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THE

WOMAN'S GUIDE,
SHOWING THE
CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT
OF
THE DISEASES OF
FEMALES AND CHILDREN.
shard
sandor
BY RS. GUTTERIDGE, M.D.,
LICENTIATE OF THE FACULTY OF PHYSICIANS; LICENTIATE OF MIDWIFERY;
LATE PHYSICIAN TO THE METROPOLITAN PROVIDENT DISPENSARY, AND OF THE HOME FOR
THE DISEASES Of women.
LONDON:
LEATH & ROSS, Homeopathic Chemists,
JEWRY HOUSE, OLD JEWRY, E.C.,
And 9, VERE STREET, OXFORD STREET, W.
I
PREFAC E.
THIS book is intended as a plain, intelligible, and
comprehensive Guide for the young Wife; for the
Mother in the management of herself and her in-
fant, in the training and treatment of her daughters
and family; for Ladies of all classes and ages, in the
numerous disorders to which they are liable. De-
signed for so large a number, the contents are ample,
and the directions precise. An endeavour is made
to meet the wants of those who have a limited, as
well as those who have a more extensive, acquaint-
ance with Homoeopathic remedies. It is offered as
an exposition to the inquiring, and a directory for
constant use.
44, BROOK STREET,
GROSVENOR SQUARE, W.
April, 1871.
R. S. GUTTERIDGE.
B 2
CONTENTS.
INTRODUCTION.-The Number and Frequency of Female Diseases
Especial Adaptation of Homœopathy; on the Doses and Adminis-
tration of the Medicines; the Divisions and Scope of this
Book
V-X
•
PART I.—MENSTRUATION, AND ITS DISORDERS.
CHAPTER I.-PUBERTY AND FIRST MENSTRUATION.-Puberty in the
Robust, the Delicate, the Scrofulous; Menstruation, Organs con-
cerned in; Uterus, Ovaries, and Fallopian Tubes, description of;
Ovum, formation and escape; Young Girls to be prepared for
First Menstruation, in Diet and General Regulation of Home
and School Life; Ventilation of Bed-rooms and School-rooms
especially requisite; Consumption a result of Insufficient Venti-
lation; Prevention and Curability of; Management of Dress;
Bad Effects of Stays; Spinal Curvature; Spinal Supports; Spi-
nal Couches; Gymnastic Exercise; Medical Rubbing; Exercise ;
Recreation; Amusements
1-21
CHAPTER II.-DISORDERS OF MENSTRUATION.-Precocious Menstru-
ation; Delay of First Menstruation, where there is no Effort, but
where some Affection shows itself, as-of the Circulation, of
the Digestive Apparatus, Want of Appetite, Constipation,
Diarrhoea, Anemia, Chlorosis—of the Nervous System, Neuralgia,
Headache, Hysteria, Catalepsy, Chorea, or St. Vitus's Dance,
Epilepsy, Fainting Fits; Suppression of Menstruation, or
Amenorrhoea with Effort; Irregular Menstruation in the Young
Amenorrhoea, and the Skin Diseases with which it is connected;
Vicarious Menstruation; Irregular Menstruation generally; Pain-
ful Menstruation; Profuse Menstruation; Cessation of Menstrua-
tion, or Change of Life; Sick Headache .
22-186
•
PART II.—AFFECTIONS OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS.
CHAPTER I.—AFFECTIONS OF THE EXTERNAL ORGANS.-Inflammation,
Erysipelas, and Abscess of the Vulva; Varicose Veins of;
Pruritus, or Troublesome Itching of; Nymphomania; Skin
Diseases of; Ulcers of; Warty Excrescences of; Neuralgia of;
Tumours of; Cancer of.
187-216
CHAPTER II.-AFFECTIONS OF THE INTERNAL ORGANS.-I. The
Vagina; the Hymen; Prolapse of the Vagina, Treatment of;
Spasm of the Vagina; Vaginismus; Inflammation of the Vagina;
Vaginal Leucorrhoea; Indurations, Tumours, and Cancer of the
薯
​B 3
ii
CONTENTS.
Vagina; Vaginal Fistula.-II. The Uterus; Congestion; Inflam-
mation; Uterine Leucorrhoea; Inflammation of the Neck of the
Womb; Ulceration; Neuralgia; Irritable Uterus; Displacements;
Polypi and Flooding; Tumours; Cancer; Dropsy; Fissure of
the Anus.-III. The Ovaries; Inflammation; Tumours; Cancer;
Ovarian Dropsy, Operation for
216-292
PART III.-THE DISORDERS OF MARRIED LIFE.
CHAPTER I.-PREGNANCY.-Marriage; Regulation of Health; Preg-
nancy; Miscarriage; Disorders of Pregnancy; Appetite; Morn-
ing Sickness; Constipation; Piles; Diarrhoea; Jaundice; Cough,
and Difficulty of Breathing; Anemia; Dropsy; Varicose Veins;
Headache; Sleeplessness; Cramps; Hysteria; Fancies; Walls of
the Abdomen during; Menstruation during; Falling of the Womb;
Leucorrhoea; Flooding; Preparation of the Breasts and Nipples;
Choice of Nurse and Doctor.
Tumours and Cancer of the Breast
293-332
325-330
CHAPTER II.-PARTURITION, OR LABOUR.-False Pains; Natural
Labour; Preparatory Pains; First Stage of Labour; Tremblings
and Chills; Restlessness; Feeble Pains; Violent Spasmodic
Pains; General Directions; Second Stage of Labour; Indications
and Progress of; Bursting of the Waters; Chloroform; Birth of
the Child; Management of; the Navel-cord; when the Child
does not Breathe; the Binder; After-medical and General Treat-
ment of Patient and Child
333-342
CHAPTER III.-LABOUR-ITS AFTER-MANAGEMENT.-After-paius; the
Lochia, or After-discharge; Management of the Breasts; Putting
the Baby to the Breast; Sore and Cracked Nipples; Depressed
Nipples; Establishment and Management of Lactation; getting
rid of the Milk; Gathered Breasts
342-356
CHAPTER IV.--THE MANAGEMENT OF THE INFANT.-Bruises; Sup-
pression of Urine; Regulation of the Bowels; Regularity in
Suckling; Stomach Derangements; Restlessness; Mother's Marks;
Inflammation of the Eyes; Rupture; Suckling and Hand-feed-
ing;
Wet-nurse; Bringing-up by Hand; Diet; Weaning;
Gathered Breasts after
356-365
PART IV.-COMPLAINTS INCIDENT TO CHILDREN.
CHAPTER I.-INTRODUCTORY.-Family Administration of Homœo-
pathic Medicines; Room for, and Advantages of; Rapidity of
Action; Specific Nature of; Diseases often to be warded off by
Proper Management; Rules for Diet, Baths, Dress, and Fresh
Air
366–373
CHAPTER II.-ON CERTAIN DEFORMITIES IN CHILDREN.-Club.foot;
Knock-knee; Bowed Legs; Left-handedness; Twitchings and
Grimaces
373-376
1
CONTENTS.
111
CHAPTER III.-DISEASES OF RESPIRATION.—Coryza, Catarrh, or Cold
in the Head; Influenza, Hooping-cough, Pneumonia, Inflamma-
tion of the Lungs, and Bronchitis; Croup; Millar's Asthma, or
Cuild-crowing; Tubercular Consumption, or Phthisis. 376-393
CHAPTER IV.-DISEASES OF DIGESTION AND ASSIMILATION.-Vomit-
ing; Diarrhoea; Constipation; Consumption of the Bowels;
Thrush; Inflammation of the Mouth; Úlcerative Inflammation
of the Mouth; Cancrum Oris (Mortification of the Cheek); Jaun-
dice; True Jaundice; Small Thread-worms; Round-worms; Tape-
worms; Protrusion or Prolapsus of the Lower Bowel. 393-414
CHAPTER V.-AFFECTIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.-The Nervous
System liable to Derangement; Convulsions, how produced, and
Treatment of; Inflammation of the Brain; Hydrocephalus, or
Water on the Brain; Infantile Paralysis; Chorea; Epilepsy;
Stammering
414-422
CHAPTER VI.- FEBRILE AFFECTIONS.-Simple Feverishness; Infan-
tile Remittent Fever; Cerebro-spinal, Spotted, or Malignant
Purple Fever; Scarlatina; Measles; Chicken-pox; Cow-pox and
Small pox; Mumps; Sore Throat; Diphtheria
422-443
CHAPTER VII.-GENERAL OR CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES.-Scrofula;
the Diseases to which it gives rise; specially-Rickets; General
Wasting, and White-swelling; Hip-disease; Rheumatism, and
Disease of the Heart connected therewith
443-450
CHAPTER VIII. - DISEASES OF THE EYE.-Inflammation of the Eyes,
or Ophthalmia; Inflammation of the Eyelids; Styes 451-454
CHAPTER IX.- AFFECTIONS OF THE EAR.-Earache; Acute Pain in
the Ear; Discharges from the Ears; Wax of the Ear; Alterations
in; Deafness
454-458
•
•
CHAPTER X. —AFFECTIONS OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS.-Inflam-
mation; Retention of Urine; Excessive Urination; Wetting the
Bed; Stone in the Bladder
458-459
CHAPTER XI.-SKIN AFFECTIONS.-Inflammation of the Skin (Ery-
thema): Erysipelas; Rose-rash; Nettle-rash; Herpes; Sudamina;
Eczema and its varieties
459-467
CHAPTER XII.-ACCIDENTS.-Abrasions of the Skin; Bruises; Cuts
and Wounds; Bleeding, or Hæmorrhage; Nose-bleeding; Dislo-
cations and Fractures; Burns and Scalds; Sun-stroke; Poisons ;
Accidents from Chloroform; Stings of Insects; Bites from Snakes
and Dogs; Hydrophobia; Suspended Animation.
467-475
LADIES' CALENDAR
478-489
INDEX
491-529
•
•
:
Acid, Benzoic.
Acid, Fluoric.
Acid, Hydrocyanic.
Acid, Nitric.
Acid, Muriatic.
Acid, Phosphoric.
Acid, Sulphuric.
Aconite.
Esculus.
Ethusa.
Aletris.
Aloes.
Alumina.
Ammoniæ Carb.
Ammoniæ Caust.
Ammoniæ Mur.
Antimonium Crud.
Antimonium Tart.
Apis Mell.
LIST OF MEDICINES.
Apocynum And.
Apocynum Can.
Argentum.
Argentum Nit.
Arnica.
Arsenicum Album.
Arsenicum Iod.
Asafoetida.
Asarum.
Asclepias Syr.
Baptisia.
Baryta.
Belladonna.
Borax.
Bromine.
Bryonia.
Cactus.
Calcarea.
Cantharis.
Carbo An.
Carbo Veg.
Caulophyllum.
Causticum.
Chamomilla.
Chelidonium.
China.
Cicuta.
Cimicifuga.
Cina.
Cocculus.
Collinsonia.
Colocynth.
Conium.
Crocus.
Cuprum Acet.
Cypripedium.
Digitalis.
Drosera.
Dulcamara.
Erigeron.
Eupatorium.
Euphrasia.
Ferrum.
Gelseminum.
Glonoine
Graphites.
Hamamelis.
Hedeoma.
Hellebore.
Helonias.
Hepar Sulph.
Hydrastis.
Hyoscyamus.
Hypericum.
Ignatia.
Iodine.
Ipecacuanha.
Iris Ver.
Kali Bich.
Kali Carb.
Kali Hydriod.
Lachesis.
Leptandria.
Lobelia.
Lycopodium.
Magnesia Carb.
Magnesia Mur.
Mercurius Iod.
Mercurius Cor.
Mercurius Vivus.
Mitchella.
Moschus.
Natrum Mur.
Nux Mosch.
Nux Vomica.
Opium.
Phosphorus.
Phytolacca.
Platina.
Podophyllum.
Pulsatilla.
Rheum.
Rhus Tox.
Sabina.
Sanguinaria.
Sambucus.
Secale.
Senecio.
Sepia.
Silicea.
Spigelia.
Spongia.
Staphysagria.
Stramonium.
Sulphur.
Thuja.
Veratrum A.
Veratrum V.
Xanthoxyllum.
Zinc.
Zizia.
INTRODUCTION.
THE NUMBER AND FREQUENCY OF FEMALE DISEASES; ESPECIAL ADAP-
TATION OF HOMEOPATHY; ON THE DOSES AND ADMINISTRATION OF
THE MEDICINES; THE DIVISIONS AND SCOPE OF THIS BOOK. ·
THE prevalence, persistence, and wide-spread influence of
Disorders of the Female Economy, are fully accounted for by
a delicacy of organisation, an extremely sensitive, nervous
system, and the sympathetic effect which a reproductive
sphere, in a ceaseless state of activity for a greater part of
life, constantly exerts.
Homœopathy, by common consent, is acknowledged to be of
signal service in the affections of Children; it is equally so in
those of Females. The amplitude of its resources, the accu-
rately ascertained range and power of its remedies, together
with their specific, direct, yet undisturbing and almost un-
deviating action, prove them admirably adapted to every
variation, as delicately sensitive as the constitutions on
which they act;-equal to, for promptness of relief, and far
surpassing, in the durability of their effect, the most ad-
vanced allopathic medication, which combats the conse-
quence of disease rather than disease itself. A plan of pro-
cedure which necessitates, that the good accomplished shall
be often more apparent than real, and that the disease shall
frequently reappear in an intensified form ;-when temporary
relief is dearly purchased.
Homœopathy is not based simply on theory; though, on
vi
THE POSITION OF HOMEOPATHY.
this ground alone, every one who has tried it much, must
have found repeatedly a rare adaptation of means; it has an
ample and diversified experience to fall back upon.
Homœopathy has won the place it holds by the force of
inherent worth. Vested interests, corporate influences, misre-
presentations, obloquy, ridicule, and the voice of authority,
supported by nearly universal prejudice, have been arrayed
against it, to a very large extent in vain. To this end the
Homœopathic Dispensaries in our large towns, and the Hos-
pitals in some others, have largely contributed.
Patients, a very great proportion of whom have been
women, have resorted to these institutions in considerable
numbers. Hardship, constant toil of various kinds, together
with poverty, inadequacy of clothing and food, have aggra-
vated, where they have not caused, the affections from which
they suffered. These persons, in many instances, came to
Homœopathy after they had tried all other medical and
surgical means within their reach;-patients somewhat un-
promising. Surgery, if it does not benefit, weakens, and
often maims; crude drug treatment is nearly equally
debilitating, whilst it often leaves a drug complication as an
additional evil, more persistent and troublesome than the
original malady.
These patients may fairly be credited with a usual amount
of prejudice against a new system, so dissimilar in the form,
taste, and look of its medicines, and the whole plan of its
procedure, to ordinary practice. The success among patients
of this class has been signal; and they have been amongst
the staunchest adherents, and warmest advocates, of Homœo-
pathy.
Some of the most inveterate, and painful of Female Dis-
eases, as well as the comparatively more trivial, have thus
been the subject of Homœopathic attention.
SCOPE OF THIS BOOK-ITS DIVISIONS.
vii
Acute pain can be assuaged-violent inflammation sub-
dued-hæmorrhage controlled-tumours dispersed-cancer
cured, and inherited tendency to disease counteracted, by no
other means more effectually and pleasantly than by Homœo-
pathy. No one affection that has hitherto yielded to any
kind of treatment is inaccessible to its power; whilst many
of the Diseases of Females, generally considered intractable,
yield to its influence.
One object of this Work will be, to show how all this can
be effected.
Homœopaths have been accused of paying too much, and
too little, attention to diet, hygiene, and other subsidiary
matters. I have endeavoured to give them fully, and to
rank them in their proper place.
Directions for Hydropathic Treatment are subjoined in
some affections, as calculated largely to aid Homœopathy.
The two systems are not rivals, but twin sisters, that should
live and reign together.
Part I.—Treats most fully of Menstruation, its Establish-
ment and Irregularities; including Spinal Affections, Anemia,
Chlorosis, Hysteria, and Epilepsy. ·
Part II. Of the Affections of the Generative Organs-as
Inflammation, Ulceration, Displacements and Tumours of
the Womb, Ovarian Disease.
Part III.—Of Pregnancy; Natural Labour, and Miscar-
riage; the Management of the Lying-in Room, and the
Infant; with Affections of the Breast, Inflammation, Tu-
mours, and Cancer.
Part IV. Of the Common Complaints to which Children
are liable.
C
The medicines recommended are, most of them, old and
valued friends to any who have tried the system; together
with others of more recent introduction, that every contin-
viii
MEDICINES, AND THEIR ADMINISTRATION.
gency and symptom may be as fully prepared for as possible.
In referring to the doses, and strength or dilution in which
these should be given, we touch on a subject that has given
rise to a great deal of controversy and misrepresentation.
The quantity and the dilution are less essential than the
principle on which the medicine is administered, and a care-
ful and judicious selection. The medicines are individualised;
many have strong family resemblances, but no two are
exactly alike. Choose the one nearest in description to the
case, and give it a fair trial; the right medicine will act, you
may be sure. Common sense and sound physiology demand
that as small a dose should be employed as is consistent
with efficiency. We want relieving and curative action, not
disturbance and distress. The tendency now, is to give medi-
cines in increasingly low dilutions, and large doses. Still,
taking the profession as a whole, the doses of family adminis-
tration are usually larger; one remedy, not unfrequently, is
so quickly followed by another, that instead of curative effect,
a drug complication results.
As Hahnemann, in the earlier part of his practice, at least,
employed strong tinctures, and made brilliant cures from
their use, so is it open to his followers to copy his example :
though they find, as he did, that in by far the greater
majority of cases, a diluted form effects as much in as short a
time, at less cost to the patient. A dilution will cure some
persons, whom a strong tincture would drive mad, or per-
manently injure. By the minute subdivision or trituration
of substances, such as Calcarea, Silicea, Sepia, and all carbons
and minerals, a proximate adaptability to nervous filament
and living microscopic cell is attained with the happiest
results. Long-standing constitutional affections, by old habi-
tude become well-nigh part and parcel of the nature, are
uprooted; morbid growths checked, and fresh stamina im-
:
C
MEDICINES, AND THEIR ADMINISTRATION.
ix
planted.
The two-hundredth trituration has been found to
cure an obstinate skin affection, which effectually resisted
any lower strength. It is equally a matter of experience,
that acute inflammation of the lungs, bowels, or windpipe, in
adults, will be more quickly subdued by quarter-drop doses
of strong tincture of Aconite, than by any quantity or potency
of diluted tincture.
To every remedy, the dose will be found subjoined, and the
interval of administration, but only as a general rule: as the
symptoms abate, the time between the doses must be cor-
respondingly lengthened. In chronic affections, where the
medicines are continued for some time, the dilution must be
occasionally varied, going higher, but not lower; the remedy
must, now and then, be altogether discontinued for a few
days, and two drops of the 30th dilution of Sulphur given
every other night-three doses in all; after the last dose,
wait two days, then resume the usual medicine. Triturations
are best taken dry on the tongue—a grain, or as much as can
be taken up on the point of a penknife, for a dose. Tinctures
dropped into water, two or three drops ordinarily for a dose,
to a table, dessert, or teaspoonful of water, which should be
either distilled, or soft water passed through a charcoal filter,
or water previously boiled and then filtered.
Porcelain cups, with covers, graduated inside to tea,
dessert, and tablespoonful, are the best for mixing medicines.
The directions can be written on the lid. Earthenware
spoons are also far better than metallic.
Bottles, if used, must not only be well washed, but dried
in an oven; and not used at all if oils, spirits, scents, acids,
or any medicine have previously been in them.
A wine-glass holds twelve moderate-sized teaspoonfuls.
Wine-glasses and tumblers may be used; in every case, when
so employed, a piece of clean writing-paper must be put over
X
MEDICINES, AND THEIR ADMINISTRATION.
the top, and the name of the medicine, or the words,
Homœopathic Medicine, or Homoeopathic Lotion, legibly
written thereon; then they must be put in a secure place,
where they can be found when wanted, but not allowed to
stand in such a position that a fresh attendant may, in mis-
take, give the whole or greater part for a refreshing draught,
to allay the thirst of the patient-an awkward accident that
has happened before now; nor must they stand near scented
articles.
Tinctures may most conveniently and expeditiously be
dropped over the cork by holding the bottle between the
finger and thumb of the right hand, the cork in the left
hand, brought just under the neck of the bottle, and the
tincture allowed to run slowly over; the cork can then be
put in immediately the entire number of drops have been
counted.
DISEASES OF
FEMALES AND CHILDREN.
PART I.
MENSTRUATION, AND ITS DISORDERS.
AMUSEMENTS.
CHAPTER I.
MENSTRUATION AND PUBERTY.
IMPORTANCE OF DISORDERS CONNECTED WITH MENSTRUATION; THE
ACTION AND USE OF HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES; PUBERTY IN THE
ROBUST, THE DELICATE, THE SCROFULOUS; MENSTRUATION, ORGANS
CONCERNED IN; UTERUS, OVARIES, AND FALLOPIAN TUBES, DE-
SCRIPTION OF; OVUM, FORMATION AND ESCAPE; YOUNG GIRLS TO
BE PREPARED FOR FIRST MENSTRUATION, IN DIET AND GENERAL
REGULATION OF HOME AND SCHOOL LIFE; VENTILATION OF BED.
ROOMS AND SCHOOL-ROOMS ESPECIALLY REQUISITE ; CONSUMPTION
A RESULT OF INSUFFICIENT VENTILATION; PREVENTION AND CURA-
BILITY OF;
MANAGEMENT OF DRESS; BAD EFFECTS OF STAYS;
SPINAL CURVATURE; SPINAL SUPPORTS; SPINAL COUCHES; GYM-
NASTIC EXERCISE; MEDICAL RUBBING; EXERCISE; RECREATION;
In our consideration of the diseases and affections of females,
we begin with those connected with menstruation, as they
every way occupy a foremost place.
There is little need to call special
portance of the due discharge of this
Ladies of all ages are sufficiently, and
attention to the im-
periodical function.
sometimes too soli-
2
MENSTRUATION-ACTION OF DRUGS.
citous in reference to everything connected with it. We
shall give such a description of the process of menstruation
as shall prevent their being more than intelligently and
reasonably anxious respecting it.
The ignorance in which ladies are about their own organi-
sation, and the laws which regulate it, is a painful source of
mistakes in the management of themselves and their families.
A little knowledge is said to be a dangerous thing: no know-
ledge at all, however, is productive of far more mischief.
Menstruation is designed to take place at a certain time,
and in a certain way: if there is any deviation with regard to
either of these conditions, it is the deviation which engrosses
the attention, and is the source of anxiety; the cause, in the
general and local health, often of vastly more importance, is
nearly, and sometimes altogether, overlooked. A favourable
opportunity for righting a delicate constitution is lost-such
a one as may never after present itself; whilst the wrong is
often added, of endeavouring, by stimulating and forcing
measures, to effect what is so earnestly desired at the ex-
pense of a vitality not over-vigorous, and of nervous and
physical strength below the average requirement—all from the
want of knowing better.
It is foolish to suppose that for this, or any other object,
large doses of drugs can be taken by any one with perfect
impunity, but especially by the delicate and susceptible; that
if they do no good they can do no harm. At all events, they
give the system the trouble of casting them out as soon as
possible, so far at least as it can get rid of them.
Crude drugs and tinctures, in at all large doses, set up
more or less of a chemical action: for example-in the
juices of the body and by the coats of the stomach they are
rapidly absorbed, and distributed throughout the organism,
more especially to those parts on which they exert a specific
influence, as Belladonna on the eye, the brain, and the
throat; Digitalis on the heart: where modified only by
temperament and idiosyncracy, they exert a definite indi-
vidual, peculiar action-no two acting precisely alike, but
each one in a definite accustomed manner. Some drugs, of a
very potent but deleterious nature, as Mercury and Arsenic,
MENSTRUATION-ACTION OF HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES. 3
become lodged or embedded in the tissues, whence, by slow
absorption, they are constantly exerting an influence on the
system. This influence may last for years, manifesting itself,
in the case of Mercury, in bone and rheumatic pains, after
the least exposure to damp: in that of Arsenic, by continued
debility and nervous symptoms.
The founder of Homoeopathy devised a plan, which has
been much and needlessly ridiculed, of turning the potent,
searching, and enduring properties of such substances to a
beneficial account. He availed himself, in their case, as he
did in that of all drugs and medicinal agents, of the law to
which we have referred-of a constant, specific, individual
action; of reducing the quantity administered until it
exerted an action only curative, and not disturbing or irri-
tating; and of presenting the remedies in such a state of
minute subdivision or dilution, as should best comport with
the minuteness and delicacy of the structures on which they
had to act.
By this means it is that our range of corrective agency
has been made as wide as possible-made to include sub-
stances such as Mercury and Arsenic; the quantity being
so minute as to be powerless for harm, and yet sufficient
to exert an influence for good in the way of counteract-
ing some other poison already at work, or of rousing dormant
and depressive action, nothing being left over and above for
deleterious elimination by the absorbents.
The patience and method of the Homœopathic investiga-
tion into the properties and effects of medicines, by trying
them on the healthy body, ensure a certainty which other
systems may envy, but never possess until they seek it in
like manner.
Under Homœopathic treatment there is no fear of a con-
stitution being ruined, if it is not benefited; of the powers
of nature being overborne; of the physical strength being
weakened; nor is there the least excuse for deferring the
attempt to right whatever is wrong, until, by force of
habit and persistence, it becomes a kind of second nature-
the case with many chronic affections; or until the com-
paratively small beginnings of acute and dangerous ill-
4
MENSTRUATION-ADAPTATION OF HOMEOPATHY.
ness shall swell into a fierce torrent, sweeping everything
before it.
We have no wish to turn every lady into an amateur
doctor; but we do wish to make every mother the intelli-
gent guardian and director of her own and her family's
health, and somewhat of an instructed helper of the endea-
vours of her physician in the management of such cases as
come under his care.
-
We desire to show, in the consideration of the wide field
presented by the disorders connected with menstruation and
other affections to which ladies are subject, the relation and
difference between Homœopathy and other systems; the
extent of the resources it has to offer; and the grounds on
which it rests its claims.
We aspire to have some share in supplying, so far as
written instructions can do, the lack which exists in many
districts of resident Homœopathic advice; to aid such as may
be solicitous to help their neighbours; and in the case of
emergencies, to which all are more or less exposed, when no
other help can at once be procured, of showing plainly
what is the best thing to do.
To be of any use, the book must be studied as a whole; or
at the least, such an acquaintance must be had with it as
shall enable its possessor, that it may be of any use, to know
what it really contains, and where to look for it. The
copious Index subjoined will very greatly facilitate its use.
It must not be supposed, from anything here advanced,
that any deviation in the time or manner of menstruation is
to be considered as trivial: it is of the highest importance,
and must not be neglected, otherwise serious and irretriev-
able mischief may ensue. Let the matter be calmly and
thoroughly investigated and treated-never allowed to go on
as a thing that might right itself, as of no importance.
Many a one has gone on under this delusion, when too late
for much good to be done, to be roused to a realisation of
the real state of the case. The possessors and users of this
book will be inexcusable should they ever be amongst this
number.
Puberty is the period at which boyhood and girlhood
PUBERTY.
5
really end. In early life, the peculiarities of the female
economy are in abeyance; boy and girl alike are subject to
the same maladies, and amenable to the same treatment;
but as the girl nears the time of puberty, distinctive traits
begin to show themselves.
It is no sudden alteration; it is a series of changes all
tending to, and a preparation for, the discharge of those
functions of the female constitution, henceforth to run as a
connecting and sustaining cord throughout life, and be inter-
twined with the very essence of its being.
Puberty usually takes place about the thirteenth year;
sometimes considerably later: it may be deferred to the four-
teenth, the sixteenth, and even, in rare instances, to the
eighteenth year, without very serious consequences.
In warm countries it is earlier than in cold; but not so
much so, as is sometimes supposed: it takes place sooner, as
a rule, in towns, especially in manufacturing centres where
large numbers congregate.
Much depends on individual constitution and tempera-
ment, and some on family peculiarity, the daughter being
apt to be as the mother was. For instance, both mother
and daughter may pass through this stage at eighteen,
neither of them suffering more than ordinary inconvenience
or discomfort.
I
Puberty heralds its approach differently in different con-
stitutions.
In the healthy, robust, and florid, there is perceptible a
roundness of form and feature, a development of bust, a vary-
ing manner, a self-consciousness, more or less marked. Fol-
lowing, or accompanying these changes, with more or less of
disturbance, it may be with scarcely any, the monthly period
makes its appearance, and after more or less irregularity,
establishes itself.
In the delicately organised, almost always the most men-
tally brilliant, the efforts of nature, at the period of puberty,
are indefinitely protracted, and are fitful, spasmodic, and
painful. The forward mental development of this class is
very seldom checked as it should be; it is often cruelly fos-
tered.
6
THE UTERUS, OR WOMB.
With the dull, inactive, scrofulous constitution, of dusky
skin and heavy feature, we may have prolonged delay, or a
much too early manifestation.
Why the establishment of menstruation should be a matter
of time, a season of trial to many, accompanied by consi-
derable pain of various kinds, will be understood as we
examine the process, the organs which produce it, and the
part they bear in its elaboration.
Menstruation, from Mensis, a month, and "Catamenia,"
from the Greek, mean the same thing, and point to the
appearance, every four weeks or lunar month, of that peculiar
function of the female organism, designated, in ordinary
English speech, "the courses ;""the periods;" "being regu-
lar;" "being unwell;" "being poorly.
""
In menstruation, the womb, or uterus, the ovaries, and the
Fallopian tubes are all concerned.
The uterus, or womb, the chief organ of reproduction, has
been termed the centre of female life: it is situated in the
pelvis or lower part of the abdomen, in close neighbourhood,
hough in no way communicating, with the rectum or lower
bowel, and the bladder. Hence the readiness with which
affections of either of these are apt to influence the womb, or
disturbances of the uterus, have a decided effect on the
rectum, the bladder, or on both.
The virgin, or unimpregnated womb, in size and shape
resembles an ordinary pear, slightly flattened from back to
front. It increases very slightly in size for the first few years
of life, retaining its infantine proportions until the approach
of puberty; the neck of the womb remains as broad, and more
than twice as long, as the body of the womb itself, and there
is scarcely any muscular tissue.
At puberty, the body of the womb gets equal to the neck
in length, and considerably exceeds it in breadth; the increase
being not in the size of the cavity, but in the thickness of
the muscular wall: corresponding changes take place in the
ovaries.
After the cessation of menstruation the ovaries decrease,
and there is a return to the infantine proportions of the
body and neck of the womb.
:
1
OVARIES AND FALLOPIAN TUBES.
7
f
The uterus is one of the hollow muscles of the body; it
has three coats, quite distinct, and having different functions:
first, a tough, serous, investing membrane, one with that
which covers the bowels, the rectum, and the bladder; then
the middle or muscular layer, which constitutes its principal
bulk, gives it its firmness and solidity, and on which its
expulsive power in child-birth depends; the chief thickness of
this muscular coat is in the body of the womb, very much
less at the neck and outlet; this middle coat is plentifully sup-
plied with blood-vessels and nerves: the third coat or lining
of the uterus is composed of mucous membrane, a moderately
thick and soft layer, well furnished with capillary or hair-like
blood-vessels and nerves.
At the time of each monthly period, the womb undergoes
a slight alteration in size; its tissues are opened up and
become more spongy, owing to a larger afflux of blood.
During menstruation, the lining membrane may be cast off
in patches here and there; or in those who menstruate pain-
fully, the greater portion of it, sometimes a complete cast,
with much suffering and a greater loss than usual.
The ovaries are situated on either side of the uterus,
towards its top or fundus, and connected by a fold of peri-
toneum or fibrous membrane with the broad ligament.
They have no direct constant communication with the womb;
the communication is set up by means of the Fallopian tubes.
The ligaments, of which the broad and the round are the
principal, and by which the uterus is chiefly retained in its
position, are made up of folds and continuations of the peri-
toneum, together with fibrous and muscular tissue.
The Fallopian tubes (so called from their discoverer, Fal-
lopius) are situated on each side of the top or fundus of the
womb, and communicate with it. They have a covering of
peritoneum, a middle fibrous coat, and a mucous lining.
They are each furnished with a sensitive, fringed, or fimbri-
ated extremity, which encircles or clasps the ovary. Whenever
an ovum is at a state of maturity, it escapes into the tube,
and by this means is conveyed into the uterus.
The right and left ovary, up to puberty, are of the shape of
an almond, an inch and a quarter to an inch and a half
·
с
8
OVARIES AND FALLOPIAN TUBES.
;
long; about half an inch broad, and a quarter of an inch
thick. At puberty they increase to the size of a walnut
and in health remain this size until the "change of life," or
critical age, when they begin to decrease, and ultimately
reach the proportions of early life.
The ovaries have their serous or tough peritoneal covering;
then a fibrous covering; and inside these the cellular, spongy
texture of the ovary itself, most plentifully supplied with
blood-vessels and nerves.
Imbedded in this dense net-work, as puberty approaches
there appear a great number of roundish transparent vesicles,
largest towards the surface or outside of the ovary. Inside
each vesicle is a thin layer of minute granular cells, com-
pletely lining it, forming a globe within a globe. The inner
globe is filled with thin serous fluid; and when it is nearest
the outer surface of the ovary, there is an accumulation or
heap of granules; and in it, thoroughly imbedded, and
forming part of it, there is an ovum, or egg. Each ovum
consists of a tough membrane, enclosing a vitellus, or yolk.
As an ovum matures, the serous fluid in the vesicle increases
until it swells it out, and forms a distinct projection on the
surface of the ovary. This accumulation is sufficient to force
the vesicle very nearly through the covering of the ovary-so
nearly through, that any increase of force (as when the fim-
briated extremity of the Fallopian tube closes over it) suffices
to set the vesicle free of the ovary, and, at the same time,
burst the vesicle and set the ovum at liberty, accompanied by
a portion of the lining granular membrane to which it was
adherent.
The escaped ovum is conveyed into the Fallopian tube,
and if not stopped there, along its course into the cavity of
the womb.
It is calculated that one ovum is conveyed into the uterus
in this way at the commencement of every menstrual period,
whilst, at the same time, others are considerably forwarded
in their development. For the time being, when the Fallo-
pian tube closes on the ovary, they, with the uterus, form
but one organ-the union being complete. Now and then,
what is termed tubular or Fallopian pregnancy takes place;
Ca
MENSTRUATION.
9
from the ovum, remaining permanently, after impregnation,
in the Fallopian tube, and there continuing its growth and
development.
The changes we have described as going on in the ovary
just previous to menstruation, cannot be brought about with-
out a considerable increase of activity in the vascular and
nervous portions of the ovaries themselves, amounting often
to an intense excitement, shared in by the whole system, and
in a very special manner by the uterus. At all times there
is a considerable and corresponding effect on the womb, on
its mucous lining membrane in a marked degree. The
lining membrane relieves its turgescence, and the general
congestion of the womb, by exuding the menstrual fluid
drop by drop, which, as it thus passes, is pure blood, though
this, at one time, was denied. On its way, however, through
the vagina or passage from the womb, it gets mixed with
the acid secretion of that canal, whereby its colour and
qualities, especially that of coagulation or clotting, are
changed; from this admixture it acquires also its peculiar
odour. It is always, therefore, a sign of something wrong
when any clots, however small, appear with the monthly
flow.
66
un-
The quantity passed at a monthly period varies consider-
ably, as does the time over which it extends; some are
well" only three days; some for a week, with intervals of
remission; some pass three or four ounces during the time;
others, six or eight, without inconvenience.
It cannot be too strongly impressed upon the mind, that
in no way whatever was menstruation intended, or does it
ever get rid of, injurious and noisome matter, which, if
retained, would prove hurtful to the constitution.
In pregnancy, what under ordinary circumstances is the
monthly loss, is stored up and made use of in the develop-
ment of the embryo, or foetus.
It is absolutely essential to any attempt at menstruation,
that one or both ovaries should be present, and in a healthy
condition. It is possible for the uterus, as has been the case
in some very rare instances, to be entirely wanting, and still
the effort to menstruate be strongly manifested.
C 2
10
MENSTRUATION.
It can form no matter for surprise, that the changes which
are accomplished in the organs of generation, at and just
before puberty, should be gradual; and that they should,
to a greater or less extent, tax the energies of the young
girl's constitution. Changes here, however, are carried on at
the same time with changes of more general and extensive
character.
Not only do the internal sexual organs largely increase
their bulk, the bony framework in which they are contained,
and by which they are protected, increases in size and shape,
giving a decided broadness across the hips; the bust also, in
all properly-developed young women, rounds, and mental
and moral qualities change; the general growth is often
carried rapidly onward. The establishment of menstruation
must be a time of patience, and often of anxiety; if its
recurrence, at its stated times, should prove one of some
little distress and discomfort, it need not be cause for wonder.
The explanations and illustrations given in this chapter,
will, it is hoped, render tolerably plain what menstruation is;
and serve, perhaps, more than any iteration could, to impress
on the minds of our readers the paramount necessity for
special care and thought whenever the "regular" time comes
round; and give them some idea of the penalties risked if
they neglect to do so. They ought, also, to show the folly
of attempting to "force nature" by strong medicines, female
pills, or herb teas. It is also obvious, that during the time
the changes connected with puberty are being carried on,
judicious care and oversight should be exercised by those to
whose charge young girls are committed. They should be
prepared by timely information for what they may expect,
that they may understand their position, and be prevented,
through ignorance or foolish unreasoning disgust, from.en-
deavouring, by cold bathing, or any other method equally
rash, to get rid of the discharge as soon as it shows itself.
This has been done repeatedly with most serious results.
The prosecution of their studies should be duly regulated.
No fixed law can be laid down: the number of different
branches to be embraced in the course of education; the time
to be given to each and to all; the whole of the details
PREPARATION FOR MENSTRUATION.
11
of school life; the warming and ventilation of the school-
room and bed-rooms; the diet, dress, and habits of the
young girls, must be adapted to sound general physiological
rules, and individual requirements.
Mothers cannot be too careful, at the risk of being thought
prying and over-particular, in making inquiries as to these
matters, which so intimately relate to their children's welfare.
Individual capacity and aptitude should be considerably
more consulted in education than they are; that without both
these, young girls cannot excel, is very seldom recognised in
practice. It is difficult accurately to apportion the blame in
this matter; the acquiescence of both parent and instructor
is requisite to the perpetration of the wrong of compelling all
to undergo the same amount of work, and the same routine.
It is useless to expect reform until there is a far higher
conception prevalent as to what education ought to be ;-the
development of the moral and bodily, as well as mental
powers; -a training for all the duties of life, not a constant
system of forcing and cram ;--not the acquisition of a few
showy accomplishments, or the smattering of half-a-dozen
languages.
From the system now pursued, it is positively horrifying
to think what the next race of mothers are likely to be.
Six hours a day of mental work is as much as a strong
man can go through with safety: a great number of growing
girls, not over-robust, are doomed to considerably more; the
penalty they, unfortunately, pay in shattered nerves and
ruined health.
At this period, we must plead for some consideration to be
shown to oddities, waywardness, irritability, lassitude, disin-
clination for study, headache, and complainings of various
kinds, which need to be firmly but kindly dealt with.
The food should be amply sufficient, plain, and tolerably
diversified. Young ladies should be taught not to be afraid
of encouraging a good appetite. A good and substantial
breakfast should be taken. If there is no inclination for this
meal, it is an indication of something wrong; of too late or
heavy suppers, or positive ill-health. Meat is not absolutely
requisite more than once a day. Studies should not be con-
12
MANAGEMENT DURING PUBERTY.
tinued just up to, nor resumed just after, a meal. It is a
mistake to send girls out for a walk before breakfast, on the
plea that it must be good for their health, unless a cup of
milk, or cocoa, or coffee, with a slice of bread and butter, be
taken first. Without this precaution, a walk on an empty sto-
mach produces faintness, takes away the appetite for breakfast,
and produces a languid, tired feeling for the rest of the day.
Sleep must be had for a requisite number of hours, and as
much of it secured before midnight as possible. If young ladies
are upstairs by nine o'clock, they may reasonably be expected
down in the morning by seven. There should be no curtains,
and as little carpet in the bed-rooms as possible. On no
account, whatever, should young girls sleep on feather beds,
but on hair or spring mattresses. The healthiest plan by far
for bed-rooms, would be to have the floors polished, as they
are on the continent. The bed-rooms should be thoroughly
ventilated, as it is necessary for health that we should be duly
supplied with a pure atmosphere during the third of our lives
we spend in them. It is impossible for any one to be long in
a room without exhausting much of the oxygen, and replacing
it by expired carbonic acid—a positive poison, which soon
would prove so if doors and windows were made perfectly to
fit; that is, where there is no other outlet: as it is, it makes
its presence felt by heavy, unrefreshing slumber, disturbed
dreams, tired limbs, and aching heads. It is not enough
to have the room thoroughly freshened during the day by
having the window open, and the whole of the bed-clothes
turned down for an hour at least after rising: some much
more efficient plan must be pursued.
