TH E ACTION
AND
CLASSIFICATION      OF M EDICINES
IN CONNECTION WITH THE
ANATOMY OF TEMPERAMENTS.
BY JOHN C. MORGAN, M. D.,
PiwEeSOR OF SU-RGRY IN HAHNEMANN MEDICAL COLLEGE, PHILADELPlITA, PESN.








T 1I E
TIlE
AC TION
AND
CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINE,
IN CONNECTION WITH THE
Anatomy of Temperaments.
BY JOHN C. MORGAN, M. D.,
PROFESSOR OF SURGERY IN HAHNEMANN MEDICAL COLLEGE,
PHILADELPHIA.
Ieprinted from Transactions of State Homooopathic Medical Society, 1868.
ALBANY:
VAN BEXTHUYSENI  & SONS' STEAM PRINTING IOUSE.
1868.








ACTION AND CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINE.
A living, organic body, vegetable or animal, healthy or diseased,
presents a totality of attributes, conditions and actions; the sum
of these is life.
The integrity of life depends upon the integrity of these.
Vital power is proportioned to the same. Vital power is co-operatiVe with normal agencies extraneous to it, viz: hygenic agencies.
It is antagonistic to abnormal or hostile agencies, (drugs, for
example,) the sum of the influence of life being the ordinary con.
servation of the status quis, in the first place; over and above
which is the resistance and repair afforded against the effect of
hostile agencies whereby these may even be made subservient to
the requirements of life, as antagonists to yet other similarly
hostile agencies; and besides, when acting alone, such agencies
find the living being so fortified in its life status as to offer essential resistance to encroachment without extraordinary excitement.
and with promptness and certainty; or otherwise, if the ordinary
life status be inadequate, implying a modification of such life
elements as have been provided in the original creation for the
accomplishment of this purpose, and maintained by the same
Creative Wisdom since.
This conservative life status, may, for convenience in discussing
the action of drugs, be paraphrased as "power of reaction;" "conservative power;" the effect being, not necessarily the production
of opposed conditions pursuant to their initial effect, this being
merely and occasional incident of reaction, but simply the restoration, by a more or less circuitious and complex process of the
original life status, by the correction of such of its elements as
may have been deranged; the mutual influence of the life elements
being the proximate source of such restorative action, impairment
in any one particular being directly productive, as seen in Plate I.,
and by simple physiological means of increasing power in those
which remains; these having similarity with it in having like
grouping.
This is also per se, a pathological status with remotely impaired
vitality; but under the circumstances, conservative. This is the




4
"similar disease" which cures in the form which may exist without
medication, as in spontaneous recovery; or it may be induced by
drugs, as in homoeopathic medication, though the highest similarity
operates directly in the diseased region itself.
Plate' I exhibits, under the typical form of vascular alterations
(an usual concomitant of diseases), a series of phenomena illustrating the effect of hostile action and conservative resistance, particularly in the influence of cell nutrition of any part on vascular contractility in other parts nervously associated with this, with its
concomitant influence on the nutrition of the same parts.
This corrective action of nerve currents, proceeding from well
nourished parts to others, whose nutrition and vascularity are
deranged, will presently be considered.
We next notice that, as just hinted, the maintenance of the life
status proximately depends on nutrition of all those material
parts, by which life finds expression. To this all vital effort
tends. The operation of all those agencies by which life thus
exhibits itself, may be summed up in the single technical phrase:
"nutritive erethism," expressive of the fact that a degree of
organic excitement charactizes the process of nutrition. Normal
and equable nutrition is health. Disturbance of the same is
disease.
Predominance of "nutritive erethism," in some general sphere,
may be regarded as the basis of temperament, which may be a
condition of disease, as it diverges from the health line of equable
and normal nutrition; its ordinary influence being, however, consistent with an average standard'of health; perfect equipoise being
indeed a rarity.
Nutritive erethism is itself the product of certain proximate
factors, material, dynamic and spiritual. The first includes two
elements, the organism and the plasma. The second comprises
two elements, force and stimulus. The third consists of that
spiritual element which, acknowledged as the essence of soul in
man, has been asserted also of other beings, by some, but which
clearly differs from all others in him.
Let us review these. The organism is the material structure of
cells, tissues and organs, provided for the expression of life phenomena, and to this end, arranged with exact fitness to the local
office of each, and also to their perfect co-operation in the vital
actions.
The plasma is the material of which cells, etc., are formed,




5
becoming thereby an essential factor of "nutritive erethisin."
Whilst its perfect assimilation is due to vital action, its origin is
extraneous to the organism which it is to nourish, so that it holds
an inferior relation to it as a source of morbid action-the objective point of our present study.
Force or dynamism is an essential requisite and condition of
material action. Adopting the generally acknowledged doctrine,
that there is one universal force in nature, the so called forces
being but its varied forms, due to the varied media and modes of
its expression; it follows that however complex or disguised it
may appear in vital phenomena, as germ force, cell force, nerve
force, etc., its identity is never lost.
Stimulus is of both material and immaterial sources. It may be
defined to be anything which, when applied to the organism, communicates or evokes the manifestation of force.  Adopting, as to
the former, the new chemical doctrine* that the normal status of
matter is not strictly atomic but molecular, the molecules being
composed of pairs of atoms, the possession of molecular polarity
is a legitimate inference, and molecular affinity or repulsion for
tissues and cells, already polarized by resident forces, is a necessary
consequence.
Such measured affininity for certain spheres of the body is a
constant trait of the action of medicines in addition to their purely
physical effects, so-called. Hence we have a reason for seeking to
reduce our drugs as nearly as possible to the normal status of
matter, extinguishing their massive character in molecular attenuations, which, by liberating dynamic or polarized molecules from
the control of each other in cohesion, makes their polar forces,
which, as in silex, were before lost in cohesion, manifest in
presence of the organism, no longer as cohesive but as molecular
force.
The most minute particle yet seen with the microscope is still
evidently massive, not molecular, for instance; the 9,000,000,000th
of a grain of mercury. The active molecule is vastly more minute.t
Stimuli are either physiological or pathological. The former, if
abnormal in degree, become thereby pathological. They include
all those agencies which maintain the supply of force required for
the purposes of life in the form of light, heat, electricity, motion,
* See Porter's Chemistry.
t See Wormely on the Micro-Chemistry of poisons.




6
etc.; and which, becoming identified with the organism, appear
again in the new garb of organic forces. Being largely due to
solar and planetary influences, they necessarily obtain thereby the
stamp of periodicity of influx and reflux, corresponding with the
ever changing relations of the earth to other orbs. The practical
bearing of this observation will presently appear.
Pathological stimuli per se, are those agents, material or immaterial, organic or inorganic, which, being heterogeneous in quality
to the organism or hostile to the normal operation of the organic
forces, and so unsuited to normal nutrition, give rise to disturbed
nutrition of one or more parts of the organism, with consequent
functional lesion and even anatomical change; or which, in other
words, provoke the phenomena of irritation by virtue of forces
inherent in, or incident to their molecular constitution or condition."
Drugs are such irritant agents, that in health they are essentially
pathogenetic, whereas in disease, their inherent molecular forces,
directed by our guiding law to the field of vital contest, supply
the deficit of force, or neutralize morbid polarity of cells and tissues, or confer normal polarity by induction; aiding the natural
periodic stimuli, probably, in all these ways, in bringing about
restoration of normal nutrition, or health.
Spirit has been referred to as a factor of nutritive erethism. It
would be manifestly improper here to enter into any lengthy
metaphysical discussion. Suffice it to say, that matter, in no case,
can of itself perform that high function of intelligent will-obedience to law; a proposition which seems evident. The same may
be said of force. Both are in themselves inert. From this it follows that spirit, meaning some combination of intelligence and
will, is essential to all material action.
In all inorganic actions, common consent excludes the idea of
intrinsic spirituality; therefore its phenomena must be momentarily controlled and directed by extrinsic spirituality, which, by
general admission, is the same: with that by which it was originally created, namely, Deity.
The same observations may be extended to the lower organized
beings without difficulty. Now in this view, vitality is no independent, atheistic essence, but literally every act of circulation,
respiration, etc., is an act of Divine interposition, and the laws of
nature are simply the self-imposed rule of action of Deity.
* See Hering's lectures on Hausmann.




7
Man, made in His image, is doubtless endowed, in a finite measure, with similar spiritual control over matter and force, as we
constantly see illustrated in the phenomena of mesmeric psychology. The mind and will are well known to exert a controlling
influence, in not a few cases, in producing or limiting morbid as
well as curative actions of the organism and its forces, though constantly reacted upon by these.
How far the next grades of mammalia are similarly endowed, may
be a curious inquiry, but the supremacy of man in this respect is
evident. It is: at the same time clear that only in a limited, a
very limited, degree, without direct aid from Deity, can even man
exhibit this power. With that aid, miracles become as the routine
of nature.
But only:in the consciousness of waking moments can will act;
yet in sleep, vital action, as in inorganic beings and low organisms,
goes on uninterruptedly under the sleepless interposition of Divine
will.
We cannot, therefore, either in physical or physiological discussions, atheistically ignore the influence of spirit, as some claim
we should do, without violence to the inductive philosophy and
the true interests of material science. We cannot but assign it a
place as one of the factors of nutritive erethism; and we may
state of it, practically, that its agency is at various times exhibited
in the way of control, at others in the way of stimulus. When the
being parts with this spiritual element of its existence, it is dead.
Disease is the product of disturbance of any one or more of these
factors. Deficiency of any of themselves as commonly existing,
proportioned excess of any of them, and extraneous stimuli may
be proximate causes of disease; this consisting specifically of
deranged nutritive erethism, commonly called irritation.
Irritation, in the limited sense now intended, is peculiar to the
animal organism, and presents four prominent features, viz: 1.
Derangement of nervous function, quantitative, and remotely qualitative. 2. Vascular derangement, especially in the way of altered
calibre and stasis of the capillary blood.vessels of the irritated
part. 3. Exosmotic disturbance, consequent on capillary derangement, and possibly, somewhat on neuro-dynamic influence, as in
diabetes, from irritation of the pneumogastric nerve. 4. Disturbed
cell-nutrition or proliferation. 5. Deranged functions. All these
are visibly present in nearly all cases, but unfortunately have been




8
often separated and partially ignored. Indeed, not all cases present all these in the same degree and proportion.
Notwithstanding the variety of irritative phenomena, there are
but three distinct conditions to be noted, viz: 1. Local aneemia.
2. Local hypeaermia. 3. Local inflammation.
The first is characterized by vascular contractions, diminished
tissue, proliferation, and diminished exudation, with functional
debility. The second is marked by increased vascular calibre,
tissue degeneration, exudation and loss of functional power corresponding to impairment of nutrition.  Coupled with each are
various sympathetic phenomena, as chill, fever and exhaustion.
Contraction of vascular calibre is the first effect of stimulation
of any grade, and characterizes the prevailing tendency of mild
stimulation; hence the value of homoeopathic doses. Hyperaemia,
with its concomitants, results from excessive stimulation, debilitating the vessels by over action, the vaso-motor nerves being
exhausted in part by over stimulation and response"; excessive
proliferation progressing up to a similar weakened state of the
adjoining tissue nerves. Inflammation has the same in greater
degree, but the nerve force being at minimum, degeneration of
tissue exceeds proliferation, and removes the excess of tissue
formed in hyperemia, and also some more than that; reaction,*
via hyperaemia, causing repair.
All nerves seem to possess two functions, not often discussed in
relation to them, viz: vaso-motor and   proliferating influence,
doubtless due to separate, but adjoining filaments, the nervous
system being the depot, as it were, of organic force; hence the
great importance of nerve, in the curative efforts of the organism,
and the imperative obligation of the physician to conserve and
stimulate it in all proper ways.
The proliferating influence is believed to be anterior in its occurrence to the vaso-motor, and Plate I must be studied with that
reservation, each group being physiologically headed by nutritive
changes. It by no means follows that, as sometimes taught, these
cause all the rest. They are rather co-effects of nervous disturbance.t
Drugs are stimuli, heterogenous and pathogenetic, per se.
They appeal, we conclude, by their innate molecular, polaric
* Reaction is simply defined to be the totality of the processes of restoration.
tPrimary ansemia is marked as having lessened proliferation, but before ansemia be
developed, excess of nervous currents must have increased proliferation.




