradually amounting to violent bron-
chitis, at first without fever, very weak pulse, great debility, emacia-
tion. (Ann. de Therap., Févr., 1846, from A. h. Z., xxxiii, 58.)
C
31. J. D—, æt. 21, had been engaged 4 years in preparation o
lucifer matches. For 2 years, further than the laryngeal irritation
produced by the acrid fumes he suffered but little. At end of this
time, however, he began to cough very much, and to expectorate a
thick white mucus. He then suffered much from toothache, which
he describes as having become violent, and which was accompanied
with considerable swelling on r. side of face. A double tooth was
extracted, but without relief; one`tooth after another dropped out; he
became so weak that he was unable to walk; a swelling the size of an
egg formed below r. orbit, and in a fortnight burst, discharging a large
quantity of white pus. He continued to get worse; all teeth fell out,
and gums of lower jaw were retracted. On admission to dispensary,
May 4th, 1846, r. cheek was considerably swollen. At r. angle of
lower jaw is an opening discharging laudable pus, and through which
probe can be passed 2 in. along bare bone; and 2 in. anterior to this
another aperture leads to same. On opening mouth whole lower jaw,
as far as ascending rami and down to reflection of mucous membrane
on cheeks, is denuded and of leaden greyish colour. On upper jaw, r.
side, probe can be passed over a portion of bare bone. (WALKER,
Brit. Journ. of Hom., iv, 287.)
32. LORINSER thinks that in Ph. workers the poison acts on the
jaws through the blood, and states that individuals under its influence
have a peculiar sallow bloated complexion, combined with a dull ex-
pression of the eye and gastric derangement. I have myself observed
this remarkable appearance of the countenance in the dipper of a con-
greve match manufactory, whose jaws, however, were quite sound.
(PEREIRA, op. cit.)
30
¿
33. ANSTIE prescribed for a neuralgic patient gr. in pill
times a d. He took pills regularly for a week, but during last 2 d.
suffered from constant and increasing burning sensation at epigastrium;
urine was dark coloured, and on examination proved to be albuminous
and bloody, but without casts. After omitting drug for 2 d. renal
symptoms had almost disappeared, and stomach was much easier,
though patient still felt a rather burning pain between scapula.
(Practitioner, xi, 105.)
III. Experiments on animals.-I. BIBRA experimented on rabbits
in three ways,-1st by Ph. introduced into the stomach; 2nd,
600
PHOSPHORUS.
by exposure to its fumes so as to induce either rapid or slow
poisoning (according to concentration of vapour). The first series
merely show the violent irritant action of the poison on the parts with
which it came into immediate contact. Of the second the following
are specimens:
a. Rapid poisoning:-On October 10th an old rabbit was put into
the box employed for the purpose. It seemed to be pretty well, ate
its food, and showed no signs of uneasiness. On the 20th, however,
it was found dead. Dissection showed venous system enormously
distended with blood; r. auricle and ventricle quite filled with a black
coagulum, 1. ventricle empty; lungs much reddened, in some places
bluish; liver congested, but blood very fluid (under microscope normal);
gall-bladder contained a little cloudy bright green fluid; intestines
strongly injected. Other organs normal. A young rabbit was put
into box Oct. 27th; it died Nov. 4th. Dissection showed circulatory
system as before, but lungs almost completely hepatized, very little or
their normal parenchyma to be seen, and on cutting into them some
portions were found beset with tubercles; muscular parts much in-
jected; stomach and intestines congested only; liver exhibited some
pale spots on surface and throughout substance; gall-bladder very full,
as also urinary bladder. Some of the rabbits that resisted the poisonous.
effects of the fumes longer exhibited an eruption, chiefly on abdomen,
axillæ and genitals; hair fell off, and skin became covered with a
scabby humid exanthem. In these rabbits the lungs were always
healthy, whereas in the others there was often hepatization and tuber-
culous formation, and always congestion.
b. Slow poisoning.-On Oct. 8th an old rabbit was put into the
box. After 3 weeks it began to emaciate, but did not lose its appetite;
suppurating ulcers appeared on tongue and eyelids; the creature grew
dejected and apathetic. It was found dead December 4th. Dissec-
tion showed tongue almost entirely covered with ulcerations, and the
blepharophthalmia had so much increased that the eyes could scarcely
be opened; there was, however, no sclerotitis. Venous system was
considerably engorged; lungs very much reddened, on some parts
black; gall and urinary bladder both very full; all else normal.
Another rabbit was put in on Oct. 10th; on Dec. 28th it was found
dead. After being 3 weeks in box suppuration of r. eye had begun,
and increased to such a degree that soon it could not be opened. Dis-
section showed eye to be sunk, lids adherent, cornea thickened and
opaque, pupil filled with pus, but lens and vitreous normal. Veins
were full of black fluid blood; muscular parts injected; lungs in some
parts showed venous engorgement only, but were mostly hepatized,
and here and there tubercles were observable; liver rather congested,
and gall-bladder greatly distended with reddish-brown bile.
c. In order to ascertain if he could produce in rabbits the disease.
of jaws met with in the human subject, v. Bibra exposed to the fumes
some whose jaws he had previously broken. On their death, after
about 8 weeks, a large spongy callus was found around the seat of frac-
ture, presenting exactly the characters of the disease in man. The
periosteum also was found much separated from the bone, and the
PHOSPHORUS.
601
whole bathed in unhealthy-looking pus. (v. BIBRA und GEIST, op.
cit.)
2. The anatomically demonstrable action of Ph. when given in
relatively small doses, incapable of killing either sooner or later, extend
principally to two major systems of the body-the digestive apparatus,
especially stomach and liver, and the osseous system.*
a. Let rabbits, cats, or dogs be brought under the influence of Ph.
in minimum doses, either by exposure to its fumes or by its introduc-
tion in pill form per oesophagum, and the dose be gradually increased
(but always short of any obvious toxical effect); and very remarkable
changes take place. The gastric mucous membrane becomes hyper-
æmic; it swells; hæmorrhages occur here and there, and later on
real hæmorrhagic infarctions are seen, especially on the summits
of the natural folds, where flat pit-like ulcers are found, whose
dirty-brown margin and floor show their origin. After the irrita-
tion has been going on for months the mucous membrane becomes
two or three times thicker than it normally was; it becomes indurated,
and of a diffuse smoke-grey or brown colour that is most evident at
the fundus. (Here the microscope shows whole masses of pigment
in the form of black-brown granules imbedded in the tissue; the
glands prolonged; and the interstitial connective tissue, which in the
healthy condition is scarcely demonstrable, becomes developed into
thick broad threads.)
b. Alterations in the structure of the liver go hand in hand with
the above. The whole organ is swelled and feels harder, and within
it and in the connective tissue around the portal vessels there is an
intense cellular hyperplasia, and tough fibrous connective tissue is
developed from the young cells, constituting a more or less broad
stratum at the periphery of the acini. The peripheral zone of the
hepatic cells undergoes fatty degeneration, and in the greater part of
the acini the cells have an icteric colour, evidently in consequence of
the pressure exerted by the new prolifically-developed tissue on the
afferent ducts which course with the portal ramifications. In fact, we
have interstitial hepatitis in optimâ formâ, the result of which is atrophy
of a three-fold kind, either a smooth induration of the liver; or (as
sometimes seen in syphilitic human subjects) a "hepar lobatum " with
numerous strips of cicatricial tissue dipping deep into the organ and
deforming it; or, finally, the typical granular atrophy, the classical
cirrhosis. In all these forms icterus is present, and in the last we
regularly find those secondary disturbances so well known in human
pathology-venous hyperemia of the mucous membrane of stomach
and intestines, indurative hyperplasia of the spleen, and finally death
from ascites and hydrothorax. (WEGNER, Virchow's Archiv, Bd. lv.)
3. a. Let rabbits be confined for weeks or months in an atmos-
phere pervaded with the fumes of Ph., and we shall see that, after the
primary bronchial irritation has subsided, they get accustomed to it.
In the cranial bones we see nothing abnormal except minute and
hardly visible osteophytic sub-periosteal deposits on the bones forming
* Wegner did not find pneumonia in animals exposed to the fumes any oftener
than under ordinary circumstances; and tuberculosis he never observed,
602
PHOSPHORUS.
the boundaries of the nasal cavities. But in an insignificant minority
of them there arises, generally without any evident external cause, a
tumefaction on the upper and lower jaws; the bone pushes out pro-
cesses, the soft parts often swell monstrously from extensive caseous
infiltration, respiration becomes difficult, and mastication is interfered
with. The thickening of the bone advances continually, the soft parts
have become hard as a board, until, finally, movement of the jaws
becomes impossible, and the animal succumbs from inanition. After
the extremely firmly-adhering, caseously-infiltrated soft parts are
stripped off (or, better, rolled off), we see extensive and often enor-
mously thick osseous deposits of very dense structure on the superficies
of the jaw, generally starting from the alveolar margin. There are in
the old bone, and often enough in the new, infundibuliform ulcerations
filled with caseous exudations, and having crateriform everted edges,—
in a word, partial necrosis. The process is essentially the maxillary
periostitis with masses of osteophytic new growth and necrosis, so well
known from observations on the human subject. [Dr. Wegner now
discusses the question why a few only among animals and workpeople
are thus affected, and concludes that as carious teeth are generally the
starting-point in the latter, some corresponding lesion must exist in
the former, the process starting thus from a local irritation produced
by the fumes. He admits, however, that there are exceptions to the
rule of carious teeth being present in the workpeople, and that in one
only of the animals affected could he discover any such; so that, he
says, “we must fall back upon the hypothesis of an opportune wounding
of the periosteum." If this is induced artificially, animals hitherto
untouched become the subjects of the Ph. bone disease.]
b. If we give to a rabbit, dog, cat, or fowl-while yet immature-
minute doses of Ph. in pill, so insignificant that they produce no
changes in stomach or liver; or if we cause them to inhale air mode-
rately charged with its fumes; and subsequently, after a relatively short
time (10 d. in those that are quickly growing, 3 weeks in others), care-
fully examine their bones, we shall find changes of a more or less different
kind, and which evidence their presence in different ways, according to
the stage of growth of the animals. In all those places where, physio-
logically, there is developed from cartilage spongy osseous substance,
having wide meshes and much red medullary tissue, there is formed
under the influence of Ph. a tissue that, seen with the naked eye,
appears perfectly homogeneous, solid, and compact, just like the cortex
of the long bones. That part of the spongy tissue which was developed
before the feeding began remains perfectly unchanged. The substance
of the Ph. stratum shows itself under the microscope to be real well-
formed bone.
P
c. If the feeding with Ph. be continued, dense osseous substance is
always added to the cylindrical bone from the intermediary cartilage,*
while the spongy substance formed before the feeding obeys the physio-
logical law by being disintegrated and absorbed to form the medullary
canal. Thus one sees, after a certain period, according to the rate of
* Intermediary, that is, between the shaft and its epiphyses and apophyses.—
EDS.
PHOSPHORUS.
603
growth, the entire normal cancellous structure at the extremities of the
diaphyses replaced by a compact solid bony mass. If we continue the
feeding still longer, we find that the abnormally formed bone-substance
likewise follows the physiological law for the formation of the medul-
lary canal,—the oldest layers, which are pushed nearest to the centre,
again become rarefied, and at last melt down into red medullary tissue.
(If the feeding with Ph. be arranged with intervals of abstinence, we
find developed from the intermediary cartilage strata of dense com-
pact substance alternating with others of ordinary spongy structure.)
d. If Ph. be given in small doses to animals after their bones have
ceased to grow, the spongy tissue in the epiphyses, vertebræ, &c., gets
a little thicker; the osseous spiculæ and lamellæ are a little broader
and thicker, without, however, any approach to a sclerosis of the
spongy part as we have seen it in the newly-deposited layers of growing
animals. The compact substance, also, of the cylindrical and of the flat
bones becomes more dense from the narrowing of the vascular canals.
Just as the medullary tissue, in the meshes of the cancellous substance
and around the circumference of the vessels in the Haversian canals,
in part becomes changed into bone, so also, in consequence of continued
feeding with Ph., does a part of the medullary substance which fills the
large medullary canal undergo an ossificatory process; and it is the peri-
pheral layers that ossify, so that while the circumference of the bones
remains constant the medullary canal becomes contracted, and the
compact crust grows thicker by the deposit of new layers within. In
fowls we can at last succeed, by feeding several months with Ph., in
obtaining a complete occlusion of the medullary canal with real osseous
substance, in this sequence: first the bones of the tarsus, then the
tibia, the bones of the forearm, the femur, and lastly the humerus.
e. Analysis shows that the composition of the bones of the animals
fed with Ph. does not differ materially from that of normal bones.*
(Ibid.)
4. A young brown dog, after being kept for some d. without food,
got from May 10th to 16th several doses of alcoh. phosphorat., on
16th about 3ij. From 16th to 23rd no med., and as he seemed quite
lively and ate with appetite, he got on 23rd zij ol. phos. Soon, rest-
lessness. After 1 h. slimy saliva in clear viscid drops came from mouth
and fauces. 10 a.m., froth came out of mouth, and he vomited with
much retching a little yellow slime like poppy-seed oil.-24th. Seemed
pretty well. He then got at 7 a.m. another dose of ol. ph. Soon
clear saliva dropped from fauces and viscid slimy froth hung about his
mouth. 8 a.m., frequent ineffectual retching and then a thin, pappy,
bright yellow slimy stool; 10 m. thereafter vomited twice much white
mucus with pieces of bread, this was very acid, and fumed and smelt
of Ph. His belly contracted regularly and rapidly, with occasional
pressing on the rectum. Pressure on belly caused him to moan a
little. He ran about, fell, had short convulsions, got up again and
* I have been in a position to prove the perfect analogy with the above of the
processes in the human subject, though only in their earlier stages, in a child that
had been treated during 2 mo. with small doses of Ph. for bad development of the
osseous system, and of whose body I performed an autopsy.
604
PHOSPHORUS.
again fell down, and after a few convulsions with dilated pupils he
died.-P.M., 5 h. after death. No cadaveric rigidity. The salivary
glands of one side showed strongly injected blood-vessels, as also the
anterior surface of epiglottis. The brain and upper part of spinal cord
showed distended blood-vessels. Trachea and bronchial tubes filled
with froth, no reddening of m.m. Lungs had brownish-red and
bright red spots, and dilated air-cells protruding on lower lobes; when
cut into frothy fluid exuded. R. side of heart and large veins filled
with dark coagulated blood. Liver large, reddish-brown. Spleen of
consistence and colour of leather. Kidneys, especially 1., showed
under their peritoneal covering a number of white, millet-seed sized
granules, looking under microscope like fat on the red brown cortical
substance, which was traversed by visible vessels. The 2 lower thirds of
m.m. of œsophagus were bright red. The m.m. of fundus of stomach
was gathered into many folds and bright red, not so the cardiac and
pyloric parts. The stomach contained white viscid mucus. The
m.m. of intestines, as far as cæcum, slightly red in parts. From there
to anus m.m. throughout injected bright red. (SORGE, op. cit., 44.)
5. Similar experiments were performed on several other dogs, which
gave similar results. In some there appeared to be a kind of paresis
of the hind legs. In one the rectum appeared to be distinctly inflamed.
Exhaustion appeared in some, not to be wondered at as they could not
eat. In some the liver had a gamboge yellow colour; the duodenum
had pushed itself into the pylorus to the extent of half an inch. The
convulsions that attacked a good many in one case assumed the
character of opisthotonos. The urine in a few contained albumen.
In one the small intestine was much congested, arborescent blood-
vessels showing in the m.m., which was partly covered with bloody
mucus; on washing off this there appeared a whitish or greyish-yellow
layer, which could be scraped off with the finger and displayed the con-
gested blood-vessels. In several many of the blood-corpuscles were
irregularly shaped. (Ibid.)
6. A number of experiments on rabbits showed much the same
phenomena. In one the largest part of the r. middle and 1. upper lung
was brown and hyperæmic, but not airless, as it swam in water.
In
this case the liver was nutmeg-coloured, the 1. kidney blackish-blue,
but yet showed no hyperæmia under the microscope. In one the con-
vulsions were so strong as to jerk the body, as it lay on its back, a few
inches from the ground. In this case the pupils were contracted. In
most of the other animals they were dilated. In this one the spinal
cord was softer than normal, and about the level of the middle dorsal
vertebra there was a dark blood-stain of about 1 in. on the anterior wall
of the spinal canal under the dura mater. In another case both brain
and spinal cord seemed softer than normal. In this case there were
hepatized spots in the lungs, which felt and cut like flesh and sank in
water. Yet another case showed softening of the spinal cord. One
rabbit showed on surface of brain and cerebellum many bright blood-
spots the size of a pin's head, and at the posterior border of the r.
lobe of cerebrum a large black firm blood-clot the size of half a bean.
This rabbit also had hepatized spots in lungs, and both kidneys were
!
ļ
PHOSPHORUS HYDROGENATUS.
605
dark blackish brown and hepatized. The urine showed, besides bladder
and kidney epithelium, a good many dark fibrinous cylinders, which
were granular on their surface. (Ibid.)
7. a. LIEDBECK applied to a wound in a dog's neck 3ss of granu-
lated Ph. The animal showed great distress and exhaustion, had dilated
pupils, refused food, and died on 8th d. Animals poisoned in this
manner are stated to have the blood darker and more fluid than natural,
the liver studded with minute specks of a lighter colour than the rest
of the organ, and the kidneys firmer and yellower than usual. Ramier
placed fragments of Ph. beneath the skin of frogs, rabbits, and guinea-
pigs. No local inflammation was excited, but in the case of the frogs
at least, which did not die for 2-3 weeks, liver and kidneys were found
to have undergone fatty degeneration.*
b. Pelletier and Godman have seen unmistakable evidence or the
aphrodisiac power of Ph.,—a drake, a bitch, and a boar being the sub-
jects of experiment.† (STILLÉ, op. cit.)
8. Fatty degeneration was found by Munk and Leyden in the
tissues of frogs and rabbits within 2 or 3 d. after giving Ph. In
Tamassia's experiments it was still more rapidly induced. He injected
3-6 gr. into the rectum of 4 animals (dogs or rabbits); toxic sym-
ptoms occurred in about 5 m., death in 8 h.-the temp. falling 8° F.
In all 4 the kidneys, and in 2 of them the liver also, were in a state of
fatty degeneration. (PHILLIPS, op. cit.)
2. In the livers of young rabbits the glycogen disappears in 1 d.
after the giving of 0.02-0.03 grm. of Ph. (NOTHNAGEL und Ross-
BACH, op. cit.)
Phosphorus hydrogenatus, phosphoretted hydrogen, phos-
phene, PH.
II. Poisonings.-I. Dr. BRENNAR, after inhaling the gas during 3 mo.
while preparing hypophosphites, noticed flickering points in his field of
vision, which rapidly enlarged, and in four weeks rendered it impossible
to fix his vision upon any object, especially in reading. At the same
time a diarrhoea developed, with weakness and unsteadiness of arms,
that gradually rendered it very difficult for him to write. The unsteadi-
ness of the lower extremities was associated with recurrent shooting
pains in them and in abdomen, and his gait became very tottering.
The teeth also, both healthy and carious, began to crumble, without
any pain. There was no headache or vertigo; no sensitiveness of
* "The fatty degeneration produced by Ph. appears to depend on a more rapid
splitting up of albuminous tissues, along with deficient oxidation. This was shown
by Voit and Bauer, who produced fatty degeneration of the organs by the admini-
stration of Ph. to dogs absolutely deprived of food, where the fat found after death
could neither have come from food nor from fat deposited in other parts of the body,
as that had all been absorbed before the drug had been commenced. It must there-
fore have been formed in situ from the decomposition of albuminous substances, and
these were shown to have split up more quickly than usual by the amount of urea
in the urine being increased, while oxidation was shown to have diminished by the
amount of oxygen absorbed and carbonic acid given off being lessened." (BRUNTON,
op. c. The investigations of Lebert and Wyss, Panum and Storch, gave similar
results.)
Several other facts of the same kind are given or cited by SORGE (op. cit.).
606
PHYSOSTIGMA.
spine, no disturbance of hearing or of the mental powers. At last
ataxia of muscles of articulation became apparent, so that it was neces-
sary to make strong voluntary effort to pronounce a wished-for word;
swallowing also became somewhat difficult. The patient exhibited a
complete picture of ataxia. He stood with extremities separated;
co-ordinated movement (as walking) was impossible; when eyes were
closed, patient would stagger and fall. There was no anesthesia of
skin or muscles; the electric irritability of the muscles was indeed
extraordinarily increased; there was also no muscular atrophy. The
optic nerve was extremely irritable; reflex optic symptoms could be
obtained not only through the trigeminus, but from nape of neck, from
lower angle of scapula, and often from upper arm. The auditory nerve
was normal, though showing some symptoms of hyperesthesia. Patient
gradually recovered under electricity. (Schmidt's Jahrb., cxxvii, 163;
from Allen.)
PHYSOSTIGMA.
Physostigma venenosum, Balfour. Calabar bean. Nat. Ord., Leguminosa.
I. Provings.-I. Dr. CHRISTISON ate of a bean one afternoon.
It produced only a slight pleasant feeling of numbness in limbs, like
that which precedes the sleep of opium or morphia, and which he
remarked when awake for a m. twice or thrice during n.
"On getting
up in m., I carefully chewed and swallowed twice as much, viz. 1 of a
seed (which originally weighed 48 gr.). A slight giddiness, which
occurred in 15 m., was ascribed to imagination, and I proceeded to
take a warm shower-bath,-which process, with the subsequent scrub-
bing, might take up 5 or 6 m. more. The giddiness was then very
decided, and was attended with the peculiar indescribable torpidity over
the whole frame which attends the action of opium and Indian hemp
in medicinal doses. Being now quite satisfied that I had got hold of
a very energetic poison, I took immediate means of getting quit of it,
by swallowing the shaving-water I had just been using, by which the
stomach was effectually emptied. Nevertheless, I presently became so
giddy, weak, and faint, that I was glad to lie down supine in bed.
The faintness continuing great, but without any uneasy feeling, I sent
for medical aid. Dr. Simpson reached me within 40 m. of my taking
the dose, and found me very prostrate and pale, heart and pulse
extremely feeble and tumultuously irregular,—my condition altogether
very like that induced by profuse flooding after delivery: my mental
faculties, however, were quite entire, and my only sensation one of
extreme but not unpleasant faintness. Dr. Simpson went to fetch Dr.
Maclagan, returning with him in a few m. During his absence, feel-
ing sick, I tried to raise myself on my elbow to vomit, but failed. I
made a second and more vigorous effort, but scarcely moved. At once
it struck me, 'This is not debility, but volition is inoperative.' In a
third effort I was more nearly successful; and in the fourth, by resolute
PHYSOSTIGMA.
607
exercise of the will, I did succeed. But I could not vomit; the abdo-
minal muscles acted too feebly, nor were they much aided by voluntary
effort to make them act. I then gave up the attempt; and at the same
time the sickness ceased, and it never returned. There were now
slight twitches across the pectoral muscles; and I also felt a sluggish-
ness of articulation. Dr. Maclagan, on his arrival, thought my state
very like the effects of an overdose of aconite; pulse and heart's action
very feeble, prostration great, but mental faculties unimpaired. I had
then no uneasy feeling of any kind; but presently my limbs became
chill, with a vague feeling of discomfort. Warmth to the feet soon
relieved this, and a sinapism over the whole abdomen was peculiarly
grateful when it began to act. Soon afterwards pulse improved in
volume, but not in regularity. I was now able to turn in bed, and
happening to get upon the 1. side, my attention was, for the first time,
directed to the extremely tumultuous action of the heart, which com-
pelled me to turn again on the back to escape the strange sensation.
Two h. after taking the drug I became drowsy, and slept for 2 h.
more; but the mind was so active all the while, that I was not con-
scious of having been asleep. On waking, the tumultuous action of
the heart continued. In an h. more, however, I took a cup of strong
coffee; after which I speedily felt an undefinable change within me,
and on examining the condition of the heart, I found it had become
perfectly regular. For the rest of the forenoon I felt too weak to care
to leave my bed; and on getting up, after a tolerable dinner, I was so
giddy as to be glad to betake myself to the sofa for the e. Next
m., after a sound sleep, I was quite well." (Pharm. Journ., xiv,
474. 1855.)
2. a. I ate 6 gr. of finely powdered kernel 2 h. after taking food.
Pulse during previous 15 m. was found to average 68. In 6 m. it rose
to 74, but thence fell gradually, till in 60 m. it was 62 only, and rather
feeble. At 19 m. there was peculiar feeling in epigastrium, which
recurred at 40 m. At 50 m. slight giddiness was felt, and epigastric
sensation was much increased: it now resembled the somewhat painful
sensation which is produced when large pieces of food are suddenly
swallowed; it recurred at intervals, at first slightly indicated by sensa-
tion in thorax, near upper sternum, which extends downwards, becom-
ing more and more intense till it reaches epigastrium, when it is almost
painful; then eructations of gas occur, and this is followed by a
reversal of the direction of the pain till it ends above. 60 m., dimness
of vision and giddiness, which at 65 m. had increased, with a little
perspiration. 70 m., pulse 60, very small and wiry, but regular;
nausea. 75 m., copious perspiration all over body; unable to continue
reading, especially because of dizziness; slight difficulty in walking.
80 m., pulse 60, thready, and difficult to count. 90 m., pulse 58;
slight dyspnoea. 95 m., pulse 59, very feeble, with occasional inter-
missions. 100 m., pulse 56; eructations without the epigastric sensa-
tion, considerable nausea, and dizziness. 110 m., great difficulty in
walking; breathing requires an effort. Pulse continued same till 130
m., when it was 60 and rather fuller. At 140 m. felt sick and went
to bed; was conscious of having remained awake for some time, in a
608
PHYSOSTIGMA.
dreamy state. Next m., felt uncomfortable, had bad appetite, and
experienced some dizziness during d.
b. Took 8 gr. with similar results. At 20 m. a dumb-bell, pre-
viously used with ease, was found a great burden; the arm was with
difficulty extended with it, and a steady erect position retained.
80 m. pulse was as low as 54.
At
C. Took 10 gr. Epigastric sensation came on violently at 3 m.,
and muscular weakness was experienced at 10 m. There was no
change in pulse till 20 m., when it began to diminish in frequency and
strength. General lassitude and dizziness, had to stop reading; pulse
soon afterwards could not be counted. In walking downstairs, great
dizziness and dimness of vision; progression and gait very unsteady;
encountered wall and handrail more than once on the way out.
d. Pulse averaging 70, took 10 m. of tinct. in water.
In 5 m.
pulse 76, and epigastric sensation. In 1 h. pulse 63, thready and
feeble; in 1h. 54. It continued 52-60 for 1 h. longer. (FRASer,
Edinb. Med. Journ., 1863.)
3. a. Dr. H. L. CHASE, in good health, took, Jan. 5th, 1865, at
II a.m., I gr. of 1st trit. In 15 m. sensation of contraction of lids,
with difficulty in opening them, and a gush of tears when they were
opened wide. Inh. dizziness and sense of wavering in brain, while
walking. Dryness and smarting of tip of tongue and lips all d. 6th.—
At 9 a.m. I gr. Tongue as yesterday. At 10 a.m. sense of contrac-
tion of whole 1. face, with slight numbness; effort required to keep 1.
eyelid open.
This lasted till n., with occasional severe pain in r.
upper jaw, like toothache, although all teeth on that side had been ex-
tracted.
b. Proving was suspended till June 12th, when, at 4 p.m., he took
3 gr. of same.
Within 15 m., same numbness, tingling, and smarting
of lips and tongue occurred, with constant desire to moisten them.
There was pain in side of jaw where there were teeth. Wavering in
brain not so marked as before. 14th, II a.m., 2 gr.
Same symptoms
of tongue; there was also sense of contraction in alæ nasi and upper
lip, with frequent desire to rub them, lasting about 20 m.
Then came
deep-seated pain in forehead, with desire to rub it; dizziness in
walking, effort of will being required to keep from staggering; sharp
darting pain in r. elbow, extending down outer arm to 2 middle fingers;
numb pain in knees and ankles while sitting, with desire to move fre-
quently. 15th. Took 3 gr. at 6.a.m. Tongue, after 20 m., as if
scalded; severe pressing pain in forehead, as though something hard
was bound tightly on it, accompanied by dizziness while walking,-
this lasted all forenoon, gradually subsiding; occasionally severe sharp
darting pain in r. malar bone and in ramus of r. jaw. Limbs felt
weary, as after great fatigue, with constant desire to move; difficulty
in concentrating thought; itching of 1. palm. 16th.-No medicine,
still some scalding sensation on 1. side of tongue; occasional sharp
pains in various parts. 17th.-3 gr. Nothing save tongue symptoms.
18th.-4 gr. at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. At 4 severe cramp-like pain in 1.
popliteal space, making walking very painful, lasting 2 h., then gradu-
ally passing off; during rest pain ceased, commenced again on motion,
PHYSOSTIGMA.
609
by continued motion relieved. Scalding of tongue continued 2 d.
longer, though surface looked well. Took several doses later, with-
out additional symptoms. (Publ. of Mass. Hom. Med. Soc., ii,
457.)
4. Dr. CULLIS, June 29th, 1865, at 10 p.m., took 2 gr. of 1st trit.
In 5 m. felt as if he had drunk a glass of liquor; head was confused,
there was vertigo, and legs lost their strength. He staggered like a
drunken man, and went to bed with head swimming; fell asleep, but
awoke repeatedly during n. with terrible thoughts; he feared he was
becoming crazy, and that he might get up and do some mischief;
dreamed he was a lion. At 4 he rose with soreness in 1. abdomen,
which was painful on pressure. At 8 head felt clear, but soreness in
bowels continued, becoming pain on moving about, and aggravated by
riding; it covered a spot as large as the palm, and continued 5 d. A
small boil then appeared inside r. nostril, very painful; pain extending
up to eye and r. side of head; it broke on 4th d., with but little dis-
charge. (Ibid.)
5. Same gave to a lady, æt. 30, nervous temp., health good, I gr.
of 1st trit. at 10.20 a.m. Inh. felt strange, indescribable sensation
throughout system. After dinner there came on heavy pain in back
under 1. shoulder, which, after continuing severe for an h., slowly
passed away. At n. strange dizziness, had to hold on to bedstead to
keep from falling. Next d. whole frame seemed loosened and power-
less; thoughts wandered, and she had difficulty in fixing attention.
The strange indescribable feeling continued several d. (Ibid.)
6. a. Dr. C. WESSELHOEFT, in good health, save for disposition to
headache after irregularities in diet, &c., June 9th, 1865, took 1 gr. of
3rd trit. at 8.30 a.m. 9, feeling of constriction around forehead and
temples, changing into oppressive pain over 1. orbit, which extended to
the other parts, very troublesome in reading. Sharp twinges in r. in-
step, and various twinging pains about body, for h. Slept well all n.
Next d. an attack of usual headache, but accompanied with extreme
desire to sleep, which was unprecedented. Repeated dose on 11th at
7 a.m.
Drowsiness all forenoon, even while driving, increased p.m.,
so that he slept soundly for 2 h., though in uncomfortable position.
Sleepiness continued for h. after this, while walking. 10 p.m., took
another gr., and slept well all n. (ordinarily a short nap in afternoon
will spoil night's rest). Woke at 6 a.m., and felt bright for 2 h.,
when he became sleepy again while driving, with dull pressure encir-
cling head, and dull weight along vertex, mostly 1. After a light
dinner, drowsiness became irresistible, and he slept some time. 12th,
3 p.m., another gr. Went to bed early and slept well; drowsy all
next d., until 2 h. work in garden had caused profuse perspiration; this
dispelled drowsiness in part, but he felt it slightly the d. after. 19th.-
Took 1 gr. at 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., and same next m., with no per-
ceptible effect.
b. 25th.-Took I gr. of 1st trit. at 10 a.m., and repeated dose n.
and m. till 28th. After taking first dose, feeling of constriction around
entire top of head, as if a tight cap were being pressed down as far as
temples; at same time severe pressure along sagittal suture, as if from
VOL. III.
39
610
PHYSOSTIGMA.
fulness in longitudinal sinus, and dull aching in each temple._Similar
effects occurred each n. and m. about 15 m. after dose. For two
mornings he was sleepy while riding; did not feel usual flow of spirits,
and conversed with effort. After dinner great drowsiness, which was
very difficult to shake off; desire for sleep was uncontrollable, and he
fell off to sleep so quickly that he was surprised, on waking, to find he
had slept. Hard exercise would remove this drowsiness. He slept as
well at n. as if he had not done so in afternoon. After last dose he felt
pressing from within outwards in vertex and temples, which lasted 5 h.
(Ibid.)
7. Same gave 6 similar doses to 3 ladies.
a. Mrs. P―, æt. 49, catamenia for 2 years irregular and profuse,
reports" June 16th, 1865, took I gr. at bedtime. At 3 a.m. 10-12
sharp darts of pain through r. thumb, at root of nail, and several weaker
ones through r. finger-joints. For rest of n. dragging pain on 1. hip
towards back. I slept, but was conscious of pain; in m. awoke free
from it. Took the medicine at 11 a.m.; 2, dull, heavy pain over 1.
hip, extending to back, which continued through afternoon and e., with
bearing down, as if courses would set in. Took 3rd dose at bedtime,
pain diminished gradually in n., and I slept soundly. After 5th powder
I felt irresistible drowsiness for a week, especially up to 2 p.m."
Menses did not come on till 30th.
b. Miss H. C, æt. 42, in good health, but had menses twice
only last year, and is a very heavy sleeper. She reports :-" From Ist
powder I perceived nothing unusual, save slight momentary pains in
various parts a few m. after. Later, a short attack of vomiting and
diarrhoea. From 2nd, nothing. From 3rd, slight twinging pains in
lower limbs. From 4th same, especially sharp in ankle. A former
pain in r. hypogastrium, which had now been absent for 2 years, re-
turned more troublesome than it usually had been. No further sym-
ptoms."
c. Mrs. N―, æt. 40, health perfect. "Six h. after 1st powder
felt drawing rheumatic pains through 1. shoulder.
After 3rd, very
unusual feeling,-drawing pain low in back and abdomen, with bearing
down, as if menses were coming, though it was a week before time.
After 4 h. all passed off, and menses came at right time." During
whole time of proving felt heavy and dull in head. (Ibid.)
8. a. Dr. H. B. CLARKE, æt. 38, health good, proved 1st trit.
June 20th, at 8.30 p.m., took 1 gr.; next m. sense of distension of
abdomen, with soreness. 21st. At 7 a.m., fasting, I gr. After
15 m., feeling of weakness passed down from occiput through back to
lower extremities; feeling in legs was like that known as being
"asleep." During fore part of d. (which was sultry) he had at times
a feeling of weakness, though there was uncommon mental activity.
22nd. Took 3 gr. at 7.30 a.m. In 15 m. feeling in legs like that of
yesterday, but sensation was less perceptible in back. (In e. colicky
pains with copious loose discharge from bowels. As this did not recur,
Dr. C is doubtful whether to ascribe it to drug).
Map
b. Five gr. on July 3rd, and 10 gr. on 11th, were without effect.
On 13th took 3 gr. at 8 a.m., fasting (last 2 doses had been taken
PHYSOSTIGMA.
611
later). Immediately, sensation as on June 21st, and slight exertion
caused lameness and weakness in small of back. (Ibid.)
9. Dr. WILLIAM P. WESSELHOEFT gave to a lady, æt. 35, "of a
very sensitive temperament," one dose of the 3rd trit. Symptoms
came on immediately and continued for 17 d., when they seemed still
in full force, though the narrative then stops abruptly. They are all
subjective, and can best be presented in the prover's own résumé:—
"The chief action of this medicine seems to me to be on the nerves ;
all the other symptoms have been entirely accessory and secondary.
And it seems to me, so far as I can judge, to have a very curious double
action on the nervous system. The nerves in front of the body it
appears to excite to an involuntary motion, causing tremblings going
up and down in wave-like motion. But the nerves at the back of the
body it seems to paralyse and numb, and during this numbing process
it causes a good deal of pain, very similar to the pain in a tooth when
its nerve is dying or being killed." (Trans. of Amer. Inst. of Hom.,
1874.)
10. Dr. W. E. PAYNE, æt. 58, health good, took, Feb. 12th, 1874,
10 gr. of 30th trit. at 7 a.m. 12, general sense of great fatigue, as
from long-continued labour, with fulness in forehead and tendency to
ache, especially on r. side; face hot, flushed and suffused, with feeling
as if change into a lower temperature would produce a chill; appetite
not so good as usual, with occasional nausea. Above symptoms con-
tinued during afternoon. 8 p.m., shooting pains in 1. iliac region; a
few thrusts with aching sensation down thigh of same side; dull heavy
ache still in forehead, more on r. 9, feeling as if undigested food were
lying in stomach; smarting and tingling in nose, as if cold were coming
on, with several sneezings; aching in wrist- and hand-joints, also in
knees. Had comfortable n. and felt well next m. 13th, 7.45 a.m.,
took 20 gr. of same, and breakfasted an h. later. 9, breathless sensa-
tion at pit of stomach, with hard feeling as of undigested food, dispo-
sition to make deep inspirations, coming and going momentarily; deep-
seated pain in head all d., aggravated by making a heavy or missed
step, as if the brain were bruised; fierce pains in r. lower jaw. Good
n.
14th.-Took 20 gr. at 8 a.m. An h. later breathless feeling re-
turned, with same sensation at pit of stomach; undefinable pain in r.
head, continuing same throughout d. Above symptoms passed away,
and no more medicine was taken till 17th, when at 7.30 a.m. he took
20 gr. more. 11.30, dull, heavy, bruise-like pain in whole brain, but
rather more severe in 1. temple, with sensation of general fatigue, con-
tinuing throughout d. till e., together with general sensitiveness to
cold or change of temperature. 6 p.m., a constrictive pain suddenly
seized 1. arm, extending around just above elbow. An h. later, similar
pain round 1. leg just above ankle. Both were transient. 7.30, shooting
pain under 1. knee in or near popliteal space, returning again and again,
as did pain above 1. ankle. On following d. symptoms had greatly
abated, though still of same character. (Ibid.)
11. Same gave to a married lady, æt. 35, 10 gr. of 30th trit.
sharp pains, first in 1. head and upper extremity, then in r.
She had
Their
612
PHYSOSTIGMA.
severity frightened her, and she declined to continue the proving. On
following d. she felt a hard pain in stomach. (Ibid.)
12. a. GALE ALLEN, medical student, in good health, took 20 gr.
of triturated bean, March 11th, 1876, at 7.30 a.m.
7.45, sensation as
of rush of blood to frontal and temporal regions. 8.30, slight nausea;
weight in stomach, as from undigested food; giddiness; sensation as if
brain were loose and rolling about in skull. 9, pulse variable, full and
strong; heavy pain in frontal region, worse from motion. 10.30,
burning sensation in stomach, with hot eructations; slight nausea
continues. 11.30, darting pains in epigastric region. 12, griping pain
in pit of stomach. I p.m., last-named and nausea still continue, with
giddiness. 2, darting pains in head; stomach still disturbed, and
nausea. 3.30, griping in epigastrium continues, also darting pains in
temples, worse from motion. 4.45, headache still; giddiness; nausea;
cold feeling all the time. 6, still griping, with soreness to pressure;
dull pain and disagreeable confused feeling in head, worse from motion.
12th.-Has felt epigastric pain all the time, except when asleep; sore
and stiff all over, as if he had taken a severe cold; seemingly rheu-
matic pains in 1. neck and shoulder (which he took aconite to relieve).
b. 19th.-Ten gr. of 3rd trit. at 6.30 a.m. 6.45, slight nausea ;
transient darting pains in frontal and temporal regions. 7, griping in
r. hypochondrium; fronto-temporal pain, worse from motion; deep
sighing. 7.30, head-pains still, with heavy feeling; pulse variable;
giddiness; nausea; resp. still sighing. 9, griping pains in stomach,
and great oppression; nausea and giddiness worse from motion, better
in open air; darting pains in r. hypochondrium; constriction of head,
as if a tight bandage were round it. II, soreness and transient pains
in epigastrium; soreness and pains as from rheumatism in 1. side of
neck; pulse variable; giddiness; stomach unsettled; sighing; feeling
of soreness in lumbar region. 2 p.m., transient pains in stomach, with
sense as of undigested food there; acute pain in 1. elbow, and darts of
pain from thence to 4th and 5th finger of same side (these pains seemed
to begin in 1. neck and extend to 1. leg; they were constant for
hours); epigastric region sore to pressure; giddiness with constricted
feeling of head. 3, still pains in head, stomach, and arm. 8, giddi-
ness has been constant. 9, some trouble in stomach continues; sore-
ness in lumbar region, with dull, heavy pains; a kind of paralysed
feeling in 1. side throughout. 20th.-Quiet n., but on waking 2 or 3
times felt darting pains in stomach and paralysed feeling in 1. side.
Urine now pale and copious; stool lumpy, mixed with watery dis-
charge; still soreness and pains in stomach. 10 p.m., during d. giddi-
ness and nausea; dull pain in head; heavy pains and soreness in lumbar
region; urine as in m. (Ibid.)
13. Dr. R. C. SMEDLEY took 5 gr. of 30th trit. once on Oct. 29th,
1873, and 3 times on 31st. No symptoms on these d., but on
Nov. 1st bowels, which had been somewhat costive, moved twice, and
appetite was diminished. Took same dose at 6 and 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
In forenoon sense of fulness and dull pain in transverse and descending
colon ; two soft stools after dinner, with same pain, and tenesmus,
also again in e. 2nd.-Five gr. at 6 and 11.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.
PHYSOSTIGMA.
613
+
!
Not much appetite; two soft stools after breakfast, with same pain;
drowsy in forenoon, head heavy and dull. Same evacuations and pains
after dinner; brain felt tired. Lay down and slept (which he is not
wont to do); dreamt that head was full, brain revolving upwards from
front to back, and that he was almost blind; after waking, brain felt
confused, numb or tired feeling in limbs, pulse accelerated. Same stool
and pain, with tenesmus (extending to bladder, as it did on previous e.),
and at 10 p.m. slight epistaxis. 3rd.-Headache in m., with epistaxis,
and same kind of stool after breakfast, with tenesmus of rectum and
bladder during and after it. At 6 a.m., 3 and 8 p.m., 10 gr. each time.
No symptoms except epistaxis while at supper; looseness ceased. On
4th took two doses of 10 gr., and on 5th and 6th two of 20 gr. each,
without effect. Same absence of result followed repeated doses of
10 gr. of 3rd from 8th to 15th, save that he was constipated during
days on which he took none, and freely but not loosely moved when he
recommenced it. (Ibid.)
14. Dr. HOUGHTON took dose of 3rd trit. at 8 p.m. In 1 h.
uncomfortable sensation in r. ear, felt inclined to bore in with finger;
then eructation, twice, each time causing sudden pain running from
throat along Eustachian tube to middle ear, leaving in latter a transient
stabbing. The desire to bore occurred repeatedly on several successive
evenings. Next d. felt pains in r. arm, as from hitting the nerve,
tingling, extending from elbow down ulnar surface and into 3rd finger;
repeatedly for 3 d. (Ibid.)
15. Miss S- took same. Headache across top of forehead, in-
creasing till she went to sleep at n. ; pain in r. wrist (deep in bone) as
if squeezed and gradually let go, also deep under r. shoulder-blade,
transient, while sitting, and in r. great toe. (Ibid.)
16. Dr. HERING gave a man, March 13th (1865), I gr. of 3rd
trit. at 5:30 p.m. Nothing following, he took 2 gr. at 8.20; in 5 m.
dull pain in 1. occiput, lasting 10 m. On 25th took several dr. of
tinct. Inh. heaviness in stomach; later, a stimulus, as he called it,
in neck and occiput, going through whole head till it reached eyes,
lasting an afternoon and e. Next d., sleepy, headachy, acted foolishly
and said he felt crazy, and also as if he had taken a cold.* Next d.
sick at stomach; prostrated; felt severely indisposed; had to lie down,
and wanted doors to be shut; pains in eyeballs. (Ibid.)
17. Dr. BERRIDGE induced a gentleman to prove Ph.
He took 5
gr. of powdered bean on retiring; slept well; woke with considerable
stiff pain in hepatic region posteriorly, tender on pressure and on first
moving; it went off after moving about a little. Disinclined for
breakfast, slight nausea; looked tired. 10.30 a.m., took 6 gr. Noon,
great languor; very distinct nausea in throat, and feeling as if he
would be sick. Tensive headache, brain and scalp felt tight; mental
work difficult; hands feel tremulous, as if he must make an effort to
keep them steady; in walking, feeling of unsteadiness from knees down-
*There is also noted on this day-" His eyes were worn as usual, the sight bad
all the time. Rather dull; clouds passing over the sun interrupt his walking." It
is not clear from this enigmatical statement whether the drug had anything to do
with the phenomena in question.-EDS.
614
PHYSOSTIGMA.
wards, so that he had to tread carefully, felt especially when eyes
were shut, he must look to where he is going; can see farther than usual
(he is naturally myopic), pupils contracted. On going out had to take
a stick to steady himself, and had feeling of weakness in ankles.
Determined exertion of will conquers the unsteadiness. In m. before
2nd dose, and lasting all d., noisy emission of flatus. P.m., whilst
walking, stiffness in both recti femoris. Enjoyed dinner at 1, but
could not eat much on account of the nausea; this was relieved by
lying, and he could eat a little more; after again resting, all symptoms
passed off. Next m., same pain in hepatic region, and also stupid
feeling in head. (Ibid.)
Ix
18.* a. R. W. STONE began, at 3 p.m. of April 3rd, 1873, to take
I gr. of 1, trit. hourly. 4th.-9 a.m., throat had become very sore,
with feeling as of a fishbone lodged in it; swallowing of saliva very
painful. At 8.30 p.m., violent and very unusual hiccough for 45 m.,
with great distress for breath. It was relieved at once by sleep, but on
waking at 2 a.m. it recurred for h.
b. On 6th, at 2 p.m., began to take 4 dr. of saturated solution
every h. 7, again painful constriction of throat, soreness felt all
through back of pharynx, with painful swallowing of saliva; by 10
throat had become quite dry. 7th.-11.30 a.m., benumbed sensation
of hands, very much increased by feeling pulse, which on r. side was
double the strength of that of 1. 4 p.m., pain and constriction of
throat continued, and small ulcers with yellow centres were seen on r.
side of pharynx behind tonsil; posterior nares also were dark red.
10th.-Throat very sore, very difficult to swallow, and examination
shows pharynx studded with small ulcers, especially on r. side, where
pain is greatest. Excessively nervous; cannot endure the pain. 12th,
-Though medicine has been discontinued for 2 or 3 d., throat sym-
ptoms continue, but less violent; examination shows uvula consider-
ably elongated. Sharp headache on r. side, transient.
S
c. On 14th, at 8 a.m., began taking every h. 1 gr. of 2x trit.
10 a.m., heavy, dull, and oppressive frontal headache, with peculiar
inability to express thoughts clearly and intelligently. 17th.-2 p.m.,
sudden and severe headache over r. eye, with pulsation felt in occiput.
3.45, severe muscular pains beneath clavicles, extending down inner
sides of both arms. 18th. At 2 p.m., took 5 gr., followed in 5 m.
by constriction of throat and dysphagia. During whole p.m. throat
was very sore, examination showing enlarged tonsils and elongated
uvula; swallowing or speaking was very painful, and posterior part of
tongue was tender to touch.
d. 23rd.-No more medicine having been taken, this m. took 30
dr. of saturated solution, followed in 10 m. by severe pain in both
mastoid processes. 24th.-At 8 a.m. repeated dose. 10 p.m., nausea
on lying down, though none had been felt before; throat constricted
as previously, but higher up. 25th.—7 a.m., throat very much con-
stricted, and great difficulty in eating, passing away before breakfast
* The provings 18-38 were made by students, under the superintendence of,
for 18—28, Dr. T. F. Allen, for 29-32, Dr. Hoyne, for 33—36, Dr. C. Wesselhoeft,
and for 37—39 Dr. A. K. Hills.
PHYSOSTIGMA.
615
was finished. Examination shows posterior superior portion of mouth
much injected. At 8.30, took 30 dr. more, followed by an all-gone
feeling along œsophagus, and headache, with, at 3 p.m., sense of great
debility. (Ibid.)
19. G. W. FLAGG took powder of 30th trit. one n., and next d.
and the following had a sharp attack of colic and diarrhoea, which,
however, he had had within a week previously, and which recurred.
more slightly, after 3 d. without symptoms, on 7th and 8th d. Nov.
22nd.-Feeling quite well, took a second powder in e. Rose on 23rd
with heavy aching head; it was better after rising, but at I p.m. was
heavy over 1. eye and extended to whole forehead; by 6 it was some-
what better, but eyes were sore and pained on moving them from side
to side. Had bad dreams and a restless n. On Dec. 5th, feeling
well, took a dose at 11 a.m. Some headache in e., with which also he
rose next m., and from noon till e. of 6th had persistent dull aching pain,
worse from motion or pressure, over 1. eye (pupils normal). No other
symptoms save sense of looseness of bowels. (Ibid.)
20. a. CHARLES E. ROWELL, May 6th, 1874, took at 5 p.m. a
powder of Ist trit. 7th.-Noise (a child crying) affects him, causing
lateral headache; mind wanders from study; bowels constipated;
amount of urine increased all d. At 7 p.m. repeated dose. 8th.-
Pupils contracted; no appetite; no stool to-day; urine more frequent
and copious, and contains mucus. Repeated dose at 7 p.m.
At 9,
lateral headache, which seems deep in brain. 9th.-Pupils contracted;
no stool, but urging to it. In e. throat very sore; tonsils and soft
palate dark red, with stinging pain. 10th.-Pupils still contracted;
throat less inflamed; no appetite or thirst; much urging and straining
to stool, but ineffectual. 6.30 p.m., headache in both temples, relieved
by supper. 11th.—7 a.m., large light yellow soft stool; repeated at
9. In e. intense lateral headache, relieved by food. Urine scanty to-d.
8.45, took large dose of 1st trit. 12th.-Repeated dose at 8.30 a.m.
and at noon. Soon after first, smarting of 1. tonsil, which looked
slightly inflamed; cough from tickling in throat; and twitching of
upper eyelid. In e. pupils very much contracted. 13th.-Large
light-yellow stool; pupils same; copious urine with mucus; twitching
of upper eyelid; back part of throat very sore in e. Bowels were
constipated next 2 d., and frequently moved on 2 d. following. On
15th increased flow of urine and lateral headache.
I
b. Nov. 6th-8th, took 4 powders of 30th, and, 11th-13th, same
of 3rd trit. without effect. Same result followed 4 doses of Ist. On 15th
began I trit., taking powder in e. and 3 next d. Had 3 stools on
1
16th, and great desire for cold water all e. 17th.-Took 3 doses.
Two stools. 18th.-Three doses. As yesterday. 19th.-One dose
at 6.30 a.m. Prover had been constipated for years, no operation.
without an enema; since proving began, desire for stool every n., and
copious evacuation every m., sometimes oftener.
c. Feb. 7th, at 9.20 p.m., took one powder of 1. Went to bed
Ih. earlier than usual, being so sleepy that he could not keep eyes
open. Slept an h. later than usual, and on rising passed unwonted
quantity of water. At 11 a.m. very copious stool. Tongue slightly
616
PHYSOSTIGMA.
coated, more heavily towards root. Three more stools came later in
d. No desire for drinking, even at meals, to-day. Food lay heavy on
stomach next d., and he continued for some time to have 2 or 3 yel-
lowish evacuations daily. (Ibid.)
21. Same gave to a friend a very large dose of 1st trit. in e.
Next
m. he reported lateral headache, with fear of opening his eyes lest it
should increase pain. Pupils were contracted, and there was slight
increase in flow of urine. (Ibid.)
22. W. W. FRENCH took, e. of Nov. 6th, a powder of 30th trit.
On waking next m. nausea and taste in mouth as of creosote, perspira-
tion over whole body, pain in umbilical region. Was relieved by
going out, but all excitement during d. brought on perspiration.
Repeated dose on e. of 14th and m. of 15th. 7 a.m. of latter, nausea,
bad taste in mouth, which is full of saliva; tongue feels rough to
touch; severe pain along transverse colon; drawing pain in r. iliac
region, relieved by lying on r. side, by pressure, by walking in open
air, and by eating, worse by lying on back or 1. side. 10.15, pain in
head over r. eye, dull and weary; profuse sweat on least exertion;
pulse slow. (Ibid.)
23. G. S. FARMER took 30th trit. at 5 p.m. on Nov. 6th and 7th.
No symptoms till 9 a.m. of 8th, when burning ache in forehead set in,
and continued till bedtime. 11, heaviness and weakness of limbs,
and general weariness of whole body; easily exhausted on going up-
stairs; burning spot in centre of forehead. I p.m., symptoms more
severe, with fulness in ears and stupid feeling in head, relieved by
closing eyes and keeping quiet, aggravated by mental activity and
exercise. 4, after an h.'s tenesmus, soft thin stool, followed by great
exhaustion. Violent hiccup, 5 to 8 p.m. Pupils dilated, and general
weakness over body. On 9th still weak and easily exhausted, but
other symptoms not so severe, and on 10th and 11th, save for weak-
ness, was as well as ever. On 12th took another dose, m., on rising.
Same headache, general weakness, and tenesmus with stool; with
these in e. hiccup for 2 h. 14th.-Great weakness and stupidity, feels
as if he had been out carousing previous n.; some headache, worse r.
side; eyes weak and sensitive; ears feel stopped; 3 light-coloured thin
stools. Weakness continued, but getting less, till 17th. (Ibid.)
24. P. N. CROSBY took dose of 30th trit., e. of Nov. 6th. Felt
nothing till e. of 7th, when he had dull pain in bowels with feeling of
looseness, and painful pressure on tympanum of each ear. Repeated
dose on 8th at 7.45 a.m. By 9 stupefying headache had come on,
worst over 1. eye; it continued till 6 p.m.; no other symptoms. On
10th took a third dose at 7.40 a.m., and feeling no effect, repeated it
at 6.40 p.m.
At n. very restless, not feeling satisfied in any position;
rumbling in bowels, and at 5 a.m. had a yellow stool with pain just
below navel. 11th.-At 5 p.m. took another dose (or possibly of 3rd;
see note to No. 22). 12th.-Pain in head, as before, commenced in
and grew worse till 10 p.m., when it began to subside; head was
at same time bathed in warm perspiration. Restless n., but woke
m.,
* Or, according to another statement, took 3rd trit. on these occasions.-EDS.
PHYSOSTIGMA.
617
quite well. 13th.-At 11.40 a.m. took a second powder. During
afternoon some headache, increasing towards e., but nearly gone by
bedtime; head felt strange and confused. Woke with it once more
about 3 a.m. (Ibid.)
25. J. P. W-, past middle age, took 3 doses of 30th at 24 h.
intervals. Six h. after 3rd (usual m. stool having occurred) had quite
a watery evacuation with pain in transverse colon extending through to
back; pain increased at n. so as frequently to wake him, and he had
constant desire to change from side to side; from 2 to 5 a.m. was wide
awake. There are also mentioned, but without note of time, head-
ache, neuralgic stitches in knees and arms, fulness of head, faint
feeling at times, and raw feeling of tongue, very disagreeable on
swallowing. On waking finally next m. very disagreeable feeling,
as though he had slept too soundly, with pain in r. head and neck, as
if latter was "stiff." In walking noticed 2 or 3 times, on raising
foot, momentary feeling as though he was floating upwards, and on
foot touching ground an unpleasant feeling, making a shuddering sen-
sation pass over him. Mind was disturbed and unsettled; he could
not concentrate it on his studies. For 5 d. inclination to looseness of
bowels and diminished appetite. (Ibid.)
26. Dr. THEODORE FOOTE took dose of 30th, Nov. 6th, at 8.15 p.m.
By 9.30 already felt great muscular prostration, as if he had taken a
five-mile walk. 7th.-Awoke with severe headache in forehead.
This, with the prostration, continued all d. and for part of 8th. The
pain (Dr. F— notes) was very severe, and never before experienced; he
F.
could not put his mind on anything, or recollect anything; it was mental
exhaustion, not confusion. (Ibid.)
27. J. M. DART took powder of 30th, Nov. 6th, at 8.10 p.m.
Before retiring had pricking and rumbling in transverse colon, and next
m. had a large diarrhoeic stool (he is ordinarily constipated), with
burning at anus, followed by sharp pains in stomach and bowels, at one
time also in 1. thigh and forefinger. 10.15, headache in 1. frontal
region, with sensation of heat in abdomen, and slight nausea. 4 p.m.,
headache has spread over whole head, with qualmishness and slight per-
spiration over body; very languid and dull, eyelids heavy. Headache
and qualmishness continued till bedtime; also next d., with lame
bruised feeling in region of kidneys. On 9th felt quite well, and on
10th, at 8 a.m., took another powder.* In e. rumbling and gurgling,
with heat in abdomen and slight colic pains. On 11th, after a restless
n., headache set in as before, with dull languid feeling and pain in region
of liver. It continued next d., and was very bad; irritable mood with
it, and he could not study for it. On walking he became excessively
tired, and could hardly get along; vision also grew misty. D- notes
that the two provings were alike, and that he never experienced such
symptoms before. (Ibid.)
28. L. L. BRAINARD took 4 doses of 30th without effect. Nov.
11th.-Took 3rd trit. at 5 p.m. 6, expansive sensation in top of head.
10, slight aching pain in 1. eye. 12th.-Awoke with aching pains in
* This may have been the 3rd.-Eds.
618
PHYSOSTIGMA.
whole brain, worst on 1. side; same at back of orbit, extending into
brain, worse on reading (so that he must stop), causing nausea; pulse
72, full; chills in paroxysms. A further dose on 14th, and one of Ist
trit. on 19th, produced no effect.
(Ibid.)
29. J. W. R— (a woman) took 3rd trit. at 3 p.m. N. restless;
pain in r. deltoid, only relieved by violent motion. On 2nd d. similar
pain in arm. N. again restless, and she woke with dull heavy head-
ache over eyes, which passed off on rising. Third n. again restless, and
on 4th d., e., felt soreness and pain at umbilicus, which on examina-
tion was found much inflamed. It continued thus 4-5 d., growing
less gradually. On June 15th took another dose. Felt nothing till
8
p.m., when there came on deep pain in muscles of r. forearm and
wrist; also pain with sharp stitches in ball of r. eye and in frontal
bone, with a distinct pain running obliquely into temporal bone.
16th.—Return, e., of pains in eye and arm; former relieved by motion
in open air. (Ibid.)
30. a. Dr. W. H. TITUS took gr. 1 of 3rd trit., m. Felt nothing
during d., but woke next m. with bad taste in mouth, teeth feeling
rough. While at church in forenoon was taken with chilly sensation
in back, and soon began to yawn and feel bad; joints felt bruised;
every movement and every draught of air made him shudder. Pulse
was 93, temp. 100°. Throat now began to be sore on r. side at small
spot; profuse salivation followed, and pain in top and forepart of head.
This increased till he had to lie down. He could readily count his
pulse by the carotids, and hear the two sounds of the heart as his head
lay on the pillow. Soon began to have backache, which kept him
restless all n.; pain seemed in region of kidneys, and he passed large
quantities of colourless urine. No position favoured pain in back, but
head was relieved when he sat up in bed; strong pressure also relieved,
and walking, but this he had not strength to continue long. Next d.
pain in bowels, which seemed distended with gas; darting pains in
joints, more in legs than arms, extending up into body; felt great
anxiety about friends at home, could not get them out of his mind;
could sit up only a short time, when he would be compelled to lie down
again, on account of pain in bowels; pain in knees when he flexed
them; throat still sore on r. side; urine profuse and very clear. On
4th d. noticed 1. eye red and swollen; submaxillary gland was tender
and tumefied. Pain and flushing of face on rising from sitting posi-
tion; strong-smelling sweat about genitals, prepuce tender and swollen,
with a number of small vesicles on glans penis, causing burning-itching
sensation (these disappeared in 48 h.). Petechial eruption on back and
arm, size of fleabites; darting pains about body; tongue coated white,
with oily feel and bad taste; curious feeling in face, extending to neck,
like cramp,-at time when this was worst 1. hand became quite numb,
and it bothered him to hold anything. By next d. all troublesome sym-
ptoms had passed off, and he began to have good appetite-this having
quite failed during proving.
b. Took 3 more doses in Jan., and again in Feb., with same sym-
ptoms, but less well-marked (there was no eruption). (Ibid.)
31. A. P. McDONALD, Dec. 29th, at 7 a.m., took dose of 30th.
PHYSOSTIGMA.
619
6.30 p.m., severe pains in r. eyeball, darting from within outwards,
relieved by pressure on eye, continuing at intervals till 10, when they
seemed to shift to supra-orbital ridge, and continued so till about 12.
30th.-On rising same pains in both eyes; they went off after break-
fast, but returned in 1. eye when he sat down to study in e. ; relief from
movement. 31st.-Frequent paroxysms of twitching in vastus externus
(lower 3rd), coming on every time he sat down during d. On Jan. 16th
took another dose without effect. ( (Ibid.)
1.
32. W. H. WILLIAM took 30th at 2 p.m. At noon of following
d. chilliness in r. back; vomiting of acrid fluid; slow digestion; con-
tinued yawning, with drowsy feeling all d. ; severe colicky pains in l.
abdomen; neuralgic pain in r. face; dull pain in both temples, with
pressing outwards in frontal region. Next d. head felt as if falling for-
ward; vertigo; he stumbles on going up or down stairs; sharp pain in
supra-orbital region, running off towards nose. Back very weak, unable
to stand erect; dull pain in it, with almost constant desire to urinate,
passing large quantities of reddish urine; oppressed breathing. Back
continued weak for another d. (Ibid.)
-
33.*
* Mrs. NICHOLS took I gr. of 30th at 3 p.m. one Monday.
In 15 m. brassy taste and increased saliva, which continued rest of d.
In e. cough from tickling in throat. Tuesday.-Had slept better than
for 6 mo. before.
Took I gr.
Felt quite exhilarated during m., very
gloomy towards noon. At I took another gr. 3, felt as though
stomach swelled, continuing rest of d. 4, hard sore pain in splenic
descending to inguinal region and across hypogastrium, quite severe and
increased by motion. In e. pain was so severe it caused her to extend
legs. Took 2 gr. before retiring. Slept soundly. Wednesday.-
Took I gr. in m.
Had bad taste all d.; paroxysms of burning in
palms; soreness in 1. side and hypogastric region, hurting her to stand.
4 p.m., took 1 gr. Tongue felt sore on tip and rough; throat full
stomach pressed; sore pain in spleen for 2 h.; eyes smart, lids sore.
In e., hammering in r. ear, while external ear felt as though hot air
were blowing on it. Took another gr. before going to bed, and
another on Thursday m. While writing, pain in r. ear; tongue dry,
rough, and sore. P.m., pain at l. of sacrum. This last felt on Friday
m., and headache Friday e. and Saturday m. No symptoms after-
wards. (Ibid.)
;
E
34. C. S. COLLINS took I gr. of 3rd trit. Monday e. After 3 h.
dull pain in region of heart, lasting nearly 1 h. On Tuesday m. I gr.
10 a.m., pain in back of neck reaching to first dorsal vertebra.
pressure on top of head; hot cheeks; eyes suffused with tears. 9,
took I gr. On Wednesday repeated dose at 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
3 p.m. very sleepy, hardly able to keep awake, until relieved by sleep.
On Thursday m. awoke with stitches in 1. breast, and unable to draw
long breath. This continued all d., and was so uncomfortable that
no more medicine was taken. On Friday pain was gone. (Ibid.)
At
35. L. Kennedy. On 2nd d. after beginning 3rd trit. slight con-
traction in region of stomach. On 3rd d. this feeling was more plainly
* These provings (33—36) represent the only results obtained from 14 students
taking the 3rd trit. and 6 taking the 30th.
620
PHYSOSTIGMA.
marked, continuing 4 or 5 d., attended with dull pain in 1. side and fore-
part of head, not relieved by food. Appetite as usual. Symptoms
began to diminish on 6th d. and had disappeared by 8th. (Ibid.)
36. Mr. DILLINGHAM took 3rd trit. for 4 d. (Jan. 8th-12th),
and notes following results :-Pain over r. eye all e. of 8th ; dull heavy
headache in forehead before rising on 12th. Bright marks when
looking at an object; dark yellowish spots on book when reading,
covering one or two of the letters. Singing in ears, like escaping steam,
after lying down at n. Nose stuffed and hot (8th). Face flushed and
red (9th). Smarting of end of tongue; it feels as if burnt by hot
liquid. Hunger, but can find nothing to satisfy it (12th); food has a
Aat taste. Stool irregular and loose; anus sore, disposed to protrude
(as if from relaxed sphincter); return of piles, which have not troubled
him for 3 years. Frequent desire to urinate, often ineffectual. Can-
not fill 1. lung, as inspiration causes dull pain in its apex, relieved by
pressure; stitches under inferior angles of scapulæ during expiration;
slight constant inclination to cough from filling lungs. Cramp-like
stitches up and down spine; stiffness of 1. neck. Wrists feel weak,
dull aching pain in them; hands first cold, then hot and red. Numb-
ness in 1. foot. Unduly profound sleep. Perspires very easily. Pulse,
normally 60-65, during proving was 74-83, at first full and strong,
then weak. (Ibid.)
