A "Scientific and Medical9 SBooks, and all objects,. of Natural History. SA E, FO0TE,. D. A S 12-23 Belmont Ave., " Philadelphia, Pa. -7 Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1846, by -WILLIAM RAIDDE, ~ In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New-York. H. LUDWIG, PRINTERB 70 & 72 Vesoy-st. DEDICATION. TO THE HON. DIXON H. LEWIS, SIR: The interest which you have manifested in medical science, and more particularly in the cause of the much derided but natural system of Hahnemann, leads me to trust that the dedication of this work will not be wholly unacceptable to you; and the more so when I assure you, that in offering it, I am actuated alone by sincere respect for the candour and judgment with which you have investigated the claims of Homeopathy. A. H. OKIE. Pr6vidence, Jan. 29, 1846. vi PREFACE. great difficulty with American Physicians unacquainted with German, has been the impossibility of obtaining works of a practical nature in the English language. Hartmann's Remedies is a work eminently calculated to supply this want, and give the Physician a hint as to the clinical application of remedies upon the principle similia similibus. Its author thoroughly understands his subject, and gives his own opinions deduced from practice. Any one who will carefully follow the mode Dr. Hartinann follows in his prescriptions, and will apply the same to a dozen or twenty of the chief remedies of the Homceopathic materia medica, will, after a careful analysis of these, soon be enabled to increase his knowledge so as to embrace all of the chief remedies in use. The day is not far distant when our materia medica founded on the drug symptoms induced in the healthy subject, and the morbid changes thus produced, will be placed side by side with pathological phenomena-when we shall not be subjected to a necessarily defective symptomatology bequeathed us by Hahnemann, and which was in his time a great improvement over the blundering, guess work of the Pathological doctrines of his day; but which now must yield to the labours of the PREFACE. Vli modern Pathological anatomist, whose efforts will be greatly aided by those of the Homceopathist to detect the changes produced in the organism by the administration of drugs, and the application of the similar drug disease thus discovered to the cure of morbid changes in the organism. The proof sheets of this work have been revised under unavoidable disadvantages, and some typographical errors have crept in. I cannot conclude without stating the great obligation I am under to Mr. Charles G. McKnight, student of Homceopathy in my office, for the copious index he has furnished. A. H. OxIE. Benefit-street, Providence, R. L1 HOMNEOPATHIC MEDICINE. WM. RADDE, No. 322 Broadway, New-York, General Agent for the Central Homceopathic Pharmacy at Leipsic, for the United States, respectfully informs the Homceopathic Physicians and the friends of the system, that he has always on hand a good assortment of HOM(EOPATHIC MEDICINES, in complete sets or by single vials, in Tinctures, Dilutions, and Triturations. Also, Pocket Cases of Medicines; Physicians' and Family Medicine Chests, to Laurie's Domestic (72 remedies,) Epp's (54 remedies,) Hering's (58 remedies.) Small Pocket Cases at $3, with Family Guide and 27 remedies. Cases containing 415 vials with Tinctures and Triturations for Physicians; Cases with 176 vials of Tinctures and Triturations to Jahr's Manual in 2 vols. Pocket Cases with 60 vials of Tinctures and Triturations. Cases from 200 to 400 vials with low and high dilutions of medicated pellets. Cases from 50-80 vials of low and high dilutions, etc., etc. Refined Sugar of Milk, pure Globules, etc.; as well as Books, Pamphlets, and Standard Works on the System, in the English, French, and German languages. THE HOMOEOPATHIC EXAMINER, 4th vol., (new series,) was issued on the 15th day of August, 1845, and thereafter on the first of each month. The Journal will hereafter be edited by Drs. GRAY and HEMPEL, Win. Radde, publisher and proprietor. '5 a year in advance, or 50 cents on delivery for each number.-Seven numbers are published. I I CONTENTS. qr% BE' ELLAD0NNA, continued. PAME Measles, - - - - - - - 51. Furunculi, - - - - - - 51 Hydrophobia, - - - - - - 52 Congestions, - - - - - - 54 "i Breast to the - - - - 55 " Uterus " - - - - 56 Cancer of the Uterus, m = - 57 H~emorrhages, - - - 58 Epistaxis, - - - - - 58 H~emoptysis, - - - - - - 58 Spasmodic diseases, - - - - 59 Asthmatic Complaints, - - - - 61 Cramps of Stomach, - - - - - 62 Hcemorrhoidal Colic, - - - - - 65 Hooping Cough, - - - -. - 65 Morbid Sneezing, - - - - - -67. Epilepsy, - - - - -- 68 Chorea, - - - - - - 70 Raphania or Ergotism, - - - - - 71 Apoplexy, - - - - - - 72 Gout. - - - - - - - 74 Rheumatism, - - - - - - 74 Toothache, - - - - - - 75 Pbosaphalgia Forthergilhi or Tic Douloureux, - - 75 Vertigo, '1- - - 76 Scrofula, - - - - 77 Otorrhcea, - - - - - - 78 Indurated and Swollen Cervical Glands, - - 79 Scirrhous Indurations, - - - - - 79 Dysentery, - - - - - - 80 Cachexia, - - - - - - - 80 Mental Disease, - - - - - 81 Insanity, - - - - - - - 82 Imbecility, - - - - - - 83 Nux VomicA. General Remarks, -- - - - -84 Febrile Affections, - - - - - 89 CONTENTS. xi Nux VOMICA, continued. PAGe. Febrile Affections, treatment in, - - - 91 Icteric Complaints, - - - - 96 Febrile Affections of Children, - - -. 97 Catarrhal Feyer, - - - -. 99 Inflammations, - - - - - - 101 General Remarks in, &c., - - - -. 103 Treatment of Cases, - - - - - 103 Ophthalmic Catarrhalis, - - -. 106 " Rheumatic, - - - - - 107 " Arthritice, - - - - 107 " Scrophulosa,.- - - - 108 Conjunctivis, - - - - - - 110 Pleura Pneumonia, - - - - - 111 Hepatitis, - - - - - - 111 Gastrodynia, - - - - -. 112 Metritis, - - - - - - 113 Anginose Affections,1 - - - - - 114 Affections of the Mouth, - - - - 115 Frozen Limbs, - - - - -. 116 Pimples, - - - - - - 116 Haemorrhage, - - - - - - 117 Congestion to Head, - - - - - 118 "* Uterus, - - - - - 119 Varicose Veins, - - - - - 121 Catamenia, - - - - - - 124 Disordered Menstruation, - - - - 125 Hmmorrhoids, - - - - - - 128 Ischuria, - - - 132 Strangury, - - - - - - 132 Balano-Blenorrhcea, - - - - - 132 Spermatic Cord, Pain in, - - - - 133 Nocturnal Emissions, - - - - - 133 Dysenteric Diarrhcea, - - - - - 134 Measles, - - - - - - 134 Constipation, - - - - - - 136 Indigestion, - - - - - - 137 Pyrosis, - - - - - -. - 138 CONTENTS. Nux VomIA, continued. Cardialgia, - - Abdominal Spasms, Colica Flatulencia, - " Biliosa, Hernia,.. Asthmatic Complaints, Hydrothorax and Phthisis, Spasms of Chest, Hooping Cough, Hypochondria and Hysteria, Epilepsy, - - Headache, - - Syncope, - -. Delirium Tremens, Acute Rheumatism, Chronic " - Gout " - - Toothache, - - Apoplexy, - - - Paralytic States, - Hysteria, - - - Catarrh, - - - Ear, complaints of, - - Sleep and Dreams, Melancholia, - - PAGE. 139.. 147 -. 148 S. - 149 S - 149 S -. 153 - 154 S. - 154. 155 - - - - 155 - 156 - - - 162. 166 - - 166 - 169 - - 172 - 172 S -. 175 - 176 - - - 177 179 - - - 181 -, 182 - - 183 -185 BELLADONNA. THIS powerful remedy, which is applicable homceopathically in very many morbid affections of grave character, and is exhibited with brilliant effects, occupies a prominent place among the polycrest remedies. It is said to possess much more powerful properties when growing wild than when cultivated in the garden. Its botanical character, and the mode of preparing it for homceopathic use, I have accurately specified in my Pharmacopoeia.* When this remedy has been exhibited, the patient should abstain from the use of coffee and wine, unless we wish to interfere with its effects anti. dotally.,dcids are likewise pernicious, as they produce too great an aggravation of the symptoms which belladonna is intended to remove. In addition to the antidotes mentioned by Hahnemann, in his Materia Medica, mercurius sol. deserves attention, particularly in chronic sequelme remaining after the use of belladonna. We may likewise make use of slight shocks of electricity in such cases, (when there is paralysis of particular limbs, amaurosis, &c.,) conjoined with the proper curative. As improvement occurs, we should diminish their in* Homceopathic Pharmacopoeia, by Dr. Hartmann, Leipsic. See also Jahr's New Homceopathic Pharmacopoeia and Posology, by Dr. Kitchen, Philadelphia, 1842. A BELLADONNA. 1 17 lymphatic system, this is corroborated by numerous experiences of homceopathists, it ranks in this particular with mercury. It is to be particularly recommended in ulcers in which suppuration ceases, and where stinging, burning* dissevering pains are excited. It has likewise the peculiarity to repeat its primary effects, or rather to excite a return of the disease on the third or fourth day, even when it has produced improvement in the first days after its application. This should not lead the homceopathic physician to administer another remedy immediately, as this aggravation of the disease usually soon disappears spontaneously. But on account of this relapse it must, in important cases, be accurately selected, if we will have it prove efficient. I have frequently cured diseases with this substance which depended upon violent mental emotions, when the body was heated, followed by evident cold. Sad, indifferent tone of mind, where the other morbid symptoms indicate it, is one of the chief criteria for its application both in acute and chronic diseases. Thus much is general. I now proceed to speak of its therapeutic application more in detail. FErBRILE. AFFECTIONS. Belladonna acts more powerfully than any other substance on the nerves, and particularly on those of the cerebrum, and it therefore stands in close connection with the nervous system, particularly to the higher nervous system, to the organs of sense and the sensorium. Notwithstanding this, its effects upon the ganglionic system and particular nervous branches, is by no means doubtful. It elicits very im 18 BELLADONNA. portant symptoms in the nervous plexus of the abdomen, and likewise stands in connection with other systems, to which is to be ascribed its influence on the vascular system, secretory organs, and on the organs of reproduction generally. Before proceeding further, I shall say a few words with regard to the ideas of Dr. Wednt, of Breslau, on belladonna, which he casually mentions in a treatise "On the Use of Datura Stramoniun,"'' and which are just the reverse of those I have just offered: he says, "with belladonna we see the most decided effect on the ganglionic system: we see the larger nervous branches primarily affected by it, and first subsequently does the central organ suffer. If belladonna exercises a decided influence upon the irritability, still, as a result of its influence, reaction is evidently exalted, and febrile manifestations are often excited." That belladonna produces febrile phenomena, is undoubtedly true, as is known to any one at all acquainted with the true effects of this remedy upon the healthy human body. But that the effects of belladonna upon the sensorium is subsequent to its action on the ganglionic nervous system, depends either upon a mistake on the part of the observer, or it is a theoretical conclusion which is not sustained by experience. If I have deceived myself in particular observations with regard to this remedy, this does not at all depend upon the conjecture that belladonna excites the sensorium primarily. This is an experimental truth, of which any one may readily convince himself, who will * Rust's Magazine. Vol. xxiv. Part II. 1827. BELLADONNA. 1 19 experiment with belladonna on his own person. The vertigo, the cerebral confusion, the sense of intoxication, these precursors of far more important changes in the cerebral nervous system, generally appear in most experimenters within a few minutes after taking not too large a dose of this remedy: this is likewise the case with the sudden change of contraction and dilatation of the pupil, after which visual obscuration and complete paralysis of the optic nerve succeeds, in which variable symptom we, at the same time, plainly recognise the struggle of the recuperative powers of nature to recover the loss of balance brought about by the unnatural exaltation of the irritability of the affected organ produced by the belladonna. The production of weakness of memory, and even its complete loss, is likewise one of the primary effects of the belladonna, and is manifested earlier than the sufferings which depend upon the affection of the ganglionic system. If one wishes to experience these true effects of this remedy, it is, of course, essential that a good and powerful preparation should be made use of, and the dose regulated according to the constitution of the subject, and its effects should not be disturbed by the use of any other medicinal substance at the same time. And, according to my views, these are precisely the mistakes which allopathists commit in their experiments with drugs, and, deceived by these, they deduce false conclusions, and others adduce uncertain conjectures not based upon pure experience..Belladonna is not invariably adapted to any class of 2'0 BELLADONNA. febrile affections; there are none, however, to which it may not be adapted. Under certain circumstances, a fever with the character of synocha, or synochus, as well as a febris typhosa, may be removed by it. As a simple fever, without complication, it is best adapted to typhus. In diseases where the fever is not the chief indication, but merely constitutes a concomitant symptom, where, for instance, an inflammation or cutaneous eruption is the criterion for the exhibition of this or that remedy, and points to the application of belladonna, it is not uncommon that the fever therewith connected bears the character of synocha, or synochus, without offering any contra indication to its use. In general synochus, according to the principles of homccopathy, never determines what remedy is applicable, as it is in very rare cases that this presents itself as an uncomplicated form of fever. It is usually united with other prominent symptoms which are characteristic for the appropriate remedy, which then is also always indicated by the accompanying febrile form, because this latter usually depends upon the chief complaint. As already mentioned, belladonna is best adapted to some varieties of nervous fever which appear sporadi. cally: it is impossible to decide beforehand what remedy is best adapted to these fevers when they appear epidemically, as every epidemic is differently constituted. If we survey the symptoms of belladonna accurately, we find throughout that increased irritability and hypersensibility predominates over deficient, or at least diminished, irritability; if we depended on this alone, without BELLADONNA. 21 consulting experience, we would suppose that its application would be confined to febris nervosa versatilis. It is to conclusions like this that those who are learned in the closet arrive, the practitioner places implicit faith in their decisions, and is thereby frequently subjected to many sad disappointments, which then serve to render him mistrustful of the particular medicament recommended. The homceopathists cannot be thus deceived, as they accurately comprehend the true effects of medical agents, and oppose them to the collective symptoms of disease. By this means we discover the beneficial influence of belladonna in some varieties of febris nervosa stupida. It is impossible to convey to a beginner the settled indications which call for the exhibition of belladonna in febris nervosa. I am myself always governed by the face, which, to me, always exhibits something characteristic when belladonna is indicated, and I am therefore never at a loss. I do not know whether it is as certain a guide to other practitioners; this characteristic is not so readily described as felt when looking on the patient. The eye and look of the patient are in these cases, as in many others, particularly true indications: a reflex of the internal affection, which we are able to make use of only after repeated experiences; this reflex is most apparent where the nervous system in general, and particularly the cerebral system, is affected, also even when an inflammatory affection of the latter is therewith conjoined. We here find the conjunctival vessels engorged with blood, which gives to the eye a glassy appearance, as we sometimes 22 22 BELLADONNA. see it in intoxication: the look is at the same time either unsteady, or fixed and staring; the facial muscles are distorted and denote spasm: turgor is present in the face--it is precisely the reverse of the state in which arsenic is applicable where there is more rigidity of the features-a collapsed face. A case of disease which comes under this head in which belladonna proved of the utmost service, and where it alone was capable of overcoming a dangerous affection in a few hours, may not be misplaced here. A servant girl of some twenty years of age, who had laboured for a long time under monestm'Sin, with fluor albus, which, on account of the excoriation, prevented her walking and produced great debility, requested the aid of the family physician to relieve her of her ills. Every thing appeared to progress favourably after the exhibition of the remedies ordered, (no wonder, for the remedy which she received in the form of pills were compounded of no less than nine very powerful remedies,) the mucous discharge diminished, her strength returned, but still her catamenia did not appear. It is a very common case, that domestics do not look upon these kind of affections as very important, and do not have recourse to medical aid until the affection is so harassing that it prevents the exercise of their duties. This occurred here: if the patient was better, she -omitted her medicine; when she grew worse, she took her pills for four or six weeks together; which, within that time, usually produced some change in her state. Under such treatment, twvo years passed by without BELLADONNA* 2 23 evident improvement, which the patient ascribed to the want of power in the remedy prescribed, and on this account, without the knowledge of her physician, several times took more pills -than she was ordered. From this time her state became much aggravated: she gave up her medicine, and believed she would recruit without the aid of art. But as the disease continued to increase, and after the lapse of eight days, had arrived at an alarming height; and as her former medical attendant did not inquire any more respecting her, I was requested to afford her medical aid. The existing morbid state was the following: she had complained for several days of violent headache, particularly in the forehead, which obliged her to lie down frequently. The previous evening it had increased to such an extent, that her senses were no longer within her control, but she begun to speak in a wandering manner. I found her in bed, her face turgid, eyes reddened, unsteady look~, distorted facial muscles and twitching around the mouth, as if she_ was constantly about to begin to speak; at the same time her whole body was constantly in motion; she appeared to be seeking for something with her hands, or endeavouring to remove the bed clothes, with which she at the same time always endeavoured to rise up and escape from bed. All soothing speeches on the part of her attendants calmed her only momentarily, she then. renewed her efforts. She did not recognise any of those around her, returned no answers to questions, but uttered merely indistinct stammering murmurs. She desired nothing, hastily swallowed drink when offered her, buti 9,4 24 BELLADONNA* pushed food away from her. No alvine evacuation for two days. Her sleep was seldom a quarter of an hour at a time, and disturbed by phantasies, which continued even after awaking. Burning heat over the whole body, while the hands and feet felt cold. Before she had become insensible, she had complained of a sensitive bearing-down feeling towards the genitals, with muco-purulent discharge and pain in the small of the back; the discharge was still present. It was early in the morning, about 9 o'clock, that I exhibited the belladonna in the 30th dilution, and forbade all heating and exciting drinks. At 5 o'clock in the evening, I found my patient in a perspiration, which was not over profuse; she had recovered her thoughts and speech, and informed me herself that soon after taking the medicine she had fallen asleep, and slept until near 12 o'clock; on awaking, she felt as if new life had been infused in her, and would have considered her whole disease as a dream, if her debility had not convinced her that it was reality. On visiting her the next morning, I found her still weak, but out of bed; menstruation had supervened, and continued, as formerly, four days, without being accompanied by the sensitive throes and pain in the back. And thus was this hi ghly dangerous affection removed in less than eight and forty hours. Another very interesting case which, however, was not cured by one remnedy alone, but still was indebted to the belladonna for a complete restoration, will not be unwelcome to many of my readers, as it affords a proof BELLADONNA. 2 27 the opium', we waited for two hours. A quick effect was here not to be expected, as it can never occur where active allopathic treatment has preceded, and the vital power has become null. The struggle which occurs between the vital power and the medicinal action, is slowly developed, and continues for a long time in the organism internally before the curative effect of the remedy is evidently manifested. It is to be looked upon as an evidence of beginning improvement, when, after the exhibition of a homceopathic medicament, the disease does not continue to increase, but remains unchanged. Trhis was the case here. During the night (I remained with the patient) he slept sometimes a quarter or half an hour, and sometimes even lying upon the right side. The spasmodic motions of the left remitted, and more general quietude seemed induced, although conscious. ness was entirely wanting. This was the state of the patient when I took my leave on the following morning about 6 o'clock. I advised my friend by letter of his then state, and recommended him, if the disease had become aggravated on his arrival, to exhibit arnica in the billionth dilution. But towards evening the spasmodic attacks had increased to such an extent that Dr. S. found it more advisable to give stramonium in the ninth dilution. The parents gave up their son as lost, and- I was notified on the 11Ith of May of his approaching dissolution. The more striking on this account did the request appear which desired me to visit him again on the 13th of the month, as he was improving, when I learnt from my friend that stramionium had allayed the 28 BELLADONNA. spasms, and had changed the state into one to which belladonna was adapted, which he administered in the thirtieth dilution early on the 12th instant, after which, on the evening of the 13th, the disease was as follows: The patient had, for the first time during his disease, slept refreshingly from 2 until 6 o'clock, and on his awaking, at which I was present, he looked upon the bystanders with a lively, smiling, though astonished, countenance. He answered questions correctly, but still somewhat deliberately. He knew nothing of what had passed. Occasionally if only one person was near him, he still spoke somewhat confused. He wished to get out of bed, have his clothes put on, take a walk or a ride, &c. His appetite returned, his tongue became clearer; the lips lost their dryness; the skin was moist; the redness of the eyes disappeared. Stool had not yet supervened. In the night of the 13th and 14th of August, he slept by the hour very quietly, was fully conscious on awaking, and felt himself so much stronger, that he got up without aid and made use of the close stool. His improvement progressed daily-he required no other remedy, and the reaction produced by the belladonna constituted the cure which commenced under such unfavourable auspices. INTERMITTENT FEVERS. Belladonna is applied, homceopathically, with great benefit in several varieties of intermittents, on account of its inherent power of producing morbid periodical states. Before I enter upon intermittent paroxysms which indicate belladonna, I will first mention those intermittents which have lost BELLADONNA. 2 29 their own peculiar type after allopathic, treatment with Peruvian bark, and have become complicated with the symptoms arising from the abuse of that medicament, which frequently become so habitual, after the lapse of a short time, that they form a peculiar- class of disease, which we comprehend under the name of china cachexag, which requires a particular treatment, and is so inveterate as it becomes united with the dormant morbid conditions of the system, that it requires the greatest circumspection on the part of the physician to cure it. In such cases, before we proceed to the annihilation of the chronic, or rather psoric, state, by having recourse to the antipsorics, it is better to diminish at least, if not entirely overcome, the china symptoms through the medium of antidotes- A perfect removal of the complaints arising from the inordinate use of cinchona, cannot be anticipated, as we can never draw a strict line of demarcation between the effects of the cinchona and the latent psoric symptoms aroused by its influence, which combination the experienced practitioner recognises at the first examination- Notwithstanding this, the chief indication is to remove, by proper antidotes, (vid. Hahnemann's Mat. Med., vol. iii.) the prominent effects of the cinchona, and to continue these antidotes so long until there is no change which can interfere with the progress of the cure. Among these antidotes, belladonna occupies a station, and although Hahnemann finds this indicated in a few cases only, (see his prefatory remarks to cinchona,) still these are so characteristic that this remedy can by no means be dispensed with, and without 11* 30 30 BELLADONNA. it no important improvement is to be anticipated. The following are the chief phenomena in which this remedy is to be applied. Hyper-sensibility and irritability of the whole nervous system; every trifling noise produces a great impression upon the senses of the patient, because they are all in a state of over excitability; his whole nervous system is too impressible, and at the same time over sensitive, and every thing which acts upon his senses operates upon his feelings and upon his mind; tremulous loss of power in all his limbs; dilated pupils; the eyes dull and surrounded by livid circles, or the face is puffed up and pallid; the white of the eye of a yellowish tinge; sensitive, rending pains in the head, which recur periodically, particularly in the temples, produced by the slightest noise;.