9
forces, to the nervous poles of the body, evoking their action by
conversion of their own molecular forces, or by induction, and this,
without prejudice to their purely physical effects. Large doses
inflame, unless by evacuant exudation, the excess is eliminated.
Small doses have the opposite effect, speaking comparatively;
hence they cure, in diseases similar to those occasioned by such
lalrge doses.
But reference has thus far been made alone to the initial region
in which excess of stimulus or irritation has been applied. By
nervous association, both direct and remote, other and distant
regions-the whole body    perhaps-may be sympathetically
effected, and as the nerve currents of irritation are very complex,
and the effects on vascular calibre and nutrition very various, we
nay be pardoned if we trace, by study of provings and other
diseased conditions, the more occult phenomena, by means of a
diagram. As large and small doses act diversely, they are
separately presented. See Plate I.
From  this diagram we may also obtain a conception of the
shifting of irritation to distant but sympathizing parts, this being
known by the term "metastasis."
It will be observed, next, that in the production of the changes
of vascular calibre, from irritation, the low potencies and crude
drugs present the greatest initial irritation; whereas the higher
show but slight changes in the same region; only causing, in fact,
just that grade which developes characteristic symptoms of
functional derangement, unmasked by the cruder inflammatory
effects of large doses, in which every member of a class may
equally partake if the doses be the inflammatory dose, in each case,
so that high potency provings, though doing less damage to the
organism in the way of anatomical lesion, may well give subjective
symptoms, at least of greater purity than those made with massive
doses. If the most extreme lesions be desired in proving, of
course, the large doses are necessary; both have their value.
Again, it will be noticed that in high potency irritations,
hyperaemia is later in occurrence than is seen from the use of
larger doses extending to that range which, being next to the
period of restored health, we regard as secondary effects. In
this, two points come to view, viz: the diverse development of
symptoms from high and low doses, and the superior value of
remote symptoms in the former and of the early symptoms in the
latter case; true similarity involving a like initiation, as well as
[A. C. M]                 2




10
a like catalogue of symptoms, at least as to some general regional
impression.
Lastly, we find that with high potency irritation, hypervemia
of distant, sympathizing regions, causing sympathetic and deceptive symptoms, occurs early, subsiding with reaction; whereas, in
using low or crude preparations, these are less as a whole, and
occur with the process of reaction, after becoming chronic.
Hence, early, symptoms from large doses; late symptoms from
high potencies, are, for a second reason, the purest and most
characteristic. In diseases, even high potency medication often
excites characteristic symptoms early.
Still regarding the initial irritation as the typical action of a
drug or other pathogenetic agent, we perceive that the morbid
effect is pre-eminently engorgement of the irritated vessels, with
corresponding nutritive changes, causing parallel symptoms, and
increasing or diminishing with the doses.
With this variation in the power of different doses to engorge
the affected region, experience shows that the power of reaction
in the opposite direction from that of the morbid impulse, varies
in like proportion, being less as the violence of the initial irritation'exceeds the endurance of the vital organism,* and its ability
to maintain the health standard, and being greater as the vital
abilities exceeds the violence of the irritation; consequently the
drug action-primary effect-is most conspicuous after large vital
resistance, and reaction after small doses.
Vital power differs with every person, so that a dose, small for
one, may be excessive to another, or the same person at another
time, and vice versa. Assuming an average, we may say that
each drug, or other irritant, presents three distinct points in its
posology, viz: 1. The dose which just balances the vital endurance. 2. The dose which over-balances this. 3. The dose which
is itself overbalanced by the vital ability.
Allopathy knows only the first two; the third it rejects. Homceopathy regards the first as neutral and useless, and so does allopathy. Homoeopathy holds the second to be pathogenetic, not
curative. Allopathy holds it to be curative, although indirectly
and without specific quality.  Homceopathy claims the curative
specific quality of the third dose, provided the remedy be the
similimum. Allopathy regards this quantity as simply more
*This vital energy is easily estimated by the general state of nutrition of the body.




11
inert than the first. This, being the merest assumption, and a
negation at that, may be outweighed by a single fact, if, indeed, it
be above contempt. If any one doubts, let himt sustain by a
syllogism the opposite opinion.
We may illustrate our position by the admission of the other
side. The practice of most allopathic physicians affords instances
of the use of emetic drugs in small doses, in gastric irritation. Let
the well known emetic, ipecacuanha, furnish the example, for it
was long ago used, either alone or as an ingredient, in the celebrated "Lady Webster's Dinner Pills"* for dyspepsia, so commonly attended with sickness of stomach.
Now the doses given are comparatively small, and it is plain
that the intended effect is just the opposite of that resulting from
large doses. Instinctively, this similar remedy is employed in
reduced doses, as Dr. Reith, our allopathic contemporary, boldly
recommends in the case of aconite, though in the same breath
refusing the logical sequence of his own argument.
It follows from the opposite effects of large and small doses,
thus illustrated and daily observed, that there is a medium dose
which has neither effect; and this is the first of the three quantities before named, to wit: that which just balances the vital endurance and is therefore inert or neutral. It further appears that if
we increase the dose above this point, the irritant effect increases.
Again, the allopathist, exceptionally taking a single step in
the opposite direction, secures, sometimes, the anti-irritant effect;
if not, he inconsistently refuses to proceed, and fails. The homceopathist, going on in the same direction, reduces the quantity again
and again, receding farther and farther from the neutral, inert
starting point, wherein he is simply and logically consistent, thus
succeeding. Experience at the bedside giving practical proof of
this, the efficacy of our doses becomes at once a philosophical
necessity and established fact.
Continuing the ipecauanha example, we may now, using terms of
general significance, say that large doses vomit, small doses arrest
vomiting, medium doses have no effect: ergo, the largest doses
are the most violent emetic; the smallest doses are most strongly
anti-emetic.
A diagram will aid in comprehension of this proposition. See
Plate II, figure 1.
* Sometimes, in our day, the ipecacuanha is significantly omitted.




12
The leading reason for this state of facts seems to be that the
impression of a drug being heterogeneous or irritant, the vital
organism sets up a counter action, or series of actions, for the purpose of resistance and expulsion of the morbid agent. There is
no reason to doubt, however, that only by suitable stimuli can
this resistance be induced, in natural diseases, the irritant cause
having vanished. Hence the stimulus of solar and planetary forces
seems essential to spontaneous recovery; medicines being sulstitutive or supplementary stimuli or force bearers.  Without such
forces, constantly and intelligently applied, morbid states must be
perpetuated under the law of inertia, even if life itself could continue without such intervention. These natural stimuli being,
therefore, per se, conditions of vitality.
We may conclude then that the primary effect, whatever the
stimulus or the dose, is the stimulant or irritant action proper;
most marked after large doses; the secondary is the vital response
of the organism in the direction of antagonism, i. e., systemic
reaction, attempted at the very onset, but best maintained after
minute doses, which, however, would seem to be not merely, as in
common dead matter, equal to the original action; but also having
received vital impulse, must, under the same law, provided no
obstacle be encountered, go on in the same direction forever, by
mere continuance of the attitude of the parts concerned in reaction, so induced. No such obstacle previously presenting, the
organic equipoise or health line is, not without fluctuation, finally
reached, and reaction terminates at that barrier. No dose is too
small for this, if the agent be really present. Anatomical lesion,
if great, may early prove a bar to reaction, demanding repetition
of doses, and even crude forms, it may be.
A diagram will aid in the comprehension of this also. See
Plate II, figure 2.
Let A be an elastic spring, firmly erected. B, a ball which
strikes it from the right, moving it to C. The elasticity of the spring,
representing vital power, returns the ball, on cessation of the original impulse, to A, to D, and finally far beyond to E, expelling it
from its position entirely, as happens also with the drug. The spring,
meanwhile, vibrates to and fro, illustrating periodicity, until at last
it stands firmly in its normal place. If the original impulse were
slight, quiescence must ensue the sooner and more easily, and
although the original medicinal s!nister impulse from small doses,
indeed be slight, the normal status is reached all the more quickly




13
and surely, supposing it were passive before, in natural disease.
Hence the infinitesimal or catalytic dose is the true curative quantity of a similar medicine.
The curative nature of a similar irritant, i. e., the homoeopathic
medicine, seems due to the fact that whereas the morbid agent is,
in natural disease, a thing of the past, and, its influence accomplished, reaction towards health goes on under stimulus of solar
and planetary dynamism only, and these natural stimuli so fluctuate as to permit, if they do not provoke, periodic aggravations,
whilst a genuinely similar drug, whose whole line of initial and
sympathetic action is a counterpart of the disease, evokes reaction
in advance of aggravation; being a new agent of stimulus, and
this hastened reaction being repeated over and over in the periods
of amelioration, the cause, as it were, steals a march on our slowgoing solar system.*  Thus it happens that, especially with large
doses, we are most apt to meet primary aggravation from medicines
givenjust before the periods of natural aggravation, cceteris paribus.
It remains to be said that the curative power of very large
doses of a homeopathic remedy which is sometimes witnessed,
especially in the garb of an allopathic receipt, is to be accounted
for in one of the following ways, or in the several combined: 1.
Great vital endurance. 2. The evacuant effect of some drugs,
eliminating the excess of quantity, just less than an evacuant
being most persistently irritating, therefore. 3. The antidotal
effect of combined or alternated drugs. 4. The imperfection of
the similarity. The "just less" above named, is the kind of
exception which proves the rule; and "the imperfection of
similarity" is to be considered as possessing the negative advantage that large doses act by extension of their effect, by contiguity
of tissue, or by connection of nerve fibres, from distinct parts,
not by the direct influence of a similimum, of which small doses
only can be borne.
We may hence learn that similarity and contrariety are to he
considered, not as absolute, but as relative terms; similarity
gradually fading from the point of its highest intensity, to indifference and contrariety, or remoteness of action, gradually fading
also to the same indifferent medium, constituting an unbroken
series of qualities, all the way down from  the most intense
homoeopathy to the most complete allopathy.
* Al medicines may therefore be called " antiperiodics."




14
Every physician of whatever school, in all probability range
unconsciously, at times, over the whole series, with corresponding
good or ill success; the homceopathist having the advantage of the
guiding law.
To resume: Whatever the theory of physiology and pathology,
cellular or vascular, which may obtain the confidence of the
medical profession, all are now agreed that the primary condition
of life is nutrition; disease being only an error of the same.
Therefore, the question of cell function and vessel function are
subordinate, and we may add, these are in reality questions of
methods rather than of results, and the dispute is as to the order
of events rather than the entity of those events, both being
included in normal, both disturbed in abnormal or diseased
nutrition; in varied degree and proportion, it is true.
All existing doctrines, except those of homoeopathy and chronothermalism, seem to agree in discarding as obsolete, the views
reviewed a century ago by Brown, Mesmer, and others, concerning
the agency of the forces, and particularly the nervous force, in
producing health and disease, though all admit its implication in
both normal and abnormal nutrition, to use the modern phrase.*
Indeed, the old, like the new, systematists had little clear conception of this point; hence their transient influence. Science, too,
is eclectic; the systematists, old and new, somewhat too partisan.
May we not hope, in again calling attention to nerve force, in this
connection, to be exempt from their mistake?
In the classification of those agents which we call medicines, we
have to bear in mind that they are such by virtue of their molecular pathogenetic forces, that is to say, their capacity of producing, in accordance with certain polaric or dynamic affinities,
irritation and abnormal nutrition, somewhere in the body, so changng the totality of its functions and its polaric or dynamic relations as to constitute disease, just as occurs from other non-medicinal
factors of the same morbid dynamism.
Such, indeed, is the similarity of both, that we may assert that
whether morbid agents be material or.immaterial, and whether
their means of access to the minutiae of the organism be alike or
* Hahnemann, although an opponent of Brown, so far agreed with him as to maintain
the dynamic nature of diseases in general, which means the same as the debility of Brown.