37. A woman took powder of 30th, Oct. 25th, at 11 p.m. Next
m. in church had dull temporo-frontal aching in fits, with tension of
skin of nose and forehead. Felt little of it during d., but again at
church in e. it came on, preceded by dizziness in passing people, and
accompanied by nausea, heat in face and down back, with chilliness of
legs, and lasted till bedtime. 27th.-While taking m. bath sudden
stiff neck, r. side, which lasted badly all d., involving ear, shoulder, and
even chest of same side. 28th.-Stiffness almost gone, but headache
recurred from 1 to 6 p.m., with great sleepiness, and hung about her
for 2 or 3 d. more. (Ibid.)
38. Miss GRIFFITH took powder of 30th on Oct. 21st. Next d.
increased secretion of urine, with bruised sore feeling in renal region;
reluctance to take ordinary bath and discomfort after it. (Fresh sym-
ptoms, at length of some severity, occurred from 24th to 26th; but as
on 27th "fever blisters" on upper lip are noted, they were probably of
idiopathic origin.-EDS.) (Ibid.)
39. H. A. W., woman, took same one n., and next m. woke with
headache like that of No. 37, including skin tension, but with more fulness
and arterial throbbing. P.m. there were attacks of sharp darting pain
in r. parietal eminence, lasting 1 or 2 m., and leaving sore bruised feeling.
Headache hung about her also for some time, relieved by mental appli-
cation, worse when walking out of doors. On 2nd d. great aversion
to cold bath, and severe aching in r. glutei; on 3rd d. same about r.
scapula. (Ibid.)
40. Dr. HENRY G. TODD took 25 dr. of tinct. every 15-20 m.
till he had taken 200 dr. in 24 h. This produced a very marked
sensation of languor and indisposition to move; but by an effort of will
his muscles were as fully under his control as before. No contraction
PHYSOSTIGMA.
621
of pupil was discernible, and pulse remained without change. (Phil.
Med. and Surg. Reporter, Jan., 1873.)
41. When extract is applied to eyeball, it immediately causes copious
secretion of tears, and in about 5 m. distinct contraction of pupil, con-
fined to side of application. In about 30 m. pupil has become a mere
speck, but still retains a certain degree of mobility. It continues in this
state for 12-14 h., but in some degree for (it may be) 5—6 d. Slight
headache and dimness of vision, with myopia, in affected side are almost
always produced, but these only continue for 1-2 h., at commence-
ment of the action. When extract is applied to edges and outer surface
of lids, partial immobility of these is induced. (FRASER, loc. cit.)
42. Dr. ARGYLL ROBERTSON digested 30 gr. of bean in alcohol and
evaporated, dissolving residue in 3j of water. One minim of this solu-
tion (=gr. j of bean) was dropped into eye. In 10 m., objects distant
more than one foot were dim and indistinct; all objects seemed nearer
and larger; pupil unchanged. In 20 m., pupil I line in diameter
(normally 2 lines); objects distant more than 9 in. are dim ; all objects
seem one-half larger and nearer. In 30 m., pupil line (other pupil
2 lines); no distinct vision beyond 8 in. In 70 m., pupil line. On
reading, heaviness and fatigue of eye; using it otherwise caused dull
aching and heaviness; it felt strained. In a subsequent experiment,
concave 8 enabled him to see at a distance, but not nearer than 5 in.
(Ed. Med. Journ., iii, 815.)
43. a. I touched my 1. lower lid at 5.5 p.m. with a strong solution.
(My eyes are alike in optical power, and in all respects normal. Pupils
had a diameter of rather more than a line.) In 5 m. I experienced a
decided tight feeling, referable pretty accurately to the ciliary region of
that eye, as if something were creeping about in it. 5.15, this con-
tinued, with occasional rather sharp pains at same place. Attempt
to read with both eyes instantly increased this pain, and type was con-
fused. In 13 m. near point of 1. eye (Jaeger No. 1) was at 6 in., that
of r. eye being 15 in. Type looked rather smaller with r. eye than
with 1. Far point seemed as before in either eye. In 20 m. I could
see Jaeger 17 at 15 feet, but with 1. eye with remarkable oscillation in
distinctness, now clearly, now the reverse, which coincided with the
sensations present, as if ciliary muscle was undergoing irregular con-
tractions. L. pupil was now observed to have become rather suddenly
contracted to size of a large pin's head. This contraction continued
to the full amount for 18 h., then gradually relaxed during about 3 d.,
after which it was like its fellow. With the sudden contraction came
also a sudden twilight gloom, as of an eclipse of the sun. This lessened
after a while, as the retina became accustomed to its reduced quantity
of light. In 25 m., pupil being extremely small, astigmatism was noted.
The vertical bars of a window were seen clear and sharp at 6-10 feet,
the horizontal bars within the same range having thin edges, slightly
hazy, but rendered clear by a concave cylindrical glass of 14 in. focus
suitably placed. Distant objects, seen by 1. eye through a concave
spherical glass of 50 in. focus, were very decidedly diminished in size.
In 30 m. near point by No. 1 of Jaeger was for 1. eye at 6 in., for r. eye
only at 10 in. (not nearer or further off), and even at this distance
622
PHYSOSTIGMA.
indistinct; whereas with 1. eye letters were crisp and clear. With 1.
eye near point for vertical lines was at 8 in., for horizontal lines at
6; with r. it was at 11 and 7½ in. respectively.
b. Strained feeling of 1. eye was less after h., but did not quite
cease till next m. The attempt to read continued somewhat painful
all e., and even next d. both eyes were somewhat uneasy in sustained
vision of near objects, with both eyes or either of them. After 18 h.
both eyes were alike as to accommodation, and in both near point for
vertical and horizontal lines was I in. nearer than natural. At 24 feet
each eye could read No. 18 of Jaeger, only the letters were more
defined with the 1., and looked rather smaller. (BOWMAN, Med. Times
and Gaz., 1863.)
41. On carefully watching the progress of the myosis, the iris is
seen to contract convulsively with little jerks or twitches, very small
and rapid. While iris was under influence of drug it was at all stages
sensitive to light, i. e. it would contract still more from sudden strong
light,-which shows sensibility of retina to be unaffected. The
myosis lasts 2-4 d., and after it has passed off there is usually slight
mydriasis for several d., especially in m.; this seems to depend on a
kind of fatigue of the sphincter, which passes off during the d. under
the reflex stimulus of light. The action on accommodation consists
in the approximation of the far point and also of the near point. This,
also, does not usually progress steadily, but by spasms or jerks, just as
the pupil contracts. The far point is approximated sooner than the
near point. If a very weak sol. is used, so that the accommodation is
not markedly affected, we find that on attempting to use binocular
vision, as in reading, there is pain, blurring, and straining, so that one
eye must be closed (relieved by using a weak concave glass). It seems
as though the ordinary will-impulse caused too great an action of the
accommodation. The affection of accommodation lasts a much shorter
time than does the myosis. The approximation of the near point lasts
much longer than that of the far point. Visual acuteness often sinks
to one-half the normal under its use; letters seem in constant motion,
and can only be seen at a large visual angle. One observer could
bring his vision to perfect clearness, but only with very great and
painful exertion. The circulation in the fundus of the ball is not
affected. Towards end of myotic action there is experienced a painful
tension, partly in the equator of the ball, partly in the ciliary region;
sometimes, also, there are nervous achings in the whole ball, which ex-
tend along the supra-orbital nerves and over half the head. (v. Graefe,
Arch. f. Ophth., ix, 3, 112. 1863.)
S
1
42.. C. K—, æt. 29, who 4 years previously had lost the whole of
the r. iris by an accident, but whose accommodation was still consider-
able, had strong extract of calabar instilled into eye at 2.58 p.m. This
caused slight smarting in conjunctival sac for 1 m.-3 p.m. Myopia,
near point 5½", A reduced to. The myopia after this gradually in-
creased, and the near point diminished slightly. 3.20 p.m., M increased
to, near point 5", A reduced to. The sharpness of vision
diminished to . 3.30 p.m., the myopia had reached its extreme
degree, viz., the near point 43″, accommodation, vision at dis-
10
SAR
PHYSOSTIGMA.
623
1
24)
tance very indistinct. 3.42 p.m., accommodation remains the same,
myopia begins to diminish. 3.45 p.m., M, A 1. 3.50 p.m.,
M, A more than .
M
4.12 p.m.,
near point 5″, A
nearly 4.50 p.m., M, near point 5", A normal, i. e. After
this the refraction disturbances declined, and were all gone in 1 h.
(Ibid.)
43. Dr. SHARP rubbed over his eye and temple mixtures of 2 dr.
of tinct. to 8 of water, and 4 dr. of tinct. to 4 of water, without appre-
ciable effect on pupil. When 5 dr. of tinct. to 5 of water were em-
ployed, a slight, and when a drop of pure tincture was rubbed in, a
decided, dilatation was soon noticed. When 10 dr. of pure tinct.
were used, after about an h. pupil became very much contracted.
(Essays on Medicine, p. 771.)
II. Poisonings.-I. A woman chewed and swallowed a piece, about
the size of a green pea.
A very few m. thereafter she felt sickish, and
had the feeling as if a ball were coming up to the throat. She went
out, and felt stupid and giddy as she walked along, with sensation of
great feebleness over whole body, rendering progression a matter of
difficulty. (MACLAREN, from Fraser, loc. cit.)
2. A young man ate a whole bean. Inh. he complained of
violent epigastric oppression, inclination to vomit, and attacks of faint-
ness. After copious draughts of water and mechanical irritation, he
produced vomiting, with great retching, followed by collapse, with
cold sweat in drops over whole body, and complete muscular relaxation,
with continued fibrillary twitchings of the muscles. Pulse was small
and frequent; pupils not contracted; vision not affected; conscious-
ness perfect. (LINDEN, Petersb. Med. Zeit., vi, 244. 1864.)
3. Two boys, æt. 6 and 3 respectively, broke a bean (weighing 65
gr.) in pieces, and swallowed these between them. At 7 p.m. the
parents saw them playing with the beans. At 7.45 they entered the
house. The younger child's head drooped listlessly, his eyes looked
"sleepy-like," his hands were powerless. He staggered, and was
scarcely able to walk. He complained of severe pain in epigastric
region, and asked to be put to bed. His pupils were slightly contracted,
his pulse feeble and slow, and he appeared thoroughly prostrate. A
small dose of ipecacuanha wine was administered, and then some luke-
warm water. He vomited freely, and four pieces of the nut were
found in the vomited matter. Of the other boy, his father stated that
"his eyes were working," or, as his mother said, "as if the nerves
were upon him."
He complained of severe pain in umbilical region;
looked sleepy, listless, and depressed; and wished to go to bed. In a
few m. copious vomiting ensued. He was so feeble as to be unable
completely to eject the vomited matter, and a neighbour, on putting his
finger in his mouth, removed 4 or 5 pieces of the nut. He then
requested to be taken to the closet, but could neither stand nor walk.
He was freely purged. Face was pale, eyes heavy, pupils and pulse
natural. On the d. following the children complained of sickness and
declined their food. On the 3rd d. they were quite well. (YOUNG,
Ed. Med. Journ., x, 192.)
4. A crowd of children ate of beans found among sweepings of a
624
PHYSOSTIGMA.
ship from Africa. Forty-six of them were brought to Southern Hos-
pital (Liverpool). Their most prominent symptom was loss of mus-
cular power, and a state of prostration, characterised by feeble slow
pulse, cold perspiring skin, and cold extremities. Vomiting was present
in nearly all the cases, and diarrhoea in of them. Pain like that of
colic was said to have been felt at the commencement of the illness,
but subsequently there was a remarkable freedom from suffering. In
a proportion, not stated, the pupils were contracted; in one case
they were observed to be contracted during sleep, but dilated when
patient was aroused. In no case was there any form of convulsion.
Only one case proved fatal, and that was a boy of 7 already weakened
by phthisis, and who was stated to have eaten 6 beans on an empty
stomach. He staggered as he walked, and then fell, kicking and
rolling as if in pain, but afterwards became quiet. He could not hold
up his head, and complained of a heavy weight at chest. His pupils
were not contracted. He was much purged; pulse barely perceptible;
respiration rattling; skin cold and face livid. He was quite conscious,
and able to swallow water. Directly after drinking he died without a
struggle, some froth at the time issuing from nose and mouth. On dis-
section the body presented no peculiar appearances belonging to the
poisoning, except a fluid condition of the blood, which also distended
the heart, whose muscular substance was very flaccid. The mucous
membrane of the stomach was of a pale pink colour. (Med. Times and
Gaz., 1864, ii, 406.)
III. Experiments on animals.-1. a. After a small fatal dose a
slight tremor seizes the animal, beginning posteriorly and advancing
forwards. The posterior limbs soon grow powerless, next the anterior
extremities, and then the trunk, till muscular movement ceases, and
the whole frame becomes limp and flaccid. The bowels and bladder
are often evacuated, and the pupils generally contract.
At this stage
all reflex action of the cord is destroyed. Respiration grows stertorous
in inspiration as well as expiration, and also slow and irregular. Con-
sciousness is preserved as long as life lasts, and while paralysis remains
incomplete signs of sensibility may be elicited. Immediately after
death the pupils dilate. After death the muscles are found unaffected;
they contract when cut, and respond to the irritation of their nerves.
The heart continues to beat the usual time after death, its parts ceasing
to contract in their regular order. The intestines exhibit their
vermicular action. The large veins of the thorax are distended, as well
as those upon the surface of the brain; the lungs, liver, and kidneys are
engorged; cord normal.
b. After a large fatal dose, death occurs sooner, and the symptoms
follow each other in quicker succession, but they are substantially the
same. After a very large dose, death may be almost instantaneous, and
it appears to be due to syncope; for when the body is opened, the heart
is motionless, dilated, and flaccid, and contracts but languidly on
stimulation. The vermicular movements of the intestines are also
more sluggish. (FRASER, loc. cit..)
2. A great number of other experiments have been made upon the
lower animals. Their results are on the whole so uniform that it
PHYTOLACCA.
625
seems needless to present them separately; and the following may be
stated as the result:
a. The normal poisonous action of the bean is to cause speedy
general paralysis, and death from failure of respiration-consciousness
being unaffected. The seat of the paralysis is the spinal cord itself, the
vital properties of the nerve-trunks and muscles being found intact.
Reflex action is abolished, and also sensibility so far as pain is con-
cerned; but tactile impressions are perceived, and the muscular sense
seems perfect. The muscles themselves are the seat of tremors and
fibrillary contractions of a very persistent character, which seem due to
a direct action of the drug upon them. In those of the involuntary
class this excitation goes on to active movements, so that stomach,
bowels and bladder expel their contents with frequency, the intestines
being often twisted up in knots. All the secretions-sweat, tears,
saliva, fæces, urine-are somewhat increased.
M
b. In moderate doses the bean simply retards the heart's action,
not regularly, but by prolonging the diastole, in which-when fatal
poisoning is induced-the organ stops. The retardation seems due to
an exaltation of the inhibitory power of the terminal extremities (not
of the central origin) of the vagi. It is accompanied by heightened
arterial tension, and the power of the heart is not diminished. But a
larger dose perceptibly weakens the cardiac impulse, and a very large
one may paralyze the organ at once.
PHYTOLACCA.
Phytolacca decandra, L. Poke. Nat. Ord., Phytolaccaceæ.
I. Provings.- KUMMER (1835) proved tinct. of root, leaves, and flowers,
taking 5 doses of 15-60 dr. Pressing pain in r. side of throat; occasional shocks
of pain in region of heart, and, as soon as this ceases, a similar pain appears in r. arın;
drawing pain in r. hand, now and then by shocks, upwards to elbow; rheumatic pain
in 1. hand, then in r. (2 d.); in end of 1. thumb shooting like needles; similar sensa-
tions in legs and feet. (HERING, Mat. Med., vol. i.)
2. GEIST (1835) proved tinct. of root (manner not stated). Shooting pains in r.
ear, very quick; disposition to bite teeth together; mouth fills with water. (Ibid.)
3. BAUER (1835-7) observed following symptoms from triturating root, and from
dilutions up to 3rd :-Vertigo with dimness of vision; dull feeling in head; dull pain
in forehead; pressure in forehead after dinner, most in glabella; pressure in temples
and over eyes; heaviness in head, especially in temples; drawing pain in r. temple;
slight pain in forepart of head, with increased sense of hearing. Sensation in eyes
like that caused by horse-radish; pressure in eyes; feeling in eyes and nose as if a
cold would come on, continues all d.; pressure around eyes in afternoon as if eyes
were too large. A painless tumour which he had under 1. ear became red and
painful; a pustule behind r. ear; a small boil behind r. ear, which appeared 4 weeks
before and was healed, returned and suppurated, discharging blood and matter.
Drawing sensation about root of nose; cold in the head, r. nostril stopped during
whole d. and next m. Heat in face after dinner; face turns pale; very peculiar
pressure and tension in parotids for several d. Eruption on upper lip under nose, 1.
side, forms a crust; irresistible desire to bite teeth together; shooting pains in molar
teeth of upper and lower jaws of r. side, in one who never suffered with toothache
before. Taste like nuts in mouth; flow of saliva into mouth; saliva yellowish, and
has a metallic taste; two small ulcers on inside of r. cheek, like those caused by mer-
cury, so painful that he must chew on 1. side. Unpleasant sensation of dryness in
VOL. III.
40
626
PHYTOLACCA.
pharynx towards m., which makes him cough; roughness in pharynx; sensation in
throat like that caused by eating choke-pears. Raging appetite; hungry soon after
eating, several d. in succession; eructations with spitting of water. Cutting pain in
pit of stomach and abdomen; violent pressure in stomach on waking in m., with
accumulation of water in mouth, disappears after rising, the same next m,
Violent dull
pressing pain in spleen in e., so that he cannot remain in sitting posture, he lies on
painful side all n., and the pain is gone next m.
gone next m. Griping pain in abdomen like that
before diarrhoea; griping all d. long, followed by passage of offensive flatus, the
griping disappears in n.; cutting in abdomen; rumbling noise in abdomen. Hard
stools; continual inclination to go to stool; 3 stools during d., first hard and pre-
ceded by griping, others with pains moving about abdomen, 2 d. in succession;
mushy stool. Gurgling sensation in prostate gland, repeated p.m. Hardness of a
gland r. side of neck; sensation of weight and pressure on both shoulder-blades as
after carrying heavy loads, lasting several d.; a lasting pain on 1. shoulder-blade, as
if from a blow; occasional sensation as if a small piece of cold iron was pressed on
the painful shoulder-blade; painful boil on 1. side of back. Slight drawing pains in
r. upper arm; rheumatic drawing in r. forearm,-in 1. along ulna, and same sensa.
tion in r. leg; rheumatic feeling in r. little finger, very annoying when writing;
shooting in finger-joints, sometimes one hand, sometimes the other; occasional fre-
quent sudden pricking in points of fingers as if from electric sparks. Rheumatic
feeling in 1. knee, with sensation of shortening of tendons behind knee when
walking; heaviness in knee-joints, tired from a little walk; pain in spot on balls of
toes of r. foot, which had been frostbitten years before, and in a corn never painful
before; free sweating of feet, most under toes; heaviness in lower extremities as if
they were asleep, p.m. Drowsiness; restless sleep at n., he lies on his stomach.
(Ibid.)
4. JEANES (1846) took 1x-4x dil. of a tinct. from root, leaves, and blossoms,
4 dr. on sugar at 2 p.m. (how often repeated is not stated). Aching pains through.
out head; pain in 1. region of "combativeness;" pain in 1. temple, followed by
burning in skin in 1. region of " time." Increased long-sightedness; after discon-
tinuing medicine was less long-sighted than before; great dimness of sight for several
d.; smarting in 1. eye; sandy feeling in eyes; itching at internal canthi, very severe,
which caused application of finger to rub the eye, ball very painful from the slight
pressure; pain just above eyebrows, with sickness of stomach, pain increased by
looking down and by stooping. Irritation extending from posterior fauces into one
Eustachian tube. Taste bitter at first, but leaving slight feeling of smarting and
coldness towards tip of tongue. General soreness in posterior fauces, and apparent
extension into one of Eustachian tubes; great dryness of throat. Eructation of
flatus; feeling of sickness as if he would vomit. Pain in region of pylorus. Tick-
ling in 1. side of larynx with hacking cough, aching pain in r. breast, and great
dryness of throat. Pain throughout muscles of 1. shoulder; pain at humeral inser-
tion of 1. deltoid. (Ibid.)*
5. E. M. SMITH. (Manner of proving unknown.) Dull, steady, aching pain,
principally in forehead; shooting pain in top of head, which passes off and returns
at intervals; heavy aching pain about forehead after dinner. Photophobia in m.;
burning and smarting in 1. eye, with great flow of tears; sensation as if a grain of
sand lodged under 1. eyelid, causing flow of tears from that eye, lasting 15 d.; sore-
ness on closing eyelids; flow of tears from eyes all the time, relieved in open air;
reddish-blue swelling of eyelids, worse on 1. side and in m., cannot shut eye without
pain whole forenoon, better p.m.; agglutination of eyelids during n.; many sym-
ptoms
felt a month after taking medicine, especially on shutting lids at n.
flow of liquid mucus from one nostril while other is stopped, as in coryza. Tender-
ness and heat in roof of mouth and on tongue. Throat feels dry and sore, especially
while swallowing, p.m.; dryness of throat on going to bed; soreness of throat, and
sensation when swallowing saliva as if a lump had formed there-same sensation felt
on turning head to 1. side; sore-throat and swelling of uvula in m., with thick white
and yellow mucus about fauces, after removal of which throat felt better, and still
better after breakfast. Appetite not so good as usual. Pain in r. chest, so bad after
of
eyes
A
* This and the four following provings appeared originally in the 2nd vol, of the
Trans. of the Amer, Institute of Homœopathy.
PHYTOLACCA.
627
midnight as to prevent sleep, worse by lying on r. side, after getting up in m. it
passed off almost entirely; pain in r. side of chest, in region of nipple, passing
through to back, felt on deep inspiration and on bending shoulder backwards, better
p.m. Stiffness in r. side of neck, worse in bed after midnight. (Ibid.)
6. NEIDHARD took 10 dr. of 10x dil. Increased cheerfulness of mind. Slight pain
in tuberosities of forehead. Catarrhal inflammation of eyes; coryza and cough, with
redness of eyes and lachrymation, photophobia, feeling of sand in eyes, with soreness
and burning, Dryness in throat, worse m. and e. (Ibid.)
7. WILLIAMSON. (Manner of proving unknown.) One-sided headache; pain
in region of "time
and "mirthfulness," r. side; shooting pain from 1. eye to top
of head; sore pain over head, worse on r. side and in damp weather, as if attack of
sick headache were impending; sensation of soreness in interior of head, deep in
brain; headache from walking; moving, transitory pains in various parts of head,
almost constant for 10 d., generally one side at a time, but more frequently and most
severe on r. side. Smarting in internal canthi of both eyes, but worse in 1., and much
aggravated by gas-light in e. ; aching pain along lower half of orbit. Pain in both
ears, worse in r.
Discharge of mucus from one nostril at a time, sometimes one,
sometimes the other. Heat and redness about face and head, with sense of fulness,
coldness of feet at same time. Dryness of palate in m.; sensation of dryness of spot
in fauces 1. side, in m., till after breakfast; dryness of throat, worse in m. The usual
appetite remaining, notwithstanding nausea of stomach. Sickly feeling in stomach
sickness of stomach, accompanying headache; nausea on waking from sleep at n.
Digging pain in r. hypochondrium, in upper and outer portion of liver, preventing
motion, at 2 p.m. and every m. before daylight for 10 d. afterwards, some soreness
remaining p.m. and e. ; cannot lie on 1. side after midnight on account of penetrating
pain in r. hypochondrium. Boring pain p.m. to 1. and a little above umbilicus,
lasting but few m.; deep-seated but not severe pain in 1. iliac region. Diarrhoea,
attended with sickly feeling in bowels, but no tormina or tenesmus, evidently kept up
by increased action of liver and redundancy of bile, copious discharges of bile from
bowels. Dry bronchial cough, with sensation of roughness and slight increase of
heat in trachea and bronchi. Rheumatic pain in r. knee p.m., increasing in
increasing in open air
and especially on a damp d.; coldness of feet, with increase of the capillary circula-
tion about face and head. (Ibid.)
;
''
8. KITCHEN took 4 dr. of 1, Jan. 6th and 10 dr. on 7th; 20 dr. of 2x on 10th
and 40 dr. on 20th. Painful pressure on forehead and upper parts of eyes; slight
constriction across forehead; slight fulness of forehead with constant gaping; neu-
ralgic pain in 1. groin; in middle of n. neuralgic pain shooting from anus and lower
rectum along perinæum to middle of penis, followed in a few m. by same in r. big
toe; constrictive feeling at præcordia, with pressure on temples; lancinating pains in
1. little and ring fingers; neuralgic pain in outer part of r. thigh. (Ibid.)
·
9. RHEES. (Manner of proving unknown.*) On waking in m. sense of entire
indifference to life and disgust for business of d.; pain in vertex and sensation as if
brain were bruised, when stepping from a high step to ground; sense of obstruction
in 1. Eustachian tube, with rushing sound in ear of same side and feeling as if hearing
were dull (whereas it is fully sensitive); total obstruction of nose, only when riding,
obliging breathing through mouth, not relieved by blowing nose; pit of stomach
tender to touch; tenderness of muscles of chest, as if they were bruised; dull aching
and tenderness along top of r. shoulder, along upper edge of trapezius, increasing by
pressure and by contracting muscle; dull aching and excessive tenderness, as from a
bruise, in outer muscles of r. upper arm, most severe about 2 in. above elbow, felt
particularly on pressure and during extension of arm,-in 1. tenderness at corre-
sponding spot, similarly excited; twitching and fluttering in muscles of r. upper arm,
while limb rests on a table. (Ibid.)
10. Dr. BURT proved both P. and its "concentrated preparation
phytolaccin, but in manner unknown. The following results are
>>
"
* In Hering's chronological list of sources we have "1835-7, Bauer, C. Hering;"
and in the information he gives as to provers, &c., "C. Hering proved the tincture
from the root." In the actual pathogenesis, however, we have no symptoms from
him, but there are a number from Rhees, who is not mentioned in the above lists.
Possibly, therefore, Hering may have proved on his person (see Alumen, I, 2).
628
PHYTOLACCA.
reported :-Dull heavy frontal headache (a constant symptom); sharp
shooting pain in r. temple. Great smarting in eyes and lids (constant);
dull heavy aching pains in eyeballs, aggravated by motion, light, and
especially by reading; sensation as if there was a feather over the light;
lids agglutinated every m. Tongue feels rough, with blisters on both
sides, and very red tip; great pain in root of tongue when swallowing;
teeth all ache and are very sore, and feel elongated; metallic taste in
mouth. Great dryness of throat; roughness in pharynx (constant);
sensation as of a lump, as if something had lodged, in throat, causing
constant inclination to swallow; great congestion and swelling of soft
palate and tonsils, r. tonsil half as large again as 1., and both very dark
red; great heat from fauces down œsophagus; constant choking sen-
sation, and so much pain for 2 d. that he could only swallow liquids.
Eructations of air, or of some fluid; great distress in stomach and
bowels; pains at cardiac end of stomach, aggravated by full inspiration
and by walking; nausea with very faint feeling, with severe pain in
umbilical region; slight nausea with profuse and easy vomiting,
followed by much prostration. Constant dull pain in umbilical region,
worse by motion, severe colicky pains there, or burning distress;
abdomen very tender on pressure, and pains severely on walking;
stools of various kinds, sometimes with straining; pain in 1. hypo-
chondrium when walking; hiccup wth great inclination to vomit.
Urine at first diminished, afterwards increased; it remained acid, but
became decidedly albuminous, with increased sp. gr.; bottle con-
taining it became lined with white deposit, about in. thick.
Severe pains between scapula when walking; constant dull heavy pain
in lumbo-sacral region, aggravated by motion; back stiff every m.
Arms ache; ends of fingers all throb and ache, as if they were going
to suppurate (for 3 d.); legs ache and feel very stiff about knees, worse
on walking, which he did with difficulty. (HALE, New Remedies,
2nd ed.)
1
16
II.
11. a. Aug. 15th, 1864, Dr. H. B. FELLOWs put 10 dr. of satu-
rated tinct. of dry root in zij of water, and took a tenth part about 1 h.
before dinner. Ślight fulness in throat was only symptom experienced.
16th.-Swallowed about twice as much of same preparation about 1 h.
before breakfast. Again fulness of fauces and upper larynx, with
sensation as of a lid there, which lasted till after noon. 17th.-Put
3 dr. into 3j of water, and took half about II a.m. Some fulness
followed, with disposition to hawk; whilst riding, 1 h. later, aching
in pyloric region, gradually working up into chest of same side. During
n. very restless, though suffering no pain; could not get to sleep till
late. 18th.-During forenoon severe headache, which began soon
after breakfast, sometimes in whole head, sometimes in temples or
occiput only, when in temples accompanied by slight vertigo. Walking
or riding increased it, walking most. L. shoulder ached for some time
about noon; towards e., whilst riding, laming pain began in 1. back,
below scapula, which by 9.30 had reached spine, and was pricking and
stitching. In n. woke with lameness in l. side, near heart, with much
nervous restlessness; could not get to sleep again for a long while;
lameness was felt whenever he moved, and especially during expiration.
PHYTOLACCA.
629
These pains in chest appeared occasionally for some time after. During
proving, mind was gloomy and more than usually irritable.
b. Nov. 4th, took 12 pellets of Ist dil. (from green root) at
11.30 a.m. In a few m., smarting in fauces. At 5 p.m. headache in
vertex, beginning while riding, motion increased pain and caused
vertigo, pain lasted till he went to sleep at n.; forearms ached after
going to bed, pain seemed in bones, and was uninfluenced by position.
5th.-Stinging pain in 1. instep, relieved by pressure. 6th.-About
11 a.m. feeling of weight in head and vertigo began; heavy feeling
extended down through shoulders and chest, and later in d. through
legs. 7th.-Took 15 pellets of same at 10 a.m. While riding in fore-
noon sense of plug in throat, not relieved by hawking, later replaced by
increased discharge of mucus from posterior nares, which was tenacious,
and continually excited disposition to expel it. I p.m., striking pain in
ball of 1. foot for about h., then heavy aching in head, with vertigo
and indisposition to mental exertion. From noon till n. feeling of
general lassitude.
c. 14th.—Since last date sticking stinging pains in various parts of
extremities, from without inwards, but not very deep. Took 8 dr. of
1st dil. at 9.45 a.m., and started on ride immediately afterwards. Soon
heaviness of head came on, accompanied by feeling at back of tongue
as if burnt, sensation of throat being so full that it felt choked, followed
by much hawking and raising of mucus. Sense of fulness and as if
something had lodged on 1. side of throat came on after bending head
forward in writing, and was aggravated by turning it to 1. Regurgita-
tion of food through e. and until I went to sleep; feeling of weakness
at stomach, causing frequent yawning, attended by stitching pain
through part. Itching on 1. calf, afterwards on r., with, later, a liche-
noid eruption. Itching lasted 2-3 weeks, always worse first part of
n. (Ibid.)
12. Dr. A. V. MARSHALL, in perfect health, pulse 80, took tinct.,
10 dr. at 9 a.m., 20 at 11, 30 at 12, and 60 at 2 and 9. After 2 o'clock
dose felt dryness of larynx, and sensation as if trachea was strongly
grasped. These feelings grew worse in e., and after last dose there
was added heaviness at top of head. On 2nd d. awoke with stiffness
about neck, tonsils sore and somewhat swollen, profuse saliva, dryness.
in trachea, dry cough. Took 3ss at 8 a.m., 3iij at 3, and ziv at 6 p.m.
After 2nd dose pressure at top of head, lasting an h. After 3rd, head-
ache, very dry cough, sense of dryness in lower trachea and upper
bronchi, redness and soreness of throat, tonsils swollen; pulse 84, at
which rate it continued throughout proving. 3rd d.-At 6 took 3iij,
and at 11 a.m. ziv. Slight headache all d.; dryness of trachea, dry
cough, without relief; heat in stomach after taking drug; at noon
sharp pains running up each spermatic cord; profuse saliva each d.
4th d.-Took ziij at 8 a.m., 3iv at 12 and 2. In m. hard grinding
pain shooting up both spermatic cords; for last 2 d. urine double in
quantity and clear as water; throat dry, sore, rough, and red all the time;
hoarseness at times but not continually; saliva profuse; metallic taste
in mouth; cough dry, with but little expectoration. 5th d.-Took
ziv at 7 a.m., ziij at 2 p.m. Same symptoms as yesterday. 6th d.—
630
PHYTOLACCA.
Symptoms declining. Continued soreness of spermatic cords, instead
of paroxysmal pains experienced on preceding days.
preceding days. A white coating
on tongue, which appeared 3rd d., still persists. 7th d.-No trace of
drug disease remaining. (Ibid.)
13. Dr. E. COOLEY took, March 1st, 1869, at 4 p.m., 5 gr. of
powdered root. 6, pain and pressure in temples, pain and suffocating
feeling in throat and lungs; cough, with expectoration of tough mucus.
8, severe pain in temples; much coryza; feeling in throat as though it
was burned; severe pain in r. lung; feeling as though he were breathing
through a sponge; almost constant expectoration of tough mucus.
Restless through n., with pains in knees, arms, and chest; pain in fore-
head and temples very severe, with feeling of lassitude. 2nd.-7 a.m.,
felt sore all over, from head to foot; pain in temples and forehead, in
lungs, and in transverse colon; pulse hard and full. II, all symptoms,
save pain in bowels, somewhat aggravated; pain in back of neck,
running down spine, in upper jaw, and in teeth. 3 p.m., pressure in
head, as if it would burst; rheumatic feeling in all joints; pulse 110, full
but soft; slight nausea most of the time. By 10 most of the symptoms
were subsiding. 3rd.-At 8 a.m., 10 gr. II, pain in temples with
pressure outwards; pain and suffocation in lungs, throat, and fauces;
severe coryza; pain in upper jaw and 1. lung; heat in head with
slight dizziness and nausea; tongue coated yellow and dry; pain in
loins and diminished urine. From this point symptoms began to abate.
(Trans. of N. Y. State Hom. Med. Soc., 1870, p. 332.)
14. Dr. W. M. WILLIAMSON, Nov. 26th, 1870, about 5 p.m.,
chewed and swallowed juice of a small piece of fresh fleshy root.
5.30, general disturbed feeling in stomach, with dulness of head,
increasing till 6.30. Went home, feeling better immediately upon
going into open air. On then sitting down to tea unpleasant feelings
in head and stomach returned, and he could eat nothing. 8.15, these
symptoms nearly gone; dry sensation in upper pharynx; disposition
to hawk and clear throat, without affording relief; sensation in r.
nostril as if tickled with a stiff feather. 27th.-9 a.m., dryness and
hawking continue, several small pieces of tough sticky mucus raised;
smarting and stinging in nostril. After riding, 10-1, in an open
carriage sensations in throat and nose almost entirely gone, but they
returned after being in a waim room about 2 h. Had 3 natural stools
this d., very unusual. 28th.-All symptoms gone. (Trans. of Penns.
Hom. Med. Soc., 1870-1, p. 179.)
II. Poisonings.—1. Dr. W. WARREN chewed 3 or 4 gr. of a freshly
gathered root about 3 p.m., and another gr. or two an h. later, swal-
lowing only the juice. At 4.30 felt dull pressing pain in forehead,
with slight nausea, cool sweat on forehead, and sense of weakness.
Took a meal with usual appetite. Nausea and headache, somewhat
relieved by eating, soon returned with increased severity, and at 5.35
he began to vomit ingesta at intervals of 10-15 m. Nausea hereby
relieved, but pain in forehead increased; dull bruised pain in occiput;
constant flow from mouth of thick, ropy, tenacious saliva. 6.20,
vomited an acrid substance, which caused sense of scraping and
excoriation in throat; cool perspiration, especially on forehead and
PHYTOLACCA.
631
hands; great muscular debility and lassitude, with desire to lie down.
7, continued acrid vomiting, in intervals empty retching; muscular
weakness increasing; dull pain through whole head; rawness in throat;
all symptoms worse on motion and in open air save headache, which
air relieved. 7.35, same; vertigo and dimness of vision set in, and
increased; warm water and coffee were both rejected. Went to bed,
which relieved all symptoms save sore-throat and salivation; sleep rest-
less, disturbed during first half of n. by scraping and tickling in throat,
which occasioned frequent disposition to cough. Next m. lassitude and
indisposition to move; sense of rawness and scraping in throat and
tonsils, as if something were lodged at root of tongue; feeling of
intoxication and weakness on rising and moving about; appetite at
breakfast fair, all symptoms relieved by eating. His countenance
looked sickly; sclerotics and face of dark yellow colour; bruised and
sore feeling at pit of stomach, with pain there. He gradually improved,
and by 4th d. was quite well. (N. Y. Trans., 1865, p. 324.)
2. Dr. BAHRENBURG ate small portion of root, about size of cherry,
and gave some to several friends, about noon. Soon after, all who had
eaten it began to vomit. Matter ejected was first aliment and then
a dark bilious substance, which came away freely. Purging now set
in, and continued, with considerable griping and cranips, all p.m.,
vomiting also occurring every 15—20 m. Towards e. all were con-
fined to bed; extremities cold, pulse very low, eyes deeply sunk in
orbits, vomiting and purging still continuing. Some black coffee was
taken, and after this vomiting ceased, but purging (painless) continued.
All passed a restless n., with some fever and considerable thirst; but
next m. all dangerous symptoms had passed off. They felt very weak,
especially in abdomen, with little or no appetite, for several d., during
which the diarrhoea continued. (HALE, op. cit.)
3. Feb. 19th, 1865, at 8 a.m. I was called to a deaf and dumb boy,
æt. 6, who had swallowed an h. or so previously 1-2 drachms of tinct.
of P. His extremities were stiff, hands firmly closed, feet extended and
toes flexed; eyes bleared and dancing; pupils contracted; lower lip
drawn down; teeth clenched; general muscular rigidity and opis-
thotonos; pulse 85, soft; breathing difficult and oppressed, mucous
râles audible throughout room. A messenger was despatched for
cupping case and mustard. During his absence (1 h.) muscular
rigidity increased generally; chin was intermittently drawn down to
sternum and relaxed again. Cold had been applied to scalp; and he
was now cupped freely over temples and upper spine, with sinapism on
neck and sternum, a stream of water being allowed to flow gently upon
head. After an h. of this symptoms began to abate, and by noon jaws
had so relaxed that he could drink a cup of milk. He then slept 20-
25 m.; on waking, slight jerking and twitching of muscles, especially
of legs. He made signs indicating pain in back of head and stomach.
Cold water applications were continued, and at 4 he again fell asleep,
and remained so for 1 h. The distressing symptoms had now almost
disappeared, and next m. he was up and frolicsome, though sore and
somewhat stiffened. There was no vomiting or purging, and urine
was retained for 10 h. (GRIGGS, in Ibid.)
Jewis
632
PHYTOLACCA.
""
4. I was called, Sept. 25th, 1865, to see a boy of 8, suffering
intensely, from cause unknown. I found him in great agony, saying
that his stomach was (C
pinched together; there was nausea and
violent vomiting. He acknowledged to having eaten a number of
poke-berries, and their seeds and skin were found in the egesta. His
throat felt sore and dry; fauces were congested and of dark colour,
tonsils a little swollen. After vomiting ceased he had severe purging;
stools were dark brown, and thin; there was severe pain in stomach
on pressure, causing him to cry out. Vomiting and purging stopped
h. after my seeing him. He afterwards complained of slight nausea ;
burning griping pains in umbilical region; dimness of vision; tongue
coated white, and spasmodic jerkings of arms and legs. He was put
to bed and slept well during n., and next m. was well as ever.
LEE, in Ibid.)
(C. H.
5. a. A woman, æt. 45, sanguine and robust, had had good health
till a year ago, when she was laid up with rheumatism, followed by
anasarca, &c.
She was ill several months, but finally recovered,
resumed active duties, and was to all appearance well save for a slight
pain in r. hip. A month later I was called to see her, and found her
suffering intensely with pains in the joints, and in the bones of face
and head,--suffering from which was so intense that she had not slept
for nights. In addition, she was covered from scalp to soles with an
eruption the like of which I never beheld. It consisted of erythematous
blotches, of irregular shape, slightly elevated, of a pale red or pink
colour, very sore and painful, itching slightly only on desquamation,
but too sore to allow of any scratching for relief, and terminating in a
dark red or purple spot,-taking about 30 d. for each spot to pass
through its stages, and the same time for the whole to advance from
head to feet, so that it could be seen at one place or other in all stages
of its development. There was no fever, or swelling save in face, and
appetite was good. On examination I found “nodes at the painful
spots. Syphilis was absolutely excluded, and no mercury had been
taken; but inquiry elicited the fact that about a month before she had
been induced to take a "blood-purifying remedy," consisting of a pint
of whiskey with 3 oz. of poke-root in it. Of this she had taken a
"swallow" three times a d. until I was called.
رو
b. I made her discontinue the drug, and gave mercurius solubilis, 3x
trit., which relieved the sleeplessness at once and finally also the pains.
The eruption, however, grew worse rather than better, and even
invaded the conjunctiva and the mucous membrane of nose and mouth.
After 3 mo. it had left the external surface, but was visible on fauces
and pharynx. (GRASMUCK, in Ibid., 4th ed., vol. i. Dr. G~— men-
tions that in a similar case a severe rheumatism of 1. shoulder was
induced, but gives no particulars.)
6. A family, consisting of father, mother, and three girls of 6-12,
were poisoned by eating poke-root grated with horse-radish. The
following symptoms were observed:-Dread of movement; dulness,
giddiness, and vertigo; semi-stupor, falls asleep immediately after a
paroxysm of cramping has ceased; pains in forehead, worse after
eating; sense of soreness in interior of head; headache with sickness at
PHYTOLACCA.
·633
stomach, coldness in head; pallor of face, which looked blue and
suffering; dryness of fauces; throat very dry, rough, and sore, with
feeling of a lump therein; constant thirst; violent vomiting of clotted
blood and slime, with retching, intense pain, and desire for death to
relieve; violent cramps, vomiting, coldness, and diarrhoea, with most
intense distress at stomach ( h.); cutting, tearing, straining pains in
stomach, followed by soreness to pressure; griping in abdomen, as
before and after diarrhoea; bearing-down pains; continued inclination
to go to stool, with much straining; diarrhoea with sickly feeling in
bowels; copious discharges of blood, mucus, and what looked like
scrapings of intestines; involuntary stools, from straining, which con-
tinued even in sleep; weakness, pain and soreness in region of kidneys;
straining to pass water; involuntary straining and hæmorrhage per
vaginam; uterine pains, returning at intervals for 2 d., uterus could
be felt contracting under hand (woman was in 7th mo. of pregnancy,
and came near having a miscarriage); intense griping pain in small of
back; cramps in lower extremities, muscles gathered into great knots,
hard and rigid, coming and going suddenly, followed by drowsiness
and stupor, even full sleep, muscles left flaccid and sore; great coldness
and withered appearance of extremities, they felt like those of a
corpse; whole body cold. (W. L. GILMAN, in Hering.)
7. A medical man dug up, in season for obtaining it, a root as
large as his fist, and on his return began slicing it up. Being inter-
rupted by a call, it was 2 h. ere he had finished job. In course of
another h. eyes became much inflamed, and tears flowed continually;
they were relieved by going into open air. He also felt general weak-
ness and discomfort. Next m. eyes were agglutinated and cedematous,
as if poisoned; and he had fluent coryza. This state of eyes and nose
lasted about 2 d. After it had passed off he had a diarrhoea which
recurred 3 m. The dejections were very abundant, and did not cease
until they became almost watery; they came on at 1-2 a.m., and
lasted until after breakfast; flatus was abundant. There was no loss
of appetite and no pain. (Besides inhaling emanations, Dr. took
a few dr. from macerating jar before much of the virtue had been
extracted.) (HALE, 2nd ed.)
8. A druggist pulverised dry root. Soon after he felt burning
sensation in nose; then dryness of throat, soon becoming soreness;
thin, watery discharge from nostrils, increasing till nose became
stuffed; headache, commencing in frontal region and extending back;
dysphagia, even for water, every attempt to swallow was attended with
excruciating shooting pains through both ears; saliva increased; diffi-
culty of breathing, inability to breathe through nostrils; pulse over 100;
vertigo. Dyspnoea being so great, he took 3j of sweet spirits of nitre
with 3ij of liq. ammoniæ acetatis, which so relieved him that in 1 h.
nearly all the symptoms had vanished. (J. LESTER KEEP, M.D., in
Ibid.)
9. Last month I was called to attend ten young women who were
all employed in one of our wholesale drug houses. They were engaged
in packing the ground or powdered drugs. For some d. past a large
quantity of poke-root was ground up-the fine dust filling the room
634
PLANTAGO.
and being inhaled by the girls. They all presented the same symptoms,
with but slight variation:-Intense headache; eyes much inflamed,
red, with flow of hot tears; throat red, tonsils swollen, painful to
swallow; constant irritated feeling in throat, producing desire to
cough, worse from exposure to cold air and better in the warm room
and after going to bed; tendency for the cough to produce nausea;
nose sore, with profuse acrid watery discharge; no appetite; food
inclined to produce pain in stomach; tongue much coated and feels as
if scalded; slight diarrhoea in two cases, in others no special effect on
bowels; menses suppressed in 4 cases, it had never been delayed before
with them. The irritation of trachea and larynx persisted in some of
the cases for 10 d., but in the others lasted only until 7th d. (Dr. W.
ST. JOHN HARRIS; communicated.)
III. Experiments on animals.—1. When given to animals in large
doses it produces vomiting, purging, bloody stools, perspiration, drowsi-
ness or stupor, cough, tremors, convulsive movements, increased
urination, and distension of abdomen. The flesh of wild pigeons and
other birds which eat the berries acquires a highly red colour and
disagreeable flavour, and is destitute of adipose substance. (SCHULTZ,
in Hering.)
·
2. Dr. BURT experimented on animals—manner not stated.
Effects mentioned as observed are-many convulsive symptoms;
nausea and violent vomiting; vomiting of worms. P.M., trachea and
lungs filled with mucus; stomach highly congested at base, as also
colon and rectum, liver and kidneys. (HALE, op. cit., 1st ed.)
PLANTAGO.
Plantago major, L. Greater plantain. Nat. Ord., Plantaginaceæ.
I. Provings.—1. Dr. FRESTIER proved tinct. of whole plant.
a. He took, one m. at 7.30, 1 dr. in water. During d. griping with (inodorous)
flatus. A little after retiring to rest at n. was suddenly wakened by urgent call to
stool, of quite unprecedented intensity. Passed matter at first soft, then liquid, with
smarting and fresh tenesmus; also itching in urethra and much borborygmus.
After 3 h. sleep awoke with repetition of same in every particular, and the same
thing occurred at 6.30 a.m. During d. he had 3 more stools, at 10 a.m., 7 and
8
p.m., followed by great weakness.
b. Some weeks later repeated dose at 7 a.m. At 11, griping and very soft
stool. Craving for food not long after déjeuner, making him anticipate hour of
dinner. For rest of d. slight borborygmus, dryness of throat, thirst, and no further
appetite for food. After a good n. sudden waking with desire for stool, as before ;
stool loose, without tenesmus; slight smarting along urethra during passage of
urine; nausea alternating with desire for food; eructations with odour of rotten
eggs (he had eaten none). He had 3 more stools at hourly intervals, quite liquid,
without smarting or tenesmus, but showing numerous albuminoid flakes, like those
of cholera. At 9.30 p.m., after somewhat tiring mental work, lassitude followed by
general heat, pulse 100, moderate headache. An h. later, after a 7th evacuation in
all respects like the others, there was great decline of fever and return of appetite.
Next d. still some evidence of action in shape of 2 soft grey stools. (Bull. de la Soc.
Méd. Hom, de France, ii, 397.)
2. a. Mr. A. HEATH, Nov. 9th, 1866, took 12 dr. of 12th dil., and repeated same
on 11th. On 12th, severe headache over 1. eye and side of head, with great irrita-
PLANTAGO.
635
tion; cannot bear being spoken to. 16th.-Took 6 dr. of 6th dil. On waking in
m. of 18th, violent bruised sort of headache over scalp and back of head; was
unable to rest long in one place on pillow; relief for a time by resting on part in
pain. On 21st repeated dose. [Nothing noted till 24th, when a long list of sym.
ptoms is recorded, which continued to be observed, with variations, during the next
six weeks. On Jan. 8th he reports, "All symptoms relieved or gone;
23rd and 30th another batch is given, and here the narrative suddenly stops.]
},
but on
b. June 13th, 1867, took 20 dr. of 2nd dil. 14th.-8 a.m., slight discharge of
bright blood in the stool, no pain. 9, pain over 1. eyebrow and deep in scalp, a
bruised dull aching, relieved by shutting eye; irritable feeling in head, with soreness
of eyes; transient drawing pain under r. breast; inclination to diarrhoea; feeling of
nausea ; coldness and shivering. 10.45, repeated dose. 12, shivering; felt very
cold. 1 p.m., inclination to diarrhoea, with cutting pain under navel; diarrhoea
with discharge of bright blood, and painful urging as if gut would protrude.
[Remainder of record of this proving has been lost.]
c. June 25th, e., took 6 dr. of tinct., and repeated dose at 8.40 next m. 9,
huskiness in throat, with accumulation of very tenacious phlegm; unable to clear
throat, with slight sore, burning feeling. 10, bruised feeling, with fulness, in both
temples; feeling of suppressed irritability. 1.30, violent griping in bowels, causing
perspiration, and diarrhoeic stool, brown, fermented, frothy, with urging. 27th.-
At 11 a.m., 5 dr. 28th.-Awoke with huskiness and soreness in throat, with raw-
ness and irritation; difficulty of clearing throat; feeling as if he had taken cold.
9.30, very sharp, sudden, griping-drawing pain at 1. of navel, causing him to cry out.
I
d. Oct. 1st, at 12.30 p.m., took 20 dr. of 12th dil. 2nd. On waking, feeling
of rawness in throat as if he had taken cold. 11.30, sudden discharge of yellowish
water from r. nostril, repeated twice within h.; great soreness and tenderness of
navel, as if ulcerated, cannot bear contact of clothes; feeling of irritation in forehead;
impatient to get anything finished. At n. repeated dose. 3rd.—9 a.m., inclination
to diarrhoea, with slight hypogastric cutting. At n, repeated dose. 5th.-In m.
awoke with aching in loins, worse on movement; 1.-sided headache, mostly in
temple, and bruised sensation. By midday this feeling had spread over whole
head, pain extending to top of nose; great irritability, cannot bear to be spoken to ;
neuralgic pain in r. face; nausea, with inclination to diarrhoea; cold sweat at bottom
of back; chilly feeling, with flushed face; sense of swelling about head; least noise
seems to go through him. Bad taste and odour of breath in m.; pain in head was
relieved by pressure for a few seconds, or by contact with anything cold. Feeling
in throat as of a slight swelling deep down on r. side. 6th.-Still slight headache
and irritability; inclination to diarrhoea; feeling as if slight pressure with fingers
would sprain them. 7th.-Pain over r. kidney on waking, worse by movement.
At n. repeated dose, and did so again in e. of 10th, only slight rawness of throat
with acrid expectoration having been noticed in the interim. In n. he woke with
sharp attack of (r.) faceache, throat also being much worse. Next d. burning heat
ot face; after tea much flushed, with headache in 1. temple and bruised pain in spot
above eye.
He continued to have flushing of face in e. for several d., and inclina-
tion to faceache, with occasional sharp attacks of it. On 15th bright blood passed
rather freely at stool; this recurred daily from 21st to 24th, and again about middle
of Nov., preceded by a violent attack of the faceache. Much weakness was left.
[These symptoms were quite different from the long train reported as occurring in
the first proving, and which we have omitted.-EDS.] (Hahn. Monthly, iii, 332.)
3. a. Dr. HUMPHREYS took 1, dil. (manner unknown) on 1st, 2nd, and 5th d.
First n. was somewhat restless. 2nd d., in e., some uneasiness and scraping in throat;
a light supper of biscuit and tea sat heavy on stomach till late in n. (never before);
had some throbbing of arteries at n., with restlessness till 12-1; oppression deep in
head and sense of something digging there from one temple to the other. 4th d.,
unusually profuse discharge of urine. 5th d., woke at 6 a.m. with severe pain in
1. hypochondrium, lasting h.; on rising, unpleasant sensation of bruised soreness
and tension in integuments of face, especially forehead and around 1. eye, with
sensitiveness on rubbing or pressure, lasting some time. At 6 p.m., while walking
and driving in cool air, pain from over 1. eye back towards occiput, somewhat sharp,
soon passing off; slight appetite and speedy satiety; integuments of face and head
seem unnaturally rigid. At 10 p.m. weariness and pain in loins and lower extre-
636
PLANTAGO.
mities (this also next d.) 6th d., pretty severe pain from 1. forehead deep into
brain, coming on in paroxysms; unnatural sense of dryness in eyelids for several h.;
severe painful stitches first in l., then in r. eyeball, more at internal canthus, for an
h.; ringing in ears; some chilliness (with slight headache), cold hands and feet for
some time; bleeding of gums, quite profuse, on retiring. 7th d., woke with some
stiffness in cords of neck (had felt same 2 m. before); bowels uneasy, and some
qualmishness at breakfast, rumbling afterwards; twinges of pain, now in r. temple
extending backwards, then through occiput from ear to ear, then in other parts of
head, more or less severe; sharp pain in 1. temple, transient (while sitting by fire
after having been out); itching of r. eyelid; aching of some decayed teeth after
dinner; slight appetite; on shaving, face (which is quite tender) is observed to have
an eruption of small, reddish, rough, scaly, erythematous patches, size of pea, on 1.
side only, and most near commissure of lips, no decided pain or itching with them,
but unpleasant sense of tension; tingling itching in various uncovered parts of skin
all the time; at n. many dreams, mostly disagreeable. 8th d., unpleasant sensation
in bowels, yet no stool; eruption on face less prominent, yet rough. At 10 p.m.,
occasional headache, 1. side, somewhat deep in brain. 9th d., at 10 a.m. some pain
in 1. head, and stiffness and itching of eyeballs. On 10th, same headache at
intervals; at 4 p.m. severe colicky pains deep beneath 1. floating ribs, increased by
deep breathing and by lying on that side, continued all n. and next d., occasional
eructations without relief. 11th d., stool, which on 4th d. had been quite loose, but
passed with much straining and effort, on 8th and 10th d. absent, on 9th loose after
much uneasiness in bowels, was this m. loose and urgent; painful weakness of loins,
worse on standing, at 10 p.m. 12th d., occasional I. headache; lips livid, dark, and
rough (thus for many d.); little appetite, with speedy satiety; occasional sensation
as if neck was stiff; lead-like heaviness of limbs at 3 p.m.; burning heat of face,
flushed after tea, with headache in 1. temple; felt very unwell to-day. 13th d.,
sometimes fleeting pains in both temples, passing in and upwards; sexual power and
desire diminished, as throughout proving, no erections for several d.; pains through
chest, more 1. side and behind; weakness of loins after exercise. 14th d., general
depression and despondency, though weather is bright and beautiful; head clouded,
heavy, and dull; pains in head, most in 1. temporal region, all the time, with but
little intermission; rumbling in abdomen after eating; occasional pains through both
sides of chest, transient but frequently returning; itching between fingers of I. hand,
more or less constant, but worse e. and n. 15th d., 10 a.m., pains begin in head,
and often centre in ear, mostly 1.; soreness of some sound teeth at breakfast; colic
pains while eating, not severe but constant.
b. From tasting tincture,-up to urinate twice in first n., and passed each time a
pint or more of light-coloured urine (never before); restless tossing about pretty
much all n., could get no sleep till towards m. Next d. toothache on 1. side, before
and after breakfast; went off in forenoon, but returned after dinner for an h. or two;
again all m. 3rd d., involving sound and decayed teeth of both jaws; again, after
rising and washing, on 4th d., and, slighter, on 5th; then no more till 1oth d., when
it affected him all m. till 2 p.m. There was bleeding from gums on 5th and 6th d.,
and again, after preparing some tinct. from plant, on 7th d. On 3rd d. there was
painful weariness and prostration, especially in loins and lower extremities, lasting all
d. and n.
1. j and on 4th 'd, almost irresistible desire to lie in bed from general depression
and weariness. (Monograph, 1871; from Allen's Encyclopædia.)
X
4. EARHART, subject to rheumatic pains in damp weather, took 5 dr. doses of
I dil. on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 14th d. 2nd d., at 6 p.m., frequent
sneezing, with sanious mucus from 1. nostril; at 10, roughness and sense of erosion in
throat; sleep somewhat disturbed with feverish tossing about. 3rd d., discharge from
1. nostril profuse all d.; dryness of throat in m., went off p.m.; frequent empty eruc-
tations, with flatus in abdomen; slight uneasiness in epigastrium; pains for a few m.
in upper border of r. ilium; orgasm of blood to chest, with sensation of heat, occur.
ring twice; vague pain in chest; pulse 92. 4th d., nasal discharge not so copious,
but r. nostril is now affected; occasional darting pains in head, 5th d.; shooting pains
in 1. parietal region, several times, p.m.; drawing pain in r. malar bone, also recurring
more than once; slight pains in r. hypochondrium; uneasiness in bowels at 7 a.m., as
* All symptoms of this kind have been omitted.—EDS,
Azalea
PLANTAGO.
637
if he would have to go to stool before breakfast, also, on arising, urgent desire to
micturate, with slight tenesmus of bladder, but very little urine passed. 6th d., 15 m.
after dose transient dull aching deep in r. orbit; in 2 h. uneasiness in epigastrium,
with slight nausea, while walking or reading; in 4 h. shooting pain in crest of 1. ilium,
recurring several times at irregular intervals; after 7 h., on rising after being seated
3 h., chilliness with sensation of heat in chest and erratic pains in limbs, chest, and
head, continuing 2 h., with disposition to stretch, hands cold in a warm room. 7th
d., nasal discharge still, but not so copious or watery; frequent shooting pains in
head, mostly in parietal regions; several papules have sprung up around nose, which
are red, and smart when touched. 8th d., papulæ exude a yellowish humour, which
soon forms a crust; soreness and slight swelling of both submaxillary glands; rum.
bling in bowels (10 m. after dose). 9th d., shooting pains in head (parietal region),
continuing all d., but not so bad p.m., generally lasting only a few m.; pains of same
character in mastoid process; dryness of throat on rising in m.; pains in hypochon-
dria, continuing all d., not so bad p.m.; at 9 a.m. boring pain in or near umbilicus,
lasting 15 m.; about h. after breakfast uneasiness of bowels, as if diarrhoea would
come on. 10th d., still nasal discharge, less profuse, but of greater consistence; pains
in head at different times during d., still felt, but at longer intervals and with dimin-
ished intensity, on 11th d.; eruption drying up. 12th d., a new eruption broke out
about hips and thighs, of papulæ, isolated, hard, white and flattened, some having a
small red point in centre; they itch slightly on first appearing, on scratching itching
becomes more violent, and burning supervenes, also deep redness of part, lasting 5
m.; in several h. they are more elevated and acuminated, and finally, in about 24 h.,
disappear gradually, others springing up; several come also on wrist and between
fingers. 14th d., 1 h. after dose, shooting pains in r. parietal region (recurring at 3
h.), and slight orgasm of blood to chest; after 3 h. dull pains in occiput, soon passing
off; sticking pain in r. hypochondrium, boring pain in 1. intercostal spaces, and
twitching of muscles of arms and legs; after 4 h. rumbling in hypogastrium and pain
in region of 1. ilium; after 5 h. pains in head continue at irregular intervals; pains
also in r. abdominal muscles, soon passing off. 15th d., in m. on arising dryness and
huskiness of throat, lasting about an h.; p.m., while walking in open air, sense of
heat in præcordia, with fulness in abdomen, going off soon after sitting down.
16th d., urine of deep orange colour, secretion being somewhat increased. At
4 p.m. felt dull and stupid, with inclination to stretch and yawn frequently, oppres-
sion of chest, aversion to mental or physical exercise (though walking in open air
relieved); sensation across bridge of nose as if nasal bones were being pressed
together or inward, sharp cutting or pungent pain at lower end of rectum, pain in
muscles of neck and shoulders, and violent beating of heart for 5 m. on ascending
stairs. 17th d., pains in head; sometimes sharp cutting pain in throat, in rectum,
and in lumbar region; still increased urine; skin of whole body sensitive, leaving
burning sensation when scratched. 18th d., occasional shooting pains in r. parietal
region; several times sharp momentary pains in throat. 19th d., occasional dull
stupefying pains deep in orbits; sometimes excessive itching of skin. (Ibid.)
I
5. JOHN Fox, æt. 30, took 1st dil. n. and m. for 4 d. 1st n., restless sleep, with
anxious incongruous dreams; woke up shedding tears, having dreamed of hearing of
death of a brother, and could not get over emotion for some h. 1st d., mind some-
what confused, dull feeling in head; on waking in m. abdomen distended, followed
by abundant and loud flatus, continuing 24 h. 2nd d., muddled and confused feeling
in head, with inability to think, lasting all d., worse in e. ; in m. tingling with
unpleasant itching in orifice of urethra, coming on suddenly and lasting a few m.
N. again restless, with anxious and unpleasant dreams, unremembered in m. 3rd d.,
impatient and restless mood, with stupid feeling as before in brain, very irritable and
morose temper, worse in e.; itching as before in urethral orifice, e. ; at n. involuntary
seminal emission, which has not occurred for many years. 4th d., disposition same,
also state of brain; slight transient pains in 1. hypochondrium. At n. impossible and
incoherent dreams. 5th d., same state of brain, with inactive mind; shifting pains,
dull in arms, boring in hands, for several h., disappearing on getting up and moving
about. Same kind of n. 6th d., dull pains over frontal region and eyes; pain in I.
hypochondrium; increased flow of pale urine, forenoon; soreness and stiffness along
1. sterno-mastoid; sudden transient boring pains on lying down at n., shifting from
wrist and hand to ankle and foot for 2 h. in rapid succession, sometimes extending
638
PLANTAGO.
along arm to shoulder, more frequent and painful on 1. side,—at same time or alter-
natively similar pains in temples. 7th d., on waking in m. unpleasant constrictive
sensation in pharynx, soon passing off; pain in both orbits, worse on pressure ;
nausea, with rumbling in abdomen, e.; while sitting, sudden darting pain up urethra
and sharp pleuritic pains under 1. sternum, relieved by exercise; contractive pain in 1.
tendo Achillis, relieved by motion. 8th d., dull stupefying pain in whole head,
relieved by motion and aggravated by study; pain in forehead over eyes, with tender-
ness on pressure; dull boring pain in small spot on 1. temple; pulsating pain in 1.
ear; no stool for 3 d.; sharp stitches or catches in lower 1. lung on deep inspiration,
e. in bed; transient shifting pains on r. side, from wrist up into body, then down
through trunk to foot, relieved by motion; pulse strong, full, intermittent, 70-80
recumbent, 95-100 erect. 9th d., aching in 1. frontal protuberance, frequent but
transitory, with tenderness on pressure; frequent eructations of wind (this continued
3 weeks); griping in upper abdomen, with frontal headache; faint and tremulous
feeling, especially on least exertion. 10th d., very irritable and easily vexed, with
excitement of nervous system; boring pain in 1. frontal eminence; shooting pain in 1.
ear, lasting several m.; nausea, with faint and tremulous feeling; rumbling and
griping in bowels, with abundant flatus; sudden arthritic pain in knuckle-joint of 1.,
then of r., ring finger; drawing pain in posterior muscles of r. thigh, with tenderness
on pressure; boring pain in r. knee; dull pain in 1. ankle, relieved by motion;
tearing pain in r. ankle, coming on while walking; transient rheumatic pain in
dorsum of 1. big toe, shifting to 1. ankle; impossible to keep quiet a m. in any one
position, lower extremities especially fidgety, they become numb, tremulous, and
painful when quiet, and are relieved by shifting about. 11th d., restless disposition
and dull feeling over sinciput; meditative mood or internal reverie, inability to asso-
ciate mind with any external object, with feeling of great prostration; transient boring
pains in r. frontal eminence and in small spot in 1. temple; rumbling in bowels, fol-
lowed by griping pains, in m.; feeling of great oppression in chest, with hurried
breathing and prostration; on talking or reading aloud was obliged to stop several
times in a sentence to take breath-all e. ; pulse 80, strong and full, while recum-
bent, 110 when erect; transient pain in 1. shoulder and in extensor muscles of r. lower
arm; chilly sensation in e., with cold feet. 12th d., disposition, &c., as before; dull
pain over eyes, relieved by movement; dull stupefying pain in sinciput, finally
extending to both sides of occiput; dull boring pain in occiput; dull pain in r. orbit,
as if bruised, worse on pressure; griping in bowels, with nausea almost to vomiting,
for h. in e. ; tenderness to pressure over renal region; sudden darting, stinging
pains running up urethra whilst sitting; frequent micturition of colourless urine;
sharp pleuritic pains in 1. chest while sitting, lasting a few m.; soreness and stiffness
of r. sterno-mastoid, worse on moving head to affected side, and vice versa (continued
12 d. more); tenderness on pressure along whole spinal column; great weakness
across small of back, extending round trunk, as if body was broken. 13th d., pain
in bowels; great weakness and oppression of chest, with shortness of breath, followed
by nausea even to vomiting; excessive and continued yawning for an h. after going
to bed; restless sleep, with much grinding of teeth (this symptom occurred frequently
during proving), and every variety of fanciful dreanis. 14th d., great nervous excita-
bility and trembling of whole body, with pulse at 120 (previously 100, intermittent,
irregular, and almost imperceptible); panting breathing on least exertion, particularly
on ascending stairs, with violent palpitation; frequent involuntary deep breathing;
mind confused, and entirely unable to listen to lectures, feeling of great prostration
and utter inability to think, attempt to exercise mind increased depression and brought
on hurried breathing and great anxiety; at noon was obliged to leave college and lie
down; at n. highest degree of restlessness; vivid, sometimes congruous, sometimes
incoherent and disgusting dreams in rapid succession. From 15th to 21st d. found it
too difficult to take notes, mind being so confused and inactive. State was as from
12th to 14th d., if anything growing worse as to nervous symptoms. On 21st n.
highest degree of excitability, with fever, oppression of chest, and anxietas, till 1 a.m.,
when he fell asleep, but woke frequently from most vivid, horrible, and frightful
dreams; on rising next m. passed a very large quantity of very dark red urine, of very
strong odour; during d. urine gradually diminished in quantity and colour, and he
felt in every respect better. 30th d., mind was still confused, making study for
any length of time impossible; temporal arteries much distended, as also superficial
PLANTAGO.