- great languor and sleepiness, without being able to sleep, or, when sleep supervenes, he is very restless, disturbed by anxious, frightful dreams, or by absolute paroxysms of anxiety, or also by sudden flushes of heat. This great irritability of the nervous system extends even to the thoracic organs, therefore the anxious, gasping, oppressed respiration is no contra- indic ation to its application; neither does the existence of suppressed irritability of muscular fibre of the intestinal canal, manifested by constipation of several days duration, offer any objection. Characteristic for belladonna, is the common symptom induced by the misuse of cinclzona; distention of the abdomen, particularly of the colon transversum, accompanied with sensitive pain. In general, when belladonna is adapted to such a china cachexy, over -sensibility of BELLADONNA. 31 the nervous system, a languishing state of mind and body predominates. It is impossible to descrile accurately the intermittent states to which this remedy is adapted, as we have to direct our attention less to the febrile paroxysm, and more to the concomitant complaints. As I have already mentioned in the general remarks, it is particularly indicated in those diseases which recur periodically. This remark is applicable in all its force, particularly to those painful symptoms accompanying intermittents, which appear paroxysmally, the chill is less plainly marked, while the hot stage is sometimes accompanied by intercurrent rigors. We likewise find these intermittents but seldom with much thirst or profuse sweat; the thirst arises more from a desire to allay the dryness of the mouth and fauces. Belladonna is often adapted to febris intermittens quotidiana, namely, when these daily paroxysms are accompanied by distressing headache with vertigo, redness of the eyes, nausea, vomiting, constipation, chill, or merely rigors with thirst, without being followed by great heat, accompanied by merely moderately increased temperature of the surface and perspiration. FEBRES LENTAE. Althoughfebres lents belong to no particular system, still less to any particular organ in the general system, I must, nevertheless, mention them here on account of the arrangement; and also because belladonna proves very beneficial in their treatment. We most frequently find this form of fever as the concomitant of some topical affection, and mainly con BELLADONNA. 3 33 attest by repeated experience. This is particularly the case in this febrile form in children with violent abdominal pains and involuntary evacuations, usually dependent upon induration of the mesenteric glands. Arsenic and mercury are likewise of much service in these fevers, but their effects are seldom so evident as those of belladonna. This is likewise the case where these fevers are the concomitants of organic lesions in other systems. DENTITION. Dentition in small children is to be considered as a form of febrile disease, of greater or less importance: as belladonna is an admirable remedy during dentition, and in the complaints conjoined therewith, I shall here mention, somewhat specially, some of these affections. Dentition of children exalts the irritability of the nervous system frequently to a very high degree, by which a morbid state of the vascular system is induced, which is manifested in the form of fever. The more moderate grade of this exalted irritability of both the vascular and nervous systems, which is manifested by increase of temperature, thirst, shortness of breath, starting during sleep, &c., succumbs in a short time by the administration of aconite, or sometimes chamomilla, or some other remedy; it recurs, however, so long as the cause, the dental irritation, is not fully overcome, and may frequently be again allayed by the same remedy. In those cases, on the contrary, to which belladonna is adapted, it often appears from the first with great violence, and with symptoms of a dangerous character. We have here to remark, that these attacks, 34 34 BELLADONNA. for the most part, depend upon inordinate irritability, and impressibility of the nervous system, and are therefore almost always spasmodic, to which the febrile phenomena become conjoined secondarily. These attacks are not always preceded by premonitory symptoms, they very often appear suddenly. Belladonna should undoubtedly be administered in those cases where children awake from sleep as if frightened, look anxiously around, or stare fixedly at some object, with pupils dilated, and an altered expression, while all the muscles of the body are in a spasmodic state, the child is quite rigid and stiff, the whole body, but particularly the forehead and the hands, are extremely hot, and the urine is passed involuntarily. Such a state usually continues but a few minutes, but soon recurs, while the heat is constant, and the child is scarcely able to quench its excessive thirst. If these paroxysms, namely, the tonic spasms, continue longer than a few minutes-if, in place of the beat, coldness or cold sweat supervenes, under such circumstances stramomutm, hyosciarnus and opiumz are indicated. If the child has been restless for several nights, wvithout having had any great attention directed to it-if it has tossed about with burning beat of the whole body, and has desired to drink frequently-if redness of the skin, trembling of the limbs, anxiety, gasping, sighing, with a short concussive spasmodic cough, succeeded by short, quick, noisy respiration and perceptible oppression of the chest-if the conjunctiva is injected-if the body is agitated by individual shocks which are repeated almost like electric shocks-if, moreover, convulsions of the BELLADONNA. 35 limbs supervene, belladonna is indicated beyond doubt. In such and similar cases, it is a loss of time on the part of the physician to exhibit a dose of aconite first, in order to allay the fever, from which he cannot derive the effect that he would in simple inflammatory vascular fever without complication. Belladonna is of great importance in many kinds of fever after delivery, particularly in those which originate from violent mental emotions, which is succeeded by suppression of the milk. These fevers are prone to assume such a character, that we may with justice call "puerperal fevers." Where they are thus constituted, the breasts sympathise, there is swelling, induration and redness, which radiates to one- point, (erysipelatous inflammation,) the milk is suppressed, and there are stinging and rending pains in the mammo. rThis also frequently occurs after weaning, but still without any constitutional disturbance, except the accompaniment of a greater or less degree of vascular fever; bryonia deserves preference to belladonna in these cases-indeed it merits the name of a specific. If abdominal disturbances, namely, of the genital system, and symptoms of the nervous and vascular system become annexed to this affection of the breasts, we have a complete puerperal fever. Belladonna is particularly useful in such a fever, if a number of the following symptoms are present: the complaints of the mammoe already specified, short breath, anxiety, sensitive drawing, stinging, labour-like pains deep in the abdomen, with a sensitive urging towards the genitals and the BELLADONNA. 37 consideration when a puerperal fever assumes more the nervous character, or at least is so disposed, while nux vomica is better applicable where erethismus predominates; pulsatilla and coffea where there is over-excitability of the nervous system, (where the patient believes she cannot support the pains.) It is scarce necessary for me to mention, that particular morbid symptoms may require entirely different curatives from those here mentioned, of which I will only mention chamomilla and rhus toxic. Belladonna is likewise applicable in many other morbid states of the female sexual organs. INFLAMMATORY AFFECTIONS. I now proceed to treat of the inflammatory diseases in which belladonna should be applied, and will first mention a variety of nervous pneumonia in which this remedy has afforded me essential aid, as it removed the nervous and all the pneumonic symptoms, and left the disease in such a state that pulsatilla, and subsequently mercurius, was indicated. I refer to my remarks on this subject regarding the application of belladonna in this disease in the Archives, Vol. viii. No. 2, page 37, and will here merely mention arnica as another important remedy in such cases. ACUTE AND CHRONIC HEPATITIS. Acute and chronic inflammations of the liver are often so constituted, that belladonna proves curative. In chronic hepatitis, which is characterized by a constant sensibility of the hepatic region, a yellowish teint, change in the quality of the alvine evacuations, irregular appetite, increased thirst, restless nights, belladonna, alternated with some c 38 BELLADONNA. other remedy adapted to this state, effects all that is possibly expected; indeed I have even seen perfect cures follow in cases which were not too chronic. In inveterate hepatitis chronica, we can restore a relative health to the constitution by this remedy, but still for a short time only; for even if belladonna undoubtedly possessed anti-psoric properties, still the cure of such an important affection but seldom occurs through the medium of one remedy only-several antipsorics are requisite. The cure of acute hepatitis, on the contrary, where the symptoms indicate it, is often effected by this one remedy, particularly when the convex surface, the diaphragmatic portion is inflamed, in which case the pain is not so much a stinging, but rather pressing, extending into the thorax and the region of the shoulder, with which there is a distention in the epigastrium, and an insufferable tension directly across the abdomen above the umbilicus, which produces oppressed respiration and anxiety, and a congestion of blood to the head, with which obstupefaction, with nebulous vision and vertigo, with disposition to syncope, is conjoined. If there is annexed to these symptoms considerable thirst, agonizing jactitation, sleeplessness, &c., there is scarce any other remedy indicated than belladonna, which can alone allay this morbid state. But still the physician should accurately note every peculiarity of the case, and see if, perhaps, chamomilla, pulsatilla, bryonia, mercurius, nux vomica, or another remedy, is not indicated. NEPHRITIS. The effects of belladonna in nephritis are beyond question when the disease is so constituted as to BELLADONNA. 39 demand its application. The stinging, burning pains in the region of the lumbar vertebroe, which extend downwards along the ureter towards the bladder, particularly when they occur periodically with increased violence, are a chief criterion for its application, if hepar sulphuris is not probably better indicated. Even the colicky pains which are conjoined therewith, as well as the gastralgia, the heat and distention in the region of the kidneys, the passage of a fiery, flaming urine, in small quantities, the anxiety and restlessness, as well as the constipation, &c., offer no contra-indication to its exhibition. There are, however, several other remedies besides this which are applicable in this disease. ANGINOSE AFFECTIONS. Belladonna deserves particular consideration in inflammation of the whole throat internally, and of the fauces; in such cases, it is the most prominent of all our remedial agents, where there is no swelling of the mouth, tongue or gums, with salivation, which require mercurius to be exhibited. Belladonna is indicated where there is vivid redness of the soft palate, of the base of the tongue, the uvula and the tonsils, unaccompanied by much swelling of these parts, the patient experiences a stinging pain in the parts specified when swallowing, which somewhat impedes deglutition, and is often accompanied with a sensation as if these parts were contracted. When not making the deglutitory effort, there frequently exists a pain which is more of a rending character, which extends upwards to the temples, and downwards to the lower jaw, and into the sub-maxillary glands, which are likewise in a 40 BELLADONNA. state of tumefaction; a so-termed angina faucium, both tonsillaris and uvularis. The accompanying fever is generally not very high; a synochus, with great dryness of the mouth, which requires frequent moistening. Belladonna is likewise adapted to those anginose affections which are accompanied by swelling of the muscles of the throat and nape, and in which the pains are much aggravated by motion. The angina, which appears as a metastasis in many scarlatina epidemics, where the whole disease is situated in the pharynx and mouth, without being accompanied by the scarlet eruption, and during which a number of small, offensive ulcers form in the mouth and fauces, which are accompanied by unusual debility and prostration, with which the patient is likewise obliged to drink constantly, does not always succumb to belladonna, nor to arsenic, but often to nux vomica. Pulsatilla is better adapted than belladonna to an anginose affection very much resembling that first described, but where, instead of the vivid redness of the internal parts, there is more of a dark varicose distention of the vessels. ABDOMINAL INFLAMMATION. Belladonna is never applicable in uncomplicated abdominal inflammation; aconite is, in these cases, specific; but is applicable in a so-termed sub-inflammatory state, which, according to my experience, depends upon the existence of adhesions in the abdominal cavity, and which are accompanied by symptoms like true inflammation, but still far less violent. This view requires further confirmation from experience and observation. BELLADONNA. 4 41 INF LAMMATION OF THE LYMPHATIC VESSELS AND GLANDS IN CHILDREN. This is a disease in which the efficacy of belladonna is undoubted, in which it almost invariably proves serviceable. It often appears periodically, is excited by slight, frequently very trivial, causes; recurs and often continues until puberty, and even a more advanced age, particularly if scrofula existed during childhood without any attempt at radical cure having been instituted. It is well known to homceopathists that scrofula belongs to chronic diseases, and consequently cannot find a radical cure in belladonna, but at the extent it can be used only as a proper inter. current remedy, which must always give place to a properly indicated antipsoric. It is therefore not my intention to speak here of this so-termed chronic state of the glandular system, in which belladonna merely acts the part of a palliative; but my object is to mention, somewhat more specially, that morbid state which appears both as an acute affection during. the existence of scrofula in the lymphatic vessels and glandular system, or which may likewise appear in an acute form in its primary state in the systems specified 'in which belladonna is exhibited with the greatest benefit. Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels and glands is readily recognised, particularly if it attacks those which are more superficially situated, and thereby becomes perceptible. The affected lymphatics may be distinguished by the reddened spots which resemble shining red, inflamed, and at the same time radiating, patches, which often extend to where one or more of 42 BELLADONNA. the larger conglomerate glands are situated: small glands are frequently affected in their course, which likewise become inflamed, swollen, and give to these inflamed patches a modulated feel. The temperature of the affected parts is exalted, producing a tensive, extremely sensitive, stinging pain, whereby the tumefaction is very perceptible externally; the pains are much aggravated by motion, but usually become exacerbated when the fever accompanying supervenes, whichis mostly of the character of synochus, and is frequently accompanied by gastric symptoms. An erysipelatous inflammation of the parts affected is often conjoined; but as belladonna is frequently adapted to erysipelatous inflammations, as well of the face as of other parts, this offers no contra-indication to its exhibition. The symptoms which remain after belladonna has exhausted its influence, indicate mercury, rhus, or nux vomica. The so-termedj cold swellings which we so often see on the labia and external genitals, with tension, even fluctuation and violent pains, which generally arise from an exhalation of lymph, or lymphatic congestion, and never periodically, often indicate belladonna; it corresponds in these cures always according to the symptoms with mercur., pulsatilla, dulcamara, conium, &c. I will here mention an affection which succumbed to the exhibition of belladonna. An inflammatory swelling of the face, of one cheek and the upper lip, with hard spots, which pained violently on the slightest pressure, supported no covering, was attended with BELLADONNA. 43 throbbing, pulsating pains, and confusion and dulness of the head. It is, according to my views, not improper to pass from these glandular affections immediately to a very distressing ophthalmic affection, in which alleviation of the very frequent recurrence of twenty relapses of acute attacks is effected by belladonna. I refer to ophthalmia scrofulosa. That the radical cure of this disease, which not only affects the eye, but interferes with the developement of the whole organism of children, cannot be effected except by antipsorics, is a view which has of late been confirmed by repeated experience. Notwithstanding this, many homceopathists will be glad to learn, that frequently where the symptoms indicate it, I commence the treatment with belladonna; and on the recurrence of a relapse, I exhibit it as an intercurrent remedy, after the full effects of the proper antip. soric have been exhausted. It is particularly indicated where the vessels of the sclerotic coat are injected with blood, a sensitive pressure in the eye is experienced, which is increased by opening the eye, and thereby produces photophobia, which depends upon this inflammatory state; the canthi are frequently somewhat reddened and lippitudo exists early in the morning; there is likewise often very violent coryza, which produces excoriation of the nose, and inflamed pimples around the nostrils and on the lip. A slight cold, which is often scarcely noticed on the sudden supervention of cold, damp weather, occasions the appearance of a relapse. The morbid symptoms here mentioned likewise indicate the 44 BELLADONNA. exhibition of conium maculat.; but before deciding to administer this curative, I would desire the physician to note accurately the photophobia, and see whether it depends upon inflammation of the eye, in which case belladonna is adapted, or merely from increased irritability of the optic nerve, when it is better to exhibit conium. CATARRHAL OPHTHALMIA. Belladonna is just as well adapted to catarrhal ophthalmy, mainly where there exists redness of the margins of the lids, particularly in the canthi, a feeling of burning, photophobia, dryness of the eyes, increased pain when light impinges, morbid secretion of the meibomean glands, and redness of the conjunctiva. We can with certainty depend upon the curative powers of belladonna, where there is a catarrhal affection constituted like that mentioned under scrofulous ophthalmia, and conjoined with this a short, dry, hacking, spasmodic cough, which recurs in periodical attacks. The homceopathist is sometimes called on to treat the sequele of such an ophthalmic affection after preceding allopathic treatment, which is known by the great sensitiveness of the eyes and lids, diminished visual power, glimmering before the eyes, and ocular spectra, which is likewise often cured by belladonna, if nux vomica (chiefly where there is congestion to the head, and where the patient is addicted to the use of exciting drinks,) is not evidently better adapted. ARTHRITIC OPHTHALMIA. Of those affections of the eyes to which belladonna is adapted, the so-called arthritic deserve to be mentioned. It mainly proves 48 48 BELLADONNA. with in nursing infants, who become sick suddenly, vomiting after sucking, which is so common in the first weeks, disappears, and the child refuses to take the breast. This I have often cured in a very short time with this remedy. A good criterion for the application in inflammatory cerebral affections, we find in the constant bowing with the head. Other symptoms which call for belladonna are,, the 'exalted state of the patient where the slightest noise affects him to such a degree that he almost loses his senses, the comatose sleep, the heat of the head, the reddened, turgid face, with the perceptible pulsation of the arteries of the head and neck, and the distention of the veins; the injected, fiery eyes, with the wild, unsteady look, &c. Belladonna is still more characteristic when 'hydrophobic symptoms become conjoined. The accompanying fever, whether it appears as typhoid or synochal, offers no contraindication if the other symptoms indicate this curative. OTITIS. Although I am convinced, from repeated experience, that pulsatilla is almost specific in otitis interna et externa, still cases do occur in which it is not sufficient, but must give way to belladonna. This occurs where the internal inflammation is from the first more vividly developed than the external, or where the consensual cerebral symptoms which approximate very closely to cerebritis, as sensitive tension of the head, delirium and madness, convulsions and syncope, aphonia, &care prominent phenomena. The cure of frozen limbs is but seldom effected by a single remedy; it generally requires several, among BELLADONNA. 49 which belladonna occupies a prominent,,place. It is indicated particularly where the frozen member is of a bluish-red colour and swollen, with beating, pulsating pains in the parts affected; pulsatilla is likewise admirably adapted to these cases, and while the gentle phlegmatic temperament decides for this remedy, a sad, indifferent, and, at times, violent tone of mind, more particularly indicates belladonna. Dr. Muller, as well as Dr. Gross, has given all that is requisite regarding the prophylactic and curative powers of belladonna in scarlatina. I have only to mention that the colossal doses in which allopathists exhibit this remedy as a prophylactic, prove extremely inju. rious, as they, by this means, produce malignant anginose affections and fever, ulceration of the corners of the mouth, eruptions of various kinds, &c. The homceopathist is often called on to relieve this medicinal disease, in which case he should accurately note all of the phenomena in order to select a remedy which is capable, antidotally, of arresting the effects of this remedy. There is no remedy better adapted to this purpose than camphor in repeated doses, which, according to the characteristic symptoms, may be followed by pulsatilla, mercurius, hyosciamrus, opium, hepar sulphur, &c. When scarlatina and purpura miliaris prevail at the same time, we cannot prevent contagion by belladonna alone, but this should be alternated with aconite. We should, of course, permit the belladonna to act longer than the aconite. With which of the two prophylactics D 50 BELLADONNA. we should commence this preservative medication, depends upon the violence of the one or the other of the diseases. If the symptoms of purpura are more dangerous in a subject attacked than in another with scarlatina, it is always more advisable, in order to preserve the other members of the family, to make a commencement with aconite, and, after twelve or sixteen hours have passed, follow it by a dose of belladonna, and, in the course of six or seven days, repeat the aconite. If the purpura is throughout more violent than the scarlatina, this mode of treatment is likewise applicable in other cases. If, on the other hand, the scarlet fever rages with the greatest violence, belladonna should, frdm the first, be exhibited as the prophylactic. Where there is a complication of both diseases in one subject, the mode of treatment of course differs. It is impossible to decide accurately, without, seeing the patient, with what remedy we should commence, as the decision depends upon the degree of fever and the accompanying affection of the throat. Gastric symptoms are generally united with these diseases, whether they appear separately or conjointly, and the accompanying fever is synochus. The fever may likewise assume the character of synocha, on the appearance of which violent vomiting results. In the latter case, we mostly observe it in strong, robust subjects, and therefore find more decisive indications to ~commence immediately with aconite, particularly when the heat, restlessness and anxiety momentarily increase. Although the fever is thus moderated, still the inflammatory character of BELLADONNA. 51, the anginose affection is not to be overlooked, as this increases as the exanthema becomes more developed, and here belladonna is admirably indicated. Where the fever, from the commencement, assumes the character of synochus, belladonna is often adapted immediately from the commencement. It is likewise, sometimes, also the case, namely, when sensitive subjects are attacked, that we are obliged to exhibit a small dose of coffea, in order to alleviate the over-violent pains, with tearful tone of mind. MEASLES. This exanthematous affection is of no less importance than that of which we have just spoken; it often appears very violently, and is often cured by belladonna, or at least its progress is arrested by it. It is particularly indicated if the patient is harassed by violent thirst, which cannot be fully gratified from the great pain produced by the effort at swallowing. The patient is troubled with a dry cough, which affects the chest, with fluent coryza and shortness of breath; the eyes are injected and filled with tears, anxious inquietude of mind, with over-excitability of the nervous system in general, sleeplessness, &c. If the measles follow their natural course, aconite suffices to diminish the febrile excitement, but still in many cases I found belladonna indicated; in a few cases mercury, namely, where the affection of the throat indicated it. FIuRUNCUL1. This is an eruptive form in which, where other symptoms indicated it, I have often found belladonna useful. In particular I have overcome the disposition to their frequent recurrence by this curative. 52 BELLADONNA. I have likewise exhibited sulphur. As a conclusion to the acute forms of disease in which belladonna proves serviceable, I will mention hydrophobia. This undoubtedly ranks with those acute diseases in which a sub-inflammatory state of the parts affected is not to be overlooked, and is plainly manifested in the pharynx, cesophagus, and nervous ramification, particularly in the brain and head, more in its meninges, and inclines to typhus versatilis. It is not always the result of the hydrophobic virus, but is also a concomitant of particular nervous states. Hahnemann says in his prefatory remarks to belladonna, "the most certain preventive of hydrophobia, is always the smallest dose of belladonna, given every three to four days, and the cure is generally affected by one or two doses." Belladonna is, beyond question, the principal curative in this disease, but still several others rank with it, namely, hyosciamus, stramonium, and cantharides. I will draw a comparison between these remedies, and the symptoms which denote the one or the other of them are printed in italics. Belladonna is particularly indicated where there exists an ineffectual efjbrt to sleep, anxious respiration, anxious, burning thirst for liquids, which the patient hardly receives before he thrusts them away; red, tumefled, turgid face, and sparkling eyes, deglutitory efforts which produce suffocation, with immoderate thirst, inabilityto swallow, timidity, alternating with a desire to snap at the by-standers, and to spit around him; likewise a desire to run away, incessant motion of the BELLADONNA. 