15
not, their modus operandi is essentially the same; that is dynamic,
or by and through force, and may be viewed as a unit.
We may affirm, besides, that so far as this differs in the animal
organism from that seen in the vegetable and inorganic creations,
all such dynamic actions are effected through the intervention of
the nervous system. The phenomena of inception and progress
are, in all cases, undeniably characteristic of disturbed forces, whilst
they are no less characteristic of nervous disturbance, being commensurate with it, if we consider the vaso-motor and nutritive
influence of the nerves.
All changes of the material are, of course, effected through the
forces which bear upon it, and the most obvious of those forces which
concern the material components of the living body, controlling,
modifying or perverting their nutrition, as well as their functions,
are clearly referable to the nervous system. Let us consider them
and then inquire for their relation to this great dynamic system.
Some will deny the accuracy of the term " forces;" alleging that
all ordinary forces are held during life in abeyance to a single
principle peculiar to living beings, to wit: the vital principle or
life force; and that the only exhibition of the former is seen in the
effete matters of nutrition. But without arguing this point, the
question may be concluded by reference to the aphorism:  There
is but one force in nature; all so-called forces being mere co
related forms of this one universal force of nature, differing in
accordance with the media of their expression."
Thus, vital force is, after all, no separate entity, but only a
mode, or more correctly, a series of modes, of dynamic expression,
the medium being a living organism.
With this definition, the word is still useful. The central source
of the forces which control all phenomena of the planetary system
appears to be the centre of that system, the sun. This is so evident on reflection, as to require no argument, but it is important
to limit the statement by the admission that the Divine Spirit first
created, and, as neither force nor unintelligent matter has in itself
any power to obey law; that He momentarily controls the operation
of all force, and that man, as well perhaps as all inferior creatures,
possesses not only susceptibility to, but also a finite measure of
power to wield the same forces, with and without the intervention
of the will; a power conferred by the Creator to employ existing
force for certain ends; not a new and overshadowing force, holding the existing forces in check or in abeyance, by supplanting it.




16
The sun, therefore, is to he regarded in its relation to us, not of
course, as the originator, but the depot of supply of that entity
which we term force. The vegetable world receives its emanations directly, and appropriates the same to the purposes of
nutrition, etc.; also, alternately, mediately, or indirectly through
the earth which supports it, and probably through other planetary
bodies more remotely. These are evidently periodic in increase
and decrease.
The animal world is influenced in like manner, doubtless by all
these, but the peculiar nature of animal organization and life forbid
the direct access of solar or planetary force to the minute structures except il an incomplete manner. Another channel of access
is necessary, developing and storing up force and conveying it
from point to point as required under the inducement of appropriate stimuli, material and immaterial, physical and psychical.
This necessity is provided for in the nervous system.
Force, however originated or supplied to the cell structures of
a living body, is manifested to us on reaching these by all the
phenomena of cell life, and we call it "cell force," and this varies
in respect to the fertility of nutritive action, very nearly in the
same proportion as the known sources and channels of force remain
intact, and in particular those of nerve force.
Since our present inquiry is one concerning mainly the susceptibilities of animal organisms of a high order, the nervous system
thus becomes the main point of interest in connection with this
subject of force, nutritive force, in both normal and abnormal conditions.
In a word, then, we may regard the nervous system as a complex source and channel of force in addition to the direct agency
of planetary and solar force, like to that of the vegetable world.
As a source the grey neurine is to be considered, the white being
the channel of conduction, and presenting antagonistic centric and
excentric poles, each end of every nerve fibre being the one or the
other. Grey neurine is not limited to the brain and spinal cord,
therefore these are not the sole source of nerve currents.
The whole body is more or less supplied with grey neurine,
therefore nerve currents may originate in all parts of the body.
Those which arise in the grey neurine of the nerve centres may
be distinguished as centric; those arising at the opposite ends or
poles of the nerves as excentric. Grey neurine, in both situations,




17
constitute ganglionic tissue, and may be conveniently spoken of as
centric ganglia and excentric ganglia.
The centric and excentric ganglia, however, are both subject to
another division, according to their connection with the organic,
the so-called sympathetic, nervous system; and the animal, the cerebro-spinal nervous system. Thus we have four classes of ganglionic nerve tissue, viz:  1, organic centric; 2, animal centric;
3, organic excentric; 4, animal excentric. See Plate III.
The first of these is made up of the chain of ganglia belonging
to the great sympathetic nerve, not imbedded in the viscera. The
second is made up of the grey matter of the spinal cord, and of
its prolongations into the base of the brain, including the corpora
striata, thalami optici, tubercula quadrigemina, and in short all
the ultimate roots of the nerves of special and general sensation,
as well as of motion. The third is made up of the grey neurine
of the viscera,* mainly through the terminal ends of the organic
nerves, universally are included. The fourth is made up of the
grey matter at the extremities of the nerves of animal life, with
the nerve filaments themselves and their termini universally; thus
including the muscles, organs of general and special sense, the
cortical part of the cerebrum and cerebellum and such visceral
and vascular spheres as receive spinal filaments.
The arteries and arterial capillaries, as well as the visceral veins
are largely in the third sphere; the heart, stomach and the general venous system largely implicate the fourth. Vascular disturbances are thus partially diagnostic, as being arterial or venous,
of the affected sphere.
The cortical part of the brain is included with the animal excentric elements rather than the centric, for the following reasons:
First, the olfactory surface and retina, as well as other clearly
excentric tissue is, in embryonic life, part and parcel with the
periphery of the brain. Second, this portion of the brain is,
although within the skull, terminal to the spinal nerves, and is
analogous with other tissue similarly related. Third, in both
physiological and pathological states there is a predominance of
intellectual and emotional symptoms, generally conceded to be
functional to this region, and running parallel with the other signs
of excentric erethism, whenever the latter prevails; whereas, in
centric erethism, whatever the similarity of symptoms, the traits
*The heart affords an important illustration of excentric ganglionic tissue, also the
retina.
r1   ^ A T-                3




18
of spinal force overshadow or give character to the merely intellectual and emotional manifestations.
The ineninges, or enveloping membranes of the spinal centre, or
cord, are, however, strictly excentric, as much so as the viscera or
the muscular sheaths-a proposition which seems to need no proof
-yet explains the need of excentric drugs in inflammation of
those tissues and in basilar hydrocephalus.
Ganglionic tissue, now seen to be of general diffusion, requires
to be nourished in like manner with any other; hence we derive
an interesting reason for the intimate nervous connection of each
of the four elements described, with each one of the others; each
conferring nutritive force upon each and receiving it in return
from each along the same nerve fibres; for, as Leidy insists, it is
absurd to assign to any nerve the power to transmit a nerve current but one way, they being passive conductors of currents back
and forth, to and fro, as generated for the purpose. Thus two
centres may be peripheric to each other.
Hence, too, we derive an explanation of the similarity of symptoms in provings, where there is, it may be, a clear pathological
distinction; associated parts or poles being successively and similarlv affected.  See Plate I.
Whatever the symptomatic differences, these largely relate to
the order of developement, together with corresponding class signs
in the spheres of periodicity, morale, etc., presently to be explained.
And, at the same time, recognizing the converse effects of large and
small doses used in plroving, we can understand why this same
order of development of symptoms differs according as the initial
action in one and the same locality shall be crude or refined, generally hyperaemic or anti-hyperamic, erethistic or sedative; complementary and even opposite effects being sympathetically manifested by all the connected nervous spheres.
This, on the general principle that moderate hyperemia at one
end of a nerve implies a corresponding tonic contraction, muscular
and vascular, or even anaemia, spasm, chill, at the other end of the
same, and vice versa; temporary transition states witnessing equal
engorgement, etc., at times, and an extreme hyperaemia (inflammation) at either pole implies a minor, conservative sympathic
hyperamia at the other; conservative because moderate hyperaemia, causing hyper-nutrition, developes active currents to contract the opposed capillaries, etc.; whereas, inflamation is attended




19
with incapacity in this respect.*  See Plate I. The effect of mental
emotion and will on the vascular system affords an interesting
field for study in this connection.
Again, an excentric drug, as ipecacuanha in high potency, anremic
doses, by indirect promotion of distant hyper.emia and proliferation at the centric poles of the nerves concerned, will act as a tonic.
And in like manner we may account for the apparently contradictory symptoms of our provings, even in respect to those on which
we herein propose to base our classification, viz: morale, periodicity, etc.; for since these vary with the stages of the proving, as
well as with the doses, causing both initial and remote effects, one
of three things may mar the accuracy of the record.  1, The proper moments for observing such class traits may escape us. 2.
The quantity of the doses may be such as to exaggerate some individuality, standing in the way of development of class signs in
their characteristic order. 3. The timing.of the doses may be
unfavorable to the same; each class of the four acting initially in
its own class sphere; consecutively or sympathetically, everywhere else to the extent of its nerve connections.
We must also keep in mind the fact that not all apparent periodic aggravations are really such. As for instance, " expectoration only in the morning," under pulsatilla, is not an aggravation
at all, but an amelioration from dry cough in the evening, etc.
In pursuance of the same point, we see the impropriety of fixing
a uniform dose for provings, any more than for treatment of disease; since, as I have noticed, an individual whose temperament
is of the same class with the drug, has most symptoms from moderately large doses; a contrary temperament, most from small and
infinitesimal doses; and it is in the latter sort of cases that aggravations, by high potencies, often denied, but real as any others,
arise in practice.
Allusion having been made in the preceding paragraph to temperamental classes, it is enough to add that these are based upon
the fact, elsewhere hinted at, that within those limits which consist with a state of average health, there exists, in the majority of
persons, a preponderant erethism in one or other of the four
spheres described; which is the temperamental basis of the individual.
* The consequent deficit in its nervous influence on associated parts developes the conservative, sympathetic hyperemia therein. Here we also observe the dependence of
vtttLity on organism.