For want of precaution in this respect, numbers of the
young of both sexes get tubercles, the result of impure blood
deposited in their lungs; have them rapidly fostered by a
continuance of the neglect, and die consumptive.
One most highly important means, for the prevention, and
eradication of this fell disease (consumption), is the insuring
an efficient system, whereby impure air shall be carried off,
and fresh air continuously admitted into bed-rooms during the
night, supplemented by a course of Homœopathic medicine
for any remaining delicacy, and the judicious employment
VENTILATION OF BED-ROOMS.
13
of daily ablution, followed by regular out-door exercise. By
these means, in the course of a generation, deaths from con-
sumption, and the disease itself, would become as rare as they
are now frequent. Even now, Homœopathy can do much in
the relief of cases far gone, and the complete cure of others,
without a sea voyage, residence in a warm climate, or sepa-
ration from friends.
There are several ways by which the ventilation of a bed-
room can be secured, so that not one of any kind need remain
without it. Whenever there is a chimney in a room (and no
room ought to be without one), it should be unstopped, with
no fire-board before the grate, but thoroughly open. If not
seen about, it is almost sure to be securely stopped up.
An
open chimney affords an outlet for the foul air, which being
heavy, naturally descends, and is forced up the chimney.
For the admission of fresh air in summer, the window can be
left partly open all night, especially if it opens at the top,
which it should do, in some situations especially. To persons
accustomed to it, the window at the upper part might be
left a little way open all the year round; but this plan should
not be begun in cold weather, nor by those who have not
got accustomed to it, in warm. If the door of the room com-
municate with another room, it may be left partially or
wholly open; or if it lead on to a landing or staircase of any
size, it may remain a little way open, with a short chain on
the inside to make it secure. The bed should be so placed as
to be out of the current of air, as draughts are never whole-
some. This should be borne in mind, in any plan that may
be adopted.
A
A ventilating pane, or a glass louvre, can be put into the
top part of the window; or a ventilator, on the plan of those
fixed to railway carriages, can be put in the top, or over the
top, of the door of the room, with perforated zinc on the
outside.
It would materially add to the healthiness, and also to the
comfort of our houses, if they were heated throughout
during our long and often severe winters. In all new houses
this can be done readily, and at no very extravagant outlay,
by means of pipes communicating with, and fed by, the boiler
14
VENTILATION, AND HEATING OF DWELLINGS.
of the cooking range, by which means, too, hot water can be
secured for a bath at any time of the day or night. For
many other houses this method could be adopted with a little
planning; the outlay would be repaid in the saving of fuel;
or, at all events, the comfort experienced would be an ample
return, for less fuel would need to be burnt in the open fire-
places, which, though most cheerful, are equally wasteful
half, at least, of the heat from them finding its way up the
chimney. The argument for having houses heated all over is,
that though we keep the rooms in which we are during the
day in winter very hot, we retire, for eight or nine hours, to
a bed-room of an almost Siberian climate-naturally very try-
ing and injurious to delicate constitutions, as chills with them
produce internal congestion. When fires are used in bed-
rooms, they should be kept in all night: when they go out,
and the chimney gets cold, a draught of cold air sets in, down
the chimney. Where open fireplaces are used, by a com-
munication through a tin pipe, or otherwise, with the outer
air under the floor, to a small opening of two inches square
in the hearthstone immediately under the grate, a considerable
draught in the room is prevented, and, above all, a smoky
chimney.
:
School or class-rooms should be light and cheerful, of
good height, well ventilated, and thoroughly dry in cold
weather, kept of a comfortable equable temperature through-
out. Open fireplaces cannot be sufficient to ensure this if
the rooms are of large size, unless supplemented by heat from
some other source, as hot-water pipes. In the matter of
school-rooms, the children of the rich are frequently not as
well provided for as those of the poor. In school-rooms.
ventilation is as important as it is in bed-rooms. One of
Heywood's galvanised iron ventilators to every eight feet
square, will produce effectual ventilation.
In sitting-rooms, where gas is used, and in drawing-rooms,
these ventilators should also be introduced, as they keep the
atmosphere perfectly fresh, without any draught, or the
necessity of opening a window to however small a degree.
In all factories, churches, and places of public resort, their
employment would do away with the languor and headache
DRESS AND EXERCISE.
15
inseparable from re-breathed carbonic acid, even when some-
what diluted.
The dress of girls should also be regulated with a view to
the preservation of health-a consideration which is now,
perhaps more than ever, laid aside, if indeed it ever has a
moment's heed in the court of fashion.
The dress should be a sensible protection against the
variations, the cold winds, and chills of our climate. To
leave the chest and shoulders bare, though sanctioned by
custom, is an outrage to many a delicate constitution-
robbed of protection just where it is specially needed. In
winter, warm under-vests, stockings, and drawers should be
worn, with clumped-soled boots for out-doors, and, in-doors,
house-shoes instead of slippers. The dress should also be
tolerably loose, so as to allow the lungs full play, every limb
free movement, and put no impediment, by way of com-
pression, on the organs of digestion. Dress, even when loose,
considerably lessens the quantity of air taken in at a breath.
A man, when dressed, can only take in 130 cubic inches at a
time: when undressed, he can take in 190 with ease. The
interference of stays must be very much greater.
In the matter of exercise and recreation there needs as
great a change as in dress. Staid, solemn walks, under the
eye of a governess, are not all that young girls require.
Walking is the best of exercises; but it should be brisk,
free, unconstrained, and joyous, to confer its full benefit.
Girls should be taught and encouraged to play, and enjoy it;
they are far too early drilled into young ladies, and led to con-
sider what is fitting to their assumed position; they have all the
girlhood crushed out of them. Every game, proportioned to
their age, which tends to develop limb and muscle and chest,
is of too great service to be tabooed. Ball, tennis, and
rounders, skipping-ropes and hoops, battledore, archery,
croquet, and dancing; and, above all, if in any way within
their reach, riding on donkey, pony, or horseback.
Gymnastic exercises, not as a task, but as a daily recrea-
tion, are fortunately becoming part of the routine of most.
schools. They fully deserve all the attention that can be
given to them.
16
AFFECTIONS OF THE SPINE.
$
At this time, soon after the establishment of puberty,
spinal affections creep on very insidiously.
AFFECTIONS OF THE SPINE.
Spinal affections are very common; they are intimately
connected, in two forms at least, with the peculiar functions
of the female economy, and are apt to be produced by the
very means which mothers and other guardians of young
ladies adopt with a view of preventing them. A succinct
account of their origin, appearances, and treatment, may not
be out of place.
Spinal deformity, or spinal curvature, is of two kinds ;
distinct as to cause, manner of appearance, and probable
issue. One is designated lateral, the other angular curvature.
Angular curvature is met with both in boys and girls
alike, from early childhood to full-grown womanhood; is
always caused by disease of the bones of the spine, and in-
evitably results in permanent, incurable deformity-the
patient becoming humpbacked.
Lateral, or what is more usually called "spinal curva-
ture," occurs between the ages of ten and eighteen; it may
be regarded as an affection of puberty, and is pretty nearly
confined to girls; it arises from general debility and local
muscular weakness: there is no disease of the spine, but a
double twist, and a slight rounded projection. Spinal curva-
ture may be prevented, arrested in its course, and very
materially counteracted, if not entirely cured, in its most
advanced stages.
Angular curvature, like hip disease, is a manifestation of
scrofulous taint or weakness. The front, main, and thickest
part of the bones of the spine or vertebræ, become infiltrated,
decay, crumble away, and collapse; causing a jutting-out,
angular projection behind, a locking together of some of the
bones of the spine, a stretching of some of the muscles and
ligaments, with a contraction of others. The process is
gradual; its effects, however, very often display themselves
rather suddenly; a fall, blow, or injury, which, by directing
attention to the back, may serve to render the distortion
AFFECTIONS OF THE SPINE.
17
،
apparent; or the mother or nurse may notice a projection,
scarcely, as she may think, worthy of notice-one she
feels sure the child will outgrow. The only means of pre-
vention lies in scrupulously carrying out a systematic and
common-sense physical training, as to food, clothing, rest,
and exercise, with all children, and especially with those of
feeble constitution, or of delicate parentage. It is a false
and pernicious delicacy which prevents the adoption of such
a course, lest, by pursuing it, any one should be considered as
making a tacit admission of the delicacy of their children. A
taint or weakness, if not eradicated, is sure to make itself
apparent in some unwelcome form or other. Delicate chil-
dren, from the age of six months upwards, are all the better,
where it can be obtained, for systematic and scientifically-
directed exercise of the muscles of the spine and lower extremi-
ties, and medical rubbing. If, when older, there is difficulty
in standing or sitting up, or a tendency to lean the body
forward, especially if turning in bed, occasions pain in the
back, if jumping from a stool or stair on to the ground, gives
a shock to the spine or sharp pain, mischief has already set.
in. The child will present an old, staid, careful, anxious
look. In young people, a weakness of the back, a shuffling,
tottering gait, with the feet turned outwards, and the legs
spread wide—a distinguishable want of power in getting up-
stairs-pains in the loins, back, and thighs, simulating rheu-
matism—are suspicious symptoms, demanding, at least, a
careful examination of the spine, that tenderness and dis-
ease, if it exist, may be detected, and, as far as possible,
remedied. Caries, or decay of the bones of the spine, not
unfrequently runs on to strumous abscess of the loins, hips,
buttocks, or upper part of the thigh.
The paramount thing in the treatment of this disease of
the spine, whether in children or young people, is absolute
rest in a recumbent position. In thoroughly carrying out
this, under medical supervision, especially as riding out in a
carriage is not interdicted, the general health is not found to
suffer in the least, but generally improves from the fact of a
constant source of irritation from movement of the bones
of the spine being reduced to a minimum, and all but pre-
18
AFFECTIONS OF THE SPINE.
vented. In order to afford all the opportunity possible.
for the displaced vertebræ becoming consolidated, and to aid
the reparative process of knitting and fusing them into one
another, like, in result, to the union of a broken thigh bone.
This necessitates from half a year to a year's confinement to
a spinal couch, according to the age of the patient; to be
followed, for a time, by a spinal support, until the spine is
strong enough to bear the weight of the body unassisted. If
this precaution be neglected, a much greater deformity will
result than will ensue if it be observed. Nothing is better
adapted, in all spinal affections, than one of Robinson's prone
couches.
The portions of the spine above and below the point of
projection, may be temporarily stretched by an extending
couch, the spine lengthened, and the deformity, apparently,
considerably lessened; but as the inclination of the spine is
really unaffected, the improvement is but for a time; the old
state of things soon returns, and the crooked back is as
crooked as ever.
Lateral curvature is, fortunately, when far advanced, re-
mediable by rightly-adapted treatment; it is much more
common than angular curvature. Rightly to understand it,
the causes that lead to it must be duly considered, fre-
quent efforts made to prevent stooping, round shoulders,
or a growing-out of one side. With less constitutionaĺ
strength than boys, a far greater demand is made upon the
physical powers of young girls, who are foolishly, in an ordi-
nary way, denied any opportunities for physical training.
Their period of freedom and unrestrained exercise comes to a
much earlier end than that of boys. Some girls are natu-
rally ungainly and awkward; more are made so by the
undue fatigue which the posture, whether standing or
sitting, that they are required to maintain for hours at a
stretch, inevitably engenders. Their muscles are not consoli-
dated; their spines are undergoing the process of growth,
and the powers of their constitution are being taxed, so
as to rob other parts of the frame for the due establishment
and maintenance of the menstrual function. Moderately fre-
quent changes of position are absolutely demanded, also re-
AFFECTIONS OF THE SPINE.
19
clining on a slanting board or couch part of the day, and
periodical rhythmical exercise of the muscles, to impart
strength and firmness, and to give ease as well as dignity of
carriage. Further, the efforts that are made to improve the
figure by corsets and stays, have, in many ways, most injuri-
ous effects. The amount of compression ultimately exercised
and borne is surprising; if it were not attained by very
gradual changes, it would be directly fatal. What is consi-
dered the point of beauty and perfection, is really a hideous
deformity, accompanied by most serious displacement and
derangement of organs, whose due working is absolutely
essential even to moderate health. When these contrivances
are resorted to as a support, their first effect is delusive;
they are regarded by the young girl as a welcome relief;
they supplement, and soon supersede, the action of the
muscles, whose office it is to maintain the spine in its erect
position. She is erect, it cannot be denied, and in virtue of
her stays. Everywhere, however, it is an inexorable law, that
muscles not exercised, become enfeebled, and soon shrink to
much less than their usual size, with a still further diminu-
tion of power, so that young girls get dependent almost
entirely on their stays. Compression, however, as well as
support, is aimed at; and, in course of time, the standard of
deformity, or something approaching it, is attained; but at
what a cost! The depth and capacity of the chest are seri-
ously lessened; and the breathing, especially after such exer-
cise as is possible, is considerably quickened. A diminution
of the capacity of the chest is a lessening of the absolute
vital power of the constitution. It is there that the life-
giving and life-sustaining circulating fluid, the blood, is re-
oxygenised, vivified, and made fit to maintain the force, and
repair the waste, of the various parts of the body-a waste
that is going on every moment. Imperfectly oxygenised
blood means want of ordinary energy and spirits; heart,
brain, stomach, liver, every organ of the body repaired with
badly elaborated material, and thereby rendered progres-
sionally unfit for its duties; whilst, by quickened respira-
tion, these ill-nourished organs are made to do more than
their usual work in a given time, greater stress being put on.
20
AFFECTIONS OF THE SPINE.
them just as their capability to bear it lessens. Again, the
heart, stomach, liver, and bowels are pushed out of their
places, forced and maintained in positions in which it is
increasingly difficult for them to discharge their functions.
No wonder that indigestion, lowness of spirits, constipation,
palpitation, loss of colour, and hacking cough set in, with a
perceptible one-sidedness of chest, shoulders, hips, and spine.
The spine assumes a double curvature, in shape like an
italic ƒ; and the bones, or vertebræ at its lower part, more
or less turned round, so that there is protuberance or jutting-
out as well as curvature. Lateral curvature of the spine
resolves itself, therefore, into general and local weakness,
general debility, and muscular weakness, aggravated, in
many instances, by unnatural support and compression.
The treatment must be constitutional and local, in order
fully to meet the requirements of the case; both combined
effect wonders.
The exercises must be varied, and their character accurately
graduated to the strength of the patient; made a pleasure
and relaxation rather than a task; adhered to systematically,
and taken in a lofty, well-ventilated apartment, or out of
doors. In any case the desired changes can but be effected
very gradually; anything rash or violent must only defeat
its end; anything speedy is utterly out of the question.
Where exercises of the right kind cannot be obtained, all
rough substitutes and imitations, even where they do no
harm, are only so much loss of time. Nicely adjusted instru-
ments-light, without being too weak, made to support and
not to confine or tire, and capable of being altered to any
variation-must then be resorted to. The writer has had
under his care patients who have made surprising improve-
ment with the use of such instruments, and constant super-
vision. The treatment by exercises is in every way prefer-
able.
High shoulders, contracted chests, and stooping forward,
may all come under the same category as ordinary spinal
curvature, and are amenable to the same treatment.
Pigeon-breast-a deformity that Mr. Shaw has justly
pointed out as resulting from repeated attacks of spas-
AFFECTIONS OF THE SPINE.
21
modic breathing, as Millar's asthma or croup-is easily
reducible by graduated exercises.
In schools, time should be found for the teaching of the
Laws of Health and the rudiments of Physiology, as one of
the necessaries of education to all young ladies before they
leave school, that, in every endeavour for their welfare, their
own sensible co-operation may be secured; and that they
may be prepared the better for the active duties of woman-
hood, wifehood, and motherhood.
Very great harm is in every way inflicted by staid, fashion-
able, full-dress parties, with their excitement, rich viands,
wine, and late hours, for children and young ladies. With
these, health of body and vigour of mind are all but impos-
sible; it is the putting of old heads, and not very wise ones
either, on young shoulders.
22
CHAPTER II.
DISORDERS OF MENSTRUATION.
PRECOCIOUS MENSTRUATION; DELAY OF FIRST MENSTRUATION, WHERE
THERE IS NO EFFORT, BUT WHERE SOME AFFECTION SHOWS ITSElf,
AS-OF THE CIRCULATION, OF THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS, WANT OF
APPETITE, CONSTIPATION, DIARRHEA, ANEMIA, CHLOROSIS-OF THE
NERVOUS SYSTEM, NEURALGIA, HEADACHE, HYSTERIA, CATALEPSY,
CHOREA, OR ST. VITUS'S DANCE, EPILEPSY, FAINTING FITS; SUP-
PRESSION OF MENSTRUATION, OR AMENORRHEA WITH EFFORT ; IRRE-
GULAR MENSTRUATION IN THE YOUNG-AMENORRHEA, AND THE
SKIN DISEASES WITH WHICH IT IS CONNECTED-VICARIOUS MENSTRU-
ATION—IRREGULAR MENSTRUATION GENERALLY-PAINFUL MENSTRU-
ATION—PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-CESSATION OF MENSTRUATION, or
CHANGE OF LIFE-SICK HEADACHE.
WE now proceed to notice certain specific disorders con-
nected with, or ushering in, menstruation.
That menstruation comes too early, or is precocious, must
be determined more by the effect on the constitution than
by time and age. In individual cases, it may be just as much
too early at fourteen as it would be in another at twelve.
If it be an effort and a drain, if strength that should be
expended in growth and consolidation is appropriated in
the attempt at menstruation, medicinal and general treat-
ment should be had recourse to, that serious consequences
may be avoided.
China. Three times a day, if there is much feebleness.
Aletris Farinosa.-If this feebleness has associated with
it, as a marked symptom, very slow and weak digestion.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, of either, every four hours.
Helonias.-If the patient is very pale and short of breath
after the least exertion.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Calcarea Carbonica. The patient grows very fast; loses
her colour; her flesh is flabby; she sometimes perspires at
night.
A grain, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
DELAY OF FIRST MENSTRUATION.
23
As hydropathic measures, a dripping sheet on rising, at
first tepid, then, in about ten days, quite cold, followed by
brisk rubbing; a cold sitz bath for three minutes at eleven,
followed by friction and a brisk walk.
Freedom from all studies; a life as much as possible in
the open air; residence in a high, dry situation, with bracing
air; exercise, where practicable, on pony or donkey-back;
carriage exercise is better than none at all; but any other is
preferable.
A plain, nutritious, and abundant diet.
If the first menstruation is delayed beyond the time the
mother expects its appearance, she need not necessarily con-
sider it a cause for solicitude, unless the general health
suffer. The state of the health will be her guide.
All forcing measures, as decoctions, pills, or drops, often
utterly inoperative for the end for which they are taken,
cannot fail to be productive of considerable harm to the con-
stitution.
Sh
If the injunctions previously laid down are carried out,
nothing more will be demanded than attention to symptoms
as they arise.
If there should be no marked, general, or local disturb-
ance, leave well alone. Let no well-meaning friend dis-
quiet you by her prognostications and advice, even if men-
struation should be delayed to the fifteenth or sixteenth
year.
The possibility of some physical defect existing may be
borne in mind: such cases, however, are rare; and when they
do exist, always attended by local distress.
Disease, or absence of the ovaries, may prevent the elabo-
ration of the menstrual fluid; closure of the mouth of the
womb, adherence of the sides of the vagina, or a totally
imperforate hymen, may and would sufficiently account for
its non-appearance.
The diagnosis and treatment of such cases require pro-
fessional skill.
If constitutional delicacy be the cause of delay, the mere
tonic and alterative medicines of allopathic practice are not
sufficient. The sources of delicacy are too subtle and diver-
D
24 DERANGEMENTS ATTENDING FIRST MENSTRUATION.
sified to be reached by means less specific and searching than
those of Homœopathy.
It is not stimulation, it is correction, it is the strength
to make healthy tissue that is required, and this necessarily
takes time. Time and patience here bring their own reward,
since with what is required accomplished now, a new start in
life, something akin to a new constitution, may be acquired.
The principal deviations likely to be met with at this
period, are those of the Circulation, Digestion, and the
Nervous System.
Derangements of the Circulation may be met with two
remedies.
Aconite.-Feverishness and chilliness; thirst; quick
pulse; flushed face; cold feet; giddiness; headache; rest-
lessness.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Veratrum Viride.-Pale cold face; nose looks pinched;
paleness very perceptible round the lips and the side of the
nose; dull, heavy pain in the forehead, with giddiness;
ringing in the ears; oppression at the chest; pricking or
burning pains about the heart; general uneasiness at the
stomach; nausea; aching pains at the back of the neck and
shoulders.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Derangements of the Digestive Apparatus may com-
prise want of appetite; pain and distress at the stomach
before or after food; constipation, with or without piles;
diarrhoea; general debility; anemia, or bloodlessness; and
its near ally, chlorosis. Many of these are produced or
greatly aggravated by the irregular times at which food is
taken-eating sweet cakes, pastry, or more solid matters
between meals; a hurried method of eating; insufficient
mastication; indigestible trash, such as hot buttered rolls,
new bread, rich pastry, highly seasoned and flavoured dishes,
pork, shell fish, salmon or eels, strong coffee, green tea, free
use of stimulants; insufficient clothing; too close confine-
ment within doors, and neglect of out-door exercise; long-
continued occupation or study; dark or damp rooms; late
LOSS OF APPETITE-PAIN AFTER FOOD,
25
hours; and excitement of various kinds. No medicine,
whatever its nature, or however well adapted to a case, can
be expected to be of use whilst such pernicious, exciting
causes as these remain in operation. Ladies, with a full con-
sciousness of many a dereliction in the catalogue enumerated
above, take Homœopathic medicines, fondly expecting them
to act like a charm. It is not fair to blame Homœopathy for
the failure, and content themselves with observing, that they
have tried it, but it did not succeed; it did them no good.
WANT OF APPETITE-PAIN BEFORE AND AFTER FOOD.
The medicines most likely to be of service are—
Chamomilla.-Complete loss of appetite; bitter taste,
and inclination to vomit; distension of bowels; yellowish
complexion; irritability; or, on the contrary, unnatural
appetite; craving for raw vegetables, or coffee; aversion to
beer or broth.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Ignatia. There is very little appetite, or it is entirely
capricious, and as soon as a little food has been taken, there
is no relish for anything more; it becomes positively dis-
agreeable. The food is apt to rise again, or there is a gulp-
ing-up of bitter fluid. The food desired is generally bread
and butter or cheese, and there may be a longing for wine,
brandy, fruit, or milk; special aversion to warm food-meat.
Saliva runs from the mouth on to the pillow during sleep.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
M
Phosphoric Acid.-Pale face; blue margins round eyes;
itching pimples on face; bread disagrees, it tastes very
bitter; general loss of appetite; great desire for cold milk
or beer, or juicy, refreshing things. Acids disagree.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three or four hours.
Pulsatilla. Everything the least greasy or rich disagrees;
chilliness; nausea; greasy or pungent, hot, bitter, or putrid
taste in mouth; tearful mood; tendency to diarrhoea; water-
brash; salt or sour vomiting; longing for stewed prunes;
D 2
26
DISORDERS OF MENSTRUATION.
for butter, bread, and fruit; desires food, but does not know
what; wants beer or spirits; pale face; yellowish complexion.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.-Uncomfortable distension after meals;
the clothes have to be loosened to give relief; heartburn ;
waterbrash; hiccough; constipation; restless nights; prone
to take offence, and at trifles; sour or bitter, slimy, herby,
or putrid taste; aversion to bread, to her usual food and
drink, to beer; hunger, which changes to a feeling of reple-
tion on taking ever so little.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Iris.-Gnawing pain, or great burning distress, aggra-
vated by cold water at the stomach, relieved by taking food :
it soon, however, returns. Specially suited to those subject
to bilious diarrhoea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Carbo Vegetabilis.-Constant distress from accumula-
tion of flatulence, the raising of which affords but little
relief, as it soon collects again; heartburn; bitter or sour
taste; food of which she used to be very fond is disagreeable
to her; repugnance to fat meat, butter, and milk; desire for
something sweet or salt, and for coffee; complexion grey-
yellow, or great paleness.
A grain, 1st trituration, every two or three hours.
China. Drowsiness, and a feeling of oppression after
eating; flat, insipid taste in the mouth; qualmishness;
returning of the food; prostration; shuddering after drink-
ing; disagreeable, fetid flatulence; yearning for dainties;
for various things without knowing which; unnatural vora-
city; desire for wine or sour things, particularly sour fruit,
cherries; heartburn; sour vomiting.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Arsenicum.-Burning pain in region of stomach, which
is sensitive to the touch and pressure; thirst, but can drink
but little at a time; nausea persistent, and distressing,
often vomiting; derangements caused by taking ices, or
DERANGED APPETITE.
27
fruit, or acid things; tongue clean, red, like beefsteak; food
has no taste; it is too salt, or it is not salt enough; desire
for vinegar or acid fruit, cold water, for brandy, for coffee or
milk. Sometimes the thought of any food, but especially
boiled meat, or at other times butter, is intolerable; coun-
tenance looks pinched.
One grain, 6th trituration, every three or four hours.
Helonias.-Marked dryness of lips, mouth, and tongue;
pain, tightness, and pressure in the stomach after food;
partially relieved by eructations of tasteless gas; rumblings
in the bowels; loss of appetite; cramps; lowness of spirits.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
DISORDERS OF APPETITE.
Cicuta.-Great desire for coal or cinders; deadly pale
face; subject to tremors and hysteric spasms.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Graphites.-Pale, yellow face, with weak eyes; salt,
bitter, or sour taste; great desire for beer, to cool oneself
internally; no appetite, or voracious hunger, followed by
nausea and giddiness; aversion to warm food, to salt
things, to liquors generally, to meat and fish. She can,
however, be got to take meat, and then it tastes tolerably
well whilst eating it; great thirst.
A grain, 6th trituration, every four or six hours.
Digitalis. Desire for sour drinks, or bitter food; pale
face; difficult, slow, and deep breathing; cannot hold her
breath for any time; has to take, very frequently, a deep
breath; stitches in the chest; throbbing in right side of it;
feeling of great fatigue in the knees in going upstairs; tight-
ness in the bends of the knees; the legs feel weary.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hepar. Taste as of rotten eggs; dislike to fat; desire
for sour and strong-tasting substances; for wine and vinegar;
28
DISORDERS OF MENSTRUATION.
yellow complexion; blue borders round the eyes; great pale-
ness of the face, even when heated by exercise.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three or four hours.
Argentum Nitricum.-Inky, metallic, or coppery taste;
food tastes like straw; irresistible desire for sugar; trem-
bling and throbbing in the stomach; sickly appearance,
sunken, pale, bluish, old look; the skin seems tightly drawn
over the bones of the face; coldness in abdomen; great
desire for sleep as she is sitting in an evening; dizziness and
cloudiness of the brain; debility and despondency; afraid to
undertake anything lest she should not succeed.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Lycopodium.-Pale, yellowish, grey, sunken
sunken face ;
sometimes almost livid, with deep wrinkles; at others, pim-
ples and freckles; mouldy cheesy taste; excessive hunger;
the more she eats the more she craves or desires to eat, with-
out real hunger; desire for sweet things; aversion to solid
food; cannot eat anything, even the best, before having
tasted it, but afterwards cannot eat enough.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every four or six hours.
G
Mercurius.-White, clay-coloured face, with attenuated,
sunken features, and dim, gloomy eyes; metallic or soapy
taste, or of putrid eggs; food and drink, especially water,
taste slimy and salt, bread sweet, and beer sour; no desire
for wine or brandy, to which she has been accustomed; aver-
sion to beef, meat generally, and butter, also coffee, and
sweets; cares only for cold food; more desire for drinking
than eating; progressive weakness.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every four or six hours.
Moschus.-Earthy complexion; aversion to food on
merely seeing it; sick feeling at the stomach, as if she would
vomit; great desire for beer and brandy; numbness of the
limbs; hysterical paroxysms.
One drop, 1st dilution, every three hours.
Natrum Muriaticum.-Face shining, as from grease;
3
DERANGEMENTS OF DIGESTION.
29
yellowish look; loss of taste, or it is flat and watery; re-
pugnance to coffee and brown bread, and fat meat; thirst,
but almost no desire for drink; heartburn; acidity; eructa-
tions; distension of abdomen; colic.
One grain, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Nitric Acid.-Sickly yellowness of face, particularly
round the eyes, which seem deeper set than usual; bloated-
ness round the eyes on waking; sour or sweet taste; want of
appetite; feels satisfied directly; cares only for herrings, or
fat things, or for earth, chalk, lime; aversion specially to
boiled food, to sweet things, to bread; rumbling in abdomen;
much yawning; excessive languor; great weakness in knees
and elbows.
B
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Plumbum.-Cadaverous, death-like, lead-coloured, sad
countenance; looks older, considerably, than she usually does;
loss of appetite; no thirst at all; inclination to vomit, and
loathing of food.
Quarter of a grain, 6th trituration, every three or four hours.
Sepia. Pale face, with blue margins round eyes, which
are sunken; aversion to all food, especially meat, or can only
eat bread and butter or soup; nothing tastes well; the bare
idea of food makes her feel sick; everything tastes too salt;
aversion to milk; desire for wine, which she does not other-
wise drink, and for vinegar.
One grain, 6th trituration, every four or six hours.
Silicea.-Pale, swollen face; chilliness; very cold feet;
wants cold raw things; drowsy and faint; nausea; relieved
by lying down; colic and heartburn.
One grain, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Veratrum Album.-Cold, disfigured face, with pointed
nose and sunken cheeks; accumulation of water in the
mouth; desire for fruit, for lemon juice, for acid cooling
things; herb-like taste in mouth, or bitter, and even putrid,
as of manure; great inclination for cold things, also for her-
30
DISORDERS OF MENSTRUATION.
rings, for sardines, for cucumbers; vomiting of green mucus;
diarrhoea; faintness; cramps in legs at night.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Sulphur.-Pale, bloated face, with wretched look; deep
eyes, surrounded by blue margins; the region of the stomach
is very painful when pressing it-even the weight of a light
bed-cover causes pain; taste in the mouth varies from that of
dough and a flat taste-a sensation as though greasy vapour
were rising in the throat, to a sweetish, or even bitter, sour,
and coppery taste; salt taste of food; everything tastes
alike, or it tastes like straw, and smells like lime; empty
feeling in the stomach; a little food satiates, or the sight
even of food takes away all desire for it; violent thirst for
beer; aversion to meat; milk, farinaceous food, vegetables,
and fat, disagree; irresistible desire for sugar, which, how-
ever, often causes pain at the stomach; heartburn; nausea.
One grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
-
Aletris.-Disgust at all food; nausea, but no vomiting;
constipation; faintness; giddiness; sleepiness; the least
quantity of food taken causes great distress at stomach. Very
suitable for those whose weakness has been increased by over-
study.
M
M
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hydrastis. A faint, gone feeling at the pit of the
stomach, which it seems as though nothing could take away;
after food, oppression, nausea, and violent long-continued
palpitation, and sour risings.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Xanthoxylum.-Mouth feels hot, with foul taste; yellow,
furred tongue; fluttering in the stomach, with nausea and
eructations; profuse flow of saliva; heaviness of the head;
ringing in the ears; and a nervous, frightened, distressed
feeling.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Argentum. -A frequent, irrepressible croaking, like frogs,
in the bowels.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
CONSTIPATION.
31
CONSTIPATION.
Where constipation is a prominent and distressing symp-
tom, it will be as ineffectual as it is unwise to attempt
to overcome it by any aperient, however seductive in name
or appearance. All purgatives act by virtue of the irri-
tation they produce. Forced action is always followed by
inaction, which, in the case of the bowels, means constipa-
tion.
Those who suffer from sluggish bowels, should refrain
altogether from baker's bread, as it usually contains alum,
an astringent, and take home-made, bran, or whole-meal
bread. Want of exercise is another fruitful source of irregu-
larity a glass of cold water, on rising, has a beneficial effect
with many.
Sometimes, as in recovery from attacks of ill-
ness, nature sets up constipation, that she may the more
readily repair the waste, and counteract the debility; it may
sometimes be constitutional: not unfrequently, it is brought
on, and perpetuated, by thoughtlessness. The old adage,
that use is second nature, is nowhere exemplified more
strongly than in the case of the bowels; they should be
relieved at stated times, and relief should be sought at those
times regularly, whether inclination be present or not. The
medicines to be employed are—
Opium, where constipation is habitual, or where it is pro-
longed. The loss of power seems to be in the lower bowel,
or rectum; there is no very great urging; the orifice appears
as if closed; there is loss of appetite; heat of face, and
headache; beating, and heavy feeling in the bowels.
Two drops, 6th dilution, night and morning.
Collinsonia.- Constipation as the result of previous allo-
pathic purgation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, night and morning.
Hydrastis. Chronic and obstinate constipation, where
the bowels act but once or twice in a week; and then with
severe smarting, and a good deal of pain, lasting for some
time after, and often producing faintness.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, night and morning.
32
DISORDERS OF MENSTRUATION.
Bryonia. Constipation in those of bilious temperament,
the vehement, and the taciturn; some hard matter may be
passed with considerable difficulty and protrusion of the
rectum. Suitable for cases in which there is alternate con-
stipation and diarrhoea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, night and morning.
Alumina.-Inclination, and effort at relief, with strain-
ing; when anything is passed it is hard, knotty, and scanty,
and occasions pricking and excoriation.
A grain of 6th trituration, night and morning.
Mercurius Vivus.-Constipation, with constant desire
for relief; low-spiritedness; loss of appetite; bad taste in
mouth; if there is any relief, it is with considerable effort,
and is attended by chills and shivering.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Plumbum.-When relief is attempted, the anus is drawn
up by spasmodic action; if there is any evacuation, it is
hard and knotty. The constipation to which it is applicable
appears to result from a deficiency of mucous secretion in
the intestines.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Nux Vomica.-Constipation, with frequent ineffectual
urging; loss of appetite; distension of abdomen; headache;
vexed mood; disinclination for the usual employment;
constipation as the result of indigestion, or from inactivity,
or torpidity of the bowels, from the effect of sedentary occu-
pation or rich living; and in those subject to piles.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, night and morning.
Sulphur.-Habitual costiveness. Adapted for the cases to
which Nux Vomica applies, when that remedy does not
relieve.
A grain, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Give the medicine chosen a fair trial. Do not change
from one to the other without due consideration.
Where a
medicine needs to be repeated for three days, wait for two
days without any before continuing it or trying any other.
t
DELAY OF MENSTRUATION, WITH DIARRHŒA.
33
DIARRHEA.
Arsenicum. With tearing pains; watery, chiefly at
night, with thirst and prostration, often with vomiting; cold
limbs; pale, sunken face.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Mercurius.-Straining, voiding of mucus, streaked with
blood, or slimy, frothy, bilious diarrhoea, like stirred eggs;
chills, shiverings, burning, and soreness at anus; colicky
pain about navel.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
China. Copious evacuations after a meal, mixed with
undigested food, and painless; complete prostration.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Chamomilla.-Yellowish and greenish diarrhoea, with very
violent pains in the bowels, of a tearing, cutting nature;
bloated abdomen; eructations, with nausea, and frequent
bilious vomiting.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Rhubarb.-Copious, sour-smelling dejections, as though
fermenting; frequent urging and straining.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Ipecacuanha.-Where the vomiting is even a more pro-
minent symptom than the diarrhoea, and when grass-green
matters are brought up.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every hour or two hours.
Nux Vomica.-Morning diarrhoea, or after dinner; fre-
quent scanty evacuations of dark colour; mucus; urging
and straining; pains in back and thighs.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Veratrum Album.-Frequent diarrhoea, with cutting
pains before and after; cold sweat on the forehead; great
prostration; feeling of coldness in abdomen; a good deal of
34
DISORDERS OF MENSTRUATION-DIARRHEA.
rumbling, when there are violent evacuations upwards and
downwards, with cramps in the legs.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Iris.—Diarrhoea, brown, lumpy, and very offensive; cut-
ting pains in lower part of abdomen, obliging her to bend
forward for relief; discharges of fetid flatulence; rum-
bling in the bowels; lassitude.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Podophyllum.-Morning diarrhoea, or immediately after
eating or drinking; copious bilious evacuations, very
offensive, smelling like putrid flesh, and resembling pea-
soup; severe pain in the side of the bowels, and in the loins,
worse during and after an evacuation, with death-like nausea.
In the diarrhoea to which both this remedy and Nux Vomica
is applicable, there is often protrusion of the rectum.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, at night.
Pulsatilla.-Watery, greenish diarrhoea, chilliness after-
wards; cutting pains in bowels both before and after; fre-
quent urging to stool; stiffness in the back; distension of
abdomen, with frequent urging, followed by a discharge of
mucus only, and especially at night.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Sulphur.-In all long-standing cases of diarrhoea, as an
intercurrent remedy; most suitable to begin the treatment
with when a case has been under allopathy.
A grain, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
For drink, rice-water; very little food, except arrowroot;
tepid compresses kept over the bowels.
ANEMIA.
There may be marked debility and bloodlessness, with
palpitation and shortness of breath on any slight exertion.
Iodium.-Pale, chlorotic face, or pale face alternating
with redness; excessive shortness of breath on going up-
stairs, or on ascending an eminence; frequent palpitation of
ANEMIA.
35
the heart; great nervousness; debility; and weakness of the
legs.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three or four hours.
Calcarea.-Attacks of general exhaustion; anxious, trem-
bling; depression; pale face; coldness of the hands and feet,
or burning in the palms and soles, with congestion of blood to
head and chest; palpitation; faintings; drops of perspiration
on the face; weariness of the limbs; weakness of the knees;
easily tired after the least exertion; sensitiveness to cold
evening air; easily takes cold.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Ferrum.-Dulness, confusion, and dizziness, increased
when looking at flowing water or moving objects; humming
in the ears; pain in the forehead, as though it would burst;
pale face, puffy round the eyes, yellowish-white lips, breathing
difficult, as if from pressure on the chest; shortness of breath,
even when sitting; diarrhoea often an attendant symptom.
Two grains, 1st trituration, every four hours.
China. In addition to symptoms mentioned just now,
there are lowness of spirits, indifference, apathy, want of
disposition for any pursuit, or nervous irritability; pale
sunken face, sickly grey-yellow, or clay-coloured.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Arsenicum.-Anguish, agitation; feels as though she had
committed some crime; great prostration; over-sensitive-
ness; appearance of anxiety; swelling of upper part of face,
which is altogether sickly, greenish, and pinched.
Half grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Helonias. Complete loss of appetite; great emaciation
and debility; unable to walk far at a time; morning head-
ache at the back; pale, chlorotic skin; tongue red at the
tip and edges, white in the centre; desires to be left alone;
dull and gloomy; all conversation is unpleasant; cannot
endure the least contradiction, or receive any suggestion, in
relation to any subject.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
i
36
CHLOROSIS.
·
Nux Vomica.-Anxiety, as though threatened with some
misfortune; solicitude about her health; likes to talk about
herself and her feelings; great sensitiveness to external impres-
sions, noise, talking, strong scents and odours, or bright
light; she is unable to bear pain without moaning and lamen-
tation; trifling ailments affect her almost beyond measure;
earthy, yellowish complexion, especially round the nose and
mouth; blue margins round the eyes; nose looks sharper and
more pointed than usual; the face sunken.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
It is not to be expected that any one case will present all
the features described under any one medicine; the fulness
of detail may enable a resemblance to be detected more
easily.
CHLOROSIS.
Under the head of Affections of the Digestive Apparatus;
Want of Appetite-Pain before and after Food; and Anemia,
will be found medicines applying also to this affection.
Chlorosis, or Green Sickness (from the colour of the skin),
as it is popularly called, is connected with puberty and the
establishment of menstruation. A corresponding condition
sometimes shows itself in pregnancy. It is not simply
deficiency, nor a watery condition of the blood, nor that of
white-cell blood, or Leucocythemia, where the yellow and
colourless corpuscles of the blood are five times as numerous
as in health. The cases of leucocythemia are very rare to
make a comparison with. The only one I have ever seen-a
well-marked instance-bore no resemblance, except theoreti-
cally, to chlorosis: the countenance was dusky, bloated, and
utterly unlike itself; so much so, that the patient had not
been allowed to see herself for two years: it was not hideous
or distorted; it was unnatural, utterly changed in expression
and contour. The debility was extreme, and the craving
for, and tolerance of, stimulants, something remarkable. The
body emitted a strong, fishy odour; the menstrual function
was regularly, but painfully, performed; the spleen was
CHLOROSIS.
37
unmistakeably implicated; and throat symptoms, indicating
Arsenic, were frequently, almost periodically, manifested.
This case resulted from cachexia, after fever.