53 body. Although belladonna is not contra-indicated where convulsive movement of the extremities accompanies hydrophobia, still hyosciamus always deserves preference where the convulsions are more constant, the pharyngeal spasms are not so violent, and not so much a desire to snap at the by-standers and to spit, as a desire to injure them in some other way. The unquenchable thirst does not exist in those cases to which hyosciamus is adapted, but rather a wish to moisten the mouth on account of the great dryness, and especially the paroxysms offury, which but seldom disappear momentarily; sleep occurs more frequently, which is often interrupted by convulsions, as if after a fright; while, where belladonna is indicated, there exists an ineffectual longing for sleep. Stramonium appears to be indicated particularly where the following symptoms exist: restlessness, the most violent convulsions, (which assume more the tonic character,) where the patient is furious, so that he must be confined; he throws himself about in bed, sleepless, and utters piercing shrieks; he is delirious, without recollection or sense; pupils much dilated, great desire to bite and tear every thing with the teeth, extreme dryness of the mouth internally, and of the fauces; violent convulsions on seeing a light, a looking-glass, or water; unconquerable aversion to water, with constriction and convulsions of the pharynx, foams at the mouth, and spits frequently. Whether the views of DD. Hartlaub and Trinks,# * Vid. Arzneimittellehre, Band 1. 58 BELLADONNA. HAEMORRHAGES. This class of diseases ranks next to congestions, and, as I last spoke under that head of haemorrhoidal congestions, I will at once say a few words respecting hemorrhoids, in which, under proper circumstances, belladonna is likewise applied with benefit. It effects much in bleeding piles which are conjoined with insuppo'rtable pains in the back, a sensation as if the small of the back would break; it may be alternated with hepar sulphuris. EPIsTAXIs is allayed by various remedies. The concomitant symptoms, as well as the occasioning causes, are to be noted in these cases. If it supervenes where a fever or an inflammation exists, the physician will know how to select the proper curative; if fright, shame, anger, or any other violent passion which produces cerebral excitement, give rise to it, the homoeopathic physician well knows the, remedy indicated. He gives either aconite, ignatia, chain., pulsat., or crocus, &c. If the epistaxis arises from congestion to the head produced by incessant thought, nux vomica is the proper curative. If, on the contrary, the epistaxis is produced by congestions to the head from causes such as I before mentioned, then is belladonna sufficient to cure the disease permanently. HaIOPTYSIS. Belladonna is an indispensable intercurrent remedy in hemoptysis, with the symptoms of congestion to the chest already mentioned, with a constant tickling irritation in the larynx which excites cough, and the utmost prostration; it should be alternated with rhus, ledum, china, arnica, pulsatilla, &c. BELLADONNA. 59 Where this disease has become habitual, it requires remedies of the antipsoric class, which act more permanently, and these remedies can then only be made use of as intercurrents to overcome acute attacks or relapses during the action of- the antipsoric, as an inveterate haemoptysis cannot be thoroughly cured by remedies of the non-antipsoric class.alone. Belladonna is likewise serviceable in premature catamenia and metrorrhagia, if the sensitive bearing down pain already mentioned, with severe pains in the sacral region exists, and where the blood is more of a dark colour, and even coagulated. SPASMODIC DISEASES. This remedy is applicable both in clonic and tonic spasms, if the other symptoms accurately indicate it. It indeed appears as if all of the spasms which it excites in its primitive effects were of the tonic character, but still the muscles are in a state of paralytic relaxation, while the deficient irritability produces a kind of immobility and sensation of stricture, as if constriction existed. In this view, the clonic spasms excited by small doses of this curative, in healthy individuals, are not to be considered as secondary effects, but are to be advantageously used in our curative efforts. It is but seldom that tonic spasms supervene without being preceded, for a longer or shorter period, by premonitions which are characterized, in a greater or less degree, as spasms, and which, indeed, are to be looked upon as partial spastic affections. Belladonna is frequently curative in some of these premonitions, which, however, may appear as idiopathic diseases. Here 60 BELLADONNA. belong partial spasms, shuddering and tremors of the extremities, cardialgia, spasmodic contracting sensation in the epigastrium, which is accompanied by shortness of breath, and an anxious, restless feeling in the chest, which sometimes extends towards the back, and excites an unpleasant drawing and stiffness in the nape and spinal column, and again attacks the internal parts, producing spasms of the tongue, obstructed deglutition, frequent gaping, vertigo and stupor. If the complaints become aggravated, the anxious paroxyms, the asthmatic state, the spasms of the organs of deglutition become more violent, and impaired visual power, distortion of the facial muscles, and an entire change of countenance consequent thereon; small, contracted, intermittent pulse are produced. If these symptoms are the concomitants of wounds-if there is conjoined therewith spasmodic closure of the jaws, (trismus,) so that it is impossible to open them, the termination in tetanus is not far distant. In administering belladonna, which is here indicated, the physician should exhibit it in the 30th dilution. All of the symptoms enumerated may appear singly; and in the following, this remedy is likewise adapted, where the concomitant phenomena indicate it: in trismus, both in adults and new born infants; in spasmodic dfi culty in swallowing, or paralytic weakness of the organs of speech; likewise in coma, with dilatation of the pupils, redness and distension of the face, injection of the vessels of the tunica albuginea; where the mouth is firmly closed-patient cannot speak or swallow. BELLADONNA. 61 The symptoms which precede or accompany trismus, particularly in children, are constituted as follows when belladonna is indicated: restlessness, sudden crying and starting of the child while asleep; slight twitching motions, partly in the facial muscles, and in part of the muscles of the extremities; eyes distorted, inability to swallow or suck; as the disease increases, violent spasms supervene; anxious, spasmodic respiration, dilated pupils, the eyes wide open and fixed, finally involuntary discharges appear. Besides these isolated spasmodic complaints, we have yet to mention convulsive tremors of the head, which are very different from those symptoms which depend upon debility, and appear in aged persons. I have several times cured this symptom by a single dose of belladonna; in other cases I was obliged to have recourse to cocculus and aurum. In certain asthmatic and suffocalive paroxysms, belladonna proves of essential service if the other symptoms indicate the primary effects of this curative; other remedies are in such cases likewise to be considered among them, pulsatilla, chamomilla, nux vomica, ipecac., arsenic, &c.; in each case we should pay attention to the constitution, temperament, and the exalted or diminished impressibility of the general nervous system. When belladonna is indicated, it often proves radically curative after the exhibition of some intercurrent remedy, particularly in cases which have not become too chronic by repeated relapses, under which circumstances we must have recourse to sulphur, calcarea, or some other BELLADONNA. 63 come by belladonna, and they should be considered somewhat in detail. Allopathic physicians have also learnt its power in these affections, and recommend it in very small doses, because it produces considerable effects on the nervous plexus, and particular nervous branches in the abdomen.* Belladonna is an indispensable remedy in many abdominal pains which are relieved by bending forward or external pressure, and where the colon transversum is distended and protrudes. I have generally found this partial wind colic accompanied by griping, tearing pains, extending downwards in the affected part, which become more sensitive the more the patient strives to endure them, and which produces a sensation as if the swelling had disappeared above, and had sunk down into the abdomen. I never found any contra-indication even where the alvine evacuations were diarrhoeal and purulent, which I have had several opportunities of seeing; in one case only it was necessary, in order to effect complete relief, to give a dose of mercurius solub., as this remedy is often adapted after belladonna, and without its aid, a complete cure cannot be effected. Belladonna proves just as serviceable in colocodynia flatulenta, which excites syncope-like paroxysms, cold sweat, or also violent congestion of blood to the head, with redness of face and distension of the vessels to such a degree, that the patients become as if mad and furious, and are unable to support the inordinate violence of the * Voigtel's Materia Medica, by Dr. C. G. Kuehn, vol. iii. p. 232. Leipsic. 66 BELLADONNA. Belladonna effects much in spasmodic coughs in general, that is, where, with a dry, harassing cough, a kind of spasm of the larynx supervenes, which is frequently so violent that vomiting ensues, by which alone alleviation of the cough is effected. I have several times removed with this remedy an insupportable, concussive, spasmodic cough, which does not permit one to inspire, excited by an incessant tickling in the superior part of the trachea, which is free from mucus, and which always appeared at eleven o'clock at night, arousing the patient from sleep. Several kinds of catarrhal cough succumb to belladonna, and in the stadium catarrhale of hooping-cough, we can often apply it with benefit, particularly if the cough is more dry than loose, whether accompanied by febrile symptoms or otherwise, if the other symptoms indicate it. Much thirst, namely, at night, not only in this disease but in many others, is a criterion for the exhibition of this curative. Some spasmodic affections of the diaphragm are relieved by belladonna. In a particular form of singultus, which is not of unfrequent occurrence, which, by its long continuance and frequent recurrence, affects the system very much, and exalts the irritability of the nervous system, I have applied this remedy, as well as stramonium, 1hyosciamus, and several other remedies, with very great effect. Dr. Gross cured a very dangerous case of this disease by a single dose of belladonna. This appeared at first every year, and afterwards recurred at shorter intervals, and continued BELLADONNA. 67 uninterruptedly for several days; in its earlier stage, it could always be overcome by moschus, but finally it did not succumb to the largest doses of that substance. In such cases, we may make use of pediluvia of salt and ashes, as revulsives, with good effect. This medicine has proved of no less service in frequent morbid sneezing, without any catarrhal affection, which I have in several instances seen so constituted that it bore close resemblance to audible inspiration, and produced such distortion of the face every time the patient sneezed, that one was led to believe that he had been seized with spasms; at length this distortion of the facial muscles does not disappear from time to time, but continues, and the patient assumes the appearance of an individual laughing. After continuing thus for several days, producing the utmost prostration, sleep occurs, and the sad scene terminates. I have never had a case of this kind to treat from the commencement, but only after a longer or shorter period of allopathic medication, during which the patient was obliged to swallow quantities of valeriana, asa, moschus, opium, &c., and no external remedy was left untried, which, in the aggregate, produced no other effect than at first to apparently shorten the attack, but finally were applied without any benefit. In one case it was necessary to give two doses of belladonna in order to cure the disease completely; in another case, I gave a dose of stramonium fourteen days after the belladonna. Whether this remedy is homoeopathically indicated at the commencement of this disease, I am unable to state, as I have had no experience in the matter. BELLADONNA. 69 injected and protruding-consciousness frequently very imperfect, even with these slight symptoms, and the attack is nearly ended before true tonic spasms and foam before the mouth appear. In the very commencement, I do not advise the exhibition of the remedy, as it may readily increase and lengthen the paroxysm; but I would rather administer it after the stadium soporosuin. During the attack, it is better to apply, according to the prominent morbid indications, a dose of aconite, ipecac., ignatia, or coffea, where it is not used as a daily drink; or an individual of fixed will should apply one hand upon the epigastrium and another on the forehead, or calm the patient with several magnetic passes. It appears to me to be certain, that belladonna alone is not capable of curing epilepsies, which are purely dynamic affections of the nervous system, (idiopathic epilepsy,) but still may frequently be applied as a proper intercurrent curative. My1pinion is founded on the fact, that in so important a nervous affection as epilepsy, whether the attack commences in the extremities in the abdomen, or in any other part, the central organ, the cerebrum, is in a very excited state, similar to that which is elicited by the primary effect of belladonna in the healthy human organism; and, although long continued tonic spasms are not among the primary effects of belladonna, still clonic spasms,, as manifested by tremors, convulsions, partial and general, are among its characteristic symptoms, and just these are the phenomena with which an epileptic paroxysm begins and terminates. We should therefore accurately note in every case of 72 BELLADONNA. extremities, frequently interrupted by rending pains in them; the constant restlessness and anxiety, and the slight convulsive movements of the limbs. If nausea, sickness, cardialgia, vomiting, and spasmodic complaints in the gastric region, were conjoined therewith, I endeavoured to overcome these by another proper remedy. Gross cured ergotism with solanum nigrum. APOPLEXY. This remedy is likewise applicable in apoplectic states, more frequently in apoplexia sanguinea and serosa than in apoplexia nervosa, because the latter usually appears suddenly, without any premonitions, against which belladonna often proves of essential service. The following are the symptoms which particularly indicate it: vertigo, obstupefaction and heaviness of the head; weighty, pressing pain in the head, with distension of 'the veins; flashes, sparks and darkness before the eyes; tinnitus aurium, torpid state, torpor or transient cessation of the functions of the organs of sense and the sensorium; no desire and inability to mental exercise; constant inclination to sleep; deep sleep, interrupted by anxious, frightful dreams, &c. All of the phenomena, in a habit which is disposed to apoplexy, and where their general constitution disposes to it-where there is a disposition to congestion to the head, with an evident peculiar alteration in the appearance of the patient, point with tolerable certainty to the supervention of apoplexia sanguinea; and it is at this period that belladonna is exhibited with the best effect. If apoplexia nervosa is preceded by premonitions, the symptoms of a commencing paralytic state of the nervous BELLADONNA. 73 system are frequently so constituted that belladonna is the chief curative. Where, for instance, there exists impeded deglutition, stammering speech, tremors of the limbs, formication and sense of numbness in the limbs, paralytic state of the optic nerve, with dilated pupils, which contract with difficulty. We may conclude on the supervention of apoplexia serosa with some degree of certainty, when there is annexed to some or more symptoms of sanguineous and nervous apoplexy, which we have specified, a burning internally throughout the whole body, while it is cold externally-this is very characteristic for the application of belladonna. It will prove interesting to many individuals to learn that belladonna has proved serviceable, even in apoplexies of old people, where the reactive power of the organism was almost extinguished, and was first somewhat revived by this curative. I have very recently treated a case of this character, where the lingual and oesophageal nerves were so much paralyzed, that my patient, who was a female, aged 79, could not swallow a drop of any fluid, or speak. Belladonna, in ten hours, removed this inability to swallow, and likewise an cedematous swelling of the feet, which had appeared within a few days. In apoplexy, which is fully developed, belladonna is not adapted at first, but subsequently, when the more threatening symptoms have been removed by other proper curatives, among which are aconite, ipecac., arnica, coffea, opium,* &c. * Also, tart. emet- Translator. F 74 BELLADONNA. GOUT. Uncomplicated arthritic complaints are never removed by belladonna, as this remedy has been called an anti-arthritic from conjecture only. In those cases only where an erysipelatous inflammation is conjoined with the topical gouty affection, will we sometimes find belladonna indicated, if the concomitant symptoms call for its application. On the other hand, it is much more frequently applicable in diseases which arise after the rapid disappearance of the gout in the so-termed metastases; still more frequently, however, in atonic gout, so called, or in the premonitions of a gouty attack, which consist chiefly in disturbances of the functions of the abdominal organs. Belladonna deserves accurate con. sideration in some kinds of ischias, which, if alternated with some other proper curative, it frequently overcomes without the aid of an antipsoric. RIIEUMATISi. Rheumatic pains and fevers are often so constituted that belladonna proves the most effectual remedy. It is to be recommended in a so-termed inflammatio rheumatico-phlegmonosa, often immediately from the commencement, but still more if the accompanying synochal fever has been diminished by the prior exhibition of one or two doses of aconite, and nothing remains except the topical rheumatic affection. In rheumatic fevers, with violent, pulsating pains in the head, and throbbing of arteries of the head, sometimes conjoined with nausea, swelling of the muscles of the throat and nape, which pain violently on the slightest motion of any part of the body, with an affection of the knee-joint, unaccompanied by swelling, so that the 76 BELLADONNA. dose of belladonna should here be exhibited, and no other remedy given, or this repeated for from twelve to sixteen days. VERTIGO. This is frequently a very harassing complaint, which is often difficult to cure; it appears entirely isolated, without any concomitant phenomena, where it is an uncomplicated primary affection. In this disease we can do much with belladonna, if we do not permit ourselves to be deceived by the assurances of our patients, and resting upon these, overlook symptoms, which, accurately noted, would indicate an entire different curative. We will be far more certain in our selection of a remedy, and always first think of belladonna, if the vertigo depends upon congestion to the head, and is often relieved by epistaxis, and appears to be less violent when in the open air. In some kinds of vertigo, with headache, belladonna proves serviceable, namely, where the cephalalgia appears as a heavy, pressing sensation, extending from the middle of the head towards the temples, and from above the nose towards the forehead, where the pain consists of a pressing, dissevering, undulating, waving feeling. The headache, to which this remedy is adapted, is completely characterized by the following symptoms: rendered worse by the slightest motion of the body, particularly by moving the eyes; the impinging of light upon the eyes; by every noise; by individuals walking in the sick room; it is aggravated by every slight external concussion, and is conjoined, not merely with perceptible, but absolutely audible pulsations of all of the arteries. BELLADONNA. 77 SCROFULA. There is no disease of more frequent occurrence in childhood than scrofula-there is none which is so variously constituted in its full developement; it acts so perniciously upon the economy internally, and the organization of man, that the traces of it are often not fully obliterated, even in advanced life. For the last twenty years, this disease appears to have increased, at least this is the case with violent glandular affections, which are now of such frequent occurrence, and which previously were not so much known. When I think upon my own childhood, when such a number of children with myself suffered from linea capitis, and how we crawled about with this for years, it does not appear strange to me, as this disease is constantly becoming less frequent, and consequently this critical deposit of nature is lacking, that it assumes a different character in the form of glandular affections. Tinea capitis is merely a symptom of a general -scrofulous affection, but a very beneficial derivative, vicarious of the general disease, and is, therefore, even looked upon by the laity as a very healthful appearance. At that time; this disease, together with natural small-pox, scarlatina, dysenteries, were the prevailing diseases, which have now made way for the general glandular affections, scarlet rash, or complications of this disease with scarlet fever, varioloid, cramp, &c., from all of which, as far as I can recollect, but littl6 was heard in my youthful days. But to return to the scrofula, we must first remark, that belladonna may be applied, not merely in indurated glands of the throat, but in other parts of the BELLADONNA. 79 night by this pain. After an epidemic scarlet rash, I observed this otorrhoea in several subjects who had passed through the disease, and who had formerly suffered from suppuration of the glands of the neck, and here I cured this disease with a single dose of belladonna. In the stadium opportunitatis, and prodromorum, which precedes scrofula, there are many symptoms which are covered by belladonna. INDURATED AND SWOLLEN CERVICAL GLANDS, which frequently pass into suppuration, are much relieved by this remedy: tumefied glands in the axilla and inguinal region, or even in the abdomen, where there is distension and tension of this part, stools sometimes hard and again soft, relaxation of the muscles offer no contra-indication to its application. This remedy alone is not able to overcome the morbid symptoms which, indeed, could hardly be expected from one remedy, where a disease is so extended; it requires, to effect a perfect cure, several other curatives, namely, those whose effects continue for a long time. These external glandular affections sometimes disappear suddenly, and a similar morbid state forms in the lungs, which is not unlike phthisis, and is accompanied by all of the symptoms of this complaint, even with hectic fever; this frequently succumbs to a single dose of this remedy. ScHIRROrs INDURATIONS. Its power in schirrous indurations of all kinds, of the breasts, lips, uterus, &c., is known to every one who has made any trials with it in these affections. It is given with great effect in carci BELLADONNA. 81 duced by opium and valerian. The secondary effects of these remedies are, in such cases, generally united with the natural morbid affection, awaken the psoric cachexy, previously latent in the system, and thereby produce a disease which frequently obstinately resists all of our curative efforts. The physician, notwithstanding this, dare not refuse to treat such patients, and it is his duty to make use of every effort, and at least alleviate the distressing state of these unfortunates, martyrs upon the ruthless shrine of allopathy. In such cases, which, according to my opinion, are not to be treated by antipsorics, as other complaints are produced by these, at least at the beginning of the treatment, belladonna is likewise an admirable remedy, which lessens, and, indeed, frequently overcomes, the deeply rooted secondary effects of the remedies already specified. We find it beneficial in indurated glands which are ulcerated, accompanied by boring, gnawing pains from the effects of mercury over-stimulating the lymphatic system; and likewise in paralytic complaints, arising from mercurial disease. It is not less applicable in complaints arising from the abuse of valerian, particularly in affections of the head and eyes remaining after its use, and some diseases of the senses. The secondary effects of opium, united with the natural disease, are the most obstinate; they consist chiefly in loss of the excitability, and in deficient irritability and sensibility, in which belladonna produces in part palliation only, but also in part a radical cure. MENTAL DISEASES. Finally, we have to treat of 82 82 BELLADONNA. mental diseases in which belladonna is applied with the best results, as it removes almost magically many of these affections without the aid of antipsorics. In some kinds of melancholia it proves beneficial; in those, namely, which depend upon a morbid state of the abdominal organs, which is manifest at particular times by spasms of the organs of deglutition, vesical spasms, enuresis, gastric states, &c. It is applicable in melancholia from love, not only when the patient is mentally affected by the presence of the loved one, but likewise where sexual desire exists concomitantly, and which, in males, appears as satyriasis;--in females, as a kind of nymphomania. The existing symptoms decide for this or some other remedy. Nostalgia, by continuing for a long time, may become changed into melancholia, which likewise finds a curative in belladonna; although the primary effect of it is to suppress past recollections, it is this property which often enables it to restore impaired memory to its former state. It very often proves an effectual curative in the morbid melancholy which sometimes appears in pregnant females during or after confinement, which depends upon disturbances in the sexual system. INSANITY. This remedy is much more frequently applicable in this disease than in melancholia, as, in its primary effects, it produces sudden changes in the conceptions and ideas, and, at the same time, a great power in correcting the morbid fancies and false pictures into realities, which nre so evident in this kind of dementia, and which characterize it. There is no remedy among BELLADONNA. 