639
vessels of frontal region (a symptom somewhat present during whole proving); pulse
now 80. (Ibid.)
6. S. WARREN took I dose of 5 dr. of 2nd dil. Dull pain in r. side of head,
rather on r. parietal protuberance and frontal eminence; sense of hearing more acute,
noise is painful; tongue slightly coated, whitish; food tasteless, sense of scraping in
throat on swallowing, m., and as if some foreign body was in throat; sense of dryness
in fauces and continued desire to swallow; not much appetite; sleeplessness at n.
(Ibid.)
7. a. J. B. WoOD took repeated doses of 1, dil. for 7 d. 3rd d., itching of
scalp, with slight eruption on forehead, which soon disappeared; at n. rest much
disturbed, horrid dreams, pain in bowels, copious urination. 4th d., dull feeling
and slight aching in head; looseness of bowels. 5th d., soreness of teeth; bowels
still loose; copious urination. 6th d., bowels same; slight headache sense of
weight in arms; drowsiness in day time, sleeplessness at n. 7th d., rumbling sensa-
tion in bowels, with slight pain. There was some recurrence of the symptoms
between 17th and 19th d.
;
b. Took 1st dil. every 48 h. (how often not specified). Loose stools, but with
straining, and only passed with much effort. This symptom remains after 3 weeks;
largely increased secretion of urine for 24 h., quantity was enormous; through 1st n.
restless tossing about, no sleep till towards m.; same thing on 7th n. (Ibid.)
I
8. Dr. F. BISHOP took repeated doses of 2nd dil. for 2 d. Became restless and
unable to sleep on 1st n. about 3 to 4 a.m. (very unusual). 2nd d., languid and
uneasy throughout; dreamed all n. ; excessive itching of scalp for 1 h. 3rd d., eyes
looked very red and inflamed; aversion to study or thought; teeth of 1. side felt
elongated and sore; violent pains in upper molars (sound teeth), boring and digging,
with profuse flow of saliva, worse on walking in cold air and from contact, also
from heat of high degree, partial ease from lying down in cool room,-took mer-
curius 30 with relief; dryness and soreness of throat and mouth, and of mucous
membrane of nose; no stool (very unusual); urine free; great restlessness and
inquietude; fugitive pains through 1. side; very restless at n. (as also on 2nd and
4th); frightful dreams, as of deaths, much affected by them. 4th d., loose stool;
grumbling in teeth of 1. side before breakfast, and violent pain after eating; urine
free and pale; same dreams. 5th, n., entire sleeplessness after 4 a.m.
6th d.,
itching of scalp (this more or less every d.); soreness and pain in throat; copious
urination. A month after, profuse secretion in throat, with constant hawking;
urine very profuse, pale, and depositing a white sediment; restless at n.
restless at n, after 4 a.m.
(Ibid.)
9. a. WARREN FREEMAN took 2nd dil. twice daily for 2 weeks. First symptom
he noticed was constant dreaming at n., after going to bed; dreams were of ordinary
occurrences of d., sometimes mixed with the fantastic. Also dull oppressive feeling
through forehead, with sometimes dull pain extending across from temporal bones,
apparently at base of brain; had loose stool every d., sometimes twice a d., with
some pain in rectum, and slight colic before stool.
b. "He now took repeated doses of 8 dr. of adil. for 3 d. On 5th d., on rising
in m., and lasting throughout d., constant eructation, tasting, a.m., of sulphur, p.m.,
of carbonic acid gas; after supper flatus passed into intestines, causing boring
pain, and smelling of sulphuretted hydrogen when emitted. About 10 p.m. a very
watery stool, and again at 1 a.m. and about daylight, with much flatus. On 7th and
8th d. similar operations of bowels, and on former, slight toothache on rising in a
decayed tooth, increasing till noon, when it was severe, cheek considerably swollen,
and saliva running freely from mouth, neighbouring (sound) teeth felt elongated;
after dinner, dull, painful, stupid feeling in head, with considerable fever; pulse 88
toothache subsided towards n., but he had a similar attack next d., and cheek re-
mained swollen up to 10th d.
;
c. He last took 4 dr. of same dil. twice daily (for how long is not stated).
Whilst doing so had for 2 d. acute pain in r. hypochondrium, especially on laughing
or movement, when pain would be of a darting-sticking kind. Afterwards he had a
peculiar indescribable sensation at cardiac orifice of stomach, especially after eating a
hearty meal,-a coolish painful sensation, as if parts were over-distended; it lasted
about a week. (Ibid.)
10. MORTIMER SLOCUM took repeated doses of 1st dil. for 5 d., and on 9th,
640
PLATINUM.
10th, and 11th d. 3rd d., 5 h. after 1st dose, slight headache, heavy sensation in
head, and inclination to drowse. 4th d., pain in abdomen, worse on stooping, in e.,
continuing, with distension of abdomen, nearly all next d., and recurring, with
flatulency, on 6th e., when also he had saltish expectoration. 7th d., inability to
think, with restlessness at n.; dry parched throat all d., with sense of scraping;
pains in 1. hypochondrium at 6 p.m.; frequent dreams of gloomy character, rousing
from sleep. 9th d., heavy frontal headache. 1oth d., dry parched throat in e., a
draught of air irritates and produces cough. About middle of 11th d. return of 1.
hypochondriac pain. (Ibid.)
I
11. a. T. C. BUNTING took repeated doses of 1 dil. for 4 d. 2nd d., stitch in
heart, after dinner. 4th d., soon after 1st dose, dull pressive pain on both sides of
abdomen, about Poupart's ligament. 3 h. after, partial prolapse of rectum during
stool. 5th d., heaviness as from a stone in stomach, with some pain and tenderness;
flatulence; has been restless for some nights, dreaming much, and waking up—all
contrary to habit.
b. Took same, a dose on 1st, 3rd, and 6th d. After going to bed 1st d., sharp pain
for some moments over r. eye, extending to temple; before falling asleep a kind of
tingling in front and upper jaw, and sensitive feeling in teeth. 3rd d., pain in exposed
nerve of a front tooth for a short time only; on rising, hoarseness, as if from dryness
in larynx, it went off after breakfast. 4th d., bruised pain in 1. eye, especially on light
pressure, for an h.; still hoarseness, whose continuance next d. led him to take no
more of the drug. 7th d., sore and loose sensation in front incisors, as if chilled by
cold air (is not subject to pain in teeth); feeling as if diarrhoea would set in; blood
passed during stool.
c. Took two doses of 2nd dil. Pain in r. iliac region, as if a stone were in inguinal
canal. (Ibid.)
12. W. A. LEAVANWAY took repeated doses of Ix for 4 d. 4th d., dull aching
pain in 1. shoulder, not continuous; also in r. shoulder, alternating with same in r.
hip, passing down the limbs. 7th d., frequent empty eructations; dull aching pain
over sacrum, a little below its union with the lumbar vertebræ, worse during motion
or standing. 8th d., same pain in 1. knee, at upper outer angle of patella, extending
beneath it; dull darting pain in r. side, from within out. 9th d., intermittent, pul-
sating, aching pain on vertex, in small spot beneath scalp; similar dull subcutaneous
aching near I. side of sternum, a little below centre, worse from pressure and while
sitting, passing off on movement. 18th d., sharp cutting in urethra, e., from within
outward; sharp darting pain in upper and outer part of r. orbit, and same at end of 1.
great toe. 19th d., scraping tickling sensation low down in bronchiæ. 22nd d.,
sharp darting several times during d. in l., then in r. side. 24th d., itching over
body, rubbing felt grateful but did not relieve, rather adding a burning sensation.
27th d., e., sharp pain in 1. side, sometimes extending to r. shoulder, then to r. side,
then spreading over upper part of back,-continuing a long time; frequent chilly
sensation, also for a long time. All symptoms are worse while sitting, and pass off
on movement. (Ibid.)
PLATINUM.
Including the pure (precipitated) metal, the chloride-P. muriaticum, 2HCl,PtCl¸,
and the chloride of P. and sodium-P. muriaticum natronatum, 2NaCl,PtCl¸‚6H¸O.
I. Provings.-I. HAHNEMANN, Chronic Diseases, part v. of original,
vol. of translation. Contains 527 symptoms from self and one
other.
2. a. HÖFER rubbed skin of back of hand with concentrated solu-
tion of chloride. After 2 or 3 m. spot becomes seat of itching like
that of scabies; and skin, coloured yellow by the chloride, becomes
covered with small rose-red elevations, which disappear in 3-4 m.
more. On washing glans penis and prepuce with same, there followed
*
PLATINUM.
641
great itching, soon associated with heat and annoying prickings; some
urethritis followed, with a little dysuria. After some h., there were
seen around glans slight elevations, of somewhat livid hue, size of a
pin's head, which a casual glance might take for commencing chancres.
After 8-12 h., all had returned to its normal state.
b. H. now took 5 centigr. in a glass of water. This producing no
effect, he increased dose daily till he took 2 decigr. From this dose
he experienced some acidity of stomach, with slight headache. Pulse
was normal, and all went off in 25-30 m. Next e. he took 4 decigr.
at a dose. Inh. he had slight shuddering; pulse was quickened
(85); heat and weight at stomach; violent headache, especially
towards occiput; constriction of larynx, sufficiently strong to embarrass
speech and breathing; nausea, with inclination to vomit. These
symptoms went on increasing for 5-6 m., but then disappeared
rapidly, leaving only metallic taste in mouth, which lasted some h.
c. 2 d. later, H. took same dose, but in open air (former experiment
having been made indoors). Same symptoms supervened, but less
strongly; there was also for some h. slight sudden fibrillary twitching
in occipital muscle, and in those of back and extremities.
d. H. now took I decigr. of the double chloride of Pl. and sodium.
This having no effect, he next d. took 2 decigr. In 15-20 m., heat
and sense of weight in region of stomach, borborygmi, transient colics;
passage of flatus upwards and downwards; headache scarcely felt.
Later in d. he took 4 decigr. in two doses, with 2 h. interval between
them. To previous symptoms were added nausea and inclination to
vomit, with considerable augmentation of saliva and of urine. This
last was still marked on the following m. (Gaz. Méd., 1840.)
I
III. Experiments on animals.-1. HÖFER gave a rabbit grm. of
chloride in water. 42 m. after it the animal died in very strong con-
vulsions. On opening body, parts of gastric interior were coloured
yellow; and its whole mucous membrane, as also that of esophagus,
was softened, in parts destroyed, and throughout easily detached. Blood
in heart was fluid. Viscera of cranium, thorax, and abdomen showed
nothing abnormal. (Ibid.)
2. To a large rabbit H. gave 2 grm. of the double salt. Death
occurred after 2 h. 50 m., preceded by copious purging. Stomach was
found only slightly tinged with yellow, but softened, and at one spot
(in greater curvature) perforated. Blood in heart was coagulated.
(Ibid.)
VOL. III.
41
642
PLUMBUM.
PLUMBUM.
Including the metal, the carbonate-PbCO,, and the acetate-Pb(C₂H₂O₂)2.3H₂O.
I. Provings.-1. BETHMANN. [The only information given as to
this and the four following symptom-lists is that they are the result of
"a careful proving on the healthy with moderate doses of the acetate."]
Fermentation in bowels, with cutting. Diarrhoea with rumbling, but
without pain. (Hartl. u. Trinks' Arzn., i, 1.)
2. HARTLAUB.-Great confusion of head; a mixture of dulness
and gloominess, so that he often passes his hand over forehead (1st h.).
Heaviness of whole head, especially occiput, with slight shooting in
sinciput (after 3 h.). The hair becomes very greasy (1st d.). Red-
ness of eyelids (2nd d.). Acute drawing under r. ala nasi in flesh of
upper lip (1st d.). Frequent itching in face (1st d.). Pricking here
and there in skin of face (6th and 7th d.). Very pale face (1st d.).
Violent grinding of teeth, n., with frequent waking (1st d.). Slight
pain in spleen (2nd d.). Flatulent pains (2nd d.). Stool harder or
more difficult (1st d.). Easy stool in a costive person (Ist d.).
Drawing pain from pudendum to middle of spine. Constrictive pain in
1. testicle, which sometimes comes from spermatic cord (4th d.). Very
scanty emission in coitus. Fluent coryza (3rd and 4th d.). Moist
viscid mucus in nose which he draws through posterior nares (2nd d.).
Dry mucus at top of windpipe, which is coughed away with effort and
slight pain in chest, at same time whistling in top of chest during inspi-
ration (2nd d.). Slight cough from dry mucus in top of chest, m. (1st
and 2nd d.). Oppression of chest, m. (2nd d.). Violent obtuse pres-
sure as from a piece of wood pushed against anterior and lower part of
1. side of chest, superficial, as if on surface of lung, during inspiration,
much increased by deep breathing and laughing, from m. on rising till
after dinner; when he lay down on sofa he could not bear the pain, nor
find relief in any position; at same time a drawing shooting in 1. upper
arm and shooting betwixt scapulæ, that lasted a couple of m. and then
suddenly went off along with the pain in chest (9th d.). Great itching
on coccyx above anus, going off when scratched (1st d.). Single,
burning pricks on r. shoulder (Ist d.). Dull but very painful drawing
in bones of upper arm, hand and fingers (4th d.). Painful drawing in
r. humerus (8th d.) Itching betwixt r. thumb and index (1st d.).
Violent pricking itching between 1. middle and ring fingers (1st d.).
Painful drawing in r. hip-joint when lying (1st d.). Paralytic pain or
painful lame feeling in hip, knee and ankle joints, when going upstairs
(1st d.). Stitches first in r. then in 1. thigh when walking (3rd
d.). Slight boring pricks in inner side of 1. knee when sitting (1st
d.). Throbbing in a small spot on outer side of r. calf when lying
(1st d.). Painful dislocation-feeling on outer side of r. ankle-joint
when treading, m., after rising and all m. (5th d.). Weakness in
lower limbs when walking (1st d.). Sleep restless, many dreams, turns
about (1st d.). Voluptuous dreams with erections but not emission,
p.m. (6th and 7th d.). (Ibid.)
PLUMBUM.
643
mater mana
3. HERING.-Very low-spirited and weary of life. Discontented
with his fate, on waking, m. While walking in open air, a.m.,
increased feeling of health and diminished myopia. Dull shooting pain
in r. temple, which is painful externally (1st d.). Hair of eyebrows
falls out. Hair of moustache falls out. In eyes difficulty of moving, and
backward drawing pain in rectus internus muscle (1st d.). Pressive pain
above eyes when moving, for several days. Feeling as if there were
something under eyelid and as if eyeball were too large, pressive pain.
Must often wipe eyes, they seem dim for Increased myopia.
Pain in tip of nose,
h.
Transient pains in interior and in meatus of 1. ear.
erysipelatous redness of nose. Vesicle on reddened ala nasi with thick
matter on pressure (1st d.). Cold nose for several d. The air in a
crowded room is very disagreeable to him, he feels as if he should faint;
afterwards darkness before eyes (1st d.). The skin of face looks and
feels greasy. Vesicles on forehead and nose. Desquamation of lips
without pain or dryness. A tooth became more decayed, had a bad
smell, and then broke off; one of its walls, which was the thickest,
became very brittle. When eating bad smell from mouth proceeding
from decayed tooth (2nd d.). Feeling as if something moved quickly
up in throat to base of skull and thence to 1. eyebrow, when it became
shooting (when smoking) (1st d.). Dryness of mouth, closing mouth,
m., 1. border of tongue furred yellow. On waking, m., much viscid
mucus in mouth (2nd d.), much sweetish slimy saliva in front of mouth
with dryness of soft palate and fauces, going off on swallowing saliva
(1st d.). Tongue coated with frothy saliva (2nd d.). Tongue coated
yellow. Great appetite, e. (1st d.), all the time great longing for bread
and pastry even a few h. after a meal, also e. and m. Tobacco much
relished (1st d.). Thirst. Great thirst for cold water. Jerking
eructation repeatedly. Fructation of sweetish_water from empty
stomach. Fine pinching in portal region. Pressure in stomach.
after eating. Pressure on scrob. cordis, a sharp anxious pain (1st d.).
Dull pain in liver. Shooting pressure in liver; shooting pain in
liver first in front, then in back. Oppression in abdomen (ist d.).
Pressive pain in a spot on abdomen in a line from crista ilii to sym-
physis pubis but nearer the former, all d., as if in muscle; the spot
was swollen. Bruised pain in abdominal muscles across below ribs and
about navel, felt when pressed on, coughing &c. and worse in m. Move-
ment about navel (after h.), much flatus. Short half-loud flatus of
penetrating odour (1st d.) After eating fish stinking flatus. No
stool. Stool every other da Viscid, slow stool, latterly with streaks.
of blood. Stool at first liquid, afterwards small lumps of penetrating
odour (1st d.). Feels as if a liquid stool would pass but nothing comes
(1st d.). Urging to stool which comes slowly, viscid fæces. Painful
forcing pain, deep in abdomen and rectum, a kind of painful desire to
pass wind but none comes. The piles itch, anus drawn in. Slight
twitchings in spermatic cord, m., shootings in it at its exit from belly
(1st d.). After sweat soreness in skin of scrotum and thigh where they
touch. After drinking wine unnoticed emission in sleep, with soft
penis; afterwards, m., exhaustion and painful erections at slight excite-
ment: for several successive n. Frothy mucus easily hawked out of
644
PLUMBUM.
larynx, it is transparent, in lumps, and in yellowish-green masses
(1st d.). After exercise a pressive squeezing in chest inferiorly, is very
weary. Dull sensation and pressive pain in 1. side of chest in front and
back, ceasing and recurring. Obtuse pressure on 1. side of chest.
Obtuse pressive stitches in l. chest, going and returning. Pressive
pain where sacrum is attached to os ilii. Bruised pain in deltoid muscle.
On a spot on inner side of r. wrist itching, with burning, especially
after scratching; after scratching for a longer time numb feeling for
several h. (Ist d.). When walking, each time he extends leg, pain on
a small spot in middle of 1. thigh a hand's breadth below groin, as if a
sinew would snap. Dull pain, deep inwardly in r. knee, m., when
going upstairs. Transient pain in tibia when walking (1st d.). Tor-
menting pains by jerks in bones, repeatedly recurring, especially in 1.
thigh above knee and in 1. forearm and 1. thumb. Sensitiveness of
skin to air (1st and 2nd d.). Painless, red pimples on chest, that run
a slow course. Small red papulæ on chest, which desquamate after 24
h. A small cut inflames rapidly, suppurates and heals quickly.
Weariness in knees when going upstairs (1st d.). Unusually tired
and worse after exercise. Trembling of limbs and facial muscles.
Exhaustion, on lying down feels the beating of arteries in neck and belly,
and can sleep but little (1st d.). Great prostration in e., he lies down,
feels the throbbing of arteries in body, face gets hot and burns in many
spots without thirst or perspiration, at same time trembling in hands.
and vertigo, as though the bed moved, renewed by thinking of it, and
sensitiveness to noise; at last he falls asleep, and awakes after 3 h. with
weariness which goes off after moving, but there remains confusion of
head and bruised feeling in sacrum (this was in great contrast to the
previous feeling of bien-être). Before going to sleep at n. longing
thoughts about a distant friend. Many agreeable dreams at n. After
midnight pleasant dreams about a distant friend (1st and 2nd d.).
Speaks with some one in dream. Speaks in sleep, but has no recollection
of it in the m. (2nd d.). Chilliness from m. till p.m. Chilliness,
which always becomes worse in e., even when near the fire, head con-
fused and giddy, with thirst, red face, and soft quick pulse over 100;
in bed extreme heat with internal chill; the heat increased, skin dry
and hot, pulse quick, no thirst; after midnight skin became gradually
moist, and perspiration broke out on cheek, belly and head; after 2 a.m.
sleep with confused dreams; in m., tongue furred, head confused, face
pale, and at every step a shoot through head from below upwards;
this attack recurred after ten weeks. (Ibid.)
4. TRINKS.-Anxiety and sighing (4th d.). Inclination and capa-
city for work perceptibly diminished (after 3 d.). Vertigo when
stooping or looking up (8th d.). Heavy feeling in occiput. Pressure
under skull as from rush of blood to head. Itching in canthus of 1.
and pain there as from rubbing. Congestion of blood in eye (6th
d.). When eating drawing feeling in esophagus as though it would
be torn away (6th d.). Constriction and cutting in oesophagus down
to stomach, before and after eating. Dry feeling in throat, n. Eruc-
tation of air and nausea, e. (7th d.). Feeling of great hunger in œso-
phagus down to stomach, recurring after eating (3rd d.). Great
eye
PLUMBUM.
645
hunger, he eats a great deal (after 5 and more d.). Hunger and
nausea, e. (6th d.). Pressure in stomach as from eating indigestible
food, with feeling of weight in occiput, increased by moving head, from
dinner-time till e. Cutting in abdomen and anus, with soft stool (6th
d.). Cutting in abdomen as from flatulence, m., in bed. light
drawing in side towards back, as from distension. Movement and
rumbling in bowels, e. Discharge of flatus after slight cutting in
bowels, m. (5th d.). Constipation for 2 d.
Constipation for 2 d. Hard and scanty stool.
Ineffectual call to stool. Pain in urethra at its exit from bladder (5th
d.). Erections, m. Emission of semen in m. sleep with voluptuous
dreams (6th d.). Stopped nose (4th d.). Difficult breathing (4th d.).
Dyspnoea with anxiety. Dyspnoea with dry cough (4th d.). Pres-
sure like shooting in both pectorales majores. Ebullition in chest, on
walking quickly (5th d.). Heart's beats distinctly felt. Cramp-like
contraction in muscles of 1. sole, when at rest, relieved by lifting foot
and movement, lasting several d. Persistent tendency to go to sleep of
foot. The feet tend to go to sleep (6th d.). Fetid perspiration of
soles. Itching in a dry, painless eczema on r. tibia. Heaviness of
legs, especially knees. Heaviness and weariness of feet, especially felt
when sitting. Heaviness of limbs (8th d.). Feeling of weakness in
forearms (5th d.). Easily fatigued by walking (5th d.). Feels the
arteries beating in feet, hands, and head after dinner. (Ibid.)
Τ
5. NENNING. Ennui; silent, lazy, disinclined for work. Loss of
memory. Cheerfulness, but of short duration. Very busy, absorbed
in her work, reflective, p.m. Stupidity and heaviness of head, gradu-
ally going off. Vertigo, going off in open air (after 24 h.). Headache
in 1. parietal region (after 1 h.). Dull headache in forehead and tear-
ing in nape.
Transient heaviness in forehead. Heaviness in head is
inclined to fall forwards (after 24 h.) Pressure from occiput to fore-
head, with feeling as if eyes would close with weight, going off when
standing (after 1 h.). Pressure in forehead, more externally (2nd e.).
Twitching and tearing in r. temple, then before r. ear (after 1 h.).
Tearing and shooting in 1. temple (after 2 h.). Tearing in forehead,
with heat in head and redness, p.m. Tearing and contraction in fore-
head (after 6 h.). Shooting in forehead. Shooting, beating and tearing in
r. parietal region. Shooting here and there in head, especially in r. ear.
Heat in head and redness of face (after 5 h.). Heat rising from belly
into head (after 3 h.). Itching in 1. upper eyelid (after h.). Tearing
in eyelids, with drowsiness (after h.). Quivering of r. upper eyelid
(after 1 h.). Twitching tearing in 1. eyeball, a.m. Violent stitch
with burning under 1. eyeball, 2 p.m. Burning in r. eye as if snuff had
got into it (after 2 h.). Quivering in both eyes (after 2 h.). Eyes
misty. Tension in r. aural region and down cervical muscles (after
2 h.). Tearing in r. aural region. Shooting in lobe of r. ear.
Scraping in r. ear as from an ear of corn (after h.). Tearing in ears.
Boring and shooting in r. ear. Transient dulness of hearing. Stitch
in r. zygoma (after 6 h.). Tearing in upper and lower jaw and corre-
sponding teeth. Tearing in 1. lower maxilla up to ear, removed by
rubbing, which causes a shock in 1. occiput. Tearing in r. lower jaw
near chin, after rubbing it goes into r. lower ribs, then it returns to
646
PLUMBUM.
2
jaw, then stitches below r. scapula (after 2 h.). Boring in angles of lower
jaw (after 1 h.). Transient flush of heat, with redness of face and
sweat on upper part of body, p.m. Pale gums.
Pale gums. Jerking pain in a r.
lower molar, m., aggravated by cold (3rd d.). Tearing in two r. lower
molars (after 2 h.). Heat and burning in mouth and tongue (4th
m.). Some burning pimples on tip of tongue from 6 to 10 p.m. (Ist
d.). Roughness in throat (after 6 h.). Feeling of swelling in throat.
when swallowing, with choking. Feeling of a foreign body in throat,
which makes her sneeze; it seems to go down on swallowing, but comes
up again immediately. Feeling of a foreign body in r. side of œso-
phagus, with smell of sulphur. Feeling as if a foreign body in ceso-
phagus moved downwards (after 2 h.). A small body often rises up
in œsophagus, which she must swallow down (after h.). Sulphurous
and sour taste deep in throat. Hawking of acid phlegm (after h.).
1
Abortive eructation and yawning (after h.). Eructation of air after
breakfast, then burning in stomach (after h.). Eructation with taste
½
of food, or bad taste. Hiccup (after 5 h.). Anorexia (2nd d.). Thirst
m. and after dinner. Nausea and retching (after 2 h.) and eructation
(after 2 h.). Belching of tasteless water (after 4 h.). Empty feeling
in stomach (after h.). Contractive feeling in stomach (after 6 h.).
Transient burning in stomach (after 1 h.). Pain from scrob. cordis up
to middle of chest (after 2 h.). Shooting and boring in stomach.
Shooting in r. and 1. hypochondria. Tearing in 1. hypochondrium
through to back, where it shoots, p.m. Nipping in upper part of
abdomen, and feeling as if something were torn off there and fell down,
afterwards rumbling in belly (after 6 h.). Fulness in abdomen.
Painful distension below navel, going off after emission of flatus (3rd
d.). Feeling of incarcerated flatus in abdomen, p.m. Contraction
across middle of abdomen when sitting bent forwards (after 5 h.).
Nipping in abdomen about navel, then fruitless call to stool, going off
after emission of flatus (1st d.). Cutting in abdomen (2nd d.). Whilst
pressing at stool cutting about navel, which is drawn in, going off after
stool (after 5 h.). Pricking about navel and in 1. side of abdomen.
Feeling as if something had fallen down in 1. side of abdomen, p.m.
Feeling as if she were sitting in cold water up to abdomen, soon after-
wards heat in abdomen (after 2 h.). Heat and burning throughout
abdomen (after 24 h.). Burning inwardly about navel (after 1 h.).
Burning in whole belly and twitching about navel, with shooting in back
and feeling as if a weight lay on it, with pain in scrob. cordis (after 2 h.).
Tearing in 1. lumbar region, p.m. Pain in 1. lumbar region on bending
to 1. side; stitches there when laughing, and in r. lumbar region. A stitch
in 1. iliac region when stooping, in umbilical region when rising up. A
movement on 1. side of belly like a mouse (after 2 h.). Rumbling in
bowels and call to stool, only flatus passed, p.m. Slow movement to
and fro below navel, like a rough body (after 1 h.). Audible rumbling
in bowels, m., on rising, after h. a consistent stool, then strong
purging (2nd d.). Movement in hypogastrium, with cutting pain
(2nd d.). Hot flatus, which burns like fire (2nd d.). Neither stool
nor urine passed (1st d.). Hard, scrapy stool (2nd d.). Hard stool,
with straining and feeling as if a prickly body passed, m.; 3 soft stools,
4
PLUMBUM.
647
p.m. (4th d.). Frequent purging of yellow fæces, with pain (3rd—
6th d.). Urging to stool, with watery fæces (2nd d.). Constant
urging to stool without result, p.m. Formication and pricking in
rectum (after 22 h.). Boring in anus while at stool. Urging to
urinate, but urine is retained (2nd d.). Frequent micturition, p.m.
(1st d.). 4 a.m., wakes to urinate, urine copious, thereafter pains in
belly as from a chill; this goes off after discharge of flatus, then shoot-
ing in belly (2nd d.). Burning during and after micturition (2nd d.).
Itching in 1. nostril, tearing in r. nasal septum, sneezing. Stopped
feeling in nose (3rd d.). Fluent coryza. Roughness in throat and
hoarse voice, m. (4th d.). Her breathing is arrested, and there are
stitches in sternum on moving r. arm to 1. side, p.m. Pressure on
chest. Shooting in 1. side of chest through to scapula. Shooting under
r. chest through to scapula. A stitch in middle of sternum (after 61
h.). Pressure externally on lower part of sternum (after 1 h.). Shoot-
ing in mammæ. Jerking in cardiac region (after h.). Præcordial
anxiety. Tearing and tension in nape (after 5 h.). Dislocation pain
and tearing in r. scapula. Shooting in both scapula. Boring in r.
scapula. Stitches in spine and sacrum. Shooting in r. hip-joint.
Shooting pain in r. shoulder. Shooting and tearing under r. arm.
Tearing in arms. Boring in r. arm. Twitching above 1. elbow (after
1 h.). Twitching in back of 1. hand (after 2 h.). Shooting in back
of r. hand. Tearing in r. wrist. Twitching, tearing, and stiffness in
1. thumb. Itching between 1. thumb and index (after 5 h.). R.
thumb goes to sleep (after 7 h.). Tearing in several fingers.
Twitching in 1. thigh. Tearing in middle of inner aspect of 1. thigh
(after h.). Tearing above 1. knee when standing. Shooting through
r. knee. Bruised pain and tearing in legs. Twitching in r. tibia
(after 2 h.). Shooting in calves (3rd d.). Tearing from r. heel up-
wards (after 2 h.). Formication in r. big toe (after 2 h.). Drawing
in 1. big toe. Tearing in 2 first 1. toes (after h.). Painful drawing
inwards of 2 r. big toes, then drawing in r. hough, then in 1. hough,
where it shoots when standing and sitting, then the toes become numb.
Formication and going to sleep in 1. toes up to instep. Two itching
papules on back of index, also on outer side of 1. wrist, containing clear
water (2nd d.). Weariness of limbs. Trembling of thighs and legs.
Frequent yawning and drowsiness. Sleeplessness and early waking.
Confused and frightful dreams. Coldness in room and in open air.
Heat throughout body (after 24 h.). Heat rises up to head (after
I h.). (Ibid.)
6. Great anxiety, during which she cannot take a deep enough
breath, increased palpitation of heart, pain betwixt shoulders, heat and
pain in sacrum, feeling of heat and burning in liver and spleen, heat
and then sweat on knees, trembling (h. after taking 100 gr. of
acetate). (HELBIG, Heraklides, i, 51.)
1
7. Dr. SPENCE began by taking gr. of the acetate 3 times a d.,
gradually increasing dose till at end of 3 weeks he was taking 8 gr.
daily. His symptoms were costiveness, spongy gums, a livid appear-
ance around the incisors, diminished saliva, foetid breath, looseness of
teeth without soreness of mouth, and blackened fæces. Neuralgic
648
PLUMBUM.
pains now affected upper and afterwards lower extremities, appetite.
failed, and an attack of lead colic supervened, with loss of muscular
power in limbs, Pulse fell from 80 to 60. (Philad. Med. Trans., 1805,
from Stillé.)
A
8. Mr. LAIDLAW, in good health, took 60 gr. of acetate* in course
of 4 d. The symptoms developed were-metallic taste in mouth,
some tenderness of gums, diminished frequency with feebleness of
pulse, and, on taking last 10 gr. at a single dose, weakness of knees,
increasing pain at epigastrium, with nausea. A dose of salts put an
end to these symptoms, and no subsequent disturbance occurred.
month later experiment was repeated, and 70 gr. were taken in 8 d.
Metallic savour began to be perceived on 2nd, tenderness and swelling
of gums on 3rd d. ; bowels were constipated and urine high coloured.
On 4th d. a purge caused abatement of symptoms, but on 6th d.,
medicine having been continued, they returned, accompanied by con-
striction of thorax and abdominal pains. By 9th d. they had increased,
and in addition to them there was ptyalism, and sensation of tightness.
or numbness of hands and feet, especially in fingers and toes.
Pulse
was slow and weak as before, and respiration proportionately retarded.
(Lond. Med. Repos., 1828, vi, 36, 292.)
II. Poisonings.-I. A man, æt. 28, took, before going to bed,
I oz. Pl. acet. Soon afterwards he had violent pressure in stomach, dry
mouth, great oppression of breathing, and anxiety. After 6 h., having
drunk much water, he vomited with some relief. Next m., after some
slight convulsions, the previous symptoms returned. A physician, not
knowing what he had taken, ordered bloodletting and an emulsion with
extr. hyosc. Next d., the doctor having been told what the patient
had taken, found him suffering from anxiety, great mental uneasiness,
the stomach painful, the chest oppressed, dryness and sweet taste, slight
convulsions, abdomen distended, liquid stools after much oil had been
taken. Emulsion with magnesia; complete recovery in 4 weeks.
(ZOPPENFELD, Casper's med. Wochenschr., 1835, No. 38, 615, in Frank's
Mag., i, 276.)
2. a. A labourer, æt. 46, took, on 4th Nov., 1835, m., 1 lb. of
Pl. acet. dry. Immediately nausea and vomiting, which was kept up
by drinking copiously of milk. At noon he was brought into hospital.
Head confused, giddy, face fallen in, tongue thickly coated, thirst
moderate; pressive, tensive, and constrictive pains in gastric region;
umbilical region drawn in, very sensitive to pressure, skin covered with
cold sweat, pulse 60, contracted; constipation and persistent vomiting.
An emetic brought away lumps of mucus and Pl. acet. In afternoon
inflammatory symptoms came on. Bleeding, calomel, opium, castor
oil, sulphur, sulphuric acid, alum, and baths of hepar sulph. were
administered. The sensitiveness of stomach went off, except at pylorus,
which was moderately swollen. Chronic vomiting ensued, which
brought away food or brown fluid. He emaciated to a skeleton, got
paraplegia, and died on January 4th, 1836.
b. P.M. Cranium 4-6 lines thick, compact, dura mater thickened,
* Some opium and gentian were combined with the lead in the pills taken, but
do not seem to have influenced the result.-EDS.
PLUMBUM.
649
with effusion of lymph in sinuses, arachnoid opaque, pia mater firmly
adherent to it, under the latter and in cerebral cavities a moderate
quantity of serum; the grey substance all over brain changed into a
greasy tallow-like mass, the white substance unusually firm. Thorax
normal; heart small and firm; umbilical region drawn in; peritoneum
dry; stomach distended to 5 times its normal size, reaching from one
hypochondrium to the other, and pushing the liver up to the 5th rib;
its contents were partly air, partly a brownish-green flocculent fluid;
its walls at the patent cardia and in their whole extent to the pylorus
dilated, thickened, the m.m. without corrugations, and of a brown lar-
daceous consistence, in many parts entirely absent, the underlying
cellular tissue traversed by numerous varicose veins and livid spots;
the pylorus quite closed up, its surrounding walls to the extent of
several lines thickened, adherent to the extent of an inch, and changed
into a cartilaginous tissue; the duodenum contracted to the calibre of
a quill, with thickened walls; the jejunum throughout contracted to
the smallest calibre, in some parts extremely narrow; the colon, down
to the extremely contracted sigmoid flexure, distended with gas, the
m.m. everywhere easily detached; liver and spleen very small, firm;
pancreas and kidneys normal, bladder walls moderately thickened.
Dura mater of spinal cord imbibed with dark fluid blood, arachnoid
opaque with a little serous effusion, the substance of the cord much
softened and defective in parts, the nerves of the cauda equina
much diminished in size. The extremities showed a want of fat; the
muscular substance dark-coloured, easily torn, the nerves with very
little marrow. (HORNUNG, Med. Jahrb. d. k. k. österr. Staates, Neunte
Folge, xii, S. 4, 606, 1837, in Frank's Mag., i, 800.)
3. A young woman, æt. 24, March 6th, 1841, took instead of
Glauber's salts oz. Pl. acet. in a glass of water. Immediately violent
burning in stomach, nausea and incessant vomiting. After h. she
was seen, and had suffused face, carotids beat violently, epithelium of
whole mouth white, tongue thickly coated; internal nausea and
vomiting, violent burning pains in stomach; epigastric region very sen-
sitive, skin dry, pulse rapid, small and weak. Ipec. in large doses was
given. After vomiting more than 10 times she got violent diarrhoea
20 times in the n., with slight rumbling in bowels. Next m. great
debility, anorexia, pasty taste and slight burning in stomach; epithe-
lium of buccal cavity white, stools less frequent, pulse not so quick.
Milk was given her to drink, and in a few d. she was quite well.
(MELION, Prager Vierteljahrsch. f. d. prakt. Heilk., ii, 5, 85, in
Frank's Mag., iii, 612.)
4. A young girl took by mistake ziij Pl. acet. in a cup of beef tea
at 10 a.m. After 2 h. violent pains in belly, then continued vomiting
till e., latterly bilious. After 3 d., as the abdomen was much distended
and the bowels constipated, she took epsom salts without effect. She
then got castor oil, a dose daily for a fortnight, and only gruel for food.
This caused a daily evacuation, the abdominal pains disappeared, and she
quite recovered. (OTTO, Oppenheim's Zeitsch. f. d. Ges. Med., xxv, 4,
576, in Frank's Mag., iii, 887.)
5. A drummer drank by mistake a lotion of Pl. acet. on April
650
PLUMBUM.
22nd.-The next d. he was extremely pale, and complained of consti-
pation, anorexia, great weakness of limbs, and general prostration.-
24th. These symptoms increased.-25th, m., colic, sinking in of
abdomen, nausea, frightful convulsions, cold clammy sweat, aphonia
and trismus. He died at 6.30 p.m., having been unable to take the
medicine prescribed on account of the trismus.-P.M. Body pale yellow,
belly hard and drawn in. Stomach highly inflamed, its vessels distended
with blood, its m.m., especially towards pylorus, softened; œsophagus.
near the cardia, duodenum, ascending and transverse colon, pancreas,
part of mesentery and of jejunum, concave surface of liver and spleen
considerably inflamed; gall-bladder distended with bile. In stomach.
nearly 3ij of reddish-brown fluid. (KERKHOFFS, Journ. univ. d. Sc.
med., xx, pt. 3, 351, in Frank's Mag., iv, 677.)
6. M. A—, æt. 41, was admitted into Guy's Hospital, May, 1846,
labouring under symptoms of poisining by sugar of lead. It was ascer-
tained that 2 h. previously she had swallowed about 3iss dissolved in
some water. She felt ill almost directly; had nauseous metallic taste
in mouth, with burning heat in mouth, throat, and stomach. She took
some more water to wash down the taste. This made her vomit, and
thus she was detected by her friends. Her mouth became very dry; she
had great pain at pit of stomach, and excessive vomiting. On admis-
sion, i. e. about 2 h. after the poison had been taken, she felt sleepy and
stupid, alternately perspiring and shivering. Complained of violent
twisting pain in the abdomen, but this was relieved by pressure; with
this there was a sensation of sickness. She felt exceedingly weak and
languid; complained of a feeling of cramp in the thighs, and numbness
all over the body, with giddiness. The gums felt to the patient to be
in lumps, and there was apparently a blue line on the edge; they were
very tender. The saliva seemed rather in excess, and the breath was
foul. Magnesia mixture and sulphate of zinc were given to encourage
the vomiting, followed by sorne castor oil, which acted 2 h. afterwards.
The pulse was hurried and the tongue coated; countenance anxious.
and excited; skin dry, cold and hot alternately. The urine passed very
freely. Was menstruating at the time, and this stopped the discharge.
Breathing impeded from pain in the bowels. The next d. there was
pain all over the body, with numbness and sickness. On the 3rd d.
she was very sleepy, but in less p For several days the abdomen
was excessively painful on the slightest pressure. She left the hospital
in 5 d. (TAYLOR, Poisons, 1st ed., p. 431.)
7. A robust man-servant, æt. about 20, swallowed by mistake
instead of chalk, for heartburn, 5-6 drachms Pl. carb. After some h.
violent burning pains in gastric region and vomiting for several h.
After 24 h. complained of violent pains in abdomen, especially in scrob.
cordis and umbilical region. Face red and puffed, eyes sparkling and
projecting, tongue dry and, together with rest of mouth, red; thirst,
with desire for cold water. Abdomen distended and very sensitive to
slight pressure. Stronger pressure relieved pain. Vomiting had ceased
for several h., constipation. He soon recovered. (SCHUBERT, Casper's
Woch., No. 36, 588, 1844, in Frank's Mag., i, 277.)
8. A pregnant young woman swallowed; Oct. 8th, about 3iij white-
G
PLUMBUM.
651
Maraqlariga mom.
lead. In afternoon ate a cake, and felt well till 8 p.m. She then com-
plained of nausea, vomited several times. Seen next m., she was found
to be suffering from inflammatory pain and jaundice. In n. of 10th she
gave birth to a dead 7 months' child, and following m. she died.—P.M.,
30 h. after death. Features very much distorted, skin dirty yellow,
joints movable. Bloody frothy ichor escaped from nostrils in large
quantity, and from genitals to such an extent that the bedclothes were
saturated with it and several oz. had fallen on floor. The mouth, too,
from which the tongue-point protruded, was filled with bloody ichor;
the gums discoloured. Abdomen distended and of stony hardness,
external genitals swollen and discoloured, brain markedly bloodless,
pleura contained about 8 oz. bloody water, lungs distended, filled with
frothy decomposed blood, heart empty, very soft, of dirty brown colour,
m.m. of trachea dark cherry colour. Pectoral muscles very soft and
brown coloured, the blood that exuded was black and of greasy consis-
tence. Small intestines pale, large intestines of dirty blue colour, small
intestines in several parts visibly narrowed and contracted, oesophagus
pale, stomach, externally and internally, blackish-brown. Stomach
and small intestines contained several ounces of viscid dark fluid. Colon
contained a mass of thickish fæces. Liver dirty brown, very soft, gall-
bladder empty, spleen filled with black tar-like blood, pancreas dis-
coloured, both kidneys very soft and full of blood, bladder empty.
Blood in vena cava ascendens black and tar-like. (CASPER, Ibid.,
1835, No. 29, 458, in Frank's Mag., i, 277.)
9. A girl, æt. 13, burnt both hands so that epidermis came off.
Wounds were dressed with ung, ceruss. After 4 d. she had frightful
convulsions that lasted some h., constipation, suppression of urine, and
drawing in of abdomen. She soon recovered. (BRESSLER, Ibid., 1837,
No. 8, 87, in Frank's Mag., i, 277.*)
10. Five members of one family were poisoned about the same
time with vinegar that had been kept in an earthenware pot glazed
with lead; zix of the remaining vinegar contained gr. v of Pl. acet.
a. The mother, previously quite healthy, had been confined to bed
for 3 months before the doctor saw her. Her malady had commenced
with obstinate constipation, vomiting, and frequent retching, and these
symptoms still continued, thouh she was occasionally pretty well for 3
or 4 d. at a time. For the last she had obstinate constipation in
spite of purgatives and clysters, violent.pain in umbilical region and
back, difficulty of passing urine, no appetite, dry tongue, great thirst,
drawing pains in extremities, abdomen usually drawn in. Still occa-
sional vomiting of the small amount of food she took; transient para-
lytic affections, such as immobility of arms and legs, inability to
speak, insensibility of limbs, absence of mental power, &c. It was
long before she recovered, and even now she is not so well as she was
previously.
b. At about the same time the eldest daughter fell ill with the
same symptoms, which, however, came on more gradually; her pain in
* Several cases in which colic, muscular spasms, and other saturnine symptoms
have resulted from the local application of Goulard's extract, may be read in
Percival On the Poison of Lead, 1774, pp. 11-17.—EDS.
652
PLUMBUM.
umbilical region was much more severe, and towards the end there
came on vomiting, which could hardly be allayed, but she had no para-
lytic symptoms.
c. The second daughter, a very healthy robust girl, had similar sym-
ptoms some weeks later. Everything she vomited tasted like liquorice,
though she had not taken any. She recovered after a few weeks.
d. The third daughter and the father had only frequent pains in the
bowels, inclination to vomit, and slight constipation. (HOHNBAUM,
Hencke's Zeitsch. f. Staatsarzneikunde, xiii, H. i, 152, in Frank's Mag.,
iii, 308.)
11. Miss A—, æt. 23, had been troubled for some d. with her
eyes; she could not see anything distinctly, and objects appeared
double except when she was very close to them, but there was no
pain or photophobia. She was otherwise well, save for some lassitude,
weary feeling in back, and slight tendency to constipation. Treatment
was without effect, but change of air on two occasions benefited, im-
provement ceasing on return home, and lassitude becoming more pro-
nounced. Lead was now discovered in the drinking water, and on
ceasing the use of this, symptoms permanently departed. (v. TUNZEL-
MANN, Brit. Journ. of Hom., xxxii, 17.)
12. A servant (cook) in a neighbouring house had (June 11th)
been ill 3 weeks. She was unable to retain any food on stomach
there was constant nausea, and even when no food was taken frequent
;
-
vomiting of greenish watery fluid, especially at n. Skin had a yel-
lowish tint; conjunctivæ also decidedly yellow; tongue furred, coat at
back being very yellow; horrible taste in mouth and fœtor of breath ;
abdomen normal and painless; bowels very confined. She was ex-
tremely debilitated. Nothing did good till hydrastis 3 was given,
which checked vomiting greatly, and under its continued use bowels
became regular. By July 21st vomiting had quite ceased, but it re-
turned from time to time, nausea never leaving her. On Aug. 9th
she complained of loss of power in hands, which led to drinking water
being examined, and found to contain about gr. 1 of lead to the gallon.
Its disuse, with change, soon restored patient to health. (Ibid.)
13. Mother of No. 11, subject to rheumatic pains for some years,
had latterly suffered much from palpitation, with distressing craving
for air, especially at n. Medicines did little, till lachesis 5 was given
with considerable benefit. On Aug. 14th she complained of consider-
able lumbar aching with lassitude, and secretion of a large quantity of
watery urine, with pellicle on surface (which she had noticed occa-
sionally for a year past). This, examined, was found of fatty nature,
with a distinct metallic lustre. Urine itself was normal, but after
standing for an h. deposited a light flaky sediment, showing under
microscope a few mucous corpuscles and one cell of renal epithelium
containing several fat-globules. Just at this time the plumbic con-
tamination of the water was discovered, and with its disuse symptoms
soon subsided, but up to Oct. 18th there was still some aching in
back, and diuresis. (Ibid.)
14. In the house adjoining that in which No. 12 lived, the house-
keeper complained in Feb. of swollen ankles, and said they had been in
PLUMBUM.
653
that state for 3 to 4 weeks. She had sallow complexion, and suffered
from nausea, but otherwise appeared to be in good health. The ana-
sarca extended about halfway up the legs. Urine was found normal.
Arsenicum 6 reduced the swelling, but it returned 6 weeks later, again
to yield to same remedy. The presence of lead was now discovered,
but 4 d. after the use of the drinking water had been stopped she was
suddenly seized with loss of power in hands, having felt numbness in
them during previous n. Lachesis 6 was given, and next d. there was
some improvement in hands, but she felt numbness of legs also, with
which later some neuralgic pain was conjoined. All passed off in a
fortnight. (Ibid.)
15. The mistress of the above consulted Dr. v. T- frequently
from Feb. onwards, on account of troublesome and constant diarrhoea,
at times accompanied by much colic and tenesmus. She had lived in
India for 12 years, and had had dysentery there. Various medicines
were given, with some benefit; but bowels continued to act 3 or 4
times a d., stools being quite liquid; no blood was passed, but mucus
sometimes. About the time of the lead being discovered, the abdominal
pain had become more continuous. Improvement began as soon as
poisoned water was stopped, and complete recovery speedily ensued.
(Ibid.)
16. A son of No. 15, æt. 12, tall and very thin, had had a bronchial
catarrh, from which a loose cough remained. On examining his chest
Dr. v. T― found evidence of consolidation in 1. apex, but no breaking
up of lung tissue. He was very weak and much constipated. Latter
symptom increased so much that fissure of anus occurred.
As soon as
use of poisoned water was stopped, improvement was so rapid that in a
month he looked almost as if nothing had been amiss. There was at
no time any râle, moist or dry, and there was very little cough; but
the upper 1. chest scarcely rose in inspiration, and the respiration was
very harsh, almost bronchial. (Ibid.)
17. An elder brother of the above came to Dr. v. T— about same
time, saying that he had coughed up blood for 3 d., having lost altogether
about half a pint.
pint. On examination of chest nothing very distinct
could be detected, save that respiration was very feeble in both apices;
he had no cough. Three months later, after a day's rowing, he had a
fresh hæmoptysis, this time with epistaxis. A distinct though slight
dulness was now found in r. apex, and he looked rather pale and thin.
The poisoned water was at this time stopped, and he rapidly regained
his good looks, and had no return of the bleeding. (Ibid.)
18. The effect of lead on those who work in it shows itself under
four principal forms-colic, arthralgia, paralysis, and encephalopathy.
As regards their relative frequency, it may be said that, out of 14 sub-
jects of the poisoning, 12 will have the colic, 8 the arthralgia, 2 thể
paralysis, and I the cerebral affection. Although they may combine
in the same individual, they are distinct and independent affections.
They are preceded by a primitive intoxication, whose symptoms are-
coloration of the gums; peculiar taste and smell, and odour of the breath ;
icterus; emaciation; and slowness with feebleness of the circulation.
[The first two being effects of the deposit of lead in the mouth, we
له
654
PLUMBUM.
i
pass them over here.-EDs.] The icterus is, in its highest degree, a
dirty or earthy yellow tint of the skin; when less pronounced, the
yellowness is pale or a little ashy. It is most marked on the face, and
involves the conjunctiva, where it is combined with a bluish tint. The
urine is of a dull yellow, but nitric acid strikes none of the colours indi-
cating the presence of bile-pigment; nor is the linen stained. The
fæces show a tawny-yellow tint, very marked. The serum of the
blood has a slight yellow reflection, but not one verging on green.
After death, this earthy yellowness may be found more or less in all the
organs of the body. It is unaffected (during life) by ablution. It
sometimes develops very rapidly, as in 10—25 d. after beginning work,
but more commonly months or even years are required. It appears
due to an alteration in the blood, and is comparable to the tint induced
by syphilis and cancer, and that seen in the malarial cachexia. It is
not a real jaundice. The emaciation is general, but most marked on
the face, where it gives rise to wrinkles, making its subjects look old
and saddened. It runs pari passu with, or comes a little after, the
icterus. It is accompanied by some loss of strength. The pulse is
small, narrow, soft and compressible; and, less frequently, the pulsa-
tions are reduced in frequency from 60-70 to 55—40.
a. The saturnine colic may be defined as a neuralgia of the diges-
tive and urinary organs, characterised by intense abdominal pains,
which are continuous but become more acute paroxysmally, diminished
or at least not materially augmented by pressure, accompanied by
hardness and retraction of abdomen, obstinate constipation, vomiting
or nausea, flatulent eructations, anorexia, dysuria, slow and hard pulse,
agitation, and anxiety. It may be brought on in whatever way lead is
introduced into the system, save through the unbroken skin. It is
most frequent in summer weather and at the ages 30-40. The pain
begins in a grumbling manner, with slight development of the con-
comitant symptoms; then suddenly sets in in all its severity. In cer-
tain cases, before the manifestation of the colic, the workman from gay
becomes morose; his features become sunken rather than shrivelled;
all exertion is fatiguing; sleep is fitful and unrefreshing.
The pain is most frequently at the umbilicus, and next at epi- or
hypogastrium, but may affect any part of abdomen, pelvis, or thorax.
It consists ordinarily in a violent sense of twisting; sometimes it is
described as tearing, shooting, burning, boring, or it may be felt only
as constriction, or as compression from a supposed weight on the abdo-
men. It is mostly so severe as to throw the patients into the utmost
agitation, and sometimes to render them insensible to all that is
around them, slow to respond when addressed, and even tempted to
suicide. The paroxysms are more frequent by n. than by d. The
constipation-rarely absent or replaced by diarrhoea-is obstinate, in
spite of frequent desire for and attempts at stool. Even with drastic
purgatives the motions come only in scy bala, and are scanty. It
follows, and does not precede, the supervention of the pain, which also
may last for days after purgation has been effected. Retraction of
abdomen appeared in 649 out of 1217 cases; only in 123 was the belly
large, and it was never inflated. There is no constant quantitative
B
PLUMBUM.
655
relation between the retraction and the pain, but they coincide in point
of time and of seat. During the paroxysms, both abdominal and in-
testinal walls feel like muscles in cramp: this may at times be clonic,
but is ordinarily tonic. Painful tenesmus is sometimes felt in the
rectum; it seems drawn together, and the finger can with difficulty
be introduced, on account of the tightness of the sphincter and the
narrowing of the calibre of the gut. Nausea is more frequent than
vomiting, and nearly always precedes it; the latter is specially apt to
occur when the colic is seated in the epigastrium; it is effected with
much retching and straining. The vomited matters are of a dirty
green colour, a viscous consistence, a fœtid odour sui generis, and of
extreme bitterness. Flatulence is shown by eructations and borboryg-
mus; little passes from the anus. It sometimes becomes incarcerated,
forming a quasi-tumour. Hiccup was observed in 115 cases. The
tongue becomes coated white, perhaps yellow at back, and may be
larger than normally; more seldom it is red and dry. Toothache is
sometimes observed, unconnected with carious teeth (28 cases). There
is thirst and loss of appetite-the latter being so far an advantage, as
solid food provokes the pains.
When the colic is seated in the hypogastric or renal region, there is
nearly always functional disturbance of the urinary organs. Painful
contraction may be felt at the neck of the bladder; a sound is passed.
with difficulty, and micturition-during the paroxysms-can be effected
guttatim only, in spite of urgent desire. A biting or hot sensation is
often felt in the urethra before, during, or after micturition. Urine is
redder than normally; in two cases only was it alkaline. The pains
may involve the genital organs-the testicles, generally both, with
retraction, which also may affect the penis. In two women affected
with the malady the pains were severely felt in the vagina and uterus.
None but temporary interference with menstruation has been observed.
The genital pains do not necessary coincide with those in the abdomen,
and must be regarded as having an independent centre, The chest has
pains radiating from the abdomen, and also a sense of constriction
around the præcordia quite its own. The mamma in women may
undergo a painful contraction during the paroxysms. The respiration
is embarrassed by the abdominal contraction when in the epigastrium,
but sometimes the diaphragm and thoracic muscles seem themselves in
a state of spasm. Some patients experience palpitations; a little nervous
cough, which fatigues; and even symptoms analogous to angina pec-
toris. In one case the pain mounted from epigastrium into chest, and
spread right down the arms; the patient then felt palpitations and a
very marked stifling sensation. Resp. was 35-40. In 51 cases
jaundice has supervened upon colic. Pulse is most frequently dimin-
ished in frequency, and in more than half the cases observed was also
hard. It may intermit or become irregular. In some cases an ener-
getic pulsation of the aorta in the epigastrium has been observed; in
13 instances epistaxis occurred. Temperature is rarely affected, but
patients may complain of sensations of cold or heat; they always feel
these pains increased by cold.
In 49 cases of uncomplicated lead colic ending in death, and where
656
PLUMBUM.
0
an autopsy has been made, no lesions of any constancy or significance
have been discovered.
b. We give the name of "saturnine arthralgia" to an affection of
neuralgic character, which the preparations of lead set up after absorption
into the system. It is characterized by sharp pains in the limbs, without
redness or swelling, not following precisely the course of the nerves;
continuous, but becoming more acute by paroxysms; diminished by
pressure, increased by movement, accompanied by divers disorders in
the motor sphere, as cramps, hardness and tension of the painful parts,
&c. These neuralgic pains may likewise show themselves on the
trunk, and even in most of the organs of animal life. Arthralgia is
the most common result of lead poisoning, after colic; the author has
observed 755 cases, in 201 of which it stood alone. It arises under
the same circumstances as the colic, which it frequently accompanies.
It is generally announced by a feeling of numbness and lassitude in the
parts it is about to attack. The pain usually sets in during the n.
Its most frequent seat is the lower extremities, then the upper, the
loins, the thoracic walls, the back or neck, and the head. It affects by
preference the flexor surfaces of the limbs, and the joints (especially the
larger ones) rather than the intermediate lengths. Its character is
tearing-asunder, contusive, or a composition of extremely painful
shootings, as sudden and rapid as electric shocks. Patients compare
these to needle-thrusts, or even to the boring of a gimlet. Some say
that they feel as if a live coal were in the painful parts; others com-
plain only of pricking, of disagreeable numbness, a fatigued or bruised
feeling, a sort of constriction or irritation; others speak of formication.
There are, further, a few who imagine a burning liquid to be coursing
through their veins, or that an ice-cold body is touching the parts.
There is great agitation during the paroxysmal exacerbations, which
commonly last a few m. only, and are most frequent at n.
The mus-
cles of the affected part are thrown into painful rigidity and cramp;
sometimes they are disturbed by tremblings or shudderings. The
heat of bed, but also undue coldness, increases the pain. It may feel
superficial or deep, and seems to be seated in skin, muscles, bones, or
nerves; when it is felt in several parts of a limb it may have a
different character at each. In one case, where the face was its seat,
otalgia coexisted.
c. Lead may paralyse either the motility or the sensibility of parts-
paralysis vel anesthesia saturnina.
We have observed 102 cases of paralysis. It is ordinarily heralded
some time in advance by certain disturbances of the system-lassitude,
sense of weight or coldness, torpor accompanied with weakness or a
shattered feeling, an unwonted heaviness, a certain inaptitude to move-
ment in the parts about to be invaded by the paralysis. Sometimes
tremors, more or less intense, with the heaviness and dulness, serve as
prodromata. These feelings will often go off as the patient is warmed.
by work. The paralysis, when it sets in, is sudden and complete. It
is usually limited to one or several muscles, or to the muscular apparatus
of one limb. It most frequently attacks the upper extremities (espe-
cially their terminal portions), then the lower, rarely the trunk, less
PLUMBUM.
657
rarely the vocal apparatus. It is the extensors of the limbs which are
affected. The initial tremor consists rather of a slight agitation of the
muscles than of their alternate contraction and expansion. It is a
"tremblottement," never reaching to the degree of the mercurial
trembling. When the paralysis has lasted a long time, months or years,
there is noticed a flaccidity, a wasting, an extraordinary emaciation of
the parts deprived of movement; the skin is whitish, pale, of livid,
often earthy-yellowish look, rough to touch, dry, harsh, as if scorched;
it seems to have lost its natural thickness. The epidermis often
desquamates. The subcutaneous cellular and adipose tissue entirely
disappears; the skin is then lax and flaccid, and seems too wide for the
parts it covers. The flesh is soft, the volume of the inuscles is dimin-
ished; they no more stand out in relief. When this atrophy has
reached its height the skin seems glued to the bones, whose prominences.
can be readily felt; and if a whole limb be attacked, it drags down by
its own weight, and may even become dislocated. If the case be pro-
longed the whole body becomes the subject of this atrophy, and
resembles a veritable skeleton in a transparent envelope; there then
follow infiltrations, eschars, gangrenous patches. In general emacia-
tion the urine often becomes colourless; in 3 cases we found it alka-
line. We have not observed any involvement of the bladder in the
paralysis. The palsied parts are often bathed in the m. in copious
viscid sweat. Lachrymation is sometimes unusually active, without.
other ocular disorder. All the lead paralyses are slow, gradual, and
progressive in their course. They are always amenable to persistent
treatment (sulphurous baths and strychnia) if the muscles are not alto-
gether atrophied. In the few cases in which death has occurred,
p.m. examination has revealed no constant or characteristic morbid
changes, unless it be an excess of serosity in the cranium and the ver-
tebral canal.
Saturnine anæsthesia may be limited to the skin, or may extend to
the subjacent parts; it may be common sensibility that is affected, or
special as that of vision. We have seen 23 cases of it; in 4 the
deeper parts were affected, in 7 the skin only; 12 consisted of amau-
rosis. Of the first 11, 3 had paralysis of movement coinciding with
that of sensation, in 4 the two affections occupied different seats, in 4
others the loss of sensibility stood alone. Like the paralysis, the anæs-
thesia affects limited tracts, as a finger or two, the palm, &c. ; it may
be more extensive, but is never general. It usually comes on suddenly;
may be complete or partial; is very mobile, shifting seat and extent
quickly; and rarely lasts more than a week or two. It may co-exist
with arthralgia, even at the same spot, but is then superficial only. In
two patients dying while anesthetic, no alterations were found in the
nervous system which would account for the phenomena.
Of the amaurosis we have seen 12 cases, in 2 of which no other
cerebral symptoms co-existed. It seldom, however, exists apart from
other manifestations of poisoning. It usually appears suddenly (14 times
out of 19), but may be preceded by some frontal headache. It is
double, and complete or partial, the pupil behaving accordingly. It
seldom lasts long (6—8 d.), and usually goes off as rapidly as it has
VOL. III.
42
658
PLUMBUM.
supervened. Three autopsies, performed in such cases, showed no
alteration in retina, optic nerves, or brain.
d. The saturnine "encephalopathy" is characterised by delirium,
coma, and convulsions, singly or combined, and accompanied or not by
loss of one or more of the senses. It is without fever, and has a phy-
siognomy so mobile that the manifestations may change from one d. to
the other, or between m. and n. Their brusque, instantaneous appear-
ance and disappearance constitute its most remarkable feature. We
have seen 72 cases among workmen. Of these, 6 were attacked
primarily; the rest had already, or had previously had, other plumbic
affections. It may surprise the workman without warning in the
midst of his occupation, or may announce its advent by several func-
tional cerebral or other derangements. Thus in some cases severe
headache is felt, with vertigo or tipsy feeling; in some there is insom-
nia, or restless sleep troubled with baleful dreams. We have observed
disorders of sight and hearing,—as dazzling, tinnitus, diplopia, strabis-
mus, dilatation or contraction of pupils; or an unnatural look-
astonished, stupid, or pensive. One patient complained of fulness and
weight, with atrocious pain in orbits. The disposition may become
sad, unquiet, indifferent, morose, lachrymose; sudden fears may assail
the mind, and lead to restless changing of place with the view to banish
or escape them. Lastly, stupor, an indescribable malaise, embarrass-
ment and slowness of thought and movement may precede the advent
of this malady. Out of the 72 cases observed 19 had prodromata of
this sort.
Sometimes they appear elsewhere than in the cerebral
sphere, as in the form of dysphagia, or a sense of constriction in the
pharynx.
ph
The delirium may be quiet or furious. The former presents every
variety of simple mental aberration, passing rapidly from one to
another, sometimes accompanied by hallucinations of sight or hearing.
In the furious form there is a kind of mania. The face is slightly red-
dened, sometimes distorted or convulsed. There is much talking. The
tongue sometimes becomes dry and brown; and yellowish or even
blackish crusts form on teeth and gums. Either is paroxysmal, with
intervals of somnolence.
The coma may be with or without some degree of delirium. In
either case it is sudden in its onset. It is rarely profound.
Convulsions are the most frequent cerebral phenomenon we encounter,
though rarely (5 cases only) occurring alone. They may be irregular,
whether partial or general,-i. e. resembling no recognised malady of
the kind; or, more frequently, they consist of epileptic, epileptiform,
tetaniform, or cataleptiform attacks. In nearly every case the intellect
is consentaneously affected, whether before, during, or after the convul-
sions. Irregular, partial convulsions may consist of clonic or tonic
spasms of the face or of a single limb: they come on suddenly, at
short intervals, and are accompanied by delirium or somnolence, or by
intense headache and hallucinations of sense. General convulsions of
this kind are most apt to seize those exhausted by the colic. They
are taken at first with agitation, characterised by general trembling
with clashing of the teeth, as in the cold stage of ague. Then come
PLUMBUM.