In Chlorosis, to the pallor of anemia, there is super-
added a yellowish-green aspect, more or less defined; a
peculiar odour of the breath and body generally. We have
pallor, languor, habitual inertia, and melancholy; the face
becomes bloated, or the eyelids swollen, especially in the
morning, and encircled by dark rings, contrasting strongly
with the pearly colour of the whites of the eyes, and the
pallor of the face and lips. The eyes are sad and languish-
ing; the skin dry and cool; digestion deranged; strange
and depraved appetite; desire for salt, vinegar, and
green fruit, or for indigestible substances, such as coal,
plaster, earth, or ashes, or a thorough disgust for the
food which is ordinarily and usually preferred. The patient
has a frequent inclination to make deep and strong
inspirations; there is palpitation, with creeping chills,
increased by walking, by any slight exercise, or mental
emotion; the least ascent has to be made slowly and pain-
fully, and is often impossible without frequent rests. The
heart and arteries beat with great force, having a prolonged
vibration, or humming sound, and a bellows murmur.
is a frequent, obstinate and severe pain in the left side, just
under the breast. In some cases the appetite is increased
beyond measure, rather than depraved; food is followed by
a sense of weight and heat, acid risings, nausea, and vomit-
ing; nervous pains in the throat, extending through to the
shoulders; alternate constipation of white and hard fæces
and diarrhoea; the urine small in quantity, or pale and
limpid; the debility, lassitude, and a great desire for sleep or
complete rest, increase from day to day.
There
Chlorosis is an example of blood-poisoning; or, at all
events, blood depravity, and is allied to consumption, in
which its increasing debility and feebleness may end, or
general dropsy may be the issue.
The heart-sounds referred to above, the pain in the side,
the palpitation, and the sighing, the inability to take much
exercise, or make even ordinary exertion with comfort, do
38
CHLOROSIS.
1
not arise from disease of the heart, but, as in ague, from the
watery condition of the blood. In advanced cases, the sub-
stance of the heart itself, like every other organ of the body,
is badly nourished by reason of an impure circulating fluid:
the spleen is considerably affected.
In patients subject to chorea, or St. Vitus's Dance, chlorotic
symptoms often manifest themselves.
In addition to the persevering use of medicine, attention
must be paid to clothing, diet, and exercise. The clothing
must be warm and comfortable-merino vests, drawers and
stockings, and warm woollen night-socks; the food light,
nutritious, and varied; fancies for trash must not be indulged
in; exercise must be taken as it can be borne; gentle and
frequent walks, rides, well wrapped up, in a carriage or on
horseback. Residence in a high and dry situation, or at the
sea-side; but not sea-bathing. Good Burgundy, Hungarian
Offner, Carlowitz, or port wine may be taken twice a day;
the action of the stomach and bowels aided by tepid com-
presses of three thicknesses of linen next the skin, well
covered by four of flannel, put on every morning; a fresh
linen and flannel every three days, so as to have a constant
change; dry flannel worn at night; sponging carefully with
tepid water all over, on rising, with friction after, as it can
be borne, especially down the spine; a tepid packing of
the body for three-quarters of an hour, followed by a slightly
tepid dripping sheet. Where there is great coldness and
torpidity, friction down the spine with the hand at night,
using Arnica Opodeldoc, or warm dry mustard. The same
applications may be gently and carefully used to the left side.
In cases where Arnica cannot be tolerated, let Conium Opo-
deldoc be substituted.
Chlorosis may have conjoined with it, hysteria, chorea,
neuralgia, or spinal irritation.
In its treatment, it must be remembered that we have not
simply to deal with a name, but with individual cases—no
two being precisely alike.
In chlorosis, the following remedies, with others mentioned
under "The Non-appearance and Suppression of Menstrua-
tion," are of service.
CHLOROSIS.
39
Pulsatilla. Pale face; puffy swelling of feet and legs,
with weakness and chilliness; difficulty of breathing, and
loss of breath after even slight exertion; weeping, or laugh-
ing and crying moods; melancholy; indifferent; peevish;
nausea; morning sickness; headache; palpitation; swelling of
the abdomen, with oppressive weight; leucorrhoea, amen-
orrhoea; burning pains in pudenda; tendency to diarrhoea;
loss of appetite.
-
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Arsenicum.-White waxy complexion, with dark margins.
round the eyes, or sickly, greenish, pinched look; puffiness
of the upper part of the face; great prostration and over-
sensitiveness; the least exertion fatigues; anguish; frequent
agitation, with weeping; feels as though she had committed
some crime; faintings; sleep disturbed by dreams; chilli-
ness; pains in the back, shoulders, and sides of abdomen, or
in the stomach; loud eructations; suppression, or scanty
menstruation: corrosive leucorrhoea.
One grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Aloes.-Pale and waxen countenance, with noticeable
blueness of the whites of the eyes; dizziness; spots before
the eyes; periodical headache, alternating with pain in the
back; fulness, heat, and distension of abdomen; great
quantity of fetid flatulence; heat and irritation of rectum
and womb, and uneasiness of the bowels; an unusual quantity
of water passed; suppression of menses. Very useful for
those who are closely confined to any sedentary occupation.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
E
Sepia.-Pale, dingy face, or shining, fine skin; pale
complexion; sick headaches, or neuralgia occasionally;
scanty menstruation; nausea; fulness of abdomen; bearing-
down pains; pain in loins; weariness; a peculiar sweetish
odour of the person; constipation; general coldness of hands
and feet; debility; bruised, beaten feeling in the limbs; sense
of pain and emptiness at the pit of the stomach.
40
DERANGEMENTS OF MENSTRUATION-NEURALGIA.
Derangements of the Nervous System may show themselves
in pain suffered;—as in Neuralgia, Headache, or in perverted
or irregular action ;-as Cramps, Hysteria, Epilepsy, Chorea,
Catalepsy, and Spinal Irritation.
NEURALGIA,
Which is most distressing and wearing both to suffer and
witness, may be met by—
Aconite. The pains are tingling, pricking, shooting,
crawling, or numbing, or come on in paroxysms, which are
very violent, attended by great nervousness and restlessness ;
the pains then are burning and stinging, boring, wrenching,
or screwing; apt to be worse in an evening, and most intol-
erable at night; relieved by the open air, or by sitting
quietly. The pains may shift rapidly from one part to
another. The face is either extremely pale or bright red.
There is excessive sensitiveness to touch and slightest move-
ment; liability to attacks of fainting, on rising from a
sitting or recumbent position. Dry, cold east winds often
bring the pain on.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Belladonna.-Throbbing, beating, burning, stinging
pains, generally attended by inflammation, and red, glassy
swelling. There is great sensitiveness to cold air, and to light
and noise. Aggravations at three or four in the afternoon, or
at night. Pains often disappear suddenly when they have
reached the highest degree of violence; or they disappear in
one place whilst other and different pains make their appear-
ance in other parts of the body. Often worse after sleep, or
pains come on directly on waking.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Chamomilla.-Violent drawing, jerking pains, that seem
intolerable, obliging patient to toss and turn herself about ;
they are succeeded by a numbed feeling. Irritable whining
mood during the pains; aggravation or renewal from eating
or drinking anything cold or warm; heat and redness,
especially on one cheek.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
NEURALGIA.
· 41
Arsenicum. The pains return at stated times or days,
or waking patient up out of sleep, particularly before mid-
night; or they are intolerable enough to drive one to
despair and frenzy, frequently accompanied by shuddering,
coldness, or chills, and thirst; heat in the face and body;
humming in the ears; excessive failure of strength; a feeling
of inability to remain up, and yet pains are better when
standing or walking about, or from warmth or compression
of the affected part. Apt to come on after dinner, especially
if lying down, or to be excited by the conversation of other
persons.
Cate
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every two or three hours.
Cimicifuga.-Purely neuralgic pains, as the result of
excitement or exhaustion; nervous weakness; very tired
feeling; continual restlessness; does not know where to go
or what to do; great sensitiveness to cold air, which seems
to penetrate her through. Pains generally worse on left side.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Gelseminum.-Acute, sudden, darting pains, so sudden
as to make one start, or such as come on in decided parox-
ysms, attended by extreme general nervousness, by con-
tractions and twitchings of the muscles near the seat of
pain. The pains, when they go off, leave a great tenderness
where they have been.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Glonoine.-Very violent paroxysms of neuralgia, with a
throbbing, violent, bursting headache; nausea, giddiness,
faintness, and a sense of tightness at the throat. All persons
do not appear to be equally sensitive to its action.
One drop, 6th dilution, every two or three hours.
Cypripedium.-Intense and maddening neuralgia, from
heightened sensitiveness or irritability, as in those whose
nerves have been severely tried, or who have had long and
anxious watching and nursing. Sleepless rest; less trem-
bling; irritable, irascible, fretful; their movements are
hurried and uncertain; they are agitated by the least con-
-
E 2
42
NEURALGIA.
tradictory word, or what they fancy to be so; and cannot
bear the least excitement.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Hyoscyamus.-Drawing, tearing, beating pain in the
upper teeth; the throbbing extends to the forehead, or to
the root of the nose and the eyes, with burning heat of the
face. The teeth feel loose, as if they would fall out. The
pains are aggravated by pressure and cold air, and generally
come on in the morning.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Mercurius.-Terrible tearing in the teeth, extending to
the cheek of the affected side, and to the glands under the
jaw; the teeth feel elongated, as well as loose. The pain
sometimes extends into the ear, like a stitch, especially at
night. The gums are red and swollen, or they may recede
from the teeth. The pain is increased by eating, by cold
air drawn into the mouth, or anything warm or cold to the
teeth; the pain becomes intolerable in bed or in the cold air.
The gums bleed at a slight touch. The patient is chilly,
and is troubled with a good deal of saliva.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.-Drawing, tearing pain, at first in a
hollow tooth, then extending to both jaws, the bones of the
face and temples; abated by wrapping the cheek up warm,
and some sleep; returns again from a draught of cold water,
or by a few crumbs getting into the teeth; or it may be
brought on by warm drinks, or by the warmth of a room;
looseness of the teeth; swelling of the gums.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Spigelia.-Pressing, tearing pain in the lower jaw, ex-
tending to the nape of the neck, making the movement of
the head painful; pale, bloated face; yellow rims round the
eyes; palpitation of the heart; chilliness; restlessness.
Aggravated by cold, or by the contact of the air, or cold
water; pain goes off by lying down, and during eating.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
MENSTRUAL HEADACHE.
43
Cicuta.-Nervous toothache, the pain arising from the
pressure of the gold in teeth which have been stopped.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
HEADACHE.
Asclepias Syriaca.-Pain as though a sharp instrument
were thrust through from one temple to the other; feeble
pulse and cold skin; dizziness, persistent nausea, and often
vomiting; sometimes diarrhoea; considerable or frequent
quantity of pale urine.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Belladonna.-Throbbing, congestive headache; flushed
face; light, stooping, and noise increase the pain.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Aconite.-Pain behind the eyes, at root of nose, or the
whole forehead, often very violent; increased by any move-
ment, such as walking, or even talking. The face denotes
suffering, and is either pale or wrinkled; or it may look
bloated; the feet are cold; pulse small.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Gelseminum.-Comes on suddenly, beginning at the
upper part of the neck, spreading.over the whole head; or
felt first in the forehead, then in the nape of the neck; dim-
ness of sight, or double vision; difficulty in opening the
eyes, or in keeping them open; heaviness of the head;
stupor; dull, heavy expression of face; full pulse; feels like
one intoxicated.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Pulsatilla.--Stupid gloomy feeling; boring pain in the
forehead, or top of head; giddiness, worse on looking up;
pain in the eyes; brain feels as if bruised; acrid risings;
pain relieved by pressure; worse towards evening; distressed,
weeping mood.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Ignatia.—Painful pressure in the head, with burning and
44
MENSTRUAL HEADACHE.
watering of the eyes; dread of light; swelling of the eye-
lids; the pain may intensify itself in one eye, often the right,
or confine itself to one side of the head; or an intense pain,
as though a nail were being driven in; qualmishness; want
of appetite; cutting, spasmodic pains in bowels; quantity
of urine passed, clear and pale as water.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.-Head feels as though it would split;
pressing it tightly with both hands relieves it; heat in the
cheeks; chilly feeling over the body; soreness and sensitive-
ness of scalp; darting pains, with nausea; distension of the
stomach, and constipation.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Chamomilla.-Tearing, dragging, maddening pain;
burning; distress; heavy load and anxiety at pit of stomach;
vomiting of bile; irritable mood; brain feels sore; flushes;
one cheek may be red and the other pale.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Sepia.-Headache every morning, with nausea; anxiety
at pit of stomach, with trembling; rush of blood to the
head; nose not unfrequently bleeds; giddiness; everything
seems to go round.
Two grains, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Caulophyllum.-Dull, frontal headache, feeling as
though the skin of the forehead were drawn tight; sharp
pains, as though pins were sticking in it; severe pains in
temples, as though they would be crushed together; or
drawing pain over left eye; sight dim; profuse flow of tears.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cimicifuga. Acute pain, with fulness, heat, and throb-
bing, worse sometimes over the right, sometimes over the left
eye, sometimes in the eyeballs, or in the whole forehead;
felt every day, but worse every other day; relieved by walk-
ing in the open air; throbbing is rendered so much worse by
-
CRAMPS HYSTERIA.
45
going upstairs, that it feels as though the top of the head
would fly off.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
CRAMPS.
Cramp in bed at night, waking out of sleep with icy cold
feet-Veratrum Album, which almost invariably relieves.
Should it fail, try Sulphur, two drops of 3rd dilution,
of either, at bed-time. Chamomilla and Nux Vomica,
in other cases, have been found beneficial. A brisk walk
along the corridors of the house, or running up and down
stairs for a few times, will also prove of service in quickening
the circulation, as also sleeping in warm stockings. If the
exercise advised cannot be taken, let the feet and legs be
vigorously rubbed by an attendant or friend, just previous to
getting into bed, the stockings being put on immediately
after the rubbing.
HYSTERIA.
A name calculated to mislead as to its nature and origin.
From the derivation of the word, it would imply that its seat
is the womb, and that it is always connected with some affec-
tion or derangement of that organ: the fact being, that this
is by no means the case invariably in women, and that boys
and men can be hysterical.
Hysteria is a nervous affection of the centres of emotion,
sensation, and voluntary motion, presenting, in different and
the same individual, very varied phenomena; it simulates
dyspepsia, inflammation of the bowels, or of different joints,
paralysis, epilepsy, or convulsions.
A paroxysm, or what is known as "a fit of hysterics," is but
a part of that disease, and but one of its manifestations. A
patient addicted to occasional fits of immoderate and un-
controllable laughter and crying, oddly mixed up and alter-
nating, brought on often by trifles, may be only occasionally
hysterical.
In the case of the permanently hysterical, there is always
-
46
HYSTERIA.
recognisable a distinct perversion of health or bodily function,
and, in addition, a perversion of will, exaggerated emotion,
sensibility, and thought; unaccountable and inexplicable
pains in various parts, as in or near the right or left hip, one
knee, under or in one or other breast, in the head or spine;
very often in the stomach, where it is persistent and trouble-
some; the patient rises with it in the morning, and complains
of it all day; neither relieved nor aggravated by food.
Hysterical pains generally come and disappear quite suddenly,
yet are severe whilst they last, so that hysterical palpitation
has led to the conclusion of diseased heart, and hysterical
pain in the spine, to issues, setons, and blisters.
Hysterical patients sometimes present all the appearance
of being paralysed, or seem to have entirely lost their voice,
and to be unable to speak above a whisper: let them become
suddenly excited, the voice returns in its wonted loudness,
and the paralysed limb regains its power; and this without
any intention or consciousness of deception; the state of
inability is as real as the condition of power. It is this
reality of unreal things that forms the material part of the
disease: from this perversion all the symptoms of the case,
however diversified, spring.
Of this diversity various examples are presented. Though,
as it has been remarked, boys and men may be bysterical, it
is young women about the age of puberty, or in the earlier
years of menstruation, that we far more commonly find to be
so. Boys and men exhibiting any hysterical phenomena, are
of peculiarly susceptible, sensitive temperaments, worn by
watching, suffering, or distress.
In the milder cases the patient is generally nervous,
unduly excited or desponding. She has pains in the stomach
or elsewhere, and a troublesome rising as of a ball in her
throat; the "globus hystericus," with tightness and suffoca-
tion; pains in the head and neck; languor; flatulence;
distension of the bowels; also passing of a considerable
quantity of pale urine. So she may continue with remissions
and returns, or she may have one or repeated attacks of
hysterical fits or convulsions, which, through some trivial
occurrence or other, may come on at irregular intervals, often
HYSTERIA.
47
last some considerable time, and present varied aspects, many
of them exceedingly trying to solicitous relatives, and not
always safe for the patient herself. She falls suddenly, her
head bent back, her eyelids closed, but quivering; all power
of voluntary motion gone; spasmodic efforts at swallowing;
clutching at the throat; violent struggles, cries, and tossing
about of the limbs; efforts to bite herself and others; the
face is flushed, the nostrils distended and working; the teeth
firmly clenched, the jaws rigidly set. The attack may pass
off suddenly, and the patient drop into a sound sleep; or it
may appear to wear itself out, and leave the patient utterly
exhausted, stiff and sore; unable to talk or swallow more
than a small quantity at a time; often obliged to be fed;
very little, if any, urine passed; sometimes the secretion
suspended; it may have to be drawn off by catheter. A
fit may last two or three hours; and is apt to recur about
the time of the monthly period. Patients are, to a great
extent, much more so than they would have bystanders
suppose, conscious of what goes on it is, therefore, necessary
to be cautious as to what is said and done so far as affects
them.
An hysterical fit may return very quickly after it has
seemed to go off; so that it is well to be prepared, and not
allow the patient to be left to sustain any injury, or to do
any harm to herself.
An unwonted susceptibility of the senses, of the hearing,
of the eyes to light, of the organ of smell to various odours,
of the skin generally to the slightest touch, over the abdo-
men especially, which is often distended, down the course of
the spine, in various joints, as the hip and knee, with pain
and lameness, are more or less present.
In these individuals, when the abdomen is touched, the
distress is as great as in an inflammation of the bowels; but
in inflammation the countenance indicates acute suffering:
the patient lies with the knees drawn up, and the constitu-
tional symptoms are conformable to, and commensurate with,
severe and dangerous illness.
In the hysterical, a little attention will suffice to show
that the pain felt is in the skin, the lightest touch on which,
48
HYSTERIA.
or even pinching a portion of it, occasions exquisite pain, and
produces a corresponding demonstration in the shape of cries
and protestations.
In the joints the seat of pain is still in the skin; there is
not that increase of suffering from firm, steady pressure or
movement which invariably attends diseased structure in or
around a joint. Sir Benjamin Brodie asserted, that four-
fifths of the ladies supposed to be suffering from diseased
joints, were simply hysterical. The amount of unnecessary
torture from blisters, from counter-irritation, and from
mechanical contrivances, that must have been undergone, is
something inconceivable.
There can be as little question, that very many cases of so-
called womb affection are but cases of hysteria, with some
derangement of function, and some considerable pain, but
no real disease. To have the verdict of uterine affection
passed on any one; to submit them to accepted and preva-
lent examinations with the speculum and otherwise-to
caustics, periodical leeching, and purgation, for mere symp-
tomatic distress, is a monstrous injustice and wrong, but
often endured and perpetrated. This will continue until
patients and their friends exercise a little more reflection
and common sense, and refuse to bow to a dictum simply
because it is pronounced in a tone of authority, or submit to
any treatment that is prescribed. All such opinions should
have sound physiological reasons on which to base them-
selves; and all treatment prescribed, definite ends in view;
then it cannot be carried out with too much perseverance and
determination. It is a great point to gain the intelligent
co-operation of the patient and those about her.
Hysteria bears strong resemblances to certain other ail-
ments, which it may be as well to explain.
The hysterical condition is, in some respects, similar to
the hypochondriacal. In hypochondriasis, however, we have
morbid, unnatural introspection; the patient can think and
talk only of himself and his sufferings; he is brooding,
foreboding, and melancholic in tone, in look, and every-
thing else.
The hysterical fit somewhat resembles the epileptic-a
HYSTERIA.
49
resemblance more apparent than real. In epilepsy, whether
the attack be long or short, there is always total loss of con-
sciousness; from the time the patient goes into the fit until
she comes out of it, she absolutely knows nothing. Epileptic
patients have, more or less, warning of the approach of a
seizure; hysteric fits come on instantly, and not seldom are
distinctly gone into. In hysteria, except when the patient is
shrieking or biting, the countenance retains its usual ex-
pression; the eyelids are closed, but they are quivering. In
epilepsy the aspect is entirely different, frequently fright-
fully distorted, with foam at the mouth. Epilepsy, sooner or
later, affects the intellect and the memory; hysteria leaves
both unchanged. Epilepsy is followed by stupor, the hys-
terical fit by exhaustion.
-
Hysteria may be met with as an attendant on conception,
pregnancy, and ovarian disease, and is not at all uncommon
in married ladies who have no children.
Catalepsy is another nervous affection, intermediate be-
tween hysteria and epilepsy. It is marked by loss of con-
sciousness, and is generally preceded by headache, or some
other premonitory symptom; the eyes contract before the
light as they do in hysteria; the countenance is unchanged,
though pale; the nostrils do not work, and the respiration is
slow, but easy; the body remains fixedly in the position in
which it happens to be, whether sitting or standing; and the
limbs, if raised or moved, remain in the position in which
they are placed. It is very much rarer than hysteria or
epilepsy. It is attended with risings in the throat, like
hysteria; is often associated with the appearance of the
catamenia, or period; is sometimes connected with disease.
of the brain or chest.
THE TREATMENT OF HYSTERIA.
Both moral and remedial measures are needed to cope with
this disorder, the former quite as much as the latter.
One of the latest allopathic authorities confines himself
entirely to hygienic and moral measures; for prevention (he
says) may be easy, cure often impossible, since he knows of
50
HYSTERIA.
In
no drug that exerts any specific action on the disease.*
this respect Homoeopathy has the advantage; it has, at
least, two specific medicines, with several others that apply
to some of the most striking phenomena. Foremost amongst
these-
Ignatia. Generally increased sensibility; marked “sink-
ing at the stomach;" despondency, alternating with cheerful-
ness; constriction of the throat, with the "globus hysteri-
cus," as though a ball were rising in it. In the hysterical
attacks, the patient goes into them with shrieks, and comes
out of them with sighing. It also relieves the "clavus
hystericus"-an agonising headache, with a feeling as
though a nail or sharp pins were being driven into the
skull.
Ang
*
G
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Gelseminum.-Attacks, with marked spasm of the
throat, as though the patient must be suffocated; apparent
insensibility; the attacks may be periodic; there is left a
stupid intoxicating feeling; the eyelids are very heavy, as
though weighted down; there is a "gone" feeling at the
stomach, and irritable, impatient mood.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Cimicifuga.-Hysterical mania; tremor of the limbs; in-
cessant talking, changing from one subject to another with-
out any order, though perfectly sensible when the attention
is aroused soon, however, to relapse into vagaries; great
wakefulness; fancies sees strange objects, as rats; sometimes
arousing from their incoherent talkativeness, and inquir-
ing, respecting persons present, "Who is that ?" "What do
they want here ?"
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Cypripedium.-Irritable, irascible, fretful; movements
hurried and uncertain; agitated by the least contradictory
word, by a noise, or by any excitement; sleepless; nervous
twitchings; pains, and hysterical spasms. Especially useful
for those whose nervous systems have been shattered by
Reynolds' System of Medicine, vol. ii., p. 520.
-
HYSTERIA.
51
watching and musing, severe illness, or any long-continued
strain or demand.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Caulophyllum.-Hysteric cramps; spasms on convul-
sions, arising from reflex irritation of ovaries or uterus;
attacks, followed by languor, and a disposition to sleep;
distress, and drawing pain in right side of abdomen, and
empty eructations.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hedeoma.-Arising from intestinal irritation; nausea;
retchings; prostration; nervous twitchings; periodical pains;
coldness of the extremities; shortness of breath; sensation of
something rising in the chest; the eyesight goes; hysteric
paralysis.
K
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Senecio. Sleepless; nervous irritability; loss of appe-
tite; coated tongue; constipation; lassitude; disinclination
to move about; wandering pains in back and shoulders.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Moschus.-Profuse menstruation; fitfulness of temper;
during the paroxysm, they cry at one time, and the next
burst out into incontrollable laughter; extreme oppression
on the chest; twitchings; tossing about of the limbs; op-
pression of the stomach; dryness in the throat; small flut-
tering pulse; cold skin; drowsy feeling.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every two or three hours.
Cocculus.-Excessive sensitiveness; starting at every un-
expected occurrence or noise; cannot bear being interrupted
by talking; irritated, and crying at every little trifle; every-
thing untoward causes vexation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Madaga
Platina. Great lowness of spirits; anxious mood; sleep-
lessness; vascular and nervous excitement; fearfulness;
tendency to start; trembling of the hands and feet; red face;
52
HYSTERIA.
small feeble pulse; great nervous debility; irresistible desire
to slight that which one has been in the habit of honouring
and cherishing; too frequent menstruation; or-
The patient may sink suddenly into a powerless condition;
remain motionless; become unable to speak, partly from a
spasmodic closing of the jaws, partly from loss of voice; the
eyes are turned upwards; convulsive trembling of the eye-
lids; or there may be rigidity; difficulty of breathing,
almost to suffocation, obliging the patient to take a deep,
anxious breath, and to utter inarticulate shrieks.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Pulsatilla.-Melancholy; indifferentism; peevishness;
great disposition to laugh or cry; apprehensive anxiety;
sleeplessness; unusual and excessive fear of ghosts; trouble-
some beating of the arteries through the whole body, mostly
perceptible when touching the parts; passing of considerable
quantities of pale urine.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Stramonium.-Hysteric spasms, preceded by great irri-
tability and sensitiveness; disposition to weep, alternating
with unusual mirth, and sexual excitement; the spasms,
some of them, soon passing off, others causing great tension
of the muscles, and lasting some time; urine suppressed or
profuse; convulsions, followed by quiet sleep; peculiar twitch-
ings of the muscles of the face; "risus sardonicus," or demon's
laughter.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Sepia. Great sadness, or demon's laughter; weeps fre-
quently; dread of men; great internal restlessness; would
like things finished when they are only just begun; cannot
remain long in one place; inclined to start; very fearful;
easily offended; indisposition to do anything; the nerves are
highly sensitive to any noise; playing on the piano affects
her very much; involuntary recollection of, and dwelling
upon, past vexation; great dissatisfaction and anger; con-
stant desire to pass pale urine; hysterical numbness, and
paralysis.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
HYSTERIA.
53
Asafoetida.-Capricious mood; constant change of mind;
dissatisfaction with one's self, or anxious sadness; shudder-
ings; absence of mind, or unusual acuteness of the thinking
powers; pressure in the head, feeling as though a string were
tightly drawn round the brain; insipid, rancid, greasy, or
garlicky taste; pressure in stomach; weakness of digestion;
palpitation; pulsations at pit of stomach and abdomen, per-
ceptible to both eye and hand; stitches in the right side, and
pressure; constipation, or dark, brownish diarrhoea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.-Nervous irritation; undue sensitiveness
of sight, hearing, smell, or taste; external impressions of
any kind, even a touch, are very disagreeable; noise, contact,
or a strong light, produce strong and long-continuing con-
vulsions of the whole body, throwing it forwards, backwards,
or to one side; they come with the suddenness of electric
shocks; consciousness unimpaired. Patient is taciturn,
irresolute, moaning, and lamenting, or quarrelsome; has
restless nights, and suffers from indigestion and constipation.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Staphysagria.-Wraps up her face and weeps aloud;
indifferent to everything, nothing gives her pleasure; irri-
tated whenever a word is spoken; it causes her to cry;
oppressive, stupefying headache; patient weary and weak;
pressure in stomach and abdomen, with rumbling.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Valerian.-Tremulousness; always in a state of fidgetty
expectation; familiar things wear an aspect of strangeness;
great flow of ideas; ringing in the ears, and illusions of
hearing; violent appetite; frequent eructations; nausea;
bloated abdomen; spasms occasionally at night; frequent
evacuations, and frequent passing of water.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Moschata.-Whining, fretful mood; wants to
undertake a thing, but gives up the idea before beginning it:
sometimes serious, at others disposed to laugh; slowness of
*
54
HYSTERIA.
ideas, has to think a long time for an answer; sudden disap-
pearance of ideas whilst writing, even before the thought is
half written down-uses wrong letters; feeling of fulness or
dryness in the eyes; enormous distension of abdomen after
every meal, with irritation of the intestinal canal; a good
deal of urging, with scanty emission of urine; great dryness
of mouth and throat after eating; convulsive movements of
the head in an attack, with difficulty of swallowing; leu-
corrhoea.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
Hyoscyamus.-Extremely lively and humorous one day,
the next out of humour and quarrelsome; jealous; reproaches
others, and complains of pretended wrongs; extremely im-
patient, feels as though she must die whilst waiting for any-
thing; repeated death-like faintings; falls down suddenly
with a cry and convulsions, now of upper, then of lower
limbs, then excessive talking and laughter; endeavours
repeatedly to uncover herself and lie quite naked; excessive
menstrual flow. The hysteric fits of Hyoscyamus very closely
resemble epilepsy.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Aconite.-Attacks from fright, with moans and lamenta-
tions; face red and hot; contortions of the muscles of the
face; general dread, especially of going where there are many
people; a strong light causes discomfort; her eyes are
staring; giddiness and fainting on rising up from a lying or
sitting position.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hydropathic Treatment.—Cold, dripping sheet on rising.
A tepid sitz bath, or cold shower bath at eleven.
Medical friction, or rubbing continuously and cautiously,
employed by a skilled attendant, of strong constitution and
good influence over the patient, will be found of great ser-
vice. Galvanism, too, is often of use.
If an hysterical patient has a nurse or attendant, whether
related or otherwise, it is most important that the moral
HYSTERIA.
55
tone and control she exercises should be of a healthy,
judicious character. Too much stress cannot be laid on this
point: if the power exerted is pernicious, or even senti-
mental, every effort at cure, however well directed, will be
utterly useless.
Scarcely any affection more taxes the energy and resources
of the physician, or is more trying to the patient and her
friends; nothing short of an unwearied, cordial co-operation
on the part of all, can achieve the desired result.
The patient can and must do much herself-must strive
against herself, break through an insinuating selfishness,
learn to take an interest in others, and force herself to some
occupation, and righteously discharge its duties. Patients do
best away from home and home surroundings, which often
serve as a means of perpetuating morbid and desponding
feelings; best away from the solicitude and sympathy of
relatives and friends, which, in these cases, have a wrong
influence, and only minister to the disease.
Hysteria, as well as being associated with menstrual and
uterine derangement, may be caused by bereavement, dis-
appointment, losses, or watching and nursing; or rather
an accompaniment of the reaction which follows in young
people. It is more generally fostered by a neglect of the
rules laid down in a previous chapter, for the regulation of
the studies, and general habits.
It is of paramount importance, to prevent a recurrence of
hysterical seizures, that a medicine be selected most nearly
giving a picture of the case, and continued as long as the
patient benefits.
In an attack, loosen everything tight about the patient,
and lay her flat on her back on the floor, or on a bed; the
circulation through the brain is thus rendered more equal,
and any struggling or convulsive movements can be more
easily checked. The strong Tincture of Camphor or Musk
can be used during an attack; held to the nose if the patient
cannot swallow, or three or four drops on sugar every half-
hour. Sir Thomas Watson says there is great virtue in cold
water dashed in the face. For the encouragement of those
who are afraid to use it, he states, in nine hundred and
F
-
56
HYSTERIA—CATALEPSY.
ninety cases out of a thousand, hysteria is attended with no
ultimate peril to mind or body.
Sympathy and commiseration are quite out of place; they
only prolong the continuance of the fit.
THE TREATMENT OF CATALEPSY.
This must be regulated by the prominent symptoms of the
mental and nervous condition, and of the general health.
The remedies given under " Hysteria," must be carefully con-
sulted, should a case come under notice. Some apparently
slight thing may in this, as in other affections, give the
key-note, and point to the remedy.
Hydrocyanic Acid.-Great muscular debility, espe-
cially on the left side, ending in an attack; patient motion-
less, speechless, without a sign of life, terminating in profuse
perspiration; consciousness unaffected throughout.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every three hours.
Cannabis Sativa.-Confined to the arms and trunk of
the body; muscular power is entirely lost; consciousness
remains undisturbed; everything round appears to the
patient transformed and beautiful, and the commonest face
is changed into the look of an angel.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Gelseminum.-Complete loss of muscular power; unable
to move a limb, or even raise the eyelids, though she can hear,
and is perfectly cognizant of what is transpiring around her.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.-Produces the same symptoms as Gelse-
minum; total loss, for a time, of ability to move out of a
chair, for instance, in which the patient was sitting, to raise
an arm or a leg.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
CHOREA, OR ST. VITUS'S DANCE.
57
CHOREA.
Chorea, or St. Vitus's Dance, consists of involuntary spas-
modic movements of the muscles, especially of the face and
extremities, producing the most singular contortions, com-
bined with a mute appealing look for sympathy and com-
miseration for what otherwise might be regarded as gro-
tesque and ludicrous. It is met with in children, of both
sexes, from eight to ten, and in young women about the age
of puberty, with whom it is associated with anemia, chlorosis,
or evident consumptive tendency; it sometimes is connected
with rheumatism, and may owe its origin, in children more
especially, to thread or tape-worms, or be produced by fright.
In the Middle Ages it spread like an epidemic; and now,
where there is any predisposition, or the least exciting cause,
imitation of those suffering with it may curiously multiply
instances. If conjoined with anemia or chlorosis, the reme-
dies advised under those headings must be consulted. If
there is a strong tendency to consumption, try to moderate
the convulsions, and then improve the general health.
Cuprum.—Affects principally one side; neuralgia pre-
vious to, or during the attack; subsequent paralysis of the
affected limb.
One grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Stramonium.-Constant movement of the hands and
arms; cramps in the hands and feet; excessive mobility of
the muscles; faintings; violent attacks in bed at night;
patient like one frantic; attacks caused by fright or care, and
may be brought on by the sight of a candle, or mirror, or
water.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Agaric.-The symptoms entirely disappear during sleep.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.-Movement of all the muscles, or of single
ones; wandering from one extremity to another, affecting
even the muscles of chest and abdomen, generally depending
F 2
58
CHOREA.
on spinal irritation; there is a halting or unsteady movement
of one of the legs; the patient drags it when walking.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Caulophyllum.-In young girls, from menstrual irre-
gularity; especially painful menstruation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Veratrum Viride.-The entire muscular system in con-
tinuous and tumultuous motion; ludicrous and horrible dis-
tortions of the face; the head continually jerking; the body
writhing; tongue and jaws equally affected with the other
parts, so that it is almost impossible to speak distinctly.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Zinc.-Twitchings in various muscles of the body and
face; visible twitching in arms and hands; tremulous weak-
ness of the legs; pale face; jerks through the whole body,
which continue during the night's sleep, which is restless,
and often screaming.
One grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Aconite.-Trembling of the arms and hands; numbness
and lameness of the left arm or thigh; trembling of the
legs; they totter-are in constant motion; cold feet. Very
suitable for children who have been frightened, and for young
women not over-robust, who have worked too hard; whose
nervous energy has been exhausted by too great exertion, or
long-continued watching and nursing.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Ignatia. In recent cases, with spasmodic, sudden move-
ments of the muscles of the cheeks, forehead, eyelids, and
eyeballs; jerking of the arms; involuntary emission of urine.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Opium.-Spasmodic movements of the muscles of the
face, or trembling of these muscles, of the lips, and the
tongue; convulsive movements to and fro in one or other
arm; the left arm trembles in paroxysms; the jerks
CHOREA-INTESTINAL WORMS.
59
and startings continue during sleep; sunken, pale face; con-
stipation.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
If the chorea is caused by intestinal worms, expel the
parasites by suitable medicine, and you cure the disease: this
expulsion can be brought about as effectually by Homœo-
pathy, as by the large and nauseous doses of Allopathy. It
would be very difficult to persuade persons who have been
long accustomed to the pleasant form in which Homœopathic
remedies are administered, or those who have never taken
any other medicines, to have recourse to material doses, even
to get rid of intruders like these; nor is it necessary. Filix
Mas, in drop-doses every four hours, followed, after a few
days, by half drop-doses of Mercurius Corrosivus, for four
nights and mornings, will generally suffice for tape-worm.
For the long round worms (lumbrici), Trituration of Santo-
nine, the 2nd, three grains night and morning for a week;
then pause two days; then follow it by three drops of
Cina, night and morning, for four days; finishing up by
four doses of Sulphur, one night and morning.
For small thread-worms (ascarides), as affecting children,
I have seldom found four globules of the 6th of Cina at
night, and four of Mercurius Vivus every morning for a
week, to fail. Teucrium, 1st dilution, two grains night and
morning, in Dr. Hughes' hands, has expelled quantities of
worms, and caused all morbid symptoms to disappear.
Dr. Teste, most of whose suggestions with regard to chil-
dren are worthy of notice, recommends for obstinate cases,
Lycopodium, 30th, for two days; Veratrum Album, 12th, for
four days; and Ipecacuanha, 6th, for a week. An injection
of warm salt and water-a teaspoonful to a pint-will dis-
lodge these small worms from the rectum, if, notwithstanding
the use of the medicines, the irritation they cause is trouble-
some. In the administration of Kousso, for the expulsion of
tape-worm, though the bulk of the dose is objectionable, I
have always found it efficacious to a certain extent; it brings
away a long length of the parasite, yet it does not dislodge or
destroy it; there is a rapid re-multiplication, and the trouble
is soon as great as ever.
T
60
CHOREA-EPILEPSY.
If the chorea is connected with, or attributable to,
rheumatism-
Cimicifuga. Nervous tremors, twitchings, and jerkings;
an almost constant motion, confined to one side, as the left
arm and leg; ceasing when asleep. Chorea, with almost
complete loss of the power of swallowing, or when induced by
exposure to cold.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Spigelia.-Twitchings and jerks in the arms; worse in
the left shoulder; it hangs down very heavily when walking;
palpitation of the heart, and anxious oppression of the chest ;
great sensitiveness of the scalp of the head when touched;
cold hands, with cold, clammy sweat in the palms.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Some Allopathic authorities advocate the administration of
comparatively large quantities of stimulants in chorea and
chlorosis. The use of alcoholic stimulants in disease, par-
ticularly in the young people, needs a great deal of discretion
and judgment; they should be regarded as purely medicinal,
and never ordered or taken if they can be done without, or
any substitute found for them. It is very easy to order this
or that to be taken; it is nearly as easy to foster a habit of
liking and depending on stimulants, productive of fearful con-
sequences in after years.
The Hydropathic measures for chorea are the same as for
hysteria. Except where there is any rheumatic tendency the
shower-bath is out of the question, and the dripping sheets
should be slightly tepid.
EPILEPSY.
Epilepsy is a sudden and vital loss of consciousness, with
more or less convulsion. This convulsion may be a mere
passing spasm, or long-continued and frightful. There
may be only a single attack, or fit may succeed fit in rapid
succession, come on at irregular intervals, or seem to be
almost periodic. The warning of the attacks varies much :
EPILEPSY.
61
with some it can scarcely be said to exist; with others, it is
giddiness and headache, or a looking dull and dusky; or a
feeling of unusual good health and buoyancy, illusions of
sight or hearing, alterations in taste and smell; in others,
again, a tremulous movement or "aura," welling upwards
until consciousness is lost.
Epileptic fits are most common between the ages of ten and
twenty in young women and girls; not unfrequently con-
nected with puberty, or ovarian or uterine irritation and
derangement-as, for example, profuse menstruation or sup-
pression sometimes they attend pregnancy, and may be in-
duced by fright, grief, and worry. An inherited tendency
sometimes exists: like other transmitted dyscarsia or taints,
it may pass over a generation.
In some the sexual system is unquestionably involved, and
that at an early age-so pernicious frequently is the influence
created by nursemaids without moral principle, and the
prurient fancies of ill-trained school-girls. Many cases of
epilepsy owe their origin and continuance to habits of self-
delection thus contracted.
This observation may be taken as applying to children and
young people of both sexes; and is made on account of the
great extent to which it prevails, and the fearful conse-
quences to which it leads; and because mothers can best
detect and cope with the evil, aided by the co-operation of
the medical attendant.
Nothing but an urgent sense of duty, a deep conviction
that the habits referred to are far more common amongst the
youth of both sexes than is ever supposed, and that ruined
health, shattered, nervous systems, and possible epilepsy and
madness are in their train, would lead to their mention here.
False delicacy would be a cruel wrong, if by mentioning it
mothers may be put on their guard, and any reclaimed.
The essential nature of epilepsy is a total loss of conscious-
ness, whether the attack is long or short, whether it is a mere
"feeling," passing off in a few minutes, or a seizure of an
hour. The patient knows nothing whatever about it; the
time it has lasted is a blank.