83 whose symptoms we find such sudden changes from the utmost merriness to the deepest despondency, and from the most vivid garrulousness to the most profound quietude, which sudden changes are quite characteristic of the disease under consideration. We see but little or no connection in the morbid fancies which belladonna elicits, it is so likewise with the gesticulations and actions, and it is owing to this property that it produces such good effects in those morbid mental disturbances, particularly when in these affections there predominates a dislike and displeasure with one's self-a degree of consciousness of one's unfortunate position. We often find indications for the exhibition of belladonna in madness, fury, frenzy, where insanity, with exaltation of the sensorial functions, and an unusual degree of muscular strength, exists. I need not mention, that several other remedies rank with it, as well in these mental affections as in those previously described. We often find these particular states existent during phrenitis, and in some kinds of febris nervosa versatilis, in both of which diseases, as already mentioned, this remedy is the specific curative. IMBECILITY. I have yet to mention imbecility; and where belladonna is to be exhibited as- a curative, would direct particular attention to those cases which have appeared after the disappearance of an acute exanthematous affection, after the sudden disappearance of erysipelas, or where it arises after encephalitis, typhus, apoplexy, in which belladonna would have been the best remedy to exhibit for the original complaints. NUX VOMICA. t. HoxcEOrATHY makes use of nux vomica only in the form of a tincture, the mode of preparing which has been clearly laid down in another place.* The effects of this remedy upon the human organism continues for fifteen days; the smaller and most minute doses act from eight to twelve days. How far the statements of writers upon materia medica are true, relative to the diseases in which this substance proves curative, the special consideration of diseases in which it is applied, homceopathically, as laid down in the following pages, will demonstrate, from which may be deduced that allopathy could only cure diseases in which it applied it (generally empirically) on the homceopathic principle. The rich treasure of symptoms which are sufficiently well known to every experienced homceopathist, through Hahnemann's Materia Medica, confirms the supposition, made in another place, that this is a polycrest remedy, which is, homceopathically, adapted to a large number of morbid affections. * Hahnemann's Materia Medica. Caspari's Dispensatory. See, also, Jahr's Pharmacopoeia, published by J. Dobson, Philadelphia, 1842. 86 NUX VOMICA. standing this, we will but seldom see the effects of the remedy continue at the extent, longer than three or four days. In advanced life, and with individuals that have been much habituated to stimulating and spirituous drinks, it is not advisable to deprive them immediately of all these stimulants: we should permit the change to be gradual. In both acute and chronic diseases, which are now of such frequent occurrence, it is often applicable; it is better adapted to the male than the female sex; which idea is justified by the mental symptoms; it is more adapted to the sanguine choleric, than to the phlegmatic temperament. We must by no means conclude from this, that the female sex in which in general softness and gentleness is more predominant than in males, is excluded from the sphere of action of this curative! The female organism is obnoxious to a vast number of both acute and chronic diseases, which when all circumstances requiring it exist, can be overcome by our remedy; this experience has repeatedly taught me. The physician should always pay attention to the temperament of his patient, which when adapted to the peculiar character of nux, offers the most certain guide for its administration. In the opposite case, however, let the symptoms correspond ever so well with those of nux, we should not ex. pect to experience a favourable result from its exhibition. A proof how accurately the physician should note the psychical condition of his patient. We often find patients formerly of a zealous, fierce, fiery, irritable disposition, who by long years of suffering, have become so depressed, that no trace of their former state exists, but have become changed into a mild, gentle, NtUX VOXIOA. 87 almost tearful disposition, which at the first glance seems to offer a contfa indication to the application of nux; but a closer examination of the previous state of health of the patient, does not forbid its exhibition, which is fully confirmed by its beneficial effects; for as improvement,occurs, the former disposition gradually becomes developed; one of the most certain proofs of the cure of the disease. The majority of the symptoms of nux vomica, are developed early in the morning and after meals. In individuals of studious habits, where this remedy is indicated, mental labour must be avoided immediately after taking it, so that the operation of the remedy may not be disturbed. In chronic diseases, when the patient is able to use his limbs fully, or if this be not the case where he may enjoy carriage exercise in the open air without injury, it aids very much the more intensive effects of this remedy.* Where however it is not allowable, we should at least permit fresh air to enter the patient's apartment by opening the window. Chronic diseases when treated with this remedy, require a stricter adherence to the rule-avoid mental exertion than acute forms of disease, as the latter by the more acute and violent seizure of the nervous system; even at the moment that the medicinal power acts upon the nerves, which is adapted to receive a beneficial effect from it, so that the mental functions of the patient do not interrupt the dynamic power of the drug, as the patient usually in * I opine that fresh air, where allowable, aids the effects of all remedies homosopathically applicable; at least moderate and proper -exercise in the open air is always prescribed by me to all patients of a chronic character, unless I fear some directly bad result. mtrx voMICA. 89 unnecessary prolongation of the disease. The symptoms which nux vomica produces, are often aggravated by motion, or are first elicited by it. In studious individuals, symptoms which have originated from a sedentary life, are often improved by exercise. In some cases where nux appears to be very well indicated, no effect is produced by it either in the weaker or more powerful doses: this is most frequently the case in individuals who are too much addicted to alcoholic stimuli. I do not wish to have this conjecture looked upon as a settled truth; but leave it to be confirmed by other observations on this subject. Thus much in general: the special application of this valuable curative, as far as lies in my power, is the design of these pages. I shall first speak of the acute, and then of the chronic states in which it is applicable, and introduce in their proper places, those morbid phenomena, which cannot properly be dignified with any particular name. - FEBRILE AFFECTIONS. Febrile diseases are undoubtedly among the most difficult to treat, and particularly those which we designate by the name fever; without connecting any other idea with it, which might denote a prominent affection in some organ, by which the choice of a remedy is rendered far less difficult. Those diseases therefore, which offer only general febrile symptoms, as chill, sweat, irregular pulse, headache, &c., require the particular attention of the medical attendant. It is not less difficult to direct to the proper homGeopathic remedy, in certain forms of fever, as described in pathological writings; as they cannot at all be considered as fixed diseases, and again form,complications with other 90 NUX VOXICA. diseases: the peculiar character of the fever of which they form a subdivision, is so much confused, that the primary form is not readily distinguished. An essential advantage in the diagnosis of fevers, is met with in their systematic division, into synocha, synochus and typhus, by which is signified a morbid affection, either of the irritable, reproductive, or sensorial systems. This is an advantage in theory, and the young practitioner finds in this a fixed point, proceeding from which he may'systematize his knowledge. This however does not hold good in practice; for at the sick bed, the physician finds fever so differently constituted from their theoretical arrangement, that it is impossible for him, without injury, to bring them under any fixed heads: without inattention to the more minute circumstances, which might be productive of injurious results in practice. Fixed and settled causes certainly do not exist in the one or the other forms of febrile disease; and if this were really the case, they are often so transitory that the patient but seldom knows how to specify them; while the physician always remains dubious under what particular head to place them. Is it then possible where such great aberrations in the human organism exist, whereby naturally aberrations of phenomena must be produced, to suppose a fixed mode of treatment depending upon invariable laws in this or the other form of disease? With difficulty indeed! I very well know that it may be advanced that the practitioner must himself discover these differences, and thereon base his curative efforts. Why is it then that we read in therapeutic manuals such positive assertions? We there find for instance " that uncomplicated intermittents are the only cases in which NUX VOxrICA. 9l cinchona is applicable! Quotidiana require small doses, tertiana larger, and quartana still greater." If we judge from this, the febrile type makes no difference, and peruvian bark cures all three varieties. But still it is a well known fact, notwithstanding this fixed assurance, that this remedy, whether applied in large or small doses, is frequently unable to cure this fever, and the physician is obliged to have recourse to some other surrogate in order perhaps to attain his end. I admit that bark sometimes, even in large doses, cures one or the other forms of uncomplicated intermittents; far more frequently however, it only suppresses them, and in lieu thereof, produces metastases; which however cannot be looked upon as a cure of the disease previously existing. These changes are not of unfrequent occurrence: firstly, because china is not always the proper curative; and secondly, even where it is adapted, too large doses of this powerful medicament must produce morbific states in other organs, which arrests the weaker disease previously present. Who does not here recollect the so-called ague cake or the jaundiced state with which poor sufferers are harassed for years. Another not less striking phenomenon after the suppression of this fever by china is the anasarcous state of the whole body, with a yellowish teint, and the strange torpidity of mind, previously active and vivid. Several other cachexies arising from the use of cin"chona in'intermittents might be here mentioned, of which I however will select one, and.describe it more in detail. A young man of powerful constitution, and otherwise healthy, was attacked early in June of the previous year with Febris interm. tertiana, which always appeared NUX VOMICA. 93 then so much debilitated that he fell asleep for half an hour, and was first awakened by the burning heat which supervened while he was asleep, and was conjoined with profuse perspiration. This continued until late in the evening. The thirst was not great. After the cessation of fever, sleep supervened, which was disturbed during the whole night by anxious, frightful dreams. During the asphyxia, the patient complained of draw. ing, stinging, tensive pains over the whole breast and on the vertex: painful soreness in the cervical and dorsal vertebrae, particularly when sitting: constant tension and slight torminal, griping pains, which latter recurred periodically. He had but little appetite, and was seized with gastric pressure after every meal, which was accompanied by the feeling as if hard bodies were in the stomach. Alvine evacuations occurred every three or four days, and the inactivity of the intestines was so great that he could only void the fieces by the greatest exertions with the abdominal muscles. The desire to go to stool he excited by melting a piece of butter in very strong coffee, and drinking it. The debility was so excessive that he could only work about half an hour, and was then obliged to rest for as long a period. His appearance was sallow, and his mind sad and desponding. The evident debilitated state of the abdomen which I deemed expedient to first overcome, appeared to indicate veratrum album more than any other curative, and this I administered in the twelfth dilution, immediately after the cessation of the fever. On the second day a natural stool occurred without the previous exertion, and from this time his alvine evacuations were regular; the appetite improved,. the 94 94 NUX VOMICA. pains in the stomach disappeared, the sleep was quieter, and the debility diminished. The second febrile paroxysm which occurred while under my treatment, was as violent as he had experienced at the commencement of the fever: I nevertheless waited for a third attack, which was not near so intense as the preceding. Before the supervention of the fever, the dragging rending pains in the upper extremities and head were much more violent: the flying stitches were more aggravated and conjoined with gaping, and stretching of the limbs, with a cracking noise. It is characteristic of arsenic that another symptom becomes united to the existing painful paroxysm, and in this case, fever; and therefore no remedy was better indicated than this. I gave arsenic 30 after the third paroxysm, and instead of appearing at ten o'clock on the following, a slight coldness supervened with some gaping and stretching, continuing half an hour, which was not succeeded by heat. The pattient now remained free from fever, and was only affected with some dragging pains in the humerus, which continued for some time, and which in the course of ten days, were entirely overcome by a small dose of ipecacuanha. This case proves that cinchzona cannot always cure an uncomplicated intermittent, (which was the form of this disease at the commencement,) it partly also instances how readily the cinchona cachexy may be induced in an otherwise healthy constitution, by the improper application of bark, and this may become complicated with the existing malady. Finally, I instanced it to show how difficult it is to specify any specific remedy in any form of disease mentioned by pathologists as fixed. When I undertook the treatment of this case, it was still fei-is' NUX VOMICA. 95 intermittens tertiana, conjoined with a gastro-bilious state, the qrigin,of which, had another, an allceopathist, been called,, would hardly have been attributed to the abuse of bark, and he would have believed he could remove such a state by the exhibition of cathartics and emetics, rather than by antidotes to cinchona, which were here indicated. According to my experience, nux vomica is better adapted to those febrile forms, which belong in genere with synochus and typhus, where the reproductive and sensorial systems are chiefly affected, and where the synochal character predominates. It is an admirable remedy in gastric fevers and complaints, which numerous recorded cures demonstrate.* The disease may frequently be arrested in stadium prodromorum in the course of twenty-four hours, when the physician is timely called. The symptoms of a confirmed gastric state and fever in many cases appear so characteristic of nux vomica that the physician, with an accurate knowledge of the symptoms of this remedy, cannot be at all doubtful. Nux is nevertheless never adapted where increased alvine evacuations or diarrhcea is conjoined therewith. Nausea, vomiting, vertigo, pains in the head, in the forehead, or semi-lateral headache, constipation, abdominal spasms in general, but particularly those of the stomach; griping and borborygmy in the umbilical region, &c., where there are othdr symptoms indicating it, afford good criteria for the selection of this curative, which is still more confirmed where these symptoms attack a robust, powerful, plethoric constitution. The symptoms of some varieties of bilious fever, and bilious complaints, are often such that this remedy proves "* Vid. Archiv. III. I. p. 89.-III. p. 53.-VI. 73. S96 NUX VOMICA. curative, particularly if a chronic, gastric, or hepatic affection unknown to the patient has existed, or where after repeated fits of anger, these symptoms appear, and will not again yield to the specific remedy exhibited, if, perhaps, pulsatilla, ignat. mercur. are not better indicated by the existing symptoms. A yellow teint, particularly around the nose and mouth: a frequent concomitant of this state often indicates the remedy. ICTERIC COMPLAINTS, which I treated, were in several instances so constituted that they could be overcome by this remedy; but still china, mercur. and chamomilla are better indicated in the majority of these cases. The bilious complaints which I have mentioned, often by neglect, or injudicious treatment, occasion a sotermed colica biliosa, (bilious colic;) and from what has been said, it follows that nux must prove beneficial in such cases. By the long continuance of such gastric and bilious states, the ganglionic system gradually becomes affected. in a greater or less degree, the result of which is, that nervous symptoms become complicated therewith, which we may then designate by the compound name of febris gastrico et biliosa nervosa. This complicated form of nervous fever, according to my views, often finds a specific in our remedy. Nux vomica is not alone applicable in nervous fevers, which have been preceded by some morbid abdominal states, or where this complication exists, but also in uncomplicated nervous fevers which assumed this form from their commencement. It appears to act most happily in those varieties where deficiency of innervation predominates, the patient is insensible to all ex 98 NUX VOMICA. light, without permitting ourselves to be led astray by the conjectural causes, we will be able to treat the diseases of childhood with far more fortunate results. If dental irritation, however, is really the cause of the disease, the physician must not at all direct his attention to this, for he cannot remove it; and still we very often cure, with a single remedy, the complaints arising from dental irritation. In my opinion, a proof that in order to effect a fortunate cure, the previous removal of the cause is not always an essential. The diseases of children, it is true, are only to be recognised by the eye of the physician and the remarks of the attendants; but notwithstanding this, to the homceopathic physician, each case is so individualised, that he, owing to the simple mode of life of children, can but seldom be so doubtful in his diagnosis, and in the selection of the proper curative, as is sometimes the case in the diseases of adults. And for this reason, the treatment of the diseases of childhood is not so difficult to the homoeopathist as to the allceopathist, who here can only act empirically, as aetiology offers to the latter slighter hints in such cases than in adult diseases, while the former, where he cannot remove the cause, opposes a characteristic remedy to the morbid symptoms in their totality, and pays no attention to unknown causes. Nux deserves a prominent place in the treatment of the diseases of children. It has often proved of great service with children previously of a lively and healthy appearance, who suddenly became peevish, and had a dull and miserable appearance, refused to run about, without being able to detect any specific cause, (in some varieties of atrophy.) NUX VOMIOA. 99 CATARRHAL FEVER. Some kinds of catarrhal fever, either accompanied or not by coryza, are sometimes so characterised that a single dose of nux overcomes them in a few hours. From very many cures of this complaint, effected by our curative, I am led to suggest that it is best adapted where there exists disposition to chilliness, transient rigors, as if in the bones, passing from one part to another, which supervene during motion or exercise, which frequently alternates with transient flushes of heat, occur in the afternoon, and continue to grow worse. Rest by a very warm stove produces amelioration. There, is frequently conjoined a raw sensation in the pharynx, which is more vivid in the morning, producing roughness of the voice, and causing the patient to hawk frequently, and exciting a hoarse cough. It is also often adopted where that form becomes united with gastric and bilious states. By long continuance, this catarrhal fever sometimes assumes a nervous character, but it then appears more as febris lentce, and as such is sometimes cured by this remedy. I have, however, more frequently cured it with rhus, arsenic, &c. The catarrhal fever which appears in an epidemic form, the so-called influenza, is often cured in a few days by the smallest dose of this remedy. Nux sometimes proves curative in catarrh unaccompanied by fever, where there is a considerable accumulation of mucus in the nose, which produces excoriation of the nostrils, is exacerbated towards evening, is conjoined with frequent sneezings, and during the night, dry coryza, to which dryness of the mouth internally, without thirst, disturbed, restless sleep, become annexed. In speaking of gastric and bilious disorders, I have NiuX 'TOICA. 101 particularly of the prime vie, if we do not find ignatia or some other curative better indicated. As this remedy produces vertigo, anxiety, chills, and in its secondary effects a peculiar iminobility of all parts, or at least of the inferior extremities, and a convulsive stretching; it appears to be particularly beneficial in apoplectic intermittents. Paroxysms which arise suddenly, recur frequently, and always appear in afternoons, with vertigo, anxiety, chill, and a peculiar kind of delirium, which consists of startling, sometimes frightful visions, and excites a feeling of constriction in the stomach, where indeed febrile and nervous states are conjoined, nux removes easily and permanently. It is likewise frequently adapted to dysenteric fevers without evacuations, (ohne Ruhr,) where uneasiness in all of the limbs, restlessness, anxiety, pain in the stomach and abdominal spasms exist. Febres lents are often so constituted that nux is the specific curative, whether they appear originally as such, as the sequelm and terminations of acute diseases, or the concomitants of some topical affection. This variation of phenomena renders it evident that of all diseases this febrile form is the least adapted to an accurate description of its symptoms, and likewise, that its special diag. nosis can only be made at the bed-side of the patient. I am, therefore, content merely to direct attention to the fact that this remedy may, under proper conditions, be applicable in this disease. INFLAMMATIONS. The cure of inflammations, homceo. pathically, has been very strenuously contended to be impracticable on this ground, (according to allceopathic views,) that no cure of an inflammation can be thought 104 NUXX VOIIA. vation of the pains. Pulse very quick and hard; burning heat over the whole body, with red face; great thirst, debility: headache increased by the incessant cough: inappetence: alvine evacuation absent: thin dark coloured: sleepless. I ordered a venesection, and the apparatus antiphlogisticus. Soon after the bleeding, improvement: in the evening aggravation of the pains, which the following morning, had attained their former violence. Another bleeding likewise afforded great relief; towards evening the symptoms were again aggravated; the application often leeches afforded relief, and a short respite resulted: after midnight, the disease attained its former violence; and on my visiting him early in the morning of the third day, the patient was almost beside himself with pain and anxiety. As I saw nothing but temporary relief from this allceopathic treatment, I was fearful of weakening my patient by further loss of blood. A small dose of scilla' maritima, administered on the homceopathic principle, allayed the whole disease in twenty-four hours; though the debility produced by the loss of blood, was not fully overcome under the exhibition of appropriate remedies, until eight days had elapsed. A second subject, nineteen years of age, plethoric and of a strong constitution, who had frequently suffered from epistaxis, and slight asthmatic attacks, became suddenly sick with pneumonic symptoms, which appeared as follows: he must lie with the upper part of the body elevated, in order to breathe; respiration, which is short and quick, was accompanied by dull stitches in the parieties and middle of the thorax; constant cough, with which after some time, a morbid expectoration mixed NUX VOfICA. 