659
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spasmodic shocks through the whole body, and these are followed by
general stiffness. Consciousness has not been altogether lost; but
they look wild, with fixed eyes; and if questioned, stare awhile and
utter only a cry. After a few m. the pale face regains its expression,
and the limbs relax. Sopor, more or less deep, usually succeeds the
attack; more rarely delirium. In the saturnine epilepsy, mental dis-
traction, giddiness, restlessness, frontal headache, amaurosis, may pre-
cede the attack; or it may set in unannounced. No aura has been
felt. One patient uttered a cry at the onset, one a groan. The attack
differs in no respect from that of idiopathic epilepsy; but the sopor
that follows it is a coma, which may last for days, and may be broken
by fresh attacks-one patient had 34 in 24 h. Sometimes delirium
replaces it. A part only of the full cortége of epileptic phenomena may
occur, when the convulsions may be styled "epileptiform." They are
cataleptiform when, consciousness and sensibility being lost, the limbs
retain for a time any position in which they are placed. We have seen
but 2 cases of this kind. Recovery set in with various movements of
head, face, and body, as if to express feelings, the eyes still being
closed; then cries were uttered; finally lethargy again supervened.
After several of such alternations consciousness returned, but was of a
delirious character.
The encephalopathy may co-exist with the other saturnine mala-
dies, in various combinations. There are no other derangements of
health characteristic of it, save such as might be expected from the
violence of the attacks; but there is rapid loss of flesh. The course of
the disease is very irregular, abounding in surprises. The delirious.
form affords the best prognosis; the comatose and convulsive forms
may end in dementia, or in death. We have never seen meningitis or
encephalitis supervene. Of our 72 cases, 16 died. Combining their
autopsies with those on record, we find 32 cases in which no note-
worthy cerebral lesion was found after death, while in 21 there was a
subsidence or flattening of the convolutions, with augmentation or
diminution of the consistence and size of the cerebral mass.
We are
inclined, from the facts, to think the latter change a secondary one.
(TANQUEREL DES PLANCHES, Maladies de Plomb. 1839.)*
19. a. A man, æt. 30, who from a boy had worked among prepa-
rations of lead, was admitted to the Vienna General Hospital the end
of March, 1840. He had had 10 attacks of lead colic, the last 10 years.
ago. Two months ago was attacked by repeated violent headaches and
vomiting, afterwards by marked dimness of sight and great weakness of
lower extremities, and for the last few days has had oedematous swelling
of face and feet, anorexia, pressure on chest, and dry cough. The head-
ache was in the occiput, often extending to forehead; objects appeared
to him as in a fog; pupils contracted, sclerotic leaden coloured; taste
like clay, great thirst, gums spongy, swollen, teeth dirty grey; breathing
often interrupted by sighing; abdomen fallen in; pulse small, slow;
frequent vomiting of greenish-grey matter. After a few d. considerable
swelling of face, especially of eyelids and abdomen; frequent headache
*The above is a résumé of all the pathogenetic facts contained in the work above
cited.-EDS,
660
PLUMBUM.
commencing in occiput, and accompanied by bilious vomiting; dry
cough on taking a deep breath; serous infiltration of almost all the
skin; during the vomiting great pain in umbilical region, pains much
increased by pressure. He often fell into a soporous state
eyes dull,
voice scarcely audible. After a few more d. staring look, vision dim,
eyes projecting, features sunken, extremities convulsively agitated, eye-
lids extremely swollen and sensitive, conjunctiva of 1. eye much suffused
with blood; respiration rapid, anxious; epigastrium very tender, frequent
vomiting of green matter, frequent copious epistaxis, nocturnal delirium
alternating with sopor, frequent cough with bloody expectoration, great
debility, voice hardly audible, great pain in extremities, dryness of
mouth, meteorism. After a time the anxiety increased, as also the
difficulty of breathing, often to fear of suffocation. He could only
breathe in a sitting position; every part of the skin, especially of the
arms and eyelids, very sensitive to the slightest touch; he sometimes
lay quite apathetic, complaining of nothing and somnolent, and at
length died after being moribund for 24 h. on the 26th April.
b. P.M.-Skull long-shaped, its bones compact, in the sinuses a
little fluid blood, the inner membranes much thickened, opaque, filled
with much grey serum, devoid of blood; cerebral substance pale, soft,
bloodless, in the central cerebral cavities 3 drachms of brown clear
serum; vascular plexuses pale, pineal gland soft, not gritty; in base of
brain oz. of clear serum. Thyroid gland pale, tough; in trachea
much fluid mixed with mucous flakes, m.m. pale; both lungs pale,
tough, bloodless; in the pleural cavities several pints of brown serum
mixed with fine lymph-flakes, in pericardium 2 pounds of dark brown
serum; the serous investing membrane of pericardium and heart covered
with a layer of greyish-red, fine villous, firm' exudation of lymph in
meshes; the heart more than twice the normal size, the walls of the
1. ventricle more than 1 inch thick, pale brown, firm, valves normal;
in the auricles, besides firm pale lymph, much blackish-red coagulated
and fluid blood. Liver brownish red, soft; bright yellow, fluid bile in
gall-bladder; spleen swollen, pancreas soft, stomach contracted, con-
taining a little brown opaque fluid, its m.m. very corrugated, thick,
tough; intestines very contracted, grey, yellowish, containing fæces
adherent to their walls; mesenteric glands soft; both kidneys diminished
to half their size, the surface of their cortical parts studded with promi-
nent granulations of the size of hemp-seeds and larger, dirty yellowish-
white, very firm, tough, and between them blackish-blue deposits like
pigment, and among them single cysts the size of peas containing
brown serum; bladder contracted, containing a few drops of opaque
urine. In the peritoneal cavity 6 pounds of grey serum. (BEER,
Oester. med. Wochenschr., No. 35, p. 817, 1841, in Frank's Mag., i, 799.)
20. A journeyman painter, æt. 24, who had formerly had 3 attacks
of colica saturnina, came into hospital for a 4th attack. For 4 months.
had noticed weakness of hands, which now amounted to complete
paresis, so that he could not feed himself. The weakness also affected
lower extremities, so that his gait was uncertain and staggering. Stools
very costive and scanty. Since 7 d. pains in umbilical region and lower
extremities, and obstinate constipation. Abdomen hard and tense,
MXP
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PLUMBUM.
661
umbilical region drawn in, with tearing pains, and very sensitive to
pressure. Tearing pains in lower extremities. Urine dark coloured
and turbid; strong fever, pulse 110, large and tense. He got 6 oz. of
quicksilver, followed by enemata and castor oil, which brought away
much fæces, but the quicksilver did not come away till after the lapse
of 3 d. He then recovered, but the paresis of the hands remained.
(KNAPP, Rust's Mag., lx, H. 2, 298, in Frank's Mag., i, 604.)
21. a. A. Duhamel, æt. 56, a house-painter for 40 years, of middle
height, born of healthy parents, was admitted into La Charité, Paris,
14th Aug., 1863. Every 2 or 3 years he has had attacks of colic, the
last being in June; otherwise he has been in good health. Present
condition-trembling of voice (for now 12 years); the colics have
nearly disappeared; characteristic blue line; slight diarrhoea ; abdomen
is soft, and not painful to pressure. The hands tremble a little when
extended; paralysis of extensor muscles. Marked loss of muscular
power of both arms, sensation intact; pains in knees and ankles, with-
out swelling or redness; occasional cramps. No trace of œdema,
Heart and lungs normal; special senses intact. Skin dry, cool; pulse
80, regular, full. The urine is pale, and contains much albumen and
a considerable number of renal cells; lead found in the urine. 17th.
-Same condition of urine and other symptoms; pulse 96. 24th.-
Complains of weakness; the urine is hazy when treated by heat and
nitric acid, but gives no deposit. Sept. 2nd. The paralysis of exten-
sors is less marked; the urine still albuminous; the patient, feeling
better, wishes to leave. He resumed his work for 16 d., but the return
of colic and increase of paralysis obliged him to desist, and he re-entered
the hospital Sept. 28th. He looks very pale; extreme emaciation;
sharp colic and constipation; paralysis of extensors of arm, forearm,
and hands; great weakness of lower limbs. Embarrassment of speech,
trembling of tongue, twitchings of muscles. Intelligence and sensi-
bility not affected. Pulse 120, small; respirations quick; nothing.
abnormal in heart or lungs. The urine very albuminous. 29th.—
Passed a delirious night, but is now calm; symptoms as before; spleen
normal, but liver retracted. Urine very albuminous, containing
numerous casts. At 9.30 p.m. he took soup; at 10 he attempted to
leave his bed to go to the closet, and suddenly expired after crying out,
"I am dying," and making half a dozen noisy inspirations; the tongue
projected from the mouth.
b. Autopsy made 28 h. after death. Very marked rigor mortis.
Head.-Sinuses of dura mater gorged with blood; absence of serosity
in arachnoid; membranes of pia mater congested. The lens shows.
congested capillaries on periphery of brain and cerebellum, and minute
extravasations of blood. Arteries at base of brain and cerebellum give
negative results. Thorax.-Nothing in lungs to report. Heart has no
blood on r. side; aortic valves healthy, mitral a little thickened and
rough at their base. Kidneys.-Notably diminished in size; numerous.
granulations on surface, colour yellowish, the cortical substance opaque.
Microscopic examination found the alterations present in Bright's
disease arrived at the stage of atrophy of the cortical substance.
(OLLIVIER, Album, saturn., 1864.)
662
PLUMBUM.
22. a. L—, æt. 43, a house-painter since he was 8, had at 15 his
first attack of colic, since then he has had five. About 4 years ago he
was attacked with paralysis of extensors of forearm; this has never
wholly disappeared. When 37 he was suddenly seized with acutely
painful swelling of 1. big toe; this disappeared in 8 d., and was replaced
by similar affection of r. toe. He had had three similar attacks since,
the last Aug., 1869; this was not confined to the big toes, but affected
also the tibio-tarsal articulations, heels, and finger-joints. This attack
lasted about a month, and the feet were swollen during that time. He
then returned to his work, which in November he was forced to quit
owing to palpitations and oppressed breathing, especially on going up-
stairs. He was admitted into La Charité, Jan. 5th, 1870. The skin
is of a distinct yellow colour, lips livid; face very slightly swollen, but
there has never been oedema of the limbs. Paralysis of extensors
of both forearms; if he raises wrist he cannot without great difficulty
extend fingers. Breathing oppressed, respiratory sounds normal';
pulsations of heart strong, sounds normal. Urine pale, almost without
colour, albuminous; has never noticed deposits of uric acid. His
father died, asthmatic, æt. 56; one sister died from chronic pulmonary
disease. (Pot. brom., sulphur baths.) 10th.-Mucous vomiting, in e.
vomiting of food; constipation, headache, drowsiness; vision cloudy.
Urine a little over two pints; sp. gr. 1010. (Ol. ricini.) From 10th
to 22nd vomiting of bilious matter and food continued. On 24th sudden
loss of consciousness, followed by convulsions of muscles of face and
limbs, with foaming at mouth, leaving swelling and congestion of the
face. Seen in forenoon, his features are swollen, dull look, speech
embarrassed, head heavy. He complained of violent one-sided headache,
like migraine, which he has been subject to for a year. Slight epis-
taxis; pulse 100, strong and vibrating, cardiac impulse strong; vomiting,
obstinate constipation. Urine becoming very hazy on addition of nitric
acid; this disappears on adding an excess of acid, and a reddish colour
appears; no sugar. Microscopic examination shows a few hyaline
granular cylinder casts, and phosphate of lime; about a quart of urine
passed daily. This state and recurrence of frequent epileptic convul-
sions continued until Feb. 6th, when deafness and great diminution of
sensibility were present; the speech is laboured; sleeps very heavily,
with snoring. Urine reduced to a pint, pulse 84. On the 9th the
symptoms increased, a small quantity of urine passed in bed. On the
10th epistaxis, involuntary motions, urine still albuminous; the patient
rises up without knowing what he is doing, at other times he is drowsy :
during n. of 11th coma increased, and he died suddenly at 6 a.m. with-
out the slightest movement.
The metatarso-
b. Autopsy. Absence of oedema or anasarca.
phalangeal articulations are lined with numerous whitish deposits of
urate of soda. Articulations of big toes have their cartilages and liga-
ments encrusted with abundant deposits of same salt. Very fine
deposits seen in finger-joints. Extensors of the fingers, extensor proper of
little finger and index, long abductor and short extensor of thumb, are
pale, yellowish, and atrophied. The other muscles of forearm are
healthy. Microscopic examination of the atrophied muscles shows a
PLUMBUM.
663
great number of the primitive fibres much diminished in volume but
retaining their striæ: at some points the muscular fibres present only
the sarcolemma, showing in its thickness nodules which are more
numerous in proportion to the atrophy. The branches of the radial
nerve show gradual degeneration of their myeline. Brain and spinal cord
are normal. Lungs show old adhesions; bronchial glands are enlarged.
Heart shows patches of fat on its anterior surface and sides; large
milky-looking patches at root of aorta and on anterior surface of
auricles. L. ventricle is firm, red, and considerably hypertrophied.
Mitral orifice is normal, but aortic is insufficient owing to thickness
and adhesion of the valves. Internal surface of the aorta is covered
with atheromatous patches; carotids and some of cerebral arteries are
similarly affected. Kidneys are atrophied, reduced one half in size,
granular, affected by interstitial nephritis. Stomach presents the appear-
ance of uræmic gastritis. It is enlarged. Liver and pancreas are
normal. (E. LANCEREAUX, Mém. Soc. de Biologie, t. ii, 5ª série,
1870.)
23. A painter, æt. 35, had colic when 25; 10 years ago, after the
first attack of colic, the sight became affected. For 3 years he has
complained of malaise; constant pain in limbs; intense occipital head-
ache, coming on in paroxysms; suborbital neuralgia, occasional; the
urine is albuminous. The sight, especially in r. eye, has been gradually
getting weaker; during the last 7 weeks this diminution of vision has
prevented him working. He looks ill and thin; there is no cedema.
Muscæ volitantes, circles of fire, difficult to see objects in e., impossible
to read; these symptoms worse in r. eye; pupils dilated, especially
r. Ophthalmoscope shows-in 1. eye localised granular degeneration,
exsudate masking the papilla and exit of vessels; r. eye, degeneration
more limited, but exsudates more numerous, masking the vessels in a
great part of their course. (L. DANJOY, Arch. gen. de Méd., 1864, i,
402.)
24. M. ZULMA, æt. 37, was admitted 22nd May, 1872, under M.
Vulpian's care. The father died at 55, probably of alcoholism, the
mother at 58, of paralysis. The patient has been a house-painter since
he was 17, and enjoyed good health until 6 years ago, when he had
violent colic, followed in about 10 d. by paralysis of hands, cramps in
hands, and wandering pains in body. He had a second attack 4 years.
ago; the following year another, and his 4th a year after. His 5th
attack commenced 15 d. ago, the colicky pains very severe, with in-
crease of paralysis. On admission the pains are slight; thirst, white
tongue, no appetite, constipation, no fever. He complains of cramps
and continued pains in all the limbs, especially in deltoid region.
Extensors of forearm are completely palsied; slight trembling of hands.
Electric sensibility has disappeared. Breathing normal, but complaint.
is made of slight pain in region of diaphragm on inspiring. Strong
palpitations of heart, slight blowing murmur with first sound towards.
apex. Sensibility not affected. Decided albuminuria. The patient pre-
sents a marked yellow cachectic look, and blue line on gums. He was
treated by electro-magnetic currents and iodide of potassium, which
were continued up to June, 1873. In July, not feeling well, he kept
م
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664
PLUMBUM.
1
his bed for a few d., and on getting up on the 10th he complained of
confusion, and stumbled against things. At II a.m. he was seized in
bed with a severe epileptic attack; no aura, marked cry; tetanic stiff-
ness of neck and limbs; complete loss of consciousness; respiration
ceases for a moment; face purple, with congested spots on forehead
and face; convulsions of muscles of face; slight clonic convulsions;
foaming at mouth, tinged with blood. This condition lasted 3 m.;
the limbs then relaxed, and after h. of coma and stertorous breathing
semi-consciousness returned, but with great drowsiness. During d. 2
more attacks, but less severe. Urine contains much albumen. The
administration of iodide of potassium renewed. July 11th. He looks
exhausted and is drowsy; he makes no complaint of pain; the vision
is very indistinct, he distinguishes nothing; remembers nothing of
yesterday. 12th. Still marked albuminuria; the intelligence re-
turned, and vision restored; he complains of distressing pulsations in
the temples; action of heart rapid and vigorous; pains in both.
shoulders. 14th.-The albuminuria has nearly disappeared, abundant
deposits of urates and uric acid; strong traces of iodide of potassium.
22nd.-General state of health good. Electric appliances were used
up to March, 1874, when he left much improved. It is to be remarked.
that 2 years after having ceased to work with lead, and though so long
under the influence of iodide of potassium, he was attacked with
epilepsy. (RENAUT, Intoxication saturnine chronique, 1875, p. 156.)
25. J. DUMONT, æt. 46, worker for 18 years in white-lead, was
first treated at La Pitié, May, 1871, for lead colic. He was readmitted
March 4th, 1874, suffering from severe colic. He had given up
working in lead since 1871 owing to frequent attacks of colic; he had,
however, resumed this work 6 weeks previously. He has never suf-
fered from cerebral disease or paralysis; he is temperate; and he is not
syphilitic. For the last 15 d. he has been feeling sense of weakness in
r. side; he is not intelligent, but answers questions distinctly. He has
frequent headache; slightly deaf on r. side. All the r. side of face is
affected by marked anesthesia; insensibility to touch, to temperature,
but especially to pain. The facial hemiplegia is not very evident.
The arch of the palate is insensible to touch, the uvula is drawn to the
1., the muscles act indifferently, and reflex movements are not excited;
deglutition is impaired. The tongue is strongly diverted to the 1., and
bent to same side. The voice is nasal, and words are not pronounced
distinctly. Blue line on gums is very marked. The motility of the
r. upper extremity is diminished, and there is a certain amount of
atrophy of the posterior muscles of the forearm. The extension of r.
wrist is more difficult than of l.; the sensibility over the extensors is
destroyed, as regards touch, temperature, and pain. Walking is difficult,
he drags the r. limb, and on examining him in bed the weakness of
this leg as compared with the 1. is evident. The toes of r. foot are
contracted like claws. Complete anæsthesia and analgesia of r. limb;
these conditions extend up r. side of abdomen, of loins, and of thorax,
keeping to r. of median line anteriorly and posteriorly. A prick gives
the sensation of rubbing, and a pinch that of simple touch. The
umbilical region is painful to touch; constipation for 8 d. Blowing
PLUMBUM.
665
He was
murmur very marked in vessels of neck; urine normal.
treated with strychnine and iodide of potassium; up to May 10th there
was no appreciable change; electric contractility is much diminished
in r. compared with 1. side; this is especially evident in the extensor
muscles. June 1st. He has gained strength and walks much better,
the r. leg now shows hardly any trace of dragging. In 6 months all
the symptoms had almost entirely ceased. Raymond remarks on this
case that the diagnosis lead paralysis was indisputable. There was no
question of hysteria; the paralysis came on slowly without any precur-
sory symptoms, no apoplectic attack; the electric sensibility disap-
peared in the paralysed limbs; and, contrary to what occurs after
cerebral hemorrhage, the limbs were irregularly affected and the groups
of muscles unequally palsied. It reminds him of similar symptoms in
another lead case, where the signs of paralysis (sensibility and motility)
were more marked on one side than the other, loss of hearing, smell,
taste, &c. (Ibid., p. 166.)
26. L. I-, æt. 46, of a healthy family, has worked for 3 months
in a lead manufactory at Clichy; towards the end of this period he had
severe attacks of colic. A few days after this he was seized, on March
23rd, with a marked encephalopathy; while washing his hands he fell
down insensible, he then had convulsive movements; this attack lasted
2 h. Five d. after he had another similar attack which lasted an h.
He then ceased working in lead. About April 2nd he remarked that
he could not use his hands when he wished to eat; if he attempted to
lift a glass to his mouth his arm shook so that he was unable to drink.
Next d. he experienced slight formication in the lower extremities,
and in 4 d. he walked with difficulty, was obliged to lean on some-
thing to avoid falling; he also felt sharp one-sided headache, with
diminution of sight and hearing, especially on 1. side. As the legs
became worse the lack of co-ordination in the arms diminished. He
was admitted into the hospital April 8th, 1874; he had enjoyed fair
health previously to working in lead; had not suffered from syphilis or
alcoholism. Marked blue lines on gums. Violent left-sided head-
ache, with nocturnal exacerbations. Slight anæsthesia of 1. side of
face, otherwise face normal; 1. pupil is more dilated than r.: slight
deafness of 1. ear, with buzzing noises. Considerable loss of muscular
power in arms, especially 1.; no apparent atrophy. Pressure on last
cervical and first dorsal vertebræ excites pain; no hyperæsthesia.
There is marked loss of co-ordination of both arms, especially of 1.:
the patient cannot, on closing the eyes, carry hand to a point in face
without feeling the way. Analgesia of both arms. In lower extremi-
ties marked inco-ordination; when he wishes to make a movement it
is executed with difficulty; on shutting his eyes and trying to walk
he strikes his heel against the ground, he trembles, and would fall
were not some one at his side. There are painful zones over the
articulations of the neck, the knees, and the feet; anesthesia to touch,
to temperature and to pain over both limbs, especially 1. Increased
reflex excitability, especially of 1. side. Iodide of potassium; sulphur
baths twice a week. The symptoms continued much the same, the
headache though persistent was less severe, until April 18th, when
666
PLUMBUM.
walking was easier, but still trembling and the want of co-ordination.
April 20th.-Pain and swelling over wrist and back of 1. hand: the
ring and middle finger are bent, to extend them causes pain. 26th.-
The swelling of wrist is confined to the tendons of the flexors; the
skin is red, and very painful to the touch.* The power of movement
and co-ordination improved. May 26th.-He walked well, and showed
no loss of co-ordination; he left the hospital on the 29th of June
almost completely cured; it would have been difficult to trace any
remains of the symptoms for which he had been admitted. (Ibid., p.
170.)
;
27. A. Tisson, æt. 50, a worker in a lead manufactory for 4
months, began soon to suffer from colic, for which he was admitted into
the hospital. On being discharged he returned to work where he was
less exposed to lead influences, but after 5 d. he began to suffer from
sharp pains in the joints, and was readmitted Feb. 21st, 1875. Very
acute pains for now 15 d. in many joints; the most painful are those
of the lumbar spine and shoulders, but all are more or less affected ex-
cept in jaw, fingers, and toes. Little felt when at rest, the least move-
ment excites them; pressing the surfaces of the joints together causes
severe pain; pressure round the joints less felt. The muscles are free
from pain; no redness or swelling. Sleep generally good, but he some-
times wakes with starts; he also wakes when he moves
he has night-
mare nearly every n., he thinks he is pursued by assassins and
cannot escape. Continued headache and frequent vertigo for 15 d.
He feels weakness in all his limbs; buzzing in ears; he sees showers
of snow or of fire; he nearly loses consciousness, and must get hold
of something to prevent himself falling. These attacks occur two or
three times in the 24 h.; they are followed by very severe headache.
Weakness of r. hand; he can extend the ring and little finger very
much less than the others; it is with great difficulty he can lift a chair
with his r. hand; the 1. is not so much weakened. Sense of numbness
and formication in fingers, especially of r. hand, which is followed by
painful prickings. No loss of sensibility in legs, but r. is weaker than
1. Anæsthesia and analgesia of all r. upper extremity; skin can be
pierced with a needle without causing pain. Pupils equal and contrac-
tile; tongue clean and moist; bowels costive; pulse regular, 64; urine
normal, no albumen. 23rd.-One vertiginous attack yesterday; in-
crease of paralysis of extensors of r. hand; still the anesthesia, extend-
ing as high as insertion of deltoid. Sensibility less in r. lower ex-
tremity than in 1., but no anesthesia: the sensibility of each side of
trunk is equal. Sight of r. eye feebler than that of 1.; is unable to
read with r. alone; no diplopia. Hearing of r. ear less than that of 1.
The articular pains are as strong on one side as on other. March 2nd.
* M. Gubler has pointed out an unusual variety of deformity and lesion of
tendons, which he has observed in two patients suffering from lead-poisoning. This
lesion consists in a sort of plastic and fungoid synovitis, seated in the sheath of the
extensors on the dorsal surface of the hands. Legros, who examined the second
patient, recognised necrosis of the primitive tendon sheathed in a tendinous tissue of
new formation. M. Gubler has seen a similar condition in paralysis à frigore, in a
coachman suffering from the effects of cold rain falling on the hands. (Brit. Med.
Fourn., 1878, ii, 841.)
PLUMBUM.
667
Hi
COMO NOCEAN
As death
-No vertigo for 4 d.; constant headache. Sleep good but for night-
mare; pains in articulations still great, no myalgia: the paralysis is
less. The report ceases at this date. (Ibid., p. 175.)
to recover.
28. J. Clarke, æt. 30, was admitted in a state of profound epileptic
coma; and from Oct. 18th to 20th he had five convulsive fits, accom-
panied and followed by coma, which continued for 2 d., when he began
I viewed the case then as one of those in which
the cerebral affection was due to the presence of some irritating matter
in the blood which ought to be eliminated by the kidneys. There are
very good grounds for believing that when urea is retained in the blood,
the brain is very likely to be affected so as to cause coma and con-
vulsions.
As soon as recovery from the state of coma took
place, we observed a paralytic affection of the upper extremities, and
of these alone; the legs were in no way involved. Nor did the
para-
lysis involve all the muscles of the upper extremities; those of the
arm and shoulder were only very slightly affected; the muscles of the
forearm were chiefly engaged, and of these the extensors were most
distinctly paralysed. All were wasted; but the extensors most so, as
was obvious from the hollow which existed over those muscles on the
back of the forearm. His power to flex the wrist and grasp with his
fingers was very feeble, but he was wholly unable to extend the wrist
or fingers. When the arm was stretched out from the trunk, the hand
hung, as if lifeless, from its articulation at the wrist. Both upper
extremities were affected in precisely the same way, although not pre-
cisely to the same degree; for the r. forearm was evidently weaker
than the 1. The muscles which form the prominence of the ball of
the thumb (the thenar eminence of anatomists) were also paralysed and
greatly wasted, and the power of flexion, or extension, or adduction of
the thumb was almost entirely destroyed.
He was admitted
on the 18th of Oct. ; on the 22nd he was quite free from any comatose
symptoms, and there now remained to be dealt with the condition of
the kidney (the fons et origo of the cerebral disturbance) and the para-
lytic state. The urine had increased considerably in quantity; it was
still, however, very highly albuminous, becoming almost solid by heat,
and of low specific gravity; and, under the microscope, contained casts
of tubes and epithelium, and some blood-corpuscles.
He
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exhibits precisely the character of that form of palsy which results from
lead-poisoning, more commonly known as the 'painters' wrist-drop.' All
the characteristic signs of this form of palsy were as well marked in
this case as in any case I have ever seen. When you make him hold
out his arms, you see both hands hang down, and he has no power to
bring them to the state of extension. A practical man could not see
such a case without asking if the patient was a house-painter. Yet we
found, on inquiry, that not only was he not of that trade, but that his
proper vocation, that of a waiter, did not particularly expose him to
the lead contamination.
It appears that a part of our patient's
duty was to clean and keep bright the pewter pots belonging to the
public-house to which he was attached. This he did by friction with
his hands. Now, pewter very commonly contains lead in considerable
quantity, and no doubt the frequent contact of this with his hands
MAR
668
PLUMBUM.
would lead to a gradual absorption of a sufficient quantity of the metal
to produce the poisonous effects; or the repeated frictions might cause
the separation of minute metallic particles, which might be inhaled.
(TODD, Clin. Lect., 1856.)
29. a. A man, æt. 21, admitted September 5th, 1875, into the hos-
pital, complained of the usual symptoms of lead-poisoning, headache, con-
stipation, vomiting, pain in abdomen; on his gums a well-marked line.
He stated that he had worked seven years in a lead factory, and had
had many previous attacks of colic, but that otherwise he had been a
healthy man. He was anæmic, and complained more than usual of
headache; indeed, that was his most urgent trouble. His discs were
examined, and it was found that he had well-marked optic neuritis, his
discs having an opaque, white, glistening appearance, the opacity con-
cealing portions of the large vessels and the margin of the disc. This
material extended with an irregular and somewhat abrupt outline into.
the adjoining retina. Both arteries and veins were larger than normal,
but no hæmorrhages were seen. On the day of admission he was very
dull and stupid, and on the day following he was delirious and had a
convulsive attack followed by coma; some days later more attacks with
great complaint of acute pains in the head. He died on September
20th. Contrary to what is usually seen in cases of optic neuritis which
come under the physician, this man was quite blind.
b. At the autopsy the brain was carefully examined, but no abnormal
naked-eye changes were found. Portions of brain were analysed by
Dr. Tidy, who found in each portion examined an appreciable quantity
of lead. He calculated that the brain, supposing the lead to have been
equally disseminated throughout it, would contain at least 5 gr. of that
metal. The kidneys were healthy. (Lancet, 1878, i, 784.)
30. In professional intoxication with lead, the number of the red
corpuscles of the blood is much reduced, even by one half. This
hypoglobulia is the more marked as the workmen are more exposed to
the lead dust, as they have been long engaged in their occupation, and
as their age is advanced. It is least in the arthralgic, most among the
paralytic, very variable among the enteralgic subjects. It is not appre-
ciably improved by the dispersion of the acute attacks; in a patient not
exposed to any fresh poisoning it existed still 3 mos. later. There
is no hydræmia. (MALASSEZ, Arch. de Phys. 1874.)
с
31. Dr. CARSON has observed that house-painters and others, with
either paralysis or great muscular debility from lead-poisoning, had
uniformly a more or less weakened impulse of the heart, and generally,
on going upstairs, complained of some faintness and cardiac distress.
These heart symptoms were absent in the earlier stage when lead colic
only existed. He gives 10 well-marked cases where the poisoning had
produced paralysis of the extremities, and where much alarm was
excited by the great feebleness of the heart, with palpitation, consequent
fainting, weak and soft pulse. He regards its cardiac action as similar
to that of digitalis, tobacco, upas antiar, woorara, tending specially to
paralysis of that organ. (N. Y. Journ. of Med., 1856, p. 325.)
32. According to DUROSIEZ, the cardiac sounds are at first purely
chlorotic, then after a time in a certain number of cases the sounds
PLUMBUM.
669
ES BABEKABRESENT
lo
are reduplicate, becoming rough and blowing. As cure takes place
this course is reversed, the rough murmurs disappear and become
chlorotic, and these in time may cease. He has noticed that the
femoral artery is sometimes the seat of a double intermitting bellows
sound. This was noticeable in the case of a house-painter, aged 21,
who had for seven years been in contact with lead; there was slight
hypertrophy, the sounds reduplicate, the second sound was rough and
altered, almost like pericardial friction sounds. He considers that
stethoscopic examination most generally indicates disease of the aortic
valves. (Gaz. des Hôpitaux, 1869, p. 565.*)
33. In persons exposed to lead influences the pulse is small,
thready, soft, and easily compressed.† It is never intermittent or
quick, except sometimes towards the fatal termination of cerebral dis-
ease. With the attacks of colic there is generally a peculiar hard-
ness and vibration of pulse with marked diminution of frequency,
sometimes falling to 40. This is probably a reflex phenomenon, caused
by irritation of the sensory fibres of the splanchnic nerve. (BLACK, in
Mat. Med. Phys. and Applied, vol. i.§)
34. The difficulty of respiration which sometimes accompanies
colic, and is described by older writers as metallic asthma, is attributed
by Tanquerel to paralysis of the intercostals, and according to him is a
very rare affection. A patient affected by lead paralysis or colic with-
out any previous pulmonary disturbance suddenly feels a great difficulty
in raising the ribs; they seem almost immoveable. When urged to
move them the clavicles are raised and the parietes of the chest follow,
but like a fixed mass, without action of the intercostal muscles; the
action of the diaphragm is increased, the respiration becomes more and
more laboured, mucous râles are heard, no expectoration, and gradually
the patient dies from asphyxia. With this condition there is sometimes
aphonia. This aphonia Tanquerel attributes to paralysis of the laryn-
geal muscles; and it is a question how far this condition of the larynx
contributes to the extreme dyspnoea occurring among lead-workers,
and independent of the intercostal paralysis. Grünther, Gurlt and
Hertwig have found in horses who have been employed in lead-works,
that the recurrent nerve and its terminal ramifications were atrophied,
and the dilator muscles of the glottis affected by fatty degeneration.
(Ibid.)
35. RENAUT quotes Lewy as having (1811) contributed some
remarks on lead asthma, which is a rare affection, as he met with only
* Addison reports a case under his care in Guy's Hospital, of a pale exsanguined
man, who had long suffered from heart symptoms, chiefly palpitation, and failing
power of the limbs. At first this patient was supposed to be suffering from cerebral
mischief consequent on cardiac disease, but a later examination of the case showed
the symptoms to be due to lead impregnation. (Med. Times and Gaz., 1856, ii, 643.)
The sphygmograph indicates tricrotic, even polycrotic pulsation. This tricrotism
is due, according to Marey, to abnormal ventricular systole, and he views it as charac-
teristic of the action of lead on the heart.
With this there is increased vascular tension, which pilocarpine relaxes and
simultaneously relieves the pain.-EDS.
§ The phenomena of lead-poisoning which have been observed since Tanquerel's
time we have given in the excellent summary, contained in a volume too little known,
from the pen of our valued and lamented colleague, Dr. Black.-EDS.
с
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670
PLUMBUM.
21 cases out of 1186 saturnine poisonings. He divides the cases into
acute and chronic. The acute form is seen in those constantly exposed
to the dust of lead, especially white-lead; it is characterised by extreme
dyspnoea, attended with great anxiety and restlessness, deep inspiration,
accompanied by epigastric pains and palpitations. The cough is
painful and convulsive; percussion normal; the face pale, and covered
with cold sweat; no expectoration. There are frequent intervals of
10 or 15 m. between the short attacks. It is generally accompanied
by discharge of nasal mucus, which always contains lead. The attack
lasts at least 8 to 12 h., but may be prolonged to as many d. It
resembles very much hay asthma. The chronic form is seen in very
confirmed old cachectic cases. It is characterised by dry cough in
violent long intermittent paroxysms which wholly prevent sleep. The
cough is often attended with dyspnoea, which at last becomes severe,
complicated with chronic bronchitis and oedema of the lungs. The
autopsy reveals cirrhosis of the lungs, and the presence of lead in the
pulmonary tissue. The chronic form is generally attended by cold
creeping sensation of the skin and great shivering; no perspiration can
be excited. (Ibid.)
36. When lead-poisoning is confirmed the skin assumes a dirty pale
yellow colour, which is due to anæmia; it has the characteristic of
being fixed, and not affected by any emotion. This colour has been
described as that of jaundice, but no bile is present in the blood or in the
urine. Tanquerel, who designated it as icterus saturninus, states that
this colour has nothing to do with the biliary pigment. He has
observed it disappear for a time during severe attacks of colic. There
is also, sometimes, in confirmed cases a more decided yellow colour more
akin to jaundice. This discoloration affects the sclerotic and stains
the internal organs, intestines, brain, &c. It is not a true hepatic
icterus, for no bile is present in the urine. The discoloration is due
to the breaking up of the colouring matter in the blood, such as is pre-
sent after the effects of ether, chloroform, and phosphorus. It is a
hæmatogenous icterus; it is the choleic icterus of Frerichs, the ictère
hémapheique of Gubler. (Ibid.)
37. Of the disturbances of general sensibility the most characteristic
is anæsthesia. It is not very common, for Tanquerel in his own
experience only met with it in 11 cases. It has also been described by
Beau, by Gubler, and by Renaut, who draws his observations from
cases treated by Raymond and Vulpian. It is generally confined to
the skin, rarely affecting the deeper tissues; it appears with, but more.
generally follows motor paralysis; sometimes it is present with colic or
arthralgia; it rarely exists independent of these affections. It is always
partial—that is, it is limited to one portion of the trunk or limbs ; it
may change its site from d. to d. It is never complete, always most
marked on the r. side. It affects generally the skin of the back of the
hand and the extensor aspect of the forearm, the external side of calf,
the skin of thorax and abdomen; sometimes it has its seat in the arch
of the palate and uvula. On these isolated patches there is not only
diminution or loss of tactile sensation (anææsthesia), but there is also
diminution of sensibility to pain (analgesia); to temperature (therman-
PLUMBUM.
671
æsthesia), rare; and to tickling (hypopallæsthesia), rare (Gubler). The
electric sensibility is also completely lost. Manouvriez, who has
minutely investigated this loss of sensation, considers the analgesia as
the characteristic change. The insensibility to pricking or burning is
almost always complete; it very rarely extends over all the body, gene-
rally affects one half, and is most marked on the r. hand or wrist. The
attacks rarely last beyond 14 d. They are regarded by Gubler,
Rosenstein, and Hitzig as dependent on the contraction of the cutaneous
arterioles. Vulpian obtained experimentally the same effect by slowly
arresting the circulation of a part: Gubler shows that it disappears for
the time after exciting redness by friction, and when sweating is
excited the anesthesia disappears. Renaut is informed by Albert that
in his experiments with jaborandi he found the same result in lead
cases. But the singular distribution of anesthesia demands another
explanation than the simply vascular one, e. g. Tanquerel describes a
case where it affected one half of the hand, the muscles preserving their
mobility; Renaut describes three cases under Vulpian where hemi-
anesthesia was present with hemiplegia. (Ibid.)
38. The occurrence of blindness in lead-poisoning has long been
known; in addition to the cursory mention of it by several writers it
has been described by Tanquerel, and more accurately discussed by
Hirschler and by Meyer. Attention has been especially called, in
England, to this affection by the publication of a series of cases by
Hutchinson (Oph. Hosp. Rep., vii, 6). Renaut has divided this affec-
tion into three different groups: Ist, where there is no cerebral disease;
2nd, alterations consecutive on lesions of neighbouring organs; 3rd,
alterations dependent on albuminuria.
a. Inflammation and idiopathic atrophy of the optic nerve.-In
this group there is no cerebral disease; it will be best illustrated by
the following case. A painter, who had another time had colic, has
lately been grinding lead colours without adopting any precaution. For
6 d. his sight has been diminishing; the pupils are a little dilated ;
visual acuity, to the 1. = 11100, to the r.
12'20; the field of
vision normal to the r., central scotoma badly defined to the 1. The
papillæ are strongly injected, not swollen, they have lost their trans-
parency; their edges are badly defined in the inner portion, where a
light reddish veil covers them; this opacity scarcely exceeds the limits
of the papilla. Arteries of normal diameter, but very tortuous, especi-
ally towards the left; veins very difficult to distinguish from the
arteries. Blue lines on gums, constipation, greyish colour of the skin.
Amelioration of the sight after purgatives and iodide of potassium.
This case and another, which Renaut also quotes from Schneller,
prove the existence of idiopathic alterations in the papillary portion of
the optic nerve. Amaurosis due to lead may exist, according to Horner,
independent of any inflammation; he believes there is then, from the
first, atrophy of the optic nerve, similar to that in drunkards and
anæmic subjects.
b. Alterations consecutive to neighbouring organic lesions-en-
gorged papilla (Gräfe) or false neuritis (Landott).-This consists in
an oedema of the papillæ, due to pressure on the optic nerve by liquid
J
е
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672
PLUMBUM.
collected in the intervaginal space. A worker in lead has had an
attack of encephalopathy, and rapidly his sight diminishes. Examina-
tion by the ophthalmoscope shows typical engorged papillæ (i.e. very
swollen), veins dilated, opacity extending scarcely beyond the papillæ
to the retina. The sight is restored in a few weeks; no albuminuria
present at any period.
c. Albuminuric retinitis, and anæmic amaurosis.-These are met
with in cases of chronic lead-poisoning suffering from albuminuria.
The prognosis is more unfavourable in the first and second group,
especially when there is pronounced atrophy of the papillæ, and much
more favourable in the third.
d. Gower mentions a transient amblyopia, without ophthalmoscopic
changes, which is usually sudden in onset, and may be complete. It
has been observed in some cases of acute saturnism after but short ex-
posure to the exciting cause. It commonly soon passes away, and is
probably due to a direct effect of the lead on the nerve centres, ana-
logous to the temporary amaurosis of uræmia and diabetes. In one
case recorded by Fano there was, for some months, a periodical tran-
sient failure of sight at the same h. every day (Medical Ophthalmoscopy,
Lond., 1879, p. 206). (Ibid.)
C
39. a. The elimination of lead takes place principally through the
kidneys; this has been proved experimentally on animals, and by
observations on patients. The appearance of albuminuria in chronic
lead-poisoning had been casually noticed, from time to time, by
various physicians, but Ollivier was the first to show its dependence on
lead. His experiments on animals demonstrated the presence of lead
in the kidney and in the urine, and to its elimination he attributed
the morbid lesions of albuminuric nephritis. In his examination of
37 lead cases in La Charité he found in 13 of them that albuminuria
was present in various degrees. In 8 the albuminuria was temporary,
not lasting more than 10 d. ; in 1 it was intermittent, in 4 it was per-
sistent. In one case which died, the kidneys showed the lesions of
Bright's disease in the stage of atrophy of the cortical substance. The
anatomical appearances in this case, and in the animals poisoned by
lead, presented the same differences which exist between the first and
last stages of albuminous nephritis.
b. Dickinson in this country has fully confirmed the observations of
Ollivier. Out of 42 deaths occurring in St. George's Hospital, among
workmen suffering from lead, 26 had distinct granular degeneration of
the kidneys; in most of these cases this renal lesion led to their death.
Granular degeneration is (with few exceptions, which take the form
of tubal nephritis) the only form of renal disease which lead appears
to induce. Granular degeneration, in consequence of lead-poisoning,
frequently is present when there are no external signs of gout. The
constancy with which permanent albuminuria and granular degeneration
are produced by saturnine occupations is one of the most definite
points in pathology. Dickinson thinks that lead may also set up a
temporary tubal nephritis. The stage of the lead impregnation has
to be considered in estimating the condition of the urine. According
to Bouchard, in the early stages the urea, uric acid, phosphoric acid,
PLUMBUM.
673
and chlorides are diminished; the colouring matter is increased.
When the impregnation is confirmed the same changes continue,
together with a diminution in the quantity and sp. gr. of the urine.
He at the same time examined the blood, and found the urea, uric acid
and phosphoric acid increased in quantity. On these grounds
Bouchard supposes that the changes in the confirmed cases are due
more to loss of the eliminating power of the kidneys than to disturb-
ances in disassimilation. Garrod had previously shown that, in chronic
saturnine impregnation, the blood contains uric acid in excess, and that
the administration of lead diminishes the excretion of uric acid by the
kidneys.
c. Renaut, under the clinique of Gubler, at the Beaujon, Paris, has
carefully noted the urinary conditions in 49 cases, with additional
observations from other sources. Without following his divisions it
may be stated that if the lead influence has not caused much cachexia,
the urine may be normal in colour, density, and quantity. Sometimes,
but rarely, the acidity is diminished and the urine is alkaline. As the
cachexia advances the urine takes a colour like old Rhine wine, no
change in quantity, clear, and containing no excess of uric acid. As
the cachexia is confirmed, so the urine changes to the type which
Gubler calls "hæmapheic." This hæmapheic urine is generally
accompanied by more or less yellow tinge of the skin. These two
symptoms appear and disappear together. Whenever saturnine icterus.
is present the urine is always hæmapheic. Gubler attributes this
appearance of the urine to the destruction of blood-corpuscles, hence
an excess of hæmoglobin which the liver ought to convert into bile.
Hæmaphein is an intermediate step between hæmoglobin and the
colouring matter of the bile. It indicates either excess of corpuscle
destruction or hepatic insufficiency; probably both causes operate.
The hæmapheic urine resembles in appearance that in hepatic jaundice,
it has no greenish reflection, nitric acid gives it a mahogany colour
signs of biliary acids absent; the quantity of urine is diminished; it
stains the linen a rose salmon colour. If acute symptoms now come
on, such as colic or encephalopathy, there are considerable changes in
the urine. The characteristic appearances are a brick-coloured sedi-
ment and albumen. The latter may, however, appear, in advanced
cachexia, without the occurrence of an acute attack. This albuminuria
may be either temporary or permanent, and be attended with more or
fewer microscopic appearances of renal disease.
;
d. Ollivier, Dickinson and Bouchard consider the albuminuria to
be essentially renal. On the contrary, Gubler attributes it to changes
in the blood, and ranks the kidney lesion as secondary. There is not,
as yet, sufficient evidence to determine this point, but probably further
experience may show that, as in Bright's disease, so in lead-poisoning,
Gubler's theory may in many cases, but not all, be correct.
e. When lead excites colic, especially in the renal form, the cramp-
like pain sometimes causes more or less retention and even some amount
of suppression of urine. Adams (Trans. Am. Med. Ass., 1852, p. 163)
reports a rare circumstance in the case of a man, æt. 38, temperate and
previously healthy, who from drinking water conveyed in lead pipes
VOL. III.
43
674
PLUMBUM.
suffered from lead-poisoning. He had colic, arthralgia, and slight
paralysis; then he suffered from paralysis of the sphincter of the bladder
which allowed the urine to pass guttatim. Soon after this he had epi-
leptic attacks. The recovery was tedious; the paralysis of the bladder
was the first symptom which disappeared.* (Ibid.)
40. a. The circumstance that lead is a predisposing cause of gout
has been noticed by various early writers-Musgrave, Huxham,
Falconer; and Dr. Parry in 1807 wrote a paper headed "Gout from
Lead" (publ. Lond., 1825). In later times various writers, especially
Todd, Charcot, and Garrod, have established the prevalence of gout
among workers in lead. The last writer suggests the question, Can
lead impregnation induce gout without the co-operative aid of other
predisposing causes? To ascertain the manner in which lead acts,
he made several observations and experiments, consisting first in ascer-
taining in several instances the condition of the blood and urine.
of patients under the influence of this metal, and secondly in deter-
mining the effect which lead has upon the secretion of uric acid
when administered medicinally. From a table of 12 cases it will be
observed that uric acid is almost invariably present in the blood
in cases of lead-poisoning, not only in those who have previously
suffered from gout, but even where no symptoms of that disease had
ever shown themselves. Nine never had gout, in one of them no uric
acid was found in the blood, but in the others it was noticed-in some
moderate, in the others abundant. He had two opportunities of testing
the action of lead upon the secretion of uric acid by the kidneys. In
both patients a well-marked diminution occurred; in the first it was
most marked, being more than one half. A peculiar phenomenon was.
observed, namely, that after the drug had been given for a day or so a
sudden arrest of the excretion of uric acid ensued, and the function of
the kidneys then became more or less intermittent.
"It would appear,
therefore, that in individuals impregnated with lead the blood becomes
loaded with uric acid, not from its increased formation, but from its
imperfect excretion; and this is of much interest in connection with the
fact that the subjects of lead-poisoning are, cæteris paribus, more liable.
to be affected by gout, and that those who inherit the gouty diathesis.
are more likely to become poisoned by the imbibition of lead. He has
seen several cases where the medical administration of lead salts has
caused severe attacks of gout in patients who had previously suffered
from the disease.†
b. That lead is a strongly marked predisposing cause of gout there
can be no doubt. Garrod is not at present prepared to assert that the
metal cannot of itself occasionally lead to the development of gout.
Charcot, with a full knowledge of the views of English wtiters, has
come to the conclusion, founded on his experience of lead-poisoning
in France, that though it is a predisposing cause of gout, he has not
* "After the administration of lead, as of that of iron and other metals, an in-
creased quantity of the metal is detectable in the urine; an increased amount of
mucus too, simultaneously with signs of irritation of the lining membrane of the
bladder, even to the extent of inducing a catarrhal condition." (RINGER, op. cit.)
RINGER reports a similar experience.-EDS.
PLUMBUM.
675
met with any proof that independent of other factors (e.g. excess of
meat and beer) it has the special power to create gout. Renaut states
that since then Charcot noticed a case under Pidoux's care in which they
were unable to find any cause whatever for the gout except the action
of lead. G. Moore, who has had a large experience in lead diseases in
the Staffordshire Potteries, writes: "My conviction is that when a man
the victim of plumbic impregnation is, as he may be, seized with gout
or with rheumatism, the event is not a sequence (Brit. Journ. of
Hom., xxiv, 76). As far as present evidence goes it is more probable
that lead predisposes to but does not create gout. Lead arthralgia has
no resemblance to gouty swellings and pain. (Ibid.)
""
41. a. The pains of lead colic affect the uterus and vagina, they
have been compared to severe labour pains; during the continuance of
the pains the vagina is much contracted. Dr. W. Neftel, of New
York, has published a brief outline of vaginismus occurring in three
young American ladies, of good position, who had for long employed
a cosmetic heavily charged with lead. One lady had been married a
year, but coitus could not be effected; the two other cases
unmarried. But for his experience in the first case he would have
viewed it as an hysterical hyperæsthesia. The only sign of lead-poisoning
he reports is paralysis of the extensors of the hands; no mention is
made of colic. As the paralysis disappeared, so in proportion did the
vaginismus. Treatment: galvanism and iod. pot (Centralbl. f. die
med. Wissensch., 1868, p. 819).
were
b. The influence of lead on menstruation is not sufficiently inves-
tigated. Young girls working in white-lead manufactories, long before
they get colic, suffer from retarded menstruation, and in older subjects
there is suppression of the menses. All show marked anæmia-chlorosis,
and are styled by their neighbours "white-lead ghosts." Hysterical
states are extremely prevalent, and the paroxysms particularly violent ;
chorea and epileptiform convulsions are alarmingly prevalent (LEWIS,
Med. Times and Gaz., 1872, ii, 538). Dowse, from a large experience
among women working in the white-lead works in the north-east of
London, states that amenorrhoea is very frequently and rapidly produced
in the married and unmarried (Ibid., 1876, i, 357).
c. According to Constantin Paul (Mém. de la Soc. de Biologie, 3me
Série, t. iii), women who work with lead, especially polishers, are sub-
ject to metrorrhagia; this, however, is attendant on abortion. His
investigations in this direction show the unfortunate results of lead on
the pregnant uterus and offspring. Of 141 pregnant women whose
husbands worked in lead, 82 aborted, 4 had premature delivery, and 5
had stillborn children. Of the 40 living children 20 died within a year,
15 between one and three years. Out of 43 pregnancies in women who
had suffered from lead-poisoning there were 32 premature births, 3
stillborn children, and 2 exceedingly pale. Out of 27 pregnancies
occurring in five women, 22 aborted-4 children died-1 living. One
woman, who had aborted five times, left off working in lead, and after-
wards bore a fine healthy child. The influence of the father seems
less marked than that of the mother. Roque, in a series of observations
carried out at the Salpêtrière and Bicètre, traced a number of cases of
www
676
PLUMBUM.
idiocy and epilepsy among the children of parents who had suffered
from lead-poisoning, and were temperate. He traced the history of
sixteen families in which one or more of the children were affected as
above. When the parents had ceased to work in lead, and recovered
their health, the children born thereafter were healthy and free from
brain disease. (Ibia.)
42. Morbid anatomy.-a. Post-mortem appearances in the diges-
tive organs after chronic lead-poisoning are not characteristic. Accord-
ing to Kussmaul and Mayer the gastro-intestinal membrane gives
evidence of chronic catarrh. The gastric glands are sometimes atro-
phied or the seat of fatty degeneration (?). The same lesion with
atrophy of the mucous membrane extends to the small intestines and
upper part of colon. Peyer's glands are affected by fatty degeneration.
The cellular coats of the stomach and intestines are much thickened.
The muscular fibres of the intestines show fatty degeneration in a
number of points; more or less limited or wide-spread contraction of
the intestines. Tanquerel and Segond drew attention to the con-
dition of the sympathetic ganglia. Kussmaul and Mayer confirm.
this by describing a proliferation and sclerosis of the connective
tissue of several of the sympathetic ganglia, principally in the solar
plexus.
b. The knowledge on the subject of the alterations existing in lead
palsy is imperfect. Such authors as Charcot, Gombault, Westphal, Vul-
pian, and Raymond, though in accord as to the condition of the muscular
tissue, have different views as to the nervous lesions. Kussmaul and
Mayer first noticed a peculiar rigidity of the muscles. This has been
confirmed by the observations of Gombault, who describes three different
conditions in the muscles of those dying from lead paralysis and
cachexia-Ist, muscles pliant and healthy; 2nd, of a yellow colour
and atrophied; 3rd, some like smoked flesh, so hard and rigid that a
long muscle, detached from its insertions, could be held horizontally
without bending. True fatty degeneration has very rarely been seen.
Ollivier and Lancereaux have observed granular degeneration, consist-
ing partly in simple atrophy, the muscle preserving its structure but
showing diminution of contractile substance. The adipose vesicles in-
crease between the primitive muscular fasciculi, which then become
yellow and pale. Side by side with these changes, and succeeding
them, the nuclei on the internal face of the sarcolemma are multiplied,
pushing back the contractile substance, forming accumulations at various
points, giving the muscular fibre a mossiliform appearance. The exa-
mination of the central nervous system has given no results. Raymond
and Vulpian found in one case that the cervical portion of the spinal
cord was altered. The anterior roots, as also the muscular nerves,
were normal; the anterior horn of the cord presented on its external
aspect various atrophied cellules, shrunken, deprived of nuclei, and
everywhere pierced with small vacuoles. Lancereaux has pointed out a
granular adipose degeneration of the myeline, and the spinal cord.
showed a little atrophy in the centre of the anterior roots; there was
no lesion of the horns of the grey substance. Gombault has been
unable to find any changes in the medulla. Déjérene (Lond. Med.
-
PLUMBUM.
677
Rec., 1879, p. 112), from a careful examination of five cases, confirms
the description above given of the intra-muscular nerves and radial
nerve. In two cases he found alterations in the anterior cord. In two
cases he was able to trace distinctly the degeneration of a certain
number of the nervous tubuli similar to that met with in the intra-mus-
cular nerves. In one of these cases, where the patient was only para-
lysed on one side, the roots had degenerated on the corresponding side,
the other being perfectly healthy. In the three other cases no distinct
change could be found.* (Ibid.)
III. Experiments on animals.-1. ORFILA found that in large doses.
the acetate acted on dogs as an irritant, and caused vomiting, pain, and
death. When the action was slower, and absorption took place, an
affection of the nervous system was observed, marked by difficult pro-
gression, and, in some cases, convulsive movements. When injected
into the jugular vein 13 gr. killed a dog almost immediately, death
being preceded by no other symptom except convulsive respiration.
Another was killed by 5 gr. in as many d.; the leading symptoms were
weariness, languor, staggering, and slight convulsions, none of which
symptoms appeared till the 3rd d. In neither animal could he find any
morbid appearance on dissection. (Op. cit.)
2. a. The experiments of Gaspard coincide with those of Orfila in
assigning to the acetate considerable activity when directly introduced
into the blood, the quantity of 2-4 gr. generally causing death in
3-5 d.
The experiments of Campbell further show that death may
be induced by applying it to a wound, and that the symptoms antecedent
to death resemble those remarked by Orfila when it is injected into a
vein. But these two experimentalists differ from Orfila in assigning
to sugar of lead a property like that possessed by arsenic, of acting on
the alimentary canal even when applied to a wound, or when directly
introduced into the blood. For Campbell found the stomach congested
and red, and the small intestines also vascular; while Gaspard not
only observed analogous appearances after death, but even also witnessed
all the symptoms of violent dysentery during life.
b. Wibmer poisoned 2 dogs, one with small doses of the acetate
daily to the amount of zij gr. viij in the course of 37 d., the other with
white-lead given to the extent of zij in 14 d., at end of which periods
the animals died. In both there was frequent vomiting and gradually
increasing weakness and stiffness of the legs. In the dead body the
only unusual appearance was an overflow of dark greenish-coloured bile,
which distended the gall-bladder, and lined the whole stomach and
intestines. I myself gave a rabbit 8 gr. of acetate daily for 5 d., and
on the 9th d. 16 gr., which killed it in h. The symptoms were
*"In speaking of the pathogenesis of lead paralysis I have sought to show that
its origin is probably spinal instead of peripheral, and E. Remak has established this
more accurately and in a more detailed manner by the sifting and critical examination
of a larger amount of material. He comes to the conclusion that quite circumscribed
alterations in the grey anterior horns probably lie at the foundation of lead paralysis.
These alterations might well be of a degenerative or chronic inflammatory nature,
but are, as a rule, capable of resolution. Bernhardt has also recently given in his
adherence to this view." (ERB, in Ziemssen's Cyclopædia, xiii, 715; see also xi,
546.)
678
PLUMBUM.
(CHRISTISON,
extreme flaccidity, weakness, and torpor, without coma.
op. cit.)
3. HARNACK induced acute lead-poisoning in various animals with
the triethyl lead acetate, with the following results :
a. Lead affects the substance of all striped muscles; not that it
makes all contraction impossible, but that it produces a rapid exhaustion
of the activity of the muscle, which finally loses its irritability, dies,
and falls into a death-like rigidity.
b. Lead has an irritating effect upon a part of the central motor
apparatus, probably the medulla and cerebellum; and thus causes
peculiar ataxic movements, together with twitchings, spasms, and
finally convulsions, consciousness and sensation being maintained.
C. Lead irritates certain nervous apparatus situated in the intestinal
walls which control the movements of the intestines, and thus produces
general contractions and powerful peristaltic working, attacks of colic,
increased sensibility of the whole abdominal region, and sometimes
even purging.
d. No effect is seen upon the unstriped muscular fibres of the intes-
tines and blood-vessels. Respiration and circulation are not directly
influenced, though finally both the cardiac and respiratory muscles take
part in the general muscular paresis. (NOTHNAGEL and ROSSBACH,
op. cit.)
4. a. HEUBEL poisoned dogs in 4 weeks by gradually increasing
doses of 0.2-0.5 grm. of acetate. But few retained their normal appe-
tite to the time of death. Most of them soon lost it, and began to
vomit; their thirst increased; sometimes they suffered from diarrhoea,
frequently from salivation. These symptoms diminished in intensity
or entirely disappeared after a short time, only to return again. Both
these and the others who retained their appetite showed great wasting of
the whole body, and particularly of the muscles of the back and hind
legs. The weight of the latter class was diminished 20-40 per cent.,
that of the former 50 per cent. Attacks of colic were rare; they gene-
rally occurred suddenly, while the animal was seemingly well. They were
evinced by violent cries of pain, and disappeared after 1 h. as suddenly as
they had come. The dog then again lay quietly as before the attack,
ate with appetite, and drank a great deal. Relapses often occurred.
Actual lead palsy has not yet been observed in animals. The muscles,
it is true, waste away, and evident weakness of the hind legs occurs,
often even tremor, but never complete muscular paralysis-perhaps on
account of too short a period of experiment. In the 4th or 5th week
eclampsia saturnina makes its appearance,-again without warning,
except that the urine is often diminished for a long time previously.
The animals fall suddenly, generally with a loud cry, to the ground,
and are seized with violent convulsions, sometimes lasting an h.
Saliva and mucus flow from the mouth; the pupils are dilated and
inactive. Urine and fæces are passed involuntarily. During the
intervals of the convulsions the animal is in a sleepy or comatose
condition. Albumen is never, and blood seldom, found in the urine.
Fæcal evacuations, even at the very beginning, become fewer, and
towards the end almost entirely stop. The fæces are darker, almost
PODOPHYLLUM.
679
black; of firm consistence, but not dry. Only when severe digestive
disturbances set in were these evacuations more frequent and fluid.
b. At the autopsy a general disappearance of fat was found. The
greatly reduced muscles had a normal appearance. Brain and spinal
cord were of a softer and more fluid consistence. Lungs, heart and
blood-vessels were normal; the heart muscle was not atrophied. The
liver was generally well-supplied with blood, the gall-bladder always
distended and filled with a dark green bile. Spleen, kidneys and
pancreas were smaller, and contained less blood than usual. The gastro-
intestinal mucous membrane showed no change with the exception of
a light grey discoloration. (Ibid.)
5. In large doses lead acetate has a depressant effect upon the
secretion of bile. Of all the substances employed in this research, it is
the only one which depresses the action of the liver without producing
purgation. It seems to be a direct hepatic depressant. (RUTHERFORD,
Brit. Med. Journ., 1878, ii, 945.)
6. GRISOLLE states that domestic animals are affected as injuriously
as man by the emanations of lead. Cats and dogs frequenting lead
manufactories nearly all die in convulsions, being sometimes stricken
down suddenly; but sometimes they become blind, and run wildly
about, striking against everything in their way. In the midst of this
course they are often seized with convulsions, and generally they
die in such an attack. These phenomena sometimes manifest them-
selves after the animal has been for several d. dull and dejected. In
certain cases they have been observed after animals have drunk water
impregnated with the carbonate. (STILLÉ, op. cit.)
PODOPHYLLUM.
Podophyllum peltatum, L. May apple, mandrake. Nat. Ord., Berberidacea. (The
resin, Podophyllin, is the part mainly used.)
I. Provings.-1. Dr. SNOW made 3vj of extract from iiss of
leaves, and formed from this pills of 2 gr. each. Taking one of these,
pulse, which was 76, fell in 1 h. to 65, and continued so for about 2 h.
Another time he took 2 pills, pulse being 74, full and strong; in 1 h.
it had fallen to 61, and 2 h. later it was the same, weak and small.
In a third experiment 3 pills were taken, pulse 76, full and strong.
In 1 h. it fell to 64, and in 2 h. more was the same, small and feeble,
and there was some nausea. (Thesis, 1819, from Mat. Med. of Amer.
Provings.)
2. WILLIAMSON. [The only information given as to this proving is that "the
attenuations made use of in collecting the symptoms were the 1st, 3rd, and 15th."]
Sudden shocks of jerking pains. Sleepiness in daytime, especially in forenoon, with
dulness and headache, and rumbling in bowels; sleepiness early in e. ; restlessness
in forepart of n.; too heavy sleep at n.; distress after first sleep; rising up in bed
during sleep, without waking; moaning in sleep with lids half closed; drowsy and
difficult to wake in m.; unrefreshed in m. Giddiness, with sense of fulness in eyes;
momentary darts of pain in forehead, obliging one to shut eyes, with giddiness; pain on
680
PODOPHYLLUM.
.
top of head, with heat and heaviness of eyes, when rising in m.; pressing pain in
temples in forenoon, with drawing in eyes as if strabismus would follow; stunning
headache through temples, relieved by pressure; sudden pain in forehead, with sore.
ness of throat in e. ; vertigo with inclination to fall forwards; headache alternating
with diarrhoea; heavy dull pain in forehead, with soreness over seat of it; pain in I.
frontal eminence, worse p.m. Smarting of eyes; pain in eyeballs and temples, with
heat, and throbbing of temporal arteries. Teeth are covered with dried mucus in
m.; copious flow of saliva; taste of fried liver in mouth at n.; sourness of mouth;
dryness of mouth and tongue on waking in m. Soreness in 1. throat, especially
painful on swallowing liquids, worse in m.; dryness of throat; soreness of throat
extending to ears. Indifference to food; desire for something sour; thirst towards
e.; acidity, p.m., with unpleasant sickly sensation in stomach; extreme nausea, con-
tinuing several h.; vomiting of hot frothy mucus; heat in stomach; sense of hol-
lowness in epigastrium; throbbing in epigastrium followed by diarrhoea. Fulness
in r. hypochondrium, with flatulence; stitches in r. hypochondrium, worse while
eating; sense of weight and dragging in 1. hypochondrium, close under ribs; pain
in transverse colon at 3 a.m., followed by diarrhoea; pain in bowels at daylight
in m., relieved by external warmth and by bending forwards while lying on side, but
aggravated by lying on back, at first attended with coldness, which is followed by
heat and warm perspiration; sense of heat in bowels, accompanying inclination to
go to stool; twisting pain in r. hypochondrium, with sensation of heat in the part;
faintness with sensation of emptiness in abdomen after stool. Diarrhoea early in m.,
which continues through forenoon, followed by natural stool in e.; diarrhoea imme-
diately after eating or drinking; green stools in m., 6 to 8 evacuations in d.; stool
in m. attended with strong urging in bowels, with heat and pain in anus; flashes of
heat running up back after stool; too much bearing down at stool, as if from inac-
tivity of rectum; secretion of mucus from anus. Scanty urine, with frequent
voidings; sticking pain above pubes and in course of spermatic cords. Pains in
chest, increased by taking a deep inspiration; snapping in r. lung, like breaking a
thread, when taking a deep inspiration; inclination to breathe deeply (sigh); short-
ness of breath; sensation in chest as if heart were ascending to throat; sense of
suffocation when first lying down at n.; sticking pain in region of heart; palpitation
from exertion or mental emotion. Pain in small of back when walking or standing,
with sensation of back bending inwards; pain in lumbar region, with sensation of
coldness, worse at n. and from motion; pain in loins, increased by a miss-step and by
walking over uneven ground; pain between shoulders, with soreness worse n. and
m., and increased by motion; pain under r. shoulder-blade; stiffness of nape, with
soreness of muscles of neck and shoulders; pain in nape with soreness, increased by
motion. Weakness of wrists, with soreness to touch; pain and weakness in 1. hip,
like rheumatism from cold, increased by going upstairs; pains in thighs, legs, and
knees, worse from standing; weakness of joints, especially of knees; cracking in
knee-joints from motion; heaviness and stiffness of knees as after a long walk; stiff-
ness on beginning to move; aching of limbs, worse at n.; pain in 1. knee, leg, and
foot; sharp pain in upper and outer portion of 1. foot; coldness of feet; perspiration
of feet in e. The symptoms generally, but especially the abdominal symptoms, are
aggravated in the m., but better in the e. (Ibid.)
همید
•
3. a. Dr. PIETRO took 5 centigr., which caused nausea and a little
irritation of stomach, but these symptoms disappeared when he went
to bed. He had also an evacuation of liquid yellow matter, and every
h. for 5 h. this was repeated.
b. On a second occasion he took 10 centigr. Immediately nausea
and attempts to vomit, which lasted 2 h. After 4 h. shivering and a
feeling of prostration. Next d. violent colic, followed by liquid stools,
which were repeated till 9 o'clock (? a.m. or p.m.). (Brit. and For.
Med.-Chir. Rev., 1869, ii, 516.)
4. From 3 doses of gr. each, 1. eye sore, uncomfortable, and
red-looking, especially at inner canthus. (BERRIDGE, M. H. R., xv,
298.)
PODOPHYLLUM.
681
5. S. A. MOORE, student, æt. 21, nervous-sanguine temp., not
easily affected by medicine. Took 4 dr. of tinct. before going to bed,
and had no unpleasant feeling till about 3 a.m. Was then awakened
by violent pains in stomach and bowels of griping stitching character,
relieved for a short time by pressure on bowels. About 4 a.m., stool
of yellow undigested fæces mixed with mucus, of offensive odour.
Temperature was considerably increased; pulse quicker and smaller
than usual, with slight palpitation and much feeling of oppression of
chest, causing constant inclination to draw a deep breath, which, how-
ever, was hindered by a sense of constriction in chest. After rising,
sick feeling at stomach; appetite much impaired, with unusual thirst
for cold water; tongue coated white, with much viscid mucus in
mouth. After breakfast, violent burning in stomach, as if caused by
hot steam. About 10 a.m. had another evacuation, accompanied with
violent tenesmus lasting for some time after; stool was of burning
acrid character. After this, feverishness, with frontal headache and
sensation of great dryness of forehead and eyes, relieved for a short
time by bathing parts in cold water. No more symptoms till after
dinner, when same burning sensation was felt in stomach; thirst also,
but cold water caused much oppression and uneasiness, and small
quantities of it were ejected, tasting very bitter, and giving rise to
much burning in oesophagus. Felt feverish during afternoon, with
occasional spells of chilliness, not relieved by heat of stove, but going
off on covering up warmly in bed. Before supper empty feeling in
stomach, but did not feel hungry. After supper, sensation as if there
would be evacuation of bowels, coming and going at short intervals till
he went to bed. Nothing now felt till 2 a.m., when he woke with
slight stitching pains in bowels and desire for stool, resulting at 2.30
in an evacuation. Pains continued at times for rest of n., relieved by
flexing thighs on abdomen; with them sense of weakness in epigas-
trium. Had bad taste in mouth for several d. after the most prominent
symptoms had disappeared, with diarrhoea and constipation alternating
every d. or two. (Trans. of Amer. Inst. of Hom., 1872, p. 499.)
6. Dr. WALTER SMITH took gr. of resin before breakfast, Oct. 5th.
A good deal of flatulence was caused in e., but no purging. 7th.-
Took same without decided effect. 8th.-Took gr. . No catharsis.
29th.-Took I gr. No palpable effect till 5 p.m., when he felt some
wandering pains in abdomen: at 9 a small solid evacuation was
produced, and at 12 a copious loose stool. Next m. two thin dejec-
tions, with griping and uncomfortable feeling of chilliness. Nov. 8th.
-Took gr. at bedtime. Flatulence in m. and increased action of
bowels. 9th.-Repeated dose with like results. (Pharm. Journ, and
Trans., 2nd ser., x, 462.)
7. Same
gave I gr. to a young gentleman, in good health, at bedtime.
Next m. had a free motion. During d. was annoyed with flatulence,
loss of appetite, chilliness, and griping pains, and bowels were opened
twice loosely. On following m. and d. after cathartic action was still
manifested, and 6 stools in all resulted. (Ibid.)
II. Poisonings.-1. "On August 4th, 1860, I was called to visit
two children who, the messenger said, were vomiting themselves to
682
PODOPHYLLUM.
death. Inh. I reached the house, and found two girls of 6 and 8
respectively stretched upon their beds bathed in cold perspiration;
faces pale as a corpse's, eyes sunken in orbits, noses pinched; pulse
very weak, and scarcely perceptible at wrist; great thirst; and stomach
contracting so hard and rapidly, in efforts to vomit, that the wrench-
ing pain would cause them to utter hard screams, one after another,
for 5 m. at a time. I was told that the vomiting had been going on
for the last 4 h. almost without intermission: it was now noon.
On
examining the matters ejected, I found them to consist, for the most
part, of the seeds, pulp, and membranous covering of the ripe May
apple, having the peculiar odour of the fruit." They were treated with
morphia, blister or sinapism to abdomen-which was tympanitic and
very tender, hot flannels with mustard to extremities, carbonic acid
water to sip, and, as bowels had not been moved, enemata of castor oil
and molasses in warm water. "In 1 h. the younger child had fallen
asleep, but the elder vomited bilious matter mixed with blood-the
bile dark green and very thick, the blood dark and coagulated. She
complained frequently of burning in throat. Injections having failed
to move the bowels, I gave her 12 gr. of calomel and I gr. of sulphate
of morphia. In both extremities were now becoming warm. I left
powders of morphine and camphor, one to be given after each vomiting;
and enjoined that the heat was to be kept up in the extremities. I
was called next d. at 7 a.m., and found elder child past all hope,-eyes
glazed and motionless, the death-rattle in her throat, abdomen swelled
almost to bursting, and under jaw fallen. She had continued to
vomit thick bile, with more or less blood mixed with it, about every
h. during n. At 2.30 p.m. she expired. The younger was much
better, save that there was considerable tenderness over stomach. To
remove this I applied a blister; gave Dover's powder to keep her quiet,
and slippery elm water for drink; kept the bowels solvent with sul-
phate of magnesia; and by m. of the 8th she was convalescent."
C. OWEN, from Hale's New Remedies, 2nd ed.)
(D.
2. Not a week since the writer was called up at n. to visit a lady
apparently seized with a severe attack of cholera,—watery purging
every 2 or 3 m., vomiting, coldness of surface, and great prostration.
On inquiry he found that these alarming symptoms were due to a pill
containing Podophyllin. (Brit. Journ. of Hom., xxi, 454.)
3. Mrs. H., æt. 45, strong and healthy, had been constipated for a
week, and was feeling badly in consequence. A bottle of Podophyllin
was in the house, and from it she took as much as could be held
on the handle of a teaspoon, mixed it with a little water, and swallowed
it, 5 p.m., April 9th. At 7 she had cutting pains on both sides of
abdomen, with desire for stool. At 8, feeling very badly, went to bed.
Pain had ceased; there was great exhaustion, with relaxed muscles
and feeling as though body was bathed in sweat (which it was not);
then came a fearful pain in occiput, "as though the head was being
split open," lasting about 2 m., and followed by dull throbbing ache
and feeling of heaviness so that head could not be raised from pillow.
At 8.30 vomiting began, first contents of stomach, then thin, bitter
dark green fluid, from Oss to Oj each time. There were 6 or 7 such
PODOPHYLLUM.
683
attacks between this and 4 a.m.; with each bowels moved, first con-
stipated, then thin watery stools, but no blood and no pain. Frequent
sensations of heat passing over face and head were noticed. With
each vomiting exhaustion was so great that patient felt as though dying.
She could not raise her head to assist in the act of emesis. Dr.
Prentiss was called to the case at I a.m. He found patient in a state
bordering on collapse, features pinched, extremities cold, pulse very
feeble, disposition to drowsiness. The greatest distress was from the
exhaustion and the pains in the head; the intellect was unaffected;
eyesight and pupils normal; no involuntary discharges. Mrs. H. kept
her bed on the 10th, but got up on the 11th, feeling well, but with
tingling in extremities and weak as from a long illness. (Philad.
Med. Times, 1883.)
4. A girl, æt. 20, took 2 gr. of Podophyllin. After 5 h. severe pain in bowels;
after 9 h. vomited contents of stomach, and then much bile; felt better, but after
12 h. vomited again, and bowels were moved twice, not copiously, but with very
much pain and deadly nausea. In n. pain in stomach, which continued to increase
in severity, and was attended with much thirst and sense of burning, and great
feeling of prostration. On 2nd d. took a number of drugs to antidote effects. On
3rd d., p.m., had a chill, followed by some fever and headache. The two latter con-
tinued on 4th d., pulse being 100; great tenderness over stomach and bowels, could
scarcely bear pressure of bedclothes; pain in bowels occasionally, but not severe;
no stool since 2nd d., but feeling every now and then as if it would come; urine
very red; tongue white; great thirst. On 5th d., white fur on tongue, except on
centre; everything tasted sweet; still great thirst, also tenderness over stomach and
bowels, increased by least motion, could not bear to be touched; pulse 100. Soon
after eating some toast pain commenced in stomach, extending into bowels, increasing
to such severity that she could not resist screaming at every breath; by afternoon it
had extended into lower bowels and r. ovary, pulse being now 116. Spasmodic
sensation in r. thigh and leg in m.; p.m., more pain and cramp in r. leg. On 6th d.
still very tender over lower bowels; micturition painful; pain in r. ovary and uterus.
On 7th d. two green watery stools. On 8th d. five thin watery green discharges,
with considerable pain and griping; intolerable itching of skin on body and arms,
scratching produces blotches, as in urticaria. (KNAPP, Trans. of Pacific Hom. Med.
Soc., i, 55, from Allen.)
5. T. C., æt. 17, while powdering the resin got some in his face
and eyes. Next m. he noticed that his face and eyes were red, and the
skin about the latter discoloured. This discoloration extended during
d. over whole face, forehead, and front of neck, and at n. eyes were so
painful as to prevent sleep. On following d. all parts which had been
in contact with powder were of yellowish-red colour, but not appreci-
ably swollen. The ocular conjunctivæ were much injected, the palpe-
bral only slightly; pupils small; eyes painful, and sensitive to light.
(WEBSTER, Lond. Med. Record, 1877, p. 357.)
6. It appears from the statement of a patient now under Mr.
Hutchinson's care at Moorfields that P. dust is well known in the trade
to produce "inflamed eyes" and an eruption of `"
""
scabs on the arms
and legs of the men who attend the mill in which the root is ground.
This man came with extensive superficial ulceration of each cornea,
attended by intense general conjunctival congestion. The ulceration
of cornea was central and large in extent. He had had several other
attacks of the same sort, but not nearly so bad as this one. He showed
also one or two dusky spots on the arms where there had been scabby
684
PODOPHYLLUM.
places a few d. before. The day's work which gave rise to the present
attack occurred about to d. before he came under care at the hospital.
No symptoms of irritation appeared while he was at work or during
that e., but on waking next m. his eyes were inflamed. He was not
purged by the dust.* (Med. Times and Gaz., 1872.)
III. Experiments on animals.-I. HUGHES BENNETT experimented
on dogs. His conclusions are—
a. Doses of Podophyllin, varying from 2 to 8 gr., diminish the
solid constituents of the bile, whether they produce purging or not.
b. Doses which purge lessen both fluid and solid constituents of
bile. (Brit. Med. Journ., 1869, i, 418.)
2. ANSTIE made 10 experiments on dogs, cats, and rats, injecting
the drug (Podophyllin) in sol. into peritoneal cavity. His conclusions
are as follows:
a. P., when so injected, has no irritant action on the serous mem-
brane unless it remain unabsorbed, lying for some time in contact
with it.
b. P., when so injected, passes into the blood, and exerts a special
influence of an irritant kind upon the mucous membrane of the intes-
tines (usually of the small intestine only).
c. As a secondary result of this irritation, or perhaps as a mere con-
sequence of the squeezing of the gall-bladder by the abdominal muscles,
in repeated efforts at defæcation, bile is occasionally poured out in large
quantities, but this is by no means necessary.
d. Neither poisonous doses, nor those which produce what may be
called a medicinal effect, appear capable of exciting any inflammatory
process in the liver.
e. (The following is a typical specimen of the experiments.) Half
a fluid drachm of the sol., containing 2 gr. of drug, was thrown into a
full-grown dog. The animal was not discomposed by the operation,
and a few m. after was eating food. Until 10 h. later he was perfectly
lively, and showed no signs of uneasiness. He now commenced retch-
ing violently, bringing up only a little mucus. This symptom continued,
and was soon accompanied by purging; stools consisted of glairy
mucus, and after a time were mixed with blood; he whined constantly,
and seemed in pain, also drank water eagerly. Four h. from commence-
ment of symptoms breathing was shallow and hurried, pulse rapid and
feeble. After 4 h. later animal was found lying on side, totally insen-
sible, with glazed eyes, heart's action very slow and weak, respiration
consisting of 4-6 convulsive gasps per m. In this state it lay with
little change for the next 8 h. At end of this time a slight general
convulsion occurred, and breathing ceased about 2 m. later. Thorax
was quickly opened, and heart found beating; it continued to pulsate
for 5 m., and its irritability persisted for some time after this. No
fluid of any kind was found in the peritoneal cavity, and the membrane
was quite smooth, polished, and transparent. Kidneys were rather
congested, and liver moderately so; gall-bladder contained very little
bile. Pharynx, œsophagus and stomach were healthy, save that last
* Other observations of this kind will be found in Amer. Mag., 1851, i, 63;
Pharm. Journ., 1862, p. 462.)
PRUNUS.
685
contained some bloody fluid. Mucous membrane of whole small intes-
tine was intensely inflamed, especially that of duodenum; in latter
situation were nine ulcers, rather less in size than a threepenny piece,
and there was one smaller ulcer near lower end of ileum. Inflamed sur-
face was covered with tenacious bloody mucus. Inflammation ceased
abruptly at ileo-cæcal valve; large intestine was healthy. Nowhere
was any bile observed in bowels. Mucous membrane of bladder was
slightly congested. (Med. Times and Gaz., 1863, i, 326, 487.)
3. RUTHERFORD finds that Podophyllin introduced into the duode-
num of a fasting dog increases both the fluid and the solid constituents
of the bile; and this increase is greater when the bile is allowed to
flow into the intestines than when it is drained off by a cannula. The
augmentation is greatest when the drug does not purge much; if the
purging be severe, it may lessen the biliary secretion. (Pract., 1879,
ii, 335.)
PROPYLAMINUM. See TRIMETHYLAMINUM.
PRUNUS.
Prunus communis, Huds. (commonly known as P. spinosa). Blackthorn, sloe.
Nat. Ord., Rosacea.
I. Provings. -1. (Of a tincture of the buds gathered in April.) [The following
pathogenesis is by Dr. WAHLE, who gives no information respecting the doses taken,
the number or character of the provers, and very rarely mentions the period of the
occurrence of the symptoms.]
a. Dazed and gloomy in forehead. Head heavy and giddy. Pressive pain under
skull as though the skull were pressed outwards with a sharp peg. Pressure out-
wards in sinciput. Pressing and aching pain as after exposure to great heat of sun.
A painful jerking blow through r. side of brain on moving. A violent nervous
pain in 1. side of occiput, depriving him of thinking power. Outward-pressive pain
in occiput. Outward-pressive pain in 1. occipital bone (after h.). On stooping,
such a violent pain in occiput that he loses power of thinking. Asunder-pressing
headache almost depriving him of thinking faculty. Feeling as if brain were pressed
together from all sides, not painful. Pressive sore pain in 1. side of occiput, extending
into some teeth of same side. Pressive sore pain in sinciput, which goes off when he
thinks of the pain. In upper part of r. temporal bone a very acute nervous pain,
aggravated by external pressure. Out-pressing pain in sinciput. Outward-pressing
pain under upper part of r. temporal bone. Outward-pressing pain under r. temporal
bone to frontal bone, aggravated by external pressure. Squeezing pain in r. temporal
bone, extending into ear and causing earache. Outward-squeezing pain under r.
temporal bone. Outward-pressing pain in r. side of sinciput after dinner. Pressive
pain on r. side of top of head as if pressed on by a sharp corner. Pricking as with a
needle in skin of occiput. Jerking shooting pain on 1. parietal bone posteriorly.
Outward-pressive pain in r. frontal protuberance. Outward-pressing pain under 1.
side of frontal bone. Jerking pain, commencing in r. side of frontal bone, darts like
lightning through brain out at occiput. Pressive pain from r. frontal bone, through
brain, to occiput. Outward-pressing pain in forehead, so that he loses his senses.
Painful jerks in forehead, extending backwards. Itching in 1. internal canthus.
Itching in r. outer canthus, especially in edges of eyelids. Pain in r. eyeball as
though the interior of eye were torn asunder. Itching pricking in upper part of
malar bone. Aching in 1. ear. Outward-pressing pain in r. ear like earache.
Outward-pressing pains above nasal bones. Tickling in middle of r. nasal cavity as
though he would sneeze.
686
PRUNUS.
b. Pinching pain in r. submaxillary gland. Shooting pain in 1. lower incisors.
A very penetrating nervous pain in last 1. upper molar. Pressive pain in second 1.
upper molar. A nervous pain in last 1. lower molar, as though the tooth were
torn out. Throbbing pain in last r. upper molar, as though the tooth were forced
out. A dislocative pain in last r. lower molar. Dislocative pain in some molars.
when he takes something warm in his mouth. Pain in 1. lower canine and incisor
teeth, like that felt when he has had something warm in mouth, and immediately
thereafter drinks cold fluid. Pains in teeth as though he had had cold water in
mouth. Pains as though the tooth were forced out, the pains go from one tooth into
another. An indescribable sensation in several teeth, causing him to bite them
together frequently, which relieves. Pains in several teeth as if they were forced up.
Pricking pains in several teeth. From speaking she gets pain in chest, with sensa-
tion as if she became hoarse and lost the power of speech. Itching formication in
tip of tongue and front teeth. A prick as with a needle on r. side of tip of tongue.
Burning on tongue as if it were scalded, not felt when eating, but at other times.
Tongue covered with white mucus, but it is clean in the middle posteriorly. Pasty
taste after dinner. Strong taste. Bitter taste, m. She feels always satiated. When
she has taken a few spoonfuls of soup, she is as full in the pit of the stomach as
though she had eaten a great deal. She sometimes feels hungry, but is satiated after
a few mouthfuls. Fulness and distension in scrob. cordis. Distension of scrob.
cordis with such shortness of breath that she must rest 3 or 4 times when going
upstairs. Oppression in scrob. cordis so that she can hardly breathe. Pain in
abdomen as in cold wet weather. She cannot lie on either back or sides on account
of a dreadful contractive pain in abdomen. On account of abdominal spasms he
must walk very cautiously and softly so as not to shake the abdomen, otherwise the
urinary troubles become much more severe. Cutting across the abdomen as though
diarrhoea were about to come on, which prevents sleep. Breathing-pains and ab.
dominal spasms relieved by bending upper part of body forwards. Itching crawling
under abdominal integuments. Colicky pain an inch to r. side below umbili
cus. Pressive colicky pains in r. side of abdomen, or as if single small parts of it
were pinched. Abdominal pain as if he had eaten fruit, and drunk water afterwards.
Pressive pain in r. side of abdomen, so that he cannot lie on it, n. Pain as if some-
thing would be forced through in r. side of abdomen just above navel. Pressive
colicky pains in upper part of abdomen. Stitches in quick succession in r. lumbar
region, extending towards navel, which take away his breath. A stitch as from a
stiletto in r. posterior lower lobe of liver, which takes away his breath when
walking. Pressive pain under r, lobe of liver. Violent pressive pain in hepatic
region. In the back of r. side of abdomen a fluctuation like a bladder full of
fluid. Painful pressure in hepatic region, felt most when standing. Twisting
pains in abdomen during discharge of flatus, as if diarrhoea would come on, which
soon go off. Displacement of flatulence causing frightful abdominal spasms. Flatu-
lence settles down on bladder, causing vesical spasms, so that he must cower
together. Pain in belly as after a chill, with slight call to stool. Bellyache as if
diarrhoea would come on. After transient cutting in abdomen diarrhoea with copious
evacuations of fæces in a very costive person. Very painful stitches in r. inguinal
region, relieved by pressing hand on it. Pressing sensation from within outwards in
region of r. inguinal ring, as if a hernia would burst through. After a slimy diar-
rhoeic stool violent burning in anus, as if salt were sprinkled on a wound. Spasmodic
jerking in rectum when sitting. A pressive spasmodic pain on r. side of rectum one
inch off, as if an angular body were pressed in. Thin but dilatory stool. Hard
stool and not every d. Must go to stool 3 or 4 times before she can evacuate any.
thing. The stool looks like dogs' dirt; it comes away in small broken pieces, with
much shooting pain in rectum, making her feel like to scream. Itching in anus.
After a hard stool, bleeding from anus.
c. Burning pain in sphincter muscles of bladder. Cannot sleep at n. on account
of vesical spasms. He has urging to make water for hours at a time, with violent
burning-smarting pains in bladder and urethra. Urine very scanty and quite brown.
She must force much to pass urine. The urine comes like a thread with urging to
stool. Smarting and hot urine. Bright, clear, wine-coloured urine, which deposits a
white and sometimes a sky-blue sediment. The urine comes in a double stream as
if the urethra had two orifices. As the urine is ejected there is for the moment con-
PRUNUS.
687
siderable alleviation of the pains, but it remains obstructed in the glans, and causes
the most frightful spasms in the urethra (ischuria urethralis) with urging to stool.
Strangury. For 8 h. he has urinary tenesmus every h. When he wants to urinate
4
he gets a great burning pain in urethra, so that he must bend together, and yet no
urine is passed. He has hurried urging to urinate; the urine, however, only comes as far
as the glans, then seems to go back, and causes the most violent pains in the urethra.
She must rise 6 or 7 times to urinate in the n., and each time passes half a pint (after
an opposite condition). Urine passes more easily than usual. Burning smarting pain
in urethra. He dare not grasp the urethra on account of a sore ulcerative pain.
The prepuce is retracted over the glans with diminished size of penis. Pleasant
itching on lower side of scrotum, relieved by scratching. Pain as if pinched on 1.
side of scrotum. A persistent tickling itching in ovarian region, so that she would
like to scratch, but scratching does not remove it. Painful throbbing in genitals.
For 8 or 10 weeks every d. some blood exudes from the vagina, while the longer
it goes on the more watery it becomes. Menses very profuse; come every 14 d.
with much sacral pain. Thin watery metrorrhagia. Persistent leucorrhoea, which
makes her weak. Leucorrhoea staining the linen yellow and making her sore.
d. Frequent sneezing. Scraping and rough speech.
Scraping and rough speech. Scraping in throat as if ex-
coriated, causing short cough. Rough and scraping in larynx, causing cough, e.
Crawling in throat causing short cough. During inspiration tickling in trachea
causing cough. Cough caused by an irritation as if a feather were moved about in
larynx; cough removed by holding in breath. Whistling cough. Heavy and
oppressed round the chest. Dyspnoea when walking; the breathing is panting as
though he were climbing a high and steep hill. Anxious short breathing. Heavy
and anxious sensation in lower parts of chest, making him often breathe deeply.
Tight and difficult respiration with periodical anxiety. Chest as if pressed in; on
breathing it is very painful internally. Upper part of 1. side of chest tight for half a
d. Feeling of weight in 1. side of chest causes him to breathe deeply frequently.
The breath feels always as if stuck in scrob. cordis. In centre of r. side of chest
pressive shooting pain, hindering inspiration, frequently going off and returning.
A pricking stiff pain in 1. side of chest, aggravated during inspiration. Several suc-
cessive stitches in middle of 1. side of chest. On the lower external 1. side of chest as
if the part were pressed against a sharp corner. The pains under sternum and the
oppression of chest seem connected with the fulness in scrob. cordis and the disten-
sion of abdomen. The pectorales majores are painful when grasped, as though he
had got a blow there. During deep inspiration a shooting pain in the fleshy parts of
the 1. mamma, which spreads on all sides and extends over the 1. shoulder when
walking and sitting. Sacral pains when sitting. Pressive pains in sacrum. Obtuse shoot-
ing pain on r. posterior inferior side of ribs, when pressed it is painful internally as if
festering. In lumbar vertebræ as if festering, very violent when lying, alleviated by gentle
movement, but much increased by continued movement; it then extends to hip-joint,
and causes a sensation as if the ligaments were too short; he cannot lie on either side on
account of the pains in hips. All the parts of back and sacrum are as if stiff, as if they
had been injured. On deep inspiration, m., obtuse shooting pain betwixt shoulders,
which extends to lumbar vertebræ and takes away the breath.. Two inches below 1.
scapula near spine a pain as if a pin were stuck in when stooping. Pressive pain in
nape on stooping, involving all the occiput. Pressive pain on top of r. shoulder,
ending in the triceps humeri and preventing him raising arm, lasting h. A burning
pain in 1. shoulder-joint spreading over chest. Swollen feeling in 1. axillary glands.
Pressive ulcerative pain in 1. axillary glands. Pinching pain in r. elbow-joint, which
becomes a pressive pain when moved. Burning pain in 1. elbow-joint extending to
wrist. Stiff pains in muscles of 1. forearm, hindering movement of arm.
Pain as if
burnt on outer side of r. forearm. Pain as from a blow on 1. forearm. Cramp-like
pressure on outer side of r. forearm, aggravated when grasped. When writing, a
stiff pain in r. forearm so that he can hardly hold the pen. Jerking pain in 1. forearm,
making him start. Pain in r. wrist as if a ganglion would be formed. Dislocative pain
in r. wrist when at rest. Spasmodic contractive pain in r. hand extending to tips of
fingers. Pulling pain proceeding from 1. fingers and extending through arm to
pectoral muscles. A crushing pain in ball of little finger. Contractive pains in
2 r. middle fingers. Painful drawing in r. 4th finger. Pain as if burnt on outer
side of r. little finger. Pressive pain betwixt r. thumb and index. Pinching pains
688
PRUNUS.
first in 1. then in r. thumb, lasting some minutes. Painful squeezing in r. thumb from
before backwards. A laming pain in r. thumb. Dislocative pain in r. thumb when
writing, so that the pen almost drops. Spasmodic pain in 1. thumb. Stiff pain in r.
thumb. Pain as if sprained in proximal joint of 1. thumb (after 3 h.). Itching
in some tips of fingers as if they were frostbitten. Deep internally below crista ilii
a violent obtuse shooting taking away his breath, increased by lying back. Tired
feeling in hip-joints. The hip pains are worst in the hours before midnight.
Pricks as from a hot needle in thighs and nates, so transient that he must scratch
now here, now there. On inner side of thighs and on nates prickling itching, which
when he leaves off scratching changes into quivering. Violent itching in middle of
outer side of thigh; after scratching, pimples appear. Tensive pain on inner side of
1. thigh. Pressive pain in middle of r. thigh. Tearing pain in middle of outer side
of r. thigh. Pinching pain high up on inner side of r. thigh. Dislocative pain in r.
knee when at rest. Sensation of warm steam round about r. knee. Jerking pain in
1. knee. Stiff pain when walking on inner side of 1. knee. No stability in 1. knee,
as if it would knuckle under him. Pinching pain in r. hough. Weariness in knee.
joints when standing. Pressive pain in angles of bones of 1. knee. When going
upstairs the skin of calves and thighs feels stretched and as if swollen. Pain as if a
sharp peg were thrust into inner side of 1. calf. A laming pain going from below
upwards in r. leg. Pain as from a blow on middle of 1. tibia. Pain in tendo Achillis
as if it would be torn away. Sprained pain under 1. outer ankle. Dislocative pain
in 1. ankle-joint. Pressive pain in I. tendo Achillis, which is often pulsating.
Pain as if all were festering in whole of r. sole. Stitches as with a bodkin in ball of
1. big toe. Stiff pains in 1. toes. Pain going from behind forwards in big toe as if
the distal phalanx would be pulled out. Burning in legs. Persistent restlessness in
legs; he must always move them about. Several successive shoots in different
muscular parts.
e. Itching pricks (like flea-bites) at n. in various parts, which wake him up, and
he must scratch, which immediately takes them away. Trembling throughout the
body. She cannot rest in any place, and therefore runs about with short breath and
oppressed chest. He staggers to and fro. Falls asleep when reading after dinner.
Little sleep. Restless sleep, wakeful almost all n. Lies awake for some h., and wakes
in m. some h. before usual time, but he feels rested. Wakes earlier than usual. On
waking after sleeping some h. is as wide awake as though he had slept more than one n.
On getting warm in bed, sleeps quietly for some h., but then no more. She is not
tired, and yet her eyes close. Is tired in m. as though she had not slept at all, and
all her bones are painful; she especially complains of bruised feeling of thighs. Sleep
filled with dreams and phantasies. Dreams he has boils on him. Dreams that he is
working at a very dirty table, and the paper that was previously clean appears
smeared with butter and grease. Chilliness and inclination to stretch himself.
Towards e. feels chilly, so that she must go to bed. Dry heat all over body, prepuce
red and glans sore. Dry burning heat all over body except arms; it is diminished but
not quite removed by perspiration; he does not feel the dry heat in bed, it is greatest
in the genital organs. In sleep she only perspires in the face. Unhappy, he takes
pleasure in nothing. Cross and morose. Goes to work with pleasure.* (Archiv,
xiv, 3, 172.)
2. Dr. KRETZSCHMAR took a decoction of a handful of the dried flowers on three
successive d. Soon there came nausea which lasted 3 h.; he did not vomit, but could
not eat on account of loathing of all food. Later diarrhoea came on. The 1st d. he
had 8, the 2nd 16, the 3rd 8 stools, all within a few h. (A. h. Z., i, 24.)
*This pathogenesis, like all from Wahle, is of dubious purity, but is inserted
quantum valeat, for the sake of the undoubted curative applications which have been
made of it.-EDS.
PULSATILLA.
689
PULSATILLA.
Including P. pratensis, Mill. (nigricans, L.), meadow anemone, pasque-flower, wind-
flower; and the American variety, P. (Anemone, D.C.) Nuttalliana.* Nat.
Ord., Ranunculaceæ.
I. Provings.—1. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Med. Pura, vol. ii of original
and of translation. Contains 1153 symptoms, mostly from self, about
100 only from 5 fellow-provers and a few authors.
2. Lembke, Nov. 1st, 8 a.m., took 2 dr. tinct.
took 2 dr. tinct. After 1 h. flow of
saliva, rumbling in belly, eructation of air. Often during d. nausea
with peculiar pain in stomach. Frequent tearing in r. side of head.—
5th, 7.30 a.m., 5 dr. A not unpleasant sweetish slimy taste for some
time after taking the drops. 8.30 a.m., transient pressure in stomach.
8.45 a.m., severe pressure in r. outer ankle, going and coming, when
sitting. 12 noon, whistling in r. ear with dulled hearing, and as if air
forced the membrana tympani from within outwards. 12.30 p.m.,
pressure in 1. forearm. 5 p.m., transient violent cutting in stomach.
During d. 3 or 4 times a noise like opening of the r. ear.-6th, a.m.,
drawing in spermatic cords; 2 h. later great cutting deep in abdomen
extending into pelvis, with feeling as if bowels were going to move,
increased by drawing in abdominal integuments. Strong pulsation
externally in 1. side of occiput form.-8th. 10.30 a.m., when
walking in open air attack of vertigo as though the body would fall to
r. or ì. ; at same time feeling of stiffness of legs, lasting for about 100
paces. Frequent nausea during d., with good appetite. Frequent
closing of r. ear. Painful drawing in spermatic cords, frequent and
long continued. Violent shooting in tips of r. toes, e.-9th, 7 a.m.,
20 dr. Immediately much scraping deep down in throat and oesophagus,
great flow of saliva, lastly heat in stomach for h. 7.45 a.m., shooting
in canthi of r. eye. Pressure in 1. tibia and r. shoulder-joint. Vertigo
while sitting. Much mucus in mouth. Transient shooting in sternum
and in 1. thoracic wall. 9 a.m., strong pressure in 1. temple. Pains
in both shoulder-joints, e.-10th, m. and II a.m., shooting in tips of
r. toes. 9 a.m., pressure in centre of chest. 2 p.m., vertigo when
walking over a lofty bridge.-11th. II a.m., boring in 1. zygoma and
r. side of frontal bone. 4 p.m., cutting in tips of r. toes.-12th, 7 a.m.,
30 dr.
Immediately scraping from tongue to deep down in œsophagus,
great flow of saliva, going off after a few minutes. Much heat in
sinciput, lasting 2 or 3 m. 8 a.m., severe cutting in toes, dull pain
in stomach with full feeling, at same time sliminess in mouth.
8.30 a.m., strong pressure above and on 1. clavicle. 9 a.m., tearing on
1. parietal bone, great tickling and scraping in larynx, with lachryma-
tion and dry cough. I p.m., sudden violent stomachache. 9 p.m.,
tearing in 1. side of parietal bone.-14th, 8 a.m., 40 dr. Symptoms
following dose same as on 12th. Pressure on inner side of r. knee.
Severe shooting under edge of 1. ribs and up into 1. thoracic wall. After
h. scraping in stomach and up œsophagus like heartburn. Much
-3 are from the P. nigricans, the remainder from P. Nuttalliana.
44
* Provings 1-
VOL. III.
690
PULSATILLA.
chilliness through back. Drawing in 1. calf. Tearing on 1. side of
occiput. 5 p.m., severe pains in Ist joint of 1. index, relieved by
moving finger.-19th, 7 a.m., 40 dr. Symptoms same as on 14th soon
after taking dose. They come and go with nausea in between. Later,
great flow of saliva. II a.m., persistent bitterness in mouth. I p.m.,
sudden violent shooting in 1. thoracic wall when sitting. 7 p.m., severe
shooting in eyelids and canthi.-22nd, 7.30 a.m., 50 dr. Symptoms
as above. 9 a.m., shooting in tongue. 2 p.m., much nausea, much
shooting in r. ear. When walking shooting and drawing in r. inner
ankle all d.-29th, 7 a.m., 50 dr. Symptoms same as on 22nd.
8.15 a.m., much pain in stomach, extending to navel and down into
pelvis; it then jumps to beneath 1. ribs, drawing in of abdominal integu-
ments increases the pain; these symptoms last till 10.30 a.m., when
there is still violent pain under 1. ribs. 9.30 a.m., smarting in tip of
tongue. 12 noon, pain in 1. thoracic wall hindering respiration.
I p.m., pressure between 1. fingers.-Dec. 4th, 6.45 a.m., 60 dr.
7.30 a.m., nausea, much saliva, severe cutting in r. toes. 8.15 a.m.,
persistent chilliness through whole body, especially in back; cold hands;
pressure in various spots of cranial bones, in 1. tibia. 8.30 a.m., pressure
in r. facial bone. Great hunger at an unusual time. 12 noon, in bones
at both sides of nose a pain as if the bones were burst asunder. Great
boring above r. inner ankle. Sometimes shooting under ribs 1. and r.
Stitches deep in 1. ear. Some sharp stitches suddenly darting through
chest. 5 p.m., great disposition to vertigo. Tearing in front of r. leg.
Much dry persistent cough, with scraping and raw feeling in larynx.-
5th. Stiffness and pressive pain in nape muscles, 1. side. 4 p.m.,
pressure in bones above r. ear. 5 p.m., severe cutting in r. toes. (N.
Zeitsch. f. hom. Kl., viii, 145.)
3. WENZEL, student, took 10 dr. of tinct. 3 times a d. for several
d. From this he notes only a careless ease, such as is often produced
by a small dose of haschisch. From increased doses he had frequent and
bloody micturition. From 20 dr. thrice daily for a month nothing.
From a 40 dr. dose nervous excitement; violent frontal headache;
bloody stools. From same, continued for a week, asthenopia and photo-
phobia; tinnitus aurium, as in cinchonism; impairment of motor
power; numbness of surface; then general anesthesia. (ALLEN'S
Encyclopædia.)
4. a. Dr. BURT, in good health save for weak ankles, proved 4x dil.,
last two dils. being aqueous (to avoid effects of alcohol). June 20th,
1865, at 7 a.m., took 3j. 9, for last h. pricking burning sensation in
centre of epigastrium, with feeling of distension of abdomen and slight
dull frontal headache. 10, burning of lids, with slight headache; dis-
tress in whole epigastrium, with severe cutting pains passing through
stomach to spine, lasting h.; drawing pains in 1. sartorius while
walking. 1, sharp pains in stomach every few moments for last 2 h.,
as if needles were being pressed through; frequent momentary pains
in wrists and fingers. 4, several times hard pains in whole upper fore-
head, passing to back of head like a wave affecting whole brain; sharp
neuralgic pains down sciatic, from hip to middle of thigh. 10, frequent
eructations of sour air; sad, gloomy state of mind; still epigastric
M
PULSATILLA.
691
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noon.
distress. 21st.-Slept well, and woke feeling well. Repeated dose at
7 a.m. 8, slight frontal headache, with severe sharp cutting pains in
epigastrium; hard lumpy stool. 12, a number of times hard pain over
1. eye, feeling as if a nail were being pressed into forehead; frequent
sharp pains in stomach; distress in umbilicus; smarting of lids. All
forenoon hard drawing pains from 1st to 2nd joint of r. middle finger.
9, sad and gloomy. 22nd.-Woke with lids agglutinated; yellowish
coating along centre of tongue; flat taste in mouth. Repeated dose at
Slight dull frontal headache all d.; smarting of eyes with
profuse flow of tears; for 2 h. after taking medicine, constant fluttering
noise in r. ear; drawing cutting pains in lower epigastrium all after-
noon; dull pains in r. hypochondrium, lasting 10 m. at a time; stiff-
ness of fingers with dull pains in toes; sharp pains in Ist joint of r.
forefinger. 23rd.-Restless n., with severe frontal headache, caused by
a sour stomach. For 2 h. while in bed severe pain in whole r. knee, of
dull aching character; tongue and taste as yesterday; constant dull
pains in whole abdomen; hands hot and dry. 11, dull pains in r.
temple; constant dull distress in lower epigastrium. Repeated dose.
9, epigastric distress has continued; slight drawing pains by spells in
fingers and toes; languor with gloomy state of mind. 24th.-Hard
colicky pains after midnight in epigastrium. 6 a.m., mushy stool.
4 p.m., epigastric pains have recurred frequently during d.; smarting
of eyes. Repeated dose. 9, dull headache; eyes same; hard drawing
pains along r. Eustachian tube for h.; dull distress in lower epigas-
trium and umbilicus; drawing pains in 1. metacarpal bones. 25th.-
Profuse mucous secretion from eyes during n.; severe pains in lower
epigastrium at 7 a.m., followed by mushy stool. This pain continued
all d., with flying pains in head and feet. 26th.-Lids agglutinated;
soft stool at 6 a.m.; frequent spells of distress in lower epigastrium.
27th.—6 a.m., severe pain in umbilicus, with desire for stool; dark-
coloured stool, covered slightly with mucus, followed by same pains for
X
h.; sharp stabbing pains in pectoralis major for 5 m., followed by
burning distress at same points. II, took 3j of 2x dil., prepared in
water from I alcoholic dil. 3, for 1 h. after taking medicine very
chilly, with constant inclination to yawn; severe dull frontal headache;
smarting of eyes; spells of epigastric distress, with dull pains in r.
hypochondrium and lumbar region; is very languid and feverish. IO,
slight headache; eyes same; face hot and flushed; all p.m. and e.
feeling as if he must go to stool immediately, with constant distress in
lower part of epigastrium and umbilicus; now hard, dry, lumpy stool;
dull pains in 1. hypochondrium; dull distress in testicles, with drawing
pains along 1. spermatic cord; has had frequent flying pains in hands,
feet, and toes; hands hot and dry; sharp drawing pains along outside
of 1. knee to halfway down leg; very sleepy all afternoon. 28th.-
Slept well; smarting of eyes, with deep dull pain in orbits; tongue
coated yellow along centre; flat rough taste in mouth; muscles of
arms are quite stiff, especially flexors (this passed off in a short time
after moving them); hands hot and dry; fingers stiff. II a.m., hard
stitching pains in 1. spermatic cord and testicle. Repeated dose.
5 p.m., dull pain deep in eyes, which still smart ; distress in epigastrium;
692
PULSATILLA.
three times has had hard stitching pains in 1. spermatic cord, lasting 5-
10 m. each time; a good deal of dull pain in I. hypochondrium. 9, same
symptoms as at 5, with dull pains in lumbar region. 29th.-Very languid
to-day, with great depression of spirits; wants to sleep all the time;
dry lumpy stool at 6 a.m.; slight secretion of mucus in eyes; tongue
same. 6, natural stool. 30th.-Slight agglutination of lids in m.;
otherwise well, but there is an eruption breaking out on his ankles,
which itches severely at n.
b. July 11th.-Eruption on ankles had extended halfway up to
knees, and there were several large blotches on his back. Some spots
were as large as a three-cent piece, and from that to a fine eruption;
colour was dark red; there was more or less itching all the time, but
at n. this was almost intolerable. The rash stood out from the skin
very prominently, and was exceedingly hard. For the last 2 d. it was
commencing to die away. A small plant of P. Nuttalliana had been put
in 2 oz. of alcohol, and allowed to macerate 16 d. Of this tinct. Dr.
B. now took a quarter-ounce at 11 a.m. 12, sharp pains on r. temple,
profuse secretion of tears, with dull pains in eyeball extending to malar
bone; severe burning in stomach. 5, had had dull headache all p.m.
in upper forehead, with paralysis of lids-almost impossible to keep
eyes open; return of aching and smarting in eyes; feeling in 1. ear as
if closed; constant distress in epigastrium, with frequent hard drawing
pains in 1. side, just under stomach; rumbling in bowels; hands hot
and dry, with stiffness of fingers. 10, much the same, lower epigastric
distress being especially severe; feeling feverish, with great debility.
12th. Slept soundly, but woke very languid. Profuse secretion of
mucus in eyes; neuralgic pains in eyeballs while walking, most in r. ;
constant epigastric distress. 7, repeated dose. 10, pains in head and
eyes as yesterday, with frequent pains in ears, drawing from within
outwards, and feeling as if ears were closed; severe cutting pains in
lower epigastrium and r. hypochondrium; nausea twice for a m.;
great debility; hands hot; pulse unaffected. 12, same, with also
snapping noises in ears. 8, same symptoms, but not so strongly marked.
13th.-Slept soundly; large secretion of mucus in eyes. 9 p.m., have
had through d. frequent drawing pains in ears, epigastrium, and r.
hypochondrium, with occasional sharp pains in r. temple and eyes.
10, first stool since beginning last proving, preceded by sharp cutting
pains in umbilicus, m. 14th.-Rough flat taste in mouth; frequent
sharp pains in r. ear and temple; dull pains by spells in epigastrium
eruption has now disappeared. Natural stool. 15th.-Feeling well,
save that hands were hot and dry all d., and that once there were
drawing pains in testicles. (U.S. Med. and Surg. Journ., i, 65.)
5. Miss C., æt. 18, small frame, blonde; menses irregular; not
very strong, but quite well at time of proving, save for some flatulent
distension of stomach. Sept. 6—11 took repeated doses, increasing
from 5 to 20 dr. of tinct. No symptoms till last d., when about 8 p.m.
her eyelids began to smart and itch, and on retiring felt very hot. In
m. they were slightly sealed by a soft yellowish matter; an h. later she
noticed a thick white substance on edge of lower lid. After being out,
on entering house dizziness and inclination to nausea; bowels slightly
PULSATILLA.
693
tapkan type table inte
relaxed. 12th.-Took 3 doses of 20 dr.; passages more frequent and
moist. 13th.-Took 3 doses of 30 dr. Nothing noted till e. of 18th,
when she felt very chilly, at times shaking as with ague. On 19th took
20 dr. without effect; on 20th 3j, and had very cold feet in e., till she
went to bed. 21st.-Took teaspoonful of 2nd dil. 3 times. At
6 p.m. sensation as of plug in lower part of throat, continuing till she
retired. 22nd.—Woke without feeling of plug, but it returned later,
preceded by raw tickling sensation. Took 4 teaspoonful doses of 2nd
dil. to-day, and 5 on 24th, with no further effects. (Bloated feeling
had disappeared; but sharp shooting pains through temples, only occa-
sionally felt before, had become very frequent and more severe.) (HALE,
New Remedies, 2nd ed.)
6. Mrs. W—, æt. 30, in good health, save that menses had delayed
4 d., and she was quite constipated. Took of sol. of 3j of tinct. in
zj
half a glassful of water, a spoonful every h. from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
No symptoms. Next m. began taking it again at 7. 8, stinging
darting pains through uterine region from side to side. 10, much
chilliness for an h., with loose papescent stool, accompanied by
griping; four similar stools occurred during d. At noon began to feel
great weakness in legs, could scarcely stand, and walking became diffi-
cult; it was a "trembling weakness," she said, with a sensation of
great weariness and heaviness; it continued till she went to bed.
P.m., intense nausea was felt for h. after each dose, but she could not
vomit. Nearly all d. had frequent inclination to micturate, soon.
passing off, but recurring speedily; actual micturition, however, was
unusually frequent; urine was natural but copious. She felt very irri-
table, cross, could not bear to be spoken to; noise vexed her; felt
inclined to weep at trifling annoyances. She discontinued medicine at
10 that n., and awoke next m. feeling well, save for some weakness.
(The menses did not recur till the next period.) (Ibid.)
;
6. a. Dr. T. C. DUNCAN examined his urine several d. up to
Nov. 3rd, 1866. It was acid, of strong odour, dark yellow colour
sp. gr. 1018-20 in m., 1026-30 at n.; daily amount 30-36 oz.
Analysis showed "uric acid, earthy phosphates, chloride of sodium, &c.;"
under microscope were seen "crystals of urea, uric acid, many of the
triple phosphates, urate of ammonia," and some squamous epithelium.
At 10 p.m. this d. took 3ss of tinct. 4th, 2 a.m., woke with great
urging to urine, and voided 10 oz. of very light-coloured urine, sp. gr.
1010; skin was hot and flushed. 8 a.m., passed with great urging 7 oz.,
darker, sp. gr. 1014. 10 p.m., some pain, or rather uneasiness, in
kidneys and bladder; 35 oz. of urine have been voided in last 24 h. ;
sp. gr. of last 1030. Took 3iij. In about an h. full hot feeling in
cerebellum. 5th, 7 a.m., great urging to urinate; passed 7 oz., dark
yellow, sp. gr. 1027. During d., with every micturition, some
tenesmus and strangury; uneasiness in kidneys more marked; passed
25 oz.; sp. gr. of last 1031. 6th.-Tenesmus more marked to-day,
extending up ureters; uneasiness in kidneys increased. Urine in 24 h.
was 23 oz.; sp. gr. in m. 1025, in e. 1030. Bowels constipated;
little appetite; all afternoon severe headache. 7th.-Urine to-day
copious and light-coloured; sp. gr. in m. 1014; but little tenesmus;
-
694
PULSATILLA.
dull heavy feeling in head in m., less p.m. 8th.-Urine as yesterday ;
nothing left but a little uneasiness about kidneys.
b. Analysis of light-coloured urine of 4th, 7th, and 8th showed
albumen and excess of phosphates, acid reaction but slight; dark-
coloured urine of 5th and 6th was strongly acid, and showed excess of
uric acid and of phosphates. Under microscope in former was found
much epithelium, with (after standing) abundant phosphates, earthy
and triple; and in that of 7th and 8th there were also tube-casts and
mucous corpuscles. In the dark-coloured urine crystals of uric acid.
and the phosphates were very apparent. (Dr. Duncan says that he
took little note of the constitutional symptoms, effect on urine being
the main object of his experiment.) (Ibid.)
7. a. Dr. C. WESSELHOEFT, æt. 32, in perfect health, took,
Oct. 8th, 1866, at 10 p.m., I dr. of 3x dil. After 30 m. painful
emptiness and pressure in stomach, then a rising up oesophagus as in
heartburn. 9th.-10 a.m., repeated dose. Same feeling as last n.,
recurring at hourly intervals during d., gradually increasing in severity,
amounting to cramp-like sensation running up to fauces from cardiac
orifice of stomach. After each meal for about 2 d. pressure, with
cramp-like rising, preceded by painful emptiness. 14th.-Took 2 dr.
In 5 m. emptiness (painful) came on, increasing in an h. to pressure,
with which later coldness was conjoined, both extending to abdomen
with sensation as if diarrhoea would set in. After dinner, rumbling of
wind in distended abdomen, moving from above downwards. 4.30,
took 2 dr. Two h. after eating bread and milk, eructation with taste
of food; increased appetite while eating, and hunger an h. after and
all e.
10, repeated dose. Copious discharge of pale yellow urine 3
times in n. Urinated more freely and copiously than usual next d.
Same sensation in stomach as on d. before, and for 5 d. subsequently
had at times painful pressure there.
b. Oct. 22nd.—At 11 p.m. took 10 dr. of 2x dil. Sleep restless all
n., many dreams. 23rd.-Repeated dose m. and e. Inh. after
former painful pressure in stomach. Eructations of hot tasteless wind
several times in forenoon. In 6 h. slight dull headache, lasting h.
Very great hunger before usual time, and could hardly eat enough to
satisfy appetite. Confused dreams all n.; woke frequently with
feeling of general discomfort, like that preceding a fever,-heat, rest-
lessness, anxiety, dull frontal headache, aching of limbs, lameness of
back and loins particularly. Had to get up to urinate during n.
Dull
headache next m., going off with active exercise, but returning at
noon. Repeated dose at 10 p.m. Woke frequently during n. with
No more sym-
lameness in lumbar region. Some headache in m.
ptoms. 25th.-10 p.m., 10 dr. of 1, dil. Immediately painful pressure
in epigastrium (1.), with frequent eructations, lasting 2 h. Slept well.
26th. Repeated dose m. and e. No stool till 9 p.m., then hard and
scanty. Both doses followed by painful pressure as before; belching of
food and afterwards wind; p.m., pressure extended all over abdomen.
Slept soundly till 1 a.m., when he had to micturate; after that awoke
frequently with aching in loins and hips, causing constant change of
position in bed, which seemed too hard. 27th.-10 dr. in m. Slight
X
W
PULSATILLA.
695
SAMAR MAN
se
,‛**ti➢*
11. זי་
Cana
gastric pressure several times during d.; in e. great hunger, unappeas-
able; ate so much bread, butter, and milk that he could not sleep for it,
and rose with tongue coated white, and flat pappy taste. There was
no appetite for breakfast, which, however, was relished; no thirst.
P.m., great depression of spirits. Sleep sound. 29th.-So hungry in
middle of d. that he was able to eat two dinners. After a (purposely)
light supper of bread and milk, slight heartburn and hot tasteless eruc-
tations, followed by fulness in epigastrium and abdomen, relieved by
loosening clothes. Still hungry, but also thirsty; drank freely of cold
water, which was extremely grateful. Effects of drug lasted till 31st,
gradually decreasing.
c. Nov. 24th, took m. and e. 10 dr. of tinct. in water. Only
slight weakness and emptiness in stomach at times during d. 26th.-
At 7 a.m. took 3ss. In 10 m. uneasiness in stomach; slight nausea
with constant twitching of r. eyelids all forenoon, especially while
reading, and at intervals all d. 27th.-Repeated dose m. and e.
Return of twitching of lids; no stool in m., a hard and scanty one in
; slight distension of abdomen p.m. 28th.-Offensive breath this
m., noticed by self and others; continued all d. 10 a.m., took zj.
In a few m. heat in stomach, gradually increasing to pain, most severe
in one spot under end of sternum. In 2 h. aching at spot in abdomen,
increasing by movement, also in 1. groin just above crest of I. ilium (quite
severe on moving or bending), and in chest (all forenoon). No appe-
tite for dinner; pain in stomach while eating; after eating tongue
unusually red and face flushed, with slight headache in 1. frontal emin-
ence, and dulness of mind, disinclining him to work. Feeling sleepy,
took a nap, which was not refreshing; after it feverish heat of body,
pulse 80 (generally 60) for 2 h. Went out walking, legs very heavy,
cool blustering wind very refreshing to hot face; slight smarting of
edges of lids from it. Unusual thirst for cold water in e. There was
no stool this d. 10.15, repeated dose.
10.15, repeated dose. In 10 m. twitching of 1. eye-
brow and upper lid, lasting for h. after going to bed, with audible
pulsation of heart and painful drawing in 1. cheek-bone and jaw.
29th. On waking, dry pappy taste in mouth; tongue coated with
tough slime, red, rather dry, and swollen, showing impressions of teeth
on its margin; throat same; pain above ilium as yesterday; no appe-
tite for breakfast, in spite of a walk first. These symptoms lasted for
2 d. only, and he felt nothing more till Dec. 15th, when there was
itching on r. side of chest, quite intense at times, with small scattered
pimples and red points, whole skin assuming a rose-like redness on
slight friction. This lasted for 5 d.
e.
d. Jan. 30th, 4 p.m., took 3j. In 15 m. pinching in r. curvature
of stomach, repeated several times. After a nap, woke with acid taste
in mouth and dull pressing pain in stomach; then followed rumbling
in abdomen, with colicky pain, frequent discharge of much flatus, and
desire to go to stool as if diarrhoea would come on, which, however, did
not take place. (Trans. of Amer. Inst. of Hom., 1867.)
8. Mrs. C. W, æt. 25, general health perfect, took, Oct. 9th,
1866, 1 dr. of 3x dil. About I h. after, weakness in loins and general
feeling as if menses were coming on; they ought not to appear for 5 d.
696
PULSATILLA.
Soon after taking medicine great desire to eat, though it was directly
after breakfast; bad taste in mouth, and p.m. sudden dizziness and
fulness in head, lasting only a few m. 10th.-Sensation as of approach-
ing menstruation continues. 11th.-P.m. and at n. frequent desire to
urinate, accompanied with nervous sensation in feet-constant irresistible
desire to move them; this continued for 2 d. more. On appearance
of menses at their due time repeated dose. Discharge, which is always
copious, at once became very profuse, amounting to hæmorrhage, and
continued with violence for 3 d. Eyes, which are habitually sensitive,
became more so, and dryness and irritation prevented their use, espe-
cially in e. ; edges of lids were red. After 4 weeks, light-red blotches
on r. breast, itching severely at n. In 3 d. rash had spread all over
chest in little red dots or stipples, lasting a week; itching relieved by
scratching, worse on being heated. Complexion, at first rough after
taking medicine, became very clear after disappearance of rash. Again,
4 weeks later, itching on back and shoulders, followed by stippling and
general erythematous redness. She had never had the slightest skin
eruption. (Ibid.)
9. ALEX. POPE, æt. 19, in perfect health, took, Dec. 19th, 10 dr.
of tinct. While riding on horseback immediately after had sudden
attack of diarrhoea, obliging him to dismount. P.m. had 2 more dark-
coloured, thin, pap-like stools, with urgent desire; also great emptiness
of stomach. Next d. (and to some extent for 4 d. more) very frequent
urination; in e. itching over body; slight rash on back and shoulders,
lasting 2 d. (Ibid.)
10. a. W. C. POPE, æt. 20, health good. Took 1 dr. of 3x dil. n.
and m., Oct. 14th-17th. Lay awake one n. for several h., restless.
Increased appetite; irritability; desire to keep moving about, quick
nervous movements.
b. Dec. 9th, took 10 dr. of tinct. at 11 a.m., which operated on
bowels in about 15 m., leaving them in a very loose condition, with
feǝling of emptiness in stomach, which no food could assuage; it con-
tinued all p.m., with sense of weakness. No appetite for dinner.
Went to bed feeling much exhausted, having had during d. 4 watery
discharges of light yellow colour, without pain or wind. For 2 d. more
thirst for cold water than usual. Empty feeling continued 3 d., with
4-5 discharges each d., thin and yellow. After 7 d., great itching
over all parts of body. Again, after 8 d., more incessant itching, and
next d. red rash over whole body, most on chest and abdomen, blotches
and in some places points running together and forming them; itching
continued with it. After 3 d. eruption was still very severe, gradually
becoming urticarioid; nodular, white, hard elevations on red base, of
irregular form; it lasted 10 d. Itching (increased on riding in cold
air) returned at longer intervals, and lasted in less degree all the winter.
(Ibid.)
X
II. a. H. ELLIOT, student, æt. 25, health excellent. Oct. 9th, 10
p.m., took I dr. of 1x dil. Slept very ell. Small hard stool next m. ;
dull pain in epigastrium, with dull frontal headache; thick gulping. At
n. repeated dose. 11th.-Took same at 8 a.m. Slight heaviness of food
after meals, with sour eructations; aching in both knees, worse in 1. ;
PULSATILLA.
697
and e.
slight frontal headache. 12th and 13th.-Took 4 dr. each m.
Small dry stools each m.; severe pain in 1. ankle extending to hip,
continuing for some h. On waking in n. of 13th found it impossible
to open eyes for nearly 5 m. Same kind of stool, but rather large.
Took 1 dr. at n. 15th.-1 dr. in m. An h. after hearty breakfast,
renewed appetite, with empty feeling of stomach, lasting till dinner;
very hard dry lumpy stool towards e. 16th. I dr. in m. Feeling of
great emptiness and hunger, with slight frontal headache, all m.
b. Oct. 26th, 10 p.m., took 1 dr. of 2x dil. Sleep somewhat dis-
turbed; had to rise during n. from urgent desire to urinate. 27th.-
8 a.m., repeated dose. Copious flow of light-coloured urine; no desire
for stool, but had a large evacuation of dry pieces at usual time;
gnawing emptiness in stomach. (Ibid.)
12. HARRIET C—, æt. 40. Began taking powders, each moistened
with 1 dr. of 3x dil., when just recovered from a bad cold, but con-
sidering herself very well. After taking two she began coughing a
good deal, and continued to do so for 2 or 3 d. When cough was quite
gone she began taking same dil, in water. Oct. 31st.-Took dose at
10.30 p.m. Very wakeful for a time (most unusual), with slight
headache. Rose next m. with r. head aching, and feeling generally
languid and sick. Repeated dose. Dull headache and slight nausea
nearly all d., better about noon, but worse again towards n. ; indifferent
appetite, with feeling as if she was going to have a fever; anxious,
miserable feeling. Nov. 2nd.-No medicine; headache and miserable
feeling first half of d.; constant inclination to cough, and much actual
cough all d. 3rd.-Repeated dose at 10 p.m. After good night's rest,
some dulness, little appetite, and stiffness of r. neck in m. 5th.-
Repeated dose at 5 a.m. Slight headache r. side, afterwards confused.
feeling rather than aching. All d. much as before, but symptoms less
marked; pain and slight looseness twice in d.; feeling as if diarrhoea
were coming on; more miserable at n., felt as if she had taken another
cold some rheumatism in r. knee. Next m. looseness of bowels
rheumatism in r. shoulder; heavy and faint sensation in stomach;
mouth and lips dry, with thirst; feeling as if menstruation (which had
been irregular of late) was coming on; more miserable towards bed-
time. (Ibid.)
13. MARTHA C—, æt. 30, healthy. One Thursday took 2 dr. of
3x dil. on retiring at 10 p.m. Very wakeful for 2 h.; chilliness with
full and uncomfortable feeling in stomach. Next m. dull headache and
nausea till about II a.m., and after that faintness at stomach. Un-
comfortable sensation at stomach all d., as after taking tartar emetic;
fulness also there, like a great weight. On the Saturday n. following
took I dr. Some wakefulness; weight and pressure in stomach;
mouth filling with saliva. In m. same dull headache, with nausea and
indisposition to eat at breakfast and at dinner. (Ibid.)
14. a. Dr. WALTER WESSELHEFT, æt. 26, in robust health, Dec.
6th, 1866, took 5 dr. of 3x dil.2 8 a.m. 9.30, husky feeling in throat
until noon, and at intervals throughout afternoon. 7th.-Repeated
dose. Slight sensation of scratching and huskiness immediately after
taking medicine; p.m., frequent desire to micturate, urine clear.
698
PULSATILLA.
8th.
Took same.
After eating slight irritation in throat, with hawk-
ing of white tough mucus. Frequent desire to micturate, though
no great quantity of urine passed till n., when he passed a large amount,
with slight pain at end of urethra ; odour had been slightly ammoniacal
during d., but was now very strong, like that of the skunk. 9th.-
Urine of previous n. had dark sediment, and bottom of vessel was
thickly coated with light brown urate of ammonia. On passing water
to-day irritation at end of penis; urine clear, with slight ammoniacal
smell; frequent inclination to micturate towards and in e.
6 p.m.,
slight pressing drawing pain in r. side of penis. After retaining urine
some time, marked pain on urinating, which continued till he went to
sleep. 10th.-Pain in penis on waking, quite severe, increased on
passing water, which is without smell or sediment; it continued all d.,
with frequent desire to micturate. 11th.-No pain on waking; it
was felt slightly in passing water till e., when it disappeared. 12th.-
Took 5 dr. at 8 a.m. Frequent inclination to clear throat; dulness
and heaviness about head; depression of spirits; towards e., slight
pressing drawing pain on r. side of penis, with frequent inclination to
micturate, urine quite clear. 13th.-Awoke at 4 a.m. with distressing
erection, soon subsiding; unusual wakefulness for an h. 8 a.m., medi-
cine as before. Disinclination to move during forenoon, with great
fatigue after walking; no urinary trouble till e., when after drinking
ale he had great desire to pass water and slight return of pain in penis.
b. Dec. 17th.-11 a.m., 30 dr. of tinct. Slight pain in umbilical
region after 10 m.; no further symptoms through d. 18th.-Repeated
dose with same lack of effect. 20th.-Took 100 dr. in m. Slight
huskiness and dryness of throat, with sense of dryness and heat in
nose and eyes, for an h. after; also eructations with taste of medi-
cine. At noon strong desire to urinate. P.m., slight pain over
r. eye, better when walking in open air, worse in warm room, with
sense of heat and fulness in head, dryness of eyes, and irritation of
throat, with slight expectoration. (Ibid.)
15. Miss S. WESSELHOFT, æt. 20, in perfect health, Dec. 8th, took
2 dr. of 3x dil. at 8 a.m. 5 p.m., after a long walk, felt shooting pain
across lower part of back for h.; pain then settled in 1. side, where it
remained during e. Continued to take a dose m. and e. till 12th.
Ioth.-Pain in bowels after eating at 10 p.m. 11th.-Headache at
intervals all d. 12th.-Pain in bowels and diarrhoea. (Ibid.)
16. Miss A. G., æt. 18, took 3rd dil. twice without effect. Now took
2 dr. of tinct. at 10 a.m. In 3 h. throbbing pain on top of head, very
severe; at 4 p.m. face became red and hot, continuing so till bedtime.
Slept well, and had no further symptoms. Three d. later put 3 dr. of
tinct. into 3j of water, and took half at a dose. In 3 h. had same
headache as before. At noon took second half. Headache worse;
4 p.m., hot face and very cold feet; during e. pain in 1. side, under
arm, more towards back, severe; lasting till bedtime. Perfectly well
(Next period was a week too soon; but, instead of dark flow
with pain as usual, all was natural and painless.) (Ibid.)
in m.
17. Dr. A. BROWN, æt. 38, took 3rd dil., 3 dr. in 6 spoonfuls of
water, taking one n. and m. After 3rd dose soreness in r. calf;
RANUNCULUS ACRIS.
699
slight pain while walking, very painful on going downstairs, soreness
is like that following cramp in the leg, or a bruised feeling. In 2 d.
slight soreness in 1. calf and lameness of muscles of r. upper arm.
Soreness in r. calf continued about 3 d., and then disappeared with the
other symptoms. (Ibid.)
18. Mrs. M., æt. 30, mother of 4 children, took 1 dr. of 3rd dil.
on going to bed. Woke next m. with dull pain over top of head,
which lasted all d. In e. took another dr., and had same pain all
following d. On 3rd e. took same dose, with same result; also in e.
of 4th d. slight leucorrhoea (unprecedented).* Omitted medicine
next 3 e. On 5th d. same headache, less severe; and more leucor-
rhoea. For next 2 d. no symptoms. Again took medicine for 4 suc-
cessive e. For 2 d. no symptoms, and she felt uncommonly well.
On 3rd d., at 4 p.m., had flow of whites, about a teaspoonful, without
pain. On 4th return of pain on vertex, not so severe as before. On
5th felt small sore spot in upper windpipe, continuing all d. ; and in
e. had nervous pains. in legs, especially 1., feeling as if she could not sit
still. Took no more medicine. Next d. throat same, but it went
off the d. following, on which also the vertex pain was felt, with sense
as if head was too heavy for neck. (Ibid.)
III. Experiments on animals.-Anemonine (a crystalline alkaloid
contained in root of P. nigricans and its allied species) has been shown
by J. Clarus and others to possess powerful toxic properties; 4 gr.
affected rabbits, and 9 gr. killed them in 3 or 4 h. The special phe-
nomena were diminution of frequency and strength of heart's pulsations
(sometimes preceded by a period of excitement) and slackening of re-
spiration; finally, diarrhoea and stertorous breathing, sinking of tempera-
ture, semi-paralysis of hind and then of fore limbs; stupor; mydriasis.
and immediately before death myosis,-but no convulsions, such as
have been seen to be produced by extract of P. itself. P.M. there was
more or less congestion and oedema of lungs, and relaxation of heart
walls; heart cavities and great vessels were full of dark clotted blood,
while blood everywhere else was fluid; there was also marked hyper-
æmia of membranes of brain and cord, especially in neighbourhood of
medulla oblongata. (PHILLIPS, op. cit.)
www
RANUNCULUS.
Including R. acris, bulbosus, and sceleratus, L. Nat. Ord., Ranunculaceæ.