Fits or convulsions, however long or severe, in which con-
62
EPILEPSY.
sciousness more or less continues, where the patient knows
something of what has taken place, and often more than she
confesses, are not epilepsy.
The patient generally goes off into a fit with a cry: she
falls down, or seems thrown down in a moment; she appears
slightly twisted to one side; the face is dusky pale; the eyes
half open, quivering or working, and "crossed;" laboured
breathing; patient seems as holding her breath. There is
gurgling in the throat, foaming at the mouth, often stained
with blood from a bitten tongue; the jaws are champed; the
muscles of the face work in every direction; the limbs are
violently thrown about; the body is cold, bathed in cold per-
spiration; the bladder and bowels may act involuntarily;
vomiting ensues; the attack is succeeded by lassitude and
stupor; it is difficult to rouse the patient; the sleep which
follows is usually tranquil; on waking there may be a feeling
of good health, more often of being shaken and exhausted, with
severe headache, which may last some hours, or even days.
An attack varies from something approaching this to a
sudden interruption in a sentence that may at the time be
in course of being spoken, and, after the temporary inter-
ruption, resumed at the place where it was broken off.
Epilepsy may end in permanent disease of the brain,
fatuity, or loss of all intellectual power, or in absolute mad-
ness. Real danger to life is somewhat remote, and the fear
of it need scarcely be entertained. It is very unusual for an
epileptic to die in an attack.
In an epileptic fit, little can or ought to be done.
Bring the patient into the open air when possible, or near an
open window; loosen anything round the neck; unfasten
the dress and stays, and bare the chest. A piece of india-
rubber or cork, between the jaws, may prevent the tongue
from being bitten. Care should be exercised to prevent the
patient injuring herself.
Dr. Chapman's ice-bag, placed on the spine, is recom-
mended as calculated considerably to shorten the severity and
length of the attack. As far as I have tried it, it has not
appeared of much service.
The treatment of epilepsy is difficult, but may be entered
EPILEPSY.
63
upon with hope; and by a careful individualisation, of origin,
course, and attendant symptoms, with the confidence of at
least rendering the occurrence of the fits considerably less,
every arrest or postponement of a seizure is a clear gain,
as lessening the patient's suffering, as diminishing the future
liability to the disease, and as breaking through a habit
which renders the individual more and more liable to future
seizures.
Before giving the medicinal treatment in detail, it may be
mentioned, that over-work, mechanical injury, sun-stroke,
rheumatism, gout, scrofula, and syphilis, may, in addition to
the causes before specified, induce epilepsy.
Careful examination has hitherto failed to point out any
specific and constant changes in the structure of the brain
and nervous centres, as connected with epilepsy. Anatomical
investigation gives no explanation of epilepsy: every kind
of lesion has been discovered in every organ of the body;
and, on the other hand, every organ has been found healthy.
The results have been far too inconstant to found any con-
sistent theory.
The latest authorities agree in referring epilepsy to some
derangement not appreciable on examination of the medulla
oblongata, the upper part of the spinal cord, and some part
of the base of the brain (Reynolds, Aitken).
Arsenic. For the relief and mitigation of even far-gone
cases, and with a view to the ultimate cure of others less
severe, where there is a recurrence of the fits the same day
or the same night, or every evening about the same time,
every day in succession; or where there is a distinct warning
of pain or uneasiness, ascending to the brain; patient feels
dizzy, and then falls down unconscious; the pain and uneasi-
ness go after the fit passes off, but a stupor remain. Where
irritation from any abdominal or uterine cause exerts a
reflex irritation on the brain;-one of the best palliations
where symptoms of mental derangement, idiocy, imbecility,
or even hypochondriasis, are manifested in the intervals. A
pale, sunken face, and cold, clammy perspiration, with debi-
lity, thirst, burning pains, and other characteristic symptoms.
One grain, 6th trituration, twice a day.
64
EPILEPSY.
Arnica.-Epilepsy as the result of a fall, a blow, or
other mechanical injury, where the fits are directly traceable
to such injury.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, three times a day.
Esculus H.-Clenched thumbs; red countenance;
squinting of the eyes downwards; staring and dilated pupils;
foam at the mouth; setting of the jaws; small, hard, accele-
rated pulse; or simply, slight spasm with stupor, unconscious-
ness, and vacant expression; amenorrhea; leucorrhoea, or
painful menstruation; general congestion of all the lower
organs; sometimes blind piles.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Æthusa.-A decided "aura" from the neighbourhood of
the navel; a crying-out; total unconsciousness; jaws spas-
modically fixed; cramps of the hands; turning-in of the
thumbs; convulsive movements of the eyes, or they are
turned down spasmodically; foaming at the mouth; small,
hard, quick pulse; natural warmth of the body, or extremi-
ties cold, and the whole body convulsed; a yellowness of the
skin during the fit.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Artemisia.-Dependent on menstrual irregularities, or on
those in whom the menses are about to appear for the first
time; there is total loss of consciousness; the fits occur
several times a day; they are so violent and so frequent that
the patients have no time to recover their full consciousness,
especially if the result of fright; profuse fetid sweats.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Anacardium.-From the driving-in of an eruption, or
from self-abuse, preceded by illusions of sight, as seeing
persons or things; illusions of hearing, accompanied by
rattling in the throat; jerks and twitches of both arms and
legs.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Belladonna.-Screams; loss of consciousness; rolling of
EPILEPSY.
65
the eyeballs; the muscles of the face convulsed; red, puffed
face; throbbing of the veins of the neck; clenched teeth;
rattling breathing; general uninterrupted convulsive move-
ments of the limbs, or rigidity; body bent backwards, or to
the left side; pulse quick and full; skin inclined to
perspire.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cimicifuga.-Uterine or ovarian irritation, and reflex
action; the attacks occur at or near the menstrual period,
or are of rheumatic origin; ushered in by illusions of sight
or humming or roaring in the ears; dusky countenance;
arms, legs, head, face, tongue, and every muscle in continual
and irregular motion; dull, dusky countenance, and weak,
slow pulse.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cicuta. Preceded by illusions of hearing, beginning
with screams or vociferations; patient falls down un-
conscious; there is redness and bloatedness of the face; the
eyes protrude; there is staring look, or the eyes are turned
up; swelling of the neck; grinding of the teeth; hiccough;
foam at the mouth; throbbing and swelling at the pit of
the stomach; very violent convulsions of the limbs, or
entire stiffness; spasmodic breathing; involuntary passing
of water; a trying to vomit without being able to open the
mouth; blood is forced from the ears.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Conium. The fit begins by a sensation or "aura" travel-
ling up the spine, with noises in the ears, or involuntary
drawing of the left arm to the side; fit of ravenous appetite,
and gurgling in the bowels; ovarian and sexual irritation;
itching of pudendum; scanty menstruation; "whites;" face
bluish, like that of a person strangled; difficult respiration;
convulsive movements of the limbs; twitching of the muscles
of the legs, and crampy movements; pulse slow and feeble;
extremities cold; fits often come on two or three days after
a period."
66
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
66
EPILEPSY.
Calcarea. Menstruation too abundant and frequent;
affection of sight and hearing; dark spots before the eyes,
or electric sparks, seen even in darkness; ringing, buzzing, or
noises in the ears; peevish, impatient, obstinate. Slight
attacks. Giddiness, with loss of the senses, as after turning
in a circle; or a sudden "feeling" of stupidity; sense of
confusion and tremor in the head; sudden loss of the senses
when walking; would have fallen if some one had not held
her; on stooping she felt as if she knew not where she was.
Or more serious fits-As sudden attack of stunning giddiness,
as from a blow; the head bent forward to the left side; the
right cheek drawn spasmodically sideways; twitchings in
the muscles of the face, which is yellowish, or bloated, red;
twitchings of the muscles of the nose; twitches, especially in
left arm, cramp-like, contractive; drawing-in the fingers;
twitching of muscles of legs and thighs.
Two grains, 6th trituration, three times a day.
Hydrocyanic Acid. Sudden falling, with a cry as
though struck; jaws clenched; rattling breathing; dis-
tortion of the mouth; small pulse, scarcely perceptible at
the wrist; wild-looking, bloated countenance; swollen neck;
dilated pupil; limbs are jerked out, and then remain rigid;
the body rigid too; stomach distended; after attack, stomach
feels bloated, and head embarrassed. Patient is disposed to
be desponding, irritable, or vexed; attacks sometimes pre-
ceded by illusions of the senses, or everything is seen as
through gauze.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every three hours.
Hyoscyamus.-Vibrations before the eyes, then giddi-
ness and stupefaction; loss of sensibility; dull and haggard
expression of countenance; excessive dilatation of the eyes;
small and intermittent pulse; fixed jaw; distortion of the
muscles of the face; convulsions of the arms; coldness of
the limbs; faint lustre of the eyes, or distorted, bluish, clay-
coloured, or red face; grasping with the hands; grinding of
the teeth; profuse menses; wryneck left after an epileptic
fit.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
EPILEPSY.
67
Hellebore.-A dulness of the senses; nothing is either
seen or heard distinctly; everything has lost its taste before
the fits; in them-sudden loss of power; horrible convul-
sions; face pale, sallow, or cadaverous; features distorted;
cold, clammy, or sticky perspiration. Patient between the
fits obstinately silent; diffident and melancholy. Suitable
for cases where there is suppression of the "menses."
menses." The
shock of the fit may be as sudden as though struck with an
arrow. There may be spasmodic rigidity of the limbs, with
convulsive shaking of the head.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Ignatia.—After vexation, grief, or fright, if they follow
almost immediately, and the patient comes almost at once
under treatment. Twitching of the corners of the mouth;
spasmodic sudden movements of the cheeks, forehead, eye-
lids, and eyeballs; foam at the mouth; injuring the tongue
by biting it; jerking of the arms, sometimes of the feet,
followed by perspiration and stupor; sometimes by an in-
voluntary passing of urine.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Lachesis. From grief; attacks preceded by confusion,
loss of sight, or a strange sensation in the throat, or giddi-
ness, with headache, pale face, and cold feet; palpitation;
bloated abdomen; raising of flatulence, and heaviness of the
head; distortion of the eyes, turned upwards; clenched
hands; striking about with arms and legs; foam at the mouth,
the head thrown backwards; deep sleep at the end of the
paroxysm; menstrual irregularity.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.-Preceded by itching, crawling sensations in
the face, as though ants were crawling over it; loss of con-
sciousness, with staring eyes, or else pupils contracted and
turned upwards; features distorted; grinding of the teeth;
quickened and sometimes stopping breathing; palpitation, or
head thrown back, or the whole body, and mouth open ;
frightful expression of face; tongue thrust out, and injured
by spasmodic closure of the jaws: when the paroxysms dimi-
nish in violence and number, and when it is hoped they are
68
EPILEPSY.
S
about to pass off, they suddenly return with great violence;
menstrual irregularity and uterine spasms; constipation; fits
induced by indulgence in eating or drinking, or by irritating
substances in stomach or bowels.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Plumbum.-Fits not preceded by warnings, by the aura,
or by a cry they may last only a few minutes, or longer, but
they succeed each other very rapidly; almost constant spas-
modic shocks, affecting the whole body, alternating with a
bending and 'stretching-out of the limbs; generally neither
foam nor rattling; the fits may be ushered in by a slight
headache. After the attacks the patients are not entirely
conscious, but talk slowly and confusedly; the countenance
remains stupid; their limbs tremble; they stagger; men-
strual irregularity or suppression.
One grain, 6th trituration, three times a day.
Secale. Fits which come on at night, during sleep, with-
out patient being conscious of them, leaving, on waking, a
sense of great debility, languor, weariness and constant
heaviness of the head, with constipation; heaviness in the
abdomen, and crawling sensation in the limbs; profuse
leucorrhoea, or whites, or too profuse and long-lasting
(6 menses."
P
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Stramonium.-Clenching of the hands; hard, heavy
breathing; foam at the mouth; expression of terror; "self-
gratification," or "onanism," or care may have excited the
attacks; paralysis as the result of epilepsy; suppression of
the "period" by emotion or fright may have brought on an
attack.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Opium.-Caused by fright or fear, or connected with an
excessive menstruation; short convulsions, or attended by
long-lasting and perfect rigidity; spasmodic breathing,
which seems sometimes to stop, or it may be sobbing and
rattling; deadly paleness of the face and body; feeble pulse.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
EPILEPSY.
69
Veratrum Viride.-Attacks of epilepsy without pre-
monition; the convulsions are frightful, with frothing at the
mouth; violent jactitation of all the muscles of the body.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Viscus Album (or Mistletoe) has of late been tried, it is
said, with great success in obstinate cases. I have not found
it of any service, so far, either in moderating the severity, or
lengthening the interval between the fits.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
Bromide of Potassium, in from 15 to 20-grain doses, is
now much used, both by Allopathic and Homoeopathic prac-
titioners. It is capable of producing symptoms resembling
epilepsy, and does certainly have a speedy and apparently
beneficial effect; but not at all more so than I have seen re-
peatedly after the use of Belladonna or Opium. Inasmuch
as it is no gain, and its use is not free from danger, I very
much prefer remedies more accurately and individually ap-
propriate, as more likely both to advance the cause of
science, and more adapted, ultimately, to benefit.
Zizia Aurea. For long-standing cases, characterised by
general and almost unbroken despondency between the fits;
the approach of fits heralded by an itching in the cheeks
and lips; loss of consciousness; spasms and general convul-
sions; vomiting; face pale and puffy, or cheeks red and hot;
sexual excitement; menstrual irregularity; leucorrhoea. The
convulsions and spasms may be more marked on the right
side of face and body than on the left.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hydropathic measures, as for chorea.
Diet, habitually light and nutritious. Persons suffering
from epilepsy have a craving for indulgences, and are very
apt to take more food than does them good. Suppers, be-
yond a cup of cocoa or chocolate, and a slice of bread and
butter or toast, are out of the question. Great attention
must also be given to exercise and clothing. Any one sub-
ject to these fits should not be left alone night or day. All
excitement and study must be avoided.
70
FAINTING.
{
FAINTING.
Under this term we include Fainting, generally recognised
as such; and Swooning, or, as it is sometimes described, a
"Dead Faint.” To one or both of these, young girls are
very subject: something unpleasant to sight or smell; any
object of aversion; the least sight of blood; any injury,
however slight, as a blow, especially on the head or chest ;
swinging or turning round; prolonged or excessive pain, or
excessive pleasure; going too long without food; absolute
loss of blood; severe diarrhoea; mortification or passion; a
sudden change from a lying to a sitting or standing posture;
kneeling; warm-baths; heated rooms; crowded assemblies;
or sitting with the back to the fire, particularly at meals,
will produce that sudden but temporary loss of power, and
depression of the powers of life, with pallor, cold, perspira-
tion, very feeble or absent pulse at the wrist, with respira-
tion and feeling almost at a stand, called fainting. Syncope
is a term used to express a condition in which these symp-
toms are manifested in an extreme degree, or are long-con-
tinued. Often, however, syncope and fainting mean one and
the same thing. Fainting arises from the sudden diminu-
tion, from any cause, in the quantity of blood returned
to the right side of the heart, and thence sent to the
brain. A derangement of the circulation, a sensation at
the heart itself, or anything that interferes with the regu-
larity of the breathing, and produces a stagnation in the
passage of the blood through the lungs, such as an impres-
sion on a nervous centre, a nervous sensation, or a vitiated
atmosphere, will cause fainting in those who are disposed
to it, and have a tendency to induce it in the weak and
debilitated. Fainting may arise in this way from rising
up too suddenly in recovery after fever, and be attended
with fatal results; so after excessive loss of blood, or with
extensive disease of the heart, fainting may end in death:
generally speaking, however, it passes off after a few
minutes; the faints may, however, return, or be prolonged
for a considerable time.
FAINTING FITS.
71
Were we not aware of its course, fainting is liker to death
than it is to either epilepsy or hysteria. It is distinguished
from death by the heat of the armpits, by the look of the
eye, an examination of the chest, or the dimmed mirror held
to the mouth, or the movement of down placed below the
nostrils, as when Lear says of Cordelia-
"She's gone for ever!
She's dead as earth. Lend me a looking-glass :
If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,
Why then she lives.
This feather stirs-she lives!"
In an attack, carry the patient into the open or moderately
cool air; sprinkle the face with cold water, having previously
placed her in an horizontal position; bathe the forehead
with Eau de Cologne, or Lavender-water; rub the wrists,
the palms of the hands, the arms, and the legs; if prolonged,
use mustard, rubbing the hands and the arms, and have
it also applied to the pit of the stomach. Give three drops
of Tincture of Camphor as soon as the patient can be got to
take them, and repeat every quarter of an hour, if neces-
sary. Camphor may be held to the patient's nose during
the fit.
In fainting from loss of blood, get some Camphor down as
soon as possible; or if that is not at hand, some brandy.
Fainting may be followed by hysterical crying; it may also
attend painful menstruation.
When fainting occurs as the result of hæmorrhage, or loss
of blood, it is the means of arresting any further drain on
the system; the torpidity of the circulation tending to a rapid
formation of coagula, which plug the vessels, and arrest fur-
ther discharge.
If a patient falls in fainting, or is laid flat on the back,
consciousness is much more quickly restored than in any
other position, as the transmission of blood to the brain is
effected with as little interference, and as slight an expendi-
ture of force on the part of the heart, as possible.
Aconite.-Violent palpitation of the heart; congestion of
blood to the head; buzzing in the ears; staring look; pale
G
72
FAINTING FITS.
face; shiverings; especially if the result of fright, or as soon
as she raises herself from a recumbent position.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, frequently.
Arnica. For fainting fits after injuries, wounds, or
cuts.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, frequently repeated.
Arsenic. As the result of debility or excessive pros-
tration.
One grain, 6th trituration, three times a day.
Carbo Vegetabilis.-After sleeping, after rising in the
morning, or while yet in bed. Useful in the weakness caused
by an excessive "loss" or hæmorrhage, or following acute
diseases, as in inflammation or fever.
Two grains, 1st trituration, every two hours.
Chamomilla.-Induced by powerful emotions of any
kind, as from excessive pain, attended by vertigo, darkness of
sight, deafness, sensation of qualmishness.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
China. After loss of blood; after exhausting purgatives,
or diarrhoea (so also Arsenicum); after too long suckling,
profuse perspirations, long sitting up at night, mental
exertion, or want of sleep.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Aletris Farinosa.-Excessive sensitiveness of nervous
system; debility; exhaustion; intolerance of noise; anxiety
and apprehension; lowness of spirits; singing and roaring
in the ears; paleness of countenance; swoons; perspiration
after the least exertion, chiefly in back of neck, in the back,
chest, and thighs; restless night's sleep, disturbed by dreams
and startings.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Coffea.-Adapted to highly sensitive persons; and if the
symptoms caused by fright do not yield to Aconite, ad-
minister it as soon as feelings likely to lead to fainting show
themselves; a dose every quarter of an hour.
Two drops, 3rd dilution.
FAINTING FITS.
73
Digitalis. Attendant on heart affection, always pre-
ceded by an intermittent pulse. Swoons, in connection
with heart disease, with death-like appearance and cold
sweat. Or Arsenicum every ten minutes, until warmth is
restored; also Cactus.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Ignatia. If resulting from grief.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Nux Vomica.-After a meal, or as the result of over-
indulgence, or having eaten too much. Especially adapted
in pregnancy, and to those worn out by watching; nausea;
sparks before the eyes; the sight goes; pains in the stomach;
anguish, trembling, and congestion of blood to the head or
chest.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, as soon as the nausea, &c., is felt, and then
every two hours.
Moschus.-Frequent fainting fits, at night or in the
evening, or in the open air, with hysteria.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every two hours.
Phosphoric Acid.-After a meal, where Nux Vomica is
insufficient.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Stramonium.-Frequent fits, as every day; patient sud-
denly falls as if dead, with pale face, and almost imper-
ceptible breathing; the fits have a tendency to continue a
long time.
..
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Veratrum Album.-Fainting on or after slight exertion,
as, for example, straining at relief of the bowels; after an
exhausting illness, in the case of those who have been over-
dosed with Quinine; the fit is preceded by anguish and
despondency.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Hydropathic Treatment.-As for hysteria.
Diet. Plain and nourishing, taken often rather than
much at a time, and the exercise carefully regulated; as
G 2
74
FAINTING FITS—AMENORRHOEA, WITH EFFORT.
}
much fresh air as possible, cheerful society, and regular
hours. Medical spinal rubbing will be found of the greatest
possible service.
Fainting after delivery or confinement is a serious
symptom, and must be attended to immediately; brandy must
be forced down until the patient revives—a teaspoonful every
three minutes; then, if icy cold, Arsenic, one drop, 3rd dilu-
tion, every five minutes; if warmth returns with conscious-
ness, China every quarter of an hour. The medical attendant
should be at once apprised of such an occurrence, and, in the
meantime, what is here enjoined done. The patient must
be placed flat on the back, if she is not already so, and kept
there for some hours, as one most essential thing in order to
avert fatal consequences.
DELAY OF FIRST MENSTRUATION-AMENORRHEA.
The foregoing descriptions and treatment are given in
order to meet, as far as possible, every contingency that may
arise: instead, however, of any of these, there may be local
disturbance and uneasiness; a decided effort of the consti-
tution to establish the desired change, when a little aid from
medicine may soon suffice to accomplish all that is requisite,
either from—
Aconite.-Heavy, uncomfortable, and weary; bowels sore
and distended; weight at the chest or right side; heats and
chills; restlessness. Specially suitable for the robust and
plethoric, with fresh colour.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Belladonna. Flushed face of deep red; giddiness;
weight on forehead; throbbing headache; weight and
pressure in the bowels; indisposition to move.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Bryonia. Pinching uneasiness in the bowels; constipa-
tion; stomach is distended; discontented mood; nose bleed-
ing; stitches in the side; growing or rheumatic pains.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
DELAY OF FIRST MENSTRUATION.
75
p
Cactus. Painful pressure and tightness in the groins,
extending round both back and front, or those in the region
of the womb, gradually extending upwards until they reach
the stomach, as though a violent blow had been received on
the small of the back; does not last long, but is very painful.
The pain in the uterus is apt to return every evening.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Conium.-Inflation of the abdomen; pain and dis-
comfort in region of one or both ovaries; pain in forehead;
shooting pains in the breasts; a slight show; itching, red
pimples here and there.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Aloes.-Periodical headache, alternating with pain in the
back; pale face, with noticeable blueness of the whites of
the eyes; dizziness; sparks before the eyes; fulness, heat,
and distension of abdomen, with cutting pains; discharge of
a great quantity of fetid flatulence; uneasiness of the
bowels; irritation of the womb; leucorrhoea, or "whites ;"
heat and irritation of rectum; passing of unusual quantity
of water.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Cimicifuga. Nervous distress and uneasiness, with pains
in the limbs, and a constant pain low down in the side.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Pulsatilla. Nausea; trembling; chilliness; headache;
palpitation; swelling of bowels; pale face; sad, weeping
mood; burning pains in vagina and pudenda; cutting
pain, bearing down; puffy swelling of feet and legs; in-
flamed red spots on legs; hot and painful leucorrhoea; spit-
ting of blood; greasy taste in mouth; dyspepsia and water-
brash.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Caulophyllum.-Heaviness and tension in abdomen;
drawing in the sides of the bowels; feeling of irritation in
uterine region; frequent inclination to pass water; or spasms
76
MENSTRUATION IN THE YOUNG.
with hysteria; profuse discharge of mucus from vagina, or
very slight show.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Senecio.-Yawning, stretching, shivering, and lassitude;
faintings; considerable disposition and effort for period to
come on; the failure appears to arise from sheer debility;
variable spirits; nausea and sour risings.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hydropathic Treatment.—Tepid or cold dripping sheets
on rising; or, if these cannot be borne, tepid or cold spong-
ing of the entire body; tepid sitz bath for twenty minutes,
followed by friction with a rough towel, at four o'clock in
the afternoon, and at bed-time; or, if there is an actual
show," but scanty, let the feet be put into hot mustard
and water up to the calves, for twenty minutes at bed-time
occasionally.
CC
IRREGULAR MENSTRUATION IN THE YOUNG.
After the first period has made its appearance, there may be
considerable delay and irregularity in its return; a month and
more may elapse without any signs, or but faint ones; or there
may be more or less effort; and this state of things may be
protracted for three or four months. Or, possibly, the first
appearance may, in due course, be followed by a recurrence,
and so continue without any trouble or anxiety. It must be
observed that delay does not necessarily demand active in-
terference; if the general health is good, wait; but be careful
to see that the return is in no way hindered by carelessness,
indiscretion, or imprudence: if there is a slight indication
at the time, try first a tepid sitz bath in the afternoon, and
have the feet put in hot mustard and water at night; and
if these do not suffice, try one of the medicines mentioned in
the last section.
A mother should always keep a reckoning for her younger
daughters; and it might be as well for her to include her
older ones, as they are apt to be thoughtless in this respect,
pay no regard to damp feet, thin dresses, chills, night air, or
excitement and amusements, any of which, in delicate con-
DISORDERS OF MENSTRUATION.
77
stitutions, are sufficient to prevent a return, at all events,
without pain or other inconvenience.
It is irksome to have to take care; and young ladies are
prone to complain, and wonder why they cannot do as some
others of their acquaintance: eat anything; go anywhere at
all times; act just as they like, without ever seeming any
the worse for it; or, perhaps, as the delicate ones are apt to
imagine, all the better for not taking care. Even the
strongest cannot always set rules and precautions at defiance
without entailing serious illness: and for the delicately-
constituted to follow their example, would be the height of
folly and culpability; there would be the certainty of suffer-
ing, with the conviction that everything included or involved
in it was brought on by themselves.
Young girls must have care and watching until menstrua-
tion is thoroughly and regularly established; and whether
they see the necessity or not, their mothers must see that
they are neither neglected in these respects, nor neglect them-
selves; if not, the foundation of serious mischief may be
laid, which timely caution would have avoided.
If the return is but scanty, and attended by distress or
disturbance, consult the section on Painful Menstruation.
We pass on now to consider the various disorders observable
in connection with menstruation, which may occur at any
time, or any age. Menstruation may, from a chill or other
cause, be suppressed; it is then called, technically, amen-
orrhoea. It may be irregular as to time or quantity, or both,
and quality-then it is irregular and unnatural; or it
may be attended with suffering, and then it is called pain-
ful menstruation, or Dysmenorrhoea. Under irregular men-
struation, we include profuse, or Menorrhagia. Instead of
the menses, or between the periods, a considerable mucous
discharge may appear, called, from its usual colour, "the
whites," or Leucorrhoea, or Fluor Albus (the white flow).
Or, again, menstruation may be vicarious; blood flows from
the nose, or some other part of the body, instead of any
"show" in ordinary course.
Suppression of the Menses, or Amenorrhoea.-This sup-
pression may be acute or chronic; that is, we may be called
78
SUPPRESSION OF MENSES.
to treat it as soon as its non-appearance is remarked, and
whilst the pain and uneasiness therefrom is being felt; or
some little time may have elapsed, and it may appear as
though the patient, very much against her will, had settled
down into a habit of non-menstruation.
AMENORRHOEA-ACUTE SUPPRESSION.
The sensitiveness of the female constitution generally, and
of the reproductive system more particularly, to impressions
from without, readily account for a sudden suppression when
it takes place. The impression may be produced by unex-
pected or excessive excitement, either of joy or sorrow;
passion or fright; a chill from damp or cold, as sitting on
damp grass, walking in the wet, and keeping on damp
shoes or damp petticoats: cold baths near the period;
change of dress; sitting in draughts; exposure to night air,
or cold cutting winds; insufficient wrappers when coming out
of hot rooms or assemblies, or from getting over-heated, and
cooling too suddenly. By some such accidents as these,
through wilful carelessness and thoughtlessness, the tyranny
of dress, or the fancied inexorabilities of fashion, by late
hours, heated rooms, and crowded assemblies, through a
delicate chest exposed, and circulation effectually hampered
by tight corsets and "bodies," young ladies are frequently
exposed to the disorder of which we are now treating. In a
sudden stoppage during the flow, or more or less distress and
pain, and non-appearance at the expected time, try, if possi-
ble, to discover the cause.
If it is grief;—Ignatia is the principal remedy-two
drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours. If it fail to bring on
a return, though it may relieve the pain, administer it again
a day or two before the next period is due—a dose every six
hours. Should Ignatia fail, Gelseminum and Apocynum
demand a trial.
Ignatia.—Involuntary sighing; headache acute, with
heaviness and heat; dread of light; spasms in the bowels, or
colic, drawing the patient together, and arresting the breath-
ing; palpitation; weak, empty feeling at the pit of the
AMENORRHOEA, OR SUPPRESSION OF MENSES.
79
stomach; nausea; faintness; loss of appetite; the pain is
relieved by pressure and lying down.
Gelseminum.-The head feels larger than usual; pain
in head; profuse vomiting; bearing-down pains in abdomen,
but no pain in the back.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Apocynum.-Irresistible disposition to sigh; oppression
at pit of stomach and chest; slow pulse; decided scantiness
of urine; bloatedness of abdomen; feet and legs swell.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
If mortification, fright, or passion has caused a stop-
page-
Aconite.-Hot, flushed face; sense of swelling or oppres-
sion at the chest; quick pulse; bowels hot, distended, and
painful; cold feet and hands.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Chamomilla. Great irritability; quarrelsome; hard,
aching, uncomfortable oppression at the pit of the stomach;
distension of abdomen, with cutting colic, and drawing-in
the thighs; pains almost like labour pains; frequent urina-
tion, profuse and pale after diarrhea; one cheek is often
deeply flushed, the other pale.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
If by excessive joy—
Coffea.-Undue excitement, spasms, colic, and aching
pain in small of back.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Opium. Excessive pain and spasm; the abdomen is
forcibly drawn in; the patient has to bend double; anxious
ineffectual urging to relief of the bowels; dark redness and
heat of the face.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
If from disappointed love or jealousy-
Hyoscyamus.-Trembling of hands and feet as from ex-
citement; fainting fits; restlessness; nausea; profuse per-
spiration; continual desire to empty the bladder; dulness of
80
AMENORRHOEA, OR SUPPRESSION OF MENSES.
the senses; swelling of the eyes; jerkings and twitchings, or
immoderate laughter, without anything to excite it.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.-Pain and tenderness in lower part of
spine; severe pains in bowels; forcing, almost amounting to
spasm of the womb; nausea; violent frontal or general head-
ache; burning and swelling of the eyeballs; chilliness, with
distension of abdomen; constipation, with frequent ineffec-
tual urging. Specially for dark bilious subjects.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Ignatia. See under "Grief."
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
If from a chill, or getting wet-
Aconite.-Hot, flushed face; dry, hot skin; chilliness;
quick pulse; cold feet and hands; oppression at chest and
bowels; shivering at the least draught; palpitation; aching,
beating pains in head, or as if something with sharp points
were thrust into it; thirst; disposition to faint on rising up.
Especially for those of sanguine temperament.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Pulsatilla. From a cold, or getting wet; pale face;
difficulty of breathing; loss of breath after slight exertion;
constant chilliness; disposition to weep; cold in the head;
aching of bones in the head; shifting toothache; buzzing in
the ears; pains in the loins; oppressive weight in the ab-
domen; leucorrhoea; difficulty in passing water; colicky
pains; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; morning sickness; bad
taste in the mouth; no appetite; nothing tastes good;
yawning; stretching; great weakness, especially of the lower
limbs; the legs or feet swell; inflamed, raised spots on the
legs.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Sepia.-Hysteric or nervous headache; toothache; ner-
vous debility; great disposition to perspire, of a peculiar
sweetish odour; dizziness; bearing-down pains in loins and
small of the back; pains in the limbs, as if bruised or beaten ;
nasal catarrh; face pale and dingy; dusky spots on the face
AMENORRHOEA, OR SUPPRESSION OF MENSES.
81
1
or forehead, or a brownish saddle across the nose; acrid
leucorrhoea, with soreness; coldness of the hands and feet,
with frequent flashing of heat to the head and face; constipa-
tion, with sense of weight; painful emptiness at pit of
stomach. Very suitable for delicate constitutions.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Gelseminum.-Headache; heaviness of the eyelids; great
difficulty in keeping them open; stupid, almost as though
intoxicated; bearing-down pains; heaviness in region of
womb; fulness over stomach; white leucorrhoea, or profuse
spasmodic vomiting, resembling sea-sickness; hysteric symp-
toms.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Belladonna.-Red face and eyes; throbbing headache,
cannot bear the light, stooping, or movement; dull, and
disinclined to move; weight in bowels and region of the
womb; drowsiness; depression of spirits; dry, furred tongue;
violent pain in small of back; leucorrhoea. Suitable to scro-
fulous constitutions: follows Gelseminum, when that does not
relieve, and is itself suitably followed by Calcarea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Colocynth.-Suppression, from vexation, with severe
colic. Most adapted for those easily excited to anger.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cuprum. From a check of perspiration of the feet;
pressing pains in the head, or a strange tingling pain in the
crown of the head, or nausea and vomiting, with rush of
blood to the head; redness of the face and eyes, or pale face,
with livid circles round the eyes; nausea and vomiting;
cramps of chest, stomach, and bowels; involuntary move-
ments and twitchings of the limbs, or even convulsions, with
fearful cries.
One grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Dulcamara. From sudden cold in damp, wet weather,
or from getting wet through; especially if accompanied by
nettle-rash, pains in limbs and joints; the breasts are en-
82
AMENORRHOEA, OR SUPPRESSION OF MENSES.
larged and painful; or suppression, from being in damp
cellars or dairies, living in damp under-ground kitchens, or
being in any damp place.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cimicifuga.-Distressing pains in the head; sleepiness;
giddiness; flushed face; uneasiness of stomach; constipa-
tion; indisposition and inability to perform any mental
effort; pains in the limbs; the force of the cold is felt in the
brain; spinal irritation; pain in centre of both eyeballs; the
hair is sometimes sensitive, or touching it causes acute pain
in the head; catarrhal fever; coryza; sore throat; faintness;
gone feeling at stomach; alternate constipation and diar-
rhoea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Rhus. Suppression from getting wet in a shower, from
bathing in cold water, or from other causes mentioned under
Dulcamara; violent pressing pains in uterine region ; swollen
and tender breasts; rheumatic pains, and stiffness of limbs
—worse at night; restless; obliged to turn often to get even
a few minutes' rest.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Pregnancy will also account for a sudden suppression of
menstruation, or non-appearance, in the case of the married:
the probability of its existence must always be considered.
Its existence is generally confirmed by morning sickness, and
other easily-recognised signs, which will be considered in the
chapter on Pregnancy. Married ladies are as liable as single
to suffer from the indiscretion, if they get wet or chilled;
deviations in general health, such as a cold, may also produce
a stoppage.
A violent inflammation, particularly of the ovaries (most
apt to occur just previous to, during, or immediately after,
the menses), may occasion a suppression; it may result from
external injury. The ovaries swell to three or four times
their natural size, and their peritoneal covering becomes
tender and inflamed. There is deep-seated pain and burn-
ing sensation, much worse on motion.
AMENORRHOEA-CHRONIC SUPPRESSION OF MENSES. 83
AMENORRHEA, OR CHRONIC SUPPRESSION.
A non-appearance, rather than a sudden stoppage, or what
is generally styled chronic suppression, may be caused by
change of residence or occupation, as from one part of the
country to another, or from a stirring to a sedentary employ-
ment; from too close application, or confinement in-doors;
from insufficient food; from leucorrhoea, or white discharge,
as the effect of serious illness, such as typhus fever, or small-
pox; from the progress of consumption; from the co-
existence of some scrofulous disease, as of the joints or bones,
or chronic abscess; from scrofulous or other affections of the
ovaries, or other organs of the reproductive system. Defec-
tive formation has been previously mentioned.
(
General debility is another cause; as are chlorosis and
general bloodlessness, or anemia; the very opposite con-
dition, full-bloodedness, or plethora, with determination of
blood to the head, or other parts of the body; as, for ex-
ample, "a girl, previously in good health, approaches the
time of puberty; some of the changes characteristic of it
take place; the form assumes the contour of womanhood;
and nothing but the occurrence of menstruation is wanting
to announce the completion of the change.
The menses,
however, do not show themselves; but the girl begins to
suffer from frequent headaches and a flushed face, frequent
back-ache, pain in lower part of abdomen, constipated bowels,
a furred tongue, and a full pulse. All these signs of con-
stitutional disorder undergo a marked increase at stated
periods of about a month. After some little time menstrua-
tion may show itself, but very scantily, and attended by
much pain, with, for several months after, no sign of its
return, except such sign be afforded by vomiting of blood,
passing of blood by the bowels, or bleeding from the nose.
""*
Aletris. Debility from protracted illness, exhaustive
discharges, imperfect nutrition, or over-study. Great want
of tone in the muscular system; pain and discomfort in the
muscles of various parts of the body; digestion slow and
feeble, the least quantity of food causes pain; constipation;
* West on Diseases of Women, Part I., p. 36.
K
84
CHRONIC SUPPRESSION OF MENSES.
AMENORRHEA
Kad g
the brain feels wearied; there is irritability and sensitive-
ness, or sleeplessness; depressed, indifferent feeling; there
may be night-sweats; pressure and sense of weight in lower
part of the abdomen. It applies to atonic conditions of the
womb and ovaries; to leucorrhoea and congestion, as their
result.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Arsenicum.-Great debility; white, waxy, or pale and
livid complexion; blue margins round the eyes; the least
exertion fatigues; frequent paroxysms of fainting; sleep and
tiresome dreams; chilly, however well wrapped up; wants to
be near the fire; pain in the shoulders and the very bottom
of the back, from the lower part of abdomen into vagina, or
shooting pains from rectum into vagina, up the back, and in
the sides of the abdomen; the pains may be so violent as
to compel patient to bend double, with loud eructations,
moaning, lamentations, weeping, cold perspiration; corrosive
leucorrhoea.
One grain, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Apocynum.-Unusual heaviness of the head, with dull
aching in the limbs and the small of the back; bloatedness
of abdomen; swelling of the legs; oppression of the chest
and stomach; difficult at times to breathe deeply enough to
talk; this oppression is not the result of inflammation;
decided scantiness of urine.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Acid, Benzoic.-Chronic cough; suffocative catarrh;
chronic rheumatism; light-coloured, fetid diarrhoea; patient
wakes after midnight with violent palpitation; nausea;
confusion of head; drowsiness; tongue coated white; the
urine smells strongly, like the medicine, before any of it has
been administered.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Acid, Phosphoric. Following acute illness, such as
typhus; "nervous debility;" general deafness, from weak-
ness; sight affected; thin and acrid leucorrhoea; the hair
comes off in considerable quantity.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Sta
AMENORRHOEA-CHRONIC SUPPRESSION OF MENSES. 85
Acid, Sulphuric.-Headache; diarrhoea, not from diet;
frequent acrid, corrosive leucorrhoea; pain in abdomen and
small of back, as though the menses would come on, or a
show of mucus tinged with blood—but still they do not t;
nightmare; sense of strangulation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Esculus. Prostration of whole system; faint, miserable,
cross feeling; disinclination to perform any labour; yawn-
ing, stretching, and chilly; back of head feels heavy; brain
confused; headache; involuntary winking; sleep disturbed
by frightful dreams, as of being in battle and fighting hard;
dull pains in right side, over liver, in the small of the back;
constipation; ineffectual desire and great urging; piles
purple in colour, with burning; or simply a feeling of dry-
ness, with itching or thickening of the lining of lower bowel;
there may be protrusion; leucorrhoea, with burning in the
breasts.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Aloes.-Loss of flesh; pale, waxen countenance; irrita-
tion; congestion of womb; leucorrhoea; heat and irritation
in rectum; large secretion of urine; active sexual feeling;
constipation, with straining. Very useful if suppression
manifests itself in young people who are closely confined to
a sedentary occupation for example, or the working of a
sewing machine. Headache, alternating with pain in the
back; piles; vomiting or spitting of blood, or bleeding from
the nose, from suppression.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Alumina. Frequent toothache; dyspepsia; constipa-
tion; whining mood; uneasy sleep; waking early in the
morning, with palpitation; copious flow of mucus from
vagina; tremblings; lassitude; sensation as if everything
were falling out of abdomen; cutting pains; colic, as
though the bowels would be purged; there may be pinching,
writhing, pressing like labour-pains, and leucorrhoea.
One grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Ammonia Carb.-Great debility; coldness; soreness of
kapag da
86 AMENORRHEA
-CHRONIC SUPPRESSION OF MENSES.
the body; painful pressure and tension between the
shoulders, or violent pains in the small of the back; pale
face; toothache and sadness.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Apis.-Inflammation or congestion, and tenderness of
ovaries; pain, deep-seated; weight; heaviness; irritation of
bladder; constant desire to pass water, a few drops only
being passed.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Asafoetida.-Delicate, atonic, extremely irritable persons,
subject to spasms; pale, and subject to leucorrhoea, and
hysteric attacks; undue secretion of saliva.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Asclepias Syriaca.-Intermitting pains, of labour-like
severity, with profuse urination, headache, giddiness, and
nausea. Found of use in "non-appearance," in dropsical
patients suffering from heart disease.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Aurum M.-Marked despondency; loathing of life;
suicidal thoughts; palpitation; difficulty of breathing, at
night especially; obliged constantly to fetch a long breath;
whining mood; always imagining new obstacles and dis-
appointments.