105 with streaks of blood is thrown off; the face is puffed any of a vivid redness; epistaxis occasionally, without any relief; burning dry heat, great thirst; urine of a bright red colour; stool absent. This was so evidently a case of pneumonia hypersthenica, that in accordance with the certain assurances in the therapeutic manuals, respecting this disease, I was fully confident that I should overcome it, and accordingly immediately ordered ten ounces of blood to be taken; and an oleaginous emulsion with nitre. The patient felt better in the even. ing: the next morning, the oppression at the chest was exacerbated, and a very profuse epistaxis, produced no relief. The hypersthenic character still continued, and nine leeches were applied during the morning, and in consequence of the neglect of the surgeon, they continued to ooze until late in the afternoon: this powerful anti. phlogistic treatment proved of little avail, for on the third day a hemorrhagia pulmonum supervened, and after such an enormous loss of blood, I felt more certain of the loss of my patient-as the pneumonic state still continued, and symptoms of depletion supervened. If death did not result, still the frequent paroxysms of syncopethe supervening nervous symptoms, such as: moving the lips as if about to speak; carpology and subultus; the vivid redness of the tongue plainly denoted, that this was the transition point, where the disease threatened to terminate in a pneumonia nervosa. Treated allaeopathically, the patient would indubitably be lost, while a cure was still possible by homceopathic means-as the result proved. A few doses of china, (administered during eight days,) recruited the patient so far, that he could resume his business in fourteen days. 106 NTX VOMICA. Such cases occur to all allceopathic practitioners, and nevertheless allceopathy assumes that venesection and leeches are the most indispensable palliatives and curatives in inflammatory diseases. But I ask, after many trials, myself convinced to the contrary, admitting the absolute necessity of these measures in acute diseasewhether blood-letting saves all patients labouring under acute diseases. The unprejudiced physician must answer this in the negative; and if he would not admit that the inflammation caused death, he nevertheless dare not deny that the sequelae had done it, which would not have supervened, if blood-letting had not previously been premised. Therefore, as long as it cannot be demonstrated that venesection without exception, is the only salvation in important inflammatory diseases-so long should the allceopathists permit us to treat this class of disease according to our own views, and not charge us with every case whose result is not fortunate. OPHTHALMIA CATARRHALIS. The symptoms of this complaint, are redness of the margins of the eye-lids, particularly in the canthi; a sensation of burning, photophobia, weeping of the eyes; exacerbation of the complaint in the evening, which is much increased by bright light; morbid secretion of the meibomean glands; injection of the conjunctiva; the symptoms of catarrh with and without fever. All of the symptoms here given, are found repeated amid the eye symptoms of nux, on which account, this class of inflammations are often cured by it. We cannot look upon it as a specific in this disease, as catarrhal ophthalmia does not appear as a fixed and unchanging disease, always characterized by the same symptoms; but frequently becomes conjoined with other tIX. VOMIXtA 107 existing, ophthalmic difficulties, or other complaints be. cqime annexed to it, to which nux is not at all adapted. The causes of this disease are most generally the same. Damp, cold air, is the chief exciting cause, and this is the reason whythe disease most frequently appears in the spring and autumn; the dry dust in summer also seems to excite it. Sequele, under judicious homceopathic treatment, cannot occur; but still such cases frequently come under our notice after previous alloeopathic treatment. The great sensibility of the eye and eye-lids, which remains; the redpess and injection of these parts after a slight at. mospheric change, are often relieved by this curative. QPHTHALMIA RHEUMATICA. This disease comes likewise within the sphere of our remedy, particularly in the first stage, where the symptoms belong most properly to uncomplicated rheumatic ophthalmia. The symptoms of the second stage, are but seldom manifested as uncomplicated phenomena of this disease, and are sometimes conjoined with those of a gouty or of a scrofulous nature. This complication deserves particular consideration; as by this, a peculiar disease is originated, against which this. remedy cannot unconditionally be applied. It is often a very proper intercurrent remedy in the-complaint under consideration. I have repeatedly removed a remaining painless reddening of the eye-ball, with nux vomica, after the cure of the chief malady had been accomplished. OPHTHALMIA ARTHRITICA. This disease may be recognised by the fact that it appears conjointly with gouty qomplaipts, or after their sudden disappearance..It is characterised by dark redness of the ophthalmic NUX VOMICA. 109 same character, is proved by the various names which have been applied to this inflammation in regard to the part affected, by which it is sufficiently evident that ther6 can be no specific for the affection. This remedy is not less applicable in the milder forms of ophthalmitis externa, which are known by the name taraxiuand also ophthalmia angularis. This disease commences with a slight pressure in the eye; the eye begins to weep and becomes red; the redness generally attacks at first only the canthi, particularly.the internal. In addition to these inflammatory ophthalmic complaints, there are several other eye diseases in which it is a proper intercurrent: among them are amaurosis, presbyopia, and myodesopia,'to which last I attach the bright spots which fly from the periphery to the central point of the eye-ball, and there disappear without impairing vision. This last disease, when it appears isolated and is not conjoined with other ophthalmic difficulties, often depends upon congestion to the head:* it frequently appears in plethoric individuals of a sanguino-choleric temperament, and disappears after the exhibition of nux and a proper regulation of the diet. I have never been'able to effect a cure with this remedy alone in amaurotic affections, and presbyopia. At the commencement of the disease, where the eye. lids are more affected, where lachrymation and photophobia exist, an increased mucous secretion from the neibomean glands, by which agglutination of the palpebre isproduced, that is, where the disease approaches near to the catarrhal character, nux is a proper remedy; and this * And will most generally be found in subjects of a hwemorrhoidal diathesis, which renders nux vomica still better adapted. Ta. H 110 NUX VOMICA. is also the case where the disease extents to the external coats of the eye. If the inflammation extends farther, if it becomes more intense, attacks the deeper-seated parts, it is then beyond the sphere of this curative; while relapses, which usually assume the catarrhal character, are frequently cured by it. I lately treated a severe case of scrofulous ophthalmia, which had continued for five years, and had resisted the efforts of a number of oculists, on which account the recovery had been left to nature, and the hope of relief at the pubal age, for which it is true, the poor child would have had to wait for six or eight years, as she had only attained her ninth year. Several ulcers existed on the cornea, which were circumscribed by inflammation of a more intense character than that affecting the ball of the eye itself: some ulcers had healed and their cicatrices remained; the right eye was covered by a kind of pannus; the margins of the eyelids were inflamed from the commencement of the disease; photophobia and lachrymation were very considerable, particularly early in the morning, and at night by candle light. I was four months in completing the cure, during which time the pannus-like difficulty of the right eye entirely disappeared, and the cicatrices of the ulcers which had healed were manifested by bright spots only. In this case nux proved of striking service; but in addition to it, the remedies which did most towards the cure vere, bell., hepd'r. sulph., digital. cannabis. I overcame the diathesis scrophulosa with arsenicum and aurum. CONJUNCTIVITIS. I am convinced both by my own experience and the symptoms of nux, that it is sometimes applicable in this disease. It is generally a painless affection, and must be distinguished from sclerotitis, in NUX VOMICA. 111 which, according to its symptoms, nux is notiapplicable. Conjunctivitis is very similar to the remaining painless redness of the eyeball, of which I spoke under the head of rheumatic ophthalmia. PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. In a case of pleuro-pneumonia, where the oppr6ssion of the chest on inspiring deeply was conjoined with acute, sensitive stitches on the left side of the chest, where there was a quick, hard pulse and perspiration, and the patient exhibited anxious restlessness, this remedy afforded merely seeming relief, which I could not with certainty rely upon, as the patient walked out six hours after taking the remedy, (convalescence having far advanced,) and exposed himself to raw spring air, which produced a relapse, with renewed violence, and for which, in accordance with the symptoms, nux could not be applied. In pleuritic attacks this remedy will never be applicable, in pneumonic on the contrary, it deserves attention. HEPATITIS. In both the acute and chronic forms of this disease, this remedy is often applicable, although by no means a specific. The character of this disease varies so much, that nothing but a minute and detailed sketch of the whole picture of disease can decide on the applicability of the one or the other remedy. Within a very few weeks I have had a very characteristic form of violent hepatitis to treat, which, according to the description of authors, affected the'convex surface of the liver in contact with the diaphragm. While the patient was relating his case, a number of remedies, always varied by the symptoms, crowded upon me, which I had frequently applied in similar cases, particularly nux, bryonia, mercurius. But nevertheless, after a com 112 NUTX VOMICA. plete investigation of all the features of the case, none of them seemed so well indicated as pulsatilla, which indeed removed the disease without the use of any other remedy. Another variety of hepatitis, which my hon-. oured friend, Dr. Franz was at the same period called upon to treat, was so constituted that cham. and bell. alone completed the cure. Cases like these requiring different remedies in a disease, which according to the views of allceopathic pathologists, are described as suffi. ciently fixed and characteristic, convince me still more that that physician only can be successful in practice who has a proper view and knowledge of the symptoms of homoeopathic remedies. GASTRODYNIA. That this disease frequently arises from disease of the spleen is a matter of no doubt; and in this way the latter often appears concomitantly with the former. It is not improbable in such cases that the spleen is in an inflammatory state, to which the previous existence of plethora in the abdominal vessels, or the suppression of an accustomed heemorrhage, may readily give rise. It is not an unusual thing mid the tumult of symptoms for a splenitis to be overlooked; and this may be more readily excused, from the simultaneous appearance of the gastric symptoms. Such a 'false diagnosis would be attended with much more serious results to an allceopathist than to one of our school, as the latter, by a minute investigation of the symptoms without coming to a conclusion with regard to the nature of the disease, and then designating it by a pathological name, will but seldom fail to find the proper remedy: but to the former it cannot be a matter of indifference whether he applies the antiphlogistic or the anti-gastric treatment. From NUX VOMICA. 113 the symptoms of nux vomica we may readily perceive that nux produces a malady closely resembling splenitis, and from this it is apparent that in such cases it must be applicable, and particularly there where the existing gastric symptoms are such as to indicate it, and where the previous maladies of the patient and the temperament point to it. If the experience that nux vomica is beneficial in lithiasis be founded in truth, we may with certainty conceive of its efficacy in some nephritic complaints, as patients labouring under stone have this one disposition. It becomes still more probable that it must be beneficial in such cases as suppressed hmemorrhoids are often the exciting causes, and this remedy is often indicated in the latter. METRITIS. Nuz is a very admirable remedy in inflammation of the womb, and its virtues in this complaint are lauded by many experienced homceopathists, and this view my own experience has confirmed. Whether the metritis has occurred in the unimpregnated uterus, even during gestation or after delivery, it has no influence upon the selection of a curative, and just as little influence has the particular part of the uterus which is affected. I have found, where the other symptoms indicated it, it a matter of indifference whether the fundus, the neck, the anterior or posterior surface of the uterus was inflamed; I have removed them all with this remedy, and indeed with a single dose. The greater or less violence of the fever depends upon the degree and the extent of the inflammation; it is characterised by chill succeeded by heat, generally frequent, tense pulse, violent thirst, &c. The pressing stinging pains in the in 114 NTX VOMICA. flamed uterus are usually aggravated by external pressure, and internal examination. The sensitive pains in the sacral and lumbar regions, the constipation, or hard evacuations, conjoined with burning, stinging pains, stinging and bruise-like pain in the abdomen on motion, when coughing or sneezing; exalted temperature and swelling of the os uteri, with concomitant vaginal affection, are particularly characteristic of nux vomica. ANGINOSE AFFECTIONS. Some kinds of angina are relieved by our remedy: among them angina uvularis, tonsillaris and pharyngea, which latter is most readily overcome by nux when it arises from gastric acridity, which is made known by eructation of a burning, caustic fluid, which frequently produces an inflammatory state of the pharynx. All three varieties of angina sometime appear conjoined with catarrhal complaints, which likewise indicates this remedy where the other symptoms correspond. I have frequently applied it in angina uvularis, particularly in slight cases, and where it was not connected with tonsillaris, as Lin this case it always appears more violently, and with symptoms requiring the exhibition of bellad. or mercury. The most certain symptoms which are to me decisive for the application of nux in angina uvularis are; stinging pains in the uvula and the submaxillary gland during deglutition, and besides the feeling as if a plug were in the throat, which always denotes swelling of the uvula, which indeed the inflammation of the parts confirms. I likewise found characteristic of nux, where the symptom of pressure in the throat as if from a swelling which was experienced only when swallowing the saliva, and not with food or drink. In angina tonsillaris nux is only indi. NUX VOMICA. 115 cated where it assumes the catarrhal character; but seldom known where it attacks scrofulous subjects. I have frequently applied it with very good effects as an intercurrent remedy where frequent inflammations of the tonsils without proper treatment had left an obstinate chronic induration of these glands which resisted all alloeopathic treatment. I am now treating such a patient to whom every new dose of nux produces considerable relief. In some affections of the mouth, nux proves very use. ful, particularly where a number of offensive ulcers are situated within the buccal cavity and upon the fauces, which produce a disagreeable taste which the patient cannot overcome, and exhale a putrid odour perceptible to the attendants. In children, these symptoms sometimes arise without any evident striking cause, frequently they exist in children concomitantly with anginose affections. Remedies apparently well indicated, as bell., arsen., rali sulphur, acid nitri, have frequently afforded no relief, and nux produced a good effect within a few hours. In low putrid fevers, in which these kind of ulcers are prone to appear, I believe our remedy might be of service. I have indeed for some time been of the opinion, that nux would prove serviceable in some kinds of putrid fever, and although I have not yet treated a case of the kind, I would call attention to it. Where other symptoms indicated it, I would undoubtedly exhibit this remedy in such cases, ard I shall be pleased if the practical experience of others confirms my views. Although the diseases of the skin in which nux is applicable, are not Very numerous, they are still of sufficient importance to tsetve particular consideration. Gross says in Archiv. NUX VOMICA. 1 9 pressure heat and burning of the abdomen, the symptoms of hmmorrhoidal or menstrual congestion, and the various symptoms of abdominal disturbance, which by frequent recurrence, produce inaction and disorganisa. tion of the abdominal organs, and is therefore so common in patients labouring under haemorrhoids and hypochondriasis, offers a good criterion for the applica. tion of nux in diseases. Here too belong uterine congestions, which, according to Haas, must be classed with the paralytic and passive congestions, and which assume the character of para. lysie. They are generally produced by a torpid state of the uterine vessels, by which a stagnation of the blood in their vessels is induced, and from which a varicose state is gradually affected. In girls who have attained the pubal age, this condition produces an early appearance and more copious discharge of the catamenia than is natural in the healthy state, and by frequent recurrence, metrorrhagia is readily produced. In married women, this varicose condition of the uterine vessels frequentlygives origin to abortion. In the unimpregnated uterus, and also the enormous losses of blood from mis. carriage, I have generally made use of crocus sativus, particularly where the discharge was of a dark black coagula; china is, howeveir, sometimes the proper remedy where depletion threatens to supervene. Belladonna and platina have proved successful in some cases, more particularly when the patient complained of a constant bearing down towards the vagina as if the intestines would be forced out: both ipecac.* and hyosciamus likewise * Crocus is undoubtedly a very efficacious remedy in metrorrhagia with discharge of venous coagula; while in my hands at least, sa. 120 NUX VOMIOA. produce a favorable effect, the latter particularly, where spasmodic twitchings of the limbs and of the facial muscles is conjoined. To prevent the cause of this danger. ous disease, the varicose state of the sexual organs produced by the frequent recurrence of congestions to these parts, by which the whole uterine organ assumes a state of flaccidity, (Erschlaffungs-Zustand.) All of the above. named remedies are futile, and here nux vomica very plainly evinces its specific power. Abortion is, however, not produced by such a-varicose condition of the uterine vessels only, but by other causes which act as stimulants to the organism, by which congestion (without a varicose condition) is produced in that organ in which vitality is at the time in an exalted state: here belongs all heating, exciting drinks, and food. Such indulgences must be strictly avoided during pregnancy, and a few doses of nux given at intervals, particularly during the first months, almost always overcome the injurious effects of such a course. Abortion may likebina has proved equally successful in arterial metrorrhagim, but there is no remedy upon which 1 place more reliance than ipecac. uanha in the first and second triturations, even in cases of this disease evidently of a more chlorotic character, and where the discharge is more due to-an absolute change in the chemical constituents of the blood than to any local disease of the uAerine vessels. I have recently satisfied myself of this fact, by a careful examination of a number of cases, in which the existence of a chlorotic state was beyond question, as in every instance a distinct bruit de diable in the carotids, (more particularly the left,) existed. The action of ipecac. is palliative only, and I need not speak of the necessity of a more thorough treatment during the intervals, as this is, of course, understood by every homweopathic practitioner who has passed the threshhold of the science.- Translator. NJUX VOXICA. 2 121 wise be produced by a mechanical irritation, as I have often observed, from constipation during gestation. It sometimes happens in such cases that miscarriage occurs from an ineffectual urging at stool, by which premature uterine contractions are induced. This complaint I have uniformly removed by administering nux, and more rapidly where the constipation commenced with the pregnant state.I If the first symptoms of miscarriage have already occurred, nun is no longer applicable, but other remedies are indicated accbrding to-the morbid manifestations. This remedy is often adapted to the plethoric state during gestation, which the ailceopathic practitioner believes cannot be overcome, except by venesection.- This state can be looked upon as pathological, during pregnancy only, when it is partial, as general plethora must always exist at this timie, from very evident causes. I have frequently seen it originate, in addition to the causies already specified, from wet feet, where it appeared in the form of congestion to the head, chest, or uterus. Gastric fever is almost always conjoined with the congestion to the head, which is manifested by vertigo, violent headache, particularly in the forehead, or in one side of the head, with red cheeks, distension of the vessels.. Congestion to the uterus during gestation, as previously mentioned, may produce abortion, if it occurs during the first four months; during the latte 'r period, if it is not checked and continues, it may easily produce premature delivery. I have already spoken of the first of these states: the latter, when so far advanced, cannot be overcome by this remedy, although the complaints and premonitions which precede it may find a curative in it. 122 NUX VOMICA. Congestion to the uterus, during the last half of pregnancy, produces, usually, bearing-down pains, which recur at intervals, but not the peculiar pains of labour, which occur at each repetition with increased violence, thesyremain the same, do not, like the latter, extend from the sacrum towards the genitals,: but have a more fixed seat in the back, and affect the uterus more through sympathy, which is indicated by the sensitiveness of the abdomen to every motion, and to the touch. By long continuance of this state, the vitality of the trunk becomes much increased, while it diminishes in the extremities, and is accompanied by coldness of the hands and feet. A simple lavement of tepid water often allays the pain for a moment, without, however, preventing its recurrence. These morbid phenomena are generally produced by violent cold, affecting the feet, and inordinate coition. This congestion is a similar disease to that which the allceopathists understand under the name of rheumatismus uteri. If not relieved by medical aid, it continues during the whole period of gestation, and then increases the difficulty of labour very much. I have frequently removed states similar to this, where the constitutional symptoms indicated it, with the smallest doses of numx vomica; sometimes also with bryonia; and carried patients through such attacks at time of labour, converting them into regular labour pains, which soon terminate in delivery. These attacks are called by the midwives, in general terms, as weak, worrying pains, which do not progress the delivery at all. A similar state sometimes occurs during the month, which here may assume a more dangerous character than before parturition, as it can more readily become NUX VOMICA. 123 converted into a kind of metritis and febris puerperalis, in consequence of increased irritability of the sexual sys. tem. As I have already remarked, the symptoms of these latter diseases are sometimes such as to find a curative in nux vomica. The individuality of such a case the physician will be able to discover, and from this, determine whether nux be indicated or not. The symptoms are generally so prominent and characteristically developed that, with an accurate knowledge of the symptomatology of the materia medica, one cannot readily err. I have given the detailed description of a case of febris puerperalis, with inflammatory affection of the uterus succeeding delivery, where nux was the specific curative in the Archiv., vol. v., p. 102. As I have been speaking of abnormal conditions during gestation and after delivery, I will here mention a morbid state of the lochial discharge, where, if there be no distinction of any other organ indicating nux, it will but seldom produce any change. Vomiting during pregnancy, in proper cases, is generally cured by nux, or a few doses of ipecac.,* permanently. The occurrence of vomiting with violent belly pains, during the last months, is of more rare occurrence, but is frequently cured by nux. I have frequently allayed after pains of the most severe kind with nux, particularly when there was a feeling as if she must go to stool on lying down; but on making the effort at stool, the spasmodic pains extended more to the womb and bladder. A painful symptom which I have repeatedly observed during gestation, and which if not removed, continued after delivery-was an internal swell* Or kreosote, or sepia.- Translator. 124 NtJX VOMICA. ing on one side of the vagina, like a thick, swollen fold of skin, resembling a prolapsus vagine, with burning, smarting pains, which were aggravated by touching externally. I have cured this isolated symptom several times, with this remedy met with. I have another variety of congestion in females at the climacteric period, where the catamenial discharge had ceased for several months, who were accustomed to a sedentary life, a nutritious diet, and indulged freely in strong cofee and wine. This congestion generally appears in the peripheral organs of the body, in the form of suggilations, extravasations in the skin, with smarting and itching of the whole cutaneous surface; general inquietude; restless, anxious sleep; constipation: it may readily terminate in apoplexia sanguinea. Where the diet is properly regulated, no remedy is better indicated by this state than nux. A lady, already long past forty years of age, in whom the catamenia had continued too long and too profuse, (she first menstruated at twelve years,) was troubled every fortnight or three weeks, with such a copious discharge, that she was frequently obliged to keep her bed for weeks. Her physician advised venesection as soon as the premonitions occurred, which was faithfully followed, without however, the desired result. I was called to advise her, as despite venesection the catamenia had recurred several times at short intervals, and the symptoms of plethora in the highest degree had set in, which was manifested by paralytic weakness of the limbs, ecchymoses of greater and smaller portions of the skin, very irritable temper, violent pressing cephalalgia. The patient, as well as bystanders, considered bleeding indis 130 NUTX VOMICA. in damp cold weather, I have repeatedly cured with nux. A kind of periodical pain in the back almost of an intermittent character, (unaccompanied by fever,) that extended upwards between the scapule and sometimes towards the labia, a slight dragging pain which always increased by motion, appeared periodically every day, and continued from six to eight hours, which was conjoined with constipation, continuihg from three to eight days, was relieved by a single dose of the decillionth of nux; after the lapse of forty-eight hours the paroxysm indeed returned, but continued for a short time only, and was so trifling that while it existed, the patient could pursue her usual household duties. That nux must prove beneficial where ascarides give rise to hemorrhoids is plain from the fact that it is a very effective remedy against these worms, and a single dose is often sufficient to rid the rectum of these parasites, while the occasioning cause of the haemorrhoids is at the same time removed. Nux however is not the only remedy in these cases of worms, and consequently cannot be the only one in cases of haemorrhoids arising from this cause. Hmmorrhoids frequently appear in females; the rectum indeed is often subject to vicarious discharges of the uterus, and this disease may here appear both in old and young persons. More frequently however, they occur after pregnancy, by which varices are formed in females. They are frequently a secondary disease under such circumstances, as they depend upon the uterine system, and organic diseases of this system give origin to them. In this case they are not to be looked upon as a 132 NUX VOMICA. of Dr. Gross, who has found this remedy together with sarsaparilla very efficacious in complaints of this nature. This remedy likewise deserves attention in retentio urince, and particularly in that form which is designated ISCHURIA. It is very easy to see why I do not call nux the specific in these cases, although it is frequently the best adapted of many remedies apparently indicated, as this disease is never an uncomplicated form, but exists only as an accompanying. phenomenon dependent upon another disease. Everything therefore depends upon the exciting cause. If it is the concomitant of nephritis, it will more readily yield to this remedy, if it is the remedy indicated by the ensemble of the disease as I have already mentioned when treating of nephritis. If it is caused by varicosis of the bladder as in haemorrhages of the bladder, by calculous difficulty or mucous accumulation in the bladder, the homceopathic physician will attend to what I have already remarked. When it is caused by vesical spasm, hemorrhoidal spasm, or colic, and becomes united with these, our remedy is frequently the one best adapted to allay this painful malady. A kind of strangury, which frequently appears after the use of beer, and sometimes continues for a number of days, and is manifested by frequent urination, with passage of little water, and burning pain in the urethra during micturition, which becomes a contracting tearing pain, with a restless feeling over the whole body, I have frequently cured with this remedy. In a so-termed balano-blenorrhcea, which did not originate from infection, but'from a morbidly increased secretion of the smegma, I cured the itching, smarting NUX VOMICA. 