This is liable to fluctuations in sickness, from hour to hour, or
clay to day, each temperament, as before stated, being peculiarly
liable to the influence of those agents, material or immaterial,
solar, planetary or medicinal, which act specifically in the temperamental sphere; moderate or small and rare doses, primitively,
acting healthfully, or sedatively, anoemically; excess causing
hypersemic disease.
The signs of each in health, with the changes in disease, are
given hereafter. The ancient classification of temperaments is
thus superseded, or perhaps it were better to say, reconstructed
on a new foundation.
The classification of medicines is made by the symptoms, so far
as known, of moderately large doses, the provings being continued
long enough to confirm their class conditions, other drugs being
added to the lists, according to analogy of chemical and symptomatic traits. In such provings an artificial diathesis supplants or
else exaggerates the natural temperament; the class characteristics
being ordinarily clearly marked; changing, however, when reaction sets in, into some co-related sphere requiring an antidote, it
may be, of this last class; just as the remedial use of the same
remedy may be followed by a like necessity for the same consecutive drug in curing a given case of disease.
Affinities and comparisons among related drugs, differing in
class, thus assume great value, and in the use of low potencies,
we may even predict the consecutive remedy a day or two in
advance, in acute cases.
Before stating the characteristics of the classes, either of temperaments or the casual general states observed in disease, or of
the corresponding drugs, the grouping and titles of the last named
may be given and accounted for in a general sort of way. Thus:
Class first, the organic centrics, or ganglionics, consists, so far as
ascertained, of but two remedies: aconitum and veratrum viride.
Class second, the animal centrics, or spinants, comprise all the
narcotics and bitters, so called in allopathy. Nux vomica is a
type of the class.
Class third, the organic excentrics, or anti-ganglionics, comprise
the common acrids, alkalies, salines and acids, of which pulsatilla
is a general type.
Class fourth, the animal excentrics, or anti-spinants, includes a
variety, as alcoholic liquors, all the aromatics, the feetid and
pungent substances, the oleo-resins and gum-resins, the anti-spas



21
modics and stimulants of the old school, and all the astringents,
vegetable and mineral. Zincum may answer for a type. The
third and fourth are allied, chemically, by the vegetable acids of
the former and the tannic acid of the latter. In consequence,
partly of this alliance, four groups are formed from class third.
Group A, alkalies and alkaline earths; their carbonates and
borax. Group B, simple neutral (?) acrid substances. Group C,
salines, neutrals, composed of acid and alkaline substances, chemically united. Group D, acids, mineral and vegetable.
It will be yet asked, "by what law is such a division to be
made, and how can any given medicine be assigned with diagnostic
certainty to its proper place?" The answer is, by three indications: 1. The chemical quality of the substance, and its consequent
natural alliances. 2. The pathogenetic record, especially as concerning morale, periodicity and order of development, together
with physiognomy, manner, attitude, etc., expressive of the conditions of the general system and harmonizing with the preceding.
These, aside from any nosological and pathognomonic traits, as well.as from mere subjective disturbances; giving the first place, in
short, to those symptoms which point out the medicinal diathesis;
and of these, so far as classification is concerned, to the generalities which all the co-members of each class possess in common. 3.
Experience of the action of the given medicine in disease, by all
schools, and the alliances thus ascertained.
In illustration of the first rule, the chemical, all known oleoresins are members of a therapeutic class, long recognized as
possessing in common, certain qualities as medicines. All oleoresins are thus seen to belong to this medicinal group.  The
second rule is brought into play when we consider the primitive
anatomical sphere of action of all these oleo-resinous drugs as
well as their congeners, the gum-resins, viz: in the excentric
element of the animal nervous system, shown by all grades of
sentient and motor derangement, from paralysis to spasm and
neuralgia; and cerebral disturbance, from stupefacation to craziness; visceral lesion being at minimum, sentient and muscular disturbances maximum. The third rule, the experience ex usu in
morbis, by which all these drugs have been recognized from
ancient times as suited to "nervous diseases," and hence termed
"anti-spasmodics;" which name, however, falls far short of expressing their individual homoeopathic uses.
By the 2d and 3d rules, the "mineral astringents" are classed




22
with the oleo-resins and gum-resins; and naturally, the "vegetable astringents," all containing tannic acid, go with these, though
bordering on another class, containing other organic acids.
Nature, indeed, abhors the trammels of aly absolute lines of
classification and distinction. So, it may be as difficult, at times,
to say absolutely where a drug belongs, as to declare whether a
very low animal is not, after all, more a vegetable in its qualities.
Finally, the volatile nature of the oleo-resins, coupled with
their stinulant quality, associates with them  other substances
similarly endowed, viz: the aromatics, the alcoholic substances,
and the ethers. All these, then, mainly and primitively affect the
peripheric or terminal, excentric portion, or the "excentric poles"
of the animal nerves.
The fourth class, above described, being composed of apparently diverse elements, illustrates the rest, but the others may be
briefly touched upon also. Thus, most of the first and second
classes depend on an alkaloid active principle. But this is a
decidedly less distinctive point for them than is their pathogenetic record-particularly in separating these two centric classes
from each other. Thus, the first class, as aconite, clearly affect
the organic tissues most; whereas, the second class (instance, nux
vomica) as clearly bear most on the animal organism, together
with such viscera as are freely supplied by nerves of animal life,
as the liver, stomach, etc. Further, none of these cause any local
change of importance in either viscera, muscles, or organs of sense,
when applied to their tissues directly-yet how marked is their
indirect effect I Only through the nerves which supply them, can
this be brought about I Therefore, the inference by exclusion is,
that their initial action is in the corresponding nerve-centres.
Learning, now, from their pathogeneses, what else they have in
common, especially as to diathetic generalities,.we may, in studying any new remedy, on finding like traits strongly marked in the
proving, by moderate doses, slowly and long taken-the typical
posology for purposes of class diagnosis-we may at once assign
it to the same class; as has been done with certain of the "New
Remedies." But it must be kept in mind that the primitive action
is, conformably to Hahnemann, the typical one for classification;
and besides, that the primitive effect of an infinitesimal dose
resembles, measurably, the consecutive effect of a large one.
Therefore, undue haste in determining the class of a drug, alone
from provings, should be cautiously avoided.




23
The two grand centres present distinctive distributions; and in
these, the several sorts of blood and lymphatic vessels take part.
Thus, the organic affects the arteries, arterial capillaries, and
largely the valveless visceral veins, portal, cerebral, etc., the
animal centre controlling the venous capillaries and heart, in part;
all of which become deranged in concert with the corresponding
nerves. So little is known of the lymphatic system, that we cannot say much about those vessels, but may draw inferences from
provings, etc., hereafter.
Again, some drugs are compounded of bodies of diverse character, not chemically combined, and belonging to different classes.
Thus, china, belonging mainly to the second class, contains also
tannic acid as an active component. Even when chemically combined, such distinct powers may co-exist in the physiological effect,
as in sulphate of quinine, the sulphuric- acid, as well as the alkaloid, quinia, being active.
Lastly, the third class presents certain peculiarities. Thus, it
is divided into four sub-classes, or groups; A, alkalies; B, common
acrids; C, salines; and D, acids; naming them as they approach,
in dynamic qualities, the succeeding or fourth class, and as the
class distinctions grow fainter.
The common acrids are mostly chemically neutral, pulsatilla
being a good example. A few, as ipecacuanha and veratrum
album, containining some portion of alkaloid active matter, unlike,
however, those of the narcotics, resemble, somewhat, in properties and indications, the alkaline group, especially in the watery or
milky complexion, etc. On the other hand, some, as rheum, containing tannic acid, are allied to the acids also, suggested, like
them, by the presence of a tough and even swarthy skin. In the
latter alliance, we also find such combustible bodies as phosphorus and sulphur; whilst in the alkaline alliance, the supporters of
combustion, or "halogens," are found; the oxygen of all the alkalies
and alkaline earths giving them, apparently, this characteristic
alliance, their metals being less potential in this respect than
those which retain oxygen with less tenacity. These last, indeed,
belong mainly to a distinct class, the fourth; mercurius vivus,
though a member of the third class, yet is like the fourth; mercurius corrosivus, like the alkalies and halogens, though of similar
local effects; mercurius solubilis stands between; such medicines
as sepia, carbo veg. and carbo animalis, are severally classed with
those of inorganic source, with which they are allied, viz: natr. m.,




24
kali carb. and calc. phos., which are also constituents of their media
of life.
I have thought that the distinctive complexions, tough and delicate, of persons respectively suited by the acids and alkalies,
might be attributed without violence to their diverse external or
internal erethism; the drugs severally exhibiting their elective
galvanic affinity for and effect on external or internal tissues, predominantly; just as the plates of a galvanic battery eliminate
acid matters from one, and alkalies from the other, side. The
skin corresponds with the former, and is apparently tough in proportion to its activity; the mucous membranes with the latter,
as to both their natural secretions and their drug affinities. The
successive intermediate layers of tissue probably hold like relations.
The salines stand midway between acids and alkalies, combining
their effects in various particulars, and, like the acids, are feebly
distinguished in some points, as periodicity, from class four. All
these, with their chemical relatives, are the so-called "antipsorics," implying that "psora" is really a galvanic aberration,
affecting opposed surfaces. The combustibles, as phosphorus and
sulphur, range with the acids, though in an inferior degree; being
allied to class four, also, by this circumstance.
It cannot be too often repeated,.that from the continued use of
any drug of a given class, especially in high potencies, these generalities are subject to be converted from one class to another,
antagonistic to it; hence, after experience in class-symptoms, the
physician may often predict the class, and even the remedy itself,
which he will next have to employ; always allowing for the
tendencies of the individual constitution. And so familiar do classsymptoms become by study and observation, that often, even without asking a question, by the eye, taking in the objective points
which mark the class, one may decide a priori, to dismiss from
consideration three-fourths of our voluminous Materia Medica.
It is a plan not to be despised by the less expert, first to select
that remedy in each of the four classes, which in that seems most
similar, and forthwith, by the signs hereafter given, select that one
of the four which possesses the class traits. If these were indistinguishable, the " keynotes" or " characteristics " would be decisive.
Indeed, in some cases, the force of the latter, if known, may overbear that of the class-symptoms, though it remains true, that in
nearly all instances, the class-signs must, sooner or later in the




25
treatment of the case, be respected, and the earlier the better.
And this is true, regardless of the name of the disease, or the number of remedies which may be supposed to act specifically on the
organ most palpably concerned, all of which is important, yet not
decisive alone. Even conflicts among "L characteristics " may often
be settled by class-signs, when the latter are strongly pronounced.
The alternation of remedies a priori, is thus avoidable, though,
if practiced at all, there exists no scientific reason which can be
alleged in its defense, if it be not in the way of a combination of
the diathetic with the pathological indications; each being represented by a particular remedy. Nature has, however, furnished
so many such combinations, ready to hand, that this method seems,
to say the least, a superfluity.
The next question is the following: How may the class-signs be
recognized in the several cases requiring such diagnosis, viz: first,
in the temperamental traits of healthy persons; second, in the
temperamental traits, or casual changes, of diseased persons; and
third, in the materia medica?  The answer is distinct for each of
the four classes. The initial sphere of action is meant, as concerning drug-provings; the symptoms of this sphere being characteristic.
Before discussing each of the four classes in detail, it is proper
that the fact should be noted, that both of the centricclasses have
certain points in common, distinguishing them from the two
excentric classes, which are, in like manner, marked by resemblances to each other, as well as common diversities from the two
centric classes. These traits are, in the centrics of an executive in
the excentrics, of a subservient quality; the sense of these terms
being equivalent to "impressive" and "impressible," as hereafter
employed.
Common signs of both Centric Temperaments.-In both, there
is a keen, clear eye, a decided physiognomy and manner, and an
amount of vital resistance, and personal potentiality, which does
not obtain in any excentric type; which is susceptible of increase
by cultivation in any person; or, on the other hand, decrease by
neglect and sensual indulgence; thus becoming abundant and
indomitable, in times of trial, when courageously borne to the
acme of success; and again, when otherwise conditioned, dwindling to enervation and dejection, or even to obliteration, more or
less rapidly and completely according to its original predominance
and intensity.
[A.. M.]                 4




26
The whole physiognomy and bearing of both of these, is possitive and impressive, however modified by combination with other
elements, affording to the experts an instant criterion. Towards
their own organization, as well as towards their fellow-men, they
maintain a positive magnetism of will.
General Distinctions.-The ganglionic temperament, or diathesis, as a casual morbid alteration may be termed, has an aspect,
however, denoting instinctive and incisive impetuosity. The spinal
(Class II) has rather the character of wary calculation-self-poisecarefulness. It may not be out of place to instance General Sherman under the first, Mr. Seward under the second type.
Comparative General Resume.-Both are marked characters in
social life. Both alike move on persistently towards the goal of
desire, with a single eye and fixedness of purpose, concentrating
their powers to the attainment, unrelentingly. The ganglionic
reaches the end by sheer force, with such wisdom as may be at
hand to aid; the spinal, by systematic and wary pursuit of preconceived plans. Both are rulers of mankind. In sickness, both
have great tenacity of life, and powers of reaction. Wounds heal
readily and remarkably, the first do best in case of compound
fracture, as from gunshot, whilst the second better endure injuries
of the viscera.
Thus, in one of class first, gunshot wound of the lung was well
nigh fatal, whereas in an identical case in the same military
hospital, occurring in class second, the man was able, within a
few days, to sit up and wash his own wound. And among a
variety of cases of gunshot fracture of the femur in the same
establishment, not amputated, a favorable progress was observed
exceptionally in the only individual of them all, belonging to class
first, all the fractures in the ward being amongst Confederate
soldiers; the one referred to giving constant evidence of his
physiological class by imperious anxiety, restless self-attention,
and overbearing will.
In some cases, however, in persons of disciplined character,
aided by the influence of the third sphere, as shown by a tendency
to fatness, these manifestations give place to stoicism, which is an
alternative trait, as illustrated in a German officer from Illinois,
after amputation for gunshot fracture, who was well, besides,
almost immediately.
Whilst anxious concern, or else stoicism, marks the first class,
the second shows repulsive ill-humor, or else self-retirement, in