One grain, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Baptisia. After typhus or low fever; debility; physical
and mental depression; nervous prostration; virulent leu-
corrhoea; constipation; piles; indisposition; want of power
to think; mind seems weak; drowsy, stupid, tired feeling;
sleep restless and uneasy, with frightful dreams or night-
mare.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Baryta.-Mental and physical weakness in the anemic,
or chlorotic, or scrofulous; weakness, to fainting; toothache;
swelling of the legs; leucorrhoea; sometimes piles; hysteria,
p
AMENORRHOEA-
CHRONIC SUPPRESSION OF MENSES. 87
with dimness of sight, or double vision; ringing in the ears,
and pains in the temples.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Borax. Heaviness in the chest; arrest of breathing;
violent buzzing in the ears, and beating in the head; conges-
tion to the chest and head; acrid leucorrhoea; spots on the
face. Specially for those who are liable to take cold in damp
weather; to those of sensitive, lax temperaments; sad,
peevish, indisposed for exertion, yet restless and uneasy;
easily frightened; the flesh, if hurt, is difficult to heal, and
disposed to ulcerate.
1)
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every four hours.
Bromine. In consumptive patients; when the usual
precursory symptoms are observed, but the menses do not
follow (related to Iodine).
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Calcarea. In the leuco-phlegmatic; giddiness; short-
ness of breath; tightness; fulness of the chest on going
upstairs; cold, damp feet; swelling at the pit of the stomach;
attacks of fainting, with drops of sweat on the face; weari-
ness of the limbs; easily tired after a little exertion; weak-
ness in the knees, especially in going upstairs; great
sensitiveness to cold evening air; liability to take cold; the
hair comes off; loss of flesh; weakness of the chest when
talking, or oppression and pressive pains at the chest; dry,
fatiguing cough; uneasy sleep; depression; irritability at
trifles; daily copious leucorrhoea; palms of the hands and
soles of the feet burn in the afternoon and evening.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Carbo Animalis.-Debility; excessive fatigue after walk-
ing; easy perspiration; sensitiveness to the open air; great
languor; chilliness; yawning; stretching; troublesome flatu-
lence; bloatedness of abdomen, with unsuccessful attempts
to eructate; audible rumbling of flatulence; headache; pain
in small of back and groins, and weight in the thighs.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
H
.
88
AMENORRHŒA—CHRONIC SUPPRESSION OF MENSES.
Carbo Vegetabilis.—In cachectic individuals, pale yel-
low complexion, subject to acidity, spasms, and flatulence;
itching eruptions on the nape of the neck, and between the
shoulders; chlorosis; piles; pains in small of back, proceed-
ing from the bottom of the abdomen; bruised pain in all
the bones; leucorrhoea.
Two grains, 1st trituration, every three hours.
Causticum.-Yellow complexion; giddiness; dizziness;
melancholy; colic, with pains in the back, worse during
motion; wandering, shifting pains in the abdomen; stabbing
pain under the breasts. Applies to weakly, scrofulous consti-
tutions, especially to such of these as have been debilitated
by long grief.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Cimicifuga.-Undue excitability of the nervous system;
rheumatic neuralgia; hysteria; occasionally chorea; giddi-
ness and dulness of the head; anxiety; restlessness and
derangement of the stomach; nausea; unsuccessful efforts to
vomit.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Chelidonium.-Marked biliary derangement and diar-
rhoea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cicuta.—A kind of sore pain, low down in right side, as
after a violent shock; a sense of drawing and pulse-like
beating.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cocculus.-Oppression, anxiety, colic, and paralytic
weakness; spasms; hysteria; fainting. Adapted to the ner-
vous disposed to imaginary fears; and slight cases of
"nymphomania," or sexual excitement; leucorrhoea, thin
and yellowish, in place of the menses.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Collinsonia.-Congestion of uterus; affections of the
rectum, as constipation and piles, in sensitive subjects;
AMENORRHOEA-CHRONIC SUPPRESSION OF MENSES. 89
violent pains in the lower part of abdomen; nausea; fainting;
great prostration; yellow appearance round the eyes; great
disposition to sleep during the day; the nights disturbed by
pain; headache; dyspepsia, from want of tone.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Colocynth.-Vexation appears to be the cause; cutting
and tearing pains; colic, obliging to bend double, with
great anguish and restlessness; darting pains in ovaries;
"menstrual colic."
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Conium.-Great nervousness, or hysterical symptoms;
involuntary laughing or weeping; debility; excessive weak-
ness; anguish; sadness; pains in back and sacrum; disten-
sion of abdomen; abdominal spasms; urine intermits in its
flow; breasts enlarged; head sore and painful, or else small,
flabby, dry skin; giddiness, even when lying-much in-
creased by an attempt to turn over; increased sexual desires.
Worth a trial in amenorrhoea from undeveloped state of
ovaries and uterus; also in ovarian disease and chlorosis.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cuprum.-Pressing or strange tingling pain in the top
of the head; rush of blood to the head, with redness of the
face and eyes, or pale face, with livid circles round the eyes;
frequent nausea, and frequent vomiting; cramps in stomach
and bowels; spasms of the chest, and palpitation; convulsive
movements of the limbs, or convulsions, with fearful cries.
Specially applicable to cases from suppression of perspiration
to the feet.
C
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Cypripedium.-Nervous system has been severely tried
by sitting up at night, and long-continued nursing, or any
long strain of nervous system; neuralgia, intense and mad-
dening, or simply irritability; agitation and sleeplessness, or
hysteria, with heightened sensitiveness of all the senses.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
H 2
90
AMENORRHŒA-CHRONIC SUPPRESSION OF MENSES.
Digitalis. Dyspeptic or heart symptoms; inability for
exertion; great desire for sour or bitter things and drinks;
face is pale; breathing slow and deep; patient cannot hold
her breath, except for a very short time, and she has often to
take a long breath; fainting fits, preceded by an intermittent
pulse; chest throbbing in the right side, and stitches; great
weakness in the knees, felt on going upstairs; the bends of
the knees feel tight, and the legs weary.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Ferrum.-Chlorotic symptoms and giddiness; dulness
and confusion of ideas; dizziness increased by looking at
flowing water or moving objects (this is also a marked
symptom of Cocculus); humming in the ears; face pale, and
puffy round the eyes; lips and tongue yellowish white;
great nervousness; debility; trembling of the limbs; loss of
flesh; great disposition to lie and sit still; pressure in the
stomach; loss of appetite; sluggish bowels; great weakness
of lower limbs, especially of the knees; frequent chills;
constant coldness. In some cases, with all the debility here
described, there are transient rushes of blood to the face, to
the chest, and to the stomach. The menses may just show
like coloured water.
Two grains, 1st trituration, every four hours.
Graphites. For total suppression, or an occasional
show, pale and very scanty; it soon ceases; pale, yellow face;
weak eyes; frequent flushes; troublesome dryness of the
nose; eructations; morning sickness; great inclination to
perspire, and to eruptions of small blebs; itching blotches,
or erysipelas; symptoms of cold in the head set in about the
time for the period, with hoarseness, dry cough, evening
headache, chilliness, pains in limbs, sometimes toothache;
often diarrhoea; dyspeptic symptoms; either no appetite, or
a voracious one; great thirst; dislike to certain things, as
beer or meat; nausea; pains in the chest and bowels; obsti-
nate constipation; painful piles; coldness and falling asleep
of the feet; swelling of the hands and feet; or when sup-
pression has taken place, soon after the flow commenced, with
AMENORRHOEA
CHRONIC SUPPRESSION.
S
91
cutting pains in bowels; swelling over ovaries; a forcing of
everything down towards the genital organs; the leucorrhoea
often white, and as liquid as water.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Gelseminum.-Neuralgia, headache, or hysteria; bear-
ing down; heaviness in region of the womb; fulness over
the stomach; white leucorrhoea; profuse spasmodic vomit-
ing, like sea-sickness. The neuralgia acute and darting,
with twitchings of the muscles near the seat of pain; it
leaves a soreness. The headache comes on suddenly, with
dimness of vision, or double-sightedness; heaviness of the
head; stupor; difficulty in keeping the eyes open; dull,
heavy expression of countenance; full pulse. The hysteric
attacks have marked spasms of the throat, followed by a
heavy, stupid feeling.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hedeoma.-Intestinal irritation; nausea; retchings;
prostration; nervous twitchings; periodical pains; coldness
of the extremities; shortness of breath; rising in the chest ;
eyesight goes.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Iodium.-Frequent palpitation; pale face, alternating
with redness; loss of breath on ascending an eminence; great
nervousness; great debility, especially in the lower limbs ;
trembling of the limbs, lasting a long time; loss of appetite;
wasting; hysteria, or hectic. Useful in lymphatic tem-
peraments; in the scrofulous, with swellings of the joints or
throat (goitre); and for the effects of Mercury. Pulsatilla,
Ferrum, and Bromine apply to somewhat similar cases.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Kali Carb.-Disposition to erysipelas, or inflammation
of the veins; heart symptoms; palpitation; difficulty of
breathing; pale face, sometimes alternating with great
redness; an effort at menstruation, attended by sour risings;
eructations and shooting pains over the whole abdomen.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
92
AMENORRHOEA-CHRONIC SUPPRESSION.
Lachesis.-Hysteric headache; pale face; disposition to
sadness, melancholy, and weeping; sour taste and vomiting;
swelling of the feet; pains in back and loins; cutting, sharp
pains in the bowels; leucorrhoea; swelling and pressure about
the navel; drawing pains through the whole body; a few
drops of blood from the nose. Epileptic symptoms some-
times present.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every four hours.
Lycopodium.-Pale, yellowish-grey, sunken face, some-
times almost livid; deep wrinkles; at other times, pimples or
freckles. The stoppage may have been caused by fright.
Dyspeptic symptoms, marked by a sour taste, or that of
mouldy cheese; sour eructations; sour vomiting; appetite
very variable—at one time a feeling of constant repletion, at
another great desire for food; pain at the stomach, espe-
cially after pastry; a good deal of rumbling and croaking in
the bowels, especially on the left side; symptoms of chlo-
rosis or hysteria; headache; disposition to sadness, melan-
choly, and weeping; swelling of the feet; pains in the back
and loins; colic, fainting fits; leucorrhoea.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Magnesia Carb.-Spasms of the abdomen; nightly
spasmodic cough; sour, fetid, or greasy perspiration; faint-
ing fits; toothache; aversion to meat; longing for cabbage;
sour risings; frothy, sour diarrhoea; increased, pale, or fre-
quent urine; every effort to menstruate attended by sore
throat.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Magnesia Mur.-Hysteria; nervousness; crying; sleep-
lessness; constipation; stools like sheep's dung, or which
crumble as they pass; nausea; livid complexion; painful
hardness of abdomen, with distension; leucorrhoea, with
spasms of the uterus; sweaty feet.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Mercurius Vivus.-Puffy swelling of hands and feet;
red blotches; chilliness; creeping sensations down the spine;
AMENORRHOEA-CHRONIC SUPPRESSION.
93
shudderings; goose-flesh; skin sensitive to the touch; white,
clay-coloured face; attenuated, sunken features; dim,
gloomy eyes; progressive emaciation; metallic, soapy, or
taste as of rotten eggs; constipation, or straining, bilious
diarrhoea; low-spiritedness; loss of appetite, or terrible
tearing pains in head and face; the teeth feel long, sore,
and loose; pains in breasts, and in limbs or face, after getting
the least damp, or in damp weather.
One grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Mitchella.-Uneasy feeling at the heart; it beats at times
slowly and regularly, then quickly; the back is very weak;
all the muscles feel sore; irritability of uterus, or else weight
and uneasiness from venous engorgement; urging to urinate;
a feeling of uneasiness at neck of bladder; urine of high
colour; sediment white and flocculent; dull pain over the
kidneys.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Moschus.-Earthy complexion; aversion to food;
nausea; hysterics, followed or preceded by numbness of
the limbs; dryness in the throat; small fluttering pulse;
cold skin; drowsiness; fainting fits at night.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
Natrum Muriaticum.-Face yellow and shining, as
from grease; loss of, or flat watery taste, or sweet risings;
spitting of blood with the saliva; thirst, but no desire for
drink; heartburn; acidity; eructations; distension; colic;
headache on waking, which lasts a long time; constipation,
with large difficult evacuations.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every two hours.
Nitric Acid.-Sickly, yellow face, particularly round the
eyes, which seem more deeply set than usual; on waking,
bloatedness round the eyes; sour or sweet taste; want of
appetite; much yawning, and languor; leucorrhoea.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Nux Moschata.-Intolerable dryness of throat, mouth,
and tongue, particularly when asleep; whining or fitful
t
94
AMENORRHŒA—CHRONIC SUPPRESSION.
mood; fulness or dryness of the eyes; enormous distension
of bowels after every meal; a good deal of uneasiness and
irritation; a constant urging, with scanty emission of urine;
leucorrhoea; hysterical attacks, or disposition to sleep and
faint away.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every two hours.
Nux Vomica.-Dyspeptic symptoms; sour
or bitter
taste; hunger, which changes to a feeling of repletion on
taking ever so little; uncomfortable distension of stomach
after meals-the clothes have to be loosened; constipation ;
piles; headache; irritable mood; restless sleep, especially
after about three in the morning; suppression, as the result
of rich luxurious living, and mode of life, or close confine-
ment, and a great deal of sitting; headache; cramps; faint-
ings or neuralgia.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Opium. Constipation; congestion of blood to the head;
red face; the head feels heavy; stupor; jerks; startings;
twitchings; deadly paleness of face and body; feeble pulse,
as though the powers of life were deadened: epileptic symp-
toms, or excessive pain and spasm of the abdomen, forcibly
drawing the muscles in, and compelling the patient to bend
double; anxious, ineffectual urging to relieve the bowels.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Phosphorus. For the tall and slender, of consumptive
tendency; spitting of blood, or vomiting of it; constipation;
great weakness across the bowels; cold feet and legs; per-
spiration in bed towards morning, particularly on the chest
or calves of the legs, with tired feeling; the shoulders bend
forward; apt to sit sunk together from weakness; to straighten
herself is an effort.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Phosphoric Acid.-Distension of uterus as though filled
with air; sensation of something moving up and down.
Specially suitable for cases where there is any scrofulous dis-
ease of the bones; face pale; blue margins round the eyes;
AMENORRHOEA-CHRONIC SUPPRESSION.
95
itching pimples on the face; general loss of appetite; bread
disagrees; fainting attacks after meals.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Phytolacca. Ovarian irritation or disease; dulness;
giddiness; smarting in the eyes; pains in the forehead, worse
after dinner; sensation of a lump in the throat; general lassi-
tude; disinclination to move; desire to lie down; muscular
pains; chronic rheumatism; shocks of pain in the heart and
right arm; restless sleep; frequent yawning in the day;
pale, sickly look, or dark yellow; the eyes look sunken, eye-
lids bleared, sometimes glued together in the morning; nausea
and eructations; tenderness at the pit of the stomach to
the touch; boring pain, deep-seated or neuralgic pain in
left side of abdomen, over left ovary; constipation; urgent
desire to pass water; copious urination at night.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
M
Podophyllum.-Sallow complexion; sleepiness in the
day-time; restlessness in the fore-part of the night; fatigue
on walking; depression of spirits; anticipating severe illness;
giddiness; dizziness; morning headache, with flushed face;
pain on the top of the head; pain in the eyeballs and
temples; offensive odour from the mouth; indifference to
food, or voracious appetite; acidity; nausea; regurgitation
of food; fulness of right side of bowels; colic, with drawing-
in of muscles of the abdomen; heat in the bowels; cramps;
bilious diarrhoea, or chalk-like stools; piles; prolapsus of
the lower bowel; pain in the region of the ovaries, especially
the right; bearing-down pain on motion; leucorrhoea;
rumbling of flatus in bowels; pain in small of back; sensa-
tion of coldness.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Pulsatilla.-Pale face; chilliness even in summer, or
whenever so warmly clad
warmly clad; melancholy; indifferentism;
peevishness; great disposition to laugh or cry; difficulty of
breathing; loss of breath after slight exertion; cold in the
head; aching pains of bones; wandering toothache; nausea;
morning sickness; trembling; buzzing in the ears; pains
96
AMENORRHOEA-CHRONIC SUPPRESSION.
in the loins; oppressive weight in the abdomen; cutting
and bearing-down pains; burning pains in vagina and puden-
dum; leucorrhoea; cutting pains in abdomen; difficulty in
passing water; great weakness, especially of the lower limbs;
the legs swell, with inflamed, raised spots on them (erythema
nodosum); no appetite; nothing tastes good; greasy, slimy
taste; tendency to diarrhoea; waterbrash;
or sour
vomiting.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Platina.-Melancholy; anguish about the heart; trem-
bling of the hands and feet; small and feeble pulse; flushed
face; hysteric symptoms, and vascular excitement; painful
pressing, as though menses would appear; constipation, with
pain in the small of the back; desire for relief of the bowels;
clay-like evacuations are passed.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Sabina.-Menstrual colic; violent labour-like pains,
drawing and pressing from the back to the uterus, and down
the thighs; thick fetid leucorrhoea. Specially adapted for
those in whom, at other times, menstruation is profuse.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Sanguinaria.-Hysteria; depression of pulse; languor;
uneasiness and warmth in stomach; slight nausea; ab-
dominal pains; pains in loins, extending through the hypo-
gastric and iliac regions, as well as down the thighs, that is,
in all directions; pain in right side of head and forehead-in
the eyes, as though they would be pressed out; escape of
flatus from vagina; it passes with some considerable noise.
This remedy is especially suited to cases either preceded or
followed by pulmonary disease.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Secale.-Sallow complexion; melancholy, or hysteria;
violent, continuous forcing pain; profuse discharge of watery
urine; great debility. Very suitable to thin married women
suffering from suppression, who generally suffer much at
every period; leucorrhoea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
AMENORRHOEA-CHRONIC SUPPRESSION.
97
Sepia. In the delicate with fine skins, often with brown
spots on the face; yellow saddle across the cheeks and nose;
sick or hysteric headache in females who ordinarily men-
struate scantily; vascular excitement; irregularity; rush of
blood to the head, with fulness; flushed face; sickness;
distension of the bowels; palpitation; weariness; acrid leu-
corrhoea; soreness of vulva; peculiar sweet-smelling perspi-
ration, especially in armpits (sudor hystericus); coldness of
hands and feet; constipation; sense of weight.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Senecio.-Sheer debility, attended by inability to sleep;
nervous irritability; yawning; stretching; lassitude; some-
times faintings; loss of appetite; coated tongue; consti-
pation; wandering pains in the back and shoulders; nausea;
sour risings; variable spirits; at times considerable disposi-
tion and effort for period to come on.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Silicea.-Pale, swollen face; chilliness; icy cold feet;
drowsiness; faintness; momentary blindness; obscuration
of vision; nausea, relieved by lying down; heartburn; colic;
constipation; smarting, acrid, and corrosive leucorrhoea, or
white water from womb, instead of menses.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Sulphur.-Pale and sickly complexion; blue rings round
eyes, and red spots on cheeks, or vivid redness of the face;
darting headache; flushes of heat; stitches in the side;
heat in the top of the head; coldness of feet, or burning of
soles of feet at night; pimples; itching on forehead and
chest; faintings; nervous debility; great exhaustion after
talking; irritable mood; melancholy, with frequent weeping;
immoderate hunger, especially in the morning; sour and
burning risings; pressure, fulness, and heaviness in stomach;
also just below it, and in abdomen; piles; slimy diarrhoea;
constipation, with ineffectual urging; hysteria; chlorosis;
pains in loins; limbs liable to go to sleep; attacks of quick,
sobbing breathing.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
98
AMENORRHOEA-CHRONIC SUPPRESSION.
Valerian.-Hysteria and nausea, and sensation as though
a thread were hanging down the throat.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Veratrum Album.-Leaden-looking, or pale, livid face;
nervous headache; cold sweat on the forehead; nausea and
vomiting; cold hands, feet, and nose; cramps at night;
great weakness, with faintness after any slight exertion.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Veratrum Viride. From fright or sudden mental
emotion; nervous faintness and exhaustion; cold, clammy
skin; cramps; diarrhoea; heartburn; vomiting; headache;
heaviness of the head; epileptic seizures without warning.
The suppression appears to arise from active congestion of
the uterus, and excess of blood in the whole system.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Zinc.-Marked alternate redness and paleness of the face;
and when attended by chorea.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every six hours.
Zizia. Irritation of the spinal cord and brain; spasms;
convulsions; epilepsy; drowsiness; spasmodic twitching
during sleep; tightness in the head; giddiness, and pain on
whole of the left side, increased by light and noise; nausea ;
acid or bilious vomiting; acrid leucorrhoea; short, tight,
dry cough; stitches in the chest, worse in the evening and
during the night.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hydropathic Measures.-Tepid or cold morning spong-
ing, or tepid sheet, followed by friction; sitz baths occasion-
ally, or mustard foot-baths, as required. An abdominal com-
press worn pretty constantly, will, in many cases, prove of
service.
Exercise must be taken, and diet and dress regulated as
previously and repeatedly laid down.
SKIN AFFECTIONS.
As several common skin affections are associated with
amenorrhoea and other menstrual irregularities, we proceed
AMENORRHOEA-STRUCTURE OF SKIN.
99
to notice such as are so connected, premising our remarks by
a description of the skin, and its functions. We do this as
not only necessary to a clear understanding of what skin
diseases really are, and their intelligent treatment, but also
as a means of showing how easily ill-effects arise from any-
thing that arrests or materially interferes with the due dis-
charge of the functions of the skin.
or ❝
-
66
The skin or covering of our bodies consists of the true skin,
otherwise called "the derma,” “the cutis,” or "the corium;
and outside this, the scarf skin, or epidermis." The
derma, or true skin, is connected with the parts beneath,
either intimately, as on the scalp, chin, and face, by areæ
filled with fat, or loosely, as on the eyelids and the bends of
the joints in this case, the area are large, and moistened by
serous fluid, which is sometimes considerably increased
notably in the eyelids, when there is said to be "infiltration,"
ædema❞—often seen in inflammation of the face after a
severe cold, or as an attendant on an abscess of the upper
jaw. The looseness of tissue referred to above facilitates free-
dom of motion. The fatty tissue underneath the true skin, or
derma, affords a passage and a ground for the ramification and
subdivision of the arteries, veins, capillary vessels, nerves, and
lympathics, which have their termination at the surface of
the skin. The blood-vessels and capillaries render the skin
capable of inflammation and congestion; its innumerable
nervous filaments give it its special sensitiveness in the sense
of touch, and its general sensitiveness, as itching, smarting,
burning, tingling. The surface of the body being almost
wholly made up of capillary vessels, and minute filaments of
nerves, an abnormal increase in size, or hypertrophy, of
these blood-vessels, gives rise to "nævi," or "marks," and
"stains" on the face. The derma, or true skin, secretes,
for its own protection and covering, a dense but flexible
layer-"the epidermis," or "scarf skin." This epidermis.
consists of two portions-the soft, more recently formed part,
called the "rete mucosum," and outside this, the harder part,
arranged in layers or scales, which are being continually
worn and cast off as fine dust, or washed off in our daily
ablutions. Both the inner true skin, or derma, and the outer,
""
100
AMENORRHOEA-FUNCTIONS OF SKIN.
1
2000
or epidermis, are penetrated by tubules or follicles, made
visible to the eye when the skin gets "goose-fleshed." These
tubules are the hair follicles, and the sebiparous or oil glands,
and the sudoriparous or sweat follicles. The "rete muco-
sum,” the inner or softer part of the epidermis, has in it a
multitude of granules a part of an inch in diameter,
which, by their greater or less degree of approximation and
number, determine a fair, dark, or ebony complexion. We
have examples of alterations taking place in the "rete
mucosum;" in the "sun-burnt," or "tanned," from exposure
to the sun's rays; in the deepened tint of the areola of the
nipple in pregnancy; in the darkening of the skin of the eye-
lids, seen in many during menstruation, and which charac-
terises some of its disorders; in the brown spots on the face,
and especially, of a horse-shoe shape, on the forehead, also
indicative of uterine disturbance; in the yellow tint of the
whole body in certain forms of debility, and depravity of
the blood, or "cachexia ;" and in the yellow colour of babies
a day or two old; in freckles, moles, and liver spots on the face.
The sebaceous follicles on the face, the back, and the
hollow in the front of the breast-bone (parts where these
follicles secrete most oily matter), are apt to have that
matter accumulate instead of passing away. The accumula-
tion appears at the surface of the skin as a black point, and
it may be pressed out, of a distinct tubular shape, resembling
a grub or a maggot with a black head. These accumulations
in the parts of the body just mentioned, often give rise to
pimples and pustules, technically called "acree."
The epidermis is liable to thickening and to scaly affec-
tions; the derma to inflammation, to congestion: when
the serous fluid, or lymph, the result of congestion, is re-
tained in the tissues, it produces "pimples;" or, when
poured out upon the surface of the derma, or "true skin,"
it lifts the cuticle, and causes "vesicles." Inflammation of
the skin may be followed by large blebs, or "bullæ ;" or the
inflammation, extending deeply into the skin, forms a
prominence on the surface-a boil, which involves the death
of a portion of the "derma," which portion constitutes “the
core;" to effect the dislodgment and casting off of which, a
Maou
I
SKIN AFFECTIONS, WITH AMENORRHOEA.
101
greater or less amount of suppuration or discharge is required.
Carbuncle is a more extensive, deeper seated, flat boil, the
result of low vitality and great debility. When inflamma-
tion of the skin continues, the lymph of the vesicles is often
changed into matter or pus, or the inflammation may be vio-
lent enough to produce pus in the vesicles or "pustules" from
the onset. The precise results in the way of pimple, vesicle,
pustule, or simple redness, by which inflammation of the skin
is followed, often depends less on the exciting cause than on
the temperament and constitution-bilious, sanguine, lym-
phatic, nervous, or plethoric-of the individual. The seb-
iparous glands provide a fatty secretion for the lubrication
of the surface of the skin, particularly of the face, head, and
chest. The "sudoriparous," or sweat-glands, of which there
are two millions and a quarter on the surface of the body
(forming a length, if continuous, of twenty eight miles), secrete
the perspiration.
The skin thus forms a seat of sensation, and a defence and
protection to the deeper-seated tissues; it also exhales and
secretes, regulating its own health and the temperature of
the body, and purifying the blood and the whole system, to
an incalculable extent, by its function of secreting and
pouring forth the perspiration. A piece of oiled silk kept
over any part of the body, keeps in the exhalation, and gives
us some idea of its extent. The perspiration is sensible, that
is, evident to, or appreciable by, the senses, as after exer-
cise or excitement, or as the result of heat; and that of which
we are not conscious, as when quiet, in the ordinary tem-
perature of a mild climate, about two pounds of liquid thus
passes off by the skin commonly in twenty-four hours: the
quantity must, in the nature of things, vary much, even in
different individuals, and even in the same person at various
times and under altered circumstances. The objects effected
by the perspiration are, the getting rid of superfluous water,
the regulation of the heat of the body, and the throwing off
of useless and noxious matters from the system, thus ma-
terially lightening the duties of both kidneys and liver.
Hence the pungent heat of the body in fever, and the
deleterious effects that cannot fail to ensue, when not only
102
SKIN AFFECTIONS, WITH AMENORRHEA.
the perspiration is stopped, but every other secretion nearly
suspended. The matters thrown back on the system, not
reckoning the watery part, which makes up 97 parts out
of every 100, and the fat or oil, would be carbonic acid, also
largely in the breath; urea and lactic acid, also found in the
urine; acetic acid, also sudoric acid, which, combined with
certain volatile, odorous substances, gives to the perspiration
its odour; ammonia and acetic acid contributing to affect
this at other times when at all in excess.
There are, also, in the perspiration, common salt, chloride of
potass, phosphate of soda, earthy phosphates, sugar, albumen,
biliary matters, and sulphur. It will readily be conceived.
how a comparatively slight excess of some of these matters, or
decomposition of some of them, or adventitious products,
may make the perspiration pungent and disagreeable. The
prime necessity for such a compound as this, passing from
every part of the body, to be daily removed by washing and
friction, ought scarcely to require mention.
The sensitiveness of the skin accounts for the ease with
which a chill or draught checks both the sensible and insen-
sible perspiration, stops the pores, and produces congestion of
its minute capillaries, with attendant fever; how Aconite, which
acts directly on these capillaries, is the medicine best suited
for such cases; and how a hydropathic packing of the body,
wrapping it in a tepid, wet sheet, enveloping it in blankets,
and keeping it so until the skin acts freely, will reduce fever,
and free the system from noxious matter. Mercury, and
other nauseous drugs, have thus been frequently eliminated.
This sensitiveness of the skin is also of practical import-
ance in this way;-that an impression of heat, for example,
is much greater in proportion to the extent of surface acted
upon—a remark which is obvious enough, but a fact which
has been often lost sight of, with disagreeable and not unfre-
quently painful consequences. "The right hand is less
sensitive to hot water (as in trying a bath) than the
left; when a finger is placed in it, heat may seem only
agreeable, which would be insupportable to the whole hand;
the hand, again, may only give the sensation of a proper heat,
which, to the elbow or the entire skin, would be unbearable.
SKIN AFFECTIONS, WITH AMENORRHOEA.
103
These experiments tend to show, that a moderate heat
applied to a large surface, is likely to produce a more
powerful and salutary impression, when used as a remedial
agent, than a greater heat upon a limited surface.”*
A thermometer should always be used to test the heat of
baths. Where one cannot be obtained, the hand should not
be relied on, but an immersion of the elbow.
The proper
heat is given below.
The tepid bath from 85° to 92°.
warm bath
98°.
hot bath
92°
98° 112°.
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دو
"
""
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""
The skin is endowed with an absorbent as well as an ex-
halent property; it absorbs oxygen-hence one advantage of
daily ablution and moisture. A tepid bath will allay thirst;
and in a moist atmosphere, the weight lost in a Turkish bath
will soon be made up, without either eating or drinking.
Mercury has often been absorbed, to the lasting regret of
patients. Lead, to the intense suffering of painters and
printers, and blisters, have produced complete stoppage of
urine, and all the symptoms of cantharides. Baths of gruel,
soup, and broth have been employed on this principle suc-
cessfully for the nourishment of the emaciated, as auxiliary
means, or have been entirely relied on when nourishment
could not be taken in any other way.
A tepid bath not only conduces to absorption, and allays
thirst, it produces a sensation of either heat or cold, accord-
ing to the heat of the body at the time of immersion. It
cleanses the skin, and promotes its action; tranquillises the
nervous system, moderates the heart's action, and acts as a
general sedative.
A tepid sitz bath acts as a mild derivative, an equaliser
of the circulation, and a tranquilliser of the nervous system,
often producing quiet sleep; and as a gentle stimulant to all
the abdominal organs, as in congestion of the womb and
amenorrhoea.
Tepid sponging is invaluable in fevers, especially scarla-
tina, and after delivery; and is often a means of refreshment
• Wilson's Physiology of the Skin.
I
104
SKIN AFFECTIONS, WITH AMENORRHEA.
when confined to the palms of the hands and the face. It
may be generally adopted where, from debility or a languid
circulation, cold sponging cannot be borne.
A tepid pack promotes perspiration, reduces fever, pro-
duces a gentle but general determination to the surface of
the body, and purifies the system of deleterious and debili-
tating matters, and restores receded eruptions.
A warm bath renders the pulse fuller and more frequent;
quickens the breathing, and increases the action of the skin.
It causes languor, lessening of muscular power, and a dis-
position for sleep.
A warm sitz bath acts as a strong derivative, as in
violent headache or neuralgia; as an allayer of severe pain in
painful menstruation, in colic, inflammation, and the passing
of gall-stones.
A warm foot-bath, with mustard, is of service in ordinary
colds, headache, in amenorrhoea, and in scanty menstruation.
Sponging the face, temples, and neck, with water as hot.
as it can be borne, will often relieve the headache of an in-
fluenza cold.
A general warm bath, in the case of children, when the
circumstances are urgent, may be used in convulsions, with
cold affusion to the head; and without this, to bring back
eruptions that have disappeared. In the latter case it must
be quickly given, and the patient at once carefully enveloped
in a blanket. It must on no account be continued until
faintness ensues.
The hot bath causes a sensation of heat, renders the pulse
fuller and stronger, accelerates respiration, causes intense
redness of the skin, and subsequent copious perspiration;
gives rise to violent throbbing and distension of the vessels
of the head, with a feeling of suffocation, anxiety, and faint-
ing. Long immersion sometimes causes apoplexy. Its use
requires care, as it is a very powerful excitant. It is employed
in paralysis, rheumatism, and collapse.
The hot-air bath is used to promote free perspiration in
congestion of the liver, paralysis, rheumatism, sciatica, and
scaly and scurfy skin diseases; it ought never to be resorted
to by those who do not perspire readily, as it may cause
SKIN AFFECTIONS, WITH AMENORRHOEA.
105
determination of blood to the head, dizziness, fainting, and
internal congestions.
Vapour baths may be used for the same purposes as hot-
air baths and hot baths. They do not raise the heat of the
body as much as hot baths, are much less depressing, and in
every way as serviceable, more readily applicable, and more
easily managed than either hot-air or hot baths.
Cold sea-bathing is a powerful tonic; it ought never to
be taken without great consideration by those out of health.
With all, on first plunging in, it produces a decided re-
vulsion, which ought to be succeeded by a general and
pleasurable glow. If this glow is long in making its appear-
ance, especially if the patient never gets warm in the sea,
she ought on no account to repeat the experiment. To get
the full benefit of a sea-bath, everybody, without exception,
should come out and dress before the glow goes off.
DISEASES OF THE SKIN.
The question of skin diseases opens up a very wide field,
into which we scarcely venture to enter, but content our-
selves with giving a few leading considerations as to the
origin, classification, and treatment of those that are in
any way connected with uterine function, or menstrual irre-
gularity. Inflammation of the derma, or true skin, lies
at the foundation of nearly all. This inflammation may
result in redness, more or less diffused, called erythema,
the English form of a Greek word signifying redness; or
in a rash, as roseola, otherwise rose rash, prickly heat,
or bastard measles. The result may be effusion and exuda-
tion, infiltration of serum leading to oedema, as of the
eyelids, technically called eczema, in progress of which
the cuticle or outer skin may become dry and scaly, or
fissured pityriasis (Greek, pityron, a thin scale), or the
serum deposited may remain under the cuticle, and be-
come thickened and hardened as papules or pimples, then
called lichen, clusters or groups of pimples. When the in-
flammation is deeper and more virulent, pushing itself on
with impetus or force, it is called impetigo; the discharge
then, instead of lymph, is purulent or muco-purulent, the
•
I 2
106
SKIN AFFECTIONS, WITH AMENORRHOEA.
cuticle is removed, and the discharge either forming a crust
as it is discharged, or coming away in considerable quantities
sufficient to stain and moisten the coverings that may be on
it. When, after inflammation (erythema), instead of it pass-
ing off, leaving the skin with a yellow, greenish patch, as
simple erythema always does, the skin is red, coarse,
thickened, and wrinkled, or smooth, dry, brittle, itchy, and
peeling, it is called psoriasis (Greek, psorin, to rub). The
scales are sometimes light, like bran; sometimes thick, and
arranged in layers; sometimes easily taken off, and at others
firmly adherent.
Inflammation of the skin may be followed by vesicles,
blebs, or blisters, as in herpes and shingles. Herpes is an
inflammation of the skin, presenting itself in patches, on
which vesicles show themselves, assuming a roundish form;
to this, in shingles, a morbid sensitiveness of the nerves of
the skin is superadded by a drying up or scaling off of the
cuticle, as in lepra; or instead of the vesicles on the skin
containing serum, they may be filled with pus; and we have
pustular disease, as in acne, the pustular affection attending
the so-called "grubs" on the face.
Ecthyma (ecthuein, Greek, to burst forth), a bursting
forth of matter or suppuration, without distinction, of any
part of the "
derma," from a more intense and deeper inflam-
mation, as a boil or carbuncle.
As the consequence of inflammation, we may have per-
manent alteration or thickening of the skin, seen in an
exaggerated form in "elephantiasis;" or we may have oozing
of blood, as in scurvy and purpura.
The inflammation may itself be caused by parasites, as in
itch; or the result of venereal poison, as in syphilis.
The nerves of the skin may become endowed with a
morbid and painful sensitiveness, as seen in shingles, and in
some forms of prueritus and prurigo.
We may also meet with a marked deficiency, an altera-
tion, or a superabundance of the pigmentary matter of the
"reto mucosum," as in chlorosis, some diseases of the
kidneys, and in albinos. Lastly, we have local affections of
the skin, as corns, bunions, and warts; those of the hair, as
SKIN AFFECTIONS, WITH AMENORRHOEA.
107
to quality, colour, and texture; and those of the nails. Of
the above affections, erythema, eczema, lichen, urticaria, or
nettle-rash, and acne, are associated, more or less, with other
affections peculiar to the female sex.
Erythema, an inflammatory blush, more or less circum-
scribed or diffused, is very often confounded with, and mis-
taken for, erysipelas. The colour of erythema varies from a
bright red to a crimson or purple: it is always confined to
the skin; whilst erysipelas affects the structure beneath
the areolar tissue as well, and is confined to the head and
face, and the constitutional symptoms are severe. Ery-
sipelas forms blebs or blisters, which, drying up, leave a
crust; or it is attended by infiltration. The colour of
erythema, as it disappears, changes to a yellowish green,
like a bruise.
Erythema is seen in the friction of the clothes, the chafing
cold winds, or between the folds of the skin in fat children
and grown-up persons; as on the neck: it always precedes
bed sores; and, if treated in this stage, the sores can gene-
rally be prevented. It is produced by mustard plaisters and
slight blisters: it is the first stage of chilblains, and is the
correct designation for the redness often seen in the legs and
elsewhere, in dropsy.
Erythema, of a peculiar kind, is often met with on the
legs of young girls and young women; it is ushered in by
slight illness, and some little fever; then red, raised spots
come out on the legs, very rarely in the arms, in patches of
some size, an inch or an inch and a-half long, and an inch
broad. If felt, a decided projection can be recognised; they
are "bumps," in plain terms; and it might be supposed
abscesses were about to form. I have known them assidu-
ously poulticed, under medical direction, with this appre-
hension. With rest and treatment, the red colour changes into
a blue, and the swelling disappears. Cooks, recently im-
ported from the country to large towns, are very subject to
this latter affection. In this, as in all other varieties of
erythema, Aconite is the chief remedy. Pulsatilla and
Arnica are sometimes required. Aconite and Arnica may
be used externally, as well as internally.
108
SKIN AFFECTIONS, WITH AMENORRHŒA.
For the chafing of the skin from clothes—
Oleander. The skin easily excoriates, and becomes raw,
even from the friction of the clothes. Humid spots behind
the ears or if this does not heal-
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Causticum.-Burning itching; injuries to the skin
which had been healed, become sore again, and discharge.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every four hours.
Hydrastis. Excoriation, as in the folds of the neck.
One part of Hydrastis, and ten of Glycerine. Arnica lotion.
A little white of egg, or Glycerine, equal parts of either
of these, and strong Arnica, is the best application to pre-
vent bed sores, and check chilblains. Brush it gently on the.
back, to prevent bed sores, with a camel-hair brush, or a soft
piece of linen; rub it into the chilblains; if there is any
danger of their breaking, brush it on.
Eczema.-Inflammation of the skin, followed or attended
by oozing, the product of debility, hereditary or acquired.
One familiar example of it is afforded in the chafing of a
child when it begins to get moist or exudes: burns on the
folds of the neck or thigh are often followed by it, and in
what is generally called the scald head of children. When the
oozed matter dries as scab, the irritation attending it is very
great.
Eczema, in any form, may result from a scrofulous consti-
tution, weakly parentage, vaccination, teething, errors of
diet, air, exercise, and clothing; the change of the seasons,
excessive or rapid growth, nervous debility, deranged men-
struation; uterine, reproductive, and child-bed derange-
ments: from anxiety, over-fatigue of body and mind, and
rheumatism or gout.
Aconite.-Tingling; itching; burning; stinging; sore-
ness; vesicles filled with serum or acrid fluid; rheumatic
pains; redness, and inflammation of the parts.
A grain, 6th trituration, every four hours.
*
C
Arsenicum.-Eruption, like millet-seeds, with watery
* Wilson's Cutaneous Medicine.
SKIN AFFECTIONS, WITH AMENORRHOEA.