133 pains, with this remedy! A small dose of cinnabaris removed the remains of the disease in a few days.* I have sometimes cured frequent nocturnal emissions, occurring in robust men, who have not produced the dis. ease by onanism, with this remedy: likewise a kind of spasmodic wrenching pain in the spermatic cord, with tumefaction and hardness of the testicle on the side affected, by which the testicle was drawn spasmodically upwards; the pain was more violent when standing or walking, and sometimes entirely disappeared when sitting. I have observed this complaint most frequently in individuals who had been subject to frequent emissions which had ceased. Inordinate sexual desire, with frequent painful erections after midnight, where the symptom was not the concomitant of a gonorrhcea, was rapidly cured by nux. Hahnemann says of this remedy, " Its disposition to check the peristaltic action is, in true uncomplicated dysentery, injurious, as constipation is thereby induced, the signs of vitiated bile increase, although the dysenteric excretions are less frequent, they continue to be followed just as constantly by tenesmus, and are of the same bad character." More extensive experience has proved, to the supporters of homoeopathy, that this opinion of Hahnemann requires modification. In dysentery there is spas. medic contraction of the muscular fibres of the intestines, which is manifested by the tormina and the tenesmus, by * In my hands cinnabaris alone has frequently cured this dis. ease, even when dependent upon venereal infection. It most fre. quently occurs in individuals with a long succulent foreskin, and in such cases I have found that the exposure of the glans to the air, retracting the prepuce, and cold bathing, generally prevented a return of this filthy and troublesome complaint.- Translator. 4 134 -.t " -.1 lqUX VOld'C'A" which tie peristaltic miotion is incredsed secondarily, 6A which account the inhibition of this reinedy, in dy fhteric patients, does not produce constipationi, withouit, at the same time, allaying the harassing belly pairis aid tenesmus, if, of course, there be no contra iridication to ifs use. It is iiideed one of the most p~6ierfil atd ef. fective of our remedies in this disease, where the alvitie evacuations but seldom contain faeces, but generally conisist of blood and mucus. It is also frequently applicable in cases which wie can only term dysenteric diarrhoea, when there is very slight fetcal discharges with urging and tenesinis. I have done much with this remedy in the dysentery which occurred in the latter part of the summer of last year, and "in severl' cases converted the dysentery inito a siiMpl, mild diarrhcea, and in some few I cured the dise&.a entirely with it. One case, where the' appearance of dyseintery was preceded by several other diseases, particularly interested me. A child, nine and a half years old, was attacked with the measles, which, from its favorable course fromn the beginning, was not subjected to any treatment; at the height of the disease a violent diarrhcea, with mucous vomiting, set i3, so that the parents were afraid td trutit the case to nature as it threatened danger. I wias called, and in addition to the symptoms detailed, I found that the measles had disappeared. Pulsatilla was the i-emedy indicated. The diarrhoea and vomiting ceased within five hours, the exanthem was ie-established, aiid pirsued its regular course. The period of desquamatioh had iidt passed when a violent chemosis set in: the eye would not tolerate the light, and it was conjoined with considerable 3*A VoxtN6A. 185 fteis inflanmtatoria. Aconite removed the whole difficulty in twenty-four hours. For five days the girl was quite lively, but at that time complained of itching and burning of the skin, and the next day a scarlatinous redness appeared over several parts of the body, which continued to spread: the throat, the tonsils, the gums, and the tongue, were red and swollen, and the child was obliged to spit continually, as quantities of viscid mucus were constantly secreted; deglutition was accompanied with much pain. I administered a small dose of mercurius solubilis, by which the anginose affection was much relieved within two days. The inflammatory fever con'tinued, the exanthem was in-full bloom, and I now exhibited belladonna 30, which, without the aid of any other medicine, caused a gentle and harmless course of the disease. Desquamation was scarcely effected when diarrhcea and pains in the belly set in. The child desired to be placed upon the close-stool every fifteen minutes, and complained of severe, cutting pains, in the umbilical region, and deep in the abdomen, with which an urging and tenesmus in the rectum was conjoined; at the same time the dejections were of very small quantities of fmces, in lumps, mixed with mucus and blood, or consisted entirely of bloody mucus. After the discharge of these masses the tenesmus in the rectum and the belly pains disap. peared for a short time; conjoined with these there existed great heat, dry tongue, red cheeks, much thirst, urine bright red, no appetite or sleep. I gave a drop of nux 30, which produced complete restoration in a few days. In some few cases, of a most violent character, nux was 136 NUX VOICA of no service, and here it was that sublimatus was of the greatest use. Occasionally governed by circumstances, staphys., rhus., arsen., mere. sol., &c., were indicated. SConstipation, in the present luxurious mode of living, is a very common complaint which, however, we but seldom treat as an uncomplicated symptom. For although daily evacuation of the bowels is so essential to unimpaired health, it is but rarely the case that a man otherwise healthy pays much attention to this state, and it is only when harassing abdominal complaints are induced that he seeks the apparent cause in this, and then, without seeking medical advice, endeavors to cure himself by the use of aperients, which afford him some relief for a time, but by their long continued or repeated use, still greater inertia and atony of the bowels, and particularly of the rectum, is produced, and the peristaltic action of the bowels, which previously existed, which was manifested by a sense of pressing down in the rectum, (inef. fectual effort to evacuate the faeces,) is entirely suppressed. In such cases there is a great disposition to gastric disturbances, which, by long continuance, may produce organic changes in the abdominal organs; but still, even under these circumstances, nux often proves the radical curative. Obstructions which are overcome with the most certainty, by this remedy, are those which are produced by the frequent use of cofee, and of stimulating and spirituous drinks. Although the disorders which arise from overloading the stomach are often relieved by spontaneous vomiting, yet, by frequent recurrence, repletion is frequently followed by bad results, to which febrile symptoms frequently become conjoined, which would then place this NUX VOMICA. 137 disease among fevers, and I could just as well have introduced it under the head offebris gastrica; still I deem it better to precede the description of gastralgia with this'disease, in which it readily passes over, or at least gives occasion to. Indigestion is generally characterised by eructations, nausea, fulness, or pressure in the stomach, flatulence, vertigo, and heaviness of the head, inclination to vomit, burning sensation in the stomach and oesophagus, &c. All of these symptoms likewise occur in individuals who indulge too freely in spirituous drinks, and in whom there exists generally a still more troublesome symptom-a kind of vomiting in the morning, more retching, with a highly unpleasant contracting sensation in the epigastrium, sometimes a cough with retching, by which a viscid white mucus is thrown off, sometimes in large, and again in small quantities. The complaints first mentioned, from overloading the stomach with food, are often cured by nux and proper regulation of the diet; while the latter variety of vomiting, vomitus potatorum, is specifically cured by this remedy, where patients faithfully follow our advice. That the neglect of these complaints, on the part of the patient or his physician, may readily give rise to indurations in the oesophagus and stomach, I need only so far mention, because such indurations, in their incipiency, are often overcome by this remedy, or the progress of the disease is at least checked, where there'is doubt of a complete cure. This remedy most generally affords most relief, although arsenic or some other remedy may be indicated. Some varieties of vomitus saburralis, pituitosus, and biliosus, are relieved by this remedy, as it4 as I have before remarked, is useful in bilious complaints generally. NUX VOnICA. 139 proyement of the secretions of the alimentary canal, if we attend to this alone. I haye treated a great number of patients suffering with cardialgia, in'whom an unnatural state of the gastric secretions could not be overlooked; where also, according to the above, the extract of nux vomica should have proved beneficial; but alas! I but seldom could effect anything with this inert substance. But when I applied the tincture homoeppathically prepared, I could count with certainty upon a cure, namely, when this remedy was fully indicated. A certain proof that the extract does not possess the power attributed to it. Cardialgia depends upon a dy" namic change in the gastric nerves, and chiefly upon an exalted irritability of the same, whereby an unnatural contraction of the muscular fibres of the stomach is induced. The result of this explanation is nothing more than this: we haye in a few yords connected the morbid phenomena whBch accompany cardialgia, to make ourselves more readily qnderstood, and to give'our minds a graphic image 9f th' a.ffected organ upon which we have to act in this disease. Bpt does this explanation assist us in the selection of reiedies with which we have to cure this disease? For the pffects of remedies upon the healthy human organismW is the only method which shows to us the applicability of remedies in this or that disease. Allceopathy acts otherwise in this case: she believes to have found in this explanation the essence of this disease, and consequently prescribes p mass of remedies, the majority of which belong tp the'class of anti-sparmodics; this is just the reason why in the pure of this disease she is less successful than homoeopathy; and the few specifics which are recommended are not giyep with sufficient speciahty for 140 1 UX VOMICA. one to determine whether they are applicable in the one or the other forms of cardialgia. The most powerful and best remedy according to allceopathy in this disease is opium, of which I will ad. mit, that in large and repeated doses it diminishes the paroxysms of pain; but cure this disease it cannot, as in its primary effects it does not produce a single pain; dq the contrary, it produces loss of sensation, the direct secondary effect of which is, exalted sensibility, and of course, more violent paroxysms of pain. As however in the cure of disease, we must make use of the primary effects of remedial agents, so is it evident that opium in this disease acts therely as a palliative. Camphor is likewise an important remedial agent in this disease, and is said to be particularly applicable in those cases where there has been a suppression of a previous exan. thematous affection, or where the cardialgia attacks in. dividuals who have been debilitated by onanism. Whoever knows accurately the positive effects of camphor upon the healthy human organism, can readily perceive that it does not deserve this praise in the disease under consideration! Without mentioning its transient effects, and the rapidity in the change of its symptoms, on which ac. count it is not well adapted to the cure of chronic di3 -eases. If the cardialgia occurs after suppressed eruptions, it is a proof that the eruptive form of disease was badly treated, and the disease in its totality not removed; but nevertheless independent of this, it is still improper to exhibit camphor after the suppressions of the various exanthemata, as at most, it will only be indicated where the cardialgia occurred after the suppression of a so-termed erysipelas, which latter is produced by cam. NUX VOKICA. 141 phor itself, as a primary effect. If however the suppression of another kind of eruption has produced the disease, camphor would if exhibited be completely inefficacious. We must here first apply the remedy adapted to the original complaint; for instance, against suppressed scabies, sulphur; suppressed syphilis, mercury; and if the cardialgia is not thereby overcome, we must then oppose to the existing disease the remedy now better adapted to the totality of its phenomena. In general we will not easily remove diseases occurring after suppressed eruptions or other forms of cutaneous diseases, if we do not first apply the remedy adapted to the original complaint. Physicians were apparently led to exhibit camphor after suppressed cutaneous affections, because it has a particular influence upon the skin, in order to produce an alleviation of the existing malady, by an increased cutaneous exhalation. Probably also because in large doses it diminishes the sensibility of the whole nervous system, and the contractility of the muscular fibre, particularly those belonging to the natural and vital functions, and in the same degree lessens the irratibility of the capillaries particularly. According to the views of the allceopathists, camphor must likewise relieve those individuals who have been attacked with cardialgia from onanism. This view rests upon a false postulate. According to the law contraria contrariis, the debilitated genitals and the gastric weakness thereby indiced, must be met by an active remedy which acts as an excitant, and one is overjoyed, deceived by the frequent repetition of the remedy, at the permanent effect which is produced by it; and still it is a mere deception. For if the patient with the firm conviction that he is 1* 142 WV2 Tp NX04P cured, omits the remedy, he but too soon sees the bbene. ficial results vanish, and his previous malady recurs in an aggravated degree. Cinchona operates with far more certainty in cardialgia dependent upon such a weakness as if a specific properly adapted to disorders arising from onanism. A frequent repetition of the dose at intervals gradually more prolonged is here essential, in order to overcome an affection which has so deep a foundation in the organism, by which the patient must accurately follow the directions of his physician, and strictly avoid the vice of self-pollution, which he will be most apt to do if his physician relates to him the results of this vice, and gives him according to his settled conviction, the hope of speedy restoration. If this affection has already become deeply rooted, some of the symptoms which occur, occasionally demand an intercurrent remedy, but still china always remains the specific curative. The naphthe on account of their transient effects, will be as little likely to effect a permanent cure of this chronic disease, as camphor. Moschus is recommended as an important remedy, particularly where a general "spastic state exists, or accompanies the disease, as in the febris intermittens cardialgica. It is well known, that musk is an important anti-spasmodic, which homoeopathists themselves must admit, as it is indispensable in the cure of some spasmodic diseases: but this does not at all prove, that it must prove beneficial in every variety of spasm. The symptoms given in Hahnemann's materia medica, (vol. I.,) prove that it has the power of producing morbid states in the stomach; but still I would always doubt its power in cardialgia, as these symptoms prov to NUX VOMICA. 143.le mre consensual p other complaints, and not as the phlef symptoms of cardialgia. I at least, in the cure of tiis disease, have not been obliged to have recourse to mys., a 9pther and much more powerful agents in these pomplaints, have not failed me. In whatfebris intermitAe1s carfdialgica, might it be applicable? There is no such thing as a fixed disease, which always manifests itself,,Aler the same circumstances and with the same phena epna, which we may readily deduce from the infinite forms of intermittent fever, and the different kinds and degrees of cardialgia. The inordinate use of china, the.specific in intermittent fever, which is exhibited with such p4stinate perseverance; although the stomach cannot bear its use for a long time without danger, may very readily produeq cardialgia, which however cannot be cured by %musk, but by the antidotes to china, among which nux vomizca, although not a direct antidote, but still, not unfrequently as a proper intercurrent remedy, deserves to be mwntioned, if ipepac., verat. or arsenic are not still better indicated. The symptoms of hyosciamus, which is used by the alJoeppathist as a remedy in this disease, likewise offer indicatioýs that it may prove beneficial in cardialgic complaints, although I have never prescribed it in this dis-.ape, as the symptoms in Hahnemann's materia medica do pot denote with enough accuracy, in what cases of cardialgia it is applicable. J am moreover,much inclined to doubt whether any,aljceopathist has ever administered this remedy alone in t)js disease; but always in combination with,other ppwerful drugs, from which we can deduce no proper,pnlJusip p as to its sanative virtue in cardialgia. 144 N1-UX VO3IICA. But I shall extend my remarks too far," if I enter specially into the effedts of all the remedies recommend. ed in this complaint. And I will accordingly return to our subject, and will only call attention to the many powerful and effectual agents with which homceopathy effects cures in this disease; for instance: bellad., coccul., stranum, chanmomilla, china, staphys., &c., which are unknown to alloeopathy, as remedies in the disease under consideration. Some cures by the remedies here mentioned, may serve as vouchers. Mrs. N. of 0., of strong powerful make, had suffered since the birth of her last child, about three years back, with gastric complaints which grew worse every year, and had produced a train of other symptoms. She ap"plied to me in March, and informed me that after she had nursed her child for about three months, her appetite grew less and less. On this account she drank beer freely, and was so much strengthened by it, that by this simple means, she had milk enough to suckle her babe, until it was nine months old. At that time, her debility became so great, that she was obliged to wean it. Notwithstanding this, she could not gain her strength, as her appetite had failed her entirely: she even ex. perienced the greatest aversion and nausea at the sight of food and drink. If she ate a few mouthfuls, she was immediately attacked with gastric pressure, pyrosis, collection of water in the mouth, and ineffectual retchings, which produced great prostration. She was tired and sleepy during the whole day, and not disposed to any kind of occupation. Alvine evacuation occurred daily; but was very small in quantity, and although without great effort, she was obliged to sit a long time before f NTX VOXICA. 145 the bowels acted. The pulse was weak and small. The complexion was rather sallow, and the conjunctiva was of a yellowish hue. This chronic complaint, apparently induced by loss of fluids, indicated china, which was exhibited first in the sixth, and afterwards in the twelfth dilation, which produced a complete cure of all of the symptoms within three weeks, without any relapse. Herr H. had suffered for several weeks, after every meal, with an oppressive griping pain in the upper part of the abdomen, on the left side directly below the ribs, and in the epigastrium, which produced an accumulation of water in the mouth, and impeded respiration, which, after about an hour, terminated in a griping over the whole abdomen, which then rendered him irritable and desponding. His stools were tardy, and often occurred only every other day. A glass of bitters, diminished his complaints, and shortened them. Nux 15 relieved the disease for eight days; but at the end of that periodafter eating of fat food, it recurred with all its former violence, from which I concluded, that I had not given the true specific remedy. A dose of cocculus 12 cured him permanently. Nux is chiefly applicable in cardialgia, which is produced by the frequent and free use of coffee, where it, as well as chamomilla is specifically effective. This inordinate use of coffee, is the reason why females are most prone to this complaint: the delicate organisation of the female; her sedentary life, by which the injurious in. fluence of this drink is increased, while an active life, which calls the physical nature more into play, weakens or entirely overcomes its bad effects, which is more the case with males. Weak and delicate constitutions, with Jf6 P1 vP AcA. which tp a certain extent, students are to bpe cqasd, who produce a debilitated habit of body, by a sedentary mode of life, which is increased still more by the us,.of coffee; and by the medicinal effect of the latter, in copjunction with sitting with the abdomen pressed together, by which the abdominal organs are prevented from being naturally distended, and by which debility of these organs must be produced, frequently gives rise to com. plaints which continue during life. In regard to the constant use of cofee producing cardialgia, I refer to Hahnemann's treatise " On the Effects of Coffee," and to the pathological effects of coffee, as proved by -Stapf, from which is clearly to be seen, that cofee is capable of producing a similar disease in the healthy human organism. Madame B., some thirty years old, who had suffered for many years with a troublesome and distressing cough, lost her cough suddenly without any cause: instead of the cough, she was afflicted with a constant pressure, which sometimes became a griping in the gastric regiop, which was aggravated after every meal, and after drinking cofee, became so much exacerbated, that she wgs obliged to sit completely bent over. She was at the same time afflicted with constriction and oppression of the chest, and could only make a short inspiration, with which a partial hiccough was always conjoined. Waterbrash occurred frequently during the day: inappetence Alvine evacuations hard occurring every third or fourth day. She had suffered from this co.m plaint for full two years; had taken allceopathic reme. dies, which sometimes relieved her violent pain, but had never had any permanent effect, or cured the disease. 1400 NUX VOMICA. namic aid, because some morbid internal cause has given origin to them. Inguinal hernic? which arise from an internal cause, often find a specific remedy in nus, aurum, the magnet, coccul., &c. A few words in regard to strangulated hernia in so far that as an organic cause it gives rise to colicky pains, and the relations which our remedy bears to such pains. One would suppose that it would be the same thing whether the strangulation was congenital, old, recent, or occurred in a rupture produced by external violence, as the cause which pro. duces the pains is always the same. If this were the case, all strangulated hernic must yield to the same curative method that had conquered a few cases. Nux must then prove curative in all cases, as it has proved of such essential service in some. Still I much doubt if it deserves the name of a specific, in these cases, at least oft repeated experience, must first confirm its power. I believe that nux is to be applied with most certainty where the rupture is of recent occurrence, and suddenly becomes strangulated, and which could have been cured by nux if the strangulation hal not supervened. In a case of this kind, we should at. tempt the reduction of the hernial protrusion, by means of the taxis; if it is reduced, the pains soon mitigate, and all of the symptoms dependent upon it disappear. Should however we not be able to reduce it soon by this method, which is most frequently the case, as the constriction of the muscular fibres of the intestine, anl the abdominal ring is increased by the irritation prpduced by the taxis and thereby a more powerful resistence is induced, We should under such circumstapce,, without useless attempt at reduction, adminis rYOX vOMICA. Ja tor np vom. in the smallest dose. I do not say without reason, in the smallest dose; for where the sensibility of the patient is so much exalted, we should endeavour to avoid every possible exacerbation from the remedy, in order not to bring the life of the patient in still greater danger by producing spasmodic complaints. Observations coincide with mine in these cases, that soon after the administration of the remedy the pain ceased, the intestine replaced itself, even if before this had been impossible with the taxis. W., aged thirty-six years, a stocking weaver, whose frame had been much reduced by care and disease, endeavoured to refresh himself by short sleep in the afternoon, for the remaining toils of the day, and despite his miserable nourishment, he always gained sufficient strength, although not without exertion, to enable him to pursue his labours. A long time since I had happily cured him of a chronic hepatic affection, and from that time the man enjoyed at least tolerable health. In the summer I was called to him at night, and on entering his chamber, I found him in bed wringing his hands, and exhibiting the following picture of disease:-- Early in the morning the patient had felt as well as usual, had a natural stool as generally, had eaten enough at noon, and then taken his usual siesta, from which, however, he was awakened by a griping, stinging pain in the right inguinal region, which after his arising continued to increase hourly, and towards evening obliged him to lie down. Notwithstanding he still hoped that nature would. afford him relief, until finally the pains,etepded over the whole abdomen, which was painfully tense and distended; eructations of wind, vomiting of a NUx. VOMICA. 