27
sickness. No real "vacillation" is seen in either. That which
indicates nux vomica of the second class, is rather a result of conflict between a willful determination, and the superior claims
which demand a contrary course; whereas a real vacillation is an
excentric sign, and is the fruit of insufficiency of will; a distinction which ought to be more generally made.
In both centric types, the predominant periodic erethism occurs
between midnight and noon, though the admixture of excentric
elements in the constitution, sometimes masks the fact by minor
erethism in other parts of the twenty-four hours, as in the afternoon symptoms of aconite, of the first, and belladonna, of the
second class.
Again we note a distinction between classes one and two;
the erethism of the former, the ganglionic, being mainly between
12 and 3 o'clock at night, and from 9 to 12 in the daytime;
whereas that of class two, the spinal, occurs mainly between 3
and 9 A. M.
Finally, if two men, respectively of classes one and two, enter
into any business together; the former becomes at once the leader
of enterprises; the latter, the manager of them. Both may still
be used by others; the first by seconding, or appearing to second
his blows; the last, by furthering, or appearing to further his
schemes. Both, however, victimize persons of the other two
classes, with facility, when unrestrained by principle or otherwise.
General Likeness of Excentric Types.-Both class three and
four are in common characterized by a strong line of distinction
from the two centric classes-i. e., whereas the centrics are characteristically impressive, the excentrics are decidedly impressible.
General Distinctions between Classes III and IV.-They differ from one another, however, markedly, in that, whilst the
organic excentric, anti-ganglionic, or third class, have the
quality of inertia, the animal excentric, anti-spinal, or fourth
class, exhibit sympathy and sensibility as a prevalent condition.
Mingled, as they usually are, proportionally, these modify each
other.
The four classes may here be briefly compared, thus, the first,
with the Northern mountaineer, who pursues the agile game from
crag to crag, with a singleness and fixity of purpose which insures
success, and overcomes all obstacles; the second, with the careful
merchant who plans the purchase and sale of the product of the
chase, and of the merchandize required in return by the hunter;




28
the third, with the sluggish peasant who serves the merchant contentedly-for the sake of food and raiment and shelter, growing fat
in his vegetative servitude; the fourth, with the children of the
same merchant, taught in the schools, charmed by the attractions
of society, or by those of learning or art; and despising alike, the
hardy life of the hunter, the mean selfishness of trade, and the
stolid vegetation of the servitor; a source of anxiety and apprehension, yet of pride, to their careful and shrewd parent; draining his purse, and enlivening his house.
Or, again, the first class rules the North; the second rules the
South; the third is the phlegmatic white drudge; the fourth the
gay black one.   Or, to use the very incorrect mythological
phrases, the first is the sanguine; the second, the bilious; the
third, the lymphatic; the fourth, the nervous temperament.
These, compounded, form secondary types, as the bilious and
lymphatic, forming the melancholic, so-called, etc.
Special localizations occurring, constitute "habits;" usually
concerning most the excentric elements. Thus, the cortical part
of the brain being habitually erethistic, in undue proportion to
other parts of the same class-sphere, the "encephalic habit"
results. If the liver, the "hepatic habit;" better called the
bilious," only for the danger of confusion. If the muscular system, the "muscular habit."  If the genital system, the "hysterical habit."
Localized erethism, or even a tendency to actual local inflammations, it may be, will characterize these conditions, all being
discernible by application of the ordinary laws of diagnosis.
Finally, the symptoms of morbid erethism, in the sphere of
class one, is comparable with a blow-pipe flame; class two, with
that of a kerosene lamp; class three, with the smouldering of
"punk;" class four, with the flashing and sputter of nitre-paper.
It should be here remarked, that the above statement of the
supremacy of the laws of diagnosis, is the proper answer to the
query, as to why we assign to certain anatomical (nervous) spheres,
the generation of typhical temperamental peculiarities, reducible
to four distinct classes, together with the like assignment of all
medicinal actions to the same spheres, under the same classes.
This has already been discussed, yet, here again, and once for all,
it may be said that as the functions of nearly every minute part of
the human organism are now well ascertained; normal or abnormal
erethism, however caused, in any or all, is thereby easily mapped




29
out and located, and its precise character diagnosticated. Therefore, the diagnostic study of man, healthy; or from idiopathic or
medicinal causes, unhealthy, affords, as we think, a satisfactory
solution to the problem; and so far as concerns the action of drugs,
the chemical and pathogenetic records of our materia medica
become the woof of the fabric, whose web is anatomy and
physiology.
Whilst undue prolixity in such a discussion is to be deprecated,
still, the practical utility of the proposed classification depends so
intimately upon a clear view of the diagnostic points by which the
classes may be promptly known, that the mere allusion to this will,
it is hoped, justify a still greater minuteness of description. To
this end, each class will now be reconsidered, seriatim.
Class I. Ganglionics; Organic Centrics.-The signs of erethism
predominating in this sphere, are the following: Morale: positive,
unswerving, uncompromising, direct and persistent-or, in profound organic irritation, we see apathetic or stoical fortitude, or
else imperiousness, anxiety, and concern; irascible, even sarcastic
in manner, or else very cold; independent, unsympathetic, (except
in compound with class four), harsh, self-confident, impetuous,
cheerful, energetic and untiring, impatient, prompt of action, and
opinionated. Rarely and exceptionally insipid, and shrinkingly
repulsive, self-saving, and indifferent to the feelings of others,
except from policy-a sort of noli me tangere. They are, in attitude, stiff or politic; in gait, determined and positive, or apathetically deliberate and cool. Physiognomy: choleric, occasionally
"' magnetic," or else unimpassioned and even cynical; if perverted,
insensible and cruel. Complexion: florid,* or else very pale,
rarely brunette, and depending on the associated excentric elements. Gestures: rigid in men, prim in women. Tone of voice:
authoritative, or "cheery," or else very reserved.  Muscular
movements: quick, or else automatically deliberate. Under pain:
frantic, concerned, anxious, or else stoical. Appetite and functions; regular, tonic, automatic, instinctive; organic functions most
marked. Periodicity of erethism: between the hours of nine and
twelve, possibly extending to three o'clock in the daytime; also
at night, during the same hours; especially twelve to three o'clock.
When sick, visceral diseases predominate, and are either sthenic,
or intensely "pernicious," i. e. "congestive". The impatience
This redness differs from that of class four, in being more circumscribed, and lighter.




30
becomes very marked, or it is suppressed by discipline into
stoicism; or by the " pernicious " tendency, into apathy. Usually,
he chafes, is headstrong, and greatly distressed, anxious, hot, and
delirious, it may be, after midnight.  Occasionally, instead, the
alternative condition, reptile-like inertia, and colliquative, congestive depression, or even coma.
No one can fail to recognize aconite as a type of the class of
medicines showing their primitive effects in this sphere, and bearing the same names, viz: organic centrics, ganglionics-Class I.
Class II.-Spinants-Animal Centrics.-The signs of erethism
in the spinal centres are frequently, yet not always, found in the
so-called "bilious temperament."  The prevailing point is selfpoise! Keen, calm, conscious of reserved power-such an one is
steady and persistent in pursuit of any aim, though quite equal to
patient waiting on occasion; essentially a manager and controller;
prudent, judicious, self-reliant; a strong believer in "common
sense;" not easily diverted from the beaten track of experience
and of self-interest. If perverted, monstrously selfish and unscrupulous, using for base purposes the power and ascendency which
he readily gains over the sympathetic, the aspiring, the unwary;
and unrelenting, but cool in revenge. Manner, positive, yet selfpoised and quiet; not stiff. In undisciplined persons, sometimes,
a dull, almost stolid gravity prevails. Attitude, attentive and
wary.  Features, under steady control.  Complexion, variably
tinted with the associated eccentric elements, and not characteristic, being pallid, florid, or swarthy. Gestures, decided. Tone of
voice, resolute, steady. Muscular movements, firm, deliberate and
rhythmic. Under pain, steadiness and fortitude, sometimes doggedness. Periodicity of erethism, 3 to 9 o'clock, A. M.-usually
not sleeping much towards daylight. Appetite and functions,
regular and tonic.
When sick, obstinate and surly, rather than headstrong.
Motions resolute, whether hasty or deliberate. Suffering makes
him angry or dogged, or the self-poised mood of health may
remain little changed.  The aggravation of the pathological
processes is mainly early in the morning.
Class III.-Anti-Ganglionics-Organic Excentrics. - Physically, extremely susceptible;  mentally impressible, but not
responsive; inert and yielding; often indifferent to danger and
difficulty, but readily succumbing; tender, but not sympathetic,




31
(except by admixture of class IV) content to vegetate in any easy
lot. Prone to embonpoint; not very firm of fibre. Very prone
to organic lesions, which have here their principal domain. It is
pre-eminently subject to chronic taints, and to insidious, rather than
open to disease; and has feeble vital reaction.* Physiognomy and
manners, insipid, but sometimes gay. Muscular motions, sluggish, deficient in force. Attitude, indolent. Gait, gesture and
tone of voice, indolent and easy.  Complexion, translucent or
muddy, according to galvanic (?) predominance, internal or external; (the former suggesting the alkalies; the latter, the acids;
the medium skin, the salines.)  Periodicity of erethism, most marked and typical, from noon to midnight; (less accurately in case for
salines and acids,) especially the first part of the night, as shown
by imperfect sleep, etc., etc. Such are the typical traits of class
III. But rarely, indeed, can these be found so predominant in a
human subject, as to quite overshadow other and higher qualities,
especially if there have been opportunity of culture. Truth to
say, mixture of all four of the qualities, to some extent, is the
rule; the contrary, very exceptional, is in fact, a sign of disease.
The perfection of such combination, often too little valued, is
happily illustrated in the persons of George Washington and
U. S. Grant. The commingling is, however, usually observed in
infinite diversities of proportion and intensity.
Class IV. - Anti-Spinants-Animal Excentrics. - Anatomically somewhat mixed with the tissues of class III, in the organs,
and nervously connected with the spinal centres. This sphere
may be said to stand anatomically, as it does systematically,
between class II and class III; resembling both, yet diverse
from both. Its whole quality is such that with justice, it might
be called the " Sympathetic Temperament."
It is essentially receptive of, and responsive to all impressions,
physical and psychological. It includes, besides all the organs of
sense, the muscles of animal life and the intervertebral ganglia;
also, the so-called phrenological organs, of intellect, imagination
and emotion, and is therefore eminently related to the spiritual
nature of man. To these may be added, partially, the venous
system, the heart, etc. It is illustrated in the walks of literature
and art; but like the third class, finds no congeniality in fields of
conflict, either material or spiritual. But withal, under the spur
* Medication must therefore be the more persistently pushed.




