A 574744 1 37 ART ClENTIA V C FR? Aý~ C..PiLuRIB s li.,:C,.QUAERIS-PENIN5ULAM-AMIOE 'CIRCUMSpICE VA IY-kt!&!Pt LAI Ptt 7AW IN WIlAkýWJ13,F I I ti 1, A A II:1 wIl I I I Li ONOl ( DOMESTIC HOM(EOPATHY; OR / RULES FOR THE DOMESTIC TREATMENT OF THE MALADIES OF INFANTS, CHILDREN, AND ADULTS, AND FOR THE CONDUCT AND THE TREATMENT DURING Wtvgnancs, Sonuthement, anti <5uctlfnfg. BY JOHN EPPS, M.D. GRADUATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH, AND DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL JENNERIAN AND LONDON VACCINE INSTITUTION. FIRST AMERICAN EDITION. BOSTON: OTIS CLAPP, 12, SCHOOL STREET; NEW YORK, WILLIAM RADDE; PHILADELPHIA, J. G. WESSELH(EFT. 1843. MEDICINE CHESTS, Containing all the medicines, prepared with the greatest care, referred to in this Treatise, are made and sold by Otis Clapp, 12, School Street, Boston. BOSTON: PRINTED BY FREEMAN AND B3OLLES) WASHINGTON STREET. 4 ed, to which, if the reader has any difficulty, he should refer, In this part he will find an Index of medicines and of diseases. - It may be proper here to remark that I have still adhered to the classification of the diseases adopted in the first edition; a classification, founded upon the different organs affected: such being more particularly useful in enabling the reader to find out, both the remedies best suited to the diseases, and the diseases themselves; an arrangement, which with pleasure I have seen adopted in a late work on Homoeopathic Domestic Medicine. It will be seen, that among the diseases, the remedies for which are recorded, are many, technically called acute: diseases, which require the attendance of the physician; still, the means of cure are detailed, because till the arival of, or the communication with, the physician, danger may thus be warded off, or the progress of the disease may be stayed. This detail of acute diseases and their remedies has been of the greatest service: I have patients in Manchester and other places, who have successfully treated croup by the means detailed. Croup, it is well known, is an acute and highly dangerous disease, and one, which under the injurious treatment, designated par excellence, " ACTIVE," is often fatal; and the successful treatment of this disease, even under domestic direction, (I do not recommend persons to trust to such direction wholly,) shows the utter fallacy of the notion, that Homceopathic remedies are efficacious only in chronic and not in acute diseases. The reader will find much fuller directions in this edition respecting the REPETITION of the doses of the medicines: directions, afforded by experience on a very extended scale, 5 the writer having prescribed, he finds from his patients' names-book, upwards of five thousand recipes since the 1st of April 1841, and these for almost every form of disease, from catarrh, simple sore throat, to diseased bone, discharges from the hip and thigh bones, abscesses in the back; deepseated ulcers, derangement, diseased womb, tendency to miscarriage, typhus and other fevers, with inflammations of the eyes, the larynx, the bronchia, the lungs, the pleura. In reference to the cases referred to, the writer can add that he has cured, by homceopathic means, many diseases, which, as a practitioner under the old system, he could not, as an honest man, have ventured to touch. He can further add, that many families, who have used homoeopathic medicines under the instructions contained in the Domestic Homceopathy, have with joy confessed, that they have been astonished at the successful treatment thence obtained, of many complaints, which, from their severity, they could never have supposed would have given way except to these, miscalled " active " remedies, more appropriately designable active enemies. In fact Homoeopathy, with its sneered-at, infinitesimal doses, is making its silent, but steady and certain way: a way, marked with cures, and unattended with the injurious effects, consequent upon the recoveries under the other systems of treatment. The reason for this success is to be found in the fact, that Homoeopathy is a part of the Divine Truth: an axiom, demonstrated elsewhere.* * Homcoopathy and its Principles Explained; being Four Lectures thereon, by John Epps, M.D. Sherwood and Co., Paternoster Row, London. AMERICAN PUBLISHER'S NOTICE. IT is proper to state that this is an exact reprint of the London Edition. It has been examined by several friends, who concurred in the opinion that it was admirably adapted to the purposes intended, and who, therefore, strongly recommended its republication. WORKS PUBLISHED BY DR. EPPS, IN CONNEXION WITH HOMI(EOPATHIC PRACTICE. 1. AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, being Fifty Cases treated with success on Homceopathic principles. Second edition, Price 2s 6d. 2. WHAT IS HOMCEOPATHY? Price 8d. 3. DOMESTIC HOMCEOPATHY; or Rules for the Domestic Treatment of the Maladies of Infants, Children and Adults. 4. AFFECTIONS OF WOMEN, No. 1. THE MONTHLY PERIOD. Price 2s. 5. EPILEPSY, AND SOME NERVOUS AFFECTIONS, ITS PRECURSORS; being Twenty-two Cases successfully treated. Price 3s. 6. CONSTIPATION CURABLE, containing the Physiology of the Digestion of Food. Second edition, Price Is. 6d. 7. HOM(EOPATHY AND ITS PRINCIPLES EXPLAINED; being Four Lectures thereon, delivered at Exeter Hall. Price 3s. 8. On ARNICA MONTANA, as a Remedy for Bruises, Falls, Wounds, Sprains, Lacerations, Excessive Fatigue and its Consequences. Price 6d. CONTENTS. Page. PREFACE.... 3 Introduction, containing the method of administering the remedies.. 11 PART I. Diseases of different Organs of the Body. CHAPTER 1. Of the Skin.... 17 C 2. Affections of the Head.. 35 " 3. Affections of the Eyes and Eyelids. 41 " 4. Affections of the Ear and of the Cheek 44 "C 5. Affections of the Respiratory Organs. 49 " 6. Affections of the Digestive Organs. 73 " 7. General Affections... 108 PART lI. CHAPTER 1. Conduct during the State of Pregnancy 121 ' 2. Diseases of, or Disturbed States connected with Pregnancy.. 126 " 3. On Child-birth and its Sequels.. 132 " 4. Diseased States after Delivery.. 133 " 5. Treatment of the Infant after Birth. 144 ' 6. Diseases of Infants... 157 12 hours and poured out while boiling, and allowed to stand in an earthenware vessel till cold, can be used. The solution should always be made in a new bottle, with a new well-fitting cork. The medicines should be kept in the dark. The cork should be inserted directly the medicine has been removed from the bottle. Rules for administration in acute diseases. In acute diseases, the plan I generally adopt is to dissolve three globules * of the medicine indicated, in four spoonsful, either tablespoonsful or teaspoonsful, according to the age of the person, of water; give two spoonsful at once, and repeat every four or eight hours. Generally in acute diseases there is more or less of febrile heat. ACONITUM is the medicine most peculiarly appropriate to such a condition, and hence, in perhaps seven cases out of ten of acute diseases, aconitum will be the remedy best suited to give at first, dissolved as directed. Though aconitum is suited to GENERAL febrile action, often there is a LOCAL diseased condition, to which aconitum is not so applicable: take croup for instance: here is a local affection of the windpipe: that is, with the general febrile action there is a local diseased condition towards the cure of which aconitum is seviceable, so far as it acts on the general febrile action, and also so far as its symptoms are homceopathic to those presented in croup; but there is another remedy, peculiarly adapted to the local symptoms presented in croup: such medicine is Spongia. Spongia "* The globules are impregnated with the medicinal agent. I generally use the globules impregnated with the medicinal solution at its highest dilution; usually marked 30. To adults sometimes the globules at a less dilution, marked 12. 13 is therefore to be given. The plan is this: dissolve three globules of spongia in four spoonfuls of water, and take two spoonfuls four hours after the aconitum, or sooner, if the local symptoms increase, notwithstanding the aconite. Wait then six to eight hours, repeat the aconite solution, one spoonful, and four hours after, the spongia solution, one spoonful: if progress is being made, wait twelve hours, and, if any of the original symptoms remain undiminished, give the remaining dose of the aconite, and follow, four hours after, with the remaining dose of the spongia. In some violent diseases, such as spasms, cramps, convulsions, the dose may be repeated every quarter of an hour, or half an hour, or hour. Rules for administering in chronic and less acute diseases. Generally speaking, in chronic diseases, three to four globles dissolved in eight or ten spoonfuls of water, and one spoonful taken in the morning at eleven, and one at seven in the evening, or two taken the first thing in the morning, or two at night, will be enough. Num Vomica should be taken at night. Pulsatilla in the afternoon. Rhus generally in the morning. Rules as to the medicines generally. The medicine should be taken before or between meals, so that an hour and a half or two hours may have intervened between the time after food has been taken, or before food is again taken, and the time of taking the medicine. The time of day, in which the mind is most free from mental occupation, should be chosen, unless when otherwise indicated. 14 All mental excitements should be avoided while under the operation of the medicines. All vices should be avoided: because, as disease is the fruit of vice in nine instances out of ten, it is quite clear, the vice, persevered in, must keep up the febrile and morbid irritation, and thereby effectually resist the operation of the remedy. Rules for the selection of the remedy. As to the selection of the remedy, the principal points are, first, to ascertain the exact symptoms or features of the complaint of the patient, and the second, to look to the description of the disease, and find out the remedy recorded in connexion therewith, which corresponds most exactly in its symptoms to those of the disease. It does not require that the similarity should be perfect: better if it is: but if the prominent, the majority of the symptoms agree, then give the medicine. In ascertaining the exact features of the complaint the patient should always describe what he feels in his own language; for it is certain he will describe most influentially those symptoms troubling him most. He should never be questioned whether he has this or that symptom. If after his description there seems some deficiences in the statement, then questions, but not leading questions, may be put.* * In cases of consultation, where the physician is at a distance, and the patient is not able to see him, great minuteness is required; and the queries in Part Fifth will show the points, to which attention is to be directed, and also will demonstrate the immense care the homceopathic practice requires; quite different from the usual, where the tongue, the pulse, and the secretions, and these only in general particulars, are the matters usually brought under consideration. 15 Rules as to judging respecting the efficiency of the medicine. It may be here with benefit remarked, that, though, often the remedy, although STRICTLY homeopathic, and therefore CERTAINLY curative of the disease, at first causes an aggravation of the symptoms, amelioration will soon follow; and as long as amelioration proceeds, so long no repetition of dose is needed: when the amelioration ceases to progress, then either the medicine, previously administered, must be repeated, or some other medicines selected, best suited to the remaining symptoms. If these remarks hold good with the use of remedies in acute diseases, it is decidedly the case with remedies used in chronic cases: as long as amelioration progresses, we should not repeat the remedy. But it may be enquired, how is the homceopathic remedial aggravation to be distinguished from the aggravation produced by the destructive progress of the disease. Hahnemann gives the rules: The remedial aggravation The progress of disease agoccurs almost immediately gravation proceeds on regafter the administration of ularly; and bears the same the remedy, and with in- ratio of progress after as tensity, so that it is seen to before the exhibition of the arise from some new agent remedy. operating. This is the chief distinction; but there is another which powerfully helps to distinguish the aggravation as remedial, and this is, that some of the symptoms of the remedial agent, distinct from those, in which it is homceopathic to the disease, become manifest in the patient. 16 This additional evidence is principally available to the homoeopathic physician, because it cannot be supposed that non-medical individuals are likely to be acquainted with these symptoms. If, however, in four hours after administration, no effect should be produced by the medicine, either aggravating decidedly the symptoms, or diminishing decidedly the symptoms, it is certain that the remedy, homceopathic to the disease, has not been selected, or that some circumstances, such as diet, (see chapter on Diet,) have interfered with the operation. It will be necessary then to go over the symptoms of the patient again, and to compare these symptoms with some other remedy or remedies, so as to find the one most homceopathic to the symptoms. In regard to diet, the particulars, to be attended to, will be found in the Fourth Part. It is necessary always to select articles of diet in which the nutritive property, unattended by strong flavours, preponderates. Cocoa is the best of all flavoured drinks. It is highly nutritive, It contains an oil and a fecula, compounded in such suitable proportions, that the most delicate stomach will, after a time bear them thus joined. At first sometimes the stomach does not seem to agree with the cocoa; a little perseverance will obtain the victory. The author of this work takes cocoa three times each day. 18 When the surrounding parts swell, are red and tender, and the little sufferer scratches and is restless, Aconite* can be administered, followed on the second day, when the restlessness and the inflammatory symptoms are subdued, by the Viola Tricolor. The viola tricolor not affording relief, Sulphur will be useful. When depending upon constitutional tendency, and relief not being attained by these means, the physician must be consulted. Another malady of the skin in children is EXCORIATION. This takes place at the folds of the skin. Cleanliness, by the use of lukewarm water, and in drying the parts, not by rubbing, but the free use of the common dryingt powder, are often sufficient; if insufficient, then Chamomilla can be used for four or five days. If chamomilla. has been used previously, under the form of chamomile tea, then Pulsatilla or Ignatia is applicable. * It may be beneficial here to record the general conditions, under which the utility of aconite is apparent; as thus the reader will be able to see the reason why aconite is so frequently employed, inasmuch as the circumstances of the system, represented by these conditions, attend a majority of diseases. " Burning and continued heat over the whole body, with redness of the skin; puffing and redness of the face: dryness, redness, and in some cases a mucous coating of the tongue, and strong thirst: constipation or suppression of stools, want of appetite, a small quantity of red and hot urine, sleeplessness, tossings about, uneasiness, anxiety." HARTMAN. t This powder should be made of the flour of wheat and not of that of thle potato. 19 When the child's body becomes, as it were, one wound from the galled parts becoming as raw, Mercury is best. Mercury not succeeding, Zinc may be employed: but, on the failure of mercury, advice should be sought. If the infant suckles, both the mother and the child should take the medicine. A third malady of the skin, affecting adults as well as children, may be designated, from the prominent symptom, ITCHINGS. Little colourless knotty bodies, appearing more particularly at the nape of the neck, on the bosom, at the inner part of the thighs, itch, and being scratched, become red, discharge at their tops, and, in a few hours, form minute white, yellowish, or dusky crusts or scabs. The itching and the inflammation are augmented by scratching, stimulating drinks, exercise at the monthly periods, and in the evening. Variations in the weather often occasion a return. Sometimes the irritation is very extended; the skin of the whole neck being affected. Sulphur is the chief remedy; if not wholly curing, Carbo vegetabilis will succeed. Should the little knotty bodies appear as flea bites, and the itching be diffused, pricking and burning, and if, on scratching, it leaves one part to proceed to another, then Ignatia is to be used. If these means, aided by cleanliness, are inefficient, the physician's aid must be sought. If the itching occurs after getting warm in bed, Pulsatilla can be taken. 20 A fourth malady of the skin may be designated IRRITABILITY. In some skins the least circumstance produces irritation, attended with inflammation and suppuration: a condition, indicating a peculiar constitutional state, which, being removed, this irritable state will cease. Calcarea carbonica is often useful; but generally, the selection of the remedy should be left to the physician. A fifth malady of the skin is THE WHITLOW. This is an inflammation, affecting generally the ends of the fingers at the nail; being attended often with severe pain, and ending very frequently in suppuration. Mercurius is the best remedy in suppuration. If in the course of eight hours after taking the mercurius, two globules as a dose, no improvement be apparent, use Aconite and Hepar Sulphuris, as recommended for acute diseases, p. 13: this will often prevent suppuration and the loss of the nail, and even, if not preventing suppuration, the process of suppuration will be rendered less troublesome and painful. When suppuration is taking place, Hepar Sulphuris aids nature. Should the whitlow again threaten, then Silica may be employed, alternating this with Sulphur. 21 A sixth malady of the skin is THE BOIL. This is a painful, well-defined, pointed tumour, of a deep red colour, ending, for the most part, in suppuration; a head forming in the centre, which being removed, pus mixed with blood, is discharged. Arnica will promote the healing, and prevent the return. Arnica being unsuccessful, and if, with the boil, there is an enlargement of the glands in the neighbourhood of the boil, Belladonna will, in most cases, cure. If the inflammation still persist, and there is feverish heat, then aconite and hepar sulphuris, as directed for the whitlow, will be serviceable. Often Mercurius, after arnica or belladonna has, or arnica and belladonna have exercised the full extent of its or their beneficial agency, without perfectly curing, will complete the curative process. It should be remembered that boils indicate a constitutional state, which should be eradicated, because, while remaining, there is always a liability to attack from other diseases; for this the physician must be consulted. A seventh malady of the skin is THE CHILBLAIN. This inflammatory affection attacks the toes and the fingers, and seems to be constitutional. If children liable to chilblains are treated constitutionally, the return of them will be prevented. I have just been informed of the children of a patient of mine in Sussex, who every winter severely suffered from chilblains for three months. I prescribed the alternate use 22 of Calcarea and Sulphur, and they have not been troubled this winter with the chilblains. The following table will guide in the selection of the remedies.rnica, Belladonna, Chainomilla, NJux Vnmica, Pulsatilla, Sulphur, swellir g swelling. hard: inflam- inflamma- inflamma- inflamma- very matron, tion, tion, tion, violent. shining, bluish red, bright red livid hue. and very colour. severe. painful, excessively painful. itching. creeping, itching with itching in- itch, burn, itching tingling sen- a burning creased by break up and very sation. sensation. warmth, bleed, beat- severe. ing or thrubshow a ten- bing. dency to suffering burst. increased in evening and night. Sulphur is particularly indicated where the other remedies have failed, or where the chilblain has, before homceopathic means have been used, been of long duration. Sometimes the following plan is useful: lay some strong glue warm on the part: put over it some strong paper covered with glue. When the pains are gone, wash the part cautiously with warm water. An eighth malady, in which the eruption takes place in the hair of the head, and which, under common treatment, is very tedious, is that well-known complaint, called SCALD HEAD. In this disease diet is of the greatest importance, and, in the most obstinate cases, Silica has a most powerful effect. 