153 peared without ever recurring, as far as I have had opportunity of observing the individual since. Nux is likewise often applicable in the catarrhal, rheumatic and gouty colic, according to the symptoms which exist. Nux is very useful in asthmatic complaints, which allosopathic physicians have also observed, and therefore recommend it in spasmodic asthma, oppression at the chest, and hooping cough. In the works on therapeutics, we find it mentioned in hooping cough among the remedies of minor importance. In uncomplicated fully developed spasms of the chest, which depend upon disturbed irritability of the nerves of the chest in general, nux is not always applicable, and even those cases which depend upon causes indicating this remedy, we will not always find it sufficient, but will be obliged to use some intercurrent because the disease often assumes an entirely different character. If nux is the proper specific, we should continue to give it at protracted intervals, even after the disease is apparently entirely cured. Nux is most frequently indicated where the disease occurs in hysterical and hypochondriacal subjects: on the other hand, where there is increased local irritability of the lungs, and bronchia produced by previous inflammatory disease of these organs, it is not applicable. In hydrothorax and phthisis at their commencement we but seldom observe true spasms of the chest, but generally merely oppression and constriction, and these merely isolated symptoms which are to be looked upon S as secondary symptoms; it is impossible to find a remedy to overcome, as but transient aid can be arX VOICA. 1'57 delirium, accompanied with fear and terror. Among its primaryfTects, is likewise noticeable a twitching motion under the skin, on the limbs, agd in the abdominal muscles, as also spasmodic affections and convulsions. By this continuous influence on the muscular-fibre, the irritability seems as it were to exhaust itself; whereby with the transition into the secondary effects of the medicine, aediminution and torpor of the nervous sensibility is affected, which is manifested as well in the vital as in the animal and mental powers. From these observations, which are derived from experience, it is evident that nux vomica induces symptoms exceedingly analogous to those occurring in paroxysms of hysteriaand hypochondria, which, however, in both these diseases, are greatly modified by various attending circumstances. It remains for us to ascertain in what kinds of hypochondriasis, according to the old school, this remedy is applicable; whether in the organic, material, or idiopathic. That the first is always preceded by a morbid condition of the abdomen, is well known; but it should be remarked, that these morbid disturbances of the abdominal or. gans, which are sometimes induced by long sitting in a position which compresses the abdomen, with want of exercise, &c., and sometimes by indulgence in heating and exciting liquors, are generally so constituted, as we find them in the specification of symptoms ascribed to nux vomica, under the head of morbid affections of the abdomen. These however, generally disappear in the more confirmed stages of the disease, or are so much diminished that the patient takes but little heed of them, K 158 NUX VOmICA. while the characteristic symptoms of hypochondriasis become more prominently conspicuous. At the commencement of the cure, the bdominal complaints generally recur, on which account, the patient feels much sicker: but still this is merely the aggravation produced by a homcoopathic remedy properly selected, and is nothing permanent. According to this, nux is looked upon as a specific in some kinds ofilypochondria cum materia; but on this account, the immaterial form is not without its sphere of application, but it is not so often indicated as a curative in this form. Causal moments and characteristic symptoms, must here as in other cases lead us to the specific curative. I will here call atten. tion to some varieties of hypoclhondriasis, in which nux is not at all applicable: it is those cases which arise from onanism, or inordinate coition, where with china, staphy. sagria deserves to be recommended: and in that more aggravated variety of hypochondriasis, which sometimes occurs in unmarried males, and where conium is very strongly indicated. Both varieties should be placed with immaterial hypochondriasis, and require an entirely different treatment, as I have repeatedly confirmed by my own experience. Epilepsy, also, belongs to the category of c(hronic nervous affections, and should be specified in treatises on materia medica as one of those diseases in which nux vomica proves highly efficacious. It is now more than thirty years since Hahnemann, in an essay in Hufeland's Journal, entitled "An Attempt to Demonstrate a New Principle, for the Discovery of the Curative Powers of Remedial Agents," says, in speaking of nux vomica, " The tendency of this remedy in its direct and primary effects -NX VOMICA. 159 to induce twitching and contractility of the muscular fibre, and subsequently greatly to diminish this contractility, bears so great an analogy to the symptoms of epilepsy that we might be led to suspect its efficacy in this disease, if experience had not already demonstrated it." And at that time, it should be remembered, Hahnomann was far from having attained the firm grasp which he now holds on that great and important truth which he first discovered and announced to the world, and which he has now fully demonstrated by a complete series of experiments on the healthy human organism. And had we previously only suspected that nux might be efficacious in removing epileptic diseases, our suspicions could not but be exchanged for certainty, after attentively perusing the abundant category of symptoms induced by this medicine, and comparing the characteristic criteria of epilepsy with those therein resembling them. In this disease much, unquestionably, depends upon the exciting cause, and although the symptoms which are manifested in stad prodromorum et convulsivum are often strikingly analogous to those of nux vomica, it can here in only a few cases be regarded as a specific, although it may frequently be exhibited as a suitable intercurrent. With regard to temperaments I would remark that it is chiefly applicable in cases where the person attacked with epilepsy is of a choleric, phlegmatic temperament, and of a malicious, ill-natured, irascible disposition. It is less successful when the constitution is nervous and delicate. I have never found nux vomica efficacious in attacks of epilepsy which occur during childhood; neither is it applicable in those which owe their origin to violent and -^ 160 NUXX VOXICoA. impetuous passions, such as terror, rage, vexation, grief, joy, or fear. In such cases opium, ignatia, chamomilla, cofee, &c., may be exhibited according to the nature of the passion occasioning the disease. When febrile affections, inflammation of the nervous organs, or acute exanthemata, are the exciting cause of epilepsy, nux is never to be exhibited unless indicated by all the existing symptoms, or at least all which are important and characteristic. After a loss of blood or fluids, the last of which may be occasioned by extravagant love, long continued diar. rhcea, &c., which greatly aggravate the sensitiveness of the nervous system, and are followed by attacks of epilepsy, nux vomica may not be considered as an improper remedy. In these cases, however, the system must previously be restored as nearly as possible to the normal condition, by the exhibition of the proper specific, by which treatment alone the disease is often overcome. When epilepsy is occasioned by the immoderate use of spirituous liquors, nux vomica often proves curative. As this remedy is highly efficacious in hysterical diseases, it is evident that it must also be available when aggravated cases of hysteria are followed by epileptic attacks. It is likewise advantageous in cases of epilepsy, arising from gout and rheumatism, and in those which are occasioned by crudities and acidities in the primes via, worms in the alimentary canal, &c., and consequently in epilepsy arising from material causes. This disease is one of the most difficult which the physician can be called upon to treat, and one in which he can rarely promise himself a favorable result, especially when the paroxysms recur at remote intervals. The patient, al NuaM VOmcAp 161 - though he would willingly be fieed from his malady, has seldom resolution to subject himself, for so long a period, to the requisite dietetic regimen. During the intervals of the paroxysms, when he often cannot perceive the slightest trace of the disease, he flatters himself that he shall not materially interfere with the action of the reme. dy, if now and then he infringes on the prescribed regimen; and, considering his transgression of no importance, he neglects to mention it to his physician. How then can the practitioner rely upon the proper effect of his medicine? Another cause of his unfrequent success is, that it is necessary to await the effect of a given remedy, until a second attack of the disease, in order that we may ascertain what- has been its prejudicial or beneficial influence upon the malady, and oppose to the then existing symptoms a fitting remedy; by which the treatment is necessarily prolonged. A. third cause of failure is, that when the paroxysms recur less frequently than before the treatment, the physician concluding that he has chosen the proper specific, continues to administer at increasing intervals, small and constantly diminishing doses of the same remedy, until the last traces of the disease are removed. While the patient, unwilling to wait until he receives assurance of a complete cure, believes himself restored before the disposition to disease is entirely overcome. All these obstacles combined, make it sufficiently evident why we can so seldom congratulate ourselves on a successful treatment of this malady. Only a few cases of epilepsy can be cured by a single dose of a single remedy; among these are such as have not been of long continuance, and such as owe their origin to transient affections of the mind. These are 162 NUX VOMICA. often successfully treated; while in those which have been of long standing, requiring repeated doses of the same remedy, or, perhaps, a variety of remedies, the result is usually far less favorable, either on account of some imprudence or irregularity, with regard to diet on the part of the patient, or on the part of the physician; to a too powerful dose, or a too frequent exhibition of a single remedy, or a too frequent exchange of remedies, before the recurrence of a new paroxysm. Headache is very generally a concomitant of various diseases, and is rarely absent in morbid affections of the abdomen. As such, although like every other symptom worthy of attention, it is not in itself of sufficient importance, to determine the physician in his choice of a remedy. As a sympathetic affection, it yields in such cases with the primary disease to the remedy, answering to its collective phenomena. Sometimes it appears as an idiopathic malady, when of course it demands a peculiar treatment. We may consider it as a primary affection, and in order to give it a pathological name, call it cepha. lalgia idiopathica. In this disease, which is becoming every day more frequent, and often amounts even to phrenzy, the allceopathic treatment is unquestionably far more rational than in the preceding, and is not unfrequently successful. Yet it cannot be denied, that these affections are often only partially cured or temporarily alleviated. The cause of this is obvious; physicians in general have not, like the homoeopathist, a profound con. viction of the prejudicial effects of cofee on the human organism, and therefore cannot persuade themselves to banish this article of luxury from the dietetic regimen Nx VX,:ONx~..! 165 sequence of a too free indulgence in spirituous liquors or over-exertion of the mental powers.* When headache occuFs as a prominent symptom of other diseases, we are sometimes under the necessity of exhibiting a remedy adapted to this isolated morbid affection; and we often find by a more careful comparison of the morbid and medicinal symptoms, that the remedy adapted to headache, answers also to the collective phe. nomena of the disease; but it can only happen when the medicine selected is found available against some promi. nent and characteristic symptom: and this is the index which should determine an incipient homceopathist in the choice of a remedy against some symptom particularly afflicting to the patient, if he would not be disap. pointed in his own expectations, and appear in the eyes of other practitioners, as a prejudiced symptomatologist. We likewise find this remedy indicated in the kind of headache attending hysterical, catharrhal and gouty dis. eases, and with this symptom a great proportion of these affections generally disappear. It must obviously here also be chosen as answering to the collective symptoms of the disease. It is also adapted to headache arising from impurities, worms, and so called stoppages in the viscera. It is unnecessary for me to enlarge on its efficacy in some kinds of vertigo, which are so characteristically described at the commencement of the category of symp. toms induced by nux, I will only observe that it is especial* There is a peculiar headache, occurring chiefly in persons who tax their mental powers too severely, which is manifested by a severe pressing, stupefying pain in the forehead and vertex; it is increased by every effort of mind, by reading or writing. I have given nux fruitlessly, but have soon cured the disease with sabadilla.--Translator. 166 NUX VOMICA. ly applicable in those arising from the use of spirituous liquors. SYNCOPE. In frequent attacks of fainting, which occur sometimes at night, sometimes in the evening or after dinner, and which occasionally take place in the open air, nux is often highly efficacious, as is proved by symptoms 937 to 941, and 952 to 955, and as I have also often verified by actual experiment. Faintings arising from congestion to the breast and head, such as sometimes occur during pregnancy, are likewise not unfrequently removed by it. In those which are accompanied by violent attacks of pain, as for instance by gastralgia, thoracic spasm, cholic, &c., nux should only be exhibited when it answers to all the existing morbid states. DELIRIUM TREMENS. It cannot be denied that the allceopathists are frequently successful in the treatment of this disease, which has been often described, and is now one of very frequent occurrence; and even the homosopathist would not here question the rationality of their practice, if they did not deluge the patient with such enormous doses of a narcotic remedy, although one which is undoubtedly a specific in this malady. Delirium tremens may be regarded as a confirmed disease, since it invariably proceeds from one and the same cause; and as nux vomica is here in my opinion an indispensable homceopathic remedy, I will devote a few remarks to the proper mode of applying it, omitting for the present, to enter into a description of its pathology, which may be found in various medical works. The treatment commences according to allceopathic principles, with the exhibition of some laxative medicine, as constipation generally attends the first stages of the 168 8'UX V03IICA. fancy and the courage, and at the same time benumbs the general sensibility, and the consciousness. It manifests likewise, in its pathogenetical effects, so great a resemblance to the symptoms of this disease, that not a doubt can remain upon the subject. It is decidedly a specific in this malady, when it has reached the second stage. This is not the case, however, with the primary stage. When the disease is genuine, unadulterated and without complication, its symptords, especially those of the mind, are so strikingly analogous to those of nux vomica, that we may decide almost with certainty on its efficacy in this malady; yet on account of the great de. gree of nervous insensibility and depression, it is necessary to administer a much larger dose than is ever given in other diseases either acute or chronic. A drop from the 6th to the 12th dilution, according to the cbnstitution of the patient, might I think be given, where there is so great a degree of nervous depression, without danger of rendering the homoeopathid aggravation too permanent: but if absolutely no effect is produced, and the disease constantly verges towards the second stage, or if the physician is first applied to, after the disease has already reached this stage, opium must inevitably be exhibited, although not in such large doses. A drop of the second or third dilution would probably suffice. But if one dose is not sufficient to remove the disease, then after from four to six hours, a second, or perhaps a third, may become necessary. We must, however, await the first effects of this remedy, before a second dose is administered. The large doses of the allceopathists are objectionable, on account of the unnecessary aggravation of the disease thereby induced, which aggravation, of course, in from one to two hours after the first dose calls for the exhibition NUX VOXICA. 169 of another, and perhaps a still larger one of the same remedy; this induces obstupefaction, in which truly the disease terminates on account of its short duration, leaving behind it however, a relaxation, from which the organism does not easily recover itself; while the constipation and headache remaining after a homceopathic treatment of this disease, may be completely removed by a few doses of nux, and by abstaining from spirituous liquors. I have often noticed in persons who have infdulged to excess in the use of stimulating liquors, and in men of letters, who have overtasked the mind by continual study, a depression of the mental powers, and a weakness of memory, which likewise find their specific in this remedy, with which however another may sometimes become necessary as an intercurrent. When these symptoms arise from other causes, other remedies may of course be required. ACUTE RHEUMATISM. In a few kinds of acute rheumatism, nux is applicable in the very commencement of the disease, and the cure is effected by it in the course of a few days; but in a great proportion of these affections, it must be preceded by another remedy; this is especially necessary when the disease is accompanied by synochal fever, in which case, as I have already stated, nux is never applicable. In a great proportion of those cases of acute rheumatism, which have fallen under my observation, I have found them so constituted with acute in. flammatory fever, that even'the smallest dose of aconite, administered to the most, robust patient, produces such a modification of the symptoms, that nux vomica is then plainly indicated, and the disease succombs to it in a few days. I will give one example of the kind, because it was complicated with other morbid states, to which nux seem 170 NUX VOMICA. ed applicable in the commencement; yet undoubtedly so sudden and fortunate a cure, could not have been effect. ed without a previous exhibition of aconite. A man in his fortieth year, and of a somewhat phleg. matic yet choleric temperament, addicted himself to a diet so luxurious and stimulating, that a plethora was necessarily induced, which manifested itself in various morbid affections. He was afflicted with blind hamnor. rhoids. and with the accompanying pains of the loins. His sleep was subject to many disturbances, one of the most annoying of which was a kind of night-mare, during which he could not move a limb, nor utter a sound. Hd called it blood-stoppage. He was frequent. ly obliged to lie down during the day on account of vertigo. His stomach could bear but little food, and that little excited an uneasy sense of fulness which could only be alleviated by lying down. Palpitation of the heart with anxiety was not an unfrequent symptom. He could not be persuaded to have recourse to medicine, and it was not without great difficulty that I prevailed upon him by the most convincing arguments to return to a more natural diet. Nature sustained the discontinuance of a great portion of these stimulants, but not without inflicting her penalties. Enervated by remain. ing long in the house, he went out in a somewhat raw air, and on returning home his complaints had so much increased that he sent for me in much alarm, and while labouring under violent palpitation of the heart, gave me the following account. "I came home about eight o'clock in the evening, and was almost immediately attacked with an ague fit, accompanied with rending pains in the limbs, and chattering of the teeth. The NUX VOMICA. 173 matism is for the most part synochal, while that of gout generally assumes the character of synochus. The pains of rheumatism are from the first acute and urgent, and generally diminish with the diminution of the fever, while those of gout increase gradually, and often remain long after the cessation of the fever. Almost all parts of the body are liable to rheumatic pains, while gout in the strict sense of the word is the proper appellation for those rending and painful sensations only which occur in the joints of the limbs. True gouty affections, moreover, occur only in persons who lead a luxurious and sedentary life; rheumatism on the contrary is induced by changes of weather, taking cold, and other disturbing influences. From this we may understand why it is that gout is for the most part preceded by a stadium prodromorum depending generally upon some derangement of the abdominal organs, with which the topical affection becomes only subsequently conjoined. In this stage, which is designated by medical writers as imperfect atonic gout, the cure is more speedily effected than "when the disease has already reached its peculiar stand point. Here is the most favourable sphere of action for nux vomica, as has also been stated by therapeutic writers in describing the symptoms peculiar to this stage. It is not however applicable in all cases of this kind, but may sometimes find a substitute in bryonia, pulsatilla, ignatia, and sometimes in cham., bellad., china, or other remedies. If the topical affection becomes more prominent, nux will seldom effect a cure, even in those cases to which it is adapted, without the aid of some very different remedy, as for instance, bry 174 NUX VOMICA. onia, rhus., puls., cocc., dulcam., sulphur., con. macul., aurum, bellad., spongii, mercur., stannum, Sfc. When the disease has been of longer continuance, it is well known that other symptoms are often elicited; induced partly by the derangement of the reproductive system, and partly by the topical affection. Their supervention prolongs the disease, and renders the treatment more tedious. A transference of the disease to other organs, is also not unfrequent, producing affections which are improperly called arthritic, and to which some of the modes of treatment adapted to gout, are alloeopathically applied. I will here specify some of those which, when evincing the proper symptoms, may be cured by nux vomica, viz.: a kind of arthritic ophthalmia which I have already described in treating of inflammations of the eye; the gastritis, hepatitis and nephrites, occasioned by arthritic metastisis, which are sometimes so consti. tuted, t'..at nux may be given with advantage; a fact which may easily be determined from the existing symptoms of the disease. 'The constant semi-lateral head. acIhe, which sometimes remains after encephalitis arthritica, (a disease which may perhaps be cured by belladon. na, arnica, &c.,) yields, as I have often noticed to nux vomica. The gouty headache, likewise, which occurs without preceding encephalitis, is often permanently cured by it. Symptoms of deranged digestion, habitual conslipation, gastralgia and chronic vomiting, often so plainly indicate 7uz, that the physician cannot hesitate to make choice of it. I have sometimes, however, removed this kind of constipation with bryonia and staphys. Arthritic gastralgia, especially when it announces itself by stinging pains, nausea and mucous vomiting, I have 176, 6UX VOMICA. gravation it excites such a flow of saliva, that thepatient is obliged to expectorate continually. 2d. The rending toothache, which also frequently occurs in patients who are subject to gout. It extends often from some hollow tooth to the entire facial-bone of the side affected, and is much alleviated by warmth; while it is aggravated by cold air, and especially by cold drinks, which excite pain, as soon as they come in contact with the hollow tooth. 3d. The kind of toothache which is quite moderate while the patient is at rest; but which is greatly increased by mental exertion. 4th. That which is induced by the use of coffee, by which the front teeth are often rendered carious; this is not unfrqquently so constituted that it may be cured by a small dose of chaamomilla, or so modified by it, that nux may be given with advantage. 5th. In those cases which are occasioned by the use of spirituous liquors, and which are attended with cerebral congestion. APOPLEXY. In true attacks of apoplexy, nux is seldom immediately applicable; but it is often indicated when they are announced by premonitory symptoms, or in the morbid affections remaining after such attacks. It is well known that apoplexia sanguinea is more frequently preceded by premonitions, than apoplexia nervosa, and that the first is generally announced by symptoms of congestion to the head and brain; as such, we may notice vertigo, obstupefaction, heaviness of the head, throbbing of the vessels of the head, oppressive headache, sparks and flames before the eyes, sounds and noises in the ears, inertia and torpor of the organs of sense, incapacity for WUX VOMICA. 