Ranunculus acris, buttercup, upright meadow crowfoot.
I. Provings.-I. LEMBKE took, Sept. 6, 9 p.m., 30 dr. aq. herba
Ran. acris, and again at 9.30, 30 dr. Persistent scraping taste in
throat from each dose. At 10.30 p.m. I teaspoonful.-7th. 9 a.m.,
I teaspoonful, and the same at 4 p.m.-8th. 8 a.m., I teaspoonful,
and the same at 9 a.m. Yesterday and to-day wandering pains in
* "A few doses of 2nd dil. given to my wife, suffering from pleurodynia but
otherwise well, produced fluor albus of a mild kind, but so profuse and attended with
so great depression and weakness that she refused to take any more " (Dr. OEHMe,
in Ibid.).
700
RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS.
limbs, also in joints of hands, knees, feet, and toes, heat in head, tear-
ing in forehead and face, 2 loose stools m. 7 p.m., 9.30 p.m., and 10.30
p.m., I teaspoonful. When walking, repeated heaviness and weak-
ness of lower limbs, also on 9th, m., in bed. In n. of 9th Sept. urinated
several times.-9th. Repeated tearing in 1. ankle-joint when walking
and when at rest.—13th, 8 a.m., 1 teaspoonful. Tearing in wrists.
and ankle-joints, in thumb and forehead. 5 p.m., copious liquid stool
without pain, and again at 7 p.m. In e. tearing in r. cheek to temple.
—14th, 7 p.m., I teaspoonful. 8 p.m., I teaspoonful. Tearing in r.
pectoral muscles below nipple, increased by inspiration, boring in fore-
head, drawing in r. tibia and elbow, much eructation of tasteless air,
nausea, drawing in ankle-joints, head hot and heavy, forehead moist.
9 p.m., 1 teaspoonful. Nausea and much saliva in mouth. In skin
of r. cheek a peculiar sensation as if it were touched here and there
by a cold thin body, lasting some time, and then a similar sensation
in 1. cheek. Pressure in elbows, ankles, and knees when sitting, re-
l.
lieved by moving. Urinated 3 times at n.-15th. 8 a.m., skin moist,
tearing in tibiæ and temples. Pain in r. side of chest as yesterday.-
16th. Tearing in hip, shoulder, and ankle-joints. 7 and 8 p.m., 1
teaspoonful. Severe nausea. In lumbar muscles when bending body
and turning, pain several times, also in joints named.-17th., m.,
same pains several times during d. when sitting and when moving.-
18th, 9 a.m., 2 teaspoonfuls. Tearing in wrists, ankles, and shoulders,
in forehead and in r. pectoral muscles. (N. Zeitsch. f. hom. Kl., xii, 26.)
I
II. Poisonings.-1. Applied to the temple, it has caused headache,
intolerable heat, and fainting. Applied to the joints, soreness and
obstinate ulcers. (Archiv, vii, 3, 218.)
2. A robust woman, æt. 70, who suffered from pains in limbs,
boiled a few handfuls of R. a., washed her legs with the decoction, and
applied the boiled plant as a cataplasm, e. At n. woke up with violent
pains, removed the poultice, and washed herself with water. Next m.
the doctor found her with violent erethic fever, intolerable pains in
legs and feet, which appeared as if burnt up to knees. Skin hot, red,
very painful, and in parts raised up in blisters. On 3rd d. mortifica-
tion had set in in several parts, she trembled, fainted on rising up;
anxiety, restlessness, with small rapid pulse and red face. On the
IIth d. there was fever and sweat, with critical urine, and the sores
improved. (KREBS, Med. Annalen, Heidelberg, i, pt. 3, p. 440, in
Frank's Mag., iii, 312.)
Ranunculus bulbosus, bulbous crowfoot.
I. Provings.—1. FRANZ, in perfect health save for slight disposi-
tion to hæmorrhoids, took, Nov. 26th, 1827, before breakfast, 8 dr. of
tinct, in 1 lb. of water. Ính. pressure in eyeballs, transitory pres-
sure in chest. In 1 h. sore pain in eyes, burning at pit of stomach,
pressure in region of liver. In 2 h. stitches in ears; tingling and
stitches in hairy scalp, with dulling of senses; slight shocks in occiput.
In 3 h. pressure transversely across chest and pit of stomach; stiffness
in ankle; vertigo; ill-humour. In 4 h. tearing in temples, itching of
hand. In 6 h. stitches in 1. chest and spleen; pressure at root of
RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS.
701
nose; chilliness after dinner. In 7 h. pinching and painfulness to
touch of abdominal walls, with febrile chilliness. In 8 h. pains in
occiput, pressure in eyes and forehead from without inward, slight
giddiness, constant colic during digestion, and feeling as if he would
fall over or faint. At n. fell asleep late, and woke frequently. 27th.
-Took 12 dr. in same quantity of water. After 1 h., on rising, pain
in l. chest; weakness and sense as if he would fall; tearing in vertex.
After 2 h. dulness of head; ill-humour, with same pain as before
across chest and epigastrium. In 5 h. pain in toes; absence of mind,
during which he talks to himself. In 6 to 10 h. pain along posterior
surface of thigh, in wrist and thumbs, and in scapulæ; bruised pain in
hypochondria; "rheumatic pains." Pain in 1. chest, and pinching and
tenderness of abdomen, as yesterday, recurred periodically throughout
this d. in alternate attacks, also chilliness during digestion. 28th.-
Repeated dose. Early in m. pain in 1. chest; sore pain in eyes; pun-
gent taste in mouth; cracking of knees; eructations; burning and.
scraping in fauces; pain in hypochondria, pit of stomach, and sternum;
mucus about fauces. In forenoon pain in nail of index and in tendo
Achillis ; a sort of ischias; continued pain in 1. chest and soreness in
eyes. In afternoon febrile symptoms, heat in face with icy cold hands
and quick pulse; pinching in abdomen; eructations; still I. chest pain ;
pain over r. eye; pressure in r. scapula; oppression of, and determination
of blood to head. Drowsiness in e. and sleeplessness at n. 29th.-
No medicine. On waking, pain in 1. chest, which continued all d.;
ill-humour, anger; debility and trembling; fever after dinner and in e.,
sleeplessness at n. 30th.-Took another 12 dr. On waking, usual
pain in chest, and in 1 h. after dose tearing in temples, stitches in ear,
ptyalism. After 2 h. pain in occiput. After 4 h. constant pain during
motion and from contact in l. chest, hypochondria, and back; altered
taste; ill-humour. P.m., pain in abdomen with chest troubles. In
e. febrile chilliness for 2 h., with pain in occiput, heels, and toes, and
oppression of chest. Dec. Ist.-Much nausea, pain in abdomen with
fever after dinner; less chest pain; sleepless n. 2nd.-Headache in
m.; during d. alternation of pain in chest and inward colic; in e. pro-
sopalgia and pain in ankles. 3rd.-In forenoon pain in dorsa of feet;
oppression and pain in chest ; pain in temples, r. malar bone, and eye-
balls. In e., febrile movement; painfulness of hypochondria. 4th.-
Nearly constant chest pain in e., with cough and eructation. On fol-
lowing days up to 16th, after restless sleepless nights, early in m. great
painfulness, externally and internally, of specially 1. chest and whole
side, and of hypochondria; lassitude and laziness; frequent chilliness.
after eating (with gradual disappearance of former abdominal symptoms),
together with some evening cough and fever, continuous, with periodical
pain in eyes, and temporal and frontal headache. On the 14th d.
there was actual inflammation of eyes, and therewith pain in dorsa of
feet and along posterior surface of thighs from above downwards.
(Archiv, vii, 3.—The pain in the chest is so distinctive and constant a
feature of the action of R. bulbosus, that we give here, in addition to
the above, some of the detailed symptoms of the schema relating to
it:-After 4 h., when stooping, felt pressure on lower sternum; on
702
RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS.
rising, beating was felt there, soon going off, but leaving place tender
to touch; pressure spread towards r. chest and pit of stomach, latter
(as well as sternum) being tender to touch and on stooping; whole of
outer chest became so sensitive that even buttoning of coat gave him
pain; this lasted 3 h. 1st d.-Single stitches in r. chest ; violent aching
in mid-chest, e., while writing. 2nd d.-On rising, pain in whole
chest, as from rheumatism and subcutaneous ulceration, felt on least
movement of trunk; on walking, early, shooting in region of 5th and
6th 1. ribs, with great tenderness of spot, and debility; in forenoon
pressing and pushing in lower part of r. chest towards liver; during
whole d. violent stitches in r., and less frequently in 1. chest, with
pressure on mid-sternum and painful inspiration; while walking in
open air, stitches interiorly in 1. chest, near nipple, going off as he con-
tinued to walk, whereupon suddenly came a pain from r. abdomen to
below last true rib on 1. side. 3rd d.-In forenoon, when walking or
standing, pain under last true ribs of 1. side, as if bruised or from sub-
cutaneous ulceration, with slight stitches; this pain continues all p.m.
and e., with scarcely an interval, increased by motion and by turning
trunk; in e., pressive pain in r. scapula; while walking after sitting
violent shooting in r. chest in region of 5th to 7th rib, arresting breath-
ing, with stitches and pressure at top of shoulder; at n. in bed pain
of whole chest, especially 1.; was unable to lie on either side on account
of pain of outer chest; therewith anxiety, tightness of breathing,
accelerated pulse. 4th d.-Violent pains in chest all a.m.; constant
pain there all p.m., mostly in l. side, and as if externally in pectoralis
major, later receding to behind sternum and pit of stomach, thence
frequently shifting to r. of umbilicus; shooting in side of sternum,
with sensation as if bruised, in going uphill. 5th d.-Oppressive sen-
sation in chest, as after great vexation; he had to take deep breath fre-
quently the whole e. ; therewith also nausea.)
2. A married woman, æt. 29, with slight disposition to congestions
of blood and hæmorrhoids, took about 3j of the 8 dr. to 1 lb. solution.
After 2 h. pressure in eyes, weight of and determination of blood to
head, some colic with pain in back. After 3 to 5 h. sensitiveness of
teeth, itching on upper arms, creeping on fingers, headache over r. eye,
nausea and drowsiness. After 7 to 9 h. colic; chilliness, with cold
hands and hot face during digestion. After 8 h. stiffness of ankles;
vertigo; stitches in r. side of chest and bowels; migraine of r. side.
After 12 h. jactitation of muscles. During whole d. obstruction of,
and creeping on nose. Sleeplessness at n. On 2nd d. migraine-like
headache, continual creeping on nose; stitches in chest. On 3rd d.
heaviness of head and pressure on nape for first 5 h., then pain in
chest; in e. feverish inclination to be startled, with fearfulness. (Ibid.)
3. S. D-, a young army surgeon, robust, of blooming health and
irritable disposition, took, Dec. 20th, 5 dr. of tinct. ; a fortnight after
15 dr. ; 9 d. later 20 dr. ; and lastly 60 dr. within 12 h. He experienced
immediate pressure in eyes, and, after 1 h., oppression of chest, feeling
of distension of head, dizziness, and slight nausea. After 2-4 h.
*Chest pains, especially of 1. side, were slighter in her because she habitually
had such pains, and the drug affected her at first curatively, without aggravation.
RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS.
703
creeping on hands and face; pains in chest. After 6 h. easy evacua-
tion, with borborygmus. After dinner, fever and chilliness. In after-
noon pain in nape, frequent chest-pains, thirst. E., cutting in abdomen.
N. sleepless. On 2nd d. woke with pain in chest and spoiled taste;
and had debility and rheumatic pains in nape and arms, muscular
twitchings, throbbing in chest after a meal, with movements in intes-
tines during digestion; sleeplessness at n. And so always after each
repetition and increase of dose,—in the first hours rush of blood to head
and gloominess, headache, pain in eyes, once spasm in oesophagus,
transient oppression and pain in chest, bodily restlessness or slight
nausea; in e. mucus in throat, rheumatic pains here and there, pains in
ears, writhing, rumbling and movement in intestinal canal; on the
following days pains in ears and eyes, muscular twitchings, rheumatic
and bruised pains of hypochondria or in back, accumulation of mucus in
throat. Constant pains in chest, especially in m., and restless nights,
were standing symptoms for a long time. (Ibid.)
4. The following symptoms were observed by Stapf in a blooming
robust woman of 24 (dosage not stated) :-Flow of white saliva, with
coppery taste (2nd d.); an existing leucorrhoea increased, and from
bland become acrid and corrosive (2nd d.); she felt chilly all over, her
teeth chattered, and she shook therewith; great dry heat in face and
bright redness of cheeks, though feet were icy cold; mouth was dry
and viscid, so that she could not speak, 8 p.m. (9 h.). (Ibid.)
5. The root, the stalk, the leaves and the flowers when chewed cause
a burning pain in tongue, also pain in teeth and gums. If the leaves
or shoots are contused and applied to the lateral part of each finger they
soon cause itching and blisters, which end in obstinate ulcers. Slices
of the root applied to the internal aspect of each finger cause after 2 m.
burning; if they are kept on longer the burning increases; if they
are removed as soon as itching commences the skin appears slightly
reddened and the itching ceases; after 2 h. the redness increases and it
itches; within 10 h. there appears a blister, full of water, in size pro-
portional to the space on which the plant was applied; on opening
the blister a quantity of thin yellowish viscid serum escapes, and the
place heals slowly; the resulting ulcer is painful, and its discharge
becomes puriform. The nodules of the bulb if bruised and applied to
the interstices of the fingers for 4 h. cause little itching; if the plant is
then removed the skin is not found to be altered, but after 20 h. a
blister appears, full of water. This only occurs if the nodules are taken
before the time of flowering; after that they may be left on the skin for
a whole day without producing any effect. If the bulbs are boiled, the
vapour of the water is acrid and irritates the eyes. A decoction of the
shoots when swallowed causes twitching of lips with roughness, and
after 4 h. a similar twitching in stomach. The expressed juice causes
after 2 m. violent smarting of the tongue, sneezing, excoriation of
nostrils; drm. of the juice mixed with 3viij water causes after 4
h. slight sinking in stomach, thereafter tightness and rigidity are felt in
all the muscles; the urine is greatly increased. (KRAPF, Experim. de
nonull. Ranuncul. ven. qual., 1766, p. 68.)
704
RANUNCULUS SCELERATUS,
Ranunculus sceleratus, marsh crowfoot, celery-leaved butter-
cup.
IO
I. Provings.-1. a. Dr. Y— took, Oct. 16th and 17th, 2 dr. of
tinct., fasting; on 20th, 3 dr. ; on 25th and on Nov. 5th, 4; on 30th,
6; on December 29th, 12; and on Jan. 4th, 15 dr. (The greatest
number of symptoms and the most disagreeable occurred from the
small doses, the larger affecting him but little.) The following sym-
ptoms were observed:-Vertigo while sitting; vanishing of thought,
giddiness (3 h.); heaviness and sense of fulness in whole head; head
feels distended from within and enlarged; contraction in scalp; head
feels as if in a vice; dull pain in occiput, whole head feeling painful
externally (4th d.); drawing-clawing pressure over vertex; drawing
stitching on skin of vertex; painful pressure as from a blunt instrument
on vertex (5th d.); burning pain on vertex for a few m.; long-
continuing, dull, pressive-gnawing pain on one spot of 1. vertex;
jerking in vertex region; pain as of a suddenly coming and speedily
going gnawing on one spot in vertex; boring pain behind r. ear (5th
d.); gnawing, with pressure, in r. temple; stitches in 1. temple
(10 h.); pressure in temples from within outwards (h.), same from
without inwards; itching and biting in scalp. Slight drawing and
sense of coldness above r. eyebrow, down cheeks to corner of mouth,
for 1 h., e.; feeling of coldness in face; sensation as if face were covered
with cobweb (2nd d., e.); slight pressure in eyeballs and smarting in
canthi, immediately, recurring periodically for several d.; burning of
margins of lids (10 h.); stinging smarting of r. canthus (h.); pain of
eyeballs when moving them quickly; hard blotch beneath r. eyebrow,
which does not suppurate; long stitches and continued drawing and
pressure in r. meatus and stitches in front of r. ear (2nd d., e.); otalgia
of r. ear, with headache and drawing in all teeth; pricking externally
at tip of nose. Drawing and tearing pain in molar teeth; stinging
gnawing in incisors (2nd d., e.); transient jerking in same; stinging-
drawing and drawing-jerking in all teeth; teeth are sensitive all 2nd
d.; flying stitches in tip of tongue (3rd d.); smarting there (10 h.);
flow of saliva (h.); white-coated tongue and sweetish taste in mouth,
early, on several d. ; uncommon dryness of mouth at n.;
want of appe-
tite in e.; little appetite at dinner, followed by a turn of nausea;
frequent empty eructations immediately after taking drug, returning
for many d. in m. fasting; after eating, frequent eructations tasting
of ingesta; rancid sour eructations, e. ; hiccup (4 h.); stinging pains
in soft palate; smarting-drawing pain in palate (3rd d.); burning in
pharynx; nausea, especially after midnight; desire to vomit, returning
periodically in early m.; stitches in tonsils; swelling of tonsils, with
flying stitches in same (e. of 2nd d.); heartburn; contractive feeling in
throat, frequent in m. fasting, increased while eating bread; scraping
in throat immediately; choking sensation in throat at n. ; pressure and
sense of fulness in pit of stomach, increased by external pressure, worst
in m.; sensitive stitches in pit of stomach, or in skin over it; burning
soreness behind xiphoid cartilage; troublesome sensation of fulness in
stomach; constriction of stomach; rumbling and pinching in abdomen
(immediately); cutting in intestines (2nd d., at n.); screwing pressure
RANUNCULUS SCELERATUS.
705
behind umbilicus at n.; sensation as if a plug were lodged behind
umbilicus for several d., especially in m.; abdominal walls are painful;
stitches in hepatic region; under r. false ribs continued pressure as of a
dull instrument, increased by deep inspiration; sensitive stitches in
region of gall-bladder; while walking in open air sudden violent jerks
in lumbar region, arresting breathing; long stitches in splenic region,
worse on deep inspiration; continual pressure in r. lumbar region;
aching in groins; titillating burning in region of anus; delaying stool
(after 2 dr.); three watery evacuations in rapid succession (5 h. after
4 dr.); frequent loose stools on one d.; nearly liquid and very fœtid
stools for 3-4 d.; frequent urging and loose stools for several d.; fre-
quent sensation as if diarrhoea would set in, while only a natural evacua-
tion comes. Sudden stitches in forepart of glans; drawing pains in
penis; smarting about scrotum. Dry and hacking cough, rarely and
without straining; tight and deep breathing (7 h.); sense of great
weakness in chest for several d. ; chest feels bruised in e. ; oppression of
chest immediately, continuing whole d.; whole chest feels weak and
bruised (several e.); frequent involuntary sighing; frequent but slight
stitches in r. chest (2 h.); painful shooting there, not increased by in-
spiration; continued dull shooting in 1. chest below false ribs; stitches
in region of heart; violent contractive pinching pain in chest behind r.
nipple (several e. in succession); shooting-clawing in region of heart,
making breath tight, n.; violent continued gnawing behind lower
sternum, arresting breathing (3rd d., e.) ; long frequent stitches behind
xiphoid cartilage, in space size of palm (1st d., m.); continued shoot-
ing in skin over throat-pit; great sensitiveness of integuments of chest ;
painful drawing and frequent stitches in pectoral muscles; itching
stinging below r. nipple; very painful pinching together around I.
nipple; external painfulness of sternum, pressure upon it causes painful
stitches through chest ; prickling and formication on chest and back ;
bruised pain in sacrum, paralytic pains there (6 h.). Itching betwixt
scapula; drawing in r. and stitches in 1. shoulder; compressive drawing
on scapulæ; stinging itching in some parts of upper arm; paralytic
drawing in forearm (immediately); stitches in forearm; long-lasting
boring stitching all along 1. forearm to tip of index, where it is most
violent; stinging burning in one spot of forearm ; gnawing in r. elbow,
long stitch there; frequent stitches in dorsa of hands; continued
gnawing in 1. palm, e. (4th and 6th d.); transient drawing shooting in
ball of r. hand; drawing with pressure in metacarpal bones of r. hand,
boring in those of thumbs; swelling of fingers (2nd d.); titillating sen-
sation in skin between fingers (immediately, and at 7 p.m.) ; aching in
middle of 1. middle finger; violent long stitch between 1. middle and
index fingers (5th d.); gnawing and boring in phalanges of r. fingers
(7 h.); darting in 1. index; gnawing and stitching-boring in last
phalanges, with also flying stitches. Drawing-gnawing pressure in r.
lower extremity; itching of legs, not relieved by scratching, e. ; biting
in hams; gnawing and boring pains in 1. knee; painful drawing with
pressure along leg; stinging burning in a small spot on calf; twitching
of muscles of r. calf; gnawing on r. outer malleolus; prickling and
furious smarting of soles, and of dorsum of r. foot, itching-stinging of
VOL. III.
45
706
RANUNCULUS SCELERATUS.
1.; stinging boring in ball of r. foot; gnawing on balls and (5th d.) in
1. heel; itching-prickling in r. heel; stitching-boring pains along r. sole;
sudden stitches in forepart of r. big toe, as if a needle were thrust in
deep, recurring at short intervals (1 h.); same after 10 h., passing into
a burning; boring and gnawing in r. big toe, tingling and jerking in 1.
(7 h.); itching stitches in l. toes; intolerable itching and prickling in
feet. Sleeplessness from 3 a.m. the first nights, with anxiety, uncom-
mon debility, gloominess, brooding reverie of mind, limbs feeling
bruised, in m. mind feels worn out, and he is not able to fix his thoughts
upon one subject; half-slumber after midnight, frightful anxious
dreams about corpses, battles, serpents, &c., constant tossing about in
bed, this many n. in succession, head confused in m. Heat in head
and face, e., when entering room on coming out of open air; he wakes
after midnight many n. in succession with heat over whole body and
violent thirst, pulse full, soft, 80, afterwards sweat over whole body,
especially forehead; dry skin and mouth without thirst at n. (16 h.);
chilliness while eating. Laziness, want of disposition to perform any
mental labour, m.; sad mood, grief, e.* (Archiv, vii, 3.)
2. Dr. SCHRETER took, May 8th, 2 p.m., a dose (amount not stated).
After h. scrapy-scratchy feeling in throat; frequent urging to urinate
about every h. 5 successive times, only a small quantity of light
yellow urine passed. After 2 h. the scratchy feeling becomes rather
boring. After 3 h. drowsiness, eyelids inclined to close, it requires an
effort to keep them open. After 3 h. urging to stool at an unusual
time, but as he was prevented going, some flatus was discharged. After
4 h., on going to stool, to which he has an urgent call, only a little wind
is passed; occasional flying heat of face. After 6 h. tightness of
chest, he must sometimes breathe deeply; it is as if something lay on
sternum; heart's beats quickened, sometimes more, sometimes less;
eructation after taking bread and butter. After 6 h. confusion of
head and slight pressure on both temples towards one another. Under
r. shoulder downwards, sensation as if muscles were fatigued from pro-
longed upright sitting. Occasional shivering and thirst, and pressive pain
from without inwards in forehead. Sleepy, discouraged, disinclined for
work. After 7 h. weary in feet as after a long walk. After 7 h.
tickling crawling sensation at orifice of urethra. Thick mucus in
throat, difficult to hawk up. Pressing pain in both inferior tuberosities
of occipital bone, going off when pressed, but returning. h. after
falling asleep woke suddenly without cause, then fell asleep and slept
soundly all n. After 15 h. on rising very cold feeling, especially from
nape down back. Scraping in throat as if raw, with dry but rare cough
which increases the sore pain; he has to swallow repeatedly. Tongue
furred white.-9th, 5.30 a.m., 10 dr. After h. pressure as from a
blunt piece of wood on region of heart. After h. earache, transient
nausea. In addition to usual stool, two others in a
usual; with the last some forcing in rectum.
urinating, burning pains in forepart of urethra.
4
❤
short time, softer than
After 3 h., soon after
After 8 h. toothache,
* There are also several symptoms observed while expressing the juice, but as
these simply denote local irritation we have omitted them.-EDS.
RANUNCULUS SCELERATUS.
707
digging under some roots of lower molars as though they would be pushed
out from below. Repeated yawning, discharge of flatus after a moderate
meal. Pricking from r. temple to r. upper orbital border.—10th, 7.30
a.m., to dr. After h. urging to stool without result; scraping in
throat as if sore. After h. pinching in belly, especially about navel,
as from a chill. After 1 h. itching at anus and forcing out at it like
piles, worse when walking. After 2 h. frequent micturition of scanty,
light-coloured urine. After 3 h. hunger without appetite. After 5 h.,
after eating urgent call to stool, but only a little wind and some soft
fæces passed after great straining. After 6 h. flying heat in face.
After 1 h. feeling of hunger, with eructations, after eating. Itching
and forcing in rectum for some h., e. Itching under r. lower eyelid,
relieved by cold. Near r. ala nasi a red spot the size of sixpence; it
became white when pressed, which causes some pain. Some pricks into
anus. After urinating some drops come out later and wet the shirt.
Soreness in r. axilla. Moisture at anus. After 13 h. heat, particularly
of face, with thirst, e. ; h. afterwards sweat with prostration. Dis-
inclination for work, cross. Great distraction, destroys papers without
knowing it, fidgets with fingers, forgetful. After 21 h. dryness in
throat, m. Eyelids stick together, the white has a yellowish tinge and
fine vessels visible.-11th. On the red spot on r. ala nasi a vesicle with
some pain. 12th. Hæmorrhoidal symptoms, especially itching in anus.
(Archiv, iii, 3, 183.)
4
3. a. The leaves when chewed cause burning of tongue, lasting a
long time, much saliva; if the chewing is persevered with, or repeated
several times in d., the tongue becomes inflamed, excoriated, the
papillæ red and elevated, very painful, fissures appear on tip of tongue,
taste is lost, the whole anterior part of tongue feels rough, as if from
an astringent; these symptoms are aggravated by all food. Teeth
painful and on edge, gums red, painful, bleed easily when touched.
These symptoms last 8 to 10 d., especially the loss of taste and astrin-
gent feeling on tongue.
b. If the whole flower is chewed the burning pain of tongue lasts
longer.
c. If the leaves are crushed and applied to the sides of the fingers,
after h. itching commences which increases gradually, the skin
becomes red; after 12 h. blisters appear where the redness had been.
The crushed flowers produce the same effect, only quicker. The
blister, when opened, gives exit to a yellowish acrid serum. Beneath
the blisters is a superficial but obstinate ulceration, which does not heal
under 3 or 4 weeks.
P
d. The green plant, if pounded in a mortar in a confined space,
irritates nose and eyes, causes sneezing and lachrymation.
e. The bruised leaves swallowed after dinner caused severe pains
in various parts of abdomen, with faintness; the internal parts of the
abdomen were affected with spasmodic agitations long continued, coming
on about 4 h. after the drug was swallowed.
f. On taking 2 dr. of the juice after dinner there was burning all
through oesophagus, and the spasmodic pain, even worse.
The pain in
œsophagus lasted 6 d., and was aggravated by salt food, wine, vinegar
708
RHEUM.
or sugar in tea or coffee. (KRAPF, Experim. de nonnullorum Ranuncu-
lorum venenata qualitate, 1766, 14.)
II. Poisonings.-I. SCHARF relates that two Italians, who had eaten
the plant as salad, had pains in stomach, anxiety, inactivity of intestinal
canal, distortion of eyes, twitchings in face and limbs, risus sardonicus,
cold sweat, and death. (Ephem. nat. cur., dec. 3, ann. 2, obs. 87, p.
106, in Wibmer, l. c
2. TISSOT relates that a carter applied the plant externally, and
after a few h. large blisters rose, involving the whole arm, with fever,
talking nonsense, cerebral inflammation, a kind of canine rabies; and at
last mortification of the arm ensued. (Epist. med., 317, in Wibmer, l. c.)
RHEUM.
Rheum palmatum, L. Rhubarb. Nat. Ord., Polygonacea.
1. Provings.—1. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Med. Pura, vol. ii of original
and of translation. Contains 194 symptoms from self and 5 others,
and 14 from authors.
2. SCHNELLER began with 2 gr. of an aqueous extract, increasing
dose daily by 2 gr., until at last he took 38 gr. at once. Total amount
taken was 380 gr. After first doses he experienced chiefly frequent
empty eructation (soon), and (subsequently) rumbling and twisting of
bowels, tension and pain in r. umbilical region, with discharge of fœtid
flatus giving relief. Under the larger doses eructation and production
of gas were somewhat less; on the other hand, tension in abdomen
increased, and gripings set in after 5-6 h., sometimes relieved by pappy
stools, sometimes going off gradually of themselves. On some d. 2
stools occurred, while on others, even when drug was taken, there was
no evacuation, or at most a scanty hard one. When dose amounted to
6 gr. urine became scantier and darker coloured, its temperature in-
creased, and smell was not disagreeably aromatic (not at all like that of
rhubarb). Along with this was pricking and slight shooting in urethra.
The dose of 26 gr. produced, besides increase of the above phenomena,
feeling of indisposition. Soon after taking the subsequent doses there
occurred disgust and nausea, oppression of stomach, rumbling in
bowels, disagreeable pasty taste, frequent spitting of fine frothy white
fluid, with diminished appetite; urine scanty, reddish brown, cloudy,
and hotter; stools rather increased, always pappy, never serous, with
some tenesmus. At other times there was observed frequent palpita-
tion and oppression of chest ; pulse fuller and quicker, especially towards
n.; irritable disposition. The last two doses of 36 and 38 gr. increased
first-mentioned symptoms to a great degree. Actual vomiting would
have occurred, had he not repressed it by a great effort; the distended
abdomen was painful to touch; there occurred shooting pains in r.
hypochondrium, tormina in umbilical region; emission of flatus with
relief; increased evacuations; dark urine. Besides these, general
feeling of indisposition; shuddering; fatigue of limbs ; tension in back;
anorexia; confusion of head; excitement in vascular system; irrita-
bility of temper. These symptoms gradually disappeared; motions
RHEUM.
709
became hard and unfrequent; urine remained for a d. of darker
colour. In 3 d. all was normal. (Wiener Zeitschr. d. k. k. Gesell., 1846,
p. 400.)
3. In doses of 20-60 gr. Rh. operates, slowly and mildly, as a
purgative, sometimes causing slight griping. It never inflames the
mucous membrane of the alimentary canal. Constipation follows its
cathartic effect. (PEREIRA, op. cit.)
4. The operation commences in 4-8 h. after medicine has been
taken. The stools are loose, but not of watery consistence. (PHILLIPS,
op. cit.)
III. Experiments on animals.-1. RÖHRIG finds that Rh., given to
fasting dogs, greatly increases all the constituents of the bile, though
it either fail to purge or purge very slightly; and Rutherford verifies
this observation. (RINGER, op. cit.)
Acidum Chrysophanicum.-An organic acid derived from
Rheum and some lichens, C14H10O,
4.
I. Provings.-1. SCHROFF administered Chr. acid (obtained from
the lichen called Parmelia parietina) in a dose of 8 gr.; this was
followed by eructation of wind and repeated semi-liquid stools, which
commenced 24 h. after the dose was swallowed, and continued to recur
for 5 d., during which period there were also observed loss of appetite,
fulness of head, giddiness, and dull depression. (Other observers have
had negative results from such doses as regards intestinal tract.)
(PHILLIPS, op. cit.)
2. Mr. ASHBURTON THOMPSON experimented with "Chrysarobin,"
by which name he designates the "Goa powder,"-" a substance found
deposited in the wood of the trunk of Andira araroba" (Brunton);
and which (he states) contains 80-84 per cent. of Chrysophanic acid.
a. On reaching a dose of 6 gr. he experienced, after 4 h., nausea,
accompanied and followed by sensations of disturbance in bowels, and
even an abortive attempt at vomiting; then relief from all the sym-
ptoms. After 20 h. a loose stool followed.
b. His brother, having dined at 7, at 8.30 took 8 gr. in pill.
Vomiting occurred after 2 h., and recurred after 3 h., waking him
from sleep.
c. He now gave it to 30 children and 60 adults, and found that
in doses of 6 or more gr. for the former, of 25 gr. for the latter, it
is an emetic purge, neither the vomiting being accompanied with
depression nor the purging with griping.
d. He next experimented with Chrysophanic acid itself on 116
persons of all ages and both sexes, and found its action similar to that
of Chrysarobin, save that if the dose be small Chrysarobin is most
likely to purge alone, while the acid is most likely to cause vomiting
only. It (the acid) is very uncertain in its action on children of less
than 4 or 5.
Whatever the condition of the patient, it causes the
evacuation, one way or the other, of large quantities of bile.
e. The resin of Chrysarobin was then tested, and found to act
similarly, but much more powerfully, so that 2 or 3 gr. are a full dose,
(Brit. Med. Journ., 1877, i, 607.)
710
RHODODENDRON.
RHODODENDRON.
Rhododendron chrysanthum, Pallas. Siberian rose. Nat. Ord., Ericaceæ.
I. Provings.-1. WAHLE proved tinct. in doses of 5-30 dr.
Reeling sensation in head, brain feels as if enveloped in fog; while
talking he easily forgets his subject, and can only recall it by an effort;
dull in head and inattentive; head feels confused, as if he had been up
all n. revelling (24 h.); head feels wild and confused (h.); weight
and oppression in head; whole brain is painful, as if pressed too hard
against skull; intense pain pressing from within outwards in r. frontal
bone; pressive beating in forehead, as if all would come out there, going
off during rest (12 h.); pressive pain in 1. temple; pressive drawing
pain under 1. temporal bone, outward pressing under r.; pressive sore pain
in r. half of whole brain while sitting; shattering sensation in head
while walking, as if brain were shaken from all sides, especially from
above. Itching, pinching sensations about r. eyebrow; pressive pain in
r. internal canthus, as from a grain of sand; shooting pain in r. eyeball,
as from a red-hot needle going in and out; dilated or contracted pupils;
buzzing in 1. ear whole forenoon, loudest while whistling; pain in r.
ear as if pressed asunder; a powerful stitch from within outwards in r.
ear; pinching in skin of dorsum of nose. Dull shooting pain in hollow
tooth; greenish coated tongue with bitter taste, putrid bitter taste, taste
as of straw, sourish, or simply bad; risings of oppressive wind after
dinner, causing burning through whole chest and back to dorsal
vertebræ ; nausea, as from an emetic, with inclination for stool;
violent splenic stitches, arresting breathing, in e. at rest; constant
borborygmus; rumbling in abdomen after eating and drinking, fol-
lowed by painless diarrhoea; pinching colic followed by a thin
evacuation; abdominal integuments are painful, as if he had received
repeated blows on them; intermittent stitches over 1. crista ilii, from
without inwards; so soon as he gets out of bed in m. diarrhoea comes
on; stools always look fermented; diarrhoea which does not weaken;
a sort of lientery; brown pappy stool; stool leaving corrosive sensation
in rectum; pappy stool, 20 h. after usual time; crampy pain in
rectum, as from incarcerated flatus (10 h.); shooting pain in rectum,
extending to just below ribs (10 h.); crawling in anus, as from asca-
rides; pinching jerking in glans during rest and movement; itching
crawling under prepuce; urine clear, with greenish tinge; hot urine;
urine cloudy after a while; diminished secretion of urine. Scraping in
throat, with sensation as if tenacious mucus were hanging in the trachea
which he could not get up; tickling in throat exciting cough; dry
cough early in m.; he hawks up a quantity of white tenacious mucus;
painful shooting on 1. side under ribs, extending to dorsal vertebræ (at
rest); shooting pain in middle of 1. breast, felt as far as under 1. scapula,
and increased by motion and by turning to r.; anguishing pressive
burning pain in chest, under ribs, not impeding breathing (44 h.); beat
of heart stronger and more perceptible; oppression of chest. Beating
pain along and beneath 1. clavicle; m. in bed paralytic rheumatic pain
RHODODENDRON.
711
;
in r. shoulder, on which he lies, sometimes extending below elbow,
going off on turning to other side (19 h.); at similar time, on turning,
pain as from sprain or chill in 1. scapula; when bending to r. and back-
wards, he felt as if a knife had been plunged through 1. chest to back
violent pressive drawing pain about r. scapula, waking him from
morning sleep, and going off gradually on turning to opposite side (36
h.); pressive pain to 1. of lumbar vertebræ while at rest; shuddering
sensation in lumbar vertebræ while sitting; pressive sacral and dorsal
pains; anguishing sacral pains while sitting, going off on movement;
sacrum painful while sitting, as if from too long stooping or lying on
back. Pain as from strain in r. hip-joint while walking; some painful
stitches on 1. thigh, both in movement and at rest; knees threaten to
break on going downstairs; on rising in m. legs (especially 1.) do not
feel rested, it is as if he had taken a long walk the previous d.; tearing
stitches on outer side of 1. thigh while at rest; pain in r. knee, as if
part were sore internally, or as if he had received a blow on its inner
surface; knees threaten to break, after the siesta, at same time he is
indifferent and low-spirited; weariness and uneasiness in legs, as if he
had over-walked himself; in r. sole a small painful spot, as if a corn were
there; drawing pain all along r. upper arm; violent pressive pain, as
if in periosteum, on inner side of 1. upper arm; pinching pain at pro-
montory of elbow; clawing sprain-pain in wrists; painful weariness in
1. wrist, felt only at rest; on small spot of metacarpal bones painful
sensation as if an exostosis would form; convulsive pains in 1. phalangeal
bones; paralytic pain in 1. thumb; sprain-pain in r. thumb for several
d.; drawing, paralytic pain, now in one, now in another finger, now in
metacarpal bones, now in forearm. Tottering gait, as if he had been
long ill (h.); sensation over whole body, as if he had strained himself.
He wakes early at the same time for several m. in succession, and can-
not sleep again, his limbs feeling so strangely that he must stretch and
toss about; sleep not good, he must toss about all n. from uneasiness
in legs; trembling of arms and legs at n.; dreams about fire, he re-
maining indifferent. Chilliness over whole body, especially m. in bed;
feels chilly all d., least breath of air makes him shiver; as soon as he
enters room from open air he experiences a feeling of warmth and
anxiety in upper part of body. (STAPF's Beiträge.)
2. a. HENKE took tinct., 5 doses, of 6, 12, 12, 24, and 12 dr.
respectively. Vertex pains on touching as if ulcerated; oppression of
head, especially in frontal region, with pressive pains in 1. temporal
region, both relieved for a time by laying head on table, and disappearing
on moving about in open air; tearing boring pain in 1. temporal region;
some short violent stitches in same (10 m.); scalp is painful to touch.
Pimples on 1. side over outer part of eyebrow and under r. corner of
mouth, painful when touched; pressive shooting pain around 1. orbit,
with spasmodic closure of lids of 1. eye; dampness of eyes and aggluti-
nation of lids; burning in eyes when looking at sunlight before getting
up in m., also when looking intently at an object; r. eye has burning
pain and its sight seems dim, e. while reading. L. nostril obstructed
near root, with sore pain in r., and sense of accumulation of mucus in
open air. Dry and burning lips; frequently recurring grumbling and
712
RHODODENDRON.
;
tearing in anterior molars, now upper, now lower, now r., now l.; con-
tractive sensation along 1. stenonian duct (2nd d.); burning on tongue
during inspiration; scraping and scratching in throat, it feels as though
lined with mucus; empty eructations; gulping up of small quantity of
bitter tasting fluid; pressive pain in stomach on stooping, and on press-
ing hand into part; pinching in epigastrium; pain in hypochondria as
from incarcerated flatus; borborygmi; painful distension of abdomen
some penetrating stitches in abdomen; soft stools, but sluggish, only
passed with effort; retention of stool. Violent shooting in r. testicle,
as if it had been sorely bruised-in e. while sitting, going off on move-
ment, but returning when sitting down again; burning before and
during micturition. Oppression and constriction of chest, with pain on
bending body. Pain in sacrum, becoming intolerable on stooping.
Weariness of muscles of r. thigh while walking; fine tearing deep in
knee, as if in bones, at rest and when flexing joint; outer border of r.
great toe excessively painful, at rest; in 1. arm feeling of weight and
lassitude, as after excessive effort, going off on moving it; fine tearing
as if in periosteum of r. arm and elbow, only when at rest; itching,
which compels scratching, on r. middle and ring fingers, with erysipe-
latous redness (7th d. and later); coldness of 3 middle fingers, r.;
violent pain in middle joint of 1. little finger, impeding its movement.
A short walk fatigues him much, and makes all limbs feel as if bruised
frequent yawning without weariness. At 6 p.m. great heat of head
with cold feet (no thirst), intolerable outward-pressing headache,
burning in eyes, dryness in nose and burning heat there on inspiration,
lassitude and bruised feeling in limbs with depression of mind,—
-n. was
restless, almost sleepless, from vivid dreams and dry heat of body,
towards m. he slumbered a little, and then a slight general sweat broke
out, which alleviated his troubles (this fever returned for the two fol-
lowing e., but in lesser degree). Gloomy mood, indifference to every-
thing.
;
b. Same took, first 10, then 20 dr. of 6th dil. Continued fine
drawing-tearing close to os frontis, feeling like forcing and pressure,
increased by wine (h.); continued pressive pain on 1. forehead,
spreading to temple, similarly aggravated (h.); itching of scalp, as
from vermin, for several e. Burning and dry feeling in eyes, especially
in e. (5th d.). Tickling in 1. meatus aud., which boring with finger
changes to pain, for an h. Soon after taking drug, obstruction of 1.
nostril high up, alternating during d. with similar feeling in e., lessened
in outer air. Same toothache as before; burning at back of mouth as
if catarrh would set in (30 h.); empty eructations; gulping up of
rancid fluid, irritating throat; appetite very good, but soon satisfied
(2nd-4th d.); contractive pressure in scrob. cordis with dyspnoea, on
several e. while walking; feeling of fulness, weight, and distension in
abdomen, especially m. in bed and e., with borborygmi, and much empty
eructation and emission of flatus (10 m.); occasional feeling of qualm-
ishness, as if diarrhoea would set in (10 m.); stools as before. In r.
testicle and spermatic cord drawing-stitching pain, going off on move-
ment, pain was sometimes like a needle-thrust, and spread in zigzags
to perinæum and anus, lasting some seconds, and arresting breathing
RHODODENDRON.
713
(6th d.); a few drops come out still after urinating, causing burning in
urethra and shuddering through whole body (2nd d.); want of usual
m. erections for several d. Fine tearing pain at lower end of sternum;
pain in nape, as if tetanised; sacral pain, with fine drawing tearing, as
on bone (20 m.). Fine tearing on r. knee, diminishing on movement
(4th d., on 5th spreading to shin-bone); pains in feet as from old chil-
blains; pain in muscles of upper arm, as after excessive exertion (1st
d.); fine tearing deep in bones, from r. elbow upwards and downwards
along back of arm. Itching and gnawing at different spots on body,
several e. on going to sleep. Ice-cold feet in a warm room, especially
in e., they cannot be got warm in bed, and frequently disturb sleep
(3rd-6th d.). Peevishness without apparent cause. (lbid.)
3. a. HERZOG took 5 doses of tinct., 10, 15, 20, 30, and 50 dr.
respectively. Dizzy feeling while writing, going off in open air (2nd
d.); oppression of head immediately on getting up (2nd d.); head feels
oppressed and dreary as after a debauch (1st d.); on waking, head
oppressed, with obstructed nose and roaring in ears (6th d.); beating
headache (2nd d.); dull headache (11 h.); flying stitches in 1. head
(3rd d.); tearing pain in r. head (5th d.); throbbing pain in r. head
(8th d.); pressive headache in vertex (10th d.); dizziness and oppres-
sion in forehead; pressive pain in forehead (8th d.); pressive pain in 1.
forehead (I h.); throbbing feeling in 1. frontal region (2nd d.) ; several
painful pustules on forehead. Twitching of r. upper eyelid (9 h.);
sensation as of gauze before eyes (2nd d.). Feeling in 1. ear as if a
worm were creeping in it (2nd d.); twitching pain in 1. ear and
temple (7th d.); throbbing feeling in l. ear (13th d.); tearing sensation
in r. ear and its neighbourhood (2 h.). Nose stopped (1. nostril)
several m. in succession. Altered smell and taste, all things seeming
the same; painless eruption at 1. corner of mouth (8th d.); accumula-
tion of saliva in mouth, with nausea; pressure in stomach after drink-
ing cold water (8th d.); unpleasant creeping sensation in region of
stomach; pressive pain in scrob. cordis, n. in bed (1st d.); continual
pressive feeling in scrob. cordis, before, during, and after food (1 h.)
shooting pain in r. hypochondrium, e. (12 h.); grumbling in stomach
(soon); several pappy evacuations in d., prover being generally costive
(4th d.). Some flying stitches in urethra after micturition (1st d.);
swollen testicles, hitherto painless, enlarged to size of a hen's egg
(especially 1.), with stitching and tearing pains in both, brief but acute
(2nd d.; after this the swelling, which had lasted for years, subsided*);
brownish-red urine, with offensive smell (2nd and 3rd d.) Continual
violent sneezing with heat of face on rising in m. (9th and 10th d.);
dry coryza; with frequent sneezing (8th d.); fluent coryza, with dimi-
nution of smell and taste, lasting 14 d., fatiguing dry cough, m. and
n. (12th d.); scraping dry cough (12 h.); scraping cough with mucous.
expectoration, hindering sleep-several d. in succession. Violent tearing
in r. shoulder for several e. while in bed, disturbing night's rest; draw-
ing, then tearing pains in r. knee, lasting several h., n. in bed (1st d.);
twitching feeling in r. knee (3rd d.); tearing pains in r. tibia (8th d.) ;
*This was after the 50 dr. dose.
714
RHODODENDRON.
tearing in r. foot, especially in outer malleolus (6th d.); fine drawing
and starting in r. arm and l. hand (4 h.); shooting pain in r. arm (2nd
d.); pain as if r. arm were dislocated, so that only with difficulty could
he hold anything in that hand, lasting all (5th) d.; several painless
pustules on r. forearm (8th d.); tearing in forearm (2nd and 4th d.);
twitching pain in 1. forearm (6th d.); weak and paralytic feeling in
same (2nd d.); flying stitches in r. wrist (2nd d., e.); while walking
in open air violent tearing pain in 1. wrist (5th d.); drawing pain in I.
wrist and r. leg (8 h.); paroxysmal tearing in r. hand (11th d., e.) ;
paroxysmal starting and tearing on outer side of r. hand towards 1.
finger (2nd d., e.) ; violent tearing pain in r. hand, especially in thumb
and index (8th d., e.) ; itching feeling in 1. fingers, compelling scratch-
ing, whereupon follows burning, which soon goes off after washing with
cold water (7th d.); continued jerking pain in 1. fingers, especially
little one (5th d.); fine sharp stitches in 1. index, e. in bed (4th d.);
twitching in l. index (2nd d., e.). Erratic tearing pains in limbs (7th
d.); slight drawing and jerking sensation in whole body, now here,
now there, but especially in joints, returning at indefinite periods and
continuing for upwards of a fortnight. Drowsiness in afternoon, which
he is scarcely able to resist; very sleepy all d. (1st d.); restless sleep,
disturbed by unimportant dreams (Ist n.); anxious dreams, as of fire
(12th n.); increased warmth in hands, ordinarily cold (3 h.); sweat on
lower extremities in bed (towards m. of 2nd d.).
b. Same took I dr. of 3rd dil. Oppression and weight of forehead
immediately on getting up (5th d.); continual buzzing in ears, and
feeling as if water were rushing into them,-loud sounds re-echoing
for a long time afterwards (4th and 6th d.); nausea with pressure in
region of stomach (24 h.); brownish-red urine with offensive smell
(2nd and 3rd d.); tearing drawing in r. leg (11th d.); sleep full of
dreams, more weary on rising than when lying down (3rd d.) (Ibid.)
4. HELBIG proved doses of 20-60 dr. Paroxysm of vertigo (2nd
d.); reeling sensation in head, as if intoxicated (immediately); burning
stitch through head (1st d.); oppression in forehead, on movement pain
there; pustules on forehead; hard-pressing pain in 1. temporal region,
as if in bone; transient biting here and there on scalp (2nd and 3rd d.).
Burning and pricking in cheek under r. eye (1st d. and at times long
after); 1. upper lid twitches frequently for some time. Bright red
spot on nose, sensitive to touch, and lasting several d. ; pricking biting
in cheek during several d., coming suddenly and soon passing off;
drawing stitches from 1. submaxillary gland to cheek (3rd d.). Draw-
ing and shooting pain in a 1. back tooth, which will not bear touching;
a tearing sharp-aching pain in upper back teeth, increased by warm
food and by staying in a warm room (e. of Ist d.); pricking and biting
in front teeth; the approach of a thunderstorm or of cloudy windy
weather is always preceded (by 1-2 h. or several h. respectively) by
pain between drawing, pressure, and cutting in teeth and ear; for
whole n. pain in 1. lower jaw and teeth, and in l. ear, also (but less
severely) on r. side, now relieved, now increased by pressure; pain as if
swollen and sore between r. gums and cheek (2nd d.); at side of root
of tongue a painful, somewhat swollen spot in mouth; nausea, accumu-
RHODODENDRON.
715
lation of water in mouth, and inclination to vomit; quickly passing
dull pain from chest to 1. hypochondrium, like "stitches in the side
(1st d.); warm undulations in region about heart; fruit diet causes
diarrhoea and weak feeling in bowels; in walking he feels qualmish, and
has to keep seated; disposition to diarrhoea returns in damp weather
(3rd d.); fæces hard, and requiring strong pressure for expulsion.
Rather dry cough, from hoarseness, early in m.; contractive pain in
chest; oppression of chest during sleep, a sort of nightmare; pain in
pectoral muscles, increased by touching (1st d.); pain in cervical
muscles (1st d.); pain in sacrum, as if bruised, increased at rest, espe-
cially violent in rainy weather (1st d.); transient pains in legs (also
fingers), rather dull, a hard downward pressure (1st and 2nd d.); lower
limbs fail him, he feels he must sit down (1st d.); pain in tendo
Achillis when putting feet to ground; sharp clawing pains in ankles
pains in limbs, especially in forearms and legs to fingers and toes, going
off quickly and like a crampy drawing. Pricking here and there in
skin; drawing as if in marrow, increasing in bad weather; painful
sensitiveness in windy cold weather (several d.). Aversion to all, but
especially serious occupations. (Ibid.)
s;
5. SEIDEL took 3 doses, of 10, 20, and 20 dr. respectively. Whole
head feels dreary, with pressure in forehead (1½ h.); violent drawing-
tearing pain in forehead extending to temples and eyes, especially when
moving about room (1st d.); deep in r. occiput a pressive pain with.
paroxysmal drawing upwards (1st-3rd d.); violent pain in same as if
a foreign body had been forced into it (10th d.); itching on scalp,
compelling scratching, on which it becomes burning (several e., dimin-
ishing). Drawing from 1. half of face into eye, leaving pressure therein
(h.); swollen, slightly reddened lids (1st d.); festering lids for first
nights; early in m. burning and pressure in inner corners of eyes, with
increased secretion of gum there (2nd d.); slight burning and pressure
in eyes; burning pain in eyes, heat and redness there while reading or
writing; periodical biting pain in r. eye; r. pupil very dilated, 1.
contracted, with pressure in 1. ball (ist d.); periodical boring or
drawing pain in and about ears (1st days); troublesome dryness in
nose (8 h.); obstructed nose in m. (1st days); unwonted nasal secre-
tion in open air (1st days). Drawing in 1. back teeth (1st d., and fre-
quently recurring later); quickly passing pain in single teeth, returning
especially in damp weather or before a thunderstorm; sourish-tasting
and somewhat augmented saliva (early on 1st days); while swallowing
food pain at back of throat (e. of Ist d.); after eating bread burning in
throat and yawning (1st and 3rd d.); somewhat increased thirst;
nausea during stooping, diminished by eructation (soon); sharp pressure
in scrob. cordis, 1 h. after dinner (1st and 2nd d.); pressive clawing
pain in scrob. cordis, sometimes spreading into both hypochondria and
impeding respiration (2nd d.); deep in scrob. cordis a continued pressive
pain with alternate drawing and dull stitches along edge of short ribs,
frequently increasing to oppression of breathing, anguish, and heat in
face, especially p.m. while standing (3rd-5th d.); sometimes fine,
sometimes dull stitching superficial pain, with pressure here and there
in scrob. cordis and short ribs, especially on 1. side (3rd and 4th d.);
2
716
RHODODENDRON.
2
periodical clawing pain under short ribs; early in m. urging and claw-
ing pain under short ribs, with full feeling in scrob. cordis and oppression
of breathing (1st d.); in 1. hypochondrium a fast-seated pain, with tension
on stooping (1st and 2nd d.); after supper, pinching pain across epigas-
trium (6th d.); after eating, first a cutting, then a pressive pain in upper
abdomen (2 h.); the usual breakfast causes disagreeable feeling of repletion
in abdomen, relieved by eructation ( h.); slight digging sensation in
abdomen, with fulness of same (soon); flatulent griping at various spots
in abdomen (1st days); incarceration of flatus in m., fasting; drawing from
1. groin into 1. thigh (1st and 2nd d.); drawing pain in r. and (slighter)
in 1. inguinal ring while sitting, on walking a tension there (5th d.);
frequent ineffectual urging to stool, succeeded by a pappy evacuation
(1st and 2nd d.); urging to stool, as if diarrhoea would follow, then
comes only a normal evacuation, but requiring much expulsive action
(1st, 2nd, and 3rd d. ; on latter days power of sphincter felt lessened);
after stool first empty feeling, then pinching in abdomen (2nd d.);
throbbing pain in anus (1st and 5th d.); biting pain in anus, with flow
of a little humour (4th d.). Burning sore pain between scrotum and
thighs, especially while walking (1st days); throbbing pain in glans
penis; occasional twitching at urethral orifice between acts of micturi-
tion; itching and increased sweat on scrotum (1st-3rd d.); scrotum
readily shrinks up, especially while walking and standing, or from cold,
testes somewhat drawn up, swollen, and painful as if bruised, alternating
with drawing there, very tender (as also epididymis) to touch,-pain
extends into abdomen and thighs, especially on r. side (for several d.) ;
urging to urinate, with drawing in vesical region and groins (2nd d.);
the somewhat profuse pale urine has an offensive acrid odour (2nd and
3rd d.); sexual desire and power at. first diminished, later increased.
Several sneezings with nasal flux (1st d.); great dryness in trachea (m.
of 2nd d.); several attacks of dry cough, excited by tickling in trachea
(1st d.); scraping rough feeling in throat, with sense of weight, which
obliges him to hack frequently (1st d.); pressive pain in chest with
dyspnoea (3rd d.); squeezing pain through chest transversely (5th and
6th d.); anxious bubbling sensation from abdomen, impeding respira-
tion; tensive feeling in pectoral muscles with same result; whole
thorax feeling strained and bruised (1st days); periodical pinching pain
in chest externally, especially when moving about indoors (1st d.).
Painful feeling as if neck was swollen (6 h.); tensive rheumatic pain
in r. neck externally, with drawing to behind ear (4th d.); stiffness of
nape and tearing in shoulder, m. in bed (3rd and 4th d.) ; in r. shoulder-
joint violent throbbing drawing pain (5th d.); in 1. shoulder-blade
rheumatic drawing pain (2nd d.); rheumatic pain between scapulæ,
hindering movement (8 h.); m. in bed digging, drawing pain in
back, shoulders, and arm, hindering sleep, with bruised pain of
whole body (2nd-4th d.); several large pustules on back and
shoulders (12th d.); sacral pain while sitting; dislocation pain in
While lying on r. hip digging pain in same (2nd d., e.) ;
contusive pains occasionally in some of the muscles of the lower ex-
tremities while sitting (3rd d.); weakness and heaviness in whole r.
lower limb (4th d.); pain as if sprained in r. hip-joint while walking
.
sacrum.
RHODODENDRON.
717
I
(4th d.); painful drawing in r. thigh (5 h.); cold feeling with goose-
skin on several spots in lower limbs; while rising from sitting posture
feeling of coldness and rigidity in thighs (1st d., e.); weight in thighs
when commencing to walk, diminishing as he goes on (1st d.); itching
on inner surface of thighs and small red blotches; tensive pain on inner
surface of r. thigh (1st d.); on same several dark red blotches, occa-
sioning a sore pain when walking (4th and 5th d.); tensive sprained
pain in r. knee on bending it (16th and 18th d., in rough weather); draw-
ing in r. knee while at rest, in hollow of same while walking (1st d.);
drawing along front surface of leg (5th d.); feeling of rigidity in 1. leg,
with slight creeping therein (2 h.), formication alone there after 3 h.
and 10 h., in l. foot after 1 h.; shooting creeping (as from "going to
sleep") in r. foot and hand (2 h.); unpleasant tingling in feet, espe-
cially balls and heels (2nd d.); sudden stitch darts through 1. heel
(2½‍h.); dull pain in r. heel (4th d.); drawing digging pain in joints of
upper extremities, especially 1., at rest (1st and 2nd d.); weight and
tremulous, paralytic weakness in r. arm, at rest, lessened on movement
(4th d.); crampy contractive pain in 1. arm, with paralytic feeling, so
that only with difficulty can it be raised (3 h.); drawing in upper arm
(1st d.), pulsation there (6th d.); drawing in muscles of I. upper arm,
with weakness of whole arm (2nd d.); drawing pain all down 1. upper
arm (1½ h.); sharp stitches from deep in 1. upper arm (5th d.); drawing
in r. elbow (Ist d.); feeling in forearms as if blood therein stagnated,
with weakness and heaviness of limb, especially at rest,-therewith
veins of hands very prominent, a pleasant warmth spreading through
hands and pricking sensation felt in single fingers, as if "gone to sleep
(several times); pain as if strained in wrists, with increased warmth;
digging drawing in wrists, very painful, and increased warmth in
hands; considerable digging up and drawing in wrists, especially at rest
(several times during rough weather); during and after movement of
wrists strained pain in them; continued pain in 1. wrist drawing
towards hand, with impeded movement (10th d.); puffiness of hands
(2 h.); feeling of heaviness and debility in hands, with frequent drawing
on single small spots in bones (1st d.); sudden formication in single fingers
or other places in hands and feet, continuous in r. thumb; roused from
sleep at n. by continued painful itching between index and middle finger
of 1. hand (17th d., rough weather); first numbness, then formication,
in r. little finger (7th d.). Creeping sensation in limbs (especially
arms), making them restless, while quiet, obliging him to move them
(several times, especially in rough weather). Great weariness and
bruised feeling of whole body (1st d.). Great drowsiness with burning
of eyes, p.m. (1st and 2nd d.); speedy, deep, calm sleep at first, but
towards m. frequent waking and tossing about (2nd and 3rd d.); con-
trary to his habit, he lies in bed on his back, with legs crossed. Cold
feet (1st d.); cold feeling along thigh from 1. knee (2nd d.); paroxysmal
burning heat in face (e. of 1st d.); hands, especially tips of fingers, feel
hot, with visible sweat (h.); slight dampness of lower extremities,
m. in bed (1st days); increased and fœtid sweat in axilla (1st hours);
when walking in open air he sweats very readily and feels tired.
Forgetfulness and sudden vanishing of thoughts, he omits words in
""
1
718
RHODODENDRON.
writing; indifferent, phlegmatic mood, neither pleasant nor unpleasant
impressions affect him.
b. The following symptoms also appeared, but after a glass of wine
had been taken on the previous d., they being bracketed accordingly:
M. in bed, pressive headache, so severe as almost to deprive him of his
senses, with feeling as if whole brain were full of lead, relieved on get-
ting up; therewith dull drawing pain over 1. eye. (Ibid.)
m.
6. a. O-* took, under Seidel's observation, 10 dr. of tinct. early in
Inh. considerable dryness of lips and whole mouth, and prick-
ling sensation on tongue; in 1 h., flat, bitter taste, general warm feel-
ing, and slight sweat over body; for some d. pappy stools with tenesmus,
and urging to urinate.
b. Took 20 dr. at similar time. Inh. again dry lips and mouth,
and borborygmus; in 1 h. the warmth and sweat, stitches in uvula;
in 3 h. violent congestion to chest, returning for 2 d. in greater or less
degree; in 8 h. considerable feeling of weakness in r. arm, with
prickling in tips of fingers; in 27 h. violent boring tearing pain in 1.
shoulder-joint, with "going to sleep" of arm, and prickling in finger-
tips, it recurred for several d., as did pappy stools with tenesmus.
On 7th d. boring throbbing pain in r. shoulder-joint, and in cavity of
r. tibia. There was same frequent desire to urinate. (Ibid.)
7. A— took 10 dr. in e. under same. Shortly after, much and
continuous nausea, with inclination to vomit; and, while lying in
bed, vertigo, as if head would sink back deeper and deeper into pillow,
with anxiety, this recurred more slightly the 2nd e.
Next m.,
periodical burning in eyes, which, however, are not inflamed; sourish,
saltish taste in mouth; she feels nausea on swallowing saliva; during d.,
oppression of head, with drawing in eyes, increased in open air;
increased nasal flux; the menses, which had ceased 2 d. ago, reappear.
2nd d., same taste, &c., in m. ; diarrhoeic evacuations; violent drawing
from rectum to pudenda; in e., humming and ringing before ears (felt
also soon after taking medicine). 3rd d., some increase of nasal mucus
with obstructed nostrils (also on 4th d.); small vesicles on inner
surface of lower lip and below tongue, occasioning biting pain while
eating; paroxysmal drawing pressing pain in upper abdomen, with
nausea; loose stool with much pressing. 4th d., violent drawing pain
in r. lower teeth, going off after eating; very costive. In rough
weather, 17-18 d. later, she had acute drawing in ankle and leg, and
also along r. arm. (Ibid.)
8. SCH- took 24 dr. in e. under same. In a few m. a pleasant
warmth spread all over body. Inh., moderate epistaxis from 1.
nostril; painful pressive feeling in metacarpal bone of 1. index finger.
In 5 h., flying dull stitches in I. side of head and whole 1. arm. Profuse
sweat that n. 2nd d., e., sudden painful shooting at urethral orifice.
5th and 6th d., headache as when coryza is impending, and shooting
there, especially in forehead. In rough weather, strain pain in r. wrist,
worse at rest, but hindering movement.
(Ibid.)
9. [The following symptoms are simply referred to the source mentioned, which
is inaccessible, without explanation as to how they were obtained.] Vertigo, as if
* No description given of this or two following provers.
RHUS GLABRA.
719
one would fall hither and thither, as from strong tobacco; violent drawing in 1. os
frontis, followed immediately by a cold shudder across face; pressive pain in same,
as if with the thumb; tension in same; slight cold creeping in upper half of temporal
region; pressure in temporal bones. Much saliva in mouth; tasteless eructations;
pinching in umbilical region after eating; weight and sluggishness in abdomen, not
as if from food there; pressive pain in 1. lumbar region. At urethral orifice a brief
but acute pain, independent of micturition. Tensive pain in muscles of 1. neck,
even during rest; shocks across lower part of spinal column, or rather single con-
tinuous pressures as from a blunt point. Cold bubbling sensation in knees; trem-
bling of hands during motion and rest. Warmth in face and over body even to
thighs; slow pulse. (Prakt. Mittheilungen, March, 1827; from Allen.)
No sym-
10. LEMBKE took, March 23rd, 7 a.m., 10 dr. tinct.
ptoms. 30th, 9 a.m., 30 dr. No symptoms.-April 14th, 7 a.m., 50
dr. Noon, much normal urine passed. I p.m., pressive pain in 1.
thumb-joint, worse when moved, lasts several h., until e., and all
next d. 5 p.m., pressure in 1. big-toe joint repeatedly. (N. Zeitsch.
f. hom. Kl., iv, 197.)
II. The following symptoms have been recorded by various writers.
as results observed from overdosing with Rh., chiefly in arthritic sub-
jects-Vertigo; same with sopor; stupefaction; dulling of senses;
a sort of intoxication; dreary sensation in head; headache; lachry-
mation; itching in eyes; itching and creeping in nose; dryness of
mouth; burning and constriction in fauces; thirst; nausea; vomiting;
pain in stomach; diarrhoea; diuresis; oppressed breathing and suffo-
cative sensation; formication and disagreeable sensations in gouty
limbs; insensibility and paralysis of limbs; itching and pains of all
sorts; eruptions; convulsions; drowsiness; restless sleep; sweat of
aromatic or offensive odour, with itching and formication; slackened
and weakened pulse; frightful visions; attacks of anxietas; mental
derangement, a sort of delirium. (STAPF, op. cit.)
M
RHUS.
Including R. glabra, R. radicans, R. toxicodendron, L.; and R. venenata, D.C.
Nat. Ord., Anacardiaceœ.
Rhus glabra, smooth sumach.
I. Provings.-1. Dr. A. V. MARSHALL proved a tinct. of the bark
-1 lb. to Oj. July 14th, 1865, took 30 dr. at 6 a.m., and 60 dr. at 9
and 12.
Dull aching in forehead and vertex was felt shortly after each
dose, and after last two pain about navel; p.m., diarrhoea, increasing in
frequency and severity towards e., when there was also great fatigue of
lower limbs, which was painful on lying down. He slept well, and
woke refreshed, with dull, heavy headache, dispelled by exercise.
15th.-6 a.m., 90 dr. Cutting pain in umbilical region for a few m.,
also fulness and pain at top of head. 9, 120 dr. Pain in head and
bowels constant. 2 p.m., 120 dr. Pressing pain in head continues ;
sensation of great fatigue p.m., increasing in e.
No stool to-day.
Sleep at n. disturbed by annoying dreams. 16th.-Woke with severe
headache and great fatigue. Stool, first part hard and dry, latter soft
and moist; pain in bowels; no appetite. At 6 a.m. and at noon 120
720
RHUS TOXICODENDRON.
dr. Symptoms continued unabated during d. N. disturbed by distress
at stomach; dreams of flying through air; profuse sweating. 17th.-
Took no more medicine on account of exhaustion, fatigue and pain
experienced. Stool as yesterday. During this d. headache and pain in
stomach continued, latter aggravated by either food or drink. There
was also sense of hunger; tenderness on pressure at umbilical region;
scanty, high-coloured urine; pulse 88, skin hot and dry, thirst; tongue
white-furred; stupidity, weakness of memory, indifference; pain in
small of back; profuse sweats at n. He had lost 2 lbs. in last 3 d.
18th. Symptoms continued; back still more painful. Flat, alkaline
taste in mouth; hæmorrhage from 1. nostril and from mouth; sense
of coldness, while skin feels hot; aching of lower limbs. 19th.-
Expelled two clots of blood from throat soon after waking; bloody
scabs in l. nostril. Headache till breakfast, and a little p.m. Hungry
at breakfast, but could eat little; tongue same; pulse 86; urine less
deep; stool in m. as before, another-hard and dry—in e. Pain in
back and legs continued. Distaste to society; no desire to speak or be
spoken to. 20th.-Stool nearly normal, and all symptoms ameliorated,
save that 1. nostril was hot and dry, and bled freely three times. Also
several small ulcers in mouth opposite bicuspids. 21st. Very profuse
sweat last n.; buccal ulcers very sensitive; general debility, pressure
in vertex, and cutting abdominal pains continue. Symptoms now sub-
sided; but ulcers in mouth continued for several d., and the largest of
them had to be touched with chloride of zinc before it would heal.
(HALE, New Remedies, 2nd ed.)*
M
Rhus radicans, poison-ivy or -vine.
Rhus toxicodendron, poison-oak.
[There seems no real distinction between these two, and most of
the observations of Rhus poisoning belong to the radicans variety.]
I. Provings. 1. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Med. Pura, vol. ii of original
and translation. Contains 976 symptoms, from self, 9 fellow-provers, and
16 authors. [It is here described as "R. radicans or toxicodendron."]
2. a. Dr. JOSLIN, March 9th, 1846, took 3 glob. of 3rd pot. of
Rh. radicans. 3 m., burning in throat; 6 m., burning and smarting of
tongue, with (7 m.) flow of saliva; 8 m., mucus in throat and poste-
rior nares; 15 m., pressive pain in r. chest, and in 1. lumbar region,
with nausea; 17 m., pain at middle of 1. radius (recurring at 28 and
35 m.); 18 m., pain under r. scapula (recurring at 21-2 m.); 24 m.,
rheumatic pain in 1. shoulder and deltoid; 25 m., pain in 1. thigh; 30
and 35 m., pain in r. wrist; 35 m., pain in ascending colon; 38 m.,
pain in middle joint of 1. index; 40 m., pain in metacarpal joint of 1.
index and in middle of r. upper arm; 41 m., pain in 1. forehead; 43
m., pain in middle joint of r. ring finger; 45 m., pain in 1. chest. On
same d., having dissolved 7 pellets of same in as many teaspoonfuls of
water, he took a teaspoonful every m. from 12.42 p.m. In 3 m. after
commencing it, nausea and great disgust; 12.56, pressive pain in 1.
occiput and pain in 1. chest (latter also 4 and 7 m. later); 1.5, pain in
middle of 1. ulna; 1.30, pressive pain 2 in. to r. of mid-sternum;
* The smooth sumach does not cause poisoning by contact or emanations.
RHUS TOXICODENDRON,
721
2.15, pain above 1. tendo Achillis when walking upstairs; 3.8, pain in
rectum when urinating; 4, itching in 1. calf while walking. 10th.-
Transient pain in rectum. [After this practical absence of symptoms
on 2nd d., a number are reported as occurring during the next 9 d. ;
but as they begin with a bad nightmare on 4th, they are more likely
to be of idiopathic than of medicinal origin, and are omitted here.-EDS.]
b. Dr. J collected, June 17th and 18th, 1846, some leaves when
vine was in flower, and made a tinct. from them. After handling
plant and inhaling its effluvia, he had-in 18th and 19th-pain at
outer edge of 1. patella on going upstairs after sitting for some time;
and pimples, large, deep-seated, and somewhat irritable to touch, on
fold of nates.
nose.
c. June 23rd, at 9 p.m., took 3 pellets saturated with 3rd dil.
30 m., transient pain in r. shoulder. 40 m., pressure near middle of
sternum, 1. side. 24th.-Slight cutting in urethra when urinating, at
5 p.m. 25th.-Dull pain in forehead, temples, and occiput, 6.30-7
a.m. 9.30, pressive pain in 1. inner canthus and neighbouring root of
26th.-Woke at 5.30 a.m. with remittent burning pain through
middle phalanx of r. little finger, with pain in r. temple. During
forenoon (as also on previous d.) burning in oesophagus. A pimple
(like those before described) came this d. on upper lip. On July 1st
repeated dose at 6 a.m., 12.20 and 11 p.m. After 8 m. tingling pain
almost simultaneously in rectum and 1. hip when lying on 1. side,-
tingling was as if in rapid vibrations. After 15 m., pain in ulnar edge
of r. hand. II a.m., sleepiness, yawning, and indisposition to mental
or bodily labour. 2nd.-Woke at 3 a.m. with (transient) burning
semilateral pain just above zygoma and in occiput on same side. At
I p.m. erysipelatous appearance of face below 1. eye, which returned
for 4 d. after, without repetition of medicine. II p.m., burning and
pressive pain, with sense of excoriation, behind upper sternum, and
tickling there causing cough. 3rd.-Stinging below r. nipple, with
itching there and in various parts of body, m. in bed. 4th.-Pain in r.
lumbar region on rising from recumbent position, and in 1. calf at each
step (weather cold and wet); transient burning and pressive pain in 1.
neck and stomach on swallowing moderately cold water (also some d.
before). 5th.-Tough unsuppurating pimple 1 in. above 1. nipple ;
burning pain in 1. shoulder when walking. (Amer. Hom. Review, i,
553; ii, 325.)
3. Three persons, indicated by the abbreviations "Mllin.,” “Gk.,” and “ Nk.,”
but no information respecting whom or their mode of testing the medicine is given,
are credited with the following symptoms (from Rh. tox.):
a. MLLIN. After awaking, m., and again falling asleep, it seemed to her that
her head hung out of the bed, and the blood streamed into it like water from a pipe,
so that she imagined she heard it; at the same time a hideous figure appeared to her,
with whom she must go. Shooting in occiput when stooping. Her thinking power
sometimes leaves her, and she turns giddy. Pain in head as though it would burst,
worse when moving, she must remain quite quiet. At first bloody taste in both nose
and mouth; later, bitter bilious taste. Heat in head down to neck. Great thirst.
Pain in abdomen as if diarrhoea were imminent. She passes much urine. The flesh
of the limbs pains as if beaten, aggravated by movement. Great weariness, especially
when walking in open air. Sensation as if drenched in cold water. Pain, especially
in scrob. cordis, renewed by coming from cold air into warm room.
Lachrymose.
46
VOL. III.
722
RHUS TOXICODENDRON.
b. GK. Drawing and paralysed feeling in 1. arm, n.
c. NK. Shooting and drawing in 1. arm from upper part to finger-tips.
Heraklides, i, 53.)
(HELBIG,
4. SCHRETER. [The following symptoms are stated to have been observed by
him; manner unknown.] Periodical cutting in eyes, with heaviness of lids, making it
difficult to open them; a sudden drawing pain in ears, as if a thread were drawn through
them; a watery blister on glans penis; itching on head; crampy drawing together of
toes. (HARTL. u. TRINKS, Arzn., iii, 360.)
II. Poisonings.-1. Two children, æt. 6 and 8 respectively, ate
about a pint of the fruit of Rh. tox. In a few h. they became drowsy
and stupid, and in a short time vomiting commenced, first of the par-
tially digested fruit, afterwards of a thick tenacious fluid of a wine
colour. Then followed convulsions of different parts of the body,
accompanied by slight delirium. Respiration was hurried; pulse at
first full and strong, but slow, afterwards small, frequent, and compress-
ible; pupils dilated. Emesis was promoted, and carbonate of soda
in solution freely administered. Both recovered, though younger con-
valesced very slowly. (Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S., li, 560.)
2. Mr. WILKES, a medical student, took a gill of a strong decoc-
tion of the leaves and vine after supper. Next m. his face was much
swollen, becoming increasingly so till his eyes were completely closed.
He used liq. hydrarg. bichl. as a wash, and in 36 h. swelling had disap-
peared. He slept nearly the whole time his eyes were closed. (Trans.
of Am. Med. Ass., v, 755.)
3. A boy drank a tea made from the root, and had delirium; suf-
fused and watery eyes; soreness of throat, with intense burning ex-
tending to stomach; nervous twitchings; he was covered with a rash
like measles, face, neck, and throat being swollen; intolerable itching
of skin; high fever. (Med. and Surg. Reporter, 1867; from Allen.)
4. a. The effects produced by Rh. when absorbed by the skin,
either from exhalations from the plant or otherwise, are redness and
swelling of the affected parts, and, if referable to exhalations, more
particularly in the face and eyes, in which last there is burning, with
inflammation of the lids, and agglutination of them in the m. Subse-
quently there is swelling, with pain, and often a considerable increase
of temperature, and the inflamed surface is generally studded with
vesicles. Combined with these symptoms there is an almost unbear-
able amount of itching, which is not confined to the patches of inflam-
mation, but diffuses itself more or less over the entire surface of the
body, the hairy portions appearing to be very specially affected. The con-
dition induced thus appears to be of an erythematous or erysipelatous
type. It is superficial, but spreads rapidly over the surface, and speedily
involves large areas of the body, eventually extending to the mucous
membranes, as indicated by redness and swelling of the throat and
mouth, with, ordinarily, great thirst, irritable cough, nausea, vomiting,
vertigo, dulness and stupefaction of head, and colicky pains throughout
the abdomen. These last are chiefly experienced during the n., and
are aggravated by eating and drinking. Diarrhoea frequently ensues,
accompanied by tenesmus, and the stools are often bloody. There is
often retention of urine, or else diuresis, and the water is frequently
accompanied by blood.
RHUS TOXICODENDRON.
723
b. Rh. also induces pains, apparently of a rheumatic kind, which
are felt not only in the limbs but in the body, though most especially
about the joints. Pain and stiffness in the lumbar region are often
induced, and to these affections is often added a sense of numbness in
the lower extremities. The structures most powerfully affected seem
to be the fibrous ones. The pains in question are accompanied by a
very slight amount of swelling; and, singular to say, they become
intensified by rest and warmth. Sleep is greatly disturbed, the patient
becoming restless, constantly turning about, and often suffering from
great nervous depression.
c. The fever which sometimes accompanies the effects of Rh.,
though by no means a universal symptom, usually occurs, when present,
in the later stages, and generally partakes of a typhoid character. It is
often attended by delirium, the lips are apt to become dry and parched,
and to be covered with a brownish crust. Sometimes it assumes an
intermittent character, and is then usually marked by profuse perspi-
ration.
d. The above-described effects of Rh., though so distressing to
whomsoever may have to endure them, appear, however, to be very seldom
fatal; and it is remarkable that a certain constitutional predisposition
appears requisite to their occurrence, so that it is only individuals who
are in danger. I have myself witnessed several instances of its poisonous
influence, and can personally vouch for the manifestation of nearly all
the phenomena that have been indicated. (PHILLIPS, op. cit.)
5. a. In June, 1871, Mrs. V. suffered very severely from a burning
and itching eruption covering entire face and neck, both mammæ,
external genitals and neighbouring parts of thighs and abdomen, also
both hands and wrists. Her husband at the same time suffered from
a similar eruption, though not so severe, on both hands; and an infant
had it very slightly about mouth and chin. A week previous to the
appearance of the eruption husband and wife had been to a picnic, and
he had fastened his horses to a bush covered with a vine, the character
of which he had not observed. The wife did not approach the plant,
and the child had been left at home. The disease ran its course,
terminating in desquamation, without any benefit from treatment.
Her suffering was so intense for several d. that I was compelled to
keep her under the influence of morphia.
b. On May 6th, 1872, the eruption again broke out, appearing
simultaneously in all the localities attacked the previous year. It
began with swelling, redness, intense burning and itching. During
the next 24 h. the inflamed surfaces became densely covered with very
minute vesicles, which soon ruptured and poured out very copiously a
yellowish serous fluid, which collecting in the most dependent parts
desiccated into amber-coloured semi-translucent incrustations. Nothing
relieved till carbolic acid with glycerine was applied. No trace of
disease finally remained to mark its localities.
c. May 31st, 1873, eruption appeared for third time.
It began
with burning and itching on r. temple, slight redness, but no swelling.
Next d. r. eye was entirely closed, and its swelling extended over
adjoining parts of face; it was red, firm and inelastic, no pitting. Part
724
RHUS TOXICODENDRON.
first attacked was covered with minute vesicles; exudation very copious
and seems to irritate inflamed face; burning and itching intense;
no fever. Swelling (without redness) extended still further, and vesi-
culation occurred in parts about eye. Improvement set in after bathing
surface with solution of carbonate of soda. (BUSEY, Am. Journ. of
Med. Sci., N. S., lxvi, 436.)
6. In the spring of 1865 I attended a lady who, a few d. after
exposure to the poison, suffered from swelling and inflammation of her
r. cheek, attended with intense burning and itching. The inflamed
surface was covered with large blisters, containing a yellowish serous
fluid. In the succeeding spring she was seized with a precisely similar
attack, without being able to trace it to any renewed exposure to the
poisonous plant. (Ibid.)
7. The perfect insusceptibility of some individuals and peculiar
susceptibility of others is very remarkable. One may require the direct
application of the expressed juice or of the distillate to produce its local
effects. Another will resist the toxic action however applied. A third
will suffer to an intense degree from simply going into the vicinity of
the growing plant; and, occasionally, persons are so easily affected that
the smoke of the burning plant will poison them.
Another
of its peculiarities is the readiness with which the eruption can be con-
veyed to other parts of the body by contact of the part which may have
eceived the poison from the plant, and from one individual to another,
even though the first may not, or very slightly, suffer from its poisonous.
action (II, 5).
Sometimes I have thought the disease was
extended by permitting the exudation to flow upon healthy parts, but
more careful observation has satisfied me of the innocuousness of the
latter, at least when applied to a healthy skin.
I am convinced
that in many cases a week will pass before the appearance of the local
symptoms, and the cases are very rare where any morbid condition is
apparent within 48 h.
I have witnessed no sequelæ other
than the annual recurrence of the characteristic eruption. (Ibid.)
8. I had under my care a child who was poisoned, after bathing on
a hot July day, with Rh. rad. The symptoms were all those belong-
ing to septicemia; suppuration had taken place in the ankle, which
was affected with severe synovitis. Besides this the patient had
vesicles in mouth and throat; constant picking at scrotum and penis;
large and purple bullæ over the leg, which was immensely tumefied
and red; together with a toxæmic appearance, which was remarkable
in every respect. (HELMUTH, System of Surgery, 4th ed., p. 67.)
III. Experiments on animals.—1. CLARUS made physiological trials
of Rh. on 2 men and 10 rabbits. A small quantity of the freshly bruised
leaves was tied on to the arm, but after 1 h. no effect was observed.
3 of the extract was swallowed by a man, but caused no effect.
The rabbits were treated by injection of 3j of the juice, of zij of
the distilled product of the resinous matter which remained after
evaporation of the alcoholic solution rubbed up with sugar and then
No effects were
mixed with water, of 3ss of the officinal extract.
observed. (Wochenbl. d. Zeitsch. d. k. k. Ges. d. Aerzte in Wien, 1862,
No. 18.)
RHUS VENENATA.
725
Rhus venenata, poison sumach, dogwood.
I. Provings.-1. Dr. BURT, beginning with 50 dr. of 3rd dil.,
increased dose till 3ss was taken at once. He then took tinct., at
first 10 dr. several times a d., then more and more till he reached 150
dr. Altogether 3j of tinct. was consumed in the proving. Its day-
books have been lost, but the following symptoms were observed:
Skin hot and dry at n., with great restlessness; palms of hands dry and
hot; cracks at end of fingers, bleeding readily; fine vesicular eruption
on forearm, wrist, back of hands, and fingers, also on scrotum and
ankles, seated on inflamed base, and itching intolerably, especially in e.
in a warm room, and in bed, worse after scratching, which nevertheless
is irresistible, and which causes much serous exudation; constant
itching of under lip for several d., with bright red appearance, also
great burning and itching of arms; cellular tissue round eyes much
swollen; a number of boils on forehead, neck and arms (after the prov-
ing). Wrists, ankles and feet ached so severely at n. that he could
not sleep; great restlessness after midnight. Very weak and languid.
Great sadness, no desire to live, everything seems gloomy; absence of
mind, cannot concentrate it on particular subjects. Fulness of head;
dull heavy frontal headache, aggravated by walking and stooping.
Constant lachrymation and dull aching in eyeballs. Great dryness of
nostrils on two several occasions, each time lasting about an h. Slimy,
salty-slimy, or flat rough taste in mouth; tongue white-coated; scalded
feeling on tongue; dryness and constant irritation of fauces; distress
at root of tongue and fauces; tonsils very red and congested, with dull
aching distress in them, and frequent inclination to swallow, which
aggravates this; wants to drink much. Dull aching distress in stomach.
and whole abdomen, with occasional sharp cutting pains about um-
bilicus, these especially before a stool, which relieves but does not re-
move them; later, severe cutting pains in umbilical and hypogastric
regions for 6 d., with 3-4 very soft, loose, blackish stools daily,-
pains worse before stools; intolerable itching and burning at anus, and
neuralgic pains there. Scrotum much swollen, of deep red colour, and
covered with vesicles; severe itching and burning on it. Constant dull
pains whole length of spine; back very stiff; severe pain in 1. elbow
forh., forbidding movement of limb; drawing pains in forearms;
dull pains in wrists and fingers, which are very stiff, with occasional
drawing; constant aching distress in hands, which are hard, rough,
and tender; hands greatly swollen, of deep red colour, and covered with
watery vesicles that itch intolerably; knees and ankles ached constantly;
severe cramp in calf at n., followed by soreness there next d.; dull
drawing pains and distress in knees, ankles, feet and toes; great weak-
ness of knees and ankles; ankles and feet ached so severely for 8
weeks after proving, that it was very painful to stand or walk, especially
p.m., when he had to lie down daily; ankles very red and swollen,
with watery vesicles and blisters all over these and the feet, itching in-
tolerably, and exuding copious serum; trembling of all limbs, with
twitching of muscles. (N. Am. Journ. of Hom., xiii, 411.)
2. Dr. BUTMAN made, in spring, 1865, a tinct. from the blossoms
and adjoining leaves. While collecting these he had dull frontal head-
726
RHUS VENENATA.
ache, nausea, lassitude and diuresis. From Oct. 19th to 24th he took
tinct. in increasing doses, till he was taking 180 dr. at a time. It
developed the following symptoms:-Skin hot and dry; itching on
various parts of body; eruption on face, head and chest resembling that
of enteric fever, disappearing on pressure. Great restlessness at n.;
sleep disturbed by dreams. Inability at times to connect ideas; for-
getfulness; dull and stupid feeling. Sensation as if brain were press-
ing up against skull; dull headache, with sharp darting pains in parietal
bones; sensation as if head were bound. Feeling as if eyes were being
pressed out of head; sharp pain in r. eye, extending to supra-orbital
region. Dryness of nose, which later is filled with tenacious mucus.
Face flushed, feeling as if burnt. Tongue coated white; slight accumu-
lation of viscid mucus in mouth; dryness with burning in throat;
sensation as if tongue were being pulled out by roots.
Loss of appe-
tite; continual nausea; borborygmus, with pain from lumbar region.
to umbilicus; pain in 1. abdomen; fæces dark, hard, and scanty;
blood from rectum after stool. Desire to micturate frequently, but
small quantities only passed; burning in urethra. Pain in back; sharp
pain under 1. scapula, going through to ribs. Sharp darting pain in
both arms, from elbow to index fingers and thumbs; aching pains
throughout proving from hips to knees, worst at knees, and on 1. side.
Continual shivering down back; general feeling of lassitude. All sym-
ptoms increased on a damp d. A subsequent proving with dilutions
produced no new symptoms. (N. Engl. Med. Gaz., iv, 200.)
3. Dr. WALLACE MCGEORGE proved a tinct. made by macerating
leaves. Of sanguine temp., 28 years old, in good health, except for
some catarrh in head and slight indigestion.
a. Aug. 10th, 1869, at 11.45 a.m., took 2 or 3 dr. in water. 11th.
-Good spirits; quite cheerful all d. 12th.-On rising, mouth and
lips dry; lips sore and swollen, blistered and cracked; it is impossible
to keep mouth moist; this got easier 1 h. afterward, but came on
again, and lasted all d. 10 a.m., took another dose. Headache of
stupefying nature. 4 p.m., itching of upper lip and chin; tongue and
mouth feel as if burnt with acid. 6, lips and mouth become more
feverish, and, 8, breath feels like steam, it is so hot; lips painfully hot
and dry, cannot get them cool, they burn constantly; headache all
d., and yet does not feel in low spirits. 13th.-6.30 a.m. On waking,
uncomfortable feeling in mouth and lips; cannot speak distinctly;
palate fallen, and feeling as if there was something in mouth impeding
speech, unchanged by hawking or clearing throat; lips painful, dry,
and swollen to double their natural size; white vesicle on lower lip;
tongue red on tip; mouth moist; gums swollen; on drinking anything
warm, slight irritation of inner side of lips, gums, and tip of tongue;
eyes dull; dull headache; feels rather languid; pulse 72, rather weak;
no pain anywhere in body. 8 p.m., itching of tongue and roof of
mouth; lips and tongue feel as if cracked; lips swollen, upper one the
worst; itching in corner of mouth. 14th.-Upper more swollen than
lower lip; lips and tongue feel as if cracked; lips peel off somewhat,
they burn and itch considerably when washing; tongue feels as if
scalded, and itches awfully, he has to scratch it and rub it with handker-
RHUS VENENATA.
727
chief; nose itches at n. ; face swollen; slight headache; dull-looking
appearance of eyes; breath hot and feverish by spells, it smelt as if
stomach was disordered; feels tired and weary; low-spirited. 15th.—
Lips worse than ever, upper one most affected, black on edges, yellow
vesicles on inner side, which break, discharging a thin sticky fluid,
agglutinating them together (12 m.); lips hot and dry, and burning,
aggravated by washing in cold water, or touching them with tongue,
or when eating anything sour; tongue red, and cracked in middle;
face swollen; eyes dull and heavy; languid feeling; itching of hands
(fingers and palms) after washing; itching of anus; appetite and excre-
tions normal; pulse 82; when sitting, at 3 p.m., it was normal, 68 to
70; feels worse when the weather is very hot; cream applied to lips
relieves the burning sensation, but hot applications ameliorate more
than all; anus itches terribly towards n. 16th.-On rising, face
swollen; lips swollen and covered with a thick skin or crust that in
breaking emits an offensive discharge, resembling that from a sore,
thin and sticky, warm water makes them feel comfortable and pleasant;
feels low-spirited, and disinclined to employ his time in any manner;
stools dark, and partly undigested; itching at anus; itching in palm of
1. hand, and appearance of vesicles on fingers, itching terribly, aggra-
vated by cold water; insupportable feeling at anus; nose feels sore, as
if it was going to peel off; acid food hurts his lips; poor appetite in m.
P.m., itching in anus, which becomes exceedingly annoying, relieved
temporarily by scratching; lips are getting better, and do not smart so
much; warm water relieves them still. E., itching of hands continues;
vesicles appear on fingers of both hands; shivering for 10 m. when
undressing, accompanied with chattering of teeth, followed by heat
and perspiration, with drowsiness, but itching at anus becomes so un-
bearable that he cannot sleep; pinching and pressing affords no relief;
brandy applied on a compress affords relief and abates pain in 2 to 3 m.,
but when first applied creates such a terrible burning that he cannot
lie still, and almost goes into spasms; restless sleep afterward. 17th.-
3 a.m., wakes up with the itching at anus, which yields to application
of brandy as before; as soon as he feels comfortable, and when falling
asleep, the hands begin to itch and prevent his sleeping for an h.;
afterwards sound sleep; no dreams at any time through n. ; lips are
better, but still smart a good deal when touching acids, relieved by hot
water; tongue cracked in centre, and covered with little white vesicles;
inside of lips filled with similar vesicles; appetite good; stools lighter
in colour, and partly undigested; urine normal; itching of genitals,
especially prepuce; increase of saliva; face less swollen; itching at
anus less troublesome. 18th.-Very little itching at anus; trouble-
some itching and burning of hands and fingers; lips and tongue im-
proving; face looks better, swelling almost gone; slight itching of
genitals. 19th.-Intense itching of hands upon awaking and immers-
ing them in water, showing, after rubbing, little raised streaks of a
yellowish colour. (These are composed of patches of little yellowish
vesicles, worst between the fingers and in the cracks or lines in the
palms of the hands.) Itching worst in m.; itching on scrotum and
prepuce worse; lips, tongue, and anus are more comfortable; pimples
728
RHUS VENENATA.
on forehead. 20th.-Troublesome itching of scrotum, penis, and
especially of prepuce-worse on becoming warm (weather exceedingly
hot); no trouble with anus, lips, or mouth; hands smart and burn
considerably after scratching and rubbing them; pimples on forehead.
21st.-Itching of hands and fingers same as yesterday, showing same.
yellow patches previously described; the fingers are much swollen,
also palms; herpetic eruption on forehead, resembling herpes phlycten-
oides; itching of scrotum, penis, and prepuce through d., unchanged by
scratching. 22nd.-Wakes up during n. with itching of hands, rubs
and scratches them until sore; violent burning and smarting, prevent-
ing him from sleeping a long time; lips, tongue, and mouth seem all
right; no itching at anus; very slight itching on genitals. Hands itch
violently through d., relieved by putting them in very hot water, as
hot as can be borne without scalding; this seems to make the pain felt
in the very bones, but relieves for some h. after a thorough soaking;
hands and fingers swollen-cannot wear his ring, which generally is
too large for him; skin appears raised in ridges of a yellow colour,
puffy to the touch, the other skin on hands appearing red; hands
become sore from severe rubbing, and vesicles appear between fingers.
23rd.-Itching on rising, same as for 3 or 4 d.; cold water allays a
little for the time being, but the itching and stinging can be felt very
distinctly; yellow, puffy ridges on palms of hands; skin on forehead
appears rough; profuse secretion from r. nostril of a thin ichorous.
fluid. 24th.-Wakes up at 4 a.m., and has to rise and wash hands in
order to allay the itching, rubbing only making it worse; itching of
hands during d. ; skin on forehead not so red or so rough; secretion
from r. nostril slightly excoriating; no discharge from 1. nostril, which
is stopped up. Sept. 1st.-Gradual abatement since the 25th ult., skin.
peeling off fingers and palms. 5th.-Skin still peeling off hands.
Ioth.-Skin peels off most, and began to peel, where the vesicles were
on fingers and palms; stools black as pitch, and hard, no unusual
smell. 12th.-Skin peeling off slowly; stools black as before, soft,
and rather putrid; bowels move twice. 16th to 24th.-Skin still
peeling off; nothing else unusual observed.
warm water
b. Oct. 12th, 1869.-Passed a swamp wherein Rh. v. grows, the
sun shining quite warmly at the time; had frequently passed the same
swamp before taking the drug without observing any effects; this e.
had considerable itching of penis and scrotum. 13th.-Passed restless
n., lying awake to scratch; lips feel uncomfortable; in m. lips
are much swollen; breath is hot and feverish, almost like steam,
and tongue covered with little vesicles on tip; intense itching of
genital organs. 12 m., itching continues unaltered; warm
ameliorates; fine eruption around neck of penis; intolerable burning
and itching of whole genital organs; intense heat of penis, especially
on glans; lips swollen; breath hot. 7 p.m., itching on genitals
becomes unbearable, relieved by warm water cloths applied to parts,
after an hour's constant application the itching almost entirely dis-
appears, the water has to be changed frequently and can be borne up
to boiling heat; prepuce considerably swollen; back becomes covered
with blotches; itching is excited or brought on by exposure to cold
RHUS VENENATA.
729
air; gentle scratching relieves the burning and itching on back; later
the blotches disappear, back becomes covered with ridges, and a fine,
pale-red rash appears. 14th.-Itching occasionally on penis and scrotum
through n.; itching on back is brought on in a moment by cold air
blowing on it; prepuce very much swollen, as also glans penis; desire
for an embrace, but the itching and burning is so severe that he cannot
complete the act; his wife complains of a terrible prickling and burning
in vagina after coition, lasting several m.; face much swollen, shining
glistening appearance; lips peeling off; nose itches severely; vesicles on
lips and face emitting an odour similar to a sore (same as on Aug. 16th);
desire to rub face continually; hot water relieves, and causes peeling
of the skin; general health good; appetite fair; stools and urine
normal; pulse 78, and regular; tongue redder than usual; breath hot,
but not unpleasant or offensive. 15th.-Abatement of all the sym-
ptoms. 16th-25th.-Symptoms become lighter and pass entirely
away.
c. Next summer, in passing a swamp where some Rh. v. grew,
became again poisoned; symptoms were similar to those in 3 b, but not
quite as violent. In June, 1871, in preparing some of the tinct.
touched his finger accidentally to the cork of the vial. Next d. was
completely poisoned, and the symptoms ran a course similar to that of
the first proving, the itching being worse on the hands, genitals, anus, lips,
mouth, and nose; hot water afforded great relief, and clematis erecta
cut the disease short, but did not prevent the skin peeling off the hands.
In preparing some of this medicine for some provers, in 2nd and 3rd
attenuation, became again affected in a manner like that described
before.
In all the provings the itching was worst on the cuticle and
mucous membrane; hot water always relieved the itching; appetite
good, more so than usual; dyspeptic troubles, or belchings after meals,
very much better; the catarrhal trouble was less also. Pulsatilla,
croton tiglium, rhus toxicodendron and clematis erecta were taken as
antidotes during the later provings, but the last-named seemed to
exert the most beneficial effect. Previous to proving or taking this
remedy, was never subject to Rhus poisoning; could pull up the Rhus
radicans and other poisonous vines without observing any effect, but
now is very susceptible to their influence, and poisons very readily.
(Hahn. Monthly, vii, 315.)
4. Aug. 12th, 1869, Miss F—, æt. 22, took 2 dr. of tinct.; next
d. slight itching of hands and lips; 2nd d., itching of hands and body
as well as face; face swollen; eruption on corner of mouth; became
alarmed, and took no more of the medicine, and did not record any
other symptoms. (Ibid.)
5. Miss L. H. G-, æt. 18, sanguine temperament, took 3 dr.
of 1st dil., Oct. 26th, 1871. 27th.-Pain at umbilicus, with diarrhoea ;
creeping sensation on face and arm; itching of face in e., particularly
lips. 28th.-Pain in bowels, with diarrhoea; itching of upper lip;
stretching and tired feeling; blue finger-nails; skin feels cold, similar to
the way some persons describe their feelings when they have a chill,
lasting one h.; has not had a chill. 29th.-Low spirits; itching of face
730
RHUS VENENATA.
and lips, and somewhat of fingers and lower limbs; chilly, creeping sen-
sation over scalp. 30th.-Drawing pain in lower part of 1. side;
considerable headache; itching of face, particularly nose, and some on
lower limbs; a little pain in sacrum. 31st.-Symptoms slight; some
itching of lips and lower limbs, with slight frontal headache. Nov.
Ist. Slight lancinating pain in sternum and r. leg; fever-sore on
mouth. (Ibid.)
6. a. Kunze, Dec. 1st, 9 p.m., took 20 dr. 5x dil. Next m.
drawing pressive pains in r. knee-joint, radiating downwards, then in r.
wrist, extending through bones of forearm to elbow; the same pains in
1. elbow, 1. ankle, and pes anserinus.—2nd, 7 a.m., 30 dr. Drawing
in 1. knee and r. upper row of teeth; paralytic and bruised pain in
thighs; peculiar feeling of tension, with noise like creaking, under r.
ankle; frequent ringing in r. ear; drawing pain towards I. temple;
whirling vertigo; stitches in heart.—3rd, 5 p.m., 40 dr. Drawing-
squeezing pain in 1. thigh, dorsum of r. foot, r. upper and lower
maxillæ, drawing in 1. temple. The pains come and go quickly, wander
to and fro; eructation.-4th, 7 a.m., 10 dr. 4x dil. After h. frequent
eructation, with pains in belly and rumbling; prickling and smarting in
eyes as though they would water and inflame; jerking tearing in bone
behind r. ear; paralytic drawing and bone pains in 1. leg.-5th, 8 p.m.,
15 dr. Jerking drawing in r. foot from ankle-joint to heel, and shoot-
ing upwards with bone pains; jerking pain in occiput, drawing in l. leg.
-6th. No med. ; pains slighter, increased during rest, wandering to
and fro, radiating from a point through periosteum downwards and up-
wards.—7th, m., 20 dr. Jerking drawing in legs, in r. ankle-joint,
thence downwards to heel-bone, a peculiar feeling of horripilation as
though the foot were going to sleep; when it is more considerable it is a
creaking feeling. This sensation is persistent with only short intervals.
Boring in r. upper maxilla, drawing in r. wrist and 1. leg, shooting from
ankle-joint through long bones into knee-joint. 8 p.m., 25 dr. The
horripilation continues, and affects the 1. arm also, especially when it is
lying down, at same time drawing in upper and fore-arm and the three
last fingers of 1. hand; the arm is as if paralysed. Palpitation and stitches.
in heart; heaviness of head and vertigo.-8th, 7 a.m., 30 dr. The
horripilation and creaking continue; pressive drawing in r., then in 1.
ankle-joint, in r. wrist-joint; pressive drawing in r. upper maxilla;
shooting in r. lower maxilla; tearing in r. temple, shooting into 1. half
of head upwards along forehead in bone, thence to 1. side of occiput
and nape. Drawing in 1. leg; cramp-like tension in r. calf. Shooting
deep in r. eye, then smarting in eyes as though they would inflame and
water. Bruised feeling in body, especially lower extremities, as after
great exertion; pale face and weariness, prostration, drawing in r. little
finger and thumb.—9th, 7 a.m., 70 dr. Drawing in r. ankle-joint, in
1. knee-joint, through lumbar muscles to hip, also in muscles of calf;
tearing in 1. arm radiating from elbow upwards, feeling as if bones
would break. Drawing in r. wrist-joint, stitches in r. upper maxilla,
sacrum feels bruised. 10th, 7 a.m., 20 dr. 3rd dil. Drawing in 1. calf,
in 1. loin, shooting tearing in r. upper maxilla, drawing in l. temple and
in occiput; cramp in dorsum of foot. Pains always worst when at
RHUS VENENATA.
731
rest, many dreams.—11th, 7 a.m., 30 dr. Pressive drawing in r. ankle-
joint and r. wrist-joint. Drawing in r. calf, with lame pain in hough
as after exertion; jerking drawing in nerves of head here and there.
Throbbing in veins of both feet as from congestion of blood. 8 p.m.,
40 dr. Dreams with vivid visions, pressive drawing in both legs as if
bruised, then a persistent pressive cutting pain in ankle- and knee-
joints, radiating through the tendons of dorsum of foot to toes, also
from wrist to tips of fingers, especially 1. index; jerking cutting shoot-
ing in ear; ringing and rattling in r. ear; great itching behind and
within r. ear; jerking drawing in r. upper maxilla; creeping and
creaking in r. foot. Pressure in head, and heaviness as if too full of
blood; jerking drawing in upper part of 1. side of head; stitches in
apices of both lungs.-12th, 8 p.m., 20 dr. 2x dil. Drawing in r. ankle-
and wrist-joints up to knee or elbow; tinnitus in r. ear; transient
stitches in r. concha; tension like ulcerative pain on 1. ankle, as if
gathering, when treading; jerking pain in muscles of both arms;
cramp pain in calves and formication as if gone to sleep. Drawing in
fingers of r. hand; bruised pain, especially in legs; transient tearing in
r. upper and lower maxillæ. Violent anxiety-causing stitches in l.
lung, especially on breathing.-13th. No med. The above pains, but
in slighter degree.-14th, 7 a.m., 30 dr. Stitch under 1. sole; wan-
dering drawing pains in thighs and legs and 1. arm. Palpitation of
heart, heaviness of head; pulsation in veins of r. foot.-15th, 7 a.m.,
10 dr. I dil. Paralytic drawing in r. arm, especially wrist to finger-
tips; drawing in both feet; shooting under r. sole; drawing in r. upper
maxilla; constant tinnitus in r. ear; drawing in nerves of head;
stitches in apices of both lungs; itching behind r. ear.-16th, 7 a.m.,
20 dr. Same drawing pains, stitches in lungs, palpitation and stitches
in heart; itching all over body.-17th, 25 dr. Same symptoms but
more severe; on scratching the itching places red spots come out on
arms and hands; pimples like commencing boils on scapula and neck;
slight moisture behind r. ear.-18th, 7 a.m., 3 dr. tinct. Same sym-
ptoms; furuncles were developed, moist place behind ear.-19th, 4 dr.;
20th, 5 dr.; 21st, 6 dr. Same symptoms; violent drawing pains in
arms, legs, and head; violent stitches in lungs, congestion of blood to
chest, with anxiety; pulsation of vessels of head and feet; palpitation
and stitches in heart; itching of skin with red spots, furuncles and
moisture behind r. ear; bleeding hæmorrhoids, which had never had
before. The stitches in lungs went off after 2 d., and the symptoms
of venosity soon afterwards disappeared. But the rheumatic pains con-
tinued with greater or less severity till middle of February, though he
had never before suffered from rheumatism. After a chill they became
very violent, and were removed by ran. bulb. 2 in
X
3 d.
b. External application of tinct. caused small itching vesicles, which
burst and ended in desquamation with moderate redness. When the
tinct. was rubbed on the desquamated spots they became very red, and
larger vesicles filled with lymph were developed, which turned to pus
and ended with formation of scabs, lasting altogether 3 weeks.
(N. Zeitsch. f. Hom. Kl., xii, 155.)
7. Dr. BUTE and his wife report following symptoms from handling
·
732
RHUS VENENATA.
plant-Sudden violent stitches through lungs, 10 m. after breathing
in vapour.
Blackness before eyes when he looks at anything. Swell-
ing of face with red eyes. Red spots on face, not removed by pressing
on them. Feeling of rawness and burnt sensation on lips. Groups of
vesicles come out on fingers and other parts of body; at first they itch,
and then burn and feel sore. On swallowing sore pain down 1. side of
throat. A group of vesicles behind 1. ear. The itching begins sud-
denly, sometimes in one place, sometimes in another, and then becomes
permanent. Cramp in dorsum of foot. Sudden violent cramp in r.
ankle, as if it were squeezed. Swelling mostly on 1. side of face. Dis-
location pain in r. hip. Hard elevated pimples on hands, on which are
vesicles, itching much. Violent itching on various parts of body like
gnat-bites, eroding. The itching is worse after midnight and m. Vio-
lent itching in palms. Itching wheals deep under skin in palms. Rheu-
matic pains in 1. elbow- and shoulder-joints, worse on moving. Sudden
sharp, startling stitches through lungs, waking him out of sleep.
Dreams of murder and misfortunes, Ist n. Swelling in face, with red
spots and wheals, always itching and burning after being rubbed. Red
elevated wheals on various parts of body, especially face, neck and
chest. The menses, which were nearly due, came immediately, dis-
charge very clotted, like lumps of flesh. Rigor up back, without cold-
ness. Goose-skin. Intolerable weight of head. Red eyes. Heaviness
in the swollen face. On waking, m., the light is painful to eyes.
Dimness of eyes when reading. Forehead is so greatly swollen that it
quite hangs over and feels heavy when going upstairs. (BUTE, Archiv,
XV, I, 179.)
8. Dr. CLARY, Nov. 22nd, 1863, held a stick of Rh. v. in his
hand form., and, a small piece of its cuticle being shaved off,
touched with his tongue the minute drop of juice which exuded. On
the 30th (nothing having been felt before) while at dinner tongue felt
as if scalded, and p.m. this feeling extended over entire mouth and
fauces, producing great dryness and stinging pain, which increased
rapidly till he retired at n. At 2 a.m. severe griping came on; but
being somnolent he remained in bed 2 h. longer, when he was sud-
denly forced from it and a large watery stool shot out, with severe
colicky pain. This was repeated 3 times during next 4 h., after which
all ceased. On rising, felt weak; no appetite; chills over whole body.
During d. (Dec. 1st), frequent stinging and itching about neck, chest
and back. On m. of 2nd, found forehead swollen and red; during d.
this extended to whole head and face; upper lip terribly swelled;
itching greatly increased, especially in septum narium; burning pains
and swelling in eyes. Four hæmorrhoids (he had had nothing of the
kind for 2 years) protruded, with extreme itching and burning. No
evacuation this d. Towards e. itching extended over whole body
(though no eruption appeared), and at n. was so great that he could
hardly endure it. After a sleepless n., in m. he found the vesicular
eruption of Rhus on the forehead (then for first time recognising the
cause of his troubles); and during this and following d. it spread over
trunk and extremities, especially bad on sexual organs; there were also
transient shooting pains in sternum and chest; lameness and soreness.
RHUS VENENATA.
733
of muscles, so that he could hardly walk; nausea and loathing of food;
entire loss of taste and smell; pharynx and œsophagus became so irri-
table that it was painful and difficult to swallow; food caused pain in
passing and seemed to stop midway, and cold water (thirst was urgent)
produced same sensation in going down as very hot tea would, and
same aching afterwards as sometimes follows the taking of ice-cold
drinks. Hæmorrhoids continued. On 5th dryness and pain came in
larynx, with hoarseness, harsh dry cough, and constriction in chest.
For more than 2 weeks there was pain over sternum; and itching,
cough, hæmorrhoids and lameness all continued for same time. (Amer.
Hom. Review, v, 23.)
9. Dr. WHITE, besides gathering leaves, &c., of Rh. ven., rubbed
juice upon his hands in several places, and allowed it to dry there. This
was on Oct. 10th. On 12th a single vesicle appeared on back of
finger, with thick cover and dark look. On 13th another, and on
14th three more, appeared on wrist. No fresh ones appeared till 19th,
when a very large one came on thumb, and from 21st to November
3rd a number of fresh ones appeared, all itching and burning extremely.
(Dr. White maintains that the Rhus eruption is essentially an eczema,
not an erysipelas; differing from the idiopathic disease in that the
vesicles are born such, instead of passing through an intermediate
papular stage of development.) (New York Journ. of Med., xvii, 225.)
10. a. Dr. OEHME, robust, but with a very sensitive skin, made
his first experiments with Rh. v. in 1858. On Sept. 15th he applied
juice exuding from between bark and wood to an oval place on back
of 1. forearm 1 in. long, I in. wide. This he repeated several times
on that day and the next. From the 17th to the 29th he applied a
tinct. he had now made to same spot 3 or 4 times daily, taking as
often internally 4 dr. of the I, dil. In 24 h. after first application of
juice, there was slight inflammation and swelling at spot, with some
soreness on pressure. These symptoms increased steadily but slowly
during next 11 d., with occasional itching and burning. On 28th,
epidermis could easily be removed with the nail, and then scabs would
soon form; whole place red and much swollen-inflammation extending
beyond limits of application. A fold of skin so affected was at least six
times as thick as one on corresponding part of other arm, and 1. arm at
this point measured an inch more than r. The redness was not
circumscribed, but passed over into an eruption like measles. Itching
and burning were felt mainly when arm was covered, and more on
surrounding surface than in inflamed spot. By 30th swelling measured
5 in. in length. He took this d. his last doses (3) internally, and
ceased to make the local application. This d. and the next he was
wakened early in m. by the violent itching and burning. Inflamma-
tion was now (Oct. 1st) livid and phlegmonous, 6 in. long and
6 in. wide. Part felt very hot, and a thermometer applied to it found
it 81° warmer than corresponding spot on other arm. It was hard, like
board; but not painful, save for occasional drawing sensation, extending
into hand, and feeling of tightness. Nerves in I. axilla feel sore and
are tender. Late in e., irregular red spots appeared on 1. cheek. 2nd.
-Swelling extends this m. from elbow to hand; spots on face larger
734
RHUS VENENATA.
and redder, somewhat elevated, and slightly burning; some swelling
above 1. eye; two red spots and a blotch under r. corner of mouth;
measle-like eruption over 3rd-5th metacarpal bones, and vesicles on
fingers of 1. hand, appearing and disappearing very quickly, with most
violent itching; transient itching at various places on body in m., and,
p.m., vesicles there; frequent brief sensation of coldness creeping over
back (this also on subsequent days); at noon, drawing pain in large
nerves of arm, from axilla downwards. 3rd.-Symptoms as before;
whole forearm seat of phlegmonous inflammation-9° hotter than the
other; appetite and general health unaffected. 4th.-Skin now
peeling off inflamed part, some pustules on new skin; oedema of back
of hand. 5th.-Arm now of normal temp., and swelling subsiding.
6th. This m. another eruption of small pustules on same place, but a
a little larger than yesterday area peeling again, and still somewhat
swollen, more than the thickness of a fold of skin would account for,
so that deeper parts also must have been affected. From this time skin
of arm gradually returned to its natural condition, but remained very
irritable, slightest rubbing causing profuse eruption of blotches, vesicles
and small pimples. From 31st violent itching several n. in succession,
especially on back, but in daytime on face, neck and hands, followed
soon by eruption as above. From this time up to March, nearly every
n., especially at midnight, he had severe itching, particularly on back;
scratching aggravated it greatly, rubbing with a soft brush gave relief,
but it was entirely subdued by washing with cold water or snow.
During the attacks, back was burning hot, and covered with blotches
and pimples.
aple
b. O— again exposed himself, Aug. 8th, 1859, to influence of
Rh. v.
He peeled off bark and cut it up into very fine pieces. Being
out of doors, mosquitoes troubled him during work; and he was fre-
quently compelled to put hands to face in order to drive them off. He
also chewed for some time a piece of bark, and passed water before
washing his hands. Ioth.-On rising, oedema under r. eye; difficulty
in looking down, with disagreeable sensation; red spots on face, espe-
cially 1., and on upper chest; itching. During d. face swelled. 11th.
-A round group of hydroa vesicles, filled with yellowish serum,
between nose and 1. corner of mouth, and another group under latter ;
1. face somewhat swollen, and covered with red spots; I. ear thick and
red, posterior surface of it rough, some itching on lower part; nose and
r. face considerably swollen, especially close under eye, which is con-
siderably irritated; rays of sun cause burning in face. Much itching
of sexual organs, especially scrotum and prepuce; hydroa vesicles on
back of some fingers of either hand. P.m., small yellowish vesicles on
different parts of face; r. nose and cheek much swollen, r. nostril
obstructed; œdema of face worse than yesterday, skin rough (not
chapped) and uneven; on back of 1. hand and on fingers some efflores-
cence, which looks strikingly like itch; slight dull feeling in head.
At 3 p.m. eruption like measles with unevenness of skin on back of 1.
arm close above wrist, soon followed by blotches with violent itching
and burning; discharge of a little water from 1. nostril, with sensation
in nose as of a commencing cold; face hot; arms fall easily asleep.
Ma
RHUS VENENATA.
735
In e. much itching and burning on different places in face; feeling of
dulness in head worse; burning in eyes and slight lachrymation.
(HALE, New Remedies, 2nd ed.)
21st.-
II. Poisonings.-I. a. Dr. HoYT, March 18th, 1857, wishing to pre-
pare a tinct., went into a swamp and procured some sprouts of Rh. v.
He had buckskin gloves on, and kept to windward; but in 1 h. began
to feel most intense burning and itching in scrotum and penis-glans
being very painful. 19th.-Symptoms continued in same severity.
At II a.m. he cautiously scraped off the bark. At 3 p.m. itching and
burning commenced on r. hand (between fingers on dorsal aspect).
20th. Very restless all n. Woke with itching and burning in various
parts of body; hands considerably swollen; face red but not shining.
As d. advanced itching and burning went on, always relieved by exercise
and worse at rest; hands and face covered with little vesicles, exuding
clear serum; r. eyelid swollen and stiff. Had two stools, loose, first
preceded by griping; abdomen tender to touch and pressure.
Symptoms all increased; face much swollen, and swelling of hands ex-
tending halfway to elbow; pain excessive. Dizzy sensation at times,
much worse in e. 22nd. Loose stools at 3, 6, and 9 a.m., sudden,
pain in hypogastrium preceding them. Hands and face still worse;
mouth feels rough, and mucous membrane is abnormally red; incrusta-
tions appeared on inside of thighs; slight dimness of sight, lachryma-
tion, and livid circle round eyes; considerable deafness; chills ran up
back, even when warm and in warmth. Towards e. mouth got worse,
and fauces took on same condition, causing dysphagia; eyes smarted
and burned, with profuse lachrymation; quite severe colic about umbi-
licus; very restless all n. 23rd.-Dull feeling in head and considerable
frontal headache (relieved by belladonna). Severity of other symptoms
somewhat_abated, save diarrhoea, which is more severe; stools dark
brown. General malaise. On affected parts soreness and peeling are
replacing previous symptoms; exudation now slightly yellow. Several
vesicles under tongue, which is white coated, with red edges. Little
appetite; some nausea. 24th.-Desquamation now went on freely,
cuticle being renewed 4 times; new skin at first red and shining, after-
wards rough, hard, dry, and very tender. Dulness, heaviness, and
aching in head continued, also deafness; he had trembling of limbs and
twitching of muscles; no disposition to move about or study; was
apprehensive, restless, and of fitful humour.
b. Symptoms gradually subsided till April 5th, when by accident
bottle of tinct. was broken, and he received full force of effluvium.
Face, especially upper lip, was much swollen and exceedingly painful;
back of ears also swollen, and here and on lips vesicles were abundant,
Every d. from 2 to 5 a.m. diarrhoea began, and continued till noon;
abdomen much bloated and painful on least pressure; continual rum-
bling and griping pains, always worse just before stool; colour of stools
uniformly light. (This continued for 3 weeks, yielding to no remedy,
till it was stopped-then and in subsequent recurrences-by juniperus
virginiana 1.) All muscles stiff, especially those of back of r. leg (this
also lasted some time). As desquamation ceased, boils-3 large, 10
smaller-appeared on face and extremities, and ran usual course.
736
RHUS VENENATA.
Uniformly, throughout the whole experience, the symptoms were
aggravated by rest, and relieved by moderate exercise in open air.
(Ibid.)
2. In 1814, Dr. PIERSON accompanied me (BIGELOW) to collect the
juice of the Rhus vernix. He had always supposed himself exempt.
from liability to the poison. The day was warm; the effluvium from
the incisions we made in the trees was very powerful; we were ex-
posed an h., he less than myself. His own account of the symptoms
is as follows: "I felt no unpleasant effects for 6 or 7 h., when I per-
ceived the backs of my hands were swollen and puffy without pain or
itching; my forehead and upper lip were soon in the same state. The
following m. the tumefaction had increased, and other parts were in-
fected; the backs of iny hands and wrists began to show small watery
vesicles. No applications were made until about noon; I then applied
cloths dipped in lead water to one hand and wrist, and a spirituous.
solution of corrosive muriate of mercury to the other. The parts began.
to itch; the tumefaction increased; vesication began to take place on
the swollen surface; small pustules formed and ran into each other,
and at last some were as large as nutmegs. Next d. my eyes were
nearly closed, from the swelling of my forehead, eyebrows, and cheeks.
The contents of the vesicles were perfectly limpid; inoculation from
them to the other parts had no effect, nor at any other stage. The
next e. the inflammation was at its height; the burning and itching
intolerable. The following d. the pustules began to appear a little
milky, and by night the inflammation was evidently on the decline.
This day I applied stramonium ointment. In a fortnight I was able
to leave my chamber, and had a new cuticle from the roots of my hair
on the forehead to my breast, and on the arms and inside the thighs.
During the first 5 d. the pulse was increased 10-20 strokes." (Ibid.)
3. O. L, æt. 16, a short stout lad, p.m. on Nov. 21st, 1843, while
ploughing in a field came to some shrubs in the way of the plough.
These he removed with his hands, on which there were previously
some abrasions. In about an h. afterwards his hands, arms, face and
legs began to swell; this was accompanied by slight redness of skin
and by thirst; no nausea or headache. On the 22nd I found great
swelling of face, arms and legs; some slight redness and swelling over
chest, but trunk little affected. (The shrub was found to be Rh. v.)
The swelling continued to increase till the e., taking about 28 h. to
reach its height. On the 24th it began to lessen, and by the 26th it
had disappeared. Appetite remained good throughout. (STRATTON,
Ed. Med. and Surg. Journ., Ixxiii, 327.)
4. A gentleman, æt. 30, hearing that Rh. v. was successful in the
destruction of corns, applied tinct. to one on 1. foot 4 times, using
fingers to rub it in. (He considers that by pulling sock on diffusion
over foot occurred, and by possible change of socks other foot became
influenced.) There came on intolerable itching and burning in 1.
foot; vesicles formed there, and skin became congested, thick and stiff.
Rubbing and striking part increased itching, as also did exercise.
Similar itching and burning was now experienced in scrotum, forehead,
eyelids, front of neck, and r. foot, attended with slightly puffed appear-
RHUS VENENATA.
737
ance of all these parts. On 4th d. vesicles came out on r. foot, also
in bend of 1. elbow; occasional formication was felt in affected parts.
On m. of 5th d. vesicles began to break, scabs following; legs were
œdematous, pitting on pressure. On 6th d., vesicles on fingers and
back of r. hand. As the vesicles broke, and desquamation commenced,
acute inflammation of surface (feet, hands, &c.), of dark red colour,
supervened, with intense prickling heat, as though a hot iron plate was
held in close proximity to the swollen parts; flashes of heat, as though
a stream of hot air was passing over body, with throbbing and tearing
pains extending from each temple back to occiput and down neck to
each shoulder. There was suppuration of whole dorsum of 1. foot, and
occasional patches of it of size of a half-dime to a dime halfway up to
knee, also on r. foot and fingers; these went on to deep, corroding,
phagedænic ulcers, burning, prickling, and discharging thin, straw-
coloured, acrid, and very foetid pus. By this time he was somewhat
emaciated, and peevish and fretful to an extreme. The intensity of
the symptoms continued about 3 weeks, but it was 3 mos. before he
was entirely free from them. (THOMAS, Brit. Journ. of Hom., xiv,
346.)
I
5. A little girl of 5 had been languid for 2 weeks, with no special symptoms,
when one d. nose swelled up and became red, with slight fever. Dr. BURT put 6 dr.
of 1 dil. into 2 of a tumbler of water, and ordered a teaspoonful every 2 h. Next d.
patient was much better, and he ordered drug to be continued. On following d.,
however, though nose was well, eyes were swollen and half closed, and she was very
feverish. He gave camphor as antidote, but next d. she was very much worse, very
hot, pulse 130, soft and weak, face swollen enormously, eyes completely closed,
tongue white coated, with watery vesicles on its sides and on fauces, which (with
tonsils) were much inflamed; urine very high coloured. She complained bitterly of
soreness of throat, and said her limbs were so stiff that she could not walk. About
4 p.m. croupy symptoms came on, and continued to increase till midnight; head was
thrown back, face almost black, cough very dry and of deep, hollow, crowing
character; resp. almost impossible; pulse 140, soft and weak. Aconite was
given, and next d. spongia. At n. the " croup came on again, but less violently.
The croupy cough now left her, but she had a hard dry cough for a week, with much
rattling of mucus in chest ; eyes remained closed for some time, and face very much
swollen, but its colour was natural; she could not open her mouth to eat for 2 weeks;
tongue was coated thickly, of dark grey colour, with very red tip; pulse remained at
130, soft and feeble, for first week, in second came down to its natural standard;
abdomen and lower limbs became enormously swollen, and it was 3 weeks before the
oedema disappeared; bowels costive and very tympanitic; legs could not be moved
without making her cry, but if not touched she was perfectly easy. It was ten weeks
before she became quite well. [Dr. Burt ascribes this illness to overdosing with the
Rh. v.] (Med. Invest., March, 1865)
""
VOL. III.
47
738
RUMEX.
RUMEX.
Rumex crispus, L. Curled dock, yellow dock. Nat. Ord., Polygonaceæ.
I. Provings.-1. a. Dr. H. A. HOUGHTON, æt. 24, in perfect
health, save for some acne on back, proved a tinct. made from root and
leaves. Nov. 11th, 1851, took 6 dr. of 1st dil. in e. 12th.-Dull heavy
headache from 10 a.m. till n., less severe after 2 p.m. 13th.-Slight
headache during d. 14th and 15th.-No symptoms. 16th.-Repeated
dose in e. Very restless during n.; dreamed of seeing friends. Heat
and other symptoms of fever towards m., followed by sharp pain in
abdomen increased by deep inspiration, which entirely subsided on
rising. 17th.-Dull heavy headache during d., less severe p.m.; legs
feel very weak when going up and down stairs in e. 18th.-Sharp
cutting pain in 1. breast came on at noon, and lasted an h.; dull heavy
headache during d. 19th.-Slight headache. 20th-25th.-No sym-
ptoms. On latter d. took 10 dr. of same in e. 26th-29th.-No sym-
ptoms. Repeated dose on latter in e. 30th.-Great coldness of lower
extremities during forenoon. Repeated dose on going to bed. Again
restlessness and dreams of friends. Dec. Ist.-Great coldness of legs
as before; in e. cutting pain in abdomen, followed by diarrhoeic stool;
legs weak again on stairs. 2nd.-Scraping in throat, with slight
catarrhal symptoms, in e. N. as that of 30th-Ist; cold clammy
sweat on legs during greater part of it, followed by symptoms of a severe
cold with cough, which lasted during 3rd. 4th and 5th.-No symptoms.
Repeated dose on latter e. without effect save restlessness on following
7th.-Repeated dose in e. Cold legs a.m. as before, also weakness
in them; dull heavy headache with deep-seated soreness of eyes during
d., worse a.m. 9th.-N. as before; headache as yesterday and weak-
ness of legs. 10th.-Profuse perspiration on legs during latter part of
11th.-Aching pain in anterior part of lungs, coming and going
several times in afternoon. Throughout proving bowels more or less
constipated.
n.
n.
b. Dec. 27th.-Took 15 dr. of tinct. in e. Sleep, head and legs
affected next d. as before, 3 n. following being very restless. 29th.-Dull
pain in abdomen before rising, continuing a short time thereafter, and
followed by a diarrhoeic stool; slight headache during d. 30th.
Sticking pain in I. thoracic region in m. before rising, followed by dull
pain in lungs; slight itching of legs in e. Jan. Ist.-After being
costive for 3 d., this m. before rising sharp pain in lower abdomen,
followed by two diarrhoeic stools, after which dull pain in abdomen
lasting 2 or 3 h. Felt weak this d. and next, on which latter he had
dull headache during forenoon. Again constipation for 3 d., followed
by natural stool on 4th. On 5th had a good deal of dull heavy head-
ache, and epistaxis occurred on slightest picking of nose. On 7th, in
e., repeated dose. Headache and constipation during next 3-4 d.
were the only appreciable effect. On 16th, bowels having been regular
for 3 d., took 20 dr. in e. Headache, weakness in legs, and some
borborygmus and colic, with constipation, followed as before; and on
30th he notes that the pain in anterior chest has harassed him again, d.
RUMEX.
739
and n., for 5 d. past. It was accompanied by some headache and pain
in stomach, also with belching of wind.
Four d. after taking Ist dose of tinct. (Dec. 31st) he notes that back
and shoulders are densely covered with small red pimples. This erup-
tion continued till 5th, when it is said to be gradually disappearing.
Itching was slight, and mainly felt on exposing back to air, as in un-
dressing for the n. After 2nd dose eruption came again, with a few
pimples on chest and, later, on limbs. The same thing followed 3rd dose,
but thighs were this time thickly covered. (Phil. Journ. of Hom., ii, 706.)
2. a. Dr. E. M. KELLOGG, æt. 26, proved a tinct. made with equal
parts of expressed juice of root and alcohol.* He was in perfect health
and with no tendency to symptoms observed. March 30th, 1852, put
I dr. into half a tumblerful of water, and took a tablespoonful on
retiring, repeating dose each m. and e. till whole solution had been
consumed. 31st.-Two h. after breakfast felt as if food had not
digested. Unusually irritable temper. April 1st.-Like feelings after
breakfast; in e. great lassitude and uneasiness, with stagnation of ideas
and indifference to surrounding persons and things. 2nd.-10 a.m.,
slight dull frontal pain, with indisposition to thought. 12 m., great
irritability of temper; muscular pain in thighs and legs, slightly in-
creased on pressure. At 2 p.m. on this d. and last voice suddenly rose
several notes in pitch, and so continued for about h.; to-day at 4 p.m.
it sounded as if he had a cold in head. 7.30 p.m., very thirsty
(unusual); great lassitude and weariness, with somnolency; shifts
position constantly; legs feel tired, though he has done but little
walking to-day; feet tender, with extreme sensitiveness of and shooting
pain in corns; dull transient pain in teeth. 3rd.-Some coryza and
obstruction of voice; dull aching pains in legs all d. 4th.-Slight
coryza and pain, p.m., especially in r. leg. 5th.-Dull heavy feeling
in head during e. ; less appetite than usual. After retiring, late, lan-
cinating pains in lower jaw at root of 1. canine tooth, and slight head-
ache. 6th.-P.m., urine less copious than usual, red and turbid, with
flocculent deposit and oily surface; thirst during e. 7th.-Brick-dust
sediment in urine, very marked and heavy. 8th.-Slept very uneasily;
many kinds of dreams, magnifying trifles, disturbed him. Woke
feverish, having frontal headache, dull and constant; heat of skin; full
and frequent pulse; this was followed by sensation of cold, yet not a
regular chill. Tongue coated white; slight nausea while dressing,
and vertigo compelling him to lie down again; throat sore, with feeling
as of lumps there when swallowing; thick yellow secretion from pos-
terior nares; great pallor of face while standing. Fasted all d. till e.,
feeling empty and sunken, but without appetite; considerable pain in
back p.m. and e. ; "rheumatic" pains in front of both tibiæ in e.
9th.-Slept well; woke in perspiration, free from pain save in r.
shoulder, and here it passed off in 2 h. There now came on a hæmor-
rhoidal attack, with much itching of anus, and also of prepuce, which
lasted after piles had receded. Appetite returned from 9th, and became
even exaggerated.
b. Same, June 1st, put I dr. of 3rd dil. in half a glassful of water,
* With such a tincture all the subsequent provings were made.
740
RUMEX.
and took a teaspoonful m. and e., repeating it twice or three times daily
up to 6th. On ist no symptoms, save heavy feeling in head during e.
2nd.—Woke with bitter taste in mouth. At 11 a.m. voice assumed
nasal tone for a short time. On 3rd felt languid and weary (a very
warm d.). On 5th, rheumatic pains in shins. On 7th, dull pains in
stomach; coryza with yellow expectoration from posterior nares.
On
8th took 6 pellets of 6th dil. at midnight, repeating dose next m. at 9.
Irritable temper; during e. feeling of soreness and excoriation, with
redness, at end of prepuce. 10th.-All m. feeling of rawness in upper
throat, with secretion of phlegm. Repeated dose at I p.m. Increased
redness, with itching, on prepuce. At 7.30 p.m. slight frontal head-
ache, with shooting pains. 11th.-Took dose at II a.m. Preputial
troubles and slight frontal headache continued this d. and next. On
13th took another dose, and had epistaxis, tenderness of feet, and
scanty stool. On Sept. 20th resumed use of 6th dil., taking 6 globules
that m. and next m. and e. 21st.-P.m., weariness; aching in bones.
of legs. 22nd.-Rose in m. with bad taste in mouth and slight feeling of
oppression in head. Took dose that e., and repeated it daily till 27th
without further effect; save that for several
felt as
afterwards eyes
n.
if lids were inflamed and dry (no visible signs of inflammation), and
that on Oct. 4th he had a slight liquid motion at 4 a.m., desire for
which was very urgent and woke him from sleep. (Ibid., p.711.)
3. a. Dr. JosLIN, June 12th, 1845, took 6 glob. of 12th dil. at 10.45
a.m. In 10 m., pain at lower border of 1. axilla; empty eructations.
after dinner, with pain in r. hypochondrium; pressive pain in one ear
while walking. 13th.-Repeated dose at 8.45 a.m. At 11.10, shoot-
ings in 1. chest, just below middle, at angle of a rib. 14th.-Took 6
glob. of 6th dil. m. and e., without effect. 15th.-Repeated dose at
8.5 a.m. 4.30 p.m., pain in acending colon while walking. 7 and 10,
pressive pain in dorsal spine. 10.20, pressure in r. occiput and temple.
11.15, pressive pain near inferior angle of r. scapula. 16th.-Repeated
dose at 10.20 p.m. Next m., just after rising, pressive pain in r. ear.
10.45, remittent pain near insertion of r. deltoid.
10.50, pain at inner
side of arm. 11, great propensity to sleep.
Soon
b. Sept. 23rd, 1850, took 4 glob. of 12th at 10 a.m.
burning smarting in upper larynx and in fauces, much mucus
secreted there; irritation and expectoration also referred to some of the
1. bronchial tubes. Feeling in larynx continued for 2 h. considerable,
and could be reproduced the whole d. afterwards by impulse of expired
air on part. 10.47, occasional pain in forehead and r. temple. 11.10,
cough excited by tickling in l. chest. Late in e., rheumatic pain just
above wrist (dorsal aspect). 11 p.m., hoarseness. 24th.-12.20 p.m.,
cough excited by tickling behind sternum. Repeated dose at 10.15
p.m. 10.38, severe transient sub-burning pain at 1. superciliary ridge,
and, 1 m. later, at r. 11.5, umbilical pain, with nausea, eructations,
and shooting over 1. eyebrow. 11.25, hoarseness, commencing sud-
denly. 11.30, pain at small spot in umbilical region, first felt on yawn-
ing, and for some time after reproducible by deep inspiration. 25th.-
2.40 p.m., while lying (on r. side) after dinner, severe but transient
shooting in 1. chest; 8.30, hoarseness commenced again. 26th.—
RUMEX.
741
Repeated dose at 9, and (no symptoms having occurred) 9.30 p.m.
9.43, on beginning to walk (in room) fine shootings in back, midway
between dorsal spine and 1. side, then in spot in l. lumbar region.
10.23, fine shooting in r. eyeball. 27th.-Hoarseness again in e. ;
cough on lying down in bed. 28th.-Aching, burning, sticking pain
immediately below middle of 1. clavicle, felt only when riding in open
air, a.m.; cough on lying down after dinner, and again at n. on turn-
ing from back to 1. side. 30th.-Cough when riding in open air, ex-
cited by tickling behind mid-sternum, and followed by easy expectora-
tion, a.m.
c. Nov. 12th.-Took 6 glob. of 12th at 9.20 p.m. 10.35, slight
dull pain at and near umbilicus, with slight nausea. 11-11.30, pres-
sure as if from end of finger between clavicle and axilla, alternately on
r. and 1. side of chest, several times; followed by dull aching under
middle of 1. clavicle. Next d. a fluent coryza set in, with-later-cough
and hoarseness. These were still present when, on the 19th, he re-
peated dose; but as nothing is noted after the 23rd, he was presum-
ably free when, on the 26th, he took 8 glob. more at 9.6 p.m. 9.16,
increased flow of saliva. 9.26, zincky taste on tongue and hard palate.
9.30, pain in stomach and abdomen, with slight nausea. 9.37, pain in r.
temporal region. 9.40, sudden and severe itching of upper lip, near
1. side of nose. 27th.-Slight sense of fulness in head, with lack of
cheerfulness, but without much real depression; cough from tickling
in chest, m. before breakfast; very sudden and urgent desire to urinate,
urine extremely pale, e. 28th.-In n., discharge of mucus from posterior
nares and aching in 1. instep. 29th.-Recurrence of itching of upper
lip. Dec. 2nd.-In n. cough from tickling behind upper half of sternum.
Vivid dreams this n. and the following. Several d. about this time had
vesicles on upper antero-lateral aspect of neck, near jaw; also flatu-
lence.
d. Dec. 24th, at 8.40 p.m., took dose of 30th. 8.50, pain over 1.
eyebrow. 8.53, sensation of heat in cheek. 9.10, same on back and
face, oppressive in former, smarting in latter. 9.20, rather chilly,
especially in back; and 3 m. after chilliness had commenced some
pain in abdomen, with slight nausea, and shooting near middle of
anterior part of chest. Slight pains and itchings here and there
followed. Next m. on waking there was dull aching in forehead, red-
dish-brown dry coating on tongue, and bitterish taste in mouth. About
noon, cough and piercing in I. lung on breathing cold air. Nothing
further of note occurred. May 25th, 1852, he again took 30th, re-
peating it 8 times at h. intervals from 7.15 p.m. Nothing followed
but the slight achings and itchings here and there, with tickling at
throat-pit and behind sternum. On 26th took same, with still less
result.
e. May 27th, took 6 glob. of 3rd dil. at 8.30 p.m. 8.38, shooting,
like a slight electric shock, from rectum to 1. groin. 8.45, itching
deep in meatus of 1. ear. 8.53, severe and continued itching on back
between scapulæ. 9.27, dull pain at inner side of 1. leg at each step
in walking, soon followed by sharp pain at inner side of r. knee.
chilliness. 28th.-Woke in n. with pain in cardiac region of chest,
10,
742
RUMEX.
11.8 a.m., stitch-like pain at inner part of r. knee, on stepping. During
d. depressed and indisposed to exertion; burning pain in region of
heart at times, which in e. and early n. became continuous and strong,
with frequent and severe, but transient, exacerbations. (Ibid., i, 294.)
4. Dr. B. F. JOSLIN took, June 12th, 1845, 6 glob. of 12th dil. at
1.45 p.m. After about 2 m., sharp pain in upper r. chest, near axilla.
On 13th took same dose without effect. On 14th took 6th dil. m.
and e., and repeated it at 8.5 a.m. on 15th. 8.50, colic near umbilicus.
9, pain in sternal region. (Ibid., 304.)
5. Mrs. P, æt. 43, Sept. 24th, 1850, took 3 glob. of 12th at
10.25 p.m. 10.29, pain in 1. shoulder, and from it along upper arm to
elbow, with sense as if arm had been strained. On 26th, at 9 p.m.,
repeated dose. In 4 m., aching at 1. of dorsal spine extending halfway
to side, lasting 4 m.; about same time hacking cough from irritation
behind sternum, which about 5 m. from its commencement became
very frequent. In 22 m. sharp momentary shooting at seat of aching.
9.48, numbness of r. hand. 10.2, cramp-like pain at 1. nape. (Ibid.)
6. a. Dr. M. J. RHEES, æt. 34, strong and well, took, Oct. 1st,
1858, at 11 p.m., I dr. of tinct. in 3j of water.* Sensation across fore-
head as if brain were loose when moving head, and as if it were bruised,
commenced 2 m. after dose and lasted till after breakfast next m.
After 2 h., slight numbness and crawling sensation in 1. arm (in bed).
2nd.—8.30 a.m., repeated dose. After 3 h., grumbling stinging tooth-
ache in r. upper molars, while riding in cold wind, with dull aching in
forehead; sharp piercing pain in 1. head for short time. 3 h., dull pain
and sense of fulness in 1. iliac region while riding, lasting 2 h. 4 h.,
rending in front of both ankles running along instep, alternated several
times with gnawing pain in internal condyle of 1. humerus; after
which, aching and heaviness with crawling sensation all through lower
extremities-while riding. 6 h., burning tingling pain below and to 1.
of r. nipple. 8 h., copious discharge of colourless urine. 7.30 p.m.,
repeated dose.
15 m., sense of epigastric distension, with much taste-
less eructation; heaviness in 1. calf, as if flesh would fall from bones;
dull aching in both elbows. 30 m., languor and general heaviness,
with fulness of head and chest; crawling tingling in lower limbs.
I h., dull aching low in occiput and in r. temple; aching and pressure
at vertex. 2 h., boring pain behind 1. ear. 3 h., fulness and aching
through sinciput and temples. 3rd.-9 a.m., repeated dose.
aching in r. hip-joint while walking, producing slight lameness, followed
by burning pain on small spot near top of r. sacro-iliac symphysis.
II, in act of lying down, sudden burning-stinging pain in whole 1.
chest when inspiring. Next m., rending aching pain in bend of 1.
knee while standing. 4th.-At 10 p.m. took 10 dr. in 3j of water.
I h., stinging burning just below inferior angle of 1. scapula, followed
and accompanied by stinging, almost itching, pain in 1. chest, just
below nipple, with heavy throbbing in ears synchronous with pulsations
of heart. Dryness of mouth and tongue at n. 5th.-8 p.m., sensa-
tion in bowels and rectum as if diarrhoea would ensue, for 2-3 h.
II,
11, repeated dose. 30 m., sensation as of lump or ball in throat, not
10 p.m.,
* In all these doses 100 succussions were given to the solution.
RUMEX.
743
relieved by hawking or swallowing. Restlessness and discomfort in
bed at n., position must be frequently changed; burning pain in 1.
chest, just below nipple, worse when inspiring deeply. 6th.—2 p.m.,
throbbing through whole body; all d. sense of great dryness in nose,
front and back. 7 p.m., itching in bends of elbows and at same time
over heart, with aching under and below apex of 1. scapula. 10,
repeated dose. 10.10, drawing pain, almost a cramp, in r. calf, con-
tinuingh. Sensation in 1. chest as if heart suddenly ceased beating,
followed by heavy throbbing through chest (this has been felt several
times since beginning of proving); aching between scapula while
standing, also stinging burning there, attended by constant desire to
inspire deeply, with sense of dry heat in middle of chest,-the inspira-
tions are attended by dull heavy pain in region of heart; stinging pain
on inner side of r. upper arm; sensation as if ears were obstructed,
especially 1.,-prover's own voice, as well as that of others, sounding
strange to him, producing a kind of titillation in ear and having a
peculiar ringing confusing sound, while yet sense of hearing is as acute
as ever (this began 6 h. after last dose, and continued 18 h.). Com-
plete loss of sexual desire for several d. At 10 p.m. on 7th took 20
dr. Symptoms of ears and voice still continued, though in less degree,
into following d., attended by slight ringing in ears, which on 9th
became constant roaring as from a shell, with feeling as if a fine thread
were tied tightly round neck just below ears. All this continued for a
week, and then gradually died away. Roaring was not relieved by
pressing finger into ear.
b. Nov. 22nd, took 5 dr. of 6th dil., prepared as before, at 10 p.m.
After a few m., dull bruised feeling in forehead, most severe on r. side,
worse on movement, when it feels as if brain were loose.
This con-
tinued till next m., when it was even more marked. P.m. on 23rd,
for 2-3 h., severe stinging pain in region of heart, extending through
chest to point of 1. scapula, with frequent desire for deep inspiration,
which yet increases pain. At 10.30 p.m. took 10 dr. In 1 h. sensa-
tion in bowels as if diarrhoea would come on, with aching in rectum.
24th.-Dull aching in r. molars, upper and lower, relieved by dinner,
violent irritation to cough while eating, observed at each meal; at
4.30 p.m. pungent drawing pain in 1. occiput, with similar pain in 1.
nostril and feeling as if coryza would ensue. Much tough mucus in
larynx, with constant desire to hawk and raise it, but without relief,
worse at n., but troublesome all d. At 11 p.m. took 15 dr. 25th.—
Dull headache and slight bruised feeling in forehead nearly all d. ; again
sensation in bowels as if diarrhoea would come on, with the aching in
rectum. At 11 p.m. took 20 dr. Frontal aching increased soon
after, with pungent tingling sensation in occiput. After h. tingling
crawling sensation in lower extremities. 26th.-After breakfast,
griping below umbilicus, relieved by emission of very offensive flatus ;
dull pain in region of heart, with same and also weight in 1. upper arm,
especially elbow. In e., aching in throat, as if lump were sticking in
gullet; feeling as if thread were tied tightly round neck just below
ears, with slight roaring in these; frequent forcible eructation of taste-
less flatus; aching in pharynx and collection of tough mucus in fauces,
744
RUMEX.
with slight irritation to cough. At II p.m. again took 20 dr. 27th.-
During stool prickling itching on buttocks (also on following d.); after
singing in e. dull frontal ache with heat and redness of face, which
went off on repeating dose at 10 p.m. 28th.-Much tough mucus in
fauces, which is very difficult to eject, raw pain while doing so under
each clavicle; at n. raw stinging at mid-sternum, a little to 1. ; after
lying down in bed dull pain in 1. side near back, just above last true rib;
this happened again on following_n., which was very restless and
dreamful, as were all up to that of Dec. 6th. On that of 1st burning
stinging pain near heart returned, it gradually moved to 2 in. above
and to 1. of nipple, and continued some time, increased on deep
breathing and by lying on back or r. side, relieved by lying on 1. side.
During this d. severe aching in r. molars, relieved by rinsing mouth
with cold water; itching on buttocks and calves. Sexual desire again
diminished during this proving. (Amer. Hom. Rev., ii, 69.)
7. a. Dr. H. M. PAINE, æt. 28, took 10 dr. of tinct., and after h.
had cutting pain at pit of stomach for 5 m. while riding in open air. No
other effect followed this dose, or one of 6 dr. taken 2 d. later.
Twelve d. later took 10 dr. again, and 15 dr. next d. On 1st d. felt
unusually sensitive to cold; on 3rd d., at II
II a.m. and 8 p.m.,
darting pain in 1. head for h.; during 4th d. burning pain in stomach
and abdomen, and at 11 a.m. dull aching through forepart of head;
also acute momentary pain at pit of stomach. Seven d. after he took
doses of 10, 15, and 20 dr. during 8 d. with no result save a burning
pain at pit for a short time after the first. He now, 2 mo. later, took
repeated doses of 10 and 15 dr. for 34 d. On 2nd d. he woke about
2 a.m., had soreness for few m. in whole 1. chest after turning to that
side, and slight pain in head before breakfast. On 3rd d., at 7 a.m.,
deep inspiration caused stitches round waist, and at one time p.m.,
while riding, a very acute stitch along 1. margin of sternum. On 6th
d. acute lancinating pain a little to 1. of sternum and under 1. breast, and
at 3 p.m., while writing, fine stitches for a while in substance of 1. lung.
On 7th d., while at dinner, momentary slight stitch at lower edge of 1.
ribs; frequent small passages of fœtid flatus at n. On 27th and 35th
d. momentary shooting pains in various parts of chest during e. On
7th d. frequent desire to urinate; on 8th desire less frequent but
more urgent; and same urgency recurred on 19th, 20th, 27th and
28th d. On 2nd n. unpleasant dream of murders; several such, of
accidents, losses, &c., during 6th n., and again on several other n. up
to the 29th. On e. of 18th d. his attention was called to an eruption
then getting troublesome, though he remembered it had been present
most of the time, composed of very abundant minute red pimples situated
on lower extremities--especially on posterior surface and inner side of
knees; it caused from this time violent itching on undressing at n. ;
by 24th d. scratching had developed many little pustules, most numerous
about knees, at which point eruption lasted longest; itching was felt
occasionally at other times, and once on arms also; scratching relieved
it much, though causing some burning.
b. Two years later, Dr. P
recommenced proving, taking 10 dr.
of tinct. at I p.m. on Feb. 7th without effect. 9th.-Repeated dose
RUMEX.
745
at 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. For 2 h. after former sensation as of hard
substance in pit of stomach. 10th.—At 10 a.m. took 10 dr. During
d. frequent inclination to urinate, with feeling as if urine could not
long be retained. While undressing at n., and for some time after,
considerable itching on lower extremities; this recurred following e.
16th. At 9.30 p.m. 10 dr. 17th.-After 4 a.m. very unpleasant
dream of burglars. Repeated dose at 7.30 a.m. and 9 p.m. Itching
of legs again felt in e. as before. Sleep disturbed; wakeful and rest-
less; short naps, and unpleasant fancies even in waking intervals.
Took another dose at 9 p.m. 19th.-Itching of extremities began
about 1 h. before retiring last n., and again on waking this m. Nothing
is visible till after scratching, when a temporary diffused redness appears.
For several d. unusual sensation of heaviness in epigastrium, occurring
immediately after eating and lasting h. (Trans. of Amer. Inst. of
Hom. for 1858; and Amer. Hom. Rev., ii, 33.)
8. a. Dr. W. E. PAYNE took 15 dr. of tinct. one e.
After 10 m.,
weight in stomach, as from undigested food, pressing upwards as far
as throat-pit,-this sensation continued (for an h.) till he fell asleep.
In m. on waking felt nauseated, with movement in intestines as from a
cathartic. Took 5 dr., whereupon weight at epigastrium recurred, but
it was not so great,—rather a sensation as of a hard body there; it was
somewhat increased by food, and continued for 4 h. Three d. later
he took 6 dr., when same sensations came on; feeling at throat-pit
descended towards stomach at every empty swallowing, but immediately
returned; after lasting 2 h. this condition gradually abated, but
returned after dinner and continued 2 h. or more.
b. Dr. P- now took repeated doses of 10 dr. of 1st dil. during 6
d. (none on 4th d.). On 2nd d. recurrence of sensation at epigastrium
&c., 15 m. after taking drug. On 3rd d. aching and sense of great fatigue
in loins, also of lassitude in lower limbs and aching in calves, as after
long walking or standing, worse when moving, relieved by lying down.
On 4th d., m., sore pain at 1. sacro-iliac juncture, increased by stooping
and rising; in a few h. pain became general over loins, and felt like
that resulting from a strain,-it was increased by any sudden move-
ment; p.m. it somewhat abated, and was succeeded by pulsative sen-
sation in muscles of nates. On 7th d. awoke with bruised sensation
in brain, increased by moving or stooping; it continued until noon,
and suddenly disappeared after dinner.
c. He last took 3rd dil., repeating it 2 d. later. Previous sensation of
undigested food recurred 3 h. after 1st dose, continued (after a 2nd dose)
through afternoon, but went off in n. On 3rd d., after h. sudden and
prolonged sneezing. On 4th m., after stool, which was diarrhoeic, relaxed
sensation with rumbling continued for some h., as if another evacuation
would follow. Nothing occurred, however, till 5th d., during which
he had 5 copious liquid stools, with colic pains just above hypogastrium,
disagreeable rumbling in bowels, nausea and loss of appetite; motion
would pour away in full stream, as if a large quantity were coming,
then be suddenly arrested, and inclination go off, but on rising the
urgency came on again, and on returning to cabinet a fresh stream
poured forth. Besides the actual evacuations, there were frequent
746
RUMEX.
urgings during d., which, however, could be restrained. (He had
awaked this m. with acid stomach and eructations of sour flatus.) On
6th d. there was stili nausea and want of appetite. (Trans. of Amer.
Inst. for 1858.)
9. Dr. CLARK WRIGHT took two doses of 6th dil. In 3 d. he was attacked (with-
out cause) with a severe cough, such as he had never before experienced, dry and spas-
modic at first, coming on in paroxysms preceded by tickling in throat-pit and attended
with determination of blood to and slight pain in head and wrenching pain in r. chest;
the most violent paroxysms occurred a few m. after lying down at n., and lasted
10-15 m. This state continued about 2 weeks, when expectoration of adhesive
mucus, in small quantities, set in, and lasted a fortnight more. Some medicines
were taken in latter stages of cough, without obvious results. (Ibid., 1860.)
On
10. Dr. B. F. BOWERS, Nov. 26th, 1860, took a few pellets of 12th dil. at
10 p.m. Woke next m. with pain in bowels, relieved by emission of flatus; pain
also below and anterior to nipple, mostly r., and in larynx, mostly 1. There was
during d. borborygmus and eructation; itching in anus; headache with coryza and
hawking of mucus from larynx : in e., burning of palms. Dec. 3rd.-Repeated dose
at 9 p.m. In 3 m. itching at various spots; 7 m., eructation; 12 m., hacking cough;
also burning of palms again, and ringing in ears. Troubled dreams at n.
waking in m. flatulency, with sensation in tongue and mouth as if burnt. 24th.-At
8.40 p.m. took 30th. During next h. experienced a few of foregoing symptoms,
especially flatulence and itchings; also sense of breathlessness. On another d. took
12th dil. at 9.20 p.m. In first h. felt vertigo, pain above umbilicus, borborygmus,
eructation, yawning, flow of saliva, hawking of mucus. At 10.20 pain over r. eye-
brow; at 10.23 hiccough, pain in 1. temple, itching in 1. side of face; at 10.35 (pain
in eyebrow continuing) sensation of stoppage in 1. ear and return of burning in palms.
(Amer. Hom. Rev., ii, 31.)
II. a. W. KELLY, æt. 18, sound and vigorous, proved under direc-
tion of Dr. H. C. Preston. He took daily doses of tinct. (4 p.m.), 5 dr.
on 1st d., 10 dr. on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 5 dr. on 5th, I dr. on 6th and
7th d. After the 7th d. his distress augmented so much that he was
unwilling to continue the proving; and the evolution of symptoms
went on for 15 d. more. The action of the drug was chiefly charac-
terised by pains, numerous, varied, and of frequent recurrence, from
which hardly any part escaped. They were all transient, intervals
occurring of 10 m.—1 h.
I h. Some were so severe that prover asked for
an antidote; and they mostly prevented study, though not active occu-
pation. They ceased about II a.m., and recommenced a few h. or
less after 4 p.m. dose.
b. From 1st to 9th d. his nights were very restless, sleep broken and
unrefreshing, or disturbed with vivid dreams; he jumped and tumbled
in bed, walked about room, and talked in sleep. Dreams were extra-
ordinary and terrific. On 9th d. they were pleasant, and on 10th he
slept well. Several times during 1st d. there was dizziness. Three
h. after taking 1st dose head began to ache, and ached severely till he
went to sleep, towards midnight; it returned on waking, and continued.
till noon next d. Headache was dull on 3rd d., very severe 5th-9th
d.; it most frequently affected the temples, but was twice felt in occi-
put, twice over r. eye, and on 12th d. in forehead.
C. On 2nd d. there was nasty taste in mouth, and tongue was
heavily coated. On 3rd d. pains were severe in gastric region; on 4th
dull and heavy, towards cardiac orifice; on 5th severe on waking in
m., and frequent, tongue again heavily coated. There was tickling in
throat soon after taking drug, and throat then became a little sore.
RUTA.
747
On
On 6th d. pyrosis after dinner; constant inclination to urinate.
8th d. pains severe in stomach; throat dry, and deglutition difficult;
anorexia, constipation. On 9th d. same dryness of throat; on 10th
hoarseness; on 11th pain in stomach on waking (3rd d. of constipation);
on 12th anorexia.
All the other symptoms belong to the pains described above.
(United States Fourn. of Hom., i, app., 27.)
RUTA.
Ruta graveolens, L. Rue. Nat. Ord., Rutaceæ.
I. Provings.-I. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Med. Pura, vol. iv of original,
vol. ii of translation. Contains 26 symptoms from self, 259 from 8
associates, and 3 from authors.
2. [No information as to dose or prover.] Burning in abdomen. Pressure in
abdomen, then great emptiness. Frequent rumbling in belly. Great drowsiness.
after a meal. Drowsy, a.m. Weight in belly. Little appetite, dislike to meat and
vegetables. Starting in midday siesta and jerking of foot. Formication on thighs so
that he must scratch, on the side on which he is not lying. (HERING, Archiv, xv, 1,
187.)
3. [As No. 2.] Pressive shooting pain over whole forehead, especially while
coughing (2 h.); a thick red stripe, like a long swelling, extending from root of nose
and inner margin of eyebrows up to each frontal eminence, not tender; mucus in
both canthi, m., constantly reproduced on wiping it away; he sees distant objects
more clearly than usual (prover was myopic); after meal of bread and butter pinch-
ing at r. side of stomach region, soon going off again; soft stool; he passes water
frequently and copiously, without painful feeling; in e. after lying down explosive
cough, with much expectoration of tenacious stringy mucus,-it returned several times
in less strength during n., and when worst threatened to end in vomiting; he was
wakened about midnight by a choking cough, with scraping at upper chest, without
pain and with little and infrequent expectoration; dyspnoea and shortness of breath;
cramp-like throbbing pain in middle of r. thigh, afterwards in both at once,-after
this had gone off similar pain on outer side of 1. leg below knee, that soon went away
in turn; at n. pain in both thighs, as though violently grasped and squeezed in
hands; he woke at 4 a.m. with dull tearing pain in sacrum, that only went off about
9 a.m.; great lassitude in legs, walking very difficult from sense of heaviness in them;
sleepless, restless n., he must lie now here, now there, without heat of body, or
cough, or thoughts that hinder sleep; was obliged to rise 3 times in n. to micturate,
and passed an unusually large amount of urine; coldness creeps over him, especially
up back. (HARTLAUB U. TRINKS, Arzn., i. 319.)
Ι
4. a. May 28th, 1856, e., and 29th, m., took I dr. 7th dil. of
leaves of R. Sleep full of remembered dreams. Burning shooting in
chest, especially under sternum, like pain of ulceration, m.
Sore pain
on 1. ring-finger. Shooting above r. knee as if ulcerated when standing
and walking. Drowsy, head heavy, confused. For 2 successive m.
very weak sight, as if eyes were too distended. Shooting pressure
deep in orbit. Tired pain in eyes when reading.-June 1st. Dis-
locative pain in r. shoulder, stiffness of neck, m. Itching at corner of
mouth. Perspiration when walking in open air, p.m. Distension of
abdomen, e.
b. March 4th, 1857, took 2 dr., 4th dil., 5 times in the d. Fre-
quent chills and shivering all d. Much yawning, especially noon,
also after eating. Pain in back and sacrum, especially tearing, squeezing,
748
RUTA.
shooting. Cramp in 1. sole, e. Vivid remembered dreams, n.-5th.
Exhaustion, weight in head and limbs, m. Loss of appetite for break-
fast. Nape and shoulders painful as if stiff, aching. Tensive pain in
brain, shooting in 1. frontal protuberance. Frequent eructation, in-
odorous flatus. Pressure on r. scapula with shivering. Shooting and
pressure from apex of scapula into back. Shooting in 1. portal bone
when reading. Shooting and pressure above 1. eyebrow. Drowsy,
p.m., uncommonly exhausted, relieved by walking. After taking
walk, e., cheerful but very fatigued and inclined to lie down. Back-
ache and heaviness of limbs, which went off when working; urine
dark yellow. 6th. After 8 a.m., when reading, headache, pressure in
occiput, frequent sneezing and yawning with chilliness. Lies long
awake, n.; head affected internally, not painful, cannot sleep on account
of it. Itching and tearing in thighs and back, n. Tiresome, persistent,
vivid dreams.—8th. On rising, m., pinching in abdomen, eructation.
Empty feeling, creeping in stomach, no appetite. Pressure, tension,
weight in occiput. Dazed feeling; confusion in head; difficulty of
thinking from calculating and writing for a few m. Heaviness in fore-
head and pressive pain in occiput, stiff neck. Burning and soreness in
outer canthi. Pressure betwixt scapulæ, p.m. Shooting in shoulders.
Hands and soles cold. Dull persistent shoot in forehead after slight
work and straining eyes. Itching and smarting in eyelids, e.
Per-
sistent, tiresome dreams, n.-9th. Confused heavy head, with tension
in forehead, shooting and smarting in canthi as from dust, m. Boring.
in throat at 10 a.m. After dinner very exhausted, drowsy, head heavy.
After sleeping for h. frequent yawning, lachrymation of eyes, heavi-
ness of head after reading for a short time, flatulence. No sleep till
1 a.m., thoughts seem to hover in the distance, rapid succession of
thoughts disturb sleep. Sleeps from 3 to 4 a.m. without being re-
freshed, awake from 5 a.m., and cannot get to sleep again, heavy head.
(SCHELLING, A. h. Z., lxxxiv, 44.)
5. Dr. VAN DE WARKER took 10 min. doses of the oil at 9.5, 9.30,
and 9.55 p.m.
After first dose there was warmth in stomach and
sense of uneasiness in head. After second, uneasiness in stomach, pain
in back, oppressive feeling in head, slight confusion of ideas, and occa-
sional feeling of faintness. The third dose intensified the above sym-
ptoms, pain over kidneys was more marked, with urgent desire to
urinate. Flashes of heat passed over body, and there was an inde-
scribable sense of nervousness, which created a fear that an overdose
had been taken. The confusion of mind was controllable by an effort
of will, as also was the general feeling of nervousness. Pulse was in-
creased in frequency. Gait was unsteady. Pain at stomach was in
great measure appeased by drinking milk. For several h. after the
desire to micturate was constantly present. During n. the effect of
the rue was that of any narcotic drug upon him-but little sleep and
great restlessness. (Sphygmographic tracings of pulse showed its energy
diminished.) (Criminal Abortion, Boston, 1872, p. 80.)
II. Poisonings.-1. a. M. PUEL, a pharmacist, in August plucked
a number of specimens of R. in fruit. Next n. had violent itching on
upper surface of hands, which were studded over with red spots. Next
RUTA.
749
m. in place of these red spots there were vesicles filled with transparent
fluid, very red at their base; there were more of these vesicles between
the fingers than on the rest of hand; they were in groups, some of
which seemed connected with others by a red track of peculiar
appearance, something like the tracks made by the Acarus scabiei.
The itching continued to increase, and on the 2nd d. the vesicles had
developed and covered both hands almost completely, especially the r.,
which had been most engaged in plucking and manipulating the plant;
the general appearance was very much that of a sarcoptic eruption.
At the end of 2 d., during which the itching continued, especially at
n., when it became intolerable, the groups of vesicles were sufficiently
close to effect a junction with one another, and the appearance at the
points of junction was as though the hands had been imperfectly
blistered with cantharides. This condition continued for 10 to 12 d.,
after which the inflammation diminished and the epidermis exfoliated.
But 2 or 3 weeks after the apparent cure, there appeared small vesicles
on several parts of hands, filled with the same sort of liquid and
arranged in groups, just as though they had been caused by some ani-
malcule. When the hands were nearly healed, the toes of both feet
became the seat of some itching, and there appeared on those parts
groups of vesicles precisely similar to those on the hands.
b. Next year, in June, M. Puel gathered some specimens of R. in
flower. Though he took the greatest precaution to touch the plant as
little as possible, he was even much more severely affected than in the
previous year. He was ill for 3 weeks, and his hands presented a
lamentable appearance, just as though they had been scalded with
boiling water, so excoriated were they. The r. hand especially, which
had touched the plant with the ends of the forefinger and thumb, was
literally one big wound from the wrist to the tips of the fingers. An
intense pain which attended the eruption compelled him to keep his bed
for 5 or 6 d. (SOUBEIRAN, Gaz. Hebdom., viii, 720.)
2. PLINY says that a gardener who was working among R. got
erysipelas of hands and forehead. (Hist. Nat., i, 20, c. xiii. In
Wibmer.)
3. BULLIARD says a large dose causes restlessness, fever with
yawning, dryness of mouth, and pains in throat. By handling it for a
considerable time it inflames the skin, and the hands swell. (Plant. ven.
de la France. In Wibmer.)
4. After cutting a quantity of the herb in June, and stripping the
leaves from the stalks, he observed next m. great redness and heat of
both hands. The 3rd d. the redness and pain had increased so much
that the hands looked as if they had been exposed to hot steam. They
were smeared with oil; by e. they were covered with vesicles, especially
the tips of fingers. The 4th d. the hands were still much swollen, and
between the vesicles the skin was bluish-red. The 5th and 6th d. the
swelling had spread over back of arm up to elbow. The vesicles were
opened and covered with a compress of chamomile and elder flowers.
In 4 weeks the whole skin of the hands desquamated, even on the parts
where there had been no vesicles. (ROTH, Buchner's Toxicol., 265.
In Wibmer.)
4:1"
750
RUTA.
5. A girl who had already had a child when only 16, some years
afterwards got pregnant and consulted a woman, by whose advice she
made a decoction with three fresh roots of R., which she drank,
and soon afterwards she had horrible pains in stomach, and felt so ill
that she thought she must die. Objects appeared to her enveloped in
a fog, her gait was unsteady, the knees gave way, she felt stupefied as
if intoxicated. Then she vomited violently; what came up was
streaked with blood. After this had lasted all n. she felt better m., but
she had later at first slight, then severe attacks of colic, such as precede
parturition. Next d. towards e. the pains became more and more
violent, then blood was discharged in small quantity, then in large
clots, and in a few m. she aborted of a 3-4 months' fœtus, 48 h. after
taking the drug. (HÉLIE, Annal. d'Hygiène pub., xx, 180.)
6. A girl, æt. 25, between 6 and 7 months pregnant, took for
several d. an unknown quantity of decoction of R. leaves. She became
affected with persistent violent vomiting, with great pain, fever and
intense thirst. She drank a quantity of cider and wine and water, which
she immediately vomited. This state had lasted 2 d. when the doctor
saw her. In addition to the vomiting there was great weakness,
spasmodic movements of the trunk and extremities, wheel-like move-
ment of the head, incoherent talk, sleep disturbed by all sorts of con-
fused dreams. She lay in a somnolent state, but could be easily roused;
she gave rational answers, but seemed to do so with difficulty. Eyes
sunk, face red but expressionless, she looked intoxicated. Objects
appeared to her in a fog, pupils contracted, moderate fever with slow
weak pulse, heat; since the commencement of the vomiting she had
passed no stool or urine, tongue red at edges, slight pains in epigastrium.
Having ascertained that she was pregnant-though she strenuously
denied it-the doctor ordered barley water and low diet. The vomit-
ing ceased, but the other symptoms continued. Next m. the sufferings.
were increased, she complained much and screamed occasionally.
When seen at II a.m. the general state was unaltered, but she seemed
much relieved, and the vomiting had not recurred. On turning back
the bedclothes it was found that she had been delivered of twins (which
were dead), and the placenta had also come away.
There was a great
deal of blood and water in the bed. The womb was very much con-
tracted. It was ascertained that the delivery had taken place at 1 a.m.
The symptoms continued much the same during this and the following
d. She remained in a somnolent and stupefied state, answered ques-
tions with difficulty and often not at all, groaned much, she passed
stool and urine, and there was a bloody discharge. Next d. the breasts
were much swollen by the influx of milk. She was feverish, spoke
incoherently, had frequent violent convulsive movements of the limbs.
She was extremely prostrated, the vomiting returned, she threw up
green bile and all the food that was given her. Next d. the symptoms
were the same, and in the e. the secretion of milk had stopped. Next
d. she still lay in state of prostration, somnolence, and stupefaction, she
could hardly be roused to speak, her mind was confused, and she was
semi-delirious. The tongue was thickly furred, red, covered with
yellow slime, very swollen, and there was great flow of saliva. Pupils
SABADILLA.
751
still contracted, eyes sunk, objects only dimly perceived, pulse weak,
slow but regular, 50; skin cooler than normal; head tossed from one
side to the other, violent rotatory motion of arms; pressive pain in
epigastrium; the womb had got to its natural size, but the bilious
vomiting continued; the lochia had ceased. The next 2 d. there was
little change, except that the vomiting was less. Pulse 50, skin
warmer, but the tumefaction of the skin soon fell, the pulse became
very weak, and sank to 30 or 40. Less salivation. The urine was
passed involuntarily, the bowels ceased to act, and the body exhaled a
mouse odour. The features became more distorted, eyes sunken,
weakness and emaciation increased. On the 13th d. a remarkable
change ensued, the symptoms of poisoning disappeared, and she fell into
a state resembling typhoid fever. The soporous state went off, but the
prostration increased, the spasmodic movements of body and head
ceased, but those of the arms continued; she became more observant.
Her complexion, which was normally very fair, had a yellowish-brown
hue; she did not dream so much; the pulse was still weak and slow,
45; the heat of the body was under the normal. In the e. she had a
slight attack of fever; the tongue, which was now of normal size, was
soft and moist, thirst considerable, less bilious vomiting; bladder dis-
tended with urine, 2 to 3 pints were drawn off by the catheter with
great relief. During the following days improvement made rapid pro-
gress, and she made a good recovery. (Ibid.)
7. A girl between 4 and 5 months pregnant took for several d. large
doses of the juice expressed from the leaves. She had drowsiness,
prostration, extraordinary debility, weak, slow pulse, coldness of skin,
and constant but not convulsive movements of limbs, especially arms;
great swelling and inflammation of tongue, with profuse salivation.
The 6th d. after the commencement of the symptoms of poisoning
the foetus came away, and the intensity of the symptoms declined.
The symptoms of poisoning lasted in all 12 d., after which they gradu-
ally went off and the girl recovered. (Ibid.)
SABADILLA.
Asagræa officinalis, L. Cevadilla. Nat. Ord., Melanthaceæ.
I. Provings.-I. HAHNEMANN.*-Painful pressure at r. temple
from within outwards (10 h.); burning itching within lobules of ears,
without external redness or heat; burning in stomach; bruised pain in
anterior muscles of thighs while walking, worse when touching parts;
creeping sensation in limbs. (STAPF's Beiträge.)
2. GROSS.-Painful pressure, with dizziness, in sinciput and temples,
with occasional painful stitches, followed by drawing sensation, in
back; painful beating in 1. temple; pain in 1. occiput, as if a sore place
were strongly pressed; flying heat with redness of face; painful
"C were
* Of this and the following provings we are simply told that the symptoms
obtained upon perfectly healthy persons by means of a tincture prepared from 1 part
of the powdered seeds and 20 parts of alcohol." It would seem that single doses of a
few drops each were taken.-EDS.
1
752
SABADILLA.
drawing from below upwards in r. eye and temple to vertex; pressure
on eyeballs, worse on looking up; copious epistaxis, twice (quite
unusual). Rawness and scraping in throat, he must hawk continually
(h.); feeling like heartburn (10 m.); nausea, relieved by somewhat
bitter eructations; feeling of nausea and distress with languor, she
feels as though sinking and must sit down; pain below scrob. cordis on
pressure and especially during inspiration, as if a sore place were pressed
upon; internal slightly digging pain above scrob. cordis to l., for
several d. the spot resents frequent handling; great burning in stomach
and up chest as high.
chest as high as throat-pit; sudden constriction of breathing at
scrob. cordis, with anxietas; painful boring in hypogastrium, especially
at a spot on r. hip; digging up in r. lobe of liver, extending to 1., and
therewith paroxysmally a painful transverse drawing, also similar
digging in forehead, pressure relieves latter, but liver feels sore under
it. Towards e. she has constant urging to micturate, only a few
drops coming, after which urging becomes more violent, therewith
drawing and burning in urethra (relieved by pulsatilla). Tosses r. arm
upwards with sudden and painful jerk; tearing at r. side of knee at each
step; her knees feel weary, as if they would give way; painful drawing
in all limbs, heaviness in legs, so that walking becomes troublesome to
her. Suddenly great lassitude, so that her eyes irresistibly close; lassi-
tude in all limbs, he sweats on making any exertion, also at n. in bed,
which is quite unusual. Very restless sleep, tossing about in bed and
much dreaming. Vexation at every trifle. (Ibid.)
3. HARTLAUE.-Pressive tensive pain in forehead (h.); corrosive
burning at spot on vertex ; burning creeping over eyebrows; redness of
face, which is hot without feeling so; painful boring behind 1. ear, in
parotid glands, lower jaw and submaxillary glands (3 h.); burning-
creeping shooting sensation behind ear; itching-creeping on nose.
Burning-crawling shooting sensation in palate; feeling of constriction
deep in throat, as after an astringent drink; repulsive burning-sweetish
taste in mouth, aggravated during his accustomed smoke, but going off
while eating (3 h.); corrosive burning stomach-ache (3 and 7 h.); in
gastric and hepatic regions internal painless warmth; feeling as if
hepatic region were scraped with back of knife, crampy drawing toge-
ther of abdominal muscles, 1. side, with burning pain, he bent double
towards 1. with it; abdomen, hands, and chest covered with red pin's-
head spots, redder in open air, not raised. Burning in urethra, inde-
pendently of micturition, but with urging to micturate. Burning pain
in 1. chest (5 h.); burning-creeping shooting sensation between
scapulæ; red patches on 1. arm, occasionally also red points, not
raised, causing no itching but only a hot sensation, and remaining even
when exposed to air (2 h.); red elevated streak transversely across 1.
forearm; redness of one hand and red spots upon it; both hands are
dotted with red spots, especially 1.; fine burning stitch in tips of 1.
fingers, followed by glowing heat there, while rest of hand was very
cold (8 h.); shooting sensation in both thighs at same time; in front
of 1. knee a white blister with red border and burning pain; tremulous
sensation and actual trembling in all limbs (1-2 h.). Yawning and
stretching; burning-creeping sensation here and there. Drowsiness,
SABADILLA.
753
which weighed down his eyes (5 h.). The spots and streaks mentioned
became redder in the cold. (Ibid.)
4. HERING.-Head is oppressed and heavy, as if he must hold it
constantly, for some d.; thinking is difficult and gives her a head-
ache, save for this she has a strong inclination to laugh at everything,
but afterwards feels indifferent, almost apathetic; intellect seems
greatly stimulated, even strained, but emotions are dull and cold,-after
a few d. opposite condition supervenes; continued attention causes
headache; throbbing headache in r. forehead, afterwards higher up
(1 h.),—it lasted 2 h., then decreasing gradually, but head remained
painful all d.; slight pressive pain in forehead over 1. eye, then also in
temple (10 h.); slight headache in 1. vertex (2 h.); painful heaviness,
first only in r. forehead, then extending to 1., and finally affecting whole
head continuously, it increases during movement and then becomes
vertiginous (1st d.); constant headache, like a weight, 1st d. only in
forehead, following d. in whole head, less violent when staring or
reflecting; dull feeling in forehead (not exactly a pain), as if she had
received a blow, therewith heaviness of limbs (2 h.); slight jerking
frontal headache, first r., then 1.; fine slight pricking stitches in skin
of forehead when becoming warm and going upstairs quickly (2nd d.);
heat in face after warm drink (1st d.); heat and pricking itching here
and there on face (11 h., e.); redness of face and hands; reddened
edges of lids, and feeling in eyes as if inflammation would set in:
burning feeling in 1. eye, as if something corrosive had got into it,
going off and recurring (1 h.) ; lachrymation for several d. when going
into open air, looking at bright light, coughing, or yawning, also at least
pain elsewhere; aching pressing otalgia (internal); crackling in ear,
and humming on pressing air into it; violent itching on 1. cheek, with
spots on face like herpes, not disappearing till after some d. (1st and
2nd d.); contractive biting sensation in nose, as from mustard. Lower
jaws, when touched, are painful like swollen glands (for several d.);
cracking in both maxillary articulations (especially r.) on opening
mouth in m., as if they were quite loose,-not painful or disagreeable
(2nd d.); slight beating and drawing in teeth, not continuous, gene-
rally during a walk; small stitches from above downwards in r. upper
teeth; intermittent pressive pain inside 1. cheek where teeth meet, not
affected by contact (10 h.); pinching dull stitches on tip of tongue,
mostly to r., coming and going (6 h.); tongue thickly coated, mostly
whitish-yellow, especially in middle and behind (several d.); tongue
white-coated, but tip (as also gums) bluish (2nd d.); throat feels in-
wardly swollen (8 h.); he is constantly obliged to swallow, in doing
so has pain behind larynx as if something was lodged there,-also
scratching and roughness, so that he is continually hawking (3rd d.,
worst in m., but lasting all d., especially after eating); much mucus in
throat first thing in m.; thirst for cold water, especially e. (1st d.) ;
increased thirst, he has, contrary to custom, to drink even early in m. ;
no appetite for dinner, but in e. canine hunger (Ist d.); he eats break-
fast with avidity for several d.; frequent painful eructations, which
frequently reach only to middle of chest, as if impeded (several d.) ;
sour eructations, rare, but lasting some d.; great aversion to all food,
VOL. III.
48
754
SABADILLA.
and yet hunger (1st d.); nausea before dinner, ceasing after it; some
nausea, inclination to vomit, and anxious feeling, immediately after a
meal; burning in stomach and along whole gullet (immediately, lasting
10 m., and then gradually subsiding); intermitting pinching pressure
deep in epigastrium (5 m.); pinching stitch behind heart, worse on in-
spiration (6 h.); while sitting, p.m., he is suddenly seized with violent
stitch-like pain in r. side below last rib, bringing tears to his eyes, on
twisting himself for relief pain suddenly attacks 1. side, and then the
two pains seem to meet in mid-abdomen,—they lasted altogether
20 m. (1st d.); paroxysmal borborygmus; intermittent, slow, blunt
stitches, as from a blow, in 1. lumbar region (1st d., e.). Violent
urging to stool, with little result, therewith increased headache (5—7 h.
after a strong dose); during moderate urging to stool flying jerking
drawing in genital region, as if in spermatic cords (3rd d.); after a
large dose several stools in a d., then after several small ones no stool
for 4 d.; transient pinching-tearing in rectum (immediately). Little
urine, although he drinks more than usual; scalding in urethra during
micturition; dragging sensation along urethra to outlet while mictu-
rating (10 h.); drawing, pulsative-shooting, intermitting pain in penis
down to tip (6 h.) ; slow undulating motion in testes all d., at times
fine tingling extends from thighs to testes, after which undulation
becomes more active; intermitting bruised pain in l. testicle (10 h.);
no sexual desire for 5 d., then much with little power (5th-7th d.);
some painfully tensive erections in m., without desire. Violent sneezing
from time to time, concussing abdomen, followed by lachrymation
(3 h.); occasional sneezing, with shooting-contractive headache over
eyes and red edges of lids, as if catarrh would set in, which, however,
it does not; dryness and sensitiveness high up in nose; obstruction of
one or other nostril for several d. ; copious nasal mucus, at first thin,
whitish, and transparent, then viscid and yellowish-grey; short breath
for whole d. (1st d.); some short cough, with lachrymation. After
walking sweat on chest and in axilla, violent itching on nipple; pain
in neck on moving it (12 h.); pain from r. shoulder into chest, as if
circulation was arrested by a tight bandage, not relieved by loosening
clothes, lasts nearly all d., increased by cold and in open air, sometimes
it is felt in 1. shoulder (3 h.); simple pain, as of weariness, but more
intense, in whole back, going and coming at short intervals for most
of d., coming on while walking, not relieved by twisting body, but
yielding when sitting with back supported (1st d.); intermittent
pinching in flesh of r. upper arm, inner side (1 h.); jerking pain on
inner side of forearm, more towards hand; r. wrist is almost painfully
affected, and constantly, but worse during movement (4th d.); beating
tearing within 1. metacarpus on inner side; beating pain in r. middle
finger as if in bones (2 h.); fugitive itching tearing in 1. ring-finger
(1 h.); hangnails form; skin of hands dry and rough a.m., smooth
again p.m.; paroxysmal stitch-pain on inner r. thigh near genitals;
knees are so weak that she is unable to stand long; sweat on soles
feet somewhat swollen and very painful in walking, she would like to
walk on soft ground only, feels every little stone and cannot get along
(1st days). Intense pain in all bones, especially in joints, as if their
;
SABADILLA.
755
interior were scraped and cut with a sharp knife (r. arm was specially
affected),-it continued uninterruptedly all d., now worse, now better,
was increased by cold, relieved for a short time by moving arm very
fast, but for longer time by warmth and in n. ; a sort of slight jerking,
once only, in upper lip, then in hands, fingers, or thighs, especially of
1. side, and always from r. to l.; kind of hot feeling and slight painful-
ness at spots in skin, especially of face, more obvious when stooping,
washing with cold water relieves it, and afterwards a slight tension
replaces it, especially on 1. face (2 h.); heaviness with lassitude of
whole body, recumbent rest is very welcome (for 3 d.); he feels so
weak that he comes near to falling all the time; paralytic weariness in
all limbs, late Ist e., on waking in m. feels more weary than before,
all body aching as if it had lain on blocks of wood; after a short walk
he is suddenly attacked in the street with unaccustomed weariness and
oppression of head, almost as if he had taken spirits, his eyes half close,
and he is almost unable to get upstairs (1 h.); legs feel as if bruised,
especially about knees; she feels so bruised she would like constantly
to lie down, walking and standing become extremely irksome, weari-
ness and heaviness in all limbs, feet especially heavy, arms hang down
strengthless (2 h., lasting some time); continuous heaviness in all
limbs, compelling lying down, especially towards noon and e. (for 5
d.); staggering gait (1st d.); frequent weary yawning, with lachryma-
tion (1 h.); she is constantly obliged to yawn and stretch, which
causes cracking in shoulders and back. During first days he feels
general discomfort towards e., he gets half-sleep only with sensible
straining of mind on all kinds of thoughts, but feeling is dull, and there
is no vividness in his dreams; ideas crowding upon his mind prevent
his falling asleep for several n.; pulsation all over before falling asleep
at n.; very heavy dreamless sleep; while sitting, a.m., ever-increasing
lassitude till he falls asleep, disturbed after 2 h. he starts up as if in
affright, then head is heavy (3rd d. after a large dose); he is waked
after midnight by itching in skin; a very vivid dream of aiding people
and gladdening them. Sensitiveness to cold (1st d.); cold increases
his malaise and pains; chilliness all d.; general chilliness, followed by
a kind of warmth and as if tingling would set in, especially in thighs
(1 h.); he is shaken and waked up from sleep about I p.m. by a
momentary chill,-he then becomes warm without sweat, and has
fine prickling on forehead (2nd d.); chilliness at 9.30 p.m. so that he
went to bed, then shaking chill, so that his usual covering did not
suffice, after 1 h. alternately hot and cold for 30 m., then he became
oppressed, and sweated so profusely that he had to change his shirt,-
with the sweat continued chilliness (1st d.). He imagines all sorts of
strange things about his own body, knowing that it is all fancy, yet
seeming to perceive it actually. (Ibid.)
4
5. a. HROMADA.-Immediate effects of drug were local,-burning
in tongue, throat and gullet, salivation, nausea, retching, borborygmus;
flatulent emission, urging to stool, then some diarrhoea; with this there
was vertigo, and weight and pressure in head. After 3 h. head was as
after being fuddled, without vertigo or pain, but he felt cheerful; n.
was very restless, with pressive pain in r. thigh and r. upper arm (same
756
SABADILLA.
continued for 5 following n.). On 2nd d., and lasting 6 d., burning in
anus before stool, as if a fiery coal were there; urine somewhat copious,
and slightly tinged with blood; itching as from lice on vertex, obliging
him to scratch incessantly (lasting 2 d.). On 3rd d. vertigo while
getting into bed, so that he had to support himself; at n. excessive
itching all over body, compelling scratching, which causes a burning
(for 1 h.). On 5th d. furious itching in fingers and toes, waking him
from sleep and obliging him to scratch, which causes burning (for 1 h.);
violent pains in both thighs, as if compressed, abating somewhat while
legs are stretched, increasing at first but diminished afterwards by
movement (lasting 4 d.). Without note of time,—dulness of head
without vertigo or real aching; after-taste of ingesta; burning in
abdomen and rectum for an h. after every stool; itching of anus, with
violent burning after scratching, for 5 d.; great oppression of chest,
making him feel as if he would collapse, with great anguish at heart
(for 1 h.); a sort of scabies between r. fingers, itching much, but only
at n. in bed, nothing visible by d.; much drawing pain in whole r.
lower extremity (lasting 8 d.).
b. The following symptoms, accredited to Hromada, belong to a
female prover, who also may have supplied some of the above :-violent
itching of scalp, followed by burning, compelling scratching till blood
came (in 5 h., lasting 5 d.); frightful burning in stomach immediately
on waking, mounting up to throat, making her feel as if suffocating;
for 3 n. in succession furious itching on hands and feet, as if she had
scabies (from 2nd n.); for 5 h. on 3rd d. very lively mood, which was
not natural to her. (Ibid.)
6. LanghammeR.- [Dose seems to have been taken early in d.]
Inh., burning itching creeping and prickling on upper and under lips,
as if parts were burnt, obliging him to scratch; febrile shudder through
whole body. In h., trembling of r. hand while writing, as from
weakness; some borborygmus. In 1 h. hiccup, several times; some
stitches in muscles of 1. forearm from within outward, going off on
least movement. In 2 h. same in upper arm, with sense of pressure
near wrist, and much trembling of hand when holding or lifting any-
thing. In 2 h. some external stitches in 1. knee, while sitting. In
3-4 h. same on 1. temple; beating and twitching in muscles of 1.
upper jaw; during inspiration stitches externally on 1. chest, and same
on r. back in rapid succession; painful pressure in 1. sole while
standing. In 5 h., feeling of burning heat, heat and redness of face and
heat only in forehead, without thirst. In 6-7 h., tearing stitches
externally on 1. forehead; pricking boring pain within outwards in r.
chest during expiration, while sitting, which soon goes off on slight
movement. In 9-10 h. painful pressure from above downwards on
1. temple near ear; again stitches in 1. forearm. In 10-12 h.
stupefying oppressive sensation in forehead, causing sense of reeling
which makes him stagger from side to side as if drunk; painful pressure
on 1. temple; while writing, creeping pricks from r. thumb to index.
finger; pressive pain on 1. index, going off on movement; intermitting
stitches in muscles of r. thigh, while sitting. In 13-15 h. some
stitches in 1. abdomen, while sitting; pressive pain under elbows when
SABADILLA.
757
bending arms; when moving arm pressive pain in upper muscles;
crampy, painless drawing together of 1. little and ring fingers, while at
rest; pressive pain in I. hip, while sitting; sudden burning heat of
cheeks, with coldness of forehead, without thirst. The whole d. he
was absorbed in reverie; n. was disturbed with complicated but unre-
membered dreams; in m. he woke suddenly as from fright. (Ibid.)
7. RÜCKERT.-Vertigo as if everything were turning, especially on
rising after being seated (1 h.); vertigo as if he would faint, with
obscuration of vision (3rd d.); pressive headache on vertex, rising up
from skin of forehead, where a sort of whirling movement is experienced
(2nd d.); headache, especially after every walk; on entering room she
is attacked with a turning screwing pain, commencing in r. head,
affecting both temples very acutely, and extending over whole head
after going to bed (recurring every d.); tension of scalp, especially
during fever; shootings in temple and scalp (2nd d.); blue rings round
eyes for several d.; otalgia with crackling before ears; humming and
buzzing in ears, and sometimes sound as if something heavy had fallen
on the floor and burst, after which the ears ring for a long time; dulness
of hearing, feeling as if something were in ears. Drawing in jaws and
cheeks; frequent painful jerkings in gums, recurring daily, swelling
of uvula; burning and aching in throat, between as well as during
deglutition; throat feels internally swollen; throat feels as if tied
round with a string (3rd and 4th d.); nausea while eating, several
times. Hoarseness; short difficult breathing, especially p.m.; wheezing
in larynx on inspiration if she lies down; oppression of chest while
sitting and lying, as if a large heavy stone lay on it; palpitation, and
therewith sense of throbbing in all vessels of body. Pain in spine as if
bruised, while sitting; cramp-like jerking in elbows; yellow spots on
fingers; during whole action of drug great dryness of hands; trembling
of arms and hands; burning of knees; prickling in toes, as if "
gone
to sleep ;" cold feet; pain in limbs, especially lower, a peculiarly painful
drawing in middle of bones, compelling their stretching out, better at
rest, each movement evoking feeling of weight and stiffness; in move-
ment and walking his joints crack; bruised pain at various spots, now
here, now there, acutely felt but transient. Considerable pricking
under skin all over, lasting some d., especially in toes; great weariness
and heaviness in all limbs, especially legs; relaxation of whole body;
violent tremor of body, especially 3rd d. Constant desire to sleep, even
in daytime. Chill with goose skin and moderate thirst; flying heat
all d., most a.m., alternated with chilliness; febrile condition, he feels
ill, anxious, restless, starts readily, breath short and hot, tremor, strong
ebullition of blood, eyes languid and unsteady; it is as if everything—
even the air-quivered before her, there is irresistible desire for sleep,
with yawning, icy-cold shudders without shaking, constant nausea;
heat only at n. and on rising in m., mostly inward-hands, forehead,
lips and cheeks only being hot to touch, hands always dry and rough,
mouth in m. very dry and sticky, thirst moderate but appetite for savoury
food, no sweat (this for two weeks, daily the same). Fearfulness,
starting at least noise. (Ibid.)
8. SCHÖNKE.-Flush of heat over face, cheeks are red and burn ;
758
SABADILLA.
shooting in r. auricle (2 h.). Shooting pain in an anterior 1. lower molar,
extending towards ear, lasting some m. (4 h.); scraping in throat with
confluence of saliva (later, sweetish) in mouth (immediately); he feels
as if a soft body had stuck in his throat, felt most on swallowing;
scraping in throat, when swallowing he feels as if uvula were resting
on tongue, and this troublesome feeling causes him to hawk, which
brings up a sweet flat-tasting mucus; burning and pressure in throat
which feels during empty deglutition as if a plug were fixed there (20
h.); dryness and roughness in throat on swallowing (2 h.); tensive
clawing sensation in parotid, with increased flow of saliva on that side
(1 h.); sweetish taste in mouth, as if he had chewed liquorice (1 h.) ;
empty tasteless eructations with shuddering feeling over body, after
which a preceding qualmishness goes off; nausea and inclination to
vomit, he spits up insipid water all the time (1 h.); feeling of warmth
in r. hypochondrium (soon) and (1 h.) in præcordia; dull shooting
pain to 1. of scrob. cordis; shooting in r. side, especially in hepatic
region (6th d.). Oppression on chest (7 h.); violent cough (immedi-
ately); nightly dry cough, which allows him no rest,—he is hot with
it and sweats; short dry cough, brought on by scraping sensation in
throat; shooting in mid-chest, r., in front, during inspiration and cough-
ing, it wakes him several times in n., he cannot lie on that side,-there-
with cough with expectoration, frequently recurring during n.; shoot-
ing in l. side, at first more in upper than in lower part, worse when
coughing and inspiring deeply. Violent pain about sacro-iliac sym-
physis while bending; pain in sacrum, with shivering; pain near ant.
sup. spinous process of ilium, relieved by walking about and pressing
upon it, worse when sitting (1 h.). Sudden cramp in r. hand, he is
unable to grasp anything with it (2 h.). Shuddering runs over back,
he feels chilly through whole body (3 h.); frequently recurring shud-
dering and shaking, soon passing off, without immediately following
heat and without thirst, he then feels hot all of a sudden, especially in
face—as if hot breath were coming out of mouth and nose and warming
all the neighbouring parts, no thirst, body generally feeling comfortable
and head bright (the shudderings recurred 8-10 times within a short
space, the attacks of heat came seldomer, but lasted longer); during
burning heat in face a chill runs over whole body, especially extremi-
ties (2 h.); violent chill at 5 p.m., coldness runs through back as if
cold water had been poured there, and teeth chatter with the internal
chilliness, the stove brings some relief, and after 2 h. the chill goes
gradually off, and body becomes warm with some sweat on forehead
(during following n. shooting in chest with cough). (Ibid.)
9. SCHULZ.-Ist d., violent shooting in 1. ear. 2nd d., vertigo, as
if he would fall. 3rd d., stitches in r. hand; drawing through all limbs,
and feeling as if paralysed. 4th d., shooting in r. chest, between 3rd
and 4th ribs (recurring 6th and 7th d.); erysipelatoid inflammation
over r. tibia, with violent burning pain; flying stitches in whole body,
now here, now there. 5th d., weariness in legs. 6th d., vertigo,
everything goes round; shooting in r. knee. 7th d., vertigo, more
while sitting than while standing; shooting pain in head, especially in
forehead. Without note of time,-cramp in r. hand, especially in
SABADILLA.
759
fingers, and so violent that hand is quite stiff and fingers crooked;
shooting in r. index. (Ibid.)
10. STAPF.-On rising in m. vertigo, worse in sitting than in mov-
ing, he feels stupid in head; he had to rest head upon table whole fore-
noon till after dinner to keep off the vertigo and constant nausea (2nd
d.); gloomy in head. Painful scratching sensation in throat; thirst,
which can only be quenched for a short time; aversion to all food and
to coffee; he eats, but without appetite; continual desire to vomit;
internal shudder through abdomen; violent creeping in rectum, as
from thread-worms. Tension on chest about epigastrium, especially in
breathing. From soon after midnight, very violent tearing-tensive pain
in calves, going off almost entirely on rising (8 d. in succession).
Lassitude for several d. Restless, unrefreshing sleep. Complicated
dreams. Chilliness without thirst or subsequent heat, but itself followed
by thirst; profuse sweat after midnight. Dislike to work; vexed, in-
clined to be vehement, out of humour. (Ibid.)
tr
;
II. W. [described as "a young physician "].-Painful pressure
in r. hemisphere of brain, extending as far as 1. lower molars; pressive
pain about r. temporal bone; itching (sic) pressive headache, most
violent in forehead; e. while reading, pains in head, as if single parts
of brain were pressed against sharp corners; burning of lips as if they
had been scalded. Shooting pain in a r. lower molar, extending into
submaxillary gland († h.); tongue smarts as if sore and full of vesicles
tip of tongue and buccal cavity felt sore and scalded; disgust for meat;
slight indications of heartburn; dull shooting pressure in 1. abdomen,
as if it were somewhat sore; diarrhoea, stool looking fermented and
brown. Urine becomes thick and turbid, like loam-water (5 h.).
Strong, painful oppression on middle of chest; burning in r. chest as if
he had swallowed hot water. Painful drawing in r. elbow-joint; on
both forearms small burning-itching pimples; paralytic drawing pain-
ful rigidity in 1. thumb and index; very painful jerking in r. thumb,
relieved by grasping it; pressive drawing on outer side of 1. knee (5
m.); pressive pinching as along marrow of r. tibia, while walking;
tension at r. calf, in walking. Weak all over, as before a severe illness.
Sleepy all d., eyes constantly closing, as if he had not slept on previous
n. (Ibid.)*
II. Poisonings.-1. Rosalie K—, æt. 20, cook, took on the morning
of April 18th, 1842, for headache and pain in stomach, which she
thought was caused by worms, a quantity of powdered sabadilla seeds.
Seen at noon, she was suffering from great præcordial anxiety, was
tossing about in bed, and groaning and eructating. She did not
answer when spoken to, lay speechless and unconscious, or jumped up
to run about the room, plucking at her dress over the region of the
scrob. cordis. Her face was haggard and deathly pale, her features
distorted with an expression of extreme anxiety; she appeared drowsy,
* There are also symptoms in this pathogenesis referred to "S. G. " and " Nn.,"
and some quite anonymous; but as no mention is made of these sources in the preface, we
have thought it better to omit the symptoms belonging to them, lest they should
prove as worthless as those cited from Hartlaub and Trinks, which were observed
in a boy suffering from tape-worm before he took Sabadilla 30, and which (naturally)
disappeared after 46 ells of the worm had been passed.-EDS.
760
SABADILLA.
her eyelids were firmly closed, livid rings around the eyes, forehead
covered with cold sweat, breathing free and quick, pulse irregular and
quick, heart's beats strong, gastric region sensitive to touch and feeling
as if a heavy stone lay there. For more than I h. nausea, flow of
saliva, and vomiting of a clear, slimy fluid. Everything that was
given her, such as camomile tea, Tokay wine, eau de Cologne, was
immediately vomited. The extremities were cold; she had drawing
and shooting pains in both thighs and great dryness of hands. On
giving her a few spoonfuls of clear soup, it was immediately ejected
from the stomach. Some almond milk was then given, which was
retained, and she gradually recovered. The great thirst persisted for a
few hours, but she felt very exhausted and prostrated. When seen.
again in the e. she was enjoying refreshing sleep, had taken a little
beef-tea without sickness, and had passed a hard stool. She passed a
quiet n., and next m. was able to return to her ordinary duties.
(WEITENWEBER, Prager Monatschrift, i, 33.)
Acidum chrysophani-
cum
...
Apomorphinum
Cinnabar
•
Codeinum.
Cryptopia ...
Iodoformum.
Ipecacuanha...
11
Q
Iris
..
Jaborandi
Juglans cinerea.
..
..
- regia
Kali carbonicum
chloricum
manganicum
nitricum
Kalmia....
Kreosotum
Lachesis
Lactuca..
•
..
...
•
Lappa
Lathyrus
Ledum
Leptandra...
Lilium tigrinum
Lithium
Lobelia
•
··
•
• •
• .
• U
•
··
………….
PAGE
•
....
•
•
•
•
• + ...
•
……….
709 Melilotus
Manganum
525 Menyanthes
281 Mercurius..
528
531
I
10
18
26
38 Meconinum
40 Mezereum
INDEX.
45 Millefolium
Morphinum
""
55 Moschus
57 Murex
69 Myrica
115
119
127
130
139 Nitrum
..
141 Nux moschata
155
181
Lycopodium
vomica....
Lycopus
Enanthe
Magnesia carbonica... 191 Oleander
muriatica.....
- sulphurica
""
Opium
Origanum.
>>
73 Naja
86 Narceinum
Mag
A
J
···
···
...
biniodatus
corrosivus
cyanatus
iodatus...
præcipitatus ruber. 278
sulphuratus
...
...
·
...
chloratum
muriaticum
nitricum
sulphuricum
•
•
...
•
•
••
..
•
•
108 Narcotinum
"">
114 Natrum carbonicum... 342
···
•
PAGE
+
••
• •
··
196 Osmium
200 Pæonia ……..
••
D
Palladium.
""
201 Papaverinum
273 Paris
··
236 Petroleum.
260 Phellandrium
266 Phosphorus
•
―――――――
hydrogenatus.
281 Physostigma..
531 Phytolacca
293 Pilocarpinum
310 Plantago
498 Platinum
..
411
•
•
313 Plumbum
320 Podophyllum
322 Prunus
....
....
343 Rheum .....
344 Rhododendron
396 Rhus glabra
402
57
··
1
428|Rumex
455 Ruta..
458 Sabadilla
459 Strychninum..
532 Thebainum
•
•
+
radicans
toxicodendron
venenata
• •
328 Pulsatilla
689
531 Ranunculus acris ...... 699
700
bulbosus
sceleratus
•
•
...
•
PAGE
533
540
543
532
•
·
•
..
+
1 •
•
545
550
552
•
553
605
606
625
34
634
640
642
679
685
704
708
710
719
720
""
725
738
747
751
439
532
;
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UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
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