23 A ninth disease of the skin is the WART. This is generally indicative of a constitutional diseased condition; and the use of Calcarea Carbonica, one of the most powerful means of acting upon such constitutional condition, is generally successful. When the corn assumes more of the cauliflower growth; when running into each other, and difficult to keep clean, then Rhus Toxicondendron is useful. But in case of warts, the constitutional condition should be inquired into by the physician, before adopting any particular medicine. A tenth disease of the skin is the CORN. The best plan for the treatment of corns, which have originated in the use of badly-made shoes, is to bathe the feet every other night in warm water, for about five minutes; then rub two drops of the Tincture of Arnica on the corn, having previously pared it as close as is prudent; and, in the morning apply a piece of arnica plaster. If the corns resist these means, pursued for a fortnight or three weeks, the inference is, that they depend upon constitutional disease, and, as such, must be treated by Sulphur and Silica: Silica being especially indicated if the corns are painful at the change of weather. Should the corns at any time, even during the alternate use of Sulphur and Silica, become inflamed or cause severe pain, especially after exercise, the use of Arnica will be an excellent auxiliary: a foot-bath, to which 40 drops of the tincture have been added, is the best form. 24 When the skin becomes hardened on tlhe sole of the foot, then Antimonium Crudum is very useful. Corns, it should be remembered, depend often on constitutional causes. Many other affections of the skin might be noticed; but these will serve as affording general rules: for other common cutaneous affections will be seen to be similar in most respects to one or other of these, and the treatment can thence be deduced. One remark particularly demands attention. It is never to get rid of cutaneous affections by external remedies. Besides these more particularly local affections of the skin, this membrane is affected by several eruptive maladies, attended with fever, and with an affection of the general constitution. Of these, the first is THE CHICKENPOX. This occurs in children, resident in neighbourhoods wherein smallpox abounds. Hence pretenders to medical science call it smallpox, and thus they, impudent from ignorance, bring disrepute upon vaccination. The little elevations, containing matter or pus, hence called pustules, in chickenpox are more pointed and irregular in their appearance than are those of smallpox: the disease, too, is milder in its progress, and shorter in its duration, terminating generally in a week. It is attended generally, with cold in the head, and slight fever. 25 Aconite at the commencement will subdue the fever: and Coffea will remove any agitation, exhibited in restlessness and anxiety. Should spasm supervene, especially if the child be teething, Chamomilla is to be preferred. If the child raises the head with difficulty, and the head and the hands are hot, and there is agitation with griping pains, Belladonna is indicated. When suppuration is taking place, Mercury aids towards the cure. Another eruptive pustular disease is THE SMALLPOX. This disease still exists, a fruit of the ignorance and the prejudice of mankind. It presents itself in four stages: thefebrile, the eruptive, the pustule-maturative, and the desiccating stage. Each stage is attended with its peculiar symptoms and its peculiar dangers. In the febrile stage numerous spots appear; this stage being attended with lassitude, headache, oftentimes bleeding at the nose, vomiting, tenderness on pressure at the pit of the stomach, and excessive pain in the loins. In this stage Aconite moderates the fever and the congestioneof the internal organs. When the nervous system is excessively irritable, the eyes particularly sensitive of light, the glands of the neck much swollen, then Belladonna; if the sleepiness is overpowering, then Opium. In the eruptive stage, the red spots become elevated and filled with a semitransparent fluid; and on the third to the 26 fourth day the pustules are completely formed on the face, and the patient complains of itching. It is proper to keep the patient from the light as much as possible, as soon as the pustules are formed. Thus marks will be prevented. In this and in the third stage, medical aid is necessary: particularly if any symptoms, indicating affection of internal organs are apparent. In this stage, symptoms of cold, affecting the nose, eyes, throat, show themselves. In the third stage the pustule-maturative, the pustules become perfectly developed, have an indentation in the centre, and the cellular tissue around, particularly about the face and the eyes, become swollen: and the nose and the throat are inflamed: Arnica I have found useful. Should the eruption be very severe, a second fever supervenes, called secondary fever: the urine becomes clouded, and the odour exhaled from the patient is peculiarly unpleasant. Here the greatest skill is required to regulate the progress of the disease. In the forth stage, the desiccating, wherein scabs form, cleanliness, by frequently cleansing the skin with warm water, is absolutely necessary: and thus disfigurement can, in many cases, be prevented. VACCINATION IS A PERFECT PREVENTIVE AGAINST SMALLPOX.* * See Report for 1839, of the Royal Jennerian and London Vaccine Institution. This institution is recommended to the attention of the benevolent, being wholly dependent upon voluntary contributions, and being the institution that supplies the principal part of the world with vaccine. Its expenditure is not 6001. a year, and its expenses are more than ils income. Subscriptions received by Dr. Epps; or at the Head Vaccine House, 18, Providence Row, Finsbury Square. 27 Another eruption attended with fever, approaching in many of its features to smallpox, is called VARIOLOID. Belladonna is useful if there is much headache.and a furred tongue. Sulphur helps by bringing the eruption to maturity more quickly. Another eruptive disease, affecting the skin, in which the eruption consists not of pustules, but of pimples, (papular,) is THE MEASLES. This disease seems to increase its danger with the age of the parties attacked. Its fatality science has of late years much diminished. Its dangerousness is connected with the affections, consequent upon its attack: the lungs suffer much: sometimes the bowels. The eruption in measles is always preceded by the febrile symptoms, attending a severe cold, hence called catarrhal fever. The eyes water, are swollen, and red: cough, attended with hoarseness and difficult breathing, are present. In about four days' time the skin becomes red, the fever is intense: the eyes are more affected: the cough is incessant, and attended with an annoying tickling in the larynx: the hoarseness increases: the patient is sleepy, and is agitated in his sleep: the eruption papular, and of a semi-lunar form, becomes defined, first on the face, then behind the ears, on the neck, the chest, the upper limbs, then on the body, and, finally, on the lower limbs. The redness disappears under pressure, but quickly returns. The fever increases towards evening. The eruption being perfected, the fever ceases: desqua ,28 mation, or the formation of scales, which fall off, takes place: and the cough becomes moist. Twelve to fourteen days is the usual period during which the disease continues. The great object at the outset of this disease is to regulate and to lessen the eruption; and this is effected by Pulsatilla, which should be given when the first symptoms appear. If the fever is violent at the outset, or in the progress, Aconite should be used. If constant thirst, the tonsils and the veil of palate inflamed, a hoarse, dry, spasmodic cough affecting the chest, a shooting or pricking pain in swallowing are present: if the eyes are much affected, and great restlessness with irritability, watchfulness, and delirium prevail, then Belladonna must be used. When the eruption has appeared and it retrocedes, the danger is great: Bryonia then must be used. This is particularly useful, where symptoms of inflammation of the chest appear. Another eruptive disease affecting the skin, and influencing powerfully the general constitution, is SCARLET FEVER, OR SCARLATINA. A sore throat is often the only warning of the attack; and this affection of the throat is the condition with which the fatality of this disease is associated. The skin in scarlet fever is of a bright red colour, is smooth and glossy; the redness gradually dying away in the surrounding skin: pressure produces a whiteness, disappearing on the removal of the pressure. 29 The eruption begins generally on the face, and other exposed parts; being fully developed in about five days. When the eruption passes into desquamation, (actual scales being disengaged from the skin,) the fever ceases. Belladonna is the sheet anchor in this disease, and should be administered when the disease appears. If, however, the throat is much charged with viscid mucus, and ulceration and swelling are present, Mercury is absolutely necessary. In this disease,* other complications appear, requiring the physician; remembering always, that where febrile excitement or inflammatory action distresses, Aconite is to be employed. THE PURPURA OR PURPLES. This has been confounded with scarlet fever. It is distinct. The spots are purple red, like red wine: and the spots, when pressed upon by the finger, do not turn white, as is the case in scarlet fever. At the spots within the skin are numerous little granules. Aconite is serviceable in this affection, and it should be given alternately with Coffcea. If, however, by the alternate use of aconite and coffea, the symptoms do not diminish, Sulphur should be given, waiting some hours, and then aconite. "* For the poison (if such language may be used,) of this disease and the preceding, the skill and the research of Hahnemann discovered antidotes or preventives; so that these diseases, existing in any family, can be stayed in their progress. To measles, the preventives are aconite and pulsatilla, used alternatively, a globule every other day; to scarlet fever, belladonna, a globule every day, or every other day. 30 Another affection, in which the skin is of a deep red, sometimes yellow, glistening, swollen, hot, with burning pains, tightness and itching, attended with fever, is called ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE, OR ERYSIPELAS. Women at the change of life, and elderly persons of a bilious temperament, are most subject to this disease, which, very frequently, is produced by mental excitement. If the fever is intense, Aconite can be used: if not, Belladonna: and, if aconite has been used, then belladonna, this latter being particularly indicated when " the erysipelas is radiated, and the streaks are produced in different parts." Dr. Hering. In erysipelas affecting the joints, motion augmenting the pain, Bryonia is indicated, and afterwards Hepar Sulphuris. If the erysipelas moves from one part to another, then Pulsatilla. When vesicles appear filled with serum, and typhoid symptoms threaten, the Rhus Toxicondendron is useful: aconite having been previously used. When the head and the scalp are affected, the physician's aid must be sought. In reference to external applications in erysipelas, dry applications only are to be used. Rye meal is the best of these. Fine powder from wheaten starch abates the itching. MILIARY FEVER. This eruptive disease, consisting of small transparent elevations, about the size of millet-seed, of the skin, attended 31 with fever, great anxiety and restlessness, and symptoms indicating affection of the chest, is, when unconnected with other diseases, which it very frequently is, treated best by Aconite followed by Coffesa, when there is much nervous excitability. When the head is affected, and delirium supervenes, then Belladonna is preferable to Coffasa. If there is diarrhoea, and particularly when undue warmth in clothing has induced the attack, Chamomilla is generally very beneficial. NETTLE-RASH. This eruptive disease, consisting in the appearance of red pimples, often presenting a white spot in the centre, and attended with itching, suddenly appearing and suddenly disappearing from one part to appear on another, is well known. As this eruptive affection is attended with fever, when the symptoms indicated by Aconite occur in a strong degree, Aconite can be given first, followed by Dulcamara or by Nux Vomica; Dulcamara being indicated, according to Dr. Jeanes, under the following circumstances: the eruption preceded by a sensation of sticking as with needles; attended with fever; with a bitter taste in the mouth, a slimy, coated tongue; nausea; vomiting; pressing pains at the pit of the stomach; diarrhcea; dark, cloudy urine; pains in the limbs; extreme itching; and after scratching, burning. When, however, there is headache, constipation, thirst, hoarseness, and when the eruption has appeared from 32 taking stimulating or indigestible substances, then Nux Vomica is to be taken after the Aconite. Should the eruption have suddenly disappeared, and symptoms indicating affection of the chest make their appearance, Bryonia will be highly serviceable. EXTERNAL INJURIES produce affection of the skin and parts beneath, which require domestic attention. The first affection is THE BURN AND THE SCALD. The treatment of the burn and the scald differs according to the severity; this being dependent considerably upon the surface injured. Where the skin is destroyed, and the parts below injured, the physician's aid must be sought. Where the affection is slight, the old practice of holding the part burned or scalded to the fire is quite homceopathic. Where the affection is more extensive, the use of heated brandy, hot turpentine, applied by soaking and keeping constantly moist, old soft clean rags or lint, or cotton, is also homceopathic. When febrile action is induced, Aconite must be employed. Soap may be used with benefit. Another affection, requiring immediate treatment, is THE WOUND. The parts should be washed with warm water to remove any dirt or foreign substance: the edges of the wound, whether cut or torn, should be brought as nearly as pos 33 sible together, and then strap with arnica plaster, so as-to keep the edges in contact. If compresses' are necessary, let them be staeipdd-i a dilution of Arnica; a teaspoonful of the tincture st6 six table-spoonfuls of water.;,. J, If the wound be severe, arnica should beiUtakea;internally; one to three globules be administered: 4ring, the twenty-four hours, succeeding the infliction of the wound. When the wound becomes very painful, Coffita will do much service; and any tendency to suppuration will be checked by Mercury. I -j.: I;. If the margins of the wound are swollen, and are red, Pulsatilla will be very useful. If the laceration is extensive, it will be well to cover the bandages used by a soft compress of lint!covered] with cerate, taking arnica internally. '!,. Should suppuration take place, then the treatment with aconite and hepar sulphuris, as directed for the Whitiow, will be serviceable and curative. ' Where much blood has been lost, the intern bl use of the arnica may be preceded by cinchona, two glabilleg in a:wineglass of water, and eight hours after proceedwith the arnica. Should a severe fright attend the infliction of the injury, it will be well to administer Opium before the arnicia. In connexion with the wound, the affection, called A SPRAIN, may be noticed. The parts, which bind the bony joints together are called ligaments. They are extremely strong; but when a joint 34 is subjected to any violent shock, or extension, the ligaments become morbidly affected, and pain, weakness, and swelling, occur. In these cases, Arnica is to be used, both internally in solution, and externally by friction. Should not the arnica remove the pain, the swelling, and the redness, Rhus Toxicodendron must be employed. Another very common affection is A BRUISE. Any injury by a rounded or blunted substance to a soft part of the body, is attended with swelling, and often an extravasatibn of blood, giving a mottled appearance to the part. Here again Arnica, externally and internally used, is the best remedy. Instead of using friction, as in a strain, an application by rags, soaked in a solution of arnica, should be employed.* * For further particulars respecting and cases illustrating the virtues of Arnica, see " On Arnica Montana, for Bruises, Falls, Wounds, Sprains, Lacerations, Excessive Fatigue and its consequences, Corns, Swellings." By John Epps, M.D. Sold by Sherwood & Co., 23, Paternoster Row, London. 6d. 36 When the disease is more fully advanced, the patient manifests strong fits of passion: has intolerance of light: often wrinkles his brows: has pains in his ears: has nausea, attended often with vomiting, and cannot sleep:, or, if sleeping, has frights. The first step to be taken is to give Aconite, which will subdue the symptoms connected with the congestion in the head. This should be followed by the use of Belladonna, when the symptoms just described are prominent. When, however, the patient lies in bed, without cognizance, with the eyes closed: sinks down without cogni-. zance: raves upon his own private affairs: the mouth opening with difficulty: the tongue loaded with white and frothy mucus: dilatation of the pupil and fixedness of the eye; redness of face: smiles: stutters inarticulately: is, at times, perfectly quiescent: has frequent twitchings: moves his hands as if to withdraw the coverlid, attended with anxious and weak respiration, full pulse, tense abdomen, and skin dry and disposed to crack, then Hyoscyamus is the best remedy. When the patient is in a sleepy state, the sleepiness is attended by snoring: the eyes half open: the patient uttering no complaint, and in need of nothing, and has frequent vomiting, then opium is to be used. When the patient slumbers naturally, but has startings in his limbs, snorings, his movements irregular, and, when waking, appears without cognizance: sometimes fixing his attention, sometimes withdrawing himself slowly and with apprehension: sometimes retreating with exclamations of dread: and when these are associated with ardent fever, red face, and moist skin, then Stramonium is applicable. WATER IN THE HEAD. This affection is generally preceded by the symptoms described in conjunction with inflammation of the brain. It is, however, often, very insidious in its approach. Two indications which ought not to be disregarded are, first, the unwillingness of the child to play; and second, fractious peevishness whenever raised from the horizontal position. No parent is, however, justified in treating such an affection; the physician's aid must be sought. Another well-known affection of the head is that called HEADACHE. Headache is generally a symptom of other diseases, more particularly affections of the stomach: still there are some headaches sufficiently uncomplicated as to admit of treatment as distinct. Numerous remedies are applicable to the different forms of headache: the choice will be aided by a careful examination of the following tables.* As, however, headache is associated with INDIGESTION, it will be well to examine the symptoms connected with the remedies for indigestion, before deciding on the remedy to be used; more particularly if the headache is attended with indigestion. * When the numbers are put down in a column, it indicates that the remedy has the symptom with which that number is connected in the column where it first occurs. 38.conite. 1. Head heavy, weight and fulness. 2. Weight and fulness, particularly in forehead and temple. 3. Pressing, throbbing pain. 4. Burning heat in head, especially in forehead. 5. Pricking sensation in forehead. Belladonna. 1. Pain concentered in forehead. 2. A deepseated dull pain, pressing and drawing outwards to the forehead. 4. Burning spot in the bones of the nose, with pain. Bryonia. 2. Expansive. 6. Contraction, affecti n the whole head, nearl depriving o senses. '4 to '4 z Chamomilla. 1. Great heaviness at the root of nose, as if from a cold coming. 2. A pressing and stunning pain. 3. Shootings in temples. g y 7. Tearing pains in head. JV'ux Vomica. 2. Deeply seated. 3. Shootings attop of head, with tendency to fall forwards. Shooting and throbbing on left side of the forehead, and often over left eye. 8. Headache as after excess of wine; and feeling as if the head were fractured. 8a. As if a nail were driven into the head. Pulsatilla. 1. Head heavy. 2. A deepseated dull pain on one side of the head. 39. conite. 10. Movement. 11. Speaking. 12. Drinking. 13. Rising from a recumbent position. P. S24. In the open air. Belladonna. 10. Becoming insupportable fi om the least motion )f the eyes. Bryonia. 10. Movement. Chamomilla. NJ\ux Vomica. 10. Movement. 15. Lying down in a room. 15a. After a meal. 16. Walking. Pulsatilla. 10. Especially of the eyes. 16. Walking. 14. Free air. 14a. A current of-air. 16. Walking. 27. Is forced to lie down. 17. During sleep. 18. Caused by a cold. ]9. Sitting 19. Intellec- 19. Intellecand reflect- tual labour. tual labour. Ing. 20. Stooping. 