109
exudation; eruptions that scale off like bran, or in large
patches (psoriasis and pityriasis); pain, burning, with itching.
A grain, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Borax.-White pimples the size of hemp-seed, with in-
flammation round them, on the neck and chest; unhealthy
Three drops, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
skin.
Clematis. Vesicular itch, like pustules; itch excessively
in bed, or after washing; heat; redness; swelling; corrosive
exudation. Adapted to inveterate eruptions (psoriasis).
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Ol. Crotonis.-Eczema, with violent irritation of stomach
and bowels; rash, like eruption, with vesicles, which soon
enlarge and run together, ooze, and form a greyish-brown
crust.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every four hours.
Comocladia.-Violent itching; burning redness, and
swelling, followed by yellow vesicles about the face and eyes;
swelling of the face.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Dulcamara. Small itching pimples, forming a crust, or
dry off like bran; specially if the result of being over-heated,
or exposure to damp, cold air.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Iris Versicolor.-Vesicles gradually forming; pustules,
which dry up, and leave a crust from exudation of lymph;
underneath the scab it looks red, and bleeds if crust is
removed.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Juglans.-Eczema and lichen, with heat of the skin;
crawling sensations, and chilliness; the discharge purulent
and ichorous; the crusts hard and of some extent.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Chamomilla. Excoriated sore places, as in children;
110
SKIN AFFECTIONS, WITH AMENORRHOEA.
the nervous system is very sensitive and irritable; great sen-
sitiveness to pain.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
China-Skin painful, sensitive, and itching; pimples, or
excoriations, with fetid ichor or exudation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Graphites.-Chronic dryness of the skin; small, red, itch-
ing pimples; skin cracks; is generally unhealthy; scanty or
suppressed menstruation; inveterate psoriasis.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Mercurius. Itching, with great desire to scratch the
part; small itching pimples, followed by desquamation or
transparent vesicles containing a watery fluid, or pustules
discharging an acrid humour; yellow colour of the skin.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Petroleum. Skin painfully sensitive even to the clothes;
itching; humid, sore spots; unhealthy skin.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every six hours.
Phosphoric Acid.-Red spots or patches, dry or moist;
itching, crawling sensation, or burning; smarting; excoria-
tion in bends of joints, or between the toes.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Pulsatilla.-Impetigo, with muco-purulent discharge in
considerable quantities.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Ranunculus.-Vesicles burst and form a horny scurf.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Rhus.-Burning, itching vesicles, of small size, with red-
ness, or vesicles running into one another; burning, itching
eruptions about the eyes and eyelids.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Sarsaparilla.-Burning itching of the inside the thighs
and the abdomen; the exudation very corroding and burn-
ing; a crop of small red pimples on forehead, which ooze on
SKIN AFFECTIONS, WITH AMENORRHEA.
111
>
rubbing them.
tions.
Suitable for gouty or rheumatic constitu-
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Sepia. Swelling of the glands and lymphatic vessels of
the body, face, and limbs; soreness or itching of the skin;
scurfy, humid eczema; excoriation in the bends of the
joints.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Sulphur.-Creeping, prickling, stinging, burning itch-
ing; small vesicles with red margins; thick yellow scurf;
swelling of glands; pityriasis; excoriations of the skin.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
—
-
Lichen is an eruption of pimples, with some vascular con-
gestion and infiltration, dryness of the skin, and itching.
In appearance it is as though an ordinary goose-fleshed con-
dition of the skin had turned red, and remained so.
A common example of it is afforded in the "red-gum" of
young infants, from being wrapped up too warmly.
It is induced by exposure to heat and acrid substances, as
on the hands of cooks, bakers, grooms, grocers, and washer-
women (lichen agrius). It is also produced by the debility
consequent on over or too prolonged suckling.
For Simple Lichen.-Dulcamara, three drops, 1st dilution,
every six hours.
For Lichen Agrius.-Muriatic Acid, Sulphur, or Arsenic a
dose three times a day.
For Strophulus or Red-Gum.-Chamomilla and Sulphur: a
dose every four hours.
For Lichen from Debility.-China, Arsenic: a dose every
six hours.
Urticaria, or Nettle-rash, is generally produced by some
article of diet: shell-fish, particularly mussels, almonds,
strawberries, will produce it.
Aconite. When attended by fever, it frequently dis-
appears under this remedy alone.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Veratrum Viride.-When the pain and tingling is more
112
SKIN AFFECTIONS, WITH AMENORRHOEA.
troublesome than the inflammation, and there is sickness and
a faint feeling.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Antimonium Crudum.-When produced by shell-fish,
blotches, wheals, and fever.
Two grains, 6th dilution, every four hours.
Copaiba.-Urticaria has often been caused by taking
this medicine. Useful after Aconite or Veratrum Viride,
when it occurs after, or in consequence of, an acute sup-
pression of the menses from a chill.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every four hours.
Rhus.-Small vesicular tubercles, resembling bites of
insects, particularly on the joints of the hands and feet, with
purplish redness and swelling; intense irritation, made con-
siderably worse by scratching.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Comocladia.-Violent redness of face, hands, and other
parts of the body, followed by yellow vesicles and peeling-off
of the skin.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Chronic Urticaria is unattended by fever or stomachic
derangement; but is apt to come out several times in a day,
and is very troublesome at night; exercise, if at all of an
unusual nature, even eating a meal, or excitement, may bring
it on.
In the persistent form the rash may continue for
weeks, and even months, separate wheals being produced in
succession. It is almost invariably connected with uterine
disturbance.
Comocladia produces occasional burning eruptions on
the skin, of this nature, for years after inoculation with its
juice.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Cimicifuga.-Sensation of prickling, itching, and heat on
the whole surface of the body. Especially useful when
urticaria depends on rheumatic irritation of internal organs,
or is excited by menstrual derangements.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
SKIN AFFECTIONS, WITH AMENORRHOEA.
113
Pulsatilla. Eruption on the back, legs, and ankles, of a
dark-bluish, red colour, attended through the day with more
or less itching; at night the itching is most intolerable.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Arsenicum.-With furious burning and itching, there
is anxiety about the heart; oppression, restlessness, and
trembling.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Dulcamara.-Violent itching all over the body, with
elevated red spots or blotches. Suitable to torpid, scrofulous,
psoric, weakened constitutions, and those of restless, irritable
disposition.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Lycopodium.-Large bright-red spots, with itching and
burning on pit of stomach, and other parts of the body;
great liability to take cold; chronic dyspepsia. Suitable to
a soft mild disposition; lymphatic temperament; to such
as are prone to take cold in the head; chronic suppression,
with uncomfortableness and chilliness; or menses too early
and too profuse.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Sepia.-Violent burning, itching eruption, with scanty
menstruation; toothache; nausea; milky leucorrhoea; bleed-
ing at the nose.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Sulphur.-Irregular, circumscribed spots, appearing prin-
cipally on the extremities; they itch and burn.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Acne, in its simple form, is an affection of puberty and
youth; the sebaceous follicles of the forehead, side of the
nose, cheek, and neck, become obstructed; a number of
ugly, black spots show themselves, interspersed with which
are pimples and pustules, red spots and pimples filled
with matter. These crops show themselves between the
shoulders, down the back, and between the breasts; but are
most troublesome and annoying on the face. The skin is
114
SKIN AFFECTIONS, WITH AMENORRHEA.
in an unhealthy, languid condition, generally sympathising
with that of the constitution; so that great attention must
be paid to fresh air, exercise, and diet. Spirituous wines and
coffee must be refrained from. Good cow's or goat's milk,
used as a drink and article of diet, with light food, fresh
vegetables, and ripe fruit.
Borax. Internally and externally, if connected with sup-
pressed menstruation; free external use. One drachm to an
ounce of elder-flower water, applied with a soft piece of
linen, and allowed to dry on.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every six hours.
Graphites.-Chronic dryness of the skin; pustules on
face and chest; small, red, itching pimples; the tips are
filled with pus, which burst and speedily disappear; un-
healthy skin, with tendency to gather or suppurate.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Nux Vomica.-Skin sensitive, sore, and smarting; con-
stipation; dyspepsia; restless nights.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Nitric Acid.-Yellow colour of the skin, and dryness;
acid or fetid perspiration; black pores or grubs; leu-
corrhoea.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every six hours.
Whenever matter forms in a pustule, it should be quickly
let out; friction of the skin of the whole body must be used
as much as it can be borne. Besides Borax, infusion of bran
and oatmeal, emulsion of bitter almonds and milk, are suit-
able washes.
Acne Indurata, in which red suppurating pimples, some
of tolerable size, and a permanent redness of the face and nose,
with hard, red elevations, are connected with chronic affections
of the stomach, bowels, and liver, with piles: in some with
a tendency to piles, or painful and scanty menstruation, or
with catamenial excess, or leucorrhoea, is a very common
and troublesome affection, from its resemblance to the
Acne Rosaceæ, or carbuncled face, of spirit-drinkers; this
AMENORRHOEA-VICARIOUS MENSTRUATION.
115
kind, however, is sometimes hereditary. Acne Indurata, under
ordinary treatment, is a most obstinate, unpromising affec-
tion. I have met with cases of years' standing, that have
tried everything that the "old system" could offer in vain,
amenable to Homoeopathic medicines.
Rhus. Red spots, the size of lentils, with vesicles in the
centre; red, shining swellings, with soreness: they are
tender to the touch.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Hepar.-Pimples the size of a pea in different parts of the
body; the slightest scratch or injury inclines to ulceration or
gathering; styes on the eyelids.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Mercurius. Small, itching pimples, that ulcerate, dry
up, and desquamate; swollen spots, on which a flat, grey
scurf forms.
K
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Sepia. Sickly complexion, with dim, red eyes; itching
pimples; herpetic, brownish spots on the body; chilliness;
sadness; scanty menstruation; leucorrhoea.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Sulphur. Creeping sensation; prickling or stinging in
the skin, or burning itching; herpetic spots on chest and
back; small suppurating abscesses.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
An external application, by way of lotion, of Rhus, ; or
Mercurius, 6th dilution; a teaspoonful to half a
pint of
water; a little applied night and morning: or an ointment
or glycerole, of the 2 trituration, a drachm to an ounce of
spermaceti ointment; or a glycerole can be obtained of any
Homœopathic chemist.
All cold, raw, and indigestible vegetables, such as cucum-
bers and melons, nuts of all kinds, raw apples and pears, all
very cold drinks and ices, and, contrarily, all highly-seasoned
and spirituous stimulants, must be avoided.
116
AMENORRHOEA-VICARIOUS MENSTRUATION.
VICARIOUS MENSTRUATION.
A suppression or non-appearance of menstruation is occa-
sionally attended by bleeding at the nose, spitting or vomit-
ing of blood; very rarely by oozing of blood from various
portions of the body. One of the varieties of menstrual
erythema is sometimes distinguished in connection with this
affection. A sudden flush, with a little swelling generally
on the face, succeeded by a bloody exudation, which flows.
and stops. When it stops the skin looks scorched.
Arsenic.-Blotches, filled with blood, which are exces-
sively painful; parchment-like skin.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
For Bleeding at the Nose-
Bryonia.-Congestion of blood to the head; face feels
hot; bleeding at the nose every day, early in the morning.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hamamelis.-Bleeding from the nose, with sense of
tightness over the bridge.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Mitchella.-Rush of blood to the face; feeling of ful-
ness in the forehead; the nose feels as if it would bleed.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Calcarea. Sad, desponding, or irritable; giddiness when
walking; lost or ravenous appetite; distended bowels;
white, clay-like evacuations, or diarrhoea; headache; oppres-
sion at the chest; pain in the small of the back; bleeding
at the nose; leucorrhoea.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every six hours.
Aloes.-Vomiting or spitting of blood, or bleeding at
the nose, with fulness and weight of all the abdominal
organs; piles.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Collinsonia.-The substitutionary bleeding is from piles;
FREQUENT AND IRREGULAR MENSTRUATION.
117
nausea; prostration; great desire to sleep; dyspepsia, from
debility; constipation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Arnica. Frequent bleeding at the nose; faintness;
weariness; tired aching of the limbs.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Several, at least, of the medicines for amenorrhoea will
deserve careful consideration, should these not exactly apply.
Menstruation may be said to be irregular when the time
of its return is less than a month, as every fortnight or three
weeks, when it appears sometimes at the end of a fortnight,
sometimes after an interval of three weeks, or five weeks, so
that the patient is never certain when to expect it. Under
the term Irregular Menstruation, it will thus be seen we in-
clude that variety called Frequent Menstruation. Irregula-
rity, both as to time and quantity, is frequently met with in
the young, in whom it may be considered as one of the not
uncommon accompaniments of the due establishment of men-
struation. If there is no distress, discomfort, or pain, no
marked constitutional symptoms requiring treatment, special
care at the time the period is really due, as to diet, exercise,
excitement, exposure, and dress, will be all that will be
demanded. Should there at this time be some slight effort,
a hot mustard-and-water foot-bath or two at bed-time, or a
tepid sitz bath for three or four days, at four in the
afternoon, may be all that may be required.
If the effort should be more decided, but still without
result-
Ma
Pulsatilla. Pale face; chilliness; weeping mood; in-
difference; loss of breath after exertion; nausea; trembling;
pressive weight in bowels; bearing-down leucorrhoea; ten-
dency to diarrhoea; sour vomiting.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Senecio. Great debility; inability to sleep; nervous
irritability; variable spirits; yawning; lassitude; some-
times faintings; wandering pains in the back, and consider-
able effort, as though the period would come on.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
-
118
IRREGULAR MENSTRUATION.
Caulophyllum.-Dull, frontal headache; tremulous
weakness; great restlessness; nervousness; tendency to
diarrhoea or constipation; fulness, heaviness, and tight-
ness in lower part of the bowels, or very severe pains; fulness
in the stomach; troublesome flatulence, or intense, unnatural
hunger; hysteria; cramps; spasms; drawing-in the sides of
the abdomen; frequent desire to pass water; profuse dis-
charge of mucus from the bowels, or the period may make
a slight "show." Dark spots, of irregular shape, showing
themselves on the face, are often relieved by this remedy
more quickly than by any other.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Cimicifuga. Intense or constant and oppressive pain
in the head; pains in the eyes; pains in the limbs; spinal
irritation; faintness; gone feeling at the stomach; alternate
constipation or diarrhoea; nervous distress and uneasiness,
and a constant pain in left ovarian region.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
A patient may require the commencement or continuance
of treatment, with a view to combat constitutional weakness,
assuming some special form, when the case should be re-
garded as one of delayed or suppressed menstruation, under
which sections full directions are given.
The period may take place every three weeks, instead of
every four, without occasioning any discomfort or incon-
venience. It is very often an hereditary peculiarity, which,
when it does not produce any noticeable symptoms, or tell
upon the constitution, calls for no interference.
If, coming every three weeks, or every fortnight, it is pro-
fuse, and causes headache and debility, and other complaints,
try-
Belladonna.-Flushed face; throbbing headache; weight
in the forehead; heaviness in the bowels, with pressure.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
*
Calcarea.-Giddiness; shortness of breath; tightness at
the chest; cold and damp feet; swelling at the pit of the
stomach; faintness; liability to take cold, and sensitiveness
IRREGULAR MENSTRUATION.
119
to cold air; copious leucorrhoea; burning in palms of hands;
dry cough, and tightness at the chest.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
—
China. Diarrhoea painless, with great prostration; yellow
complexion; apathy; nervous irritability; yearning for dain-
ties; unnaturally eager appetite, or total loss of it; dimness
of sight.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Ferrum.—Earthy taste, with a feeling of fulness, though
what is eaten is relished; dulness and confusion in the
head; humming in the ears; pale, puffy face and lips, or
else burning red, with giddiness when sitting; diarrhoea is
not an unfrequent symptom.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every six hours.
Helonias. Complete loss of appetite; emaciation; morn-
ing headache; pale, chlorotic face and skin; intolerant of
the least contradiction; sympathetic gastric disturbance.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
In the intervals, combined with the medicine, a gently
tonic hydropathic treatment; morning sponging, or a slightly
tepid dripping sheet; a tepid sitz bath every forenoon or
afternoon; regular daily out-door exercise; regular hours;
nutritious, but very plain diet; the avoidance of excitement
of all kinds, late hours, and crowded assemblies.
Scanty and Painful Menstruation.—Another irregularity,
which may manifest itself, is a decided deficiency in quantity.
The question of scantiness, as that of irregularity, is com-
parative, and pretty much an individual one; the total quan-
tity of loss may vary from four to eight ounces every
time; some may be considerably less, being only just a
show. Two questions need to be determined-Does the
quantity passed appear sufficiently to relieve the system, or
are there signs of congestion, fulness, and effort? Is what
is passed attended, before and at the time, with any amount
of distress and pain? If there is a want of this relief, and if
there is pain, treatment is required. The congestion and
K
120
SCANTY AND PAINFUL MENSTRUATION.
discomfort in this case must be treated as a case of suppres-
sion of the menses, in accordance with prominent symptoms;
the pain just before, and at the time, as a case of painful
menstruation, or dysmenorrhoea.
Painful menstruation is very common; and the pains are
often intense, like labour pains so severe the first day
especially, as to oblige the patient to keep her bed.
"The
time” is looked forward to with considerable dread, as it quite
unfits for usual duties. All this suffering and inconvenience is
far too frequently acquiesced in, borne as best it may, with
what small relief some household palliative may afford. The
menses should never be ushered in or accompanied by any-
thing beyond a slight uneasiness: if they are, there is some-
thing wrong, which has little tendency to right itself; which
may, if not checked, grow into something worse, and become
a settled matter.
A sedentary occupation almost invariably produces painful
menstruation, from its effect on the health, from the sluggish-
ness which it engenders, and the inevitably deficient oxygen-
isation of the blood, and the congestion of ovaries and uterus.
Painful menstruation may result from a general debility.
It is not uncommon in the nervous, the hysterical, and in
scrofulous and consumptive constitutions, in whom men-
struation, like everything else, is performed with difficulty
and suffering; one or both ovaries may be in a state of
congestion or chronic inflammation; the womb may be in
a like condition, or it may be the seat of rheumatic
pains or acute neuralgia; it may be the subject of spasm,
which closes the outlet, or nearly so. In more rare cases the
outlet may be closed by some accumulation or coagulation;
and some have affected to observe a permanent stricture of
the canal and outlet. Personally, I should be disposed to
attach very little importance to this last cause, unless as the
result of direct injury, as by caustics or violence. A stric-
ture, supposing it to exist, if it were of too severe a kind to
be overcome by medicines, would be complete enough to
cause rather a suspension than painful menstruation.
The only case in which the cutting through the neck
of the womb is justifiable, is where a stricture, the result
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION.
121
of violence, has caused painful menstruation, unrelievable by
medicine.
This operation has relieved painful menstruation: it has
to be proved that it has relieved it either more quickly or ·
more effectually than Homoeopathic remedies could do and
have done.
Extremely painful cases of menstruation are almost
invariably scanty in the flow. Where the distress is asso-
ciated with a tolerably free flow, this distress is more
moderate, lasts a shorter time, and is relieved as soon as the
menses make their appearance.
We proceed to notice the varieties of painful menstruation.
Temperament will be found to account, in some measure, for
the differences observable.
The Congestive or Inflammatory.-Those of sanguine
temperament and full habit, among the unmarried and the
married, and those who have borne children, are subject to
this variety. Young girls of this constitution are particu-
larly liable to congestive and inflammatory attacks of the
womb and ovaries.
-
There is first restlessness, feverishness, shiverings, and
flushing quick pulse; in fact, just a description of Aconite
symptoms which, in most cases, that medicine will promptly
relieve, if given (two drops 3rd dilution) every half-hour or
hour, according to the severity of the case.
If those symp-
toms do not pass off, they are succeeded by a condition to
which Belladonna is applicable: pain in small of back;
aching of the limbs; weariness; flushed face; throbbing
headache; hot skin; pulse quick; intense bearing-down
pain; and, occasionally, delirium. Two drops, 3rd dilution,
every two hours.
The symptoms usually mitigate on the appearance of the
menses, which are generally rather abundant than otherwise;
and the pain gradually subsides, but not invariably.
During the intervals the patient's health is but little
affected beyond a slight headache and a pain in the side.
Uterine leucorrhoea is generally abundant. Severe attacks
of painful menstruation in married ladies, as a general rule,
preclude the possibility of a family; but not slighter ones:
K 2
122
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-THE RHEUMATIC.
in many cases this should afford a strong reason for relief
being sought.
Exudation of Membrane.-Shreds of membrane, and
sometimes complete casts of the interior of the womb, are
passed in connection with both this and the neuralgic
variety. These shreds of dead membrane are the result of
a low, peculiar kind of inflammation, and appear to be exu-
dation as after abortion or confinement; or dead pieces of
the mucous lining of the womb, leaving bare patches where
they have been thrown off. The pain is most intense, and
the general state one of great debility.
Conception is all but impossible; but whilst impossible in
persons subject to this phase of painful menstruation, is often
suspected; a time or two may be passed over, followed, after
considerable pain, by what has the appearance of a bag of
membranes, which it really is; but it contains nothing, and
is only an entire cast of the hollow of the uterus. Consider-
able care and judgment needs to be exercised in determining
the exact state of the case, as a mistake may be very dis-
appointing in some instances, and equally awkward in
others.
Con
Rheumatic Variety.-The muscular tissue of the uterus is
frequently subject to pains of a gouty or rheumatic nature,
which associate themselves with the discharge of this peri-
odical function, and manifest themselves intensely at the
time of its recurrence. The loaded condition of the urine,
and the presence of the peculiar gouty sediment (lithates),
prove sufficiently the nature of the affection; "wandering
rheumatic pains in the limbs, and sciatic pains; very seldom
inflammation and swelling of the joints." The suffering
from this cause sometimes outlasts the time of life during
which menstruation takes place, though cessation of the
period greatly lessens the pain. What is designated Irritable
Uterus, is but a subdivision of this affection.
Neuralgic dysmenorrhoea is more common after or about
thirty than in the young, though it may occur at any age;
it is more frequently met with in the unmarried, or the
married who are childless. It presents itself also in young
women who do not begin to menstruate until a year or two
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-NEURALGIC.
123
after the average age. Patients subject to it are of a ner-
vous temperament, thin and delicate. It has all the cha-
racteristics of neuralgic pain, the chief seat of which appears
to be the ovaries. The pain is deep-seated in the abdomen,
in the back; it begins almost as low as it possibly can;
extends to the lower part of the bowels, and down the
thighs. The suffering varies in amount, and somewhat in
character; it is often very great and unceasing; at other
times it stays for a time, to return with redoubled violence.
The bearing down is extreme, and aggravated by violent
retching; the bowels are irregular. These symptoms are
very little affected by the appearance of the menses, which
are slow and scanty; or they come in slight gushes, are pale,
and mixed with small clots. In married ladies who suffer
in this way, if they become pregnant, they experience more
than ordinary discomfort; and if they bear children, their
confinements are lingering, and attended with excruciating
pains. Cold chills, sudden shocks, and mental emotions,
acting on a predisposed temperament, are the exciting
causes. It is the most obstinate and troublesome variety to
relieve or cure. In the interval there is a good deal of
headache; pain in the back, increased by standing or
walking; and considerable disorder of the digestive func-
tions.
Mechanical Dysmenorrhea.-The causes of this having
been only just mentioned, need not be repeated here: dis-
placement of the womb may be added to them. Allopathic
authorities bear out what has frequently been advanced as to
permanent stricture of the canal of the uterus: it has been
dilated to the ordinary calibre; still painful menstruation,
which existed before the dilatation, continued in unabated
force after.* If surgical interference be required, it can be
given in the form of careful and gradual dilatation; but
inasmuch as the narrowing of the canal is most frequently
the result of inflammation or spasmodic closure, it is com-
pletely under the control of Homoeopathic remedies.
Anodynes are chiefly recommended, allopathically, for the
relief of the neuralgic and rheumatic forms; whilst, for the
* Churchill and West.
124
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
purely inflammatory or congestive, we have advised general
bleeding for some cases, and, for almost all, cupping over
the loins, leeches internally to the mouth of the womb, or
free scarification with the lancet, or leeches to the inside of
the thighs. The most appropriate Homœopathic remedies for
the several varieties of painful menstruation, arranged ac-
cording to their prominent symptoms, are-
Aconite.-General feverishness and restlessness; thirst;
full pulse; a purely inflammatory attack, with acute pains.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Belladonna. For the congestive stage; throbbing head-
ache; intolerance of light and noise; flushed face; bearing-
down pains.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Alumina. Restless, dreamy sleep; on waking, palpita-
tion; heat in the face, and headache; stitches in left side of
pudenda, sometimes reaching to the chest; abdomen dis-
tended; pinching pains in bowels; corrosive urine, obliged
to be frequently passed night and day; low spirits; exhaus-
tion on slight exertion; constipation; toothache; an attempt
to relieve the bowels brings on severe pains; abundant leu-
corrhoea; when menses appear they are too pale and too
scanty.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Ammonia Carb.-Irritation and burning soreness of the
pudenda, especially during the passing of urine; pains in the
bowels and small of back; paleness of the face; unconquer-
able sadness and toothache; pressing, stretched feeling
between the shoulder-blades; tearing pains and griping in
abdomen; violent pains in the small of the back; great
chilliness; yawning; debility; soreness of the whole body,
especially of the thighs; the menses are either blackish when
they appear, often in clots, or they are not much coloured,
but acrid, causing burning pain and soreness of the thighs.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Arsenic.-Dartings, as from a lance, from rectum and
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
125
anus to pudendum; pains in the back and side of the abdo-
men, so violent as to compel patient to bend double; moan-
ing; weeping; loud eructations; acrid corroding; thick,
yellowish leucorrhoea; menses are followed by blood-stained
mucus; chilliness, cold perspiration, and great debility.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
-
Apis.-Inflammation or congestion of ovaries; tenderness
over that region, with deep-seated pain, weight, and hoarse-
ness; irritation of the neck of the bladder; constant desire
to pass water a few drops only passed.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Asclepias Syriaca.-Labour-like, intermitting pains,
accompanied by profuse pale urination, headache, giddi-
ness, and nausea.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Baryta.-Toothache; swelling of the gums; colic; swell-
ing of the limbs; troublesome weight in abdomen; the same
whatever position is assumed; leucorrhoea; throbbing pains
in the temples; ringing in the ears; weakness; fainting.
Suitable for scrofulous and hysterical patients. Piles are often
added to the other troubles. When menses appear they are
scanty. Specially adapted as a constitutional remedy between
the periods.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Borax.-Stitching pains in the chest, with heaviness and
arrest of breathing; violent buzzing in the ears, and giddi-
ness; congestion both to the head and chest; pain from
stomach to small of the back, and acute stabbing pains in
groins; acrid leucorrhoea. Suitable for lax, sensitive, and
peevish temperaments, especially if liable to spots on the
face, or to take cold in damp weather.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Bromine.-Violent spasms, drawing patient double, and
lasting a long time, leaving bowels sore; emission of great
quantities of flatus. Adapted to those of consumptive ten-
*
126
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
dency, and cases where shreds of mucus are passed. General
feeling of weakness, want of appetite, and headache.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Bryonia.-Distended abdomen, with pinching and uneasi-
ness; tearing pains in the limbs; sensation of swelling at the
pit of the stomach; burning pain there, with nausea after
any movement, which goes on to paroxysms of anguish ;
chilliness; spasmodic pains, like labour pains; congestion of
blood to head, face, and chest; constipation. Especially if
these sufferings should be occasioned by taking cold in dry,
cold weather, with sharp wind. Suitable for the membranous
form, as well as the rheumatic variety.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Calcarea. For the leuco-phlegmatic; very sensitive to
cold evening air, and very liable to take cold; giddiness,
and fulness at the chest on going upstairs, specially; cold,
damp feet; swelling at the pit of the stomach; fainting,
weariness, and exhaustion; loss of flesh; weakness at the
chest when talking; or dry, fatiguing cough, with burning
in palms of hands and soles of feet, in the afternoon and
evening; copious leucorrhoea; involuntary emissions of urine
when walking or taking exercise; variety of pains during the
menses, and bad toothache after. Adapted as an inter-
current remedy, with the above-mentioned constitution and
symptoms, and for the membranous form of painful men-
struation.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Causticum.-Colic, and feeling as though torn, with
pains in the back, as from a bruise; worse during motion;
wandering, shifting pains in the abdomen, and stabbing
pains under the breasts; discharge of large clots of blood;
yellow complexion, dizziness, and melancholy. For patients
who have been weakened by long grief, application, or
watching.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every six hours.
Chamomilla.-Repeated attacks of tremulous anguish,
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
127
with palpitation, or desire for relief of the bowels; or exces-
sive restlessness; anxious, agonising tossing about, with
tearing pains in abdomen; patient is almost beside herself;
she cries and howls; pale, sunken countenance; features dis-
turbed by pain (violent neuralgic attack); or when, after a
cold or fit of anger, there is swelling and pressure at the pit
of the stomach, with labour-like pains and forcing, as though
menses would come on, either followed by no discharge at all, or
black lumps, with tearing pains in the veins of the legs; fre-
quent desire to pass water; one cheek red and the other cold
and pale, or frequent changes of colour in the face; yellow,
corrosive leucorrhoea.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every half-hour.
China. Congestion of blood to the uterus: fulness;
pressing towards genital organs, with pain, particularly when
walking; spasms in chest and bowels; bloated face; pro-
truded eyes; humming in the ears; dimness of sight, with
watering of the eyes; headache; fainting; spasm of the
womb; colic, and desire to be continually passing water.
Suitable specially for those whose weakness has been brought
on by excessive loss of blood.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
*
Cimicifuga. Undue excitability of the nervous system;
giddiness; dulness of the head; anxiety; restlessness;
often considerable derangement of the stomach, with nausea
and unsuccessful efforts to vomit; pains in the eyeballs;
hysteria; rheumatic variety, with pains in the limbs; heavi-
ness, weight, and bearing down; cold chills, and prickling
sensation in the breasts; pain in the left side of abdomen,
troublesome and constant.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Cicuta. A sore pain in the right side of the abdomen, as
after a violent shock, with a drawing feeling, and pulsation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cocculus.-Pressure, as of a stone on the chest, and diffi-
culty of breathing, with spasms and moaning, throbbing
128
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
pain on the top of the head, or in the forehead; colic;
nausea, with fainting; waterbrash; small pulse; leucorrhoea;
spasm of the womb, and feeling as of a sharp stone cutting
in abdomen every time she moves; discharge fitful, scanty,
and irregular; paralysing pain in the back, and weakness in
the lower extremities.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Coffea. Excessively painful colic, driving almost to
desperation; continuous pinching pains in sides of abdomen;
coldness and stiffness, with profuse flow.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Colchicum.-Pain, of a tearing nature, increased by
heat, worse at night; fever; heat; dryness of skin; sup-
pression of urine, or considerable difficulty in passing it;
is thick, with sediment. Very suitable for such as have been
weakened by night-watching, or mental exhaustion, or by a
course of mercurials, or for those of gouty families.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Colocynth.-Colic; cutting, tearing pains; stitches in
the ovaries, on either or both sides; swelling of the genitals;
dragging pain, and heat in the vagina; menses sooner than
usual, tolerably abundant. Adapted for those of wrathful
constitutions, whose sufferings have been caused by vexa-
tion; to those subject to piles; to those who sit much; who
have crampy pains at "period," causing them to draw their
legs up, with restlessness, moaning and lamenting; pains
worse after eating or drinking.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Collinsonia.-Constipation, indigestion, piles, or loss of
appetite; constant diarrhoea; some pain in region of womb;
bearing-down, sometimes violent, spasms, or even frequent
convulsions, from intensity of the pains, followed by severe
headache.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Conium.-Shooting pains in the left side of the chest ;
pain in breasts, which often swell, and become hard; the
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
129
pains oblige the patient to draw her legs up; spasms in the
abdomen on attempting to pass water; it suddenly stops,
and then flows again; smarting, burning leucorrhoea, or a
feeble"show" dry heat in the body; heaviness of the limbs ;
anxious dreams at night; giddiness, especially on lying
down, or on attempting to turn when lying down; weakness,
and lamed feeling in the small of the back, followed by
lassitude.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Cuprum.-Suppression of the perspiration of the feet by
a chill; there is nausea and vomiting; pale face, with livid
circles round the eyes; cramps of stomach and bowels; spasm
of the chest and palpitation; or redness of face and eyes,
with a pressing pain, or strange tingling at the crown of the
head; loathing of food; constipation.
Two grains, 6th dilution, every four hours.
Cypripedium.-Nervous irritability; excitement; fret-
fulness and headache; dyspepsia; sleeplessness; watchful-
ness and trembling; the neuralgic variety, in those who
have suffered great anxiety or grief, or have been weakened
by over-mental exertion or application. Noise and contra-
diction, even the slightest, greatly add to the distress.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
-
Digitalis. Dyspeptic or heart symptoms; disordered
appetite, with diarrhoea; complete suppression, especially
from fright, with cough; loss of flesh; skin dry and
wrinkled night-sweats; hectic fever; throbbing in the
chest, especially on the right side, with stitches; feeling of
great weakness, especially in the knees; intermittent pulse.
The legs swell; they are ofen painful and erysipelatous.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
❤
Dulcamara.-After exposure to damp, or after walking
in damp grass; or those who live in damp houses, or damp
rooms, or have to be much in such places as kitchens,
cellars, or dairies; pain in the small of the back, as after
long stooping; cutting pains in the chest; stiffness of the
130
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
muscles of the legs and arms, with pain as from a blow;
sometimes nettle-rash; sleepiness and yawning in the day;
sleepless at night; pains in various parts of the body, as if
brought on by a cold; painful swollen glands under the
jaws and in the neck; breast enlarged and hard; leu-
corrhoea; painful, swollen abdomen.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Ferrum.-Discharge of small quantities of blood; violent
colic; dragging pain in the small of the back and abdomen;
throbbing headache and palpitation. Most adapted to patients
suffering from chlorosis.
Two grains, 2nd trituration, every four hours.
Gelseminum.-Every menstrual period is preceded by
a terrible sick headache; there is profuse vomiting and bear-
ing-down pains. Patient may be, in the intervals, occasion-
ally in damp weather, subject to a sore throat, with pain on
swallowing, which shoots up into the ear, and deafness.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Graphites.-Violent aching in abdomen, and painful
bearing-down, with feeling of heat, itching, and smarting;
backache; eructations, nausea, and pain in the pit of the
stomach; headache, with vanishing of sight; toothache;
menses delayed, suppressed, or scanty; morning sickness;
weakness; stumbling; hoarseness or cold in the head;
swelling of the face and feet; numbness of left hand and
lips; chilliness and colic, followed by diarrhoea.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Hamamelis.-When the menses ought to appear there
are severe pains through from the loins to the bottom of the
bowels, and down the thighs; fulness of the bowels and of
the brain; severe pain through the whole head, ending in
stupor and deep sleep. There may be piles, with constipa-
tion, or the veins on one or both legs full and painful;
ovarian distress.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Hedeoma.-Nervous weakness; nausea; retching and
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
131
straining, bearing down; outward pressure in genitals;
weakness of the limbs, so that she can scarcely stand; great
pain at the very bottom of the back, and at the back of the
head; shortness of breath, almost like asthma; every move-
ment, even of the chest or lower limbs, brings pain on in
abdomen; obstinate constipation, with croaking and rum-
bling in the bowels; sensation of something rising in the
throat.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Helonias. Pain in lower part of the back, through the
womb, of a piercing, drawing nature; breasts swollen; the
nipples are so tender they cannot bear the pressure of an
ordinary dress; distress in the ovarian region, with bearing
down and leucorrhoea; complexion sallow and unhealthy, of
an earthy pale colour. Suitable for the lax, passive tem-
perament, and the bloodless.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hyoscyamus.-Trembling of the hands and feet, as from
excitement; fainting fits; restlessness; profuse perspiration;
nausea, and inability to retain the water; swelling of the
veins; dulness of the senses; obscuration of the sight.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hypericum. The abdomen feels as though encircled by
a tight bandage; tearing pain in genitals, with desire to
pass water; feeling of weakness, with trembling in the limbs;
great weakness; palpitation; pressure in the small of the
back; leucorrhoea or weight; stitches and flying pains in
the chest; constipation; rush of blood to the head; distress
and throbbing at the top of it; puffiness of the body;
yellowish and cachectic look, and small pulse.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Ignatia. Much sobbing and sighing; weak, empty feel-
ing at pit of stomach; menses profuse and too early, or, if
scanty, with clots of black blood having a putrid smell;
fainting; palpitation; headache; hysteria, colic, and spasms;
pains in uterus, spasmodic and labour-like; better from
132
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
pressure and lying down; neuralgic pain in rectum, or lower
bowel.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Ipecacuanha.-Pressure towards uterus, with sickness,
nausea, dizziness, headache; patient feels cold, and looks.
pale; the pain begins at the navel, extending towards the
womb, with sharp, continued, cutting sensation, and bearing-
down of the lower bowel. If these symptoms manifest them-
selves, after" suppression," towards the end of a period, this
medicine is particularly applicable.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Kreosote. Menses from four to ten days; early, profuse,
and dark, with pain in the small of the back, preceded by
dulness of hearing; pain at navel; nervousness, with hum-
ming in the ears; flatulence, like rotten eggs; constipation ;
spasms in abdomen and groin after menses, and bearing-
down pain, as though the menses would reappear; leucor-
rhœa, white or yellowish, tingeing the linen yellowish; weak-
ness in the lower extremities, or pain in the back; flushes of
heat in the face.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Lachesis. Pain in genitals, as if swollen; they have to
be relieved of all pressure; heartburn; oppression at the
chest, with anxiety; giddiness and headache; eructations,
with constant desire to vomit; discharge of a few drops of
blood from the nose; spasmodic contraction of uterus, pass-
ing afterwards to right side of abdomen and chest; violent
pain in small of back, and bruised feeling in the hips; the
pain in the lower part of the bowels is as if a knife were
being thrust through; menses scanty, membranous, or de-
laying, or sometimes a show, and then again a cessation;
constipation; leucorrhoea; pain in the bowels as if bruised
and weary.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every three hours.
Lycopodium.-Melancholy; swelling of the feet; pains
in the back and loins; rumbling and croaking in bowels,
7
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
133
especially on the left side; colic; menses profuse or sup-
pressed, through fright; sour taste in mouth; sour risings;
appetite variable; dryness of vagina, and emission of flatus
from; yellowish-grey, sunken face.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Magnesia Carb.-Spasms of the abdomen, with sour,
fetid, or greasy perspiration; fainting fits; toothache; frothy
diarrhoea; increased, pale, and frequent urine; sore throat.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Magnesia Mur.-Hysteria; nervousness; sleeplessness;
nausea; constipation; livid complexion; painful ‍hardness
of abdomen, with distension; sweaty feet; spasms of the
uterus, with leucorrhoea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Mercurius. Anxiety; red tongue, with dark spots;
salt or coppery taste in mouth; scorbutic, swollen, easily-
bleeding gums; abundance of saliva runs from the mouth,
especially on the pillow at night; fetid breath; rush of blood
to the head; dry heat of body; chilliness, or peculiar-smell-
ing perspiration; pain in the breasts, which are swollen,
hard, and sore; swelling of the hands, feet, and face; leu-
corrhoea; inflammation and swelling, with bearing-down of
vagina.