32
of provocation, is spitefuil and passionate; and for the vindication
of a sentiment or idea, is capable of being led to great deeds; but
unless combined with a strong centric element, unfitted to lead;
being wanting, not perhaps in self-conceit, but in self-sufficiency;
in steady continuance in a given line of action, and in self-dependence; losing sight, it may be, of the end, in preoccupation with
the means of its attainment. If in a military man, grand reviews
will be preferred to battles, and pomp to the dusty march.
It is specially liable to enthusiasm, even to error; yet is the
antagonist of the purely selfish and monopolistic centric forces in
man. It is that which binds together the social elements, poetic
and true, if the cause be right, and the principle sound, but
drivelling and rash when in the wrong. Pain appeals not in vain
to it, and is exquisitely felt. Danger is fully appreciated, and
greatly feared, unless curiosity, anger, pride, duty or affection hold
a stronger influence —when enthusiasm overcomes the fear, and
inspires, even to daring.
Interest, so powerful a motive with the first two (centric) temperaments, is here of a power altogether inferior to feeling and
thought, which supersede dollars, houses and lands; though fame,
power and place, with the appendages of wealth, are highly prized.
It is tender and susceptible, readily yielding to the demands of
taste, passion, friendship or affection; is subject to deception;
liable to vacillation, to rashness and impatience; may be selfish,
but is usually generous, somewhat prodigal; varies between gaiety
and irascibility or melancholy; is, in short, when unbalanced by
centric influence, sensuous, sensational, erratic and infirm, or
fanatical and visionary.
The manners may be cheerful, kind and courteous; or if the
feelings be ruffled, sad and despairing, or morose, spiteful and
rude. Moodiness may rule the temper, and inspire the pen. The
poets, Cowper and Byron, may serve as extreme illustrations;
also, the many persons whom one meets, usually called "nervous."
This temperament, indeed, is very nearly that which goes by that
name.
It is, as it were, the basis of human qualities; having the other
elements developed about it by circumstances, external as well as
internal. Like all the rest, it may be either stimulated or held in
check by will and education.
The attitudes, the gait, the gestures, the physiognomy, the tone
of voice-all plainly declare the traits here stated. The facial




33
complexion is, normally, finely and universally crimsoned; but
certain localizations (" habits," aforesaid) and certain climates (as
the tropics), and also certain modes of life, greatly affect and
modify this. The organs and tissues of the sphere are of course
active; the senses are quick; the eye is bright, meaning, restless;
the features mobile and expressive; blushing readily occurs (in
youth); the manners are sprightly. In sickness, languor and
indolence, or great excitability and restlessness, change or exaggerate all these signs. Illustrated by gelsenminum and coffea.
Partly for the sake of contrast, the two excentric temperaments
may here be be considered together more at length, as has already
been done with the two centrics. Both excentric types of erethism
and temperament being characterized in common by impressibility, as already shown, we repeat that they yet differ essentially
in the fact that the organic type tends to inertia, whilst the animal
is marked by sympathy and sensitiveness. The former bears
repeated doses of medicine with ease; the latter is easily wrought
up, even by high potencies, to violent aggravations, with febrile
or nervous symptoms; especially if the medicine be foreign to
this class. In the organic, the skin is comparatively flabbyvarying in color with the "galvanic" relation of inner and outer
parts; darker and tougher when the skin is predominantly active;
delicate, if the mucous membranes. In the anti-spinal, however,
it is either fine and crimson, or more dense and brunette, or even
leaden. The eye may in both be alike in softness; but in the
anti-ganglionic, rather immobile; whereas, in the anti-spinal, it is
inclined to flash. The former is captivated by "creature-comfort;" the latter, by sentiment, feeling, thought. In both, the
morale corresponds with these external and social characteristics.
Thus the anti-ganglionic tends to apathy, sadness, hopelessness,
inertia-or else to the cool boldness of non-appreciation. The
whole vital voice is organic. Disease here takes close hold of tissue; vital resistance is slight; anatomical lesion is set up (this
being, indeed, its great sphere) very soon, close upon the heels, as
it were, of functional derangement, or rather, coincidently with it.
On the other hand, the anti-spinal, whilst easily receiving impressions, is speedily roused to active response, and develops a
keen appreciation of all influences, agreeable or otherwise; and is
of changeable morale. Violent diseases may occur, in which,
sometimes, the keenest pains are suffered; but withal, they do not
equal, in shock to the vitality, and gravity of symptoms, similar
[A. C. M.]                 5




34
conditions in the other sphere, with which, however, it is, we may
again say, anatomically combined by contiguity; yet only a few
of the worst cases in the anti-ganglionic sphere, equal the antispinal in external demonstrativeness, under pain.
Extreme erethism in the anti-ganglionic sphere is commonly
marked by utter prostration in the anti-spinal, by spasm, paraly.
sis or coma. In meningitis,* with effusion, the same may obtain
in the former, also, combined with the proper class-signs; but in
the latter, languor occurs, in lieu of real prostration.
The periodicity of the anti-ganglonic sphere has already been
stated. That of the anti-spinal, or animal excentric, is most varied
and composite, as though made up of the periodicities of the other
spheres; the most typical being compounded of morning and
evening erethism, or any other two daily periods. Thus, the
increase of erethism, marked by disturbed sleep, or uneasiness of
some kind, may occur in the afternoon and evening, or, evening
and midnight, or midnight and morning, or morning and forenoon,
or forenoon and afternoon, or morning and evening, or all dayt
only, or all nightt only; and yet other combinations.
In grave anatomical lesions, which involve all the four spheres
more or less prominently, these periods, which seem to show the
vital resistance, are in great measure suppressed, until restoration
and convalescence begin.
Sometimes, even when clearly marked, it is impossible, owing
to the influence of conventionality, to elicit from an individual,
any evidence of the real periodicity, morale, etc., except after the
most rigid cross-questioning and explanation. Even then it is not
always possible. In this, and all similar emergencies, we have to
rely on other class-signs, as physiognomy, manners and complexion,
as well as the "keynotes," or " characteristics," "totalities;'
using any and all the means at hand for the proper selection.
In sickness, as already stated, persons belonging to this fourth
class, will usually present a restless eye, nervous mobility, exquisite
sensibility to pain, solicitude about their surroundings; or general
feverish languor, with flushed face, suffused eyes, drowsiness and
quiescence, or else irregular muscular motions. For such a state,
attending a febrile or inflammatory affection, aconite could not but
do mischief. Gelseminum would be probably curative.
* The cerebro-spinal meninges largely involve class III.
t These are sometimes simulated by the third class.




35
In selecting drugs of the fourth class for persons of delicate
skin, it is important to remember that the mineral drugs are very
prone to act unpleasantly, the organic substances being milder in
effect.
Certain symptoms, as before remarked, may prove deceptive as
indices of aggravation. Besides the illustrations heretofore given
of this, the paroxysm of ague, is a decided instance. Thus, the
real exacerbation of the total derangement of the organism may
correspond with class III, yet the paroxysm may begin early in
the morning, the general state being more marked by vital activity
than in its absence at evening. Then, the paroxysm being only a
part of the totality of symptoms, ranks lower than the so called
collateral, and especially the apyrexial symptoms. In other cases,
a real fever may be an amelioration, from a prior deficient reaction
of congestive fever, as it is called. But, when the paroxysm and
all other symptoms have coincident aggravation, the duty of prescribing becomes much simpler. Still, let it be borne in mind,
that a really conservative action of the system may be mistaken
for a genuine aggravation, and so mislead in the choice of a remedy.
Again, real indications may seem to conflict. Here, as in all
things, we have to balance and decide between conflicting claims.
Lastly, early in acute diseases, class-signs may be undeveloped.
Here, the cause and the usual temperament will be guides.
The excentric spheres afford occular illustration of the anatomical basis of this classification.
Thus a nail lodged amongst the termini of the spinal nerves in
the foot, has caused neuralgia or tetanus, or paralysis, amenable,
early at least, to hypericum, of the fourth class; here acting in its
own class sphere. Or, the papillary structure of the skin (antispinal tissue) is inflamed, as shown by a lens; forming an itching
papular eruption. Denuded by scratching, it oozes a plastic, sticky
fluid. Graphites, of the fourth class, is the remedy acting primitively on this same anti-spinal tissue, or papillary structure.
Again, an eruption, viewed by a lens, is seen to be located in
inflamed sebaceous follicles, secreting tissues of organic life; and
probably, sulphur cures.  Later, however, the nerve-centres
becoming involved, or the other excentric sphere, with which it is
contiguous, being attacked, other remedies of the like new class
may be required. The same may supplement the first remedy,
when, under it, the cure remains incomplete.




36
The contiguity of the two excentric elements, just alluded to,
and heretofore stated, is a most interesting and significant fact forl
the reflection of the physician. Whilst some may contend that it
affords a scientific reason for alternation of medicines of two separate classes, and whilst all will see the occasional need of supplementing one with the other, it affords the strongest of reasons for
the renunciation of a purely nosological or even histological choice
of remedies, regardless of individual peculiarities of class and
group, etc.; however useful these indices undoubtedly are in their
proper place.
The presence of both excentric elements in any tissue, is to be
understood as major and minor, by the anatomical predominances
of each, known to every physician, and varying in the organs of
animal and vegetative life, respectively.
CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES.
Class I.
"Ganglionics," "Organic centrics," "Aconitum type," comprises the so-called "benumbing neurotics" of allopathy, viz:
Aconitum napellus.           Veratrum viride.
Class I.
"Spinants," "Animal centrics," "Nux vomica type," comprises the so-called "narcotics" and "bitters" of allopathy,
viz:
Aethusa cynapium.            Cocculus.
Agaricus.                    Conium.
Aletris.                     Cornus florida.*
Arnica.                      Digitalis.
Belladonna.                  Drosera.
Barberis vulgaris.t          Dulcamara.
Canabis sativa.              Eupatorium perfoliatum.*
Cedron.(?)                   Helonias.
Chamomilla.*                 Hydrastis canandensis.t
China.*                      Hydrocyanic acid.
Cicuta virosa.               Hyoscyamus.
* Allied to class IV, by the presence of volatile oil or tannic acid, in large amount.
t Allied to class IV.




37
Ignatia.                     Quassia.
Kalmia.                      Rhus tox; and rad.
Lachesis.                    Secale.
Laurocerasus.                Spigelia.
Lobelia inflata.             Stramonium.
Nux vomica.                  Tabacum.
Opium.
Class II1.
"Anti-ganglionics,". "Organic excentrics," "Pulsatilla type,"
comprises the drugs known as "Acrids," or "General Irritants,"
by many, and divided thus: Group A.-The halogen elements,
the alkalies and alkaline earths, with their carbonates and
borax. Group B.-The simple acrids, some of which, by chemical constitution, are allied with the other groups, in inferior
degree, yet so as to give occasion for preference in individual
instances. Group C.-The salines. Group D.-The acids, in
general. These groups, in the order named, approach in properties, class IV. Such medicines as apis, bryonia, causticum, helleb ore,
etc., which stimulate cerebral action, appear rather to influence the
meningial tissues, in fact; those being decidedly of the organic
periphery; notwithstanding the consequences to the animal functions.
GROUP A.-ALKALIES, ALKALINE EARTHS, HALOGENS, ETC.
Ammonium carbonicum.         Corallium.
Ammonium causticum.          Iodium.
Baryta carbonica.            Kali carbonicum.
Borax.                       Lithia carbonica.
Brominum.                    Magnesia carbonica.
Calcarea carbonica.          Natrum carbonicum.
Calcarea caustica.           Spongia.
Carbo vegetabilis-(kali carb.) Strontiana.
Causticum.
GROUP B.-COMMON ACRIDS.
Many are allied with other groups or classes; a, like group A;
c, like group C; d, like group D; e, like class IV.
Aloes.                       Arum triphyllum.
Antimonium crudum.           Bryonia.
Apis mellifica.              Caladium.
Apocynum cannabinum.         Calcarea phosphorica.




38
Cantharis.                  Petroleum.
Carbo animalis (Calc. phos.).  Phosphorus.
Chelidonium.                Phytolacca.
Cinnabaris.                 Podophyllum.
Clematis.                   Pulsatilla.
Colchicum.                  Ranunculus-bulb. and scel., etc.
Creosotum.                  Rheum.
Croton tiglium.             Rhododendron.
Daphne indica.               Sabadilla.
Dioscorea.                   Sanguinaria.
Dolichos.                   Sarsaparilla.
Euphorbium.                 Scilla.
Gambogia.                   Selenium.
Guaiacum.                   Senega.
Helleborus niger.           Senna.
Hepar sulphuris calcarea.   Staphysagria.
Ipecacuanha.                Sulphur.
Iris versicolor.            Taraxacum.
Jatropha curcas.            Tartarus emeticus.
Leptandra virginica.        Tellurium.
Lycopodium.                 Urtica urens.
Mercurius sol. (viv. and corr.)  Veratrum album.
Mezereum.                   Viola tricolar.
GROUP C.-SALINES.
Ammonium bromatum.          Kali nitricum.
Ammonium muriaticum.        Magnesia muriatica.
Kali bichromicum.           Natrum muriaticum.
Kali bromatum.              Natrum sulphuricum.
Kali hydriodicum.           Sepia.
GROUP D.-ACIDS.
Acetic acid.                Nitric acid.
Arsenicum album.            Phosphoric acid.
Citric acid.                Silicea.
Fluoric acid.               Tartaric acid.
Muriatic acid.
Class IV.
"Anti-opinants," "Animal excentrics," "Zincum type," comprises the (1) alcoholic, (2) etherial, (3) foetid, and (4) aroma



39
tic substances containing volatile oil ("stimulants" and "anti-spaspasmodics," of allopathy); (5) oleo-resins, (6) gum-resins, and (7)
metals readily deoxydized, with their compounds ("anti-spasmodics"
and "mineral tonics," of allopathy); (8) substances largely composed of tannic acid and their mineral counterparts (" astringents,"
of allopathy), some having repute as " narcotics "(?) (9) includes
oxalic acid, glonoine, etc., symptomatically.
2Esculus.                    Cuprum aceticum.
Agnus castus.                Erigeron canadense.
Alcohol.                     Ether.
Allium cepa.                 Euphrasia.
Allium sativa.               Ferrum.
Alumina.                     Ferrum muriaticum.
Ambra.                       Gelseminum.
Anacardium.                  Glonoine.
Argentum.                    Graphites.
Argentum nitricum.           Hamamelis.
Asarum europeum.             Hypericum.
Assafcetida.                 Kino.
Aurum.                       Ledum.
Aurum muriaticum.            Lupulus.
Baptisia tinctoria (3d class?).  Lycopus virginicus.
Bismuthum.                   Manganum.
Bovista.                     Mephites.
Cactus grandiflorus.         Moschus.
Calendula.                   Myrica cerifera.
Camphora.                    Nux moschata.
Capsicum (like class 3).     Oxalic acid.
Caulophyllum.                Paris quadrifolia.
Chimaphila.                  Platina.
Cimicifuga.                  Plumbum.
Cimex.                       Plumbum aceticum.
Cina.                        Pothos foetidus.
Cistus canadensis.           Prunus spinosa (class 2?).
Coccus cacti.                Ratanhia.
Coffea cruda.                Rumex crispus.
Collinsonia canadensis.      Ruta.
Copaiva.                     Sabina.
Crocus.                      Sambucus.
Cubebee.                     Senecio aurea.
Cuprum.                      Stannum.




40
Symphitum.                   Trillium.
Tanacetum.                   Valeriana.
Terebinthine oleum.          Xanthoxyllum fraxineum.
Teucrium marum verum.        Zincum.
Thuja.                       Zingiber.
This paper would be quite deficient, in the absence of any clinical record confirming and illustrating.its positions. The following
cases are therefore added. I need make no apology as to the
potencies used; since 1 have no predilections to defend, although,
from successful habit, I ordinarily employ Lehrmann's 200ths, or
grafts from the same. Another, accustomed to succeed with other
preparations, might manage them better than these; and whatever
a physician be thus accustomed to, it is certain he will commonly
do the best with that of which he knows the most, whether the
potency be high or low. All admit, however, that to succeed with
the high, the remedy must be accurately chosen, whilst even with
the low, inaccuracy is, although a great disadvantage, a less palpable evil than in the former case. Hence, any method of selection
which secures success in the use of the high, particularly in acute
cases, must command the interest of all.
As will be observed, the cases are adduced in the order of the
classes.
CLASS I.
Case 1. —A healthy, fair babe, exposed to dry, cold air, took
cold, with violent sneezing, accompanying cough, aggravated
after nine o'clock, forenoon.
Acon. 200, three doses, at intervals of three hours, followed by
sac. lac.; cured at once.
Case2.-An old lady, had typhoid fever some weeks ago;
cured by homoeopathy; now suffering from diabetes insipidus.
Rather urgent in her desire to be waited on, in good season. Has
to rise to pass water, often, at night, especially between twelve
and three o'clock.
Aconitum 1000, Jenichen, one dose; well, in a few days after.
Two weeks later, symptoms of incipient cataract were reported.
This will be noted under class II.
Case 3.-A 4 sanguine" woman, suffering for a week from
gastric irritation, yet indulged in crude food. At midnight, taken
with horrid pains in the stomach, for which she got stimulants,
which aggiavated the mischief. Found her greatly agitated, hot




41
skin; tense, frequent pulse; things all look dark to her; severe
tendernass of epigastrium.
Aconitum, 2,000, Jenichen, in water, at intervals of twenty minutes to two hours; four doses relieved. Twenty-four hours after,
found the case in class II, that is to say, with constipation and
flatulence, with some tenderness of epigastrium. Inability to sleep
well towards morning. Self-poised manner. Nux vom. 200, one
dose. Cured.
CLAss II.
Case 4.-An old gentleman, who but rarely can sleep after 3 A.
M., got dysenteric diarrhoea, the periodicity being in the morning,
the manner self-poised; complexion rather swarthy. Nux vom.,
three doses, at intervals of three hours. A few days later, reported
prompt relief of the straining; but now, copious thin stools, preceded by colic; worse early in the morning. China, 200, dry;
three doses. Cured at once.
In the army, the same experience was many times repeated,
often in cases of lieutery, but with low potencies, usually.
Case 5.-Same as case two. Dimness of vision, with an incipient
cataract, easily seen in the left eye. Bad sleep towards morning.
Self-poised manner. Conium, 200, one dose. Cured in about ten
days.
Case 6.-A young soldier, wounded and suffering from copious
thin stools.  Complexion, milky white; manner, self-poised,
earnest; morning aggravation. Got china 0, repeated doses, no
relief. Cured at once by dulcamara 6.
Case 7.-A lad in Illinois ran a splinter beneath his finger-nail.
Next day, got the ague, at 6 A. M. Self-poised, steady manner.
Parorysms averted by arnica 30, one dose at bed-time.
Case 8.-A pregnant lady, usually of happy and lively temper,
got severe cramps in the back part of the thighs, when lying on
her back; worse, by far, after 3 o'clock in the morning. For the
first time seemed to regret her pregnancy; felt surly about it,
almost weeping from impatience. Cured in a few hours by ignitia,
200, three doses.
Case 9.-A fine child of ten months, a girl, brunette, teething. Became very violent in manner; screaming angrily, jealous
if her little brother received any notice, trying to take off her
night-gown, and kicking away the bed covers at night. Bad sleep
towards morning. Resolute, steady manner, in general. Cured
promptly by hyoscyamus, 200, three doses.
[A. C. M.]                6




42
CLASS III. Group A.
Case 10.-A lady, of very white and tender skin, had neuralgia
of the right side of the face; worse, evening; bad sleep before
midnight. Feet damp and cold. Passive manner. Cured by
Calcarea 200, three doses.
Case 11.-A young lad, of very fine skin, blonde; had all his
life, nocturnal enuresis. Worst before midnight. After slight
effect of other remedies, cured by a few doses of causticum 30,
taken at intervals of forty-eight hours.
Case 12.-Group B.-An elderly lady, of medium complexion,
got dysentery-mucous stools, blood-streaked; worse, evening;
bad sleep in the first part of the night-easy manner. Cured by
mercurius sol. 200, three doses.
Case 13.-A very young child, of delicate skin, had, on waking
from sleep towards evening, fever, vomiting; then, convulsions
with general stiffness and blueness; then, falling asleep. Relieved
after ipecacuanha 200, (a.) one dose.
Case 14.-An elderly lady had diarrhoea, watery and painful,
veratrum did no good; got worse towards night; severe cutting
pain before each stool, only. Afraid to cause trouble; quiet manner. Rheum 1000, (e.) three doses. Cured.
Case 15.-A new-born babe, after its mother had taken medicine,
got paroxysms of crying, lasting all day; quiet all night. On
examination a red streak was found on the diaper, where the
urine flowed. Swarthy complexion; passive but sensitive manner. Relieved after lycopodium 200, (e.) Lycopodium is usually
marked by evening aggravations.
Case 16.-Group C.-A lady, of medium complexion, pregnant, complained of a bad taste, as if she had taken Epsom salts.
Periodicity not decided; manner despondent. Relieved by repeated doses of natrum sulph. 1000.
Case 17.-A lady of medium complexion had symptoms of prolapsus uteri, with goneness in the pit of the stomach, weak feeling
and dragging in the back and hips; depressed manner. Relieved
by repeated doses of sepia 200.*
Case 18.- Group D. -A middle-aged lady, brunette, was
seized, at 10 Pr M., with agonizing pain in the right lumbar region,
typhlitis; got worse speedily; twisted and rolled and constantly changed her position; could not bear a breath of cool air;
* Sepia, a marine animal, of course represents the saline constitution of sea-water.




43
better by hot applications; not thirsty. Cured by six doses of
arsenicum 200.
Case 19.-A gentleman of swarthy complexion had yellow
fever; treated allopathically. Afterwards complained, impatiently,
but in a jocose manner, that his "' spleen filled half his abdomen."
He was himself a physician. Relieved after one dose of nitromuriatic acid, strength of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia; ten drops,
in water, two ounces.
CLASS IV.
Case 20.-A swarthy lad, got cold feet and hands, and general
chilliness towards night, followed by heat all night, with sleep;
throat sore and full; sensitive manner. Cured by three doses of
gelseminum 1000
Case 21.-A babe, brunette, recovered from whooping cough;
took cold; coughed and retched; worse afternoon; sleepless towards morning "composite periodicity"; excitable manner. Cured
by three doses of cuprum 200.
Case 22.-A rosy, excitable lady got measles, which did not
come out well, until after pulsatilla. Then, had fever every day,
after 12 o'clock, noon, with much excitement, until night. After
aconite, became wild and restless, vomiting and purging; early
in the morning watery, smelling and tasting of faeces. Relieved
immediately by one dose of coffea 200. The excitable morale, the
composite periodicity, and the natural high color, are proper to
class IV. But some "nervous" cases have only a sickly color;
and the same occurs in organic disease.
Case 23.-A pregnant lady, of sensitive temperament, got colicky diarrhoea; cutting pain only with the stools, doubling her up;
sickly appearance; worse evening and morning. Relieved by repeated doses of colocynth 6
Case 24.-A little girl, whose sensitive cutaneous surface had
been exposed to the heat of the weather, and to cold, also got diarrhoea, large, thin, painful stools; sitting on the vessel, screaming.
At other times drowsy, sleeping much. Skin cool. When awake,
sensitive and peevish. "Composite periodicity." Cured by nux
moschata 200, in repeated doses.
The foregoing are illustrative cases, nearly all from recent practice, of the practical use of this classification. A few may now be
added, showing the proper procedure in cases of conflicting indications.




44
Case 25.-The same child last mentioned, afterwards got a
paroxysm  at night, early; waking and calling  "mamma I"
"mamma!" hardly to be pacified, and on recognizing the mother
embracing her, pushing her away again, going to sleep and again
waking and crying for help, in the same way. Loose stool in the
afternoon. Repulsive mood, dogged, in the daytime. Cured by stramonium 200, three doses; but developing sore throat, with a herpeslike eruption on the fauces, and inability to swallow water, or
soup containing pepper. Stramonium of class II, cured, despite
evening periodicity, the morale being suitable, but drug-symptoms intervened. The more perfect the class-correspondence, the
greater immunity I find, from drug-symptoms and aggravations
prior to cure; the more opposed, the more of these I see.
Case 26.-Colic, in a young man, occurring at 2 A. M., and growing worse. The least motion increases it. Relieved by lying on
the abdomen. Gave several doses of bryonia200, of class III,
regarding these characteristic symptoms as superior to the class
indications of periodicity. Cured promptly.
EXPLANATION OF THE DIAGRAMS.
Plate I, represents the stages of irritation, partly as observed
under the microscope, and still more as diagnostically inferred
from the symptomatic development, progress and termination of
diseases; not only the idiopathic but especially the artificial, as
observed in the provings of drugs. The upper portion concerns
large doses; the lower, the high potencies.
Engorgement of the dilated capillaris, following contraction,
being the most patent characteristics of irritation, as this is of
diseases, in general at least, the appearances of the blood-vessels
are adopted as the type of the whole morbid process. Mutations
of calibre and color are therefore figured in the plate, and lettered
from A to D; repeated as often as necessary, in the several series.
Each grade of doses is represented as affecting three main
regions, viz:
1. Region of Initial Irritation.
2. Region of Direct Nervous Connection.
3. Region of Reflex Nervous Connection.
The first, as receiving the first impressions of the drug or other
irritant.
The second, as lying at the other end or pole of the same nerves
with the first.




45
The third, as being indirectly associated with the first, through
a nerve-centre common to both.
Extensive vascular fullness in either region, we call "fever."
Under each region are figured six stages of alteration of calibre,
etc., under irritation, beginning and ending with the normal
condition. The first four, placed above the heavy dividing line,
and designated " Primary," according to Hahnemann, signify the
advance of irritation in its main phemomena. The last two stages
are placed below, and are designated "Secondary," according to
Hahnemann's doctrine of drug-effects, signifying the subsidence of
morbid processes, so far as they have not become chronic; the
effect of vital resistance of the total organism, the so-called,
"reaction."
The mutations of calibre, etc., resulting from large doses, are
taken as typical; and of these, the region of initial irritation presents the most regular succession of stages. These are lettered,
from the normal state, A, to anaemia, B; hyperaemia, C; and
imflammation, D, successively; and in the secondary division subsiding to C, and again to A. The same letters represent the same
conditions throughout all the series. Should the attention of
others be so directed to the subject as to either confirm or correct
the diagram with respect to the less known series, its object will
be equally attained. The first presents essentially the phenomena
which have long been accepted, and may be at any time witnessed
in the experiment with the web of a frog's foot. The remainder
are the result of diagnostic inference, on the basis of the preceding.
All careful provers, having both the opportunity and the
capacity for observation, will, it is believed, recognize the importance of assimilating the irritation, mainly functional, and therefore
characteristic and subtle, which results from experiments with the
higher potencies, with the cruder changes proceeding from large
doses. No other reason need be named for the presentation of
the latter half of the diagram.
Accompanying the vascular changes, as is well known, other
phenomena are found in irritation. What the natural order of
events may be, is a fair subject of question, but need not be here
argued. The events themselves, however, are essential, in varying proportion, to the irritative process which forms so large a
part of the many conditions which we call disease. A resume of
these events is consequently here needed, a single feature being
presented in the diagram.




46
The first series of low potency irritation furnishing the type, the
stages may be stated thus:
PRIMARY.
1. HEALTH. A.
Normal-Vascular calibre, engorgement, exudation, tissue-proliferation and functional power; general comfort; equable vigor.
2. ANJEMIA. B.
Diminished-Vascular calibre, engorgement, exudation, tissueproliferation and functional power; chill; shock; venous stasis.
3. HYPERiEMIA. C.
Increased-Vascular calibre, engorgement, exudation, tissueproliferation and functional power; fever; arterial fulness; cardiac
excitement.
4. INFLAMMATION. D.
Excessive-Vascular calibre, engorgement, exudation, tissuedegeneration and loss of functional power; general depression; exhaustion.
SECONDARY.
5. HYPEREMIA. C.
6. HEALTH. A.
Lastly, the precise localization of sympathetic irritation is very
much determined by the temperamental susceptibilities of each
individual for himself, within the range of nervous connection.
Plate II, Figure 1, represents the double and opposite effects of
each drug or other irritant, ipecacuanha being the example.
Large and small doses are alike in being capable, with varying
constitutional susceptibilities, of developing both kinds of effect;
one of which is the specific drug action, " primary;" the other
being the complementary vital reaction, "secondary;" in the case
of ipecacuanha emetic and anti-emetic, to speak crudely. But the
doses differ vastly in the degree to which each effect is produced
by each. The primary drug action is the cardinal effect of large
doses; the secondary vital reaction, that of the high potencies.
Thus, the large doses are mainly emetic; the infinitesimal, antiemetic. At an indefinite point between these, each individual
finds a dose which for the time is absolutely inert, being neither
emetic nor anti-emetic. This inert or neutral dose is in the
diagram stated at one grain.  The crossing of two diverging




Plate 2
Fig 1.
30 grains  15 grains  1 grain 15hattenuation 30Oattenuatioi
Emetic   < —--       |    -  >'-Anti Emetic
Neutral
The Three Grades of Doses;Example -Ipecac.
Fig. 2
A
C /   x                  D    E/ 
<>a\ ///
A   Al 4
Primary Dru Action. SecondaryVital Reaction.
Double and Opposite Effects of Drugs etc;.
01'
Action and Reaction.
Lith. C Van Be-nthuyse-n  S cns,Albany IT. Y








Plate 8.
Anatomical Sphere of  Anatl Sphere of    Anatz Sphere of        Anatomical Sphere of            Anatomical Sphere of
CLASS IV.           CLASS II.         CLASS                              II.               CLASS IV(Duplicate)
anglioniDuplicsate]                                                    or                   / 
"~                       Pulsatilla\  I   ~l'~~~~~~~ Typ:'\~ ~ ~ ~ ~4,e -S.'...?V......z "
*  0                                                              -t
CD'
/  ~~\                                                           /*^\      4    ~~~~ C.....(\'                 /.t,              \ 
"''K
7,V
( PrihryofAnimaNSpina nteou nisr                                                                                 nt Pri laey
/  r-'-t  AC-f i~r "  ^'*  ^'^K^'   /   /*<""""-.  \.   "J \  (\':! ^;' *';:'7 tJ~i. /   \   o?o Animal  P t —'T7iiO
/Antees, exclusivmal of tzeirn oots.  and ('.-.....:  / na rl gt s  (:. )  4rgn T Celt;r *-AnimalEx  entris S
Intervertebrvl Ganyl                                              ial wPtheOransro
and  Cerebellum...^ Cranial  &SSpinalpSpinal  Co inthnts  or  N3i4 l L'   Perpher   of  the
oF Sense and Voluntary Motioian )  Spinal Nerves,  "  Ore tbyip-theticl'  ValvelessVisceral Veins &o 
G      ieneral Venreous System.. Serous Membraines,(artia 
ZA.nM;*:..*'.JNuxyvoLmcaType. C.A    EfNTHUYSE~ H  1CSSO. ALSA/NY, N. Y,
enral Venous Sytem  Sros Memrnei ST p MACH" 
and Cerebellum                                                       S~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~e opposite  side  o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Diao~~~~~~~ram.~-r
Cr-~na &Sinl SpnlCod-wt is      (.nloic.rN       H      Prphr o h








47
lines at this point produces an increasing space, illustrating
increasing effect, in each direction; the left, marked successively
"15 grains," and "30 grains" signifying increasing emetic, and
the right, marked' 15th attenuation" and "30th attenuation,"
increasing anti-emetic action.
Figure 2 represents, by an elastic spring, firmly erected, the vital
forces and functions, in their totality-the so-called vital principles-which yields to an irritant impression in the direction of
inflammation, a ball striking it from the right, giving it a sinister
impulse. Secondarily, by its elasticity, it returns, representing
vital reaction, with sundry vibrations, illustrating periodicity, to
its normal state; and expelling the abnormal agent. The morbid
condition and action of the forces, both here and in life, consists
in a disturbed equipoise; the reaction, with whatever fluctuation,
effects the restoration of the same.
This plate therefore applies solely to dynamic, as does the first
to material, derangements; both coinciding.
Plate III.-Temperaments and drug effects present like anatomical relations.
The temperaments are defined to consist of predominant
erethism of a nervous origin, dependent on unequally active
nutrition, in most persons, of some one of the cardinal nervous
spheres or elements. These spheres, four in number, are here
figured; the fourth, twice. They are classed accordingly; but
variations occur in disease and from culture.
The medicines, having general anatomical affinities, in entire
harmony with their distinct individualities, are classed, accordingly
as they, by virtue of those affinities, possess the power of creating
artificially, a similar predominant erethism, and unequally,
active nutrition, in either of these four anatomical spheres, as here
figured. This is, in each case, the general sphere of their initial
action, as shown by provings, etc.; the effect being propagated
thence to all other parts by "sympathy," i. e., by nervous association.
The four classes of both temperaments and drugs are named
from the corresponding four cardinal nervous spheres, or elements,
as here represented. The class-spheres of medicines being recognized by provings by use in disease, and by chemical allowances.
The nervous system is regarded as consisting of two grand
divisions, organic and animal; severally concerned mainly with
the tissues, organs and functions of "organic" or "vegetative"
and those of "animal life;" the former being the "great sympa



48
thetic," the latter, the "cerebro-spinal."  Each of these has a centric element, and also a peripheral or excentric portion.
The organic nerve-centre is admitted to be formed of the ganglia
of the so-called great sympathetic nerve. The fibres going thence,
locate themselves, mainly, in the tissues of organic life, the viscera, arteries, and valveless visceral veins, etc. This latter sphere
is the organic nervous periphery.
The animal nerve-centre is the spinal cord, with its gangliar
prolongations at the base of the brain; consisting essentially of
the ultimate roots of all the cranial and spinal nerves, inclusive
of the roots of those which radiate thence to the cortical portions
of the cerebrum and cerebellum.   All the remainder of the
cerebro-spinal system is excentric, constituting the animal nervous
periphery. Included in this, the animal excentric element, are
the tissues of animal life, i. e., the cortical portion of the cerebrum and cerebellum; the cranial and spinal nerves, to their
termine, exclusive of their roots; the intervertebral ganglia, with
the organs of sense and voluntary motion, etc.
These are the " four cardinal nervous spheres or elements."
The centric elements are for convenience first numbered; afterwards, the excentric, the organic in precedence; the corresponding
classes of temperaments and of drugs receiving the same numbers as well as names.
The circles of the diagram are divided to represent a dial, with
each three-hourly period of the day noted thereon. The anatomical figures, which are intended to show at a glance, the grand
divisions and cardinal elements of the nervous system, are made
to occupy those spaces in the dial which set forth, of their
general characteristics, one which is of the first rank, viz: their
usual range of periodicity; class 1st, 12 to 3 o'clock, A.M., and 9
to 12 A.M.; class 2d, 3 to 9 A.M.; class 3d, 12 M. to 12 P.M.; class
4th, composite and typically, evening and morning.
The appropriate numbers and names are appended, including,
under each heading, the name of a typical drug of such familiar
character as to suggest its affinities, in a very general way, however.
The mere numbers and titles of the classes of drugs, as well as
of the temperaments and their casual variations, are here given,
in relation with their anatomical spheres and characteristic periodicity. The list of the medicines, under these class headings, subdivided to some extent, as explained in the text and in the list
itself, is added, in the proper place.