177 mental application, stricture of the breast, palpitation of the heart,-deep sleep with anxious, unquiet dreams, nausea, disposition to vomit, actual vomiting and constiSpation. All these symptoms, however, may exist without presaging apoplexy. Yet, nevertheless, if we find on a comparison of the morbid and medicinal symptoms a greater or less degree of resemblance between them; if in addition, we find as exciting causes a corpulent robust compact frame, a fiery sanguineous choleric temperament, (both good indications for the exhibition of nux vomica,) by which congestion, and consequently pressure upon the brain, are induced by constant and severe mental application, inordinate use of exciting and spirituous liquors, suppression of hemorrhoids and catamenia, to which nux is specifically opposed, it then becomes evident that this. remedy must be highly efficacious in the stadium prodro. morum.* In the attack itself, according to the existing symptoms, either aconite, ipecac., coffea, camph., opium, arnica, belladonna, &c., are indicated. The constipation remaining after apoplectic attacks, may be in part removed by nux vomica, and again with other remedies as a suitable intercurrent. The remaining partial paralytic affections, form, according to the opinion of writers, a peculiar class of diseases, and rank with them under the collective name of paralyses. In PARALYTIC STATES I formerly often found nux productive of a decided although (as it appeared to me) a temporary improvement. I was therefore persuaded that it could be of little use in diseases of this nature, and I was still more confirmed in this opinion, from the fact that all nervous exaltations of the organs of sense, are to rTX VOXICA. 179 before midnight, after that time it was restless, starting and attended with troubled dreams. Two doses of nux, from the 27th to the 30th dilution, completely cured.this malady in fourteen days. From what I have said of hypochondriasis, i-t is clear that nux is likewise applicable in hysteria, and deserves attention more particularly in some forms of material hysteria. Hysteria is frequently dependent upon an ex. cited state of the sexual system, which sometimes is induced by pernicious disease of the sexual organs, and again by general weakness of the nervous system, and exaltation thereof by excitement of the imagination, from which the exalted sensibility of the procreative sphere, frequently terminates in hysteria libidinosa, and nymphomania, which requires to effect a cure, according td the exciting cause, and the existing morbid phenomena, sometimes platina, bellad., thuja, or hyosciam. Convulsive twitchings of particular muscular parts, convulsions of particular members, spasmodic attacks of the whole body, drawing it laterally and backwards, find a curative, provided the other symptoms correspond with it, in this remedy. In tonic spasms of all parts of the body, accompanied with rattling in the throat, disturbed sleep, it prqved very effective, in the case of a boy of seven years of age. Almost specific is nux in the frequently so painful cramps of the calves and toes of plethoric individuals, or of well-fed old people, often obliging them during walking to stand still, but mostly appearing at night, and driving the patient out of bed. Often the daily use of coffee produced its reappearance, which however was permanently overcome by avoiding coffee. 180 INUX VOMICA. However apparently free from danger, frequently a cough makes its appearance, and however little notice physicians sometimes take of it, yet it sometimes defies most obstinately all remedies, and gives occasion by its protracted continuance, to many serious and danger. ous sequelm. A chief criterion for the exhibition of nux is a dry cough; expectoration is a contra-indication, as a loose cough can but appear in consequence of the application of nux. Generally this dry cough is pro. duced by a tickling or raw sensation below the larynx, continues through the whole day, slightly hacking increases in violence towards evening, and does not abate before several hours, appearing however but seldom during the night; sometimes however it is accompanied with a kind of laryngeal cramp, and excites vomiting at the height of the attack. In this latter case, nux is not always the remedy, and we must select among puls., ipecac., bellad., etc. Anotlier kind of cough for nux is constituted so that it is produced by tickling and rawness in the air-tubes, conducts itself very similar to the cough described above, but continues for a longer time in the morning, and now and then a very little phlegm is expectorated by frequent coughing. Not less frequent is that kind which is produced by a kind of bronchial catarrh, accompanied by slight hoarseness; the cough succeeds only by some effort to loosen a small part of the mucus, leaving behind a slight burning sensation, is rough and hollow during the night, but short and panting in the day time; if the hoarse. ness is so bad as to prevent the patient speaking a loud word, puls., mangan., sulph., mercur., will suit oftener than nux. Particularly characteristic are the two fol NUX VOIICA. 181 lowing states: cough excited by tickling, and producing by the concussion a headache as if the head would burst; and that cough which is excited by a constant irritation in the larynx, produces a bruised like pain all over the abdomen, so as to make the latter sore to the slightest touch, indicating a sub-inflammatory state of the bowels. A young man of twenty-one years of age was regularly every spring and fall afflicted with a catarrh, of which he did not take much notice; but at one'time it was attended with a pleuritic affection, the treatment of -which he thought he could trust but to allceopathy. The cough which continued after the pleurisy had been removed, did not appear to be of any importance to the allceopathist. The patient was convalescent, andopen air was to be the final and complete restorer. But this tiite the constitution of the patient would not submit to this course! the cough increased; was moderate during the day, but considerable in the evening; at three o'clock in the morning he awoke with a tickling in the larynx, each cough was attended with so great a degree of soreness over the whole abdomen, that he thought it must burst. After rising the cough diminished, as did the soreness some, yet every step caused the sensation as if all was torn and beaten in his abdomen. A dose of nux, at nine o'clock in the morning, removed, after moderate exercise before dinner, all morbid symptoms without ever returning. Among the different kinds of coughs described above, there are states such as sometimes are met with in in. cipient phthisis pulmonalis, tuberculosa and trachealis, L 182 NUX VOMICA. and which moreover are characterised by the circumstance that the kinds first named require a high pillow or lying on one side to avoid all inducements for its appearance. It is evident from this that nux also is useful in pulmonary phthisis of this description, as a curative as well as an intermediate remedy, as experience has taught me. The ear symptoms of nux, as ringing and roaring in the ear, correspond to no particular and distinct morbid state, but appear merely symptomatic; it will therefore not be of much service in these affections, whiere they depend on a partly increased sensitiveness of the oral organs, and form primary affections; under these circumstances, animal magnetism and other remedies effect more. If they are accompanied with congestions towards the head, nux will effect a cure provided it is the curative remedy for the congestion itself; the same is the case where they are attended with hysteric attacks, or appear as precursors of an apoplectic state. If it is attended with otitis,puls. is the specific, provided there is no contra-indication. One of the later numbers of Hufeland's Journal contains among his aphorisms the following reproving words: " That physicians in examining patients frequently lay too little importance on dreams," which "remark by no means appertains to the homceopathist. To him nothing of what the patient relates appears unimportant enough to pass unnoticed, even should it at first seem to be of no value. What allceopathic physician would consider the following symptoms of any considerable importance? " Sourish and acid taste in the morning after drinking milk," or "the symptoms NUX VOM1CA. 183 presenj increased by meditation;" or "cough, but slight in the day time, worst early in the morning, waking him up from sleep; " or " the cramp-like pain in the stomach is present only in the morning at three or four o'clock, prevents further sleeping, and diminishes gradually after rising," etc. Just these aie characteristic symptoms, and induce the homccopathic physician to give nux. And yet these appear to be at the first blush unimportant symptoms! How much more ought he take into consideration sleep and dreams? Does not an abnormal sleep always indicate an abnormal relaflon between the vegetative and nervous sensorial action? For instance, great congestion towards the brain, produced by intoxicating, narcotic drinks, is always accompanied with a drowsy, comatose sleep, which by frequent repetition of these indulgences, even after the removal of the congestion, leaves behind such a morbid excitement of the sensorium, and becomes, so to say, a habit of the body, that even after entirely avoiding all spirituous potions, nature alone has not the power to remove this morbid sleep. We may account for this in the following way: the congestion towards the head is but a secondary affection, depending upon congestion in the abdomen, and the removal of the first is not always simultaneously followed by the.disappearance of the latter, which by the pressure on the ganglionic system, keep up those morbid symp. toms in regard to sleep and dreaming. The morbid sleep indicating this remedy in disease, is so peculiar that we will not readily meet with it so marked in any other remedy. It is characteristic if the patient cannot refrain from sleeping before his usual 184 4TUX VOmICA. time of retiring: this occurs in catarrhal, gastric com. plaints, &c. Farther, where the patient tosses about restless at night, is awakened by palpitations, anxiety, frightful dreams, which prevent his sleeping again for a long time. We find this morbid nocturnal sleep very frequently in individuals who drink too much, by which many abdominal disorders are produced: further in individuals labouring under affections of the liver, spleen, or portal system; likewise during pregnancy, and at the climacteric period, where abdominal torpor exists; in hoemorrhoidal congestion and general plethora; in coffee drinkers, &c. Finally, if the night has been restless, where a light slumber has been interrupted by anxious frightful dreams, and where towards morning a stupefying sleep with unpleasant dreams occurs, from which it is scarcely possible to awake the patient, and after awaking he feels debilitated but not refreshed; it is the frequent concomitant of painful diseases, which becomes exacerbated in the evening, and remits in the morning. It is but seldom that such a morbid sleep appears as an isolated symptom, it is generally conjoined with other affections, in which according to circumstances and temperament we can decide whether nuz, puls., mercur., or any other remedy is indicated. In conclusion, a few words in regard to melancholia, a state which can never be properly understood or treated by a homceopathist who directs his attention solely to the morbid condition of the mind, and not at the same time to the disturbed functions of the organism. In the treatment of this disease, we must pay attention to discover whether it be a primary or recondary affection. In what degree nuz can prove beneficial and NUX VOMICA. 185 really is so, will be made clearer and more evident by a knowledge of the exciting cause from which it originated. This remedy is most generally adapted where the melancholy is produced by disturbances in the abdominal organs. The symptoms of disturbed reproduction remain unaltered even where there is a more vivid predominance of the mental affection, owing to the antagonism of the brain and ganglionic system, and the debilitated state of the latter produces a still greater inertia and disturbance in the functions of the abdominal or. gans, than was the case at the beginning of the disease. The remedy to be applied must likewise in its primary effects produce a similar torpor of the abdominal organs and an exalted irritability and activity of the sensorium, and these indeed we find quite prominent among the symptoms of nux. Some kinds of melancholy produced by constant mental labour, a sedentary life, are removed by it. In those cases produced by onanism it is a good intercuirrent, in conjunction with the specific for the debility from onanism.. Whether it is exactly'the proper remedy in cases of melancholy depending upon Sliver and spleen disease, must be determined by the individuality of the case, as it is often indicated in these diseases. In cases produced by stimulating drinks, it is often the specific; and this serves to strengthen my opinion that it must prove serviceable in delirium tremens, as in this disease a mental state like melancholy exists, which at the commencement appears merely as a form of hypochondriasis. If the melancholy occurs in a quick, choleric temperament, in atrabilious constitution, nux under the conditions specified is still better indicated, FINIS. INDEX, 'A. Abdominal Affections, II., 40. " Spasms, II., 147. Abscess, Lumbar, I., 119. Accumulations, Dropsical, I., 124. Aconitum Napellus, General Re. marks on, I., 21. Acute and Chronic Hepatitis, II., 37. Acute and Chronic Hydrocephalus, I., 65, 114. Acute Cutaneous Eruptions, I., 122. Acute Gout and Acute Rheumatism, I., 36. Acute Rheumatism and Gout., I., 36,71; II., 169. Affections, Abdominal, II., 40. " Anginose, I., 106; II., 39, 114. Affections Exanthematous, I., 38. " Febrile, I., 154; II., 17, 89, 97. Affections, Glandular, I., 124. " Inflammatory, I., 158; II., 37. Affections of the Mouth, II., 115. Amaurosis, I., 116; II., 45. Anginose Affections, I., 106; II., 39, 114. Angma Membranacea, or Croup, I., 28. Angina Pectoris, I., 28. " Tonsillaris, &c., I., 164. Antidotes, I., 93. Apathic Mania, I., 48. Aphthae, or Stomacace, I., 109. Apoplexy, I, 138; II.,72, 176. Arthritic, II., 44. Arthriticae Ophthalmic, II., 107. Asthma Humidum, I., 50, Asthmatic Complaints, I., 167; II., 61, 153. Asthmatic Paroxysms, &c. I., 139. Autumnal Dysenteries, I., 151. B. Balano-Blenorrhoea, II., 132. Ball of the Eye, Inflammation of, I., 34. Belladonna, General Remarks on, II., 14. Biliosa Colica, II., 149. Brain, Inflammation of the, II., 47. Breast, " " I., 74. " to the Congestions, II., 55. Bryonia Alba," General Remarks on, I., 51. Buboes, I., 128. C. Cachexia, II., 80. Calomel, I., 149. Cancer, of Uterus, II., 57. " Primary, I., 125, 151. Cardialgia, II., 139. Carditis, or inflammation of the Heart., I., 29. Caries, I., 123. Cases, Treatment of, II., 103. Catamenia, Premature, or Epistaxis, I., 80; II., 124. Catarrhal Complaints, I., 75; II., 181. Catarrhal Fever, II., 99. Catarrhalis Ophthalmia, I., 158; II., 44. 106. Cephalagia, or Syncope, I., 170. Cervical Glands, Indurated and Swollen, II, 79. Chamomilla, General Remarks on, I., 153. Chaps, or Rhagades, I., 43. 188 INDEX. Chemosis and Taraxis, I., 34. Chest, Spasms of the, II., 154. " Spastic Affections of the, I., 82. Children, Febrile Affections of, II., 97. Chilblains, &c., I., 79. Child-bed, Fever during, I., 160. Chorea, I., 139; II., 70. Chronic and Acute Hepatitis, I., 114; II., 37. Chronic and Acute Hydrocephalus, I., 114. Chronic and Acute Rheumatism, II., 172. Claudicatio Spontanca, I., 118. Colica Biliosa, II., 149. " Flatulencia, II., 148. " HeImorrhoidal, II., 65. Complaints, Asthmatic, II., 153. " of the Ear, II., 182. "c Icteric, II., 96. Congestions, I., 13.7; II., 54. " Ebullitions of Blood and Haemorrhages, I., 43. Congestions to the Head, I., 45; II., 118. Congestion to Uterus, II., 119. SConstipation, I., 61; II., 136. Cough, Hooping, I., 50; II., 65, 155. Cough, Nocturnal, Spasmodic, I., 50, 75. Cough of Children, Suffocative, I., 75. Coxalgia, I., 118. Cramps of the Stomach, I., 84, 164; II., 62. Criteria for Application, I., 93. Croup, or Angina Mcmbranacea, I., 28. Crusta Lactca, I., 135. " Serpiginosa, I., 135. Curative and Anti-psoric, II., 15. Cutaneous Eruptions, Acute, I., 122. - D. Debility, Nervous Excitement and Prostration, I., 48. Delirium Tremens, II., 166. Delivery, Fever after, II., 35. Dentition, II, 33. " Disorders during, I., 167. Diaphragmitis, or Inflammation of the Diaphragma, I., 30, 68. Diarrhoea, I., 166. " Dysenteric, I., 98; II., 134. Diarrhoea in Adults, I., 99. "9 " Children, I., 99. Discharge of Gravel, I., 139. Disorder during Dentition, 1., 167. Disordered Menstruation, II., 125. Dreams and Sleeps, II., 183. Dropsical Accumulations, I., 124, Dry Miliary Itch, I, 135. Dysentery, I., 98, 146, 151; II., 80, 134. E. Ear, Complaints of the, II., 82. Ebullitions of Blood, Congestions, and Hemorrhages, I., 43. Effects on Lymphatics, I.I., 17. ". " Nervous System, II., 17. Emissions, Nocturnal, II., 133. Enteritis, or Inflammation of the Intestines, I., 31. Epilepsy, II., 68, 156. Epistaxis, or Premature Catamenia, I., 44, 80; II., 58. Ergotism, or Raphania, II., 71. Eruptions, Acute Cutaneous, I., 122. Eruptive Diseases, I., 75. Eyes, Inflammation of, I., 33, 73, 115. Exanthematous Affections, I., 38. Experiments, II., 17. External Labia, Inflammation of, I., 121. F. Febrile Affections, I., 154; II., 17, 89. Febrile Affections of Children, II., 97. Feet, Ulcers on the, I., 79. Fever, I., 95. 189 INDEX. Fever, after Delivery, II., 35. "6 Catarrhal, II., 99. " during Childbed, I., 160. "4 Gastric and Gastric-Bilious, I., 58, 97, 156. Fever, Gastric Nervous, I., 58. " Inflammatory, I., 24, 55. " Intermittent, I., 50, 63, 103; 11.,28. Fever, Lenta, II., 31. " Nervosa, Stupida, I., 57. 102; II., 25. Fever, Lymphatic or Catarrhal, I. 95. Fever, Mucous, I., 102. '* Puerperal, I., 62. " Scarlet, and Scarlet Rash, I., 123. Fever, Typhosa, II., 20. Flatulencia Colica, II., 148. Frozen Limbs, II., 48, 116. Furunculi, II., 51. G. Gall-stone, I., 59. Gastric and Gastric-Bilious Fever, I., 58, 97, 156. Gastric and Nervous Fever, I., 58. " Symptoms, Pneumonia or Pleurisy, I., 68. Gastrodynia, II., 112. Glands, Cervical, Indurated and Swollen, II., 79. Glands Indurated, Mammary, I., 165. Glands, Inflammation of the Meibomean, I., 116. Glands of the Throat and Neck, Indurations of, I., 1ll. Glands, Submaxillary, & Inflammations of the Parotid, I., 110. Glandular Affections, I., 124. Glossitis, or Inflammation of the Tongue, I., 105. Gout, 1I., 74,172. "* Acute, and Rheumatism Acute, I., 36, 71, 117. Gouty and Rheumatic Odontalgia, I., 87. Gouty Ophthalmia, I., 35. Gravel, Discharge of, I., 139. H. Haematemesis, I., 47. lIaemoptysis, I., 81; II., 58. Hmemorrhage, II., 58, 117. " Pulmonum, I., 46. " Ebullition of Blood, Congestions I., 43, 80, 138. Hmemorrhage, Uterine, I., 160. HEemorrhoids, I., 82. Huemorrhoidal Colic, II., 65. "(6 Tumours or Inflammation, I., 37. Head, Congestions to, I.; 45; II., 118. Headache, II., 162. Heart, Palpitatior of the, I., 45. Hectic States, &c., I., 147. Hemicrania, &c., I., 87. Hepatitis, or Inflammation of the Liver, I., 32, 69, 113, 114, 159; II., 111. Hepatitis, Acute and Chronic, II., 37. Hernia, II., 149. Herpes, Suppurating, &c., I., 151. " Ulcerative, I., 132. Ioarseness, I., 136. Hooping Cough. I., 50; II., 65. Hydrocele, I., 124. Hydrocephalus, Chronic and Acute, I., 65, 114. Hydrothorax and Phthisis, II., 154. Hydrophobia, II., 52. Hypochondria and Hysteria, II., 155. Hysteria, II., 179. I. Jaundice, s. Icterus Icterus, I.,60, 99, 157. Icteric Complaints, II., 96. " Neonatorum, I., 157. Imbecility, II., 83. Incipient Amaurosis, I., 116. Indigestion, II., 137. Indurated Mammary Glands, I., 165. Indurated and Swollen Cervical Glands, II., 79, 190 INDEX. Indurations of the Glands of the Inflammatory Diseases, I., 22, 65, Throat and Neck, I., 111. 104. Indurations, Scirrhous, II., 79. Inflammatory Fevers, I., 24, 55. Inflammation, I., 25; II., 101, Inflammatory Period in the Lungs, 103. I., 49. Inflammatory Affections, I., 158; Influenza, I., 29, 96. II., 37. Insanity, II., 82. Inflammation of the Ball of the Intermittent Fevers, I., 50, 63,103; Eye, I., 33, 34. II., 28. Inflammation of the Brain, II., 47. Intcrtrigo, I., 135. " " Breast, I., 74. Iritis, or Inflammation of the Iris, Inflammation of the Diaphragm, I., 35. or Diaphragmitis, I., 30. Ischuria, II., 132. Inflammation of the External La- Itch, Dry Miliary, I., 135. bia, I., 121. L Inflammation of the Eyes, I., 33, Labia, Inflammation of the Exter34, 73, 115. nal, I., 121. Inflammation on Hzemorrhoidal Larynx and Bronchim, InflammaTumours, I., 37. tion of, I., 27. Inflammation of the Intestines, or Leucorrhcea, or Whites, I., 131. Enteritis, I., 31. Limbs, frozen, II., 48, 116. Inflammation of the Iris, or Iritis, Liver, Inflammation of the, or HeI., 35. patitis,'I., 32, 69, 113. Inflammation of the Larynx and Lochia, Morbid, or Metrorrhagia, I., Bronchim, I., 27. 81. Inflammation of the Liver, or He- Lues Venera, I., 131. patitis, I., 32, 69, 113. Lumbar Abscess, I., 119. Inflammation of the Lungs, or Lungs, Inflammatory Period in the, Pneumonia, I., 26, 67. I., 49. Inflammation of Lymphatic Glands Lymphatics, Effects, II., 17. in Children, II., 41. Lymphatic, or Catarrhal Fever, I., Inflammation of the Mamme, I., 95. 112. Lymphatic Glands in Children, InInflammation of the Meibomean flammation of, II., 41. Glands, etc., I., 116. Lymphatic Swellings, I., 143. Inflammation of the Ovaries, I., 72. M. Inflammation of the Parotid and Mammm, Inflammation of the, I., Submaxillary Glands, I., 110 112. Inflammation of the Rheumatic Mammary Glands, Indurated, I., Phlegmonosa, or Phlegmone, I., 165. 37. Mania, Apathic, I., 48. Inflammation of the Spleen, or Measles, I., 42; II;, 51, 134. Splenitis, I., 70. " Retroussent, 1., 75. Inflammation of the Thoracic Or- Meibomean Glands, Inflammation gans, I., 66. of the, etc., I., 116. Inflammation of the Tongue, or Melancholia, II., 185. Glossitis, I., 105. Menses, Suppression of the, I., Inflammation of the Tonsils, or 45. Tonsillitis, I., 32. Menstruation, disordered, II., 125. INDEX. -19 191 Mental Diseases, II., 81. Mercurius Pracipitatus Ruber, I., 141. Mercurius Solubilis, General Remarks on, I., 89. Mercurius Sublimatus Corrosivus, I., 146. Metritis, II., 113. Metrorrhagia, or Morbid Lochia, I., 81. Miliary Itch, Dry, I., 135. Milk-Fever, I., 74. Morbid-Sneezing, II., 67. Mouth, Affections of the, II., 115. Mucous-Fever, I., 102. N. Neck, Indurations of the Glands of the Throat and, I., 111. Nephritis, II., 38. Nervosa Febris Stupida, II., 25. - Nervous Excitement, Debility and Prostration, I., 48. Nervous Fever, I., 57, 102. " System, II., 17. Nettle Rash, I, 42, 75. "in Childbed, I., 43. Nettle Rash in New-born Children, I., 43. Nocturnal Emissions, II., 133. Nocturnal Spasmodic Cough, I., 50. Nnx Vomica, General Remarks on, II., 84. 0. Odontalgia, I., 49, 140. Odontalgia, Gouty and Rheumatic, I., 87. Ophthalmia, or Inflammation of the Eyes, I., 33. Ophthalmia Arthritic, II., 107. Ophthalmia Catarrhalis, I., 58; II., 44, 106. Ophthalmia, Gouty, I., 35. Ophthalmia Neonatorum, I., 33. Ophthalmia Rheumatic, I, 115; II., 107. Ophthalmia Scrophulosa, II., 108. Otitis, II., 48., Otorrhoea, II., 78. " Purulent, I., 124. Ovaries, Inflammation of the, I., 72. P. Pains, I., 117, 163. " m Spermatic Cord, II., 133. Palpitation of the Heart, I., 45. Panaritia, or Whitlow, I., 120. Paralysis, I., 49; II., 179., Paraphimosis & Phimosis, I., 125. Parotid, Inflammations of the, and Submaxillary Glands, I., 110. Paroxysms, Asthmatic,&c., I., 139. Phimosis & Paraphimosis, I., 125. Phlegmone, or Inflammation Rheumatic Phlegmonosa, I., 37. Phosophalgia Forthergilli, or Tic Douloureux, II., 75. Phthisical States, I., 136. Phthisis & Hydrothorax, II, 154. Pimples, II., 116. Pleura Pneumonia, II., 111. Pleuritis, or Pleurisy, I., 26. Pleurisy, or Pneumonia with Gastric Symptoms, I., 67, 68. Pneumonia, or Inflammation of the Lungs, I., 26, 67. Pneumonia Nervosa, I., 27. Primary Cancer, I., 151. Prolapsus Vagine, I., 122. Prophylactic & Curative in Scarlatina, II., 49. Prosophalgia,or Tic Douloureux, I., 47. Prostration, Debility and Nervous Excitement, I., 48. Puerperal Fever, I., 62. Pulmonum Hatmorrhagia, I., 46. Purulent Otorrhea, I., 124. Pyrosis, II., 138. R. Raphania, or Ergotism, II., 71. Rash, Scarlet, I., 40, 123. Remarks, General on Inflammation, II., 101, 103. Retenitis, IL, 46. Retrocessent Measles, I., 75. Rhagades, or Chaps, I., 43. 192 " INDEX. Rheumatic and Gouty Odontaigia, Syphilis,'I., 125. * I., 87. Secondary,/I., 142. Rheumatic Ophthalmic, II., 107. Swellings, Lymphatic, etc., T., 143. Rheumatic and Gouty Pains, I., Sweat, I., 137. 36, 71, 170. Rheumatism, II., 74. " Acute, II., 169. "; Chronic, II., 172. Rheumatismus Uteri, I., 72. Rubeola, I., 42. S. Scarlatina, Prophylactic and Curative, II., 49. Scarlet Fever and Scarlet Rash, I., 40, 76, 123. Scirrhous Indurations, II., 79. Scrophula, II., 77. Scrophulosa Ophthalmia, II., 108. Secondary Syphilis, I., 142. Sequelh of Fever, I., 77. Sleep and Dreams, II., 183. Sneezing, Morbid, II., 67. Spasmodic Cough, I., 50, 75. " " Diseases, II., 59. Spasms, Abdominal, II., 147. "L of Chest, II., 154. Spastic Affections of the Chest, &c., 82. Spermatic Cord, Pains in, II., 133. Spleen, Inflammation of the, or Splenitis, I, 70. States, Paralytic, II., 177. Sterility, I., 122. Stomach, Cramps of the, I., 84; II., 62. Stomacace, or Aphthm, I., 109. " very Malignant, I., 146. Strangury, II., 132. Submaxillary Glands, & Inflammation of the Parotid, I., 110. Suffocative Cough of Children, I., 75. Suppression of the Menses, I., 45. Suppurating Herpes, &c., I., 151. Syncope, or Cephalalgia, I., 70; II,, 162. T. Taraxis and Chemosis, I., 34. Thoracic Organs, Inflammation of the, I., 66. Throat and Neck, Indurations of the Glands of the, I., 111. Throat, Ulcerated Sore, I., 149. Tic Douloureux, or Prosophalgia, I., 47; II., 75. Time for Administering, II., 16. Tonsillitis, or Inflammation of the Tonsils, I., 32. Toothache, I., 171; II., 75, 175. Treatment of Cases, II., 103. Treatment in Febrile Affections, II., 91. Typhus, I., 157; II., 20. U. Ulcerated Sore Throat, I., 149. Ulcerative Herpes, I., 132. Ulcers on the Feet, I., 79. Urticaria, or Nettle Rash, I., 42. Uterine Heemorrhage, I., 160. Uteri Rheumatism, I., 72. Uterus, Cancer to the, II, 5F7. " Congestions to the, II., 119. "" to the Congestions, II., 56. V. Vaginm Prolapsus, I., 122. Varicose Veins, II., 121. Vertigo, II., 76. Very Malignant Stomacace, I., 146. W. Whites, or Leucorrhcea, I., 131. Whitlow, or Panaritia, I., 120. Zona, I., 134, I i/1 11111 Iii VER IT OFMI CHIGAN~ Filmed by Preservation 1990 A576074