-
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Mitchella.-Irritability of womb, lower bowel, and
bladder; constant inclination for relief of the bowels and
to pass water, which is high-coloured, and a whitish sedi-
ment; the back is very weak; all the muscles of the body
feel sore.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Natrum Muriaticum.-Headache, with anxiety and
melancholy before menses, and during fainting; anxiety;
toothache, increased by cold air; thirst; loss of sleep;
constipation; burning; cutting in upper part of bowels;
qualmishness; sweet rising from stomach; spitting of blood
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PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
mixed with the saliva; menses delayed or scanty; pains.
worse in morning; fissure and soreness of the anus; heart-
burn; acidity; face yellowish and shining, as from grease.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Moschata.-Enormous distension of bowels after
meals; uneasiness and irritation; constant urging, with
scanty emission of urine; leucorrhoea; hysteria; disposition
to sleep and faint away; intolerable dryness of mouth and
throat, particularly when asleep; menses late or early, pre-
ceded by pain in small of back; headache; languor; water-
brash; pain in the liver; there may be painful distension of
uterus.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.-Chilliness; fainting; spasms in bowels;
yellow leucorrhoea, and fetid; internal swelling of genitals,
with inflammation; itching with burning; spasms of uterus,
followed by a discharge of lumps; pressure and heaviness of
the womb; menses early and scanty; constipation; sour
taste; distension of stomach and bowels; headache; some-
times piles; irritability. Suitable for those who live
luxuriant or sedentary lives, and are subject to constipation,
piles, faintings, headache, and neuralgia; irritation of lower
part of spine; pain in the eyes, as though they would be
pressed out of their sockets.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Phosphorus. Swelling of gums; swollen cheeks; tooth-
ache; chilliness; particularly cold hands and feet; prick-
ling, itching of the whole body; violent pain in the back;
dulness of the head; palpitation; pinching pain across the
stomach; very sick in an evening; constant yawning;
watery urine. Suitable for waxy skin, tall, slender women,
with tendency to consumption; spitting or vomiting of blood;
relief of bowels small and difficult; great sense of weakness
in abdomen; feet cold, and seem sometimes as though they
had lost their use; menses early and scanty, or delayed;
profuse, with pain in the back and abdomen, and stitches;
breasts painful, with small, hard lumps.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
add
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
135
Platina.-Bearing down; headache; restlessness; exces-
sive tingling, and sharp, short, cutting pains in uterus;
melancholy; anguish about the heart; trembling of the
hands and feet; small, feeble pulse; flushed face, with
debility; painful pressing, with desire for relief of the
bowels; pain in small of back; constipation or menses,
partly fluid and part dark; large clots or lumps.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Podophyllum.-Bearing-down pains felt in lower part
of abdomen and back; pain in one or both ovaries; a numb
aching running down the thigh, connected with chronic
ovaritis; pains increased by motion, relieved by lying down;
infrequent muco-gelatinous stools, with a great deal of flatus;
leucorrhoea; retarded or suppressed menses; pains generally
worse in the morning, better in the evening.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Phytolacca.-Rheumatism of uterus; breasts irritable
and painful, without swelling. Specially applicable where
ulceration of the womb is suspected, or is present, or where
shreds of membrane are passed; drowsiness in day-time;
sleepless and restless at night; rheumatic, catarrhal, or ner-
vous headache; nausea; vomiting; great rumbling in the
bowels, with great pain and distress all over the abdomen;
urgent desire to pass water; rheumatic pains in back and
limbs.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
or
Pulsatilla. Great chilliness, unrelieved by heat.
warm clothing; menstrual colic; violent spasms, with inef-
fectual urging to stool; troublesome pressure on genital
organs; paleness of face; spasm in the chest, with sense of
painful tightness after slight emotions; throbbing headache;
fulness at the stomach; passing water is painful; leucor-
rhoea. The pains are sometimes so violent that she tosses
about in every direction. Menses suppressed, or thick and
dark, or pale and watery; patient feels worse in a close,
warm room.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
L
136
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
Rhus.-Pressing-down in both groins; violent labour-
like pains, as though menses would come on; discharge of
mucus from vagina; rheumatic stiffness of limbs; restless
nights; has often to turn to find a moment's rest; menstrual
discharge scanty; generally, distress sets in before usual
time, or the flow is attended with clots, or membranous
shreds.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Sabina.-Painful congestions of the uterus, with heat;
menstrual colic; menstrual difficulties, with discharge of
bright-red blood, or excessive debilitating menses, with ab-
dominal spasms, or discharge of coagulated lumps of black
blood, with tearing pains in the head and left half of the
face; beating toothache; urging to pass water; the passing
of it is very painful.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Sanguinaria.—Useful in cachectic, scrofulous constitu-
tions; abdominal pain the whole night, like the menstrual;
then pain on right side of head and forehead, and feeling as
if the eyes would be pressed out of the head; pressure to
stool, with or without evacuation-sometimes piles; a hoist-
ing pain on the left side of the abdomen, above the groin ;
worse whilst sitting, standing, or bending towards the right
side; increased by pressure; better whilst standing erect;
pain sometimes moves towards the hip; frequent and
copious urination, clear as water.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Secale.-Menstrual colic; tearing and cutting, labour-
like pains, with pale face, on which cold perspiration breaks
out; flagging pulse; numbness and tingling of extremities;
pain in small of back; pressure on bladder; menses are apt
to be too frequent, and last too long. For the thin and
enfeebled, not for the young and plethoric.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Senecio.-Best to be given in the intermenstrual period,
as the pains to which it applies result from irritability, from
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
137
want of tone and vigour. There is drowsiness in the day-
time; restless and unrefreshing sleep; patient is pale, weak,
and nervous; no appetite; coated tongue; constipation ;
lassitude; disinclination to move about; wandering pains in
back and shoulders; at periods a great deal of pain, of a
cutting character, in the groins and bottom part of abdomen
and back; menses may not appear, or may be too soon, and
too profuse.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Sepia. Menses too scanty and too short; spasmodic or
griping pains; heat, weight, and fulness; headache; palpi-
tation and flushed face; toothache; gastric derangement,
with nausea, and perhaps vomiting; constipation. Suitable
for those of delicate constitution, with fine transparent skin,
and subject to yellow leucorrhoea, sometimes acrid.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
S
Silicea. Constipation before and during menses; burn-
ing soreness of genitals; an eruption on inside of thighs;
repeated paroxysms of icy coldness; icy cold feet; drowsi-
ness; momentary blindness; obscuration of sight; faintness;
nausea, relieved by lying down; heartburn; colic; smarting
acrid leucorrhoea, or white water from uterus instead of the
menses.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Sulphur.-Cough at night when lying down in bed;
pain in decayed teeth; burning in the throat; bleeding at
the nose; colic pain in the back; spasm in abdomen; leu-
corrhoea; pain in the bowels as if they were tied in knots;
patient is obliged to sit down for relief; flushes of heat on top
of head; flushed face.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Veratrum Album.-Intense thirst; nausea; vomiting
and diarrhoea, or diarrhoea alone, with great exhaustion; cold
perspiration and cramps in legs; headache, with buzzing in
the ears, and bleeding at the nose.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
L 2
138
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
Veratrum Viride.-Headache, with giddiness; dimness
of vision, and heaviness of the head; sharp drawing pain over
left eye; skin of forehead feels as if drawn tight; neuralgic
pains; drawing, dull pains in bowels; face pale, cold, and
sometimes bluish, with cold perspiration; irritability of the
stomach; spasmodic vomiting; feeling of weight at the
bottom of the bowels; faintness.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Xanthoxylum.-Fluttering in the stomach; colic pain
on right side of bowels; fulness and pressure of pit of
stomach; griping pains; rumbling and tenderness on pres-
sure; profuse, light-coloured urine; sufferings sometimes.
violent and excruciating; menses may be suppressed as from
getting wet, or be too soon and too profuse; oppression at
the chest; irresistible impulse to take a long breath. Suit-
able for spare habits; nervous temperaments.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Zinc.-Oppression at the stomach, and fulness; she has
to loosen her dress; heaviness of the limbs, with violent
pain about the knees as though they would be twisted off;
inflammation of the eyes; weeping; anxiety; chilliness;
weakness in the hands and feet; sensation as if the genitals
were swollen; biting pains and itching; cutting colic, suc-
ceeded by leucorrhoea. An intermenstrual remedy.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Painful menstruation being a symptom of disordered
health, as an indispensable aid to all treatment, everything
must be done calculated to improve its condition, and every-
thing avoided that tends to engender and perpetuate its
derangement. Daily, but moderate, exercise in the open
air; warm, sufficient clothing for the feet, legs, arms, and
chest; plain, nutritious, and non-stimulating diet; no coffee,
beer, wine, or spirits; no highly-seasoned or rich condiments;
early and regular hours, and avoidance of all excitement.
Attention must be paid to these matters during the periods
as well as at the time; the patient must live by rule if she is
to have any expectation of living in comfort. Much be
may
-
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
139
done by hydropathic treatment. The tepid morning spong-
ing, which need never be omitted; the dripping sheet be-
tween the periods, and the tepid sitz at eleven and four
daily (Sunday excepted); the tepid compress worn over the
bowels at night; and if there is any tenderness down the
spine night and morning, rubbing with the palm of the
hand, and a spinal compress put on after, before going to
bed.
Judicious friction, by a trained female attendant, will
often suffice to impart nervous vigour to the constitution,
soon mitigate, and, before long, entirely relieve, painful men-
struation.
For the times of suffering, according to their intensity,
sitz baths, at a heat of 96° or 98°, should be had recourse to
on the slightest experience of pain, or resorted to twenty
four or thirty-six hours before the time; the heat must be
kept up, and the patient remain in the bath for from half-
an-hour to three-quarters. The bath may be repeated two
or three times a day. In the Ladies' Running Sitz Bath, as
it is called, it is a very easy matter to keep up the tempera-
ture; and another convenience is, that a bath can be taken
without the necessity for thoroughly undressing. Hot,
fomenting pads are also of great service, to be applied at the
time when the pain is most intense. All the ordinary
anodynes and sedatives must be studiously avoided: all they
can do is to lessen the pain in proportion as they deaden the
sensibility of the nerves-at best temporary in their effect,
requiring each time an addition to their strength; utterly
useless for many; and, when they do their best, only storing-
up increased material for future suffering. We include
Opium, Morphia, Laudanum, Nepenthe, Chlorodyne, and all,
of whatever name and nature, in these remarks. Aconite,
Chamomilla, Pulsatilla, Gelseminum, and other remedies
mentioned above, will act as quickly and as thoroughly, and
almost invariably relieve every time.
G
Fomentation flannels are thus made:-six pieces of flan-
nel, eighteen inches long, and nine broad, should be stitched
together, and made in sets of three.
When required to be used, a small, thin blanket should
140
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION.
be drawn under the patient, quite smoothly, and folded so as
to reach from the top of the thighs to the waist, and suffi-
ciently long to overlap in front, over the bowels. Wring
one of the pads out of water as hot as it can be borne;
squeeze all the water you possibly can out of it; place it
quickly, but evenly, on the bowels, next the skin; having
previously rolled up the night-dress all round, bring one end
of the blanket over the pad, then the other tightly enough
to exclude the air. If the patient cannot lie still, pass three
tapes round the body, over the blanket, so as to keep it in
its place-one at the top, one at the bottom, and one in the
middle; tie them moderately tight-as tight as the patient
can conveniently bear them. Change the pad for a fresh
hot one as soon as it begins to cool.
These fomentation pads should be used, not only for pain-
ful menstruation, but wherever and whenever sudden, severe
pain is felt, as one means of relief. They are always safe,
except in cases of hæmorrhage or undue discharge.
Compresses may be made of two thicknesses of calico,
just long enough to go round the body, and to be put next
to it; and three thicknesses of flannel, half as long again, to
wrap over the calico, dry; or a piece of spongio-piline may
be used, fastened on by tapes.
We now proceed to notice Excessive or Profuse Men-
struation, or, as it is technically called, Menorrhagia.
Under this head of "Profuse Menstruation," we propose to
include too copious menstruation, as well as those cases in
which it returns too frequently, or the flow is too long-
continued. Menstruation should set in every twenty-eight
days, and should last four or five days; whilst the amount
of loss may vary from four to ten ounces during that period,
the average being from five to seven or eight. Individual
constitution, climate and soil, in the same country, or even
county, hereditary tendency, and the habits and employ-
ments of life, exert considerable modifying influence, and
must all be taken into account in deciding as to whether
menstruation is excessive. Any amount that acts as a drain
on the constitution, should not be passed over as unim-
portant, since, during the intervening period of twenty-eight
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION.
141
:
-
days, the strength of the patient cannot possibly have time,
unassisted, to recover itself. Anything approaching a week
in its continuance; a recurrence every three weeks, or
perhaps every fortnight; a being "scarcely ever free," or
almost always so," should invariably be inquired into; or
a debility, from which there may be no recovery, may
systematically be consummated, or serious local mischief of
the womb firmly establish itself. An over-fulness of the
blood-vessels of the womb, to which is superadded the ex-
citement and determination of blood thither, always, more
or less, attending the menstrual effort, readily accounts for
excessive menstruation.
menstruation. The causes of this over-fulness
may be a general excess, with considerable local congestion,
as in those of indulgent, over-luxurious habits of life: it
may be the congestion of debility, as from over-suckling,
too frequent child-bearing, or often miscarriage: it may be
from affection of some other organ, as in granular kidney,
with albuminous urine; or it may occur as a dangerous
complication of measles, small-pox, scarlatina, erysipelas, or
inflammation of the lungs. It may also be produced by
local injuries, as a blow or fall; by purgative medicines; by.
constipation; by intestinal, worms, and the irritation they
set up; by lifting heavy weights; or, as everything in some
persons seems to tell upon the reproductive organs, as it
does with others on the nervous system, a simple change of
residence; any great physical effort; mental strain or ex-
citement, moral emotion, or exposure to cold.
-
Amongst the physical efforts, must, now-a-days, be men-
tioned the working of the sewing-machine by the foot. I
have met with many instances caused by nothing else.
With many young people of weakly constitution, with those
who are apt to be "too much unwell," working the sewing-
machine at all, especially for several hours a day, is utterly
out of the question, unless they, and those belonging to
them, have made up their minds to sacrifice them to it.
Inflammation of the womb is another cause of habitual
excessive menstruation; as also are various affections of the
ovaries, their displacement, inflammation, or degeneration.
Getting up too soon after a confinement or a miscarriage,
142
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION.
when the womb is enlarged, and the vessels full and relaxed,
and kept so by natural gravitation, is another fruitful
source; as are also misplacements of the uterus itself, and
various organic diseases-polypus, fibroid tumour, or cancer;
an increased flow, at the usual periods, being often amongst
the earliest indication of their existence. All the above-
mentioned causes need careful consideration, and are quite
sufficient to show that increased, or too frequent menstrua-
tion, is not a matter to be considered of slight importance.
rus.
As far as the character of the discharge is concerned,
authorities make three divisions. In the first, the discharge
is natural in its quality, but the quantity or frequence of
its return is considerably increased. This is sometimes called
"True Menorrhagia." In the second, there is increased
discharge, with blood occasionally; this is called "Hæmor-
rhagic Menorrhagia." No change in the body, neck, or
mouth of the womb can be detected. In the third, the dis-
charge of pure blood is profuse, and large clots are expelled;
there is a marked change in the size and position of the ute-
This is called Menorrhagia, with change in the Uterus.
The first may commence with a sudden gush; may then
stop and return-so continuing during the whole of a period.
Or it may begin in an unusually excessive quantity, and so
go on through the period, which, however, is not much, if at
all, prolonged beyond its accustomed duration. Again the
quantity may, without at no one time being great, yet be
considerable, from the length of its continuance, occasionally
for a fortnight or even longer, and returning every three
weeks, or almost as soon as it had subsided—a condition
generally observable in those who have had large families, or
connected with an unnatural condition of the lining mem-
brane of the womb, commonly associated with the "whites,"
or uterine leucorrhoea. It is not infrequent in unmarried
females of a plethoric system or sanguine temperament,
with much activity of the uterine organs; and very common
in the delicate, hysterical, and debilitated.
Cold and mental emotion may directly cause this variety;
or over-suckling and frequent child-bearing, by the general
debility and relaxation of the womb, which they cause.
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION.
143
Exhaustion, languor, aching across the loins and hips,
pallor of the face, faintness, throbbing in the temples,
headache, ringing in the ears, giddiness and palpitation,
cannot, if it be at all long-continued, fail to follow. If
there be leucorrhoea, or "whites," in addition, all these
symptoms will be increased. When the affection goes on
unchecked, we find the lips, tongue, and gums pale; the
stomach and bowels deranged; pains in the side, particularly
the left; repeated and severe headaches;-in short, a com-
plete state of anemia, with which we may have puffy swell-
ing of the legs and feet; general dropsy; continuous diar-
rhoea; convulsions and various nervous symptoms; perhaps
epilepsy. In some instances the patient sinks rapidly in
consumption.
When any known cause for a prolonged or excessive flow
exists—as, for instance, the suckling of a child—that, as a
first step, must be removed; the child must be weaned.
Allopathically, it is advised that, if patient is plethoric, she
should be cupped over the loins, or have leeches applied
round the outlet of the lower bowel; or it may be necessary
to take blood from the arm. During the intervals, a blister
may
be applied to the lower part of the back, and either kept
open or repeated; salines and tonics being administered.
The second variety of excessive menstruation is attended
by "profuse discharge, with occasional appearance of small
clots, and is almost universally met with in married females
of leuco-phlegmatic temperament, who have been debilitated
by disease or frequent child-bearing." Over-suckling also
produces this variety, as well as the first, when it is accom-
panied with leucorrhoea. One or two small clots appear at
first, then an intermission, then a more copious recurrence.
The discharge may, in some instances, be considerable, so as
to produce fainting. The effects on the constitution re-
semble those produced by the first; but they are more severe
and rapid.
}
-
In the third variety we have a still more profuse dis-
charge than in either of the others: it occurs later in life,
generally after forty, and may be met with in any kind of
constitution or temperament. Some irregularity of the
144
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION.
menses is first noticed, as to quantity, time, and duration,
with "whites," or leucorrhoea, between the periods. Then,
on some occasions, about twenty-four hours after the appear-
ance of menstruation, large clots are expelled in addition to
a considerable increase of the fluid discharge. This may
last for seven or ten days; or, in cases of long standing, it
may be prolonged until the next period comes round, and
then terminate all at once, or by degrees. The exact quantity
lost in these cases varies considerably: often it is very great,
it goes on by night as well as by day; and though standing
or any exertion increases it, lying down does not materially
decrease it. The increased loss of blood aggravates all the
symptoms invariably attendant on profuse menstruation;
there is also a constant sense of weight and bearing down,
or dull, heavy pain, and weakness of the loins. The pulse
is weak, small, sometimes quick, and the general health
impaired; the appetite diminishes; the tongue clean, though
pale; bowels constipated; the surface of the body blanched,
and the strength much reduced. There is often a consider-
able difficulty in passing water; the patient has sometimes
to lie down before it can be accomplished. There is general
congestion of the womb, increased at the menstrual period,
with rupture of some of the small vessels; swelling of the
neck of the uterus, sometimes tenderness to the touch; dis-
placement, and, very often, a tilting forward of the womb on
to the bladder.
Bleeding in any form is not advised by Allopathic autho-
rities for this variety; but Ergot of Rye and Indian Hemp
are chiefly relied on: blisters to the lower part of the back
are spoken of by them as of great service.
In those cases attended by shreds or casts of membrane,
dilating the mouth of the womb, scraping the interior, and
injecting Iodine, have been seriously advocated. All such
cruel and extreme measures are uncalled for, when, due care
being exercised, even extreme cases are amenable to the
administration of Homœopathic remedies, and a recur-
rence prevented by their persevering use. A list of those
most adapted to give relief at the time, and also of those
for use during the interval, will be found subjoined.
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
145
a
Aconite.-Arterial excitement; great irritability;
simply increased flow. There is generally a yellowish viscid
leucorrhoea during the interval, attended by some fever.
Suitable for the plethoric after a severe revulsion or chill.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
K
Agaric. This remedy exerts pretty much the same effect
as spirituous liquors; it produces either melancholy or list-
lessness, rage or ecstasy, or even loss of consciousness; dul-
ness of the head, as after intoxication; stupefaction;
giddiness; staggering; crampy pains in the muscles or limbs
when sitting or standing; trembling and weariness; drowsi-
ness in the day-time; sleepless nights; constant desire to
urinate; profuse menstruation, with irritability, itching, and
excitement of the genital system. This medicine exerts a
specific influence on the spinal cord.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
<<
-
Aletris.-Menses premature and profuse, black and
coagulated; pains pressing and distensive, with great heavi-
ness. It applies to congested and engorged states of the
womb and ovaries, and to atonic conditions of those organs;
the discharge is dark-coloured. Useful in cases where there
is displacement of the uterus; where there is debility,
general or local, from mental labour; depressing emotions;
protracted illness, or defective nutrition, with want of tone;
irritability and nervous pains in various parts of the body;
indigestion and depression of spirits.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Aloes.-Discharge hot and dark; abdomen full, hot,
distended; periodical headache, alternating with pain in the
back; pressure, tension, and heat in the region of the liver;
peculiar bilious or putrid-smelling diarrhoea, with straining;
bleeding piles; violent colic; obstinate constipation; op-
pression of the chest, with anxiety; drawing and burning in
the small of the back; congestion of blood to the head, chest,
liver, abdomen, uterus, and rectum.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Ambragrisea.-Discharge of blood, sometimes only a
146
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
few drops, between the menses, after exercise, such as walk-
ing, or after exertion, as a difficult evacuation; swelling and
soreness of labia, with violent itchings; distended varicose
veins of left leg, with pain; the leg looks blue. Adapted
for hysterical patients subject to fainting fits.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Ammonia Carb.-Menses very copious, especially at
night, and when sitting or riding, preceded by griping colic,
want of appetite, and pain in the small of the back; great
debility; soreness of the whole body, especially of the thighs;
chilliness; yawning; toothache; breasts painful to the
touch; the discharge is either blackish, often in clots, or
not much coloured; constipation, with straining. Suitable
where there is laxity of fibre, and a lymphatic constitution ;
to those who lead a sedentary life, or who are subject to
nervous affections.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Ammonia Mur.-Menses too soon, with pain in the
abdomen and small of the back; abundant at night, and
attended by the discharge of a quantity of blood every time
the bowels are relieved. Adapted to scrofulous constitu-
tions; indolent both in body and mind, with dusky com-
plexion, scanty growth of hair, weakness of the bony struc-
ture of the body, thinness of legs and arms.
Two grains, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
2
Antimonium Crudum.-Marked gastric derangement;
tenderness of stomach on pressure; cramping pains; burn-
ing; heartburn; hiccough; flatulence both at the stomach
and in the bowels, specially in the robust, phlegmatic,
torpid, non-irritable constitutions.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Apis.-Profuse soon after a usual period; burning
pain; forcing on passing urine; scalding after, and frequent
desire; bearing-down pains; aching and pressing in lower
part of abdomen; constant pain, with tenderness on pressure
in ovarian region, or sharp cutting pains, extending down the
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
147
thighs; or severe spasmodic pains in ovaries, coming on every
fifteen minutes; or a too early, unusually copious flow, with
great tenderness of uterine region, and painful urination.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Apocynum Andros.-Profuse, and long-lasting cramps
in the bottoms of the feet; burning heat of the soles of the
feet, especially after meals; rheumatic neuralgia; rheumatic
or congestive headache; nausea, vomiting, purging, and
great prostration; rheumatic pains in the limbs; perspira-
tion.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Apocynum Can.-For those liable to losses of blood of
various kinds, or who inherit such a tendency; the flow is
moderate for a day or two, then suddenly sets in with vio-
lence, entirely fluid, or with large clots; shreds of membrane
in considerable quantity, or in large pieces; marked irrita-
bility of the stomach, and vomiting; disposition to faint on
raising her head from the pillow; cool skin; copious per-
spiration; decided scantiness of urine; the discharge may
cease at intervals, but it always sets in again as soon as the
heart recovers its usual action.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Argentum Nitricum.-The menses at the usual time,
but very copious; cutting pains in the small of the back;
contractive pains in the groins; anxious mood; taciturn ;
fulness of the head. Adapted to delicate nervous females,
when the affection arises from depressing causes, as night-
watching. There is a troublesome feeling of malaise at the
stomach, relieved by pressure, as of the clenched fist; empti-
ness in the stomach; desire for high-seasoned or tasting
dishes; insatiable hunger; depression of spirits; water-
coloured urine. Specially for thin, bilious sempstresses, and
those who sit closely, or who drink hot tea.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Arnica.
After mechanical injuries, a fall, blow, or strain
from lifting, or over-exertion, or even riding over a rough
148
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
road; and more especially if the discharge is dark and
clotted; it is sometimes bright red.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Arsenic. In broken-down, debilitated constitutions, or
in the course of measles, scarlatina, or small-pox, when the
vital powers are low, or generally when attended by great
debility, muscular weakness, or periodic neuralgia, thirst,
chronic vomiting, watery diarrhoea, chilliness, and waxy
paleness. The pain is lancinating, burning, obliging patient
to bend double; rumbling, loud eructations; and where there
is disorganisation of the womb or ovaries.
Two grains, 30th trituration, every six hours.
Asarum. Irritability of the uterus; menses too soon,
nearly black; excessive sensibility of the whole nervous
system; extreme dread. Adapted for highly sensitive, chilly
individuals, after low fever, or during convalescence from
illness.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Baptisia. As a consequence of debility, physical or men-
tal depression, or nervous prostration, and especially in
typhoid fever, or ulceration of the mouth of the womb; when
it is mixed with shreds of membrane, and if offensive; dull
heavy pain in small of back; chills up and down the back,
or flashes of heat from the small of the back, in all directions;
gone, empty feeling of the stomach; slight nausea, followed
by vomiting, loss of appetite, and constant desire for water;
feeling as if the eyes would be pressed into the head, with
confusion of sight; teeth and gums sore; profuse flow of
saliva; tongue yellowish-brown; eyes red and shining.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Belladonna.-Profuse and premature; painful pressure
on womb; violent pain in small of back; discharge dark,
coagulated, with bad odour; when occasioned by heavy lift-
ing; pain in whole of abdomen; copious flow of bright-red
blood in a thin stream, with lumps; it occasions a sense of
heat, with a feeling of pressure, increased by standing or
A
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
149
walking; congestion of the head, with throbbing of the
carotids; preceded by lassitude; colic; want of appetite;
dimness of sight. Followed in the intervals with Calcarea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Benzoic Acid.-Too soon and too copious; the discharge
thick or clotted; chronic cough; or diarrhoea, fetid and
light-coloured; chronic rheumatism; urine dark, smelling
like the medicine; patient wakes after midnight with violent
palpitation.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Borax.-Regular as to time; very dark in colour, mixed
with clots and numerous shreds; the suffering compels her
to lie most of the time, which is a week; nervous, starting
at the least noise, before the appearance; heaviness in the
chest, with arrest of breathing; violent buzzing in the
ears.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Bromine. Preceded by pain in small of back; general
weakness and loss of appetite; dartings in abdomen, relieved
by bending forward; on their appearance, headache, with
sensation on stooping as if the eyes would fall out; after
66
a show" for a few hours, violent contractive spasms; sore-
ness of the abdomen afterwards. Specially for patients
subject to affections of chest, heart, or eyes, frequent in-
flammation of the lungs, or a strong consumptive tendency.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Bryonia. Too early and too profuse; dark red, with
pain in the small of the back; pain in the head, as if it
would split; worse on the least motion; tearing pains in
the limbs; or when brought on by a blow on the abdomen.
Adapted for rheumatic subjects, and those who suffer from
rheumatic diarrhoea, and who menstruate every three weeks.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Calcarea. Comes on a few days before the period; the
flow is considerable; shooting pains about the mouth of the
150
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
womb; aching in the vagina; bearing-down, burning pain;
giddiness on stooping; worse on rising up, or on going up-
stairs; damp, cold feet. Adapted to the fresh-coloured and
plethoric, or the lymphatic, scrofulous constitutions, who
easily take cold.
Two grains, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Cactus. Too soon and too copious; ceases altogether on
lying down; discharge black and pitchy; painful constric-
tion in the groins, gradually extending upwards, until it
reaches the stomach; pains periodic, coming on every
evening until eleven, and then going off until the next
evening; pains are sometimes horrible, causing the patient
to cry aloud and weep; very weak and exhausted; obliged
to keep in bed.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cantharides.-Too early and too profuse; discharge
black; severe pains; corrosive leucorrhoea, both before and
after menstruation; burning pain when passing water;
obliged to pass it often; burning and violent itching in
vagina; swelling of the neck of the uterus, with burning in
the bladder; constant vomiting and fever. Suitable for
married females without children.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Carbo Animalis.-Too soon; last longer than usual
flow only in the morning; violent pressing in the groins,
small of the back, and thighs; bloated abdomen; unsuc-
cessful efforts to get rid of flatulence; chilliness; yawning;
stretching; great feeling of weakness in the thighs; and,
generally, patient scarcely able to speak; indurations of the
neck of the uterus, with fetid urine.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Carbo Vegetabilis.-Too soon and too profuse, or
thick and corrosive; acid odour; itching pimples on nape of
neck, and between the shoulders; or menses pale, with
leucorrhoea, thick or greenish, milky or yellow, or blood
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
151
and slime; headache; colic; spasmodic pains; pent-up
flatulence; pudenda itching, sore, and excoriated.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Caulophyllum.-Severe neuralgic or spasmodic pains
in the womb, resembling labour coming on and going off;
relaxation of the mouth of the womb. The patients it suits
often have discoloured patches on the forehead or face, such
as are seen in those subject to menstrual irregularities, or
who have uterine disease. It stimulates a relaxed, irrita-
ble, enfeebled uterus.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Causticum.-Too soon and too abundant; none passed
at night; smell badly, and excite an itching; shifting pains
in the abdomen; pain in the small of the back; anxious
dreams; debility; lowness of spirits; want of appetite;
copious sour perspirations; constant aching of the breasts.
Adapted to the scrofulous, weakly, and rheumatic.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Chamomilla.-Dark, black, coagulated, in gushes, with
pressure on the womb; labour-like pains; frequent desire
to pass water; drawing, tearing pains in the thighs and
legs; irritability of temper; fainting; coldness of the
limbs; paleness of face, and thirst; urine pale and profuse;
menses sometimes have a fetid smell.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Chelidonium.-In cases in connection with chronic
affections of the liver or spleen, or in jaundice.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
China.-Spasms in the chest; colic in abdomen; dis-
charge profuse, black, and clotted, occurring at intervals;
pressure upon the womb; jerkings and twitchings of the
body; painful distension of the abdomen; continual dizzi-
ness; headache over the whole head; glittering before the
eyes; humming in the ears; dryness of the mouth, without
thirst; labour-like pains; desire to urinate, with scanty
M
152
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
discharge; unusual debility; sleeplessness, or short sleeps,
with frightful dreams; palpitation; forgetfulness; anxiety;
apprehension of dying; constant chilliness; coldness of the
hands and feet; yellowish-white complexion of whole body.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Cimicifuga.-Pressive, heavy headache, with melancholy
and palpitation; the patient pale; lips colourless; skin
sallow; heaviness; weight; bearing-down and labour-like
pains; heaviness and weight of the legs and thighs; cold
chills; prickling sensation in the breasts; aching in the
limbs; cramps in womb and legs; tenderness of the pit of
the stomach; neuralgic pains; tendency to prolapsus of the
womb; the discharge profuse, but dark and coagulated.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Cocculus.-Copious discharge of coagulated blood, fol-
lowed by piles; spasms of the uterus and abdomen; flatu-
lence; oppression of the breathing; nausea; faintness;
throwing about of the limbs; moaning; throbbing at the
top of the head; hysteria. Adapted for young girls, or
married women who are childless.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Collinsonia.-In cases connected with congested neck of
the womb and piles; distressing itching and prolapsus;
aggravated constipation; distressed, haggard look; violent
pains in the lower part of the abdomen; nausea; fainting;
prostration; dyspepsia; headache; sleeplessness; yellow-
ness of the skin; dark circles round the eyes.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Colocynth.-Spasmodic, pressing pains in abdomen,
drawing patient together; irritation of the bowels and
urinary organs, with straining; catamenia too soon and too
abundant; swelling of the pudenda; dragging pain in the
vagina. Suitable to those who sit long and closely.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Crocus.-Discharge black, lumpy, viscid, or stringy;
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
153
increased by the least movement; sensation of something
alive in the abdomen, in the shape of a ball; palpitation;
anxiety; melancholy; jerking and creeping in the limbs;
thirst; heavy dreams; starting on going to sleep; black
coagulæ, alternated with thin bloody water. Suitable for the
nervous and hysterical, and cases brought on by dancing and
violent exercise, or taking stimulating drinks during men-
struation.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Erigeron. Profuse and alarming flow of bright-red
blood;
the patient cannot move in the least without increas-
ing the flow; exsanguined; nearly comatose, or great rest-
lessness and lowness of spirits; complete suppression of
urine, or constant desire, with very little passed, sometimes
only a drop or two; diarrhoea, with burning sensation.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every quarter of an hour.
Ferrum.-Too frequent, too profuse, and last too long;
frequent discharge of partly fluid and partly black blood,
with clots; violent labour-like pains in abdomen and loins;
pulse full, hard, and frequent; shudderings; headache;
giddiness; constipation; hot urine; fiery-red face.
Two grains, 2nd trituration, every three hours.
Fluoric Acid.-Too soon, too copious, thick, coagulated;
discontented and quarrelsome with every one; sharp, shoot-
ing, undulating pain in forehead and temples; giddiness,
with sickness, dulness, and heaviness; constant and profuse
perspiration of the palms of the hands, even in cold weather.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Gelseminum.-An unnatural relaxation of the muscular
substance of the womb, as in those who have borne many
children; an almost continuous, uninterrupted discharge,
without pain; if pains are present, they are severe, of
spasmodic, neuralgic character.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Hamamelis.-Profuse menstruation of a dark, venous
M 2
154
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
character, from ovarian irritation, or after a fall, of the same
character, unattended by pain.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every hour.
Hedeoma. Ovaries are highly irritated, if not in a
state of active inflammation; congestion and painful spas-
modic contractions of the womb; excessive bearing-down,
coming on periodically, like labour-pains, greatly aggravated
by movement, almost unendurable; weakness, and paralysed
feeling in the limbs. Useful in hysterical constitutions, sub-
ject to intestinal and urinary irritation.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Helonias. More blood is lost at a period than can be
made during the interval; it therefore tells on the strength
and constitution; pain in back, and frequent palpitation;
ovarian distress; bearing down; complexion sallow, un-
healthy-looking, earthy pale; discharge may result from
atony or congestion of the uterus; sometimes from ulcera-
tion of the neck of the womb; then it is constant, dark, and
bad-smelling; the least exertion, as going upstairs, or
walking across a room, may increase it to flooding. Pains of
Helonias generally are of a piercing, drawing character; the
nipples usually are tender, not bearing pressure of an ordi-
nary dress.
-
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Hepar.--Profuse and premature; yellow complexion, with
blue circles round the eyes, preceded by contractive head-
ache, accompanied by itching of the pudenda; bloatedness
of the abdomen; the discharge ceases, and then comes on
again almost immediately, or again in ten or twelve days.
Adapted to the scrofulous, lymphatic, torpid constitution,
with fair hair, and soft, muscular fibre, and subject to erup-
tions.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hyoscyamus.-Profuse menstruation, accompanied or
preceded by immoderate laughter; profuse perspiration;
nausea, and incontinence of urine, or convulsive trembling
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
155
of the hands and feet; cramps, or sometimes delirium.
Suitable for the hysterical.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Hypericum.-Adapted for general prostration from loss
of blood; general weakness; trembling in all the limbs;
languor on rising; fainting from physical effort; thirst;
heaviness of the head; great nervous depression; excessive
headache; tension, as from a tight band over uterus, or heat
and irritation there; palpitation; pressure in the small of
the back; heaviness over region of the stomach; cachectic,
yellowish look; puffiness of the body; abdomen enlarged;
pulse small; evening chills succeeded by flushes of heat.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Ignatia. Too early and too profuse; uterine spasms;
crampy pain in groins; arrest of breathing; qualmishness;
pains relieved by pressure and lying down; headache; dread
of light; palpitation; sighing and sobbing; feebleness;
faintness; tingling in the ears; want of appetite; empti-
ness of the stomach; hysterical spasms; hysterical headache;
blackish blood sometimes passed, of a putrid odour, or lumps
of coagulated blood.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Ipecacuanha.-Persistent nausea; constant flow of
bright-red blood, in considerable quantities; cutting pain
about the navel, extending to the womb; dizziness; head-
ache; patient feels cold, and looks extremely pale.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
|
Iodine. Rising of heat to the head; palpitation; swell-
ing and bloating of the neck; prostration; spasmodic,
colicky pains; dizziness, resembling intoxication; violent
frontal headache. Suitable for the young and plethoric; for
those who have goitre; or where there is acute pain in the
breasts, or where they have dwindled away; or generally in
scrofulous subjects.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
156
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
j
Kali Carb. Too early, more profuse, and lasting longer
than usual; great thirst; restless nights; uneasiness; chil-
liness; tremor; spasmodic pains in the abdomen, and rum-
bling; violent headache; disagreeable taste in mouth, and
frequent rising of bile; violent pressing in the small of the
back and abdomen, as if all the contents would issue through
the genital organs; coldness in the back; spasm and cold-
ness in the stomach.
Two grains, 2nd trituration, every two hours.
Kreosote. Too frequent, too long-continued, and too
profuse; generally dark, pungent smell, and making the
thighs sore; frequent pains in the small of the back, and
hard bearing-down, like labour; nervousness; uneasiness;
rising of insipid white froth, or vomiting of mucus; flatu-
lence, like rotten eggs. Menses may intermit for two days,
then return for twenty-four hours, with violent pains in
abdomen, and thin, bright-red blood: they may return every
three weeks profusely; coming away in pieces, with chilli-
ness, darting in the breast, profuse sweat on the back and
chest, continuing four or five days, and be succeeded by an
acridly-smelling, bloody discharge, with corrosive itching of
the parts. Useful even in cancerous affections of the womb.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Lachesis. Chills at night; flushes of heat during the
day; pain in right ovarian region, increasing more and more
until relieved by the discharge; oppression at the chest;
headache; pain in the limbs; muscular relaxation and
weariness; languor every morning, and after eating, with a
disposition to lie down; spasmodic contraction of the womb;
labour-like pains; pains in pudenda, as if swollen; they have
to be relieved of all pressure; shreds of membrane passed,
and sometimes a complete cast of the inside of womb. La-
chesis embraces most of the symptoms of Belladonna, with
an added tendency to persistence, and is adapted to the cho-
leric and melancholy; to those with dark hair, or red hair
and freckles.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every four hours.
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
157
Laurocerasus.-Lowness of spirits; heat of whole body;
toothache; suffocative attacks about the region of the heart ;
colic in abdomen, relieved by heat; great prostration; ner-
vous weakness; faintings; the patient falls down suddenly;
irresistible drowsiness; stiffness and weariness in the small
of the back.
-
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Ledum.—Continual faint feeling; great want of vital
heat; so weak that she can scarcely drag her limbs after her;
menses too early and too profuse; itching of the whole body;
puffy swelling of the feet; violent, stupefying, beating, tear-
ing headache, with giddiness and an intoxicated feeling;
hoarseness, with roughness of the windpipe.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
w
Lycopodium. Too long and too profuse; croaking in
the abdomen; cutting pains across abdomen, from left to
right; great fermentation in the bowels, and discharge of
much flatulence; feverish mood; rush of blood to the head,
increased by stooping, with tendency to fall forward; the
hair comes off in considerable quantities; icy coldness of the
feet; pains come on in paroxysms, generally worse about
4 P.M.; oblige patient to walk about; she cannot keep still;
unconquerable sleep after dinner, followed by great ex-
haustion.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Magnesia Carb.-Too early and too profuse; headache,
worse in the evening; the flow stronger at night than in the
day; bearing-down pains, relieved by compressing the abdo-
men, or stooping; no discharge during a pain, but just after;
dark, viscid, acrid, almost like pitch; violent pain in the
small of the back, worse when sitting, easier when walking;
excessive hunger before menses.
Two grains, 2nd trituration, every three hours.
Magnesia Mur.-Uterine spasms, extending to the
thighs; menses longer than usual, and more profuse; dis-
charge of black clots of menstrual blood, more sitting than
158
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
walking; menses first watery, then coloured, with great and
constant pressure on both sides of abdomen; frequent yawn-
ing; preceded by excitement; at the time, faintness; weari-
ness of lower limbs; patient cannot fall asleep until late.
Two grains, 2nd trituration, every three hours.
Mercurius. Too profuse; there is anxiety; red tongue,
with dark spots; salt taste; sore or spongy gums; teeth
feel tender, long, and loose; fetid breath; profuse flow of
saliva; profuse menstruation, occurring as a symptom of
general weakness or cachexia.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Musk. Too early and too profuse; violent drawing pains
in the abdomen; fits of weakness, bordering on faintness;
often periodical; coldness of the surface of the body, even in
bed; weak, sluggish, intermittent pulse; sleeplessness from
nervousness; giddiness, with stupefaction; dizziness; con-
gestion of blood to the head; nervous headache; dimness of
vision; redness of the face, or of one cheek, or pale, earthy
complexion.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Muriatic Acid.-Too soon, with or without colic; press-
ing in pudenda; pinching pain in vagina; debility; restless-
ness; sadness; taciturnity; piles, either blind or bleeding,
with burning soreness; often voluptuous itching of genitals.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Natrum Muriaticum.-Too early and too profuse; may
be occasioned or reproduced by a thunder-storm ; heaviness of
the eyes, and intolerable sadness; she craves salt, and has an
aversion to bread; dreams that robbers are in the house;
qualmishness; sweet risings from the stomach; morning
headache; constipation.
Two grains, 2nd trituration, every three hours.