21. Rough weather. 22. Hot wealher. 23. Noise. 20. Stooping. 25 Holding the head back. 26. Supporting the head. 40 5.5I N a Belladonna. Bryonia. Chamomilla.N'ux Vomica. 31. Continuing from morning till night. 28. Ceasing on suddenly awaking,and when risen. 32. Morning. 29. Pressure. 32. Increased and increasing towards the middle of the day Pulsatilla. 29. Pressure 30. Binding the head tight. 33. Evening. A third, very troublesome, affection of the head is known under the name of MEGRIM. -'' It is characterized by affecting one side of the head, and of that only a portion, which the patient states he can cover,:"with his finger, and feels as if a nail was being driven into the part. The part affected is generally very tender, so that not the slightest piessure can be borne. This malady is generally connected with a constitutional condition, which requires removal; but, in affording relief, the characteristics already given of headache, will be of utility. The physician should, however, be consulted in the choice of the remedy for this severe complaint. 41 CHAPTER III. AFFECTIONS OF THE EYES AND THE EYELIDS. 1. Inflammation. 2. Catarrhal Ophthalmia. 3. Stye. THE eyes are organs, which, by their use, delicacy, and importance, well deserve the place they hold. They are subject to disease, more particularly INFLAMMATION. Children, just born, have often inflammation from sudden exposure to too strong a light. A viscid secretion is formed on the membranes of the eye. Aconite, with cleanliness, will remove this; when the intolerance of light is excessive, Belladonna may be administered after the aconite. The remnants of the disease are removed by Sulphur: or if not, Calcarea Carbonica, will, in general, cure. If the eye is inflamed from anything in it, common sense dictates the removal of the body, and aconite will prevent the inflammation: sulphur may be used after. When the eye has become inflamed from a bruise, Arnica is very useful. 42 There is an inflammation of the eye and the eyelids, connected with cold, called CATARRHAL OPHTHALMIA. The eyes and eyelids are red: there is a sense of burning and pressure, as from a grain of sand: light is dreaded: tears flow: to these symptoms are added catarrh, with or without fever, and a dry troublesome cough. Aconite will subdue the inflammation, and Nux Vomica the other symptoms. Where the inflammation is intense, the redness is intense, also the other symptoms; when there is a severe cold in the head, producing excoriation of the nostrils, the wings of the nose and the lips, attended with small pustules, and cough at intervals, with a suffocation and wheezing, Belladonna should be used after the aconite. When the redness extends over the whole of the eyes, and the secretion of tears is abundant, then Euphrasia is best. The eyelids have at their margins, glands, which separate an oily substance. These glands become inflamed and form a STYE. Pulsatilla is the remedy, taken internally, and applied as a lotion externally during the day. At night a warm bread poultice, on which two or three drops of the tincture, at the third dilution, have been dropped, can be applied. Should the stye return, or should a hard lump remain and a viscous matter adhere, Staphysagria can be taken. 43 If the lumps still remain, Calcarea Carbonica can be taken. There are numerous other remedies suited to the affections of the eyes, but the choice among these requires the medical man's judgment. In reference to affections of the eyes, it should be remembered that every kind of eyewater, all ointments and salves, unless homceopathic, injure the eyes. It is true that diseases of the eyes and of the eyelids may disappear under their use; but then diseased states supervene, and often internal diseases are produced. Pure cold or warm water, according to the feelings of the patient is the best eyewater. 44 CHAPTER IV. AFFECTIONS OF THE EAR AND OF THE CHEEKS. THE EAR. THE ear is an organ, the importance of which is recognized by all. It is subject to various affections. 1. Earache. 2. Inflammation of the Ear. 3. Discharge from the Ear. 4. Swelling of the Cheek. 5. Enlargement of the Parotid and Submaxillary Glands. One very common is EARACHE, or OTALGIA. This affection is sometimes very troublesome and difficult to cure. Various remedies are applicable. The choice may be aided by the following table. Arnica. 1. Pressing, Stinging pains, or darting behind and within the ears. 45 Belladnona Chamomilla. 1. Single violent stitches, la. as if a knife pierced in. 2. The stinging within, extending to the throat. 3. Pricking and shooting pains in parotid glands. 4. Tingling and rumbling sound in the ears. 3. Head and syes affected 2. Passing from the eai to the earflaps, and even to the lips. 3. Pains intolerable. 8. Inner ear dry and without cerumen..Mercurius. 1. Violent twitches. 2. Pain in interior of ear tearing and shooting, reaching to the cheeks. 5. Burning outwardly with an inward cold feeling. 8. Ear damp with sweat. 8a.Discharge of pus. 9. Ulceration of the ear. Pulsatilla. 1. Jerking tearing pain, as if something would be pressed out. 2. Passing to the whole side of the face. 7. Externally red. 7a. hot. 7b. swollen. 48 In connexion with the ears, the affection indicated by "MUMPS, OR THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE PAROTID AND SUBMAXILLARY GLANDS, may be noticed. The parotid and submaxillary glands are situated the one below the ear, the other under the jaw. They separate the saliva from the blood. These glands from cold, from atmospheric changes, and as puberty approaches, become enlarged, and are often very troublesome. Mercury is the remedy that most frequently relieves this affection: more particularly when suppuration is about taking place. If erysipelas attends the swelling, Belladonna should be used; and after the pain has been removed, Hepar Sulphuris is very serviceable. If mercury and hepar sulphuris have been used without success, Dulcamara is often of the greatest service. 50 THE NOSE. The nose being, as well as a respiratory organ, the organ of smell, is covered internally with a most delicate membrane or skin, through which the impressions are made upon the nerve of smell. This membrane, called the Schneiderian, from its discoverer, covers a large surface, the interior of the nose being divided into cavities, formed by very thin bony partitions. These cavities are called nasal fosse. Through this membrane an immense number of bloodvessels are distributed. From these blood-vessels, in young people of full habit, particularly females before the natural change, and, in adult females, at the cessation of the natural discharge, a discharge takes place, called BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE, OR EPISTAXIS. Bleeding from the nose is sometimes beneficial. When it occurs frequently, and when the quantity of blood discharged is considerable, then medicine is required. In curing bleeding from the nose, two objects present themselves: first, to remove the bleeding; and second, to prevent a recurrence, and relieve the other consequences likely to result from the bleeding. Several remedies can be employed. The choice can be regulated by the symptoms. Aconite is useful where the symptoms recorded, p. 18, are present; or if the person looks much heated, or if the bleeding occurs after being overheated. 51 Arnica. Belladonna. Crocus..afMercurius. tuzx Vomica. Pulsatilla. f From a By stooping, ) blow. or strongly blowing the nose. Titillation Darting id the nose pains in one or forehead, side of the as from an head in S insect, paroxysms. Swelling of the veins of Sthe head. Sparks before the eyes. Tingling in the bars Nose hot. the ears. Diffused heat. 0 SThin, and Thick black Coagulates Flow of veSbright red. blood, in flowing, nous blood. 0 and remains en suspended. S Men. Irritable, Children, Adult fesensitive, and persons males, with predisposed insufficient I to inflamma- menses. 44 tion. tion. Persons of - sweet and Splacid temper. Awakens Morning. Evening, out of sleep and before 0 at night. midnight. 52 Bryonia is useful under similar circumstances as the belladonna, more particularly when the bleeding from the nose takes place from sudden suppression of'the menses. Rhus is useful in cases similar to those suited to belladonna and bryonia, where these do not cure. When the discharge produces weakness, or is so profuse as to occasion paleness of face, coldness of limbs, and even convulsions, China is useful. Cina is useful if the putting the fingers into the nose, caused by the irritation of worms, causes the hemorrhage. The common practice of drawing cold water into the nostrils is not good: and plugging the nose is to be avoided, except under peculiar circumstances. To prevent a recurrence of the bleeding, the general constitutiorial state must be investigated and treated: Sulphur will be useful in most cases. To prevent both the return of this discharge of blood, and any bad consequences from the discharge already having occurred, China is the best remedy. When the membrane, lining the nasal fosse, becomes affected with inflammation, it is called COLD IN THE HEAD. This affection is characterized by a peculiar feeling of dryness in the nose, and also by swelling. There is frequent sneezing: there is loss of smell: and the patient speaks, as it is called, through the nose. The discharge is, at first, watery, drop by drop; it excoriates, and produces crusts on the nostrils and the lips, and pain oftentimes is felt at the root of the nose. The symptoms vary, and so do the remedies. The following table will aid in the selection. 0 N 0 a to C Z4 cn z; R U2 Chamomilla. 1. Nostrils inflamed, chapped and ulcerated. 2. Discharge of acrid mucus. 7. One cheek red, the other pale. 8. Pain and scaling; chapped lips. 9. Intense thirst. 10. Confusion in the head. Mfercury. 1, Nose excoriated within and without. 2. Excessive discharge. NJVux Vomica. 1. Painful sensibility of the interior of the nose. 2. Secretion from nose during the day. 3. Violent sneezings. 5. Obstruction of the nose during the night. 6. Itching in the nose. 7. Heat in face. 9. Dryness of the mouth and fauces. 10. Confusion, and 10a. H-eat in the head. Rulsatilla. 1. Nostrils painful and ulcerated. 2. Thick often fetid mucus. 3. Violent sneezings; and 4. Discharge of blood from blowing the nose. 6. Tickling as from snuff. AJrsenicum. 1. Swelling of the nose. 2. Profuse lischarge of watery, acrid, excoriating mucus. 3. Violent sneezings. 5. Obstruction of the nose with No. 2. 6. Burning sensation in he nostrils. 54 Chamomilla. I Mercury. INVuz Vomica.I Pulsatilla. 1f Jlrsenicum. 12. Shivering. 11. Sensibility of the eyes to light. 12. Shivering. 14. Melancholy. 15. Inclination to weep. 11. Inflammation of the eyes, with sensibility to light. 12. Shiverings and shudderings. 13. Severe pains in the limbs. 14. Anxiety. 0 m4 It 13. Rheumatic pains in limbs. 14. Vexation and irritability. 15. Grief. 16. General languor. 16. Great prostration nf etran (th 17. Broken 17. Restlesssleep. ness. The plan I generally adopt is, directly sneezing commences, to place two globules of nux vomica or pulsatilla on the tongue. This I have often found prevents the usual progress of the cold. When the inflammation extends, and affects the whole interior of the nose and the membrane, lining the throat, and even the lungs, being attended with a copious secretion of mucus with pain, and a feeling of heat, the mucus itself first thin, afterwards thick and yellow, the affection is called, being associated with fever - 55 CATARRHAL FEVER. The symptoms, indicative of this fever, are shiverings, transient chills, shifting from one part to another, alternating with heats: head confused and heavy: pressive pain above the eyes: taste bitter and mucous: appetite deficient: taste and smell diminished in power: pressure at the pit of the stomach, attended with anxiety: the back, both in its middle and at its lowest part, feels as if broken: there is a sense of heaviness, with twitchings in the limbs: symptoms increase towards night: pulse soft, and rather frequent: oppression, increasing towards night: wakefulness, or disturbed slumber. Aconite must be taken at the commencement of the attack, its suitability being apparent from the perusal of the symptoms and the comparison of its effects, (p. 18:) afterwards Belladonna, Chamomilla, Ignatia, Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla, according to the symptoms. With catarrhal fever, cough is generally connected: and as the symptoms, now to be recorded, will have relation to the general symptoms, the particulars in connexion with the coughs, associated with the catarrhal fevers, will be found recorded under the title of COUGHS, (pp. 59, 60-1-2-3.) Previous to noticing the individual remedies, it is proper to notice, that, when the catarrh has been brought on by exposure to wet, Dulcamara is, when administered early, a most valuable preventive against the consequences of such exposure: Dulcamara being further more particularly indicated when, with taking cold, as the expression is, the urine becomes turbid. 56 Belladonna. 1. Hoarseness. 2. Sore throat. 3. Rattling of mucus in chest. 4. Redness of face. 12. Sleepiness in day. 13. Sleeplessness at night. 14. Sleep with sudden starts. 15. Sleep with sudden fits of screaming. Chamomilla. JNux Vomica. 1. Hoarseness. 1. Hoarseness. Pulsatilla. 1. Hoarseness. "2. Sore throat; 2a. particularly in swallowing the saliva. 1. Redness of the face. 4a. Redness of one cheek, but paleness of the other. 6. Thirst. 4. Shivering on the slightest motion, followed by flushes of heat. 5. Coldness and shivering, affecting the back and the limbs, relieved by artificial warmth. 6. Thirst. 7. Tongue furred. 8. Appetite failing. 9. Nausea. 10. Vomiting. 11. Constipation. 8. Loss of appetite. 9. Nausea. 10. Vomiting. 57 Belladonna. Chamomilla..Nux Vomica. Pulsatilla. 16. Delirium. 17. Sadness. 18. Excessively 18. Ill humour. 18. Irritability. 18. Mild disposiirritable. tion. 18a. Impatience. 19. Great prostra- 19. Feeling of 19. Languor. tion of strength. great weakness. 20. Children. Another very common affection, in which the fauces and the windpipe aie affected, is HOARSENESS. Various are the features attendant upon hoarseness, and, according to these must be the choice of the remedy. Cough is generally associated with each kind of hoarseness: and, in the narration of the symptoms, indicating the choice of remedies for the various coughs, the remedies for the various hoarsenesses will appear. As a general rule, when hoarseness or soreness of throat makes its first appearance, two globules of Belladonna will often prevent any further progress of the diseased condition. It may be remarked, that bathing the feet for from five to ten minutes in hot water, on going to bed, is very useful. INFLUENZA. Certain conditions of the atmosphere induce peculiar moT difications of the symptoms, connected with catarrhal fever, which are designated under the title of INFLUENZA. Influenza is a catarrhal fever with peculiar symptoms, induced by the peculiar atmospherical conditions. As produced by atmospherical conditions, and as affecting many 58 individuals, (for who can avoid the atmosphere? ), influenza may be defined an epidemic catarrh. The most characteristic symptom of the influenza, in addition to the usual symptoms of catarrhal fever, is extreme prostration of all the powers, mental and bodily: the person is unmanned. ARSENICUM is the remedy; when with this prostration there are the symptoms, described as pertaining to arsenicum, (pp. 53, 54,) under the title of COLD IN HEAD, and those under the title of COUGH, (pp. 59, 60, 62.) The influenza that prevails now (February, 1842) and has prevailed the last month, is attended with affections of the throat, the glands swelling, &c. I have treated, with uniform and rapid success, these cases with Aconite, followed by Belladonna, and then by Mercurius. Each influenza requires, according to its peculiar modifications, its own homceopathic remedies. There is one point which all should remember; viz., that the influenza is more dangerous in its effects than in its first symptoms. Every medical man's experience will demonstrate, that serious affections of the lungs very often develope themselves after the influenza. Great care should be taken in eradicating by appropriate remedies all remaining symptoms. The next affection of the respiratory organs is general in its character, and is described under the title of COUGH. Cough may be regarded as a spasmodic affection. It presents various forms, and its characters are so delicate in their shades, that it is very difficult for any but the physician to select the right remedy. To aid the non-medical person the following table has been compiled: .conite. Belladonna. Chamomilla. Hyoscyamus. Ignatia. Ipecacuanha. JVuz Vomica. Pulsatilla. A.rsenicum. 1. Dry. 1. Dry. 1. Dry. 1. Dry. 1. Dry cough. 1. Dry. 1. J.oist, 1. Dry. loose. 2. Expecto- 2. Much te- 2. Expecto- 2. Thick ration of nacious mu- ration, after mucus in mucus, with cus in chest long cough- throat, diffinausea and ing, of mat- cult to vomiting. ter yellow, detach. salt and bitter, producing nausea occasionally tinged with blood. 3. Lasting 3. Spasmo- 3. Convul- 3. Spasmofits of cough- dic; with sive. dic. ing. asthmatic, suffocating, stertorous breathing. 4. Strong. 5. Frequent. 5. Constant. 6. Exhaust- 6. Exhausting. ing. Aconite Belladonna. Chamomilla. Hyoscyamus, Ignatia. Ipecacuanha, JVu Vomica. Pulsatilla. Arsenicum. 7. After 7. A sensa- 7. Sensation coughing, a tion of a of burning. sense of healed subburning in stance pressthe chest; ing on the chest. 8.and asense 8. Feeling of 8. Pain in of laceration a wound in throat and in the chest. the chest. chest as from excoriation. 9. Constric- 9. Tightness tion in the across chest. chest. 10. Pain be- 10. In cough- 0 neath the ing, as breast bone though someat night, or thing rose in after a meal, the throat, as with difficult if it would breathing. take away the breath. 11. Pain in 11. Painful 11. After 11. Pain at the hypo- jerking in coughing a both sides. chondria. stomach, pain as from a blow beneath the ribs. Aconite. 14. Cough attended with feverish heat, in flanmation, see note, p. 18. Belladonna. Chamomilla. 12. Pain in the loins, with feeling of alarm. Hyoscyamus. 15. Cough, especially during the night, preventing sleep. Ignatia. 12. Pain at the lower belly. Tpecacuanha. 13. Painful jerking in head..Jux Vomica. 12. Cough, when less violent, a pain as of a blow or bruise, in the lower belly. 13 Cough, causing pain in head, as if it would burst. 15. Cough worse towards 5 a. in. Pulsatilla. I Arsenicum. * 15. Chiefly at night, sometimes occurring in sleep. 15. Worse al night, continuing even during sleep. 15. Day and night, equally severe. 15. Distiess. ing by day and night. 15. Worse in the evening and at night. Adrenite. Belladonna. IChamomilla. IHyoscyamus. Ignatia. Ipecacuanha. JVNx Vomica. Pulsatilla. 16. Cough in morning with general tremor. 17. Excited by a rough dryness in the throat, and tickling in the palate../rsenicam. 17. Excited by an insupportable tickling in throat. 18. Excited by the slightest movement. 19. Swelling of the belly. 17. Excited by a constant tickling in the trachea behind the hollow of the throat. 20. Aggravated by speaking. 21. Excited by a fit of passion: especially in children. 17. Tickling irritation in the trachea. with a convulsive cough. 17. Cough, proceeding from the windpipe. 17. Tickling in throat asil constricted. 17. Excited by a rough dryness in the, throat, and tickling in the palate. 19. Excited by motion. 20. Excited by speaking. .qico-nite. IBelladonnsa. IClsamomilia. IHysssy~amus. 23. Excited co nstantLly by lying diwn, ceasing when sitting up in bed; obliged to sit up. Ignatia. 27. Gentle, paseing rapidly from joy to grief, iorn grief* to j oy. Ipecacuanisa,.Tiuz Voiaica, 22. Increased by cold air. Pul~satilla. 11.&565lturn. 24. C'ough, withi suspension of breathingy. 25. Constant obsrtruction, of nose, wi~th loss of smell. 26. Diffused perspiration. 24.Breathiing impeded in the nighit. 26. Profuse niglitsweats. -27. Irritable, 27 Mild pin. quick. cid tempers, 28. Emaciation. 29. buss of appetite. 30. Somall frequent pulse. 27.Sanguine. 28. Lymphsstic. 27. Children. 64 HOOPING-COUGH. This spasmodic cough without physic, will often wear itself out in four or five months; with physic, under the old system, will continue much longer; and this, on these grounds, that the physic complicates the disease, and produces a weakness of the general constitution. Under homoeopathic treatment it is often cured in three to four weeks; sometimes in two weeks, sometimes in a few days. When hooping-cough is prevalent and children begin to cough, give one or other of the remedies already detailed (pp. 59 to 63) as suitable to cough, selecting the one most nearly allied to the symptoms of the existing cough. Aconite will be serviceable when the cough is dry (1. p. 59), whistling, attended with burning (7. p. 60) in the windpipe, the child putting his hand to the throat at the situation of the windpipe; and when there is fever (14. p. 61) the aconite should be given immediately, and repeated as the symptoms may indicate. If the cough at the commencement is moist, easily loosened, and begins after a violent cold, and is attended with hoarseness, Dulcamara will be most useful. Nux Vomica will be serviceable, if the cough is dry, and attended with vomiting and anxiety, so severe as almost to induce suffocation: also, if the sufferer from the beginning turns almost blue in the face, and if the cough occurs after midnight, continuing till the morning (15. p. 61). If, after the nux vomica, the cough becomes loose and moist, Pulsatilla (1. p. 59) will become appropriate. Should the VOMITING cease, but the ANXIETY, approaching 65 to suffocation continue, Ipecacuanha (24, p. 63.) will then be useful. Should these means be ineffectual, and the cough occurs as a spasm in single attacks, most during the day, the evening, and the first part of the night, attended with a redness of and pains ig, the throat when swallowing: also with watering of the eyes, Carbo Vegetabilis can be given, and repeated in twenty-four hours. This medicine is particularly serviceable when children "complain of a pricking in the head, pains about the chest and in the neck, and at the same time, have eruptions on the head and the body. It is a sovereign remedy when the hooping-cough is on the decline." (Dr. HERING.) When, however, the hooping-cough is fully developed, other medicines are required. The following description by Dr. Hering of the attack of hooping-cough is so graphically correct that I have adopted it: " In real hooping-cough, the children have frequent single paroxysms, before which they run after their mother, become anxious, and grasp and hold something: then cough violently with a sounding hollow tone, in such quick succession, that they can scarcely draw breath again, or only with a long, sobbing, whistling tone; this is succeeded by great anxiety, as if they would suffocate, and they become red and blue in the face. They stretch out the neck far, everything is strained and cramped, and they can bear nothing to touch them. These paroxysms end with struggling and vomiting of mucus, frequently mixed with blood, which also is often discharged from the nose. Afterwards the children are again lively: but owing to their throwing up everything they eat or drink, they become, as the attacks are frequent, weaker and much debilitated." 5 67 Drosera. 9. Pain in breast and under ribs, obliging to hold the parts with the hands. 10. Inclination to vomit. 13. Gripes in bowels. 19. Oppression when coughing, as if something held the breath back in the chest, so as to be able scarcely to cough or speak. Veratrum. 9. Pains in chest. 11. Much reduced; nape of neck so weak, cannot hold the head up. 12. During the cough, discharges the urine. 13. Complains of pains in abdomen. 14. Kidneys. Between attacks. 15. Not lively. 16. Dislikes to move. 17. Unwilling to speak; Cina. 1 Cuprum. 13. Frequent griping. 19. Respiration is suspended. 20. Dry small eruption on ihe body, the face, and the hands. 68 Dy osera. 21. Patient worse when at rest, than when moving about. Veratrum. Cina. 22. During cough becomes stiff. 23. Recovers with much difficulty after vomiting. 24. After cough a clucking noise, passing down the throat into the bowels. 25. Bore with fingcrs in the nose. 26. Frequent itching at anus. 27. Flave had before fits from worms, or have voided large worms. Cuprum. 22. During cough becomes stiff. 24. Audible rattling of phlegm in the throat. As the cough improves, avoid attempting much: should the sufferer's state remain stationary, select some medicine suited to the remaining symptoms. Pulsatilla will often be found serviceable. When there are relapses, or when the vomiting continues, Carbo vegetabilis does good: if still there is abundant expectoralion, Dulcamara: if much crying after the cough, Arnica: if the cough, when decreasing, is still hollow and shrill, or dry and hoarse with retching afterwards and crying, Hepar Sulphuris. 69 An affection of the windpipe and bronchial tubes, most dangerous to the sufferer, is now to be noticed: it is CROUP. The first symptoms are often those of common cold. The real symptoms soon appear, and so clearly are they marked that no mistake can exist. The cough is sonorous, whistling: it is croup. The cough excites pain, the patient carries his hand to his throat: the face is red at first, or mottled: as the disease advances, blue: a clammy sweat suffuses the body, the breathing is difficult, and the head is thrown back to aid respiration. Aconite is the first resource to subdue the inflammatory action. About two to four hours after the aconite, Spongia must be used; and if this does not succeed, Iepar Sulphuris. If the spongia relieves but does not cure, then hepar sulphuris will be peculiarly serviceable, more especially if the cough has become moist, or loose with an evident accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tubes. Lachesis, Dr. Hering has shown, can be employed with benefit in the worst cases of this disease, but no patient in such a disease can be trusted to mere domestic treatment. This disease is too severe to be entrusted to any one except a physician. There is one disease approaching, in many of its characters, to croup: it is THE ASTHMA OF MILLAR. Croup is often, as was stated, preceded by symptoms of a cold. This is sudden in its attack, and is preceded by no 70 warning symptoms; and it occurs several times, and the parties are said to be subject to sudden attacks of croup. It is not croup. The patient is seized with choking, great anxiety, and difficult breathing: the voice has a deep harsh tone: the cough is hoarse, broken, and devoid of mucus. The first attack is often fatal. If not, the attack ends in a few hours in sneezing, belching, and vomiting: the little patient sleeps tranquilly, but awakes languidly and weak, with symptoms like a common cold. A fresh attack, worse than the former, comes on in twenty-four hours. Sambucus is the best remedy for this affection, especially if, being obliged to sit down, the air enters the lungs with a whistling sound: if he strikes his hands behind him: and if his hands and face are swollen and purple: and when the attack comes on in the middle of the night. There are other remedies; but the severity of the affection will be sure to cause the parent to send for the physician, who will decide. THE LUNGS. The lungs themselves, so important in the process of respiration, are subject to attacks of inflammation, which require medical aid, but which may be partially met till such aid is obtained. INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS, is indicated by difficult respiration: by darting pains in the chest when respiring: great anxiety: cough, attended with much pain, dry at filst, afterwards moist, and the sputa 72 SPITTING OF BLOOD (HIEMOPTYSIS). Generally, before a discharge of blood from the lungs, occur heaviness and tightness'in the chest, difficult breathing, palpitation of the heart, anxiety, saltish or sweetish taste in the mouth, tickling in the fauces, and cough, bringing up blood. Aconite is the best remedy: it subdues the general increased action very effectually. China and Pulsatilla are the remedies most frequently useful after the hemorrhage. The selection may be deduced from the following table. China. Patient shivers. Patient has transitory heats. Short sweats. Inclined to lie down. Limbs tremulous. Sanguineous excitement lessened. Expectorates blood, more or less, every day. Pulsatilla. Shiverings with general debility. Blood expectorated, deeply coloured and in clots. Shootings in the chest, and an uneasiness in the lower part of the chest. Difficult breathing. Feet cold. Oppressed with grief. Inclined to tears. Women, whose menses are suppressed. When China is given, it should be given in the intervals between the hemorrhages. 73 CHAPTER VI. -AFFECTIONS -OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. THE organs, which are engaged in the preparation of the articles taken for food, so as to produce the changes necessary in order to render them nutritive, are numerous, and are liable to diseased states. These organs are the mouth, the teeth, the throat, the gullet, the stomach, the duodenum, the small intestines and the large intestines, the caecum, the colon, and the rectum. The diseases may be classed - 1. Aphtha 2. Stomacace 2. Steomhace of the Mouth. 3. Teething 4. Toothache 5. Quinsy, affecting the throat. 6. Derangement of the Stomach, or Dyspepsia ) 7. Cardialgia, or Heartburn of the 8. Flatulence Stomach. 9. Vomiting i 10. Cramp of the Stomach 11. Constipation 12. Diarrhoea 13. Cholera 14. Cholic of the Intestines. 15. Inflammation 16. Hemorrhoids 17. Worms 18. Jaundice. 19. Liver Complaint. 74 Diseases of the Mouth. The lips, the entrance to the mouth, and the mouth itself, are lined by a membrane. This membrane becomes diseased, small pale, grayish spots appear, and, gradually enlarging, form round pustules, like millet seeds, filled with a sanious fluid; this being discharged, little scabs form and fall off, and are renewed and again fall off. These appearances constitute the disease, called APHTHA, OR THRUSH. The formation of these bodies is often attended with uneasiness, watchfulness, difficult breathing, breath fetid, voice hoarse and feeble, tongue dry and swollen, mouth and throat dry, hot, and red, exhaustion, and dulness of sense. The white aphthne, affecting infants, are, in general, not dangerous, and are cured by Borax. Sometimes they become, in very bad constitutions, malignant, the choice of the remedy must be left to the physician. In children of gross habits, Mercurius is often useful. Sulphur is' useful when the whole interior of the mouth is covered with thick scabs, when the evacuations are frequent, greenish, with tenesmus, the body covered with a rash, and the thighs excoriated, with a vesicular eruption on the back. To prevent this disease, and to aid in its removal, cleanliness, good and simple food, cleansing the milk-bottle (if using one), before each suckling, and not allowing the infant to suck improper things, are essential. 75 A second affection of the mouth, attacking adults more frequently, consists in the formation of ulcers on the gums, these becoming spongy and swollen. These ulcers discharge a bloody sanious matter, having an intolerable stench. The patient feels extremely weak and is feverish. This disease is STOMACACE, OR BAD MOUTH. In this affection, Mercury is the remedy. When swelling and inflammation preponderate over the ulceration, then Nux Vomica can be employed. THE TEETH. The teeth are thirty-two in number, sixteen in each jaw. They make their way in infancy through the gums, and the process, constituting this exit, is DENTITION, OR TEETHING. This ought to be unattended with fever or with pain. Frequently, however, fever and severe pain attend this process, and sometimes serious diseases are developed during the irritation of teething. The progress of teething requires to be watched with care. Should the gums be much swollen, be hot, red, and painful - should the child constantly drivel; put his fingers in his mouth; forcibly bite the nipple; or suddenly let go his hold, and be restless, Aconite will relieve. Should the child be violent as if delirious, not to be 76 pacified, and sleepless, Coffcea; but if the mother use coffee, Chamomilla. Should dry cough, with panting and hurried perspiration be present, then Belladonna. Belladonna will be serviceable, whenever symptoms present themselves, indicating cerebral congestion. Belladonna and chamomilla, as well as coffaea, are serviceable when convulsions occur. Chamomilla is eligible, when the symptoms indicate affections of the abdominal organs, such as gripings, diarrhoea, and greenish evacuations. When the diarrhoea is watery, M]ercurius is useful. Constipation, when attendant, is relieved by Nux Vomica. When convulsions occur, and have resisted the action of belladonna and chamomilla, Ignatia may be administered, one dose every quarter or half hour. When the teeth are delayed in their appearance, a constitutional condition, opposed to health, is indicated: and for this the best remedies, as experience has convinced me, are Calcarea and Belladonna, used alternately. TOOTHACHE. Hollow teeth are peculiarly subject to this affection. Taking cold is generally stated as the cause. The symptoms of toothache vary much: the following tabular view will serve to help in the selection of the appropriate remedy. The phrase IC do"1 in the adjoined tabular view, implies that thle characteristic in the first column. 4 %a -belongs to the medicine in the column in which ý t; W the do" is under the name. z*-S Pains passringg into the jawbones and face............................do..do do. do. the cheeks................do....... the ears.......................o do..do do.. do do do do tine eyes.......................................................... the head......................do..d(o (o. (10.do.dc do. d0 do dod Pains in hollowe teeth particularly..................do (t.... o dOil do do (to, Io do do. do do do the whole rowo of teeth................................do.. d(. do.do with swollen cheeks..........................d(1 do do... do)d do d(. do do.. do do the teeth feel loose.............................(1.. do..........do. do d do....do too long........................ do do.. do.................do gumns swollen..........................do.. o] ii, do do do do do.. d o di: do do Pains worse when eating...............................I do do do d(......do do dc do do do after eating..........................do...! do dto... do' 'o'..do.. d.. do do-. when rubbed........................... do do do (10 dldoo.. do...........d do do~ d.d with tongue..................................do. do...do do-...............*'... WonsE in the open air.................................. do. dod....oodo..: do, do Id tie wind...................................................... from a draught of air..................................d.... do............dc BETTE.R in the open air...........................den.....do...........do do do WOaSE: from warmith......................................................................... warni liquids................................do.... do..do............. warm food.........................................dddo 0.d...... in a warm room........................................... do d. (10 by warnith of bed.................................... do.. d......do, BETTEit by warmth............... WORSE from, coldness.............. cold air........................... cold water......................... cold drink......................... washing in cold water............. drawing cold air into the month.... BETTER by applying a cold hand................ coIld air................... cold wvater inl an instant.... by dipping the fingers in cold water.... WORSE ill thie morning......................... in the forenoon......................... at night.............................. in the afternooii....................... towvards evening....................... in the evening......................... Pains when caused by a cold................... Toothache with children....................... men.......................... womien....................... before, during, and after menstruation during pregnancy..................... do do;Z do do do do do do do to to do do do do do, dc. do d o d o do do.do do...do. h.ddo.10d d..it..........- - do do....... do do..do do..di do....... do doi do do do ido di.dodo(0dod do d, *...do do;.i to. do.do.. do di(i dto do.. di d( do. do. doý dodo, do 102 ito do do do do do a 1/2 C, do do dri do do do do doc do it0 do dii do do do do to. to.. Jo do do iii. 79 These tables will show that Mercurius and Sulphur are the two medicines, most extensively curative of toothache. Mercury, it should be remembered, being so injuriously prescribed by so many practitioners, is the cause of numerous toothaches. It should therefore be always ascertained whether the patient has or has not been mercurialized previously to prescribing Mercurius. Next to sulphur stands Nux Vomica: and next to nux vomica, Pulsatilla: next to it, Staphysagria: then Belladonna, Bryonia, Chamomilla, and Rhus Toxicodendron. Persons, liable, to toothache, should abstain from coffee: toothache being one of the effects of coffee. The insertion of a globule of the selected remedy on the tongue is a most effectual method of cure: sometimes smelling the medicine will be enough. Often the pain is increased at first, a homoeopathic aggravation; the patient should wait patiently, and, in a short time, the desired relief will be obtained. The best means to prevent toothache is to take care of the teeth by cleaning them with water and a brush after each meal. As a general rule, the use of toothpowders is unnecessary, when the teeth have been preserved by the means just stated. But if a toothpowder be used, no medicated or scented toothpowder* should be used while taking homoeopathic medicine. The use of a toothpick is to be avoided. The teeth are injured by this practice. Opium should never be taken. The pains are always increased. Creosote, another common remedy, should never be used unless under medical superintendence. * Mr. G. N. Epps, Homoeopathic Chemist, 112, Great Russell Street, has prepared a homoeopathic toothpowder. 80 Sometimes toothache assumes a chronic character: and then means, acting upon the general constitution, must be employed. THE THROAT. The throat may be regarded as a continuation of the mouth. There is a division, called the hanging veil of the palate, (velum pendulum palati), between the mouth and the part behind, called the fauces. From the centre of this hanging veil a little fleshy body hangs, called the Uvula; and between the fleshy pillars, forming the sides of this fleshy veil, are glandular bodies, called the tonsils. Opening into the fauces is the gullet, the fleshy tube, which conveys the food into the stomach: the upper part of this tube, connected with the fauces, being called the pharynx. These parts become affected frequently with inflammation. They become red, swell, and produce a powerful effect upon the constitution, constituting a disease, called THE QUINSY, OR SORE THROAT. According to the symptoms, the remedies for this affection must be chosen; remembering that a liability to attacks is dependent upon constitutional conditions, requiring a well-directed and long-persevered in course of treatment. An examination of the following tabular view will guide in the selection. 82 Belladonna. 9. Thirst. 10. Salivation. 13. External swelling of the throat, of the muscles, and of the glands of the neck. 14. Pain in speaking. 15. Sometimes inability to drink, liquids returning through the nose. Chamomilla. 9. Thirst; with 9a. great dryness of the throat. 13. Glands of lower jaw swollen, with throbbing pains. Ignatia. Mercurius. 8c. Back part of tongue swollen. 8d. Gums swollen. JV'Nu Fomica 10. Mouth filled with viscid tenacious mucus. 11. Offensive odour from mouth. 12. Ulcers in the throat. SPulsatila. 9. & 9a. Mouth dry but without thirst. 13. Glands of neck swollen, and tender to the touch. 15. Pain in swallowing the saliva. 15. Liquids 15. Throbmore diffi- bings in cult to swal- tonsils in low than swallowing. solids. 83 Belladonna. Chamomilla. I Ignatia. 16. Fever, sometimes with delirium. 17. Hoarseness. 16. Fever, with alterna. tions of heal and cold. 16a. Fever worse to wards evening. 18. Caused by a cold: 19. or a cold draught of air when perspiring. 20. Children 16. Fever, with alterna-;ions of heat and cold. - Mercurius..JNuz Vomica. 16. Fever, with alternations of heat and cold. Pulsatilla. 16. Sense of diffused coldness, increased towards night, succeeded by heat. 16a. In the evening. 17. 17. 17. 18. Caused by a cold. 19. Cold air produces pain. The Stomach. The stomach, performing very important duties in the process of digestion, its affections become of very considerable moment. It should be remembered that the stomach, of which, in conjunction with the next intestine, the woodcut, (in the following page) is a representation, is situated under the ribs on the left side of the body, in the upper part of the abdominal cavity, extending across to the right side, passing behind the triangular part, formed below the end of the breastbone and the margin of the ribs, called the pit of the stomach.* * For a full description of the stomach and its uses, and also of the other organs of digestion, see " Constipation Curable." Second edition. By John Epps, M.D. 84 a. Cardia, where the gullet ends in stomach. b. The pylorus, where the stomach ends in ffff. The duodenum. c. The small curve of the stomach. e. The bulging extremity of the stomach. 86.7Vuz Vomica. SYMPTOMS. 3. 8. 8a. 15a. 19. 24. 32. (See " Headache.") 1. Face yellowish ]a. Especially about the mouth and the wings of the nose. 2. Face red. 3. Eyes, a yellow tint of the opaque cornea. 4. Mist before the eyes, or spots. 5. Sparkles before the eyes. 6. Giddiness. 7. Tongue foul. 7a. Tongue dry and white, 7b. or yellowish. 8. Thirst. 9. Bitter taste. 10. Heartburn. 11. Acidity. 12. Flatulence. 13. Water-brash. 14. Hiccough. Pulsatilla. 02 8r 8 Co J Bryonia. Symptom 2. (See other symptoms of headache.) 6. Giddiness. 7. Tongue dry. 7a., white. 7b.,, yellow. 8. Great thirst. 11. Acidity. 12. Flatulence. 13. Water-brash. Chamomilla. 3. 7. 17. (See " Headache.") 2. One cheek red, the other pale. 3. Ditto. 4. Eyesight obscured. 7a. Tongue dry and cracked. 7b. Thick yellow coating. 3. Ecessivethirst. 3a. Desire for cold drink. 11. Acidity. 12. Flatulence. 13. Regurgitation. of food. 8. A want of thirst. 10, Ditto, an hour after eating. 11. Acidity. 12. Flatulence. 14. Hiccough. 87 JVN= Vomica. 1 Pulsatilla. 14a. Nausea in 14a. Aversion tc the open air. fat foods. 15. Fulness at the pit of stomach, 15a. and at the sides of the stomach. 1Jf. Tenderness or the pit of the stomach to touch. 17. Clothes felt tight. 18. Cramps in the stomach. 19. Constipation. 20. Irritable. 21. Passionate temper. 22. Men. Bryonia, 14a. Aversion to food so strong, cannot bear the smell. 15. Ditto. 16. Ditto. 17. Pressure as if from a stone. 18. A burning at the pit of the stomach, especially when moving. 19. Constipation. 21. Passionate, obstinate. 23. Complaints worse by motion. 25. In summer. 23. In damp weather. 26. Chilliness a common attendant. Chamomilla. 14a. Nausea. 14b. Vomiting of food. 15. Ditto, chiefly after eating. 15a. Oppressive pain at the region of the heart. 15b. Feeling of sinking at pit of stomach. 18. Ditto, especially when from coffee. ]8a. Ditto. 19. Relaxation as a more general feature. 19. Diarrhcla, or if not, slow evacuations. 20. Timid, phlegmatic. 22. Women and children. 89 A second affection of the stomach and of the bowels, very common, is FLATULENCE. Flatulence is dependent in numerous cases upon general causes; such as food of bad quality or excessive, quantity; unsuitable drinks; and then immediate relief can be afforded. When, from the wind, the lower intestines,are affected with pains and a sense of tightness, the tightness being felt also under the false ribs, the wind not effecting its escape, China is very serviceable. When constipation exists, as will be seen from the table, and the sufferer is of a lively temperament, Nux Vomica is useful. When flatulence follows the use of rich food, and when it occurs in women of a mild and gentle disposition, Pulsatilla is an appropriate remedy. A more active remedy is Cocculus; it is useful when, in adition to the sense of tightness and contraction in the lower belly, similar feelings exist in the reproductive organs; also when there is swelling at the pit of the stomach: uneasiness at the stomach: gripings, twitchings, anxiety, and pressure under the cartilages of the ribs, not diminished by the discharge of wind, but relieved by the expulsion of the offending matters. A third affection, in which the stomach is intimately concerned, is VOMITING. This, when from excess of food, should be aided by warm water, drank plentifully. 90 Should aversion to food, nausea, and heavings of the stomach continue after full vomiting, the tongue being furred, then Antimonium Crudum is useful; but, if the tongue is clean Ipecacuanha. When vomiting is caused by food that is fat, Pulsatilla is the remedy. When vomiting has been preceded by a fit of passion, and is attended with a bitter taste, bilious and bitter risings, the matter ejected being green, bilious, and producing a grating sensation in the throat: with fulness, and a pressing pain at the pit of the stomach: general languor: total loss of appetite: anxiety: thirst: giddiness, and semilateral pains in the head, then Chamomilla must be used. Add to these symptoms, the continuance of the passion and a sensation of coldness, then Bryonia is to be employed When children, who have pains in the belly, frequent nausea, excess of saliva, with a vapid taste, pale complexion, discoloured lips, with general coldness and debility, then Valeriana is the best temporary remedy; permanent relief being obtained by the use of those means, which expel the worms, the cause of these symptoms. A fourth affection of the stomach, with which the bowels sympathise, is that designated CRAMP OF THE STOMACH. This cramp of the stomach presents itself in very numerous forms, being attended with constriction, pressure, pinching tearing pains at the pit of the stomach; with a feeling as 91 though the clothes compressed the body at the pit of the stomach; a feeling as of accumulated wind in the left side under the ribs: pain extending to the back and the left side: strong pressure at the back as from a hard substance: hot, cramp-like feeling, extending to gullet, with a sense of suffocation: increased saliva, fainting, and oftentimes vomiting. When these symptoms are present, and where coffee has been much used, then Nux Vomica is the remedy. Where, in addition, the lower belly is swelled with wind, where constipation exists, semilateral headaches, pressive pains in the forehead, Nux Vomica is useful. As a proof that coffee often causes this cramp, the fact is interesting, that coffee taken augments all these symptoms. When nux vomica does not relieve, Cocculus often will, especially where constipation, pain at the lower belly, relieved by a discharge of wind, and a fretful, self-absorbed, sombre disposition, attend. When the cramps are connected with nausea and vomiting and severe darting pains at the pit of the stomach, then Ipecacuanha will cure. When the nervous system is very excitable, so that the slightest circumstance annoys the patient, then Chamomilla is useful. The Bowels. The first affection of the bowels is that, in which the bowels do not perform their duty; but require longer intervals than usual to expel their contents. 93 Bryonia. 1. Disposition much influenced by the constipation. 2. Flow of blood to head. 3. Giddiness. 4. Headache..Jwuz Vomica. Opium. 1. Ardent, hasty, and 1. Persons devoid of inclined to anger, energy, and torpid, weak, nervous system. 2. Face full of blood 3. Giddiness. 4. Headache in walking, in lowering the head. 4a. Pain in the forehead. 5. Pressure from with- 5. Pressure in the temout inwards at temples. pies, not relieved by sitting up or lying down. 5a. On stooping, the brain feels as if forcing through the temples. 6. Loss of appetite. 7. Tongue loaded with mucus. 8. Lancinating, pressing pains in the lower belly. 9. A feeling of constriction at the anus. 9a. Hiemorrhoids. 6. Loss of appetite, thirst. 7. Dryness in the mouth. 8. Throbbings in the lower belly. 8a. Pressure at the stomach. 9. Desire to go to the closet, with a feeling as though the passage were closed. 10. Persons easily 10. Disturbed sleep. chilled. 11. Occurring in warm weather. Nux Vomica is useful in constipation from excess of food; nux vomica, bryonia, ignatia, and opium, are useful in the constipation of pregnant women, alternating, beginning with nux vomica. Constipation, not giving way to these means, requires the advice of the physician. Let it ever be remembered, PURGING iS POISONING. 94 An intestinal affection, regarded as the opposite of constipation, is that called DIARRHCEA. When the bowels act more frequently than natural, and when the evacuations have a less solid character than natural, this is named diarrhcea, or looseness. The nature of the evacuated matter differs very much; and so do the attendant symptoms. Chamomilla. China. 1. Produced I. Produced by cold or by by cold lipassion. quids. 2. Motions 2. Clear, and watery. without any admixture. Dulcamara. 1. Produced by cold, especially by becoming wet. 2. Watery. 2a. Slimy and yellow. Mercury. I. Cold from night air. 2. Watery, profuse. 2a. Green, sometimes tinged with blood. Pulsatilla. 1. From errors in diet. Sulphur. Frequent.1 2. Acrid. 2a. Motions 2a mucous. in ofi 3 Odour of rotten eggs. 4. Pains vio- 4. lent and tear- b ing, obliging him to writhe and turn over.. Contaii g portion! indigeste food.. Sour. Precede y violent colic. 1 -s d 2a. Excoriating the anus and surrounding parts. 3a. Risings in the mouth of rotten eggs, colic. d 4. No pain in 4. Tearing the belly. pain in the lower belly, whichiscold. 4a. Pain in 4a. A pinchthe region of ing pain in the navel. the hollow of the stomach. 95 Ckamomilla.i China. I Dulcamara.1 5. Feeling as if the belly is hollow. 6. Constant movement, as of a ball rolling fromi side to side. 7. Nausea. 8.Eyes encircled with a bluish ring 5. Weakness in the belly. 6. Much, noise. 3. Occurring immediately after partaking of food. 7. Nausea. 7a. Vomiting occurring at night. 10. In infants in teething.. JMercury. 4b. Painful straining called tenesmus, before, during, and after an evacuation. 9. Shivering and weakness. 5. Fulness ol the lower belly. 7. Nausea. 7a. Vomitings. Pulsatilla. Sulphur. 9. Gradual emaciation, and consumption at its last stage. Another disease of the intestines, approaching in some features to diarrhcea, is CHOLERA. This disease occurs most frequently in the summer; is referred, generally, to the fruits eaten, but is more justly 96 referrible to the heat of the atmosphere deranging the liver, and thereby modifying the secretion of the bile. Before an attack of cholera, many symptoms, called bilious, generally appear: inactivity: heaviness: jaundiced complexion: tongue covered with a yellow mucus: bitter taste: dislike to food: bitter risings: fulness at the pit of the stomach, with pressure and cramps: urine deposits a reddish sediment, and smells offensively. Chamomilla will remove these symptoms. If these symptoms are neglected, the patient vomits first his food, and then a watery bilious fluid; violent diarrhcea takes place, the secretions being at first fetid, afterwards watery and bilious. These symptoms neglected, or improperly treated, the pulse sinks: spasms in different parts of the body appear: tenesmus, cold perspirations, and even syncope. Ipecacuanha is to be used when the vomitings and the diarrhcea are established. If cold sweats appear, and the vomitings and purgings do not abate under the use of ipecacuanha, Veratrum must be employed. If there is insatiable thirst: pulse scarcely perceptible: excessive prostration of strength: almost constant purging, the matter tinged with blood, then Arsenic must be employed. The medicines in this disease must be frequently repeated. Chamomilla is particularly useful when passion causes the attack. 97 Another disease of the intestines is that, well known under the name of COLIC. This is a disease which affects the larger intestines. Sometimes it is produced by lead, and then it is called painter's colic. Colic consists, essentially, of tearing, pulling, racking pains, unattended with inflammation, passing through the interior of the belly from above downwards, being seated principally about the navel. In children the disease is manifested after a copious discharge of urine, by considerable agitation, crying, screaming, twistings during sleep: the legs are bent upon the body: and by an inability to suck. When, in addition to these general symptoms, the eyes are distorted, the saliva is accumulated in the mouth, and there is diarrhoea, with green, watery, mixed with mucous, evacuations, then Chamomilla is the remedy: in very mild dispositions, Pulsatilla. When, in addition to the general symptoms, the following 'symptoms occur, Nux Vomica is indicated, namely hardened faeces, constipation; weight in the lower part of the belly: Pain, as if the intestines are squeezed in different directions: pain in the belly upon pressure: and coldness of the extremities at the time when the affection is most violent. Nux Vomica is the best remedy for windy colic, which is attended by a feeling, when the wind is about to escape, of a sharp cutting instrument making its way to the bladder, rectum, and the parts of the lower part of the belly: this 7 98 being felt more particularly in an erect posture, and being lessened by lying down or sitting in a curved position. When, however, the colic assumes the following characters, then Colocynth is useful. Violent pains in the belly, constant; If not constant, returning with augmented intensity: The pains having departed, a bruised feeling remains behind: The pain limited to one particular point: So severe as to make the patient scream: and even to bite anything: Twists about like a worm: Causes profuse sweating. I have cured many most urgent cases by three globules of the decillionth dilution, dissolved in four spoonfuls of water; two immediately, and one every two hours till relief was obtained. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. This disease is attended with so much danger that the physician's aid must be had. It is characterized from Colic by the existence of excessive scnsibilitq to touch; so much so that the weight of the clothes is quite unbearable. In colic pressure generally relieves. Aconitc is always useful. Belladonna is oftentimes the next remedy. 101 obnoxious bodies; and the mere removal of worms without removing the intestinal condition, favouring their production, is no benefit. The common idea that, if the worm is killed, the victory is gained, has been the justification for the destructive practice of giving large doses of oleum terebinthinae (oil of turpentine) under the old system; a practice fraught with danger, and often quite ineffectual. When worms become decidedly numerous and troublesome, then remedies should be employed. The choice will be aided by the tables. It may be remarked that very generally febrile symptoms attend the injurious agency of worms. Hence Aconite is generally useful to begin with. Where small worms exist, Ignalia is beneficially used after aconite. Where the tapeworm exists, Sulphur is peculiarly efficacious generally. In all obstinate cases, sulphur alternating with mercury is highly efficacious. The symptoms recorded in the tabular view are those presented by worms: the symptoms more particularly belonging to each medicine are indicated by " do " placed in a parallel line with the symptom. 103 JAUNDICE. This is produced by an affection of the liver. It seems as if the bile passed into the circulation, for the eyes become yellow, also the countenance; and the evacuations become white and slimy, and the mouth has a bitter taste. Chamomilla is the best remedy, to be followed up by Nux Vomica and, if chilliness attends, Bryonia. If Chamomilla has been taken to excess, then Pulsatilla, and Ignatia are to be employed, which are followed beneficially by China. LIVER COMPLAINT. Jaundice is a manifestation of disturbed liver. The term liver complaint is very common, and very erroneously applied. In almost all cases of indigestion the liver is disturbed: when, however, its diseased state is attended with pain, sense of weight, and sometimes enlargement, in the region of the liver, with pain at the collar-bone and at the top of the right shoulder, with a dry cough, and inability to lie on the left side, the liver is considered to be in a state of inflammation. Aconite is the first remedy; and this must be followed by Bryonia, or Nux Vomica, or Pulsatilla, or Mercurius, according to the symptoms. 105 Homceopathy presents several means of relief, and the following tabular view of the symptoms will direct the choice. Aconite will be seen, from a reference to the symptoms, p. 18, to be suited to almost all cases of rheumatism at the commencement. Bryonia. Chanmomilla. Dulcamara..JVuz Vomica. Pulsatilla. Rhus Toxicodendron. 1. Aching 1. Tearing 1. From a 1. Tension 1. Drawing 1. Tension, pains in the pains in the cold damp and pressure pains in the drawing and joints of the joints. - atmosphere. in the exter- muscles near tearing in arm, the Shooting, nal parts of the joints, the limbs. back, the drawing,and the chest, nape of the plucking. shootings in neck, the muscles of breast. the chest; between the shoulders; tearing pain in the nape of the neck. la. princi- la. Aggra- la. Patients pally during vated at suffer at motion and night, di- night, and inspiration. minished by are relieved sitting up in by motion. bed. 2. Drawing 2 Pain in 2. Pains in 2. Pains of tearing pains the cervical the joints of bruising, as in the ten- vertebra du- thefcct. if the flesh dons where ring motion was torn uniting with and respira- from the the bones, on tion. bones. rising in the morning. 2a. Pain 2a. Pains 2a. Pressing like cracking frequently drawing at shoulder- changing pain, as if jointand their posi- the periosshoulder- tion. Exa- tcum was blade. cerbated to- scraped from wards even- the bone. ing. 106 Bryonia. 3. Stiffness of the body especially aftermidday. Chamomrilla. 3a. All the limbs as if!paralysed. 4. Toothacht afecting lth Wvlle side ol the face, ex tending to the ear. 6. General uneasiness. Dulcamara. 3. Upper limbs feel as bruised, worse at night, and at rest. 3a. Upper imbs as paralysed and cold. JV'ux Vomica. Pulsatilla., 3. Stiffness of the back. Rhus ToxicodeTzdron. 3. Sense of torpor, and dulness in the parts affected, after motion. 4. Coldness of the feet and hands. 5. Shiverings. 5. Shiverings. 6. Sense of great weakness. 7. Cough and sneezing. GOUT. With rheumatism, GOUT is in many most important particulars intimately allied. Homoeopathic remedies afford most successful results in respect to gout; but it is a disease so complicated in its production and in its concomitant symptoms, as to require the judgment of the physician to select the right remedy. 107 The next affection is LUMBAGO. This is an inflammatory affection of some muscles of the loins; and manifests itself by violent, fixed, drawing, tearing pains in the loins, extending to the back and shoulders, down to the thighs. It is attended often with an affection of the bladder, cramps being produced: difficulty in the discharge of urine, with an inclination to go to stool: the thigh afterwards feels weak, numbed, &c. and the sufferer cannot bend or extend the limb. The pain in the back becomes so bad, that he cannot lie on it: fever supervenes: there is strong thirst: the pulse is hard, full, and incompressible. To subdue the febrile symptoms, Aconite must be repeatedly employed, if necessary. When the pains are worst during motion, Bryonia and. Nux: when worst in a state of rest, Rhus and Pulsatilla: when insufferable during the night, Mercury and Chamomilla: when the pains are pulsative, and suppuration threatens, Staphysagria: when spasmodic affections of the bladder appear, then Cantharides. 108 CHAPTER VII. GENERAL AFFECTIONS. 1. Faintings. 2. Coma, lethargy, or somnolency. 3. Suspended animation; 3a. At birth; 3b. From starvation; 3c. From afall; 3d. From drowning; 3e. From being frozen; 3f. From lightning; 3g. Fromfoul air; FAINTING. The first advice is, be not in a hurry. This produces confusion and often injury. Let all tight garments be loosened; let the patient lie horizontally; let the crowd be dismissed; and let one or two persons, and those, if possible, known to the patient, be in the room. Many persons have been seriously injured by discovering themselves, on recovery, unexpectedly in the presence of numerous strangers. Having loosened the garments, sprinkle with a feather a little clear water lightly on the face, sprinkle some on the nape of the neck and the back of the head, and, if not successful, then on the pit of the stomach. 109 If these have no effect, let. the patient smell the Spirit of CAMPHOR. The cause, being known, will often lead to the appropriate remedy. Iffright has been the cause, then Opium o'r Aconite; the latter if there is heat; if from loss of blood or debilitating causes, China, also wine, but then it should be given only in drops. Phosphorus is often very useful. If mental emotions have been the cause, then Ignatia or Chamomilla can be employed, (See Chapter 1st, on the Causes of Disease.) If, fainting follows after SEVERE pains, Aconite and sometimes Coffeaa; if, after slight pains, Hepar Sulphuris. If fainting occurs after the slightest cxertion, then Veratrum will be useful. If coming on in the morning, especially with those, who have used much mental labour, and those who have used ardent spirits, then Nux Vomica will be the best remedy; also, if fainting occurs after meals. When these remedies are used, they are to be smelled only: the smelling not to be repeated more than once after five or ten minutes; and then, if no effect is produced, choose another remedy. If a beneficial effect is produced, but ceases, then repeat the remedy. If the patient is sick after awaking, do not attempt to resist it; if he sleeps after, let him not be disturbed. Moschus is suitable to girls of a chlorotic habit, to women of a hysterical tendency, and to irritable delicate men. To repeat: let not persons be frightened when a person faints. It is oftentimes beneficial; changes in diseased states have followed fainting from the influence the fainting exerts on the constitution. '111 by the operation of some violent cause, should not be regarded as dead, till means have been employed for restoration. It may be useful to notice the circumstances, under which suspended animation presents itself. 3a. Suspended Animation at Birth,Newborn infants are sometimes apparently dead. The mouth is to be cleansed with the finger, around which some linen has been put, and the nose also carefully cleaned. The infant is to be wrapped round in warm clothes, and rubbed on the breast and the hands with soft flannel. If the umbilical cord does not soon begin to pulsate, it is then to be cut asunder as usual, and the child put into a warm bath, so as to cover the whole body, except the face, with water. In this bath the breast and the limbs are gently to be rubbed and moved about. Should no sign of life appear after five or ten minutes, then take as much emetic tartar as will lie on the end of a penknife, and put it in a large tumbler of water, and lay a little drop of the solution on the infant's tongue. Should no alteration take place in fifteen minutes, repeat the drop. Again in fifteen minutes take a tablespoonful of the solution, mix it with a teacupful of luke-warm pure water, and give it as an injection. In the interim, nothing should be used to smell at, or to rub with, or otherwise. If, after the application of the preceding means, no change is produced in half an hour, then take, if the face is blue, opium, if it is pale, China, and dissolve some globules in a teacupful of water, and use for an injection. In the meantime, several drops of very cold'water, or a very small stream of it, may pass from a teakettle and fall from the height of five 114 pound it fine, and mix with a pint of water, put some of it in the mouth, lay two or three drops on the tongue or in the nose, and give the remainder in small injections. If the injection goes forward, then take a longer pipe and keep to the anus: after withdrawing it, place the thumb upon it for five to ten minutes, and see whether the injection remains. In addition, a healthy person may stroke with the palm of his right hand, keeping the hand some inches from the body, very quickly from the top of the head to the toes: at each fresh stroke turning himself about, and carrying the hand in a wide circle again to the head. 3 d. Suspended Animation from DROWNING. Drowned persons are immediately to be undressed, the mouth and the throat cleansed for half a minute or so, with the abdomen and the head bent rather forward, so that the water may run out; then put in a warm bed, wrapped in warm clothes, or placed in warm sand and ashes, covered therewith: if in summer, place the drowned person in that season, wrapped in a coverlet, in the warm sunshine, the face turned against the sun; the head lightly covered. Give the opium injection, and begin to rub the limbs with warm clothes, and continue so for hours. The passing of the hands down may be tried. Bleeding is madness. If no benefit is gained, lay on the tongue several globules of Lachesis, and use them in an injection, and rub again for some hours. "By such continued and unwearied exertion, persons," says Dr. Hering," who had been under water for HALF a day, have been brought to life. Again: there is scarcely an individual who falls into the water whose life is indeed immediately destroyed by it; he dies a long time after it, and commonly on the third day. Our skill only is not always adequate or our patience fails." 116 " If we do not shun the labour, we can sometimes, AFTER MANY HOURS, restore the apparently dead to life." Very often violent pains now arise. Give Carbo Vegetabilis, and repeat as often as necessary. If it fail to relieve, Arsenicum must be given. Should stitching pains occur, or heat in the head, Aconite will relieve. 3 f. Suspended Animation from LIGHTNING. Persons struck by lightning, should be placed with the face towards the sun, in pure fresh earth, and covered with it, so as to be on a half-sitting and half-lying posture, and nothing but the face exposed. As soon as the eyes move, the face should be shaded, and several globules of Nux Vomica should be placed on the tongue. Should no signs of life appear in half an hour, repeat the Nux Vomica: in fifteen minutes after, put Nux Vomica in water, and lay it on the nape of the neck: after another fifteen minutes, remove the soil from the lower part, and give an injection of ten to twenty globules of Nux Vomica in half a pint of water. Put some cotton wool in the anus, to prevent any evacuation; cover every part again with earth, and let the person lie in this position until he begins to breathe, on which, remove the earth from the chest, and bring the person into a clear sunny chamber. For any complaint which may follow, Nux Vomica and Sulphur are very efficient. 3 g. Suspended Animation from FOUL AIR. From various causes, such as gasses disengaged from deep cesspools, from limekilns, from charcoal fires, persons have life suspended. 117 The sufferer should be brought immediately into the fresh air, undressed, placed on his back and the breast elevated. Throw cold water in his face and breast. If a solution of chloride of lime in water is at hand, dip a sponge in and hold it before the nose, the solution to be weakened so as not to excite cough in a sound person who happens to breathe it. Put a teaspoonful of the strong solution into a tumbler full of water, and inject half a teaspoonful into the mouth of the sufferer. Repeat this from five to ten minutes, discontinuing gradually as the patient improves. If chloride of lime solution is not at hand, mix some vinegar with an equal quantity of water, and sprinkle the face with it; and hold a sponge, dipped in vinegar before the nose and the mouth. During this time the patient should be rubbed with hot flannel. If the face has been sprinkled, wipe it dry after a little while: then rub it with hot flannel and repeat the sprinkling. The feet, the stomach, breast and arms particularly ought to be well rubbed. The soles of the feet and the back may be brushed a little with a stiff brush. Be not too hasty, but proceed gently and continue patiently. Life sometimes will not return till after three or four hours. If the patient, apparently dead, does not breathe at all, it is useless to hold a sponge before his nose; only try from time to time by holding a light feather there, whether his breathing has recommenced. Blow breath occasionally into his mouth, which is best done by a person inhaling as much as he can, and then placing his mouth on that of the apparently dead (whose nose should be held shut), and blowing in the breath gradually. If you perceive the breast rising thereby, let the breath go out of itself, and repeat the operation. If the breath will not come out again of itself, plv," 11-9 a towel around the breast, and after the breath has been blown in, pull it gently. Thus by keeping up an artificial respiration, a person appatently dead may often be restored again, but he who undertakes the operation should himself be healthy and have a clean breath, and either drink, or rinse' his mouth occasionally with vinegar. As soon as the sufferer begins to breathe, or the exhalation of the breath infused becomes more rapid, cease the infusion, blow gently fresh ait towards him, and only when the breath becomes stronger, hold a sponge to his mouth, dipped in a very weak solutioi of chloride of lime, or vinegar. You ought to be very careful, indeed, lest you extinguish the feeble life jhst returning. If the patient recovers, give him a few drops of a weak solution of chloride of lime or vinegar. If he complains of cold, inclination to go to stool, or nausea, and vinegar will not renove this feeling, or the patient dislikes it, give him a little black coffee; if he complains of heat and great weakness, give him a little good, and, if possible, old wine. The smell of camphor is also often beneficial. Consult in this respect the wishes of the patient; whatever is most agreeable to him, or affords himi relief, deserves the preference. Andther mephitic gas is developed in deep wells, vaults, and lime furnaces, which is suffocating. It has no bad sinell, but makes him who inhales it sleepy, giddy, and at last senseless. Persons affectdd by it will usually revive in a short time, if they are speedily brought into the fresh air, sprinkled with cold water, and with vinegar, and particularly by the infusion of black coffee. Do not act with too much precipitation - delay is not dangerous in such a case. If respiration does riot return, it Will be necessary to blow in some breath. The vapour of charcoal is very dangerous, paiticularly t6 persons sleeping. Never sleep with lighted charcoal in a 120 than that from coal-fire upon their inhabitants. Such buildings ought to be pulled down; however, if people have to live in them. endeavour to kill the dry rot by stone-coal fire. Apply this, as much as possible, above, below, and about the spot where the dry rot breaks out. Brush the spot itself with a strong solution of blue vitriol, or sulphate of copper. To guard against the effects of the dry rot, put a few drops of sulphuric acid into a gallon of rain water, and take occasionally a drink of it. To obviate the bad consequences of exhalations from chloride of lime, to which people are sometimes exposed, smoke tobacco; or drop some strong brandy, rum, or spirits of wine on a piece of loaf-sugar, and put it into your mouth. In accidents from inhaling poisonous vapours, such as prussie acid, or mineral acids, take spirits of hartshorn, or spihits of sal ammoniac, which will afford relief; but do by no means apply the vial containing such spirits to the nose, you would only increase the evil thereby - pass the open vial at the distance of about six or eight inches slowly before the sufferer, so as to communicate the smell feebly to him; continue this as often as may be necessary. Or put a drop on a bit of paper, insert this into an empty bottle, and let him sometimes smell at the bottle. But if the vapours were from alkali, this would avail nothing; in that case let him inhale the smell of vinegar. Whether the vapours are from acid or alkali, you will find out by blue paper; acids will make it turn red, alkali will make that which is stained red from acids blue again. In cases of poisoning from acid vapours you may put one drop of spirits of sal ammoniac into a tumbler full of water, and give of this mixture a teaspoonful every ten minutes; in poisoning from vapours of alkali give from time to time a teaspoonful of vinegar. 124 often is the case, causes trouble and oftentimes danger in the birth. Dr. Eberle remarks, " the custom of wearing tightly-laced corsets during gestation, cannot be too severely censured. It must be evident to the plainest understanding, that serious injury to the health of both mother and child, must often result from a continual and forcible compression of the abdomen, whilst nature is at work in gradually enlarging it for the accommodation and development of the fcetus. By this unnatural practice, the circulation of the blood throughout the abdomen is impeded,- a circumstance which, together with the mechanical compression of the abdominal organs, is peculiarly calculated to give rise to functional disorder of the stomach and liver, as well as to hemorrhoids, uterine hemorrhage, and abortion. The regular nourishment of the fcetus, also, is generally impeded in this way - a fact, which is frequently verified in the remarkably delicate and emaciated condition of infants, born of mothers who have practised this fashionable folly during gestation. It may be observed, that since the custom of wearing tightly-laced corsets has become general among females, certain forms of uterine disease are much more frequent than they were sixteen or eighteen years ago. " To these valuable remarks may be appended the following statements of Dr. Andrew Combe: "The Romans were so well aware of the mischief caused by compression of the waist during gestation, that they enacted a positive law against it; and Lycurgus, with the same view, is said to have ordained a law compelling pregnant women to wear very wide and loose clothing." To conclude: the female should remember that childbearing is a process of health. The formation of a child in 125 the womb, when the exciting cause has been applied, is as natural and as healthy an action as the formation of chyme by the stomach when the food has been introduced into it: and therefore, this condition should not be regarded with a feeling of anxiety, but rather should be looked upon as a means of developing health; and that this is the case is rendered evident by the fact, that a female, who has brought a child into the world, presents a few days after, in her countenance, a peculiar freshness and clearness, that must strike even the most casual observer. 131 cultivate the habit of self-command. Medical men are obliged to appear joyous when they are often sad at beholding the condition of a patient; others should try and imitate them. With every violent hemorrhage Dr. Hering advises, " the thighs may be firmly bound with a cloth, a silken one being preferable: also the upper part of the arms. A little cold water should be swallowed, and should paleness and fainting appear, some drops of wine, only not more than one drop at a time, will be found very serviceable. Smelling vinegar, rubbing the nose, the temples, and other parts with vinegar is, in many cases, very good, only the patient, as is often done, should not be inundated with it; the utmost that need be, is a teaspoonful brought in the hand, or the finger may be dipped, so that the smell of the vinegar may afterwards be easily removed," as such smell might interfere with the operation of a remedy that the physician may prescribe. Other remedies may be seen under the heads of Epistaxi and Haemoptysis. Purgative medicine is one frequent cause of miscarriage; in fact, it is had recourse to for that effect. No homoeopathist uses such medicines; and the fact, that miscarriage is often induced by such medicines, shows strongly the value of homoeopathy, which affords remedies that regulate the bowels without purging them. The following table will direct as to the choice of the medicine in cases of hemorrhagic discharge from the womb: 134 ger, as a disease that requires medical aid, is as absurd as to maintain, that the gut delivery is a process of danger and requires medical aid. It is true that the last intestines of some persons pass into so disordered a state as to require medical skill; and so some child-deliveries may, from diseased conditions of the womb, require medical aid; but, to suppose that such conditions are the usual conditions, and that medical aid is required in the generality of cases, is as foolish as to suppose, that every person, when he has a healthy action of the bowels, requires to be aided by a groom of the not stole, but stool. PAINS, however, in badly CIVILISED society, that is, society that has, in many most important respects, founded its civilization on bases, quite opposed to nature's precepts, do attend the bringing a child into the world. These pains are sometimes severe, and are felt with strong intensity by women of peculiarly sensitive constitutions: particularly at the birth of the first child, and more particularly, when the parent has her first child at an advanced age. To relieve the pains connected with labour, I have found, in numerous cases during the last two years, the following extremely useful; in fact, a written copy of these directions with the appropriate medicines have been presented to many patients, who have passed through their confinement, since they have embraced homceopathy, using no means but homoeopathic. Should the labour-pains be ineffectual, but intense, take three globules of COFFEA. Should this fail in affording relief, or, if affording relief, cease to afford relief, the sufferers, in the course of two hours, may take two globules of ACONITE, or else two globules of Nux VOMICA; the choice between the two being that if 139 DIARRHCEA OF LYING-IN-WOMEN. If it be not desirable that the bowels should be purged by medicine during the first few days after confinement, it is quite apparent, that a looseness of bowels, a DIARRHMEA, must be decidedly injurious, and requires remedial treatment. The symptoms recorded in connexion with the remedies for diarrhea, pp. 94, 95, will indicate the medicine to be chosen to subdue this state; but, generally speaking, Dulcamara is the best remedy; as the diarrhoea, affecting lyingin-women, is peculiarly likely to originate in a check to the natural perspiration, for which, i. e. thus produced, diarrhcea, Dulcamara is the specific. Hyoscyamos seems to be particularly useful when the diarrhoea is without pain, and when the evacuations are involuntary or almost so. When much debility is induced by the continuance of the diarrhcea, when there is much perspiration with the diarrhcea, Phosphorus will be useful, or Phosphori Acidum, but under such circumstances, medical aid ought to and will, it is likely, be sought. THE LOCHIAL DISCHARGE. A discharge takes place after delivery, continuing for some days. This discharge is called the Lochia, or the Lochial Discharge. When it continues abundant beyond nine or ten days medical aid is required. 140 Crocus is the principal remedy. The characteristics indicating its use, will be seen page 51, article Epistaxis. Bryonia will be useful when the discharge is of a deep red, attended with burning pains in the uterine region, but with chilliness in other parts. Calcarea is indicated where there is itching in the womb. Belladonna is indicated when the discharge is nauseous and offensive. Sometimes pure blood flows each time that the child is put to the breast; then Silicea is the remedy. If the lochia should be suddenly suppressed, puerperal fever may be produced. Pulsatilla is the best remedy under such suppression. SORE NIPPLES. To prevent the sore nipples, the best plan is a few weeks before confinement to wash the nipples with cold water, or with spirits of wine, obtained from distillation of grain: to continue this after the confinement, adding five or six globules of arnica to the water used to wash with. If, notwithstanding these means, the nipples should become sore, give sulphur for two days, and wash the nipples with cold water, having five or six globules of the sulphur dissolved therein. If after two or three days there is no change for the better, use calcarea carbonica: and wash with water, having had six globules of the calcarea dissolved therein. If still the soreness is not much improved, use alternately for three days the sulphur and the calcarea. 141 INFLAMMATION OF THE BREASTS. Fright, cold, sudden weaning, and numerous other causes, may induce this disease. The milk coagulates in the milk vessels, swelling takes place: the skin becomes tense, an inflammation, approaching to erysipelas, takes place; this, if not stayed, proceeds to suppuration, cold sweats break out over the body, the head becomes affected, and, after almost intolerable agony, the matter discharges externally. Belladonna, if administered when the erysipelatous appearance and the swelling first appear, will often stop the progress. When the breast is hard and swollen and the milk suppressed, then Bryonia can be used. In conjunction with these affections of the breast there is a disease, called MILK FEVER. This fever is developed, when, from any cause, the free formation of milk is interfered with. The treatment depends greatly upon the exciting cause. If a blow, or a severe and protracted labour, be the cause, then Arnica, internally administered and externally applied, is the best remedy; premising that, should decided inflammatory symptoms present themselves, Aconite must be previously used. When rheumatic pains exist in the breast, then Bryonia, after aconite, if the fever be strong; without aconite, if the fever be slight. /^ 142 When erysipelas threatens, then Belladonna: When joy is the exciting cause, Coffcea: When passion is the exciting cause, and the fever is high, Chamomilla, preceded by Aconite: When fright has been the cause, Opium: When fright and passion have been combined, then Aconite: When a chill, suppressing an existing perspiration, has been the cause, Dulcamara: When concentrated grief, then Ignatia: When milk fever is attended with symptoms, indicating affection of,the head, chest, or abdomen, there is reason to suspect puerperal fever, in which not a single step should be taken without the physician. When, after the inflammation has been subdued a hardness still remains, Mercurius Solubilis can be given with effect. I have succeeded in several instances in preventing abscesses in the breasts by the means narrated. When, however, suppuration, it is evident, must take place, then aconite and hepar sulphuris, as directed at p. 13, will be of the greatest service in bringing about a satisfactory termination to the disease. When suppuration has established itself before homoeopathic remedies are used, and there are ill-looking sores, discharging a fetid discharge, Silicea will cure in a short time, using sometimes Phosphorus alternately. I have succeeded, in cases where fatal results were expected, by these homoeopathic means in so completely restoring a healthy condition, that the mothers, at their next confinement, have experienced no inconvenience in the breasts previously affected. If the inflammation has arisen from a blow, arnica is, as might be inferred, a most efficient remedy. 143 MODIFICATIONS OF THE SECRETION OF MILK. The action having ceased in the womb, an action takes place in the breast. A fluid, fitted for the nourishment of the young being is formed, and upon its continuance and proper condition, much of the comfort of the mother depends. Sometimes, however, the milk is suppressed, and a dangerous fever, called PUERPERAL, is produced. When the milk is suppressed, Pulsatilla should be immediately taken, following its use with Aconite if the symptoms of Aconite, p. 18, are present, and taking the two medicines alternately, as directed p. 13, for acute diseases. Sometimes the milk is secreted in too great quantity; the breasts are distended and painful; the milk often cscapes from the nipple; much weakness is induced. In such cases Calcarea is highly valuable. 144 CHAPTER V. THE TREATMENT OF THE INFANT AFTER BIRTH. BEFORE birth the child, lodged in the mother's womb, was surrounded with a temperature, equal to that of the mother's body, namely, 96~ to 98~ Fahrenheit. To expose it, when born, to a temperature much lower, must be injurious: it should therefore be enveloped in a soft flannel,. heated to a temperature similar to that in which it was previously. The tenacious mucus, with which it is enveloped, should be removed by a sponge and warm water, heated to the temperature referred to. The Germans use "' an ovalshaped, shallow wooden bath with a raised portion at one end for the head, the bath containing a quantity of water just sufficient to cover or float the child." After being immersed three or four minutes the sponge will remove easily all the mucus, no soap or oil being needed. In drying the child, the advice given in the work, entitled "( A Grandmother's Advice to Young Mothers," is excellent. It is, as the child from its weakness cannot be held in an erect posture, to have a large flat pillow or cushion, ready prepared, and covered over with two or three large soft napkins, on which to lay and dry the child immediately on its being taken out of the water. 145 When dried, if the skin is ruffled, it should be dusted with flour; but not if there is no ruffling. After being dried, a flannel bandage, of five or six inches in breadth, and of a length sufficient to go round the body twice, is to be applied, but not to be applied tight. The child is then wrapped up in a flannel shawl or blanket; or, if not exhibiting signs of fatigue, is dressed. If exhibiting these signs, then the child is allowed to sleep before being dressed. The dress itself ought to be light, soft, warm, and loose, and not long: the use of very long petticoats often has induced deformity; moderate lengthed clothes keep the lower extremities warm. The clothes, as Dr. Eberle suggests, should cover the neck, the shoulders, and the arms: for why should the legs be kept warm, and these exposed to the cold: The custom of exposing these parts, Dr. Eberle rightly judges, is " one of the principal reasons why inflammatory affections of the respiratory organs are so much more common during the period of childhood than at a more advanced age." Of 379 fatal cases of inflammation of the lungs, which occurred in the British metropolis, 228 were children under three years of age. (Registrar's Report, p. 74.) Warm nightcaps are to be avoided; indeed all caps, except when going into the air. The child, as a general rule, should be washed daily, night and morning; immersing the body is the best mode. Many persons think it necessary to give the infant immediately after birth, laxatives, to expel the meconium. The milk of the mother is the best agent to effect this. The child is put to the breast about six or eight hours after its birth the milk then is very dilute, and produces the desired effect. If not, a little sugar and water will produce the effect: if not, 10 146 a lavement of a quarter of a pint of warm water can be used. Should these means not succeed, then the means for constipation can be used by the mother. As absurd as giving the'child physic directly it is born, is that of giving the childfood. It has just come from a xich depositary of nutriment: it needs to wait a few hours, not exceeding twelve. In regard to the diet of the infant, the fact that the milk pomnes when the child is born, points out tbat the mother's milk is the proper nutriment of the child, unless constitu.. tional taint affects the parent. If the child is suckled by a nurse, a nurse whose child is of the same age as that of the one to be fostered, is to be selected: and this for the reason that the milk varies in strength according to the period after birth: becoming more concentrated each month, so that the milk of a woman, whose child is six months old, is not suited to a child who is only a month old. If the mother cannot supply the proper amount of nourishment, then cow's milk can be used, diluting it to a degree in which its strength will be on a par with that of the mother's milk. In taking this milk or any other milk, not direct from the breast, the sucking-bottle should be used; because the exeercise of the lungs in sucking is an excellent means of developing the lungs, and thereby promoting the child's health. A small quantity should be put each time into the bottle: what is left, milk being so apt to turn sour, should always be thrown away. The child should be held in a reclining posture, just like as if at the mother's breast: the practice of placing infants fkla to feed them endangers them, by rendering suffocation likely. 147 About the sixth month the diet can be changed: arrowroot, sago, and the other usual articles, can be given in small quantities daily, milk still being the principal food. The infant's stomach rapidly converts the milk into chyme: once every three hours it may suckle; as its age advances lengthening the intervals. Regularity ofttimes is as important to the infant as to the adult. Many children's tempers have been spoiled, as well as their health injured, by not attending to this. One point more is worthy of notice. THE CREATOR HAS GIVEN THE FEMALE TWO BREASTS. For what 1 That she should use them; and, by so doing, prevent disease in herself and deformity in her child: for children, being suckled at one breast, often become deformed on that side: the same reason explains the cause of the impropriety of always carrying the child on one arm. In reference to carrying the child, - a practice most extraordinary prevails among nurses of carrying children with one hand under the petticoats; a practice bad in every respect, but dangerous as exposing the child to cold. WEANING. The mother's milk ceases to be beneficial after the eleventh month. It should therefore be discontinued between that and the twelfth month. It is thought, that wvhen the teeth are delayed, suckling may be continued even longer: but the development of teeth may be ensured by the use of remedies hereafter to be noticed. Weaning will, by attending to the rules regarding diet, be gradually brought about. 151 action to the jaws and the parts neighbhuring in developing the teeth, and, at the same time, the means which nature adopts to relieve the irritation. Another means, which nature seems to adopt to relieve the irritation, is a slight relaxation of the bowels. These two augmented actions, namely, the increased discharge of saliva, and the increased action of the bowels, need not any medicinal treatment, unless they become too severe: then Mercurius' will be serviceable, followed by Sulphur. The use of a crust of bread is an excellent means for diminishing the irritation; but what is still better, and what the child always endeavours to get, is a finger to rub the gums with. Lancing the gums, except in very sickly children, is a bad plan, and never should be performed except when the remedies, hereafter to be noticed, have been used without success. If lancing is performed, the incision should be only a nick, not on the edge but on the side of the gum. If the premonitory symptoms of teething continue too long, and the teeth do not seem to progress, I have found the alternate use of Calcarea and Belladonna highly serviceable. I have succeeded in several cases in families, where the previous children had cut their teeth with fits, in preventing the children, born after the families came under my homceopathic care, having any fits with their teething, by the use of these remedies. The principal remedies in addition are, Aconite, Coffcca, and Chamomilla. When the symptoms (p. 48,) attend the teething, then Aconite will be useful. When the child is uneasy, will not sleep, starts, at one 152 time too peevish, at another too cheerful, is difficult to soothe, Coffea will be useful. Give coffaea generally first: if relief is not obtained and there is fever, give Aconite: and, after it, chamomilla. Chamomilla is particularly indicated if the child, in addition to the symptoms described as suited to coffaea, has a dry whooping kind of cough, throws himself about, drinks often, with a burning heat, redness of the skin and eyes, anxiety, with sobbing, groaning, short quick rattling breath, and tightness on the chest, and tremor of the limbs. Belladonna: The many remarks already made in connexion with it, will be seen to be indicated wherever there is cerebral irritation. It was noticed that diarrhlea often attends the process of teething: sometimes the opposite state attends, namely, constipation: then Nux Vomica will be serviceable. Further particulars in reference to teething, when spasms attack the child, will be seen under the head of CONVULSIONS. The flesh of the human body is technically called muscle: each muscle is composed of numerous little muscular fibres or threads: each fibre or thread being endowed with the power of contraction, and afterwards of relaxation. When the muscles dependent on the will, hence called voluntary, in their contraction and relaxation follow the will of the individual, they act naturally: but when the muscles contract without the will of the individual, such contraction, being, irregular, is called a spasm: and when such contractions 154 Belladonia. 1. Body or limbs rigid. 2. Clfiching of hands, attended with burning forehead and hands. 5. Stares about wildly. 6. Pupils much dilated. 10. Starts suddenly wheen asleep. Chamomilla. 1. Convulsed in arms and legs. 2. Thumbs clenched. 3. Twitches of eyelids. 4. Twitches of muscles of the face. 5. Eyes half closed. 6. Rolling of the eyeballs. 7. Thirsty. 8. Appears without consciousness. 9. Rolls head on pillow from side to side. 110. Restlessness. Ignatia. 1. Trembling of the whole frame, with crying and shrieks. 2. Muscles of single limbs convulsed. 10. When asleep, sudderly flushed with burning heat, awakes with a convulsive start. iMrcurius. 2. Limbs cotnvulsed. 11. Moans. 12. Disposition to drowsiness when awake. 13. One cheek flushed, the other pale. 158 A second affection is THE CRYING OF INFANTS. Some infants are incessantly screaming, and apparently without cause; though this is more the case in children under a year old. A dose of Belladonna will often cause this to cease. If much agitation and restlessness are present, Chamomilla. If there is a frequent disposition to relieve the bowels, and the actions present large feculent portions, Rheum: if no looseness of the bowels, Jalap: if much flatulence, Senna. Infants are troubled oftentimes very much with HICCOUGH. This is generally relieved by laying the child warm on the mother's breast: a little lump sugar, as much as will cover the blade of a penknife, or a little sweetened water will remove this affection. Treacle is to be avoided, this producing acidity and phlegm. REGURGITATION OR RETURN OF THE MILK. Some infants seem particularly subject to this. They should be allowed to suckle less long each time. If the return of the milk amounts to vomiting, then Ipecacuanha can be used. Another disease of infants is EXCORIATION. For a description of this, see p. 18. 159 Another diseased state is THE THRUSH OR APHTHA. For the treatment of this, see pp. 74, 75. Another disease of infants is THE MILK CRUST. For the treatment of this, see pp. 17, 18. The diseased states connected with DENTITION OR TEETHING have been detailed pp. 75, 76. The method of treatment for CONVULSIONS, another affection of children, has been fully detailed, p, 152. Another diseased affection of infants is that peculiar asthma called MILLAR'S ASTHMA. The treatment is detailed at pp. 69, 70. Another diseased affection of infants is JAUNDICE. The remarks under that head, (p. 103,) will make elear the mode of treatment. Chamomilla, it may be added, is the most suitable remedy in the majority of cases. 160 Another affection of infants, occurring often from the pressure in the process of birth, is SWELLING OF THE HEAD. Arnica * given to the mother, as recommended under the * The subjoined will show the value of arnica in the relief both of swelling and injuries to the infant's head, and of the inconveniences connected with difficult child-bearing on the part of the mother. Mrs. K. was delivered on Sunday, Dec. 13, 1842, at 6 p. m., of a child. The child was in an unnatural position. The labourpains for twenty-four hours were intensely severe but ineffectual: and at length the surgeon felt compelled to effect delivery by the aid qf instruments. The labour concluded, the surgeon stated to the husband, a homceopathist, that he dreaded inflammation. Mr. K. gave his wife, on hearing this, three globules of Aconite, and two hours after, two globules of Arnica. The patient used also the arnica lotion, and with such benefit and refreshment as to cause her to express her feelings in regard to the arnica, " It is worth a shilling a drop." She passed the night tolerably well. In the morning the arnica globules were repeated; also the lotion was again used. The effects were marked: though delivered by instruments, there were no after pains, or at least so trifling as not to be deemed by herself worthy of notice. No symptoms of fever or of inflammation presented themselves; and she recovered most rapidly. In reference to the baby, the effects of the arnica were quite as well marked. The following is the description by the father: " The baby's head was bruised and crushed in a most pitiable manner. Of what shape it is I can hardly describe. It is alive, but unless you can do something for it, Ithink it cannot live. The surgeon is of opinion that it will go off in convulsions." Mr. K. bathed the infant's head four hours after birth with the arnica lotion, and repeated the bathing the following morning. At eleven at night on Dec. 14, it was convulsed, the head and the face becoming quite black. Mr. K. administered chamomilla, and it recovered. The following morning it had a slight convulsion. It cried much during the night. Excepting the head it is a fine child. It seems unable to swallow easily. The head is of all shapes. The centre of the forehead round Benevolence is very large or swelled, and the back part of the head is all forced to one 165 CHAPTER I. MENTAL CAUSES. FRIGHT is a most common cause of diseased states. I have been consulted, this day, among others, by two patients; one, who has epileptic fits, which were produced by the fright caused by suddenly discovering her mother dead; the other, who has become partially paralysed on one side from a sudden fright. Fright produces in the individual frightened symptoms, such as stupor, and sometimes an idiotic, lost appearance; loss of power, fainting, trembling of the limbs, startings, oppression, difficulty of breathing, and cold sweat. Opium if taken by a person in health, produces similar symptoms; and opium is thereby, namely, by its homceopathicity, constituted so useful an agent in cases of fright, that no remedy is equal to it in efficacy, when administered according to the homoeopathic formula, in infinitesimal doses, immediately or soon after a fright. When some interval has elapsed after the fright, Sambucus will be more serviceable than opium, particularly when, from the fright, the respiratory system is principally affected. 166 Whenever a person has been frightened, two globules of opium or of sambucus should be taken. Thus any bad effects will be prevented. I have known irremediable disease of the heart, produced by an accident; a lady was standing in the street with two other ladies, and the two beside her were killed on the spot by a horse that had run away with a gig. Had she taken opium immediately, this disease would not have taken place. How often has miscarriage been produced by a fright! Suppose a mother, who has miscarried several times, and that from slight causes: let her be frightened: let her experience the same symptoms, as those which preceded her miscarriages: give her immediately afterwards opium, and she will not miscarry: though, under previous conditions, a far less.cause would have caused this lamentable condition. A bad case of epilepsy * which I had cured in a boy, and who had remained free nearly two years, was attacked with fits a few weeks since. He had been playing in a field: a brute, miscalled a man, came up to the child, struck him with a heavy stick on his arm, and broke the arm. The child was dreadfully frightened: and, as was likely, a fit was produced. Had that child taken Opium immediately, no fit would have taken place. I am thus positive in making this assertion by the fact, that I have known children, who, by slight frights, have been thrown into convulsions, and have, by taking opium after a fright, had no such effects produced. Again: a child has been frightened. He awakes in the night suddenly with a dreadful fright, exhibiting great anx* See "Epilepsy, and some Nervous Affections its Precursors; being twenty-two cases, successfully treated, by John Epps, M.D." Sherwood & Co. 168 SILENT GRIEF is another cause of disease. In this case the party retains within herself or himself the grief: the indications are occasional sighs, flushed cheek on one side, pale on the other: constipation. Ignatia in such cases is the remedy, because it produces sighing, the condition of cheek referrred to, constipation, &c. AN INTENSE DESIRE, when ABSENT from home, to RETURN HOME, called NOSTALGIA, is a frequent cause of bodily disease. This is attended generally with redness of cheeks and sleeplessness. Capsicum is the best remedy. UNHAPPY LOVE WITH JEALOUSY, is often the cause of bodily disease. Hyoscyamus is the best remedy. 170 produced erysipelas. It should, when employed for wounds, affecting persons liable to erysipelatous attacks, be in the very lowest dilutions. Suppose an INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE is presented: that this inflammation is consequent upon a blow: then Aconite and Arnica would be the two remedies; although had symptoms of inflammation of the eye occurred from other causes, then aconite and some other remedy would have been more appropriate. CONvuLsIONs, especially in infants, result oftentimes from an injury. In these cases arnica will be the appropriate remedy, though in itself, not a specific for convulsions, the cause here operates: and, if not curing the convulsions, it will render the operation of the medicine, afterwards to be employed, certain. A fall on the head has frequently caused an aggravation of a previously existing HEAD affection. In such a case, arnica will prevent the aggravation, or remove the induced symptoms, and thereby counteract any additional danger, which otherwise might, by the superaddition, be caused. In connection with the use of arnica under such circumstances, I may add, that the successful result of several cases has led me to believe, that, though the injury may have been inflicted months before, so as almost to be forgotten, yet, when the symptoms existing can be traced so as to be decidedly consequent upon such injury, even then arnica is exceedingly useful, and is often the first step towards cure. DERANGEMENT OF THE STOMACH. This condition has often been the forerunner of many severe diseased states, which, if the derangement could have been arrested at the outset, would not have appeared. 171 In these derangements, Antimonium Crudum, Bryonia, or Pulsatilla, will arrest the progress: antimonium crudum, if there are risings, nausea, and feeling as if the person must be sick; bryonia, if there is gastric fever, with shivering and cold; and pulsatilla, if the derangement has been brought about by fat foods, and more particularly by eating pork. EXPOSURE TO COLD OR WET, Commonly called taking cold, is a frequent source of inconvenience and of danger in the progress of diseases, and a frequent cause of diseased states themselves. Nux Vomica (as will be seen from the treatment of Catarrh, pp. 61, 62, 63,) taken at once, will often arrest the progress of the symptoms, usually occurring after such exposure. If, however, the taking cold is attended with a sense of suffocation and nausea, then Ipecacuanha: if followed with pain and shedding of tears, Coffea: if followed by a copious discharge from the nose, and by the loss of smell and of taste, Pulsatilla: if followed by relaxation of the bowels and thickening of the water, then Dulcamara: if followed by relaxation of the bowels and griping, then Chamomilla. The homoeopathist further believes, that, even the injurious influence of weather can be, to a certain extent, prevented by the use of remedies: this subject is however one too extensive and too important to be treated of in this work. 172 PART IV. On Diet, Foot-bathing, Poultice-making, Fomenting. CHAPTER I. DIET. THE homceopathist knows, that, though diet will not cure disease, improper diet will interfere with the cure of disease: the homceopathist therefore strives to gain, in reference to diet, that no impediment shall be presented by the diet used to the efficacy of the means, which he uses. Thus far he trusts to diet, no farther: he knows that all articles of diet, except those which are purely nutritious, have a medicinal character. These articles, he knows, tend to keep up disease; and, if not keeping up disease, prevent the full effect of the homceopathic remedy or remedies. Persons using homceopathic medicines should avoid all articles of diet, which, having properties additional to their * "Homceopathy and its Principles explained," by John Epps, M. D.; in which the amount of power in the curing of disease derivable from diet is explained. 173 nutritive qualities, which may be considered medicinal, must necessarily interfere with the operations of the homceopathic medicines. It is necessary therefore to select articles of diet, in which the nutritive property, unaided by strong flavours, preponderates. The following articles of diet, either having medicinal or stimulating qualities, in addition to, or not possessing, nutritive qualities, are to be avoided. Animal. VEAL: i. e. meat spoiled in killing; PORK: i. e. meat of an animal, loaded with scurf; DUCKS: i. e. strong flavoured meat; GEESE: i. e. strong flavoured meat; SEASONED DISHES; ROTTEN OR DECAYED CHEESE; BACON; HAM. Vegetable. Liquids. Unripe fruits; Coffee; Unsound fruits; Tea; Sorrel; Spirits; Radishes; Wine; Onions; Ale; Celery; Porter; Garlic; Soups flavoured; Asparagus; Soda-water; Watercresses; Ginger-beer; Pepper; All Mineral Waters; Mustard. Vinegar. SMOKING, SNUFF, and TosAcco in all its forms, are to be avoided. The following articles can be taken: Animal. BEEF; MUTTON; FLAT FISH; COD; and all fish not oily; FRESH GAME; EGGS. Vegetable. BREAD; POTATOES, mealy;.BROCOLI; PEAS; BEANS, French and Broad; CARROTS; RICE; SAGO; ARROW ROOT. ( ] I Liquids. COCOA; "CHOCOLATE; MILK; WATER. 174 Some foods may be taken occasionally; Animal. Vegetable. Liquid. LAMB; Asparagus Tea, under medical OYSTERS; under medical direction. CHICKEN; direction. FoWLs. Where persons have been habituated to wine the hommeopathist does not forbid its use; but the wine should be taken with water: generally speaking its use is contraindicated in all forms of disease. Cocoa * is the best of all flavoured drinks. It is highly nutritive. It contains an oil and a fecula compounded in such suitable proportions that the most delicate stomach will after a time bear them thus joined. It may be asked, " Why object to coffee and tea? " The reason is that both coffee and tea are medicines. Coffcea is frequently mentioned as a remedy, as will be seen in the preceding pages: it cannot be good to give medicines to interfere with medicines which the patient is taking. Coffee is more decidedly medicinal than tea: tea produces that peculiar sinking at the pit of the stomach, so common to tea-drinkers. EXERCISE is another part of the diet. There can be no health without exercise. Where parties, from age or from loss of power, or from injury, are unable to take exercise, they should use friction, be shampooed. Exercise should be taken every day; and it should be taken in the fresh air: if the weather be very wet, the exerciser should dress as if going out; put up the windows of the room in which she is, and exercise there. * Homceopathic chemists generally keep cocoa for sale, with the view of ensuring that patients shall have it pure. 175 CHAPTER II. BATHING THE FEET. How ought a person to bathe his feet so as to derive the full remedial benefit? He should always have, previously to immersing his feet in the warm water, (which should be comfortably warm and not scalding hot, causing him to wait till it is cold,) a kettle of boiling water beside him, so that he can continually add fresh hot water, so as to keep augmenting the stimulus to his feet by augmenting the heat of the water. He should allow the feet to remain in the water for five to ten minutes. But in cases where bathing the feet is adopted as a remedial measure, it is necessary to use a liniment to rub the feet, so as to render the effect permanent. The plan to be adopted is the following: the party should be provided with a well-dried towel, or with towels. When the feet have been in the water five minutes, he can remove one from the water, rub it well dry, and then rub, or have rubbed, the foot with the liniment for five minutes; keeping up all the time the heat of the water, applied to the other foot, by adding occasionally fresh hot water. After rubbing for five minutes, slip on a stocking. Take out the other foot, rub it dry, and then rub with the liniment in a similar way. 177 CHAPTER III. MAKING A POULTICE. FEW persons know how to make a poultice; and many a sore and many a tumour has gone on its destructive course, because poultices - but poultices not properly made - have been applied. How then is a poultice to be made? Some persons cut slices of the crumb of bread, and pour boiling hot water on the same, and then bruise and press them into one mass. Such is their poultice: but this is not a proper poultice. Some persons reduce the bread to crumbs, and then pour the boiling water on the crumbs: but this is not a proper Spoultice. Some persons get old, stale bread, cut out the crumb, rub it fine into small crumbs, then boil some water in a saucepan, then pour the boiling water on the crumbs placed in a basin, and then put the whole into a saucepan, and boil, stirring constantly, one minute or two, adding a little butter or lard at the last: now this is a proper poultice. If we wish to retain the warmth, after putting the poultice onf a linen rag, then put outside that a flannel, and this being a bad conductor, it will keep the heat of the poultice within f6r a considerable time. I generally put in the poultice, before application, a few globules of the medicine taken at the time. 12 179 out, and then applied to the part; and before this flannel is removed, the other flannel, soaked and rinsed in a similar way, should be ready for application. Often the fomentation increases the pain at first: this, unless the augmentation continues, should not be regarded; or at least, not so far regarded as to cause cessation of the fomenting process. In colic the use of heated flannels is preferable to flannels soaked in hot water and rinsed. 180 PART V. Explanation of some Terms used in this Work. Directions as to the points to be attended to in Consultation: and the Names of the Medicines used: and the Diseases in which employed: and the Index. CHAPTER I. EXPLANATION OF SOME TERMS. HEALTH. "As long as the organs of the body are in their natural, called sometimes their normal state, the life, acting through them, presents the phenomena of vitality in so beautiful an order, so suitable a harmony, that, were we not constantly habituated to the contemplation, we should be struck with wonder. These orderly phenomena, these beautifully harmonizing manifestations are HEALTH. (1omceopathy and its Principles Explained, p. 7.) DISEASE. " What then is disease but IRREGULAR, ABNORMAL manifestations of life? Disease is vitality disturbed in its manifestations: life, not disturbed in its own nature, but disturbed, because the apparatuses, the organs, through which it acts, are not in their natural, their normal, their regular state." (Ibid. p. 9.) 181 ALIMENT. A substance, placed in such a relation to the human body in a state of health as to, when taken, afford nourishment. MEDICINE. A substance, placed in such a relation to the human body in a state of disease as to, when taken, restore the body to its regular and natural condition. REMEDY. The same as Medicine. THERAPEUTIC agent. The same as Medicine. PATHOGENETIC. Ha0og, pathos, a suffering; and yvreT-xog, genetikos, producing. A term applied to the effect or the effects, produced upon a healthy individual, by taking any medicine, remedy, or therapeutic agent. ALLOPATHY. A4og, allos, another; and naOog, pathos, suffering; is the doctrine that developes the principle that diseases are to be cured by inducing other diseases in some other part of the system. ALLOPATHIC. Of or belonging to Allopathy. ANTIPATHY. AVTY, anti, against; and naOog, pathos, suffering; is the doctrine that developes the principle that diseases are to be cured by inducing states, directly antagonistic, to those produced in the diseases. ANTIPATHIC. Of or belonging to Antipathy. HOM(EOPATHY (from opOtog, omoios, like; and TraOog, pathos, suffering;) is the doctrine that developes the principle that diseases are cured most quickly, safely, and effectually, nby medicines, which are capable of producing in a healthy person symptoms, similar to those existng in the diseases. HOMCEOPATHIC. Of or belonging to Homaeopathy. GLOBULE. A term applied to the round little grain, made of sugar and fecula, which, impregnated with any remedy, is the form under which the remedy is administered. 182 ABDOMEN. The part of the body situated between the chest and the pelvis; the cavity in which the stomach, the liver, the spleen, and the intestines are contained. This part foolish delicacy miscalls the stomach -whereas the stomach occupies but a part of the abdomen. PERIOSTEUM. (See p. 105.) The delicate membrane investing the bones of the body. PSORA. Hahnemann considers that the eruptive state, designated by the term psora, is the most frequent cause of disease: or more correctly, that psora exists in the majority of individuals in a dormant state; and, that the constitutional condition, thus induced, is one which is, so to speak, a peculiarly favorable soil for the production of diseases by the influence of noxious agents. SEMILATERAL. Affecting one half either of the whole body, or of any part of the body. SPECIFICITY. (See p. 93.) The peculiar relationship established in nature between the properties of a remedy and the symptoms of a disease, that they are mutually active, when brought to act on one another so as to remove the disease. MECONIUM. The name given to the feculent matter, contained in the bowels of the just born infant. 183 CHAPTER II. INSTRUCTIONS, BY WHICH PATIENTS AT A DISTANCE, AFFLICTED WITH CHRONIC DISEASES, MAY COMMUNICATE THEIR CASES TO A PHYSICIAN BY LETTER. Re-published from the American Journal of Homceopathy. THE patient should first describe his complaints in his own way, as though these instructions were not before him; viz., their commencement, progress, and presumptive causes. The age and sex of the patient, and whether he be married or single; whether of a large or diminutive frame of body, meagre or stout, feeble or robust. Whether the complexion be florid, or pale, or dark. Concomitant bodily infirmities, as hernia or rupture, prolapsus uteri, curvature of the spine, lameness, &c., should be made known. The disposition mild and placable, or boisterous and violent; firm or yielding, lively and communicative, or reserved and taciturn; anxious, apprehensive, or timorous, or irritable, &c. The patient is next required to give an accurate and particular description of the incidents or symptoms of his disease, such as pains and other morbid sensations, and their exact character. He should describe precisely the region or part, and on which side of the body they are seated, and how 184 large is the space they occupy. Are the symptoms continued, or do they remit or vary in intensity from time to time? Do they recur at particular times of day, or at certain intervals of one or more days? Is their recurrence, aggravation, diminution or cessation connected with the exercise of any bodily function? Do they arise or disappear, are they increased or diminished by exercise, or during rest, by lying down, or sitting, by stretching out, or bending up the body, by walking, by standing, by warmth or cold, in the open air or within doors, by light, by noises, by talking, by eating, by drinking or swallowing, soon after eating, by the motion of the affected part or by touching or pressing it, by mental emotion -fright, anger, during bodily or mental exercise, reading? &c. &c. Are the symptoms associated with anxiety greater or less? do they impair the powers of thought or recollection, or the due exercise of the senses? During the sufferings of individual parts or functions of the body, (even when these sufferings are not the principal ones,) further information is to be given respecting the state of the patient's mind; whether he suffers patiently, or is inclined to weep, to be morose, passionate, despairing, greatly anxious, or fearful, &c., or whether the mind is remarkably affected in these respects by the disease. Are the intellectual functions, power of thought, memory or desire, or ability for mental or bodily exercise weakened? Aberrations of mind. morbid affections of the moral and intellectual faculties are to be described by the narrators strictly as they are manifested by the patient's words or conduct. Is there dizziness, or " a dull, heavy sensation " of the head. Disorders of sight. Does the patient see objects indistinctly, as through a veil or mist? Does he see dark specks floating before the eyes, or sparks, or false colours? 185 Do objects appear double or quivering! Is the patient short or long-sighted! Is the pupil contracted, dilated, or very changeable? Are the eyes watery, red, inflamed, averse to the light Do the eyelids frequently adhere together Do they open and close properly? Are they affected by convulsive motions or twitchings, or beset with sties? Are there specks upon the cornea 1 Disorders of hearing. Is there a roaring, whizzing, or ringing noise in the ears. Is the ear-wax dry or fluid, oozing from the ears, or fetid. Are the nostrils obstructed? Is there a cold in the head, with or without a discharge from the nose. Sneezing. Sense of smell. Soreness and rawness of the nostrils, or a bad smell from them. Bleeding at the nose. Are the teeth incrusted with tartar, loose, decayed, and have any fallen out or been extracted 1 Are the gums pale or red, hard or soft, spongy, swollen, apt to bleed, or retracted from the neck of the teeth? Is there a dryness of the mouth? Or excessive flow of saliva. Is the saliva viscid, slimy, fetid, bloody? Is the surface of the tongue, tonsils, uvula, palate, fauces or lips affected with blisters, swellings or ulcers, or covered with mucus! Is the tongue dry or moist, acutely sensible, chapped, sore or raw, clean or covered with fur (white or yellow)? Are the functions of speech, chewing or motion of the tongue unembarrassed? Is swallowing performed without difficulty (Is the swallowing of fluids or solids, or of the spittle, attended by no inconvenience?) Has the patient a bad breath? Is the taste natural or absent, slimy, salt, bitter, sour foul? Have the different articles of food their proper taste, or are they insipid, slimy, bitter, sour, salt, &c. How are the appetite and thirst What articles 188 Is it dry, or inclined to sweat, or otherwise in an unhealthy condition?,I Is there itching of the skin (tickling, slight prickling, or a sensation of biting, burning, crawling, sticking)? is it relieved by scratching, or is the sensation thereby only changed for another? The presence in the, skin of wheals, swellings, boils, chilblains, and corns is to be mentioned, and the attendant sensations described:also cutaneous eruptions. Is there chilliness, or a feeling of heat? Chilliness, heat, or sweat of particular parts? Sweating of the feet; whether warm, cold, or fetid? When the patient has fever, does the paroxysm consist of a cold, hot, and sweating stage? Do they alternate with or succeed each other? What is the order of their succession?ý With what intensity, and how long, does each continue? Are they general, or do they affect particular parts only? 'with or without thirst? with paleness or redness of the face and skin?1 Are there other symptoms accompanying the paroxysm of fever (cold, hot, and sweating stagae)? Does the patient sleep long, or is lie restless, and is the sleep interrupted by frequent waking or startings? Does he talk or moan in his sleep, or has he the nightmare? Is the sleep disturbed by anxious dreams, and of what character?ý In what posture does the patient lie du-ring sleep? Is he accustomed to sleep with his mouth open? How is his strength? Is he obliged to lie down., or can he remain up? Does he feel languid, weary, or sluggish, &c.? Is lie emaciated? The patient should relate his previous diseases, - particular cutaneous diseases, -itch, eruptions of the head, tetter, erysipelas, smallpox, measles, pimples on the face, or any itching eruption of the skin. 194 OPIUm: p. 25, Smallpox; 33, Wound; 36, Inflammation of the Brain; 93, Constipation; 109, Fainting; 111, Suspended Animation at Birth; 113, Suspended Animation from Strangling, &c.; 119, Suspended Animation from Coal-fire; 128, Constipation of Pregnant Women; 135, Labour-pains suddenly ceasing; 142, Milk Fever; 156, Convulsions; 165, 166, Fright. PHOSPHORUS: pp. 77, 78, Toothache; 109, Fainting; 139, 141, Milk Fever. PHOSPaORI ACIDUM; p. 139, Milk Fever. PULSATILLA: p. 18, Excoriation; 19, Itchings; 22, Chilblain, 28, Measles; 30, Erysipelas; 33, Wound; 38, 39, 40, Headache; 42, Stye; 45, 46, Earache; 46, Inflammation of the Ear; 51, Bleeding from the Nose; 53, 54, Cold in the Head; 55, 56, 57, Catarrhal Fever; 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, Cough; 68, Hooping-cough; 72, Spitting of Blood; 77, 78, Toothache; 81, 82, 83, Quinsy, or Sore Throat; 86, 87, 88, Derangement of Stomach - Heartburn; 89, Flatulence; 90, Vomiting of Food; 92, Constipation; 94, 95, Diarrhaea; 103, Jaundice; 103, Liver Complaint; 105, 106, Rheumatism; 107, Lumbago; 129, Varicose Veins; 135, Labour-pains; 140, Lochial Discharge; 143, Puerperal Fever; 156, Convulsions; 157, Sleeplessness; 171, Diseases increased by Derangement of the Stomach -Diseases increased by taking Cold. RHEUM: p. 158, Crying of Infants. RHUS TOXICODENDRON: p. 25, Wart; 30, Erysipelas; 34, Sprain; 52, Bleeding from the Nose; 71, Inflammation of the Lungs; 77, 78, Toothache; 169, Miscarriages, Inflammations, &c., produced by physical injuries. SABINA: 130, Abortion. SAMBUCS: p. 70, Asthma of Millar; 162, Cold in the Head of Infants; 165, Fright. SECALE: p. 130, Abortion. 195 SENNA: p. 158, Crying of Infants. SILICEA: p. 20, Whitlow; 22, Scaldhead; 23, Corn; 77, 78, Toothache; 140, Lochial Discharge; 142, Milk Fever; 161, Swelling on Head of Infants. SOAP: p. 32, Burns. SPONGIA: pp. 12, 69, Croup. SQUILLA: p. 71, Inflammation of the Lungs. STAPHYSAGRIA: pp. 77, 78, Toothache; 107, Lumbago; 167, Passion. STRAMONIUM: p. 36, Inflammation of the Brain. SULPHUR: p. 18, Milk Crust; 19, Itchings; 20, Whitlow; 22, Chilblain; 23, Corn; 29, Purpura; 52, Bleeding from the Nose; 74, Thrush; 77, 78, Toothache; 94, 95. Diarrhcea; 99, Piles; 101, Worms; 129, Varicose Veins; 140, Sore Nipples; 148, After Vaccination; 162, Rupture, or Hernia of Infants. TARTAR EMETIC: p. 110, Coma. THIJA: p. 71, Pleurisy. TURPENTINE: p. 32, Burns. VALERIANA: p. 90, Vomiting of Food. VERATRUM: pp. 66, 67, 68, Hooping-cough; 96, Cholera; 109, Fainting; 162, Rupture, or Hernia of Infants. VINEGAR: p. 117, Suspended Animation from Foul Air. VIOLA TRICOLOR: p. 18, Milk Crust. ZINc: p. 19, Excoriation. This enumeration of the medicines used will afford the best answer to the ignorance-founded assertion, that homeopathists use but ONE medicine, because they are colourless: a circumstance dependent upon the medicines being prepared by trituration with sugar of milk. INDEX. Page Title...... 1 Preface to Second Edition... 2,3,4,5,6 Introduction; containing the Method of administering Medicines in Acute and Chronic Diseases; Remarks on remedial Aggravation. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 The Milk Crust Excoriation Itchings Irritability Whitlow Boil Chilblain Scaldhead. Warts. Corns Chickenpox Smallpox. PART I. CHAPTER I. The Skin7, and its Diseases. S. 17 Varioloid 18 Measles. 19 Scarlet Fever. 20 Purples. 20 St. Anthony's Fire, * 21 sipelas S. 21 Miliary Fever * 22 Nettle-rash S. 23 Burn and Scald * 23 Wound. 25 Sprain 26 Bruise. or 'Ery~. ~ ~ 27 27 "28 29 30 30 31 32 32 33 34 CHAPTER lI. The Head and its Diseases. Inflammation of the Brain 35 Headache Water in the Head.. 37 Megrim.. 37 40