Nitric Acid.-Too profuse and pale, almost bloodless;
young girls, subject to dyspepsia; obstinate constipation;
great desire for relief of the bowels; the urine has an exces-
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
159
sively strong smell. Suitable for sempstresses and dress-
makers.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Moschata.-Profuse, thick, black blood; hysterical,
nervous symptoms; giddiness; loss of feeling and memory;
drowsiness; sometimes toothache; teeth feel as if being
pulled out; alternate constipation and diarrhoea; severe and
peculiar pain in the back, as if a board were pressing against
it; throat, mouth, and tongue excessively dry, particularly
when asleep.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.-A continual dribbling of the menses,
which last too long; weakening, sickening, faint feeling;
fulness of abdomen; distension of stomach; often cramp;
chilliness; constipation; nausea; headache; eyes feel as
though they would be forced out of their sockets; lumps of
thick clotted blood expelled, with griping and digging pain;
patient cannot sleep after the early morning. Any of these
symptoms occurring as a forerunner of a change of life, or in
those of quick, irritable dispositions, who live well, and lead a
sedentary life.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Phosphorus. Too copious, with tendency of blood to
the head; excessive sensitiveness; mental excitement; swell-
ing of the gums; swollen cheeks; toothache; chilliness;
cold hands and feet, or prickling itching of the whole body;
dulness of the head; violent pain in the back, as if bruised ;
very sick in the evening; palpitation; pinching across the
stomach; constant yawning; watery urine. Suitable for
tall slim persons, with pale, sallow complexion, or those of
transparent, waxy skin.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Phosphoric Acid. Too early and too long; pain in
right side, under the ribs, over the region of the liver; great
prostration of vital power; distress about the heart; some-
160
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
times deafness; falling-off of the hair. Specially adapted
for small delicate women.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Phytolacca.-Profuse menstruation, connected with
ulceration of the womb, or irritation of the ovaries; rheu-
matic pains in the womb; menses irritable and painful, with-
out swelling.
-
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Platina. Too long and profuse; cutting, labour-like
pains; dark coagulated blood; sexual excitement; thirst;
sensation as if a ball were moving about in abdomen;
cramps; spasms; bearing down; discharge thick or liquid,
with large clots or lumps; anguish about the heart; trem-
bling of the hands and feet; small feeble pulse; flushed face;
debility.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Plumbum.-Too profuse in the cachectic; labour-like
pains; spasms; difficult passing of water, and straining.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Pulsatilla.-Too profuse, thick and dark clots, or pale,
thin, and watery, flowing only by day in gushes; swelling
and painful tension of breasts; waterbrash; obscuration of
sight; stitches in the chest; colic; abdominal spasms;
puffy, pale swelling of the feet and legs; chilliness; nausea;
trembling; palpitation. Suitable for the delicate, scrofu-
lous, of tearful, mild disposition.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Prunus.-Menses every fortnight; pains in the back;
watery and thin, or continuing for eight or ten weeks, the
discharge becoming more watery the longer it lasts; sticking
pain in the breast, extending to the armpit, worse on draw-
ing a deep breath; pain at the bottom of the back.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Rhus Tox.-Profuse, with coagula; labour-like pains;
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
161
soreness and pain in the vagina; menses reappear suddenly
and profusely, sometimes from a strain; rheumatic pains,
worse at night, obliging the patient frequently to change
position; small of the back feels bruised, especially when
lying still on it; spasmodic yawning.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Ruta. Too early, too profuse, or irregular, with hysteri-
cal and head symptoms; pains in the limbs, joints, and
bones, as if bruised; flatulence; frequent urging to urinate,
with scanty emission.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Sabina. Profuse menses in those who have had frequent
abortions, black, dark-coloured, and clotted, or bright red,
in paroxysms increased by motion; violent tearing pains in
limbs, small of the back, and abdomen; tearing headache of
left side, of intolerable severity. Also adapted to profuse
menstruation from an irritable uterus, about the time of
change of life.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Sanguinaria.-Too early and too profuse and black;
abdominal pain; escape of flatus from vagina, with dilated
mouth of the womb; congestion of the head; pain on the
right side and forehead; pain as if the eyes would be pressed
out of the head; congestion of the lungs; slight nausea;
pains in the limbs. Adapted to the scrofulous, cachectic
constitution.
K
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Secale Corn.-Too profuse and too long; violent spasms;
discharge is red fluid blood, or dark, with lumps, having an
excessively fetid odour; colic; labour-like pains, followed by
discharges; pressure on the bladder; frequent efforts to
relieve it; numbness and tingling of the extremities; sallow
countenance. Very useful in the enfeebled and cachectic.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Senecio. Too long; in scrofulous and consumptive
1
162
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
patients, when defective uterine function arises from a viti-
ated state of the system; nervous irritation; irritation of the
uterine system; increased flow of clear limpid urine; variable
spirits; dizziness; dry skin; nails brittle; chilliness, nausea,
and yawning; weary feeling in the small of the back, and in
the legs.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Sepia. Too early; marked feeling of emptiness at the
pit of stomach; fetid urine, or a clay-like sediment; fetid,
strong-smelling perspiration, especially in armpits; tooth-
ache; hysteric headache; nausea; vomiting; palpitation;
congestion of blood to the chest. Adapted specially to the
change of life, and generally to those with fine skins, of deli-
cate constitutions; sometimes yellow patches on the face,
and a yellow saddle across the bridge of the nose.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Silicea. Profuse chilliness; shuddering; coldness over
the whole body; pressure over the eyes; disordered vision;
objects look pale; anguish; drawing pain between the
shoulders; burning and soreness, or itching of the pudenda.
Adapted to those subject to glandular swellings; or to follow
Pulsatilla.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Spongia. Too early and too profuse; preceded by palpi-
tation and pain in the back, attended by drawing pains in
arms and legs. Adapted for those subject to chronic hoarse-
ness, or whose voice frequently fails them.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Stramonium.-Too profuse; drawing pains in the abdo-
men, thighs, and legs; uncontrollable and unusual disposi-
tion to talk; menses almost entirely watery; extreme
irritability; inclination to do everything in a hurry; counte-
nance expressive of fear or anxiety; spasms of the chest ;
suppression of urine.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
163
Sulphur. Too early, too profuse, and too long; aching
pains in the head; flushes of heat; redness in the face;
dizziness; buzzing in the ears; restlessness; heartburn;
high-coloured, scanty, and fetid urine. The discharge may
be too pale, and have an acid odour; or it may be black,
clotted, and sticky, with severe bearing-down pain.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Sulphuric Acid.-Too early and too profuse; preceded
by nightmare, attended by stitches in abdomen and vagina;
thirst; dry tongue; tremulous feeling; much general de-
bility. Suitable for chronic affections, and pains which
increase steadily, and then suddenly disappear.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
CC
Trillium.-Profuse every fortnight; last seven or eight
days; in the interval, yellowish, creamy leucorrhoea; at
change of life," when thick, dark, and clotted, continuing
several days. Affords relief when repeated attacks have left
patient almost bloodless and dropsical.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Veratrum Album.-Profuse; diarrhea; buzzing in the
ears; bleeding from nose; pain in the limbs; great thirst;
nausea; vomiting; cold sweat on forehead; weak pulse.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Zinc. Too early and profuse; discharge of coagula when
walking; heaviness in limbs; drawing pains in knees; fulness
and oppression at stomach; inflammation of eyes; anxiety,
with fidgettiness of legs; weeping; chilliness; swelling
and irritation of the pudenda.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Zizia Aurea.—Profuse, continuing for one day; followed
by acrid leucorrhoea; attended by increased vascular and
nervous excitement; sensitiveness of the entire body to the
touch; white and puffy appearance generally; depression of
spirits, followed by unusual exhilaration.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
164
CESSATION OF MENSTRUATION.
With any of these remedies must be associated the greatest
care as to the general health, habits, and exercise, with mild,
tonic, hydropathic treatment in the intervals.
CESSATION OF MENSTRUATION.
The cessation of menstruation-" the change of life," or
“critical age”—-is looked forward to by the majority with
considerable apprehension; by others, with fond expectation,
in some way or other, to usher in a period of relief from
various ailments;-to give them a fresh start, and husbanded
resources for the remainder of life. By far too many it is
looked for long before there is much probability of its taking
place a long train of symptoms, any unusual feelings by
young women of eight-and-twenty, are gravely ascribed to
"the change." I have known menstruation cease at twenty-
seven, thirty-one, thirty-four, and thirty-five; though the
rule for it is thirty years of continuance from the time of
its first commencement, which would carry it on ten years
longer than the periods just instanced. As to the manner in
which menstruation ceases, considerable variety obtains: with
some it stops suddenly, without any other inconvenience
than occasional flows; with others, though the cessation is
more gradual, the flushes are more troublesome and per-
sistent, and are followed by profuse perspirations; often
there is a gradual decrease in quantity, missing a period or
two now and then, or stopping altogether for some months,
followed by an excessive and prolonged flow, in which case.
an exhibition of some of the remedies enumerated in the last
section is required. Such terminal flow is often taken for
miscarriage; and the sudden cessation is not unfrequently
mistaken for pregnancy, especially if there is some swelling
of the abdomen and breasts, with secretion of milk, and other
sympathetic disturbances, of which time only can show the
fallacy.
After a long period of cessation the flow may reappear,
and return regularly, without, however, always indicating a
return of conceptive power.
CESSATION OF MENSTRUATION.
165
At the critical age, skin diseases of various kinds, sick
headaches, neuralgia, hysteria, crops of boils, may make
their appearance; or an unusual tendency to sleep; an
uneasy sensation of weight in the head; a feeling as if a
cloud or cobweb required to be brushed away; disinclination
for any exertion; a diminution in the powers of memory and
of the mind. Some become exceedingly depressed and
melancholy, and live under the impression of impending
evil. Nervous pains, often tolerably severe in various parts,
resembling those which the patient formerly experienced at
menstruation; congestion of the stomach, liver, or bowels;
sinking or depression at the pit of the stomach; a torment-
ing sense of emptiness; various symptoms of indigestion;
nausea; vomiting; high-coloured urine; severe biliary
attacks; diarrhoea, offensive, fetid, dark; or constipation
and piles.
Leucorrhoea is a very common accompaniment.
Pulmonary consumption sometimes manifests itself during
this change; in others, attacks of rheumatism of the
shoulders or hip; swelling of the joints generally. Cancer
of the breast is more apt to present itself now, or to take
on renewed activity; as are polypus and cancer of the womb,
and malignant ulcers. These serious affections may possibly
occur at the critical age: it does not of necessity follow
that they will; but it does follow, that however much their
existence may be feared at an early period of life, the far
greater probability is, that they exist in apprehension only;
they may be very like, but they are something far less serious.
For the treatment of most of the affections just referred
to, the remedies which apply are given below; but if, for
instance, the suppression is caused by a chill or fright,
reference must be made to the section treating of Suppres-
sion of the Menses; for profuse discharge, under Profuse
Menstruation; for Diarrhoea, except for the remedies here
indicated, and for Hysteria, to the sections specially treating
on them. Cancer of the breast and womb, ulceration of the
womb, and polypus, are mentioned at length in their more
appropriate places, with diseases of the womb and breast.
For the flushes and heats-
Aconite. In the robust and plethoric, especially if there
166
CESSATION OF MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
be local congestions of head or chest, flushings and perspi-
rations.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Pulsatilla. Sudden heat; a good deal of perspiration
in the face; trembling of the limbs; obscuration of sight,
as if patient would faint; or anxious heat over the whole
body; the hands, however, being more burning than the rest
of the body.
M
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Lachesis. Disagreeable warmth over the whole body,
especially in an evening; heat as from a rush of blood over
the whole body, but particularly about the nape of the neck;
or sudden attacks of giddiness and faintness, as if one would
die; every part of the body appearing trembling and palpi-
tating, preceded by palpitation of the heart; heat; anguish ;
shuddering and trembling of the lower limbs.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every three hours.
Sanguinaria.-Heat, flying from the head to the
stomach; burning heat, rapidly alternating with chill and
shivering; great weakness; great prostration of muscular
strength.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Sepia.-Flushes of heat, as if hot water were being
poured over the body; or redness of the face; perspiration
over the whole body, and anxiety, without thirst; feeling of
oppression and faintness.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
For the head symptoms and headache—
Aconite.-General numbed feeling; creeping sensation
in the skin; restlessness; sensation as of a swelling of the
face and head to more than double their natural size; dim-
ness of sight; giddiness when stooping or rising from a seat;
sense of swaying to and fro; staggering; everything seems
turning round; dizziness when moving or shaking the head;
pressure in the temples, feeling as though a tight cap were
CESSATION OF MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
2.
167
round the forehead; rush of blood to the head; heat and
redness of the face.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Belladonna.-Throbbing, beating headache; flushed
face, or headache, chiefly over the eyes, with a heavy,
stunned, intoxicated feeling, worse from four in the after-
noon until three the next morning; made considerably
worse by noise and light, and even by lying down; peevish
anxiety and agitation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Bryonia. Headache, coming on after a meal, or setting
in early in the morning; rush of blood to the head; giddi-
ness, as though she were turning round, or as if everything
were turning round her, when standing or rising up from a
seat, or even sitting up in bed, accompanied by a feeling of
nausea; the head feels heavy, like a hundredweight; dart-
ing, throbbing pain; pain in both temples; scalp of the
head tender to the touch; moving the eyes sometimes brings
on the pain; dulness of memory, lowness of spirits, and
anxiety. Suitable to dry, nervous, slender, bilious persons.
Bryonia has striking relations with the secretions of the
liver and the uterus.
M
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cactus. -Great heat in the head and face, as though
before a strong fire; violent, insufferable headache, with
either a feeling of emptiness, or great weight on the top,
attended by great prostration and weariness; strong pul-
sating pain in the temples; or drawing sensation at the
back of the head; pains increased by motion, and attended
by a sense of constriction of the throat.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Carbo Vegetabilis.-Dull, drawing, or pulsating pain
in the head, in cachectic subjects; chilliness; coldness;
trembling; or pain violent, confined to a small spot of the
forehead, near the temples; great tendency to start, and
irritability; bleeding from the nose.
Two grains, 1st trituration, every three hours.
N
I
168
CESSATION OF MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
Cocculus.-Stupid feeling, cannot understand what she
reads; giddiness, nausea, and inclination to vomit; sense of
a weight lying on the head; temples feel forced together;
tearing, throbbing, frontal headache; pain as if the eyes
would be torn out during motion-she is obliged to shut
them; absorbed in gloomy thoughts; convulsive trembling
of the head.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Crocus.-Violent headache, sometimes only in morning,
attended by nausea; or confined to the right side of the
back of the head, or in and about the right eye, in those
subject to, or who have suffered from, hæmorrhage from
uterus; eyesight feels dim, as though looking through gauze
has to wink and wipe the eyes to clear it away; nose
bleeds.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cimicifuga.-Acute throbbing; heat and fulness in the
head, sometimes over the left, sometimes over the right eye,
or the whole forehead; often very acute at the back of the
eyes; felt every day, but worse every other day; rendered
very much worse by going upstairs-so much so, that it
seems as though the top of the head would fly off; relieved
by the open air; the brain feels too large for the skull;
tired feeling; nervous weakness and restlessness; dull,
stupid feeling; too much trouble to think about anything,
or as if the power to think were wanting.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Gelseminum.-Headache comes on, suddenly beginning
at the upper part of the neck, and spreading over the whole
head-or in the forehead first, and thence to nape of neck,
attended by a dimness of sight, or double vision; quite a
trouble to open the eyes, or to keep them open even for a
short time; stupor; dull, heavy expression of countenance,
patient frequently feeling like one intoxicated; pulse full;
nervous, sick headache.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
CESSATION OF MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
169
•
Glonoine.-Violent vertigo; violent distress in the head;
sudden rush of blood, or stupor; severe pain at the back of
the head; heavy, throbbing, constricting pain; whirling
giddiness; pressing sensation in brain, or as if it were ex-
panding, and must burst the skull; throat feels full-sense
of choking; violent neuralgic pain in the head, especially
when centred in a small spot about the size of a half-crown.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Ignatia. Painful pressure in the head; burning and
watering of the eyes; dread of light; swelling of the eyelids;
pain intense in one eye, often the right, or confined to one
side of the head; or a feeling as though a nail were being
forcibly driven through the skull; qualmishness; want of
appetite; cutting, spasmodic pains in bowels; a quantity
of urine, clear as water.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Asclepias Syriaca.-As if a sharp instrument were
being thrust through the head, from one temple to the
other; feeble pulse; cold skin; dizziness; persistent nausea,
frequently vomiting; sometimes diarrhoea; quantities of
pale urine passed often.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Nux Vomica.-The head feels as though it would split;
pressing it tightly with both hands, or tying anything
round it, relieves it; heat in the cheeks; chilly feeling
over body; soreness and sensitiveness of the scalp, with
darting pains; nausea; distension of the stomach; consti-
pation; gastric, sick headache.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Iris.-Dull, heavy pain in forehead, with sharp, shooting
pains, at intervals, in the temples; weakness; nausea;
vomiting of watery, sour fluid; colic; diarrhoea, or hammer-
ing pain, aggravated by moving or coughing; or violent,
stupid, stunning headache, with facial neuralgia; copious
limpid urine; though the headache is, at first, greatly
N 2
170
CESSATION OF MENSTRUATION-TREATMENT.
aggravated by moving about, if continued it effectually re-
lieves it; sick headache, whether neuralgic or gastric.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Opium -Dulness of the senses; depression of spirits, or
quiet exhilaration, or state of semi-stupor, or half conscious-
ness; head bewildered and dizzy, feeling as though every-
thing were turning round; beating, tight, throbbing head-
ache: pale face, dull eyes, and contracted pupils.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Pulsatilla. Stupid, gloomy feeling; boring, pressing
pain in forehead, or top of the head; giddiness, worse on
looking up; pain in the eyes; sour risings, or gulping-up
of sour fluid; brain feels as if bruised, or as if part of it
were somewhat sore; pain relieved by pressure.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Podophyllum.-Giddiness; dizziness; sensation of ful-
ness over the eyes; momentary dartings of pain, obliging
one to shut the eyes; morning headache; dulness; sleepi-
ness; pain and heat at the top of the head; stunning head-.
ache through the temples, relieved by pressure; soreness
over the seat of pain; headache, alternating with diarrhoea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Chamomilla.-Tearing, dragging, maddening pain;
burning distress; heavy load, and sense of anxiety, at pit
of stomach; vomiting of bile; irritable mood; yellow,
jaundiced look; flushes of heat.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Sanguinaria.-Periodical, sick headache every week, or at
longer intervals; distension and soreness of temporal veins,
or feeling of soreness on small spots on the head, especially
in the temples; severe pains in the head, or in rays drawing
upwards from the neck, with nausea and vomiting, fre-
quently bilious; commonly beginning in the morning; in-
creasing to violence during the day; only relieved by lying
quiet, and, when possible, by sleep; every movement causes
CHANGE OF LIFE-HEADACHE.
171
aggravation; the head seems as if it would burst-the eyes
as if they would be pressed out; the pains are digging and
boring, attended by sudden, piercing, throbbing sensations
through the brain, involving the forehead and the top of the
head in particular, but most severe on the right side.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Senecio.-Frequent yawning and shivering; great lan-
guor; lassitude, and sensitiveness to cold air; sharp, sticking,
lancinating pains in both eyes and forehead; giddiness, and
a feeling as of a wave passing from the back of the head to
the front; head feels very light; giddiness comes on quite
suddenly, or heat in the forehead, with perspiration, or
dull, stupefying headache, with uncomfortable fulness of the
head.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Sepia.-Morning headache, with nausea; general anxious-
ness, especially at the pit of stomach; inclination to start;
nerves are sensitive to every noise; very fearful and trem-
bling; rush of blood to the head; the nose sometimes
bleeds; giddiness, everything seems to go round; she has to
be led.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Caulophyllum.---Dull pain in forehead, feeling as though
the skin were too tight; sharp pains as of pins sticking in ;
severe pain in the temples as though they would be crushed
together, or drawing pain over the left eye; sight feels dim;
profuse flow of tears.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Platina. Passing attacks of vertigo when standing, as if
the senses were going, followed by palpitation and headache;
benumbed, compressed feeling in head, especially in fore-
head, as though pressed down to root of the nose, or pain as
from two screws in the temples, increased by stooping or
movement; sensation of shaking in the brain when walking,
as though it struck against the skull; sound as of a roaring
172
CHANGE OF LIFE-HEADACHE,
mill in the ears. (Glonoine also relieves this symptom.)
Especially suitable for those in whom menstruation has been
usually profuse and prolonged.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Spigelia. Alternate cheerfulness and gloom; palpita-
tion; anxious oppression at the chest; periodic headache;
pain or intolerable pressure in the eyeballs when moving
them, as if too large; burning in both eyes, obliging her to
close them; profuse flow of tears; eyes look dim; great in-
clination to move the eyelids; pale, disfigured face; yellow
margins round eyes; face looks swollen on rising in the
morning; heaviness in the head, and pressure-worse on
stooping; pains as if the head would burst; violent tearing
or digging; shaking sensation in the head at every step.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Veratrum Album.-Vomiting of green mucus; pale
face; pain in the back; colic, and copious flow of urine; pain
violent, with beating sensation and pressure, or comes on in
paroxysms; there is a stiffness at the nape of the neck; a
sensation as of drops of water trickling over the temples;
the hair of the head feels sensitive; general feeling in the
head as of heat and coldness at the same time.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Veratrum Viride.-Headache, proceeding from the
nape of the neck, or localised in the forehead, where it may
be severe or dull; there is giddiness; dimness of vision;
dilated pupil; contracted feeling of the skin of the fore-
head; neuralgic pains in the right temple, close to the eye,
or constant, dull, heavy headache; sense of fulness, weight,
or distension; throbbing of the arteries, with stupefaction,
or buzzing and roaring; dim or disordered vision, sometimes
double, partial, luminous, painful, or dim; tingling and
numbness in the limbs; vomiting of bile, preceded by hiccup;
cutting pains about the navel; sometimes piles.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
CHANGE OF LIFE-INDIGESTION.
173
Gastric symptoms, especially emptiness at the stomach,
&c.-
Ammonia Muriatica.-Sensation in the stomach as of
emptiness or hunger, or of fasting; the stomach, neverthe-
less, feels full; worse after breakfast; waterbrash; qualmish-
ness, gnawing, or grinding at the stomach.
Two grains, 6th dilution, every four hours.
China.-Emptiness and coldness at the stomach; oppres-
sive anxiety after every meal; spasmodic pains; stitches in
pit of the stomach after drinking anything, extending to the
breast bone.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Ignatia. Sensation in the stomach as of long fasting, as
if it were empty; flat taste in mouth; languor in all the
limbs, or alternate feeling of emptiness and fulness, with
enormous appetite; peculiar feeling of weakness at the pit
of the stomach.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Gelseminum.-Feeling of emptiness and weakness in the
stomach and bowels; rumbling, dull pains at the pit of the
stomach, relieved by the expulsion of flatulence, or a sensa-
tion as if something wanting or gone at the pit of the
stomach.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cimicifuga. Faintness and emptiness at the pit of the
stomach; repugnance to food-may be attended with pains
either slight or severe, or with violent retching and vomiting,
with pains in the head.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Iris.-Empty eructations; nausea, and vomiting of a
watery and extremely sour fluid, or vomiting and diarrhœa;
great prostration; severe shocks of pain about the navel;
great commotion and rumbling in the bowels, above the seat
of pain--little or none below; the pains are felt before meals,
and relieved by taking food.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
174
CHANGE OF LIFE-NERVOUS SYMPTOMS.
Nervous Symptoms-
Aconite.-Fears; apprehensions; anxiety; palpitation;
oppression of breathing; languor; congestion of blood to the
head; redness and heat of the face; vehemence; great ten-
dency to start; fitful, changeful mood.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cimicifuga.- Great nervousness; extremely restless and
apprehensive; totally unable to sleep at night; extreme
irritability.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cypripedium.-Equalises and energises the nervous
powers; lessens nervous excitement; allays nervous irrita-
bility; and alleviates pain.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Coffea.-Excitement unusual and prolonged; unable to
compose herself; trembles-so much so, that she cannot hold
even a pen; rapidity and quickness of every movement;
very much dissatisfied; indisposed to talk; her answers are
short and snappish.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Chamomilla.-Nothing she undertakes gives her satis-
faction; great irresolution; tremulous; tendency to start at
the least trifle; a constant irrepressible desire to talk about
old vexatious things; ill-humour or internal vexation over
unimportant matters; flushes of heat in the face; cool per-
spiration in the palms of the hands.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
.
Ignatia. Sudden changes of cheerfulness and disposition
to weep; feeling as if she had committed some evil deed ;
imagines she is unable to get along, and that she cannot
walk; fearfulness; timidity; loss of all confidence in herself;
slightest contradiction irritates; taciturn; brooding; great
weakness of memory.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
CHANGE OF LIFE-NERVOUS SYMPTOMS.
175
Pulsatilla. Uneasy sleep; beating and throbbing in the
left temple; dancing motes or black spots before the eyes;
perspiration about the head; gloomy and melancholy; apt
to sit silent, with folded hands and a sad, sombre look; full
of care about domestic affairs; religious melancholy; fear of
ghosts; great dread of men generally; irresolute; peevish or
sullen; weeps a good deal.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.-Sadness, without being able to weep ;
inward grief and chagrin; taciturn; great disposition for
quiet and silence; anxiety, as if she were threatened with
some misfortune; restless; attacks of palpitation after mid-
night; reproachful and quarrelsome; very sensitive to any
external impression, as noise, talking, strong odours, or
bright light; music and singing take great and unusual
effect; she cannot bear them, though usually very fond of
both. Useful for dark, bilious temperaments, subject to
constipation or piles.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Scutellaria.-Is worthy a trial in special irritation and
tenderness.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Senecio. Nervous trembling; lassitude; sadness; giddi-
ness; sensitiveness to cold air; restless sleep; many dreams;
increased flow of urine; yawning; inclination to stretch;
shivering; inability to fix the mind on any one object for
any length of time.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Sulphur. Nightly arrest of breathing, or suffocative
attacks; frequent desire to pass urine; sense of weakness
when talking; palpitation on going upstairs; pains across
loins, wrenching or bruised; irritable; melancholy; de-
pressed; tendency to weep and start; weakness of memory,
especially for names; headache, with giddiness and nausea.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
176
CHANGE OF LIFE-FAINTING.
Fainting and Exhaustion—
Aconite.-Violent palpitation of the heart; congestion
of blood to the head; buzzing in the ears; staring look; pale
face; shivering, especially if the immediate cause be fright,
or rising up from a recumbent position.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Arsenic.-Attended by, or the result of, excessive debility;
persistent nausea; chilliness; thirst; neuralgia; the faint-
ness or fainting fits return every other day; swelling of the
face; violent, deep fainting fits.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Aletris Farinosa.—Excessive sensitiveness of nervous
system; debility; exhaustion; intolerance of noise; anxiety;
apprehension; lowness of spirits; singing and ringing in the
ears; paleness of countenance; perspiration and fainting
after the least exertion; the perspiration is chiefly seen on
the neck, back, chest, and thighs; restless nights; the sleep
is disturbed by dreams and startings.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Cocculus.-Trembling, and paralysed feeling in all the
limbs; want of vital energy; pain in the small of the back;
paralytic weakness; spasmodic pains in ovaries or uterus,
attended by nausea and vomiting.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Coffea. In fainting, where fright is the immediate cause,
when Aconite does not relieve in highly sensitive persons.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Conium.-Faint; chilly; headache and palpitation early
in the morning, after waking; faintishness, as after an
attack of fever; she has to remain in bed; after a meal,
gaping, and pressure in the stomach.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Colocynth.-Lassitude in the limbs when walking in the
CHANGE OF LIFE-FAINTING.
177
open air, as after a long journey; fainting fits, with coldness
of the body; deadly swoon.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Carbo Vegetabilis.-Very useful in fainting fits, as the
result of excessive "loss," or profuse menstruation; the faint-
ness comes on after sleeping, on rising, or whilst yet in bed.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every two hours.
Chamomilla.-Attacks attended by giddiness, dimness
of sight, deafness, and qualmishness, especially when any
powerful emotion is the immediate exciting cause.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
China. Faintings after loss of blood, after exhausting
purgatives or diarrhoea, or after long-continued sitting-up
at night; great mental exertion or want of sleep, telling
upon a nervous system already tried by the change through
which it is passing.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Cactus.-General weakness, prostration, depression, and
languor for many days; unable even to walk across the room;
obliged to remain in bed; unable to rise from her seat;
scarcely ventures to speak.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Digitalis. Fainting and swooning, preceded by inter-
mittent pulse, where any sufferings incidental to "the
change" are aggravated by an affection of the heart. (See
also Cactus and Arsenic.)
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Ignatia. When some great cause of anxiety or grief,
producing hysterical symptoms and fainting.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Hyoscyamus.-Unusual sinking of strength; weakness;
scarcely able to stand; constantly inclined to fall; trembling
178
CHANGE OF LIFE-FAINTING.
of the whole body; great coldness of the extremities until
fainting sets in-the fainting is death-like.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Lachesis. Great desire to lie down, particularly after
eating; great weakness, with pains in the stomach; weak-
ness before breakfast; after eating, an unpleasant sensation
from the pressure of the clothes, and fulness of the abdomen;
palpitation, and dropping of the arms, after the least exer-
tion; frequent fainting fits, particularly during breakfast,
with nausea, vertigo, failure of sight, and frequent re-
currence of the fits in the day-time, or coming on towards
evening; with dying feeling of weakness, unquenchable
thirst, dry mouth, and pale face; or fainting feeling, with
cramp-like yawning; or frequent attacks of fainting every
day, with nausea, difficult breathing, palpitation, and moist
skin; with cold perspiration and trembling of the whole
body.
-
Two drops, 30th dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.-Fainting after a meal, from having eaten
too much, or from oppression at the stomach, although no
more, and perhaps less, than usual has been taken; nausea;
sparks before the eyes; the sight goes; pains in the stomach;
anguish, trembling, and congestion of blood to the head or
chest.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Moschus.-Pains here and there, with shuddering,
though the skin feels warm; general, excessive exhaustion;
watering of the eyes; great weariness-scarcely able to stir;
weakness unto fainting, with nightly coldness of the surface
of the body; hysteric attacks of fainting; feeling of general
illness and weakness, without being able to specify where
particularly; faintings, succeeded by headache; also when
they come on at night, in the evening, or in the open air.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Phosphoric Acid.-Great agitation and restlessness;
heat in the head, with icy coldness of the hands; perspira-
CHANGE OF LIFE-PILES.
179
tion over the whole body, even when sitting; faint, despond-
ing, and chilly; pale, wretched appearance, and sunken
eyes. Fainting fits after a meal, when Nux Vomica does not
relieve.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Stramonium.-Fainting in the forenoon, with great
paleness of the face; afterwards loss of appetite, and dryness
of mouth; frequent faintings, occurring every day-for ex-
ample, the patient falls suddenly, as if dead; the face pale;
the pulse almost imperceptible; the fits continue a long
time; the patient does not very readily come out of them.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Veratrum Album.-Fainting after the least exertion—
after even a slight movement-after a slight effort to relieve
the bowels; or in case of those who have had, or are recover-
ing from, a protracted illness, especially if they have been
over-dosed by Quinine; attacks preceded by anguish and
despondency.
-
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Piles, or Hæmorrhoids.-Enlargements of the veins, and
burning membrane of the lower bowel-a not infrequent
concomitant of "the critical age of life;" attended by itch-
ing, tickling, burning, smarting or shooting pains; fre-
quently accompanied by constipation, pain in the back,
loins, and lower part of the back; sometimes by flushes of
heat; rushes of blood and congestion; severe colic and
straining. They may appear singly, or in clusters, like a
bunch of grapes: they may bleed, or remain congested, blue,
and painful. When they bleed, they are called "flowing, or
bleeding piles;" when they do not bleed, " blind piles."
Aconite.-Bleeding, or white piles, or a continual dis-
charge of white mucus from the anus; stitches and pressure;
acute, often agonising, burning distress at the anus, as
though boiling liquid were being poured over; fulness in
the abdomen, with tense swelling, or the feeling of it; severe
colic; pains in the small of the back, and bottom part of it,
as if it were broken; sudden suppression of the hæmor-
-
180
CHANGE OF LIFE-PILES.
rhoidal discharge, followed by headache, backache, palpita-
tion, violent colic, and difficulty of breathing.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Æsculus.-For acute and long-standing cases; severe
pain in anus, with feeling as if a portion were protruding;
severe backache; hæmorrhoids like nuts, of a purple colour,
very painful, and with a burning sensation; every attempt
at relief, or any evacuation of any kind, is invariably fol-
lowed by sensations of constriction, protrusion, fulness,
aching, dryness, itching, pricking, straining, and pains.
It has proved curative where patients have had piles
for years.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Aloes.-Piles, with flow of hot, blackish blood; heat in
the bowels; heat and painful pressure in the liver; strain-
ing, and hot, bilious stools; heat and flushes in the face
and head.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Arsenicum.-Great debility and emaciation; burning
discharge of blood; stitching pains in the piles; heat and
restlessness; burning in all the veins; protrusion of the
rectum; great pain; itching of the anus; feeling of rough-
ness and soreness, as if the parts were excoriated; the piles
are swollen and painful; or blind piles, which burn like
fire, particularly at night, hindering sleep; in the day-time,
the pain is stinging when walking, less when lying down.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Belladonna.-Pressure in the lower bowel; constipa-
tion; inflation of the abdomen, and heat in the head; violent
itching and contractive sensation; sudden stabbing pains
in the lower bowel; the piles bleed considerably-the bleed-
ing may last for several days; violent pains in the small of
the back, as though it would break.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cactus. Constipation; feeling of great weight in the
1
CHANGE OF LIFE-PILES.
181
anus; great desire to pass a considerable quantity; nothing,
however, passes; great itching and pricking; swollen varices
outside, which cause much pain; great desire to pass water.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Calcarea. The piles distended, painful; considerable
loss of blood during an evacuation; walking, or even a
semi-liquid evacuation, gives pain; feeling as if the lower
bowel were torn open; loud rumbling in the abdomen, and
straining; or sudden stoppage of this discharge, followed by
giddiness; falling down, with loss of consciousness; dulness
of the head; violent pressive, stunning headache.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Carbo Vegetabilis.-Large bluish-black piles; stitching
pains in the small of the back, and stiffness, and burning
sensation; tearing in the limbs; constipation, or burning
evacuations and discharge of blood; frequent tendency of
blood to the head; bleeding of the nose; flatulence; slow
action of the bowels; or for copious and burning discharge
of mucus from the rectum.
Two grains, 1st trituration, every three hours.
Causticum.-Tingling, itching, and smarting of rectum
after stool; soreness; oozing of moisture from anus; the
veins are so enlarged and painful as to hinder relief of the
bowels.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Chamomilla.-Both for blind and flowing piles, with
constipation or pinching; colic, and light-coloured evacua-
tions; itching pain at the anus, following diarrhoea, smell-
ing like rotten eggs, or burning, corrosive, yellowish, or
green and watery, with mucus, preceded by colic; the piles
are inflamed, and the edges of the anus cracked and ulce-
rated; compressive pains in the abdomen; tearing pains in
small of the back, especially at night.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Collinsonia. Obstinate piles; habitual constipation;
distressing pains; there may be alternate constipation and
182
CHANGE OF LIFE-PILES.
diarrhoea; the flow from the piles continuous, though never
at one time profuse. Very useful in those who have habit-
ually had painful menstruation and leucorrhoea; the diar-
rhoea is attended with nausea.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Dioscorea. Piles as large as cherries, either the colour
of the lining of the rectum, or livid dark-blue; obstinate con-
stipation; the relief dark, dry, hard, and lumpy, with pro-
trusion of the rectum.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Ferrum. Bleeding piles; much pressing in the rectum;
general, cachectic, debilitated appearance; pulse full and
hard, jerking, and rather slow; constipation alternating with
diarrhoea.
Two grains, 2nd trituration, every three hours.
Graphites.-Burning sensation and soreness between the
piles; burning, painful cracks; protrusion of rectum; burn-
ing and violent bearing-down every day; little blood is dis-
charged.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Hepar Sulphuris.-Clay-coloured stool, with bearing
down, straining, and weakness, little being passed at a time;
discharge of excoriating liquid and blood; protrusion of the
piles; rumbling.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Hamamelis.-Painful bleeding piles; burning and itch-
ing, fulness, soreness, and rawness of the anus; weariness
and weakness in back, as though it would break; loss of
blood generally profuse.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Hydrastis. Painful piles; headache and obstinate con-
stipation; severe smarting and burning pains in the rectum
during and for some hours after the bowels are relieved; and
colic, with faintness.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
CHANGE OF LIFE-PILES.
183
1
Ignatia.-Piles, with prolapsus of the lower bowel;
ulcerated hæmorrhoidal tumours; violent stitches in the.
rectum; itching and creeping at the anus; copious discharge
of blood; sore, contractive pain in the rectum; frequent
ineffectual efforts at relief of the bowels, and discharges of
blood-streaked mucus; uterine spasms; pain relieved by
pressure and lying down.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Ipecacuanha.-Piles, accompanied by difficulty of pass-
ing water; lowness of spirits; brooding disposition; nausea;
considerable loss of blood; stinging, cutting, burning pain;
prickings at the anus; generally diarrhoea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Leptandria. Piles, with constipation and frequent
hæmorrhage; distressing pain in the lower part of the back,
or diarrhoea, with discharge of membrane in shreds and
patches; sometimes complete tubular casts.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Lobelia.-Piles, with copious discharge of blood, and con-
sequent debility; great tightness at the pit of the stomach,
and acidity; feeling of want of power in the anus and
rectum, excessively troublesome and annoying at every relief
of the bowels.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Lycopodium.-Piles, with prolapsus of rectum and
hæmorrhage; protrusion of distended piles, notwithstanding
the loss of blood; itching, aching, and burning pains in
rectum and anus; the piles are painful when sitting;
spasms; bearing down upon the rectum, with labour-like
pains in the small of the back; cutting in the rectum and
bladder.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Muriatic Acid.-Piles inflamed, swollen, bluish, with
swelling of the anus; sore pains; violent stitches, and great
sensitiveness and pain when pressing on them.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
0
184
CHANGE OF LIFE-PILES.
Nitric Acid.-Swollen and painful piles, with loss of
blood at every relief of the bowels; violent pressure down
the back when standing; pain and prickling; swelling and
burning; the piles protrude continually.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica. For both blind and bleeding piles,
from the abuse of spirituous drinks, from a sedentary life,
or pressure on the rectum; they are inflamed; excessive dis-
charge of blood after every relief of the bowels; spasmodic
stricture of the rectum, with burning and itching; stitches
and shocks in the small of the back; bruised pain; the
patient is unable to raise herself up; or frequent constipa-
tion; ineffectual urging, as if the anus were closed or con-
stricted; frequent tendency of blood to the head or abdo-
men; distension of stomach; heaviness of the head; giddi-
ness and inability to think; suppression or retention of
urine.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Podophyllum.-Piles from portal congestion; constant
pain in the loins; worse during, and particularly after, an
evacuation; the piles are external, sometimes bleeding and
sometimes "blind." Aloes very much resembles Podophyl-
lum. Suitable to bilious subjects, who suffer from sickness,
giddiness, bitter taste and rising, a tendency to bilious
vomiting and purging; the urine is dark; constipation;
depression of spirits.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Pulsatilla.-Blind or bleeding; burning, painful sore-
ness felt both during rest and motion; pain in the small of
the back; ailments from suppression of the piles; alternate
diarrhoea and constipation; pain in abdomen; colicky pain
and flatulence; chilliness in the back; pressure in the pit of
the stomach, and in the rectum and anus when standing.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Sulphur.-Piles, with alternate constipation and dis-
charge of blood-streaked mucus; feeling of soreness in the
CHANGE OF LIFE-CHILLS.
185
anus; itching and stitches; frequent tendency of blood to
the head; palpitation of the heart; vascular system is
easily disturbed; throbbing in the whole abdomen; anguish ;
oppression after the least emotion; weak digestion; sup-
pression or painful discharge of urine; bleeding, burning,
and frequent protrusion of the piles.
Three grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Veratrum Viride.-Piles, attended by neuralgic pains.
in the anus and rectum; the piles are in constant pain;
sometimes red, and in other instances dark blue; evacuations
from the bowels natural and regular.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Chills and Heats-
Arsenicum.-General coldness; parchment-like dryness.
of the skin; or profuse perspiration; or alternation of dry-
ness and perspiration on the hands, feet, and abdomen;
great languor; weakness and trembling; tearing pains in
the bones and limbs; and a good deal of stretching, giddi-
ness, humming in the ears, and fainting.
Two grains, 6th dilution, every three hours.
China.-Internal coldness, with shuddering and shaking
in the afternoon or evening, followed by heat and perspira-
tion at night; during the chilliness, headache and nausea;
absence of thirst; giddiness; congestion of blood to the head;
paleness of the face; after the chilliness, thirst; during the
heat, dryness of the mouth and lips, with burning redness
of the face, headache, and excessive hunger.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Sudden suppression of the monthly discharge at this period
of life, attended by any unusual or painful symptoms, must
be treated on the principles laid down for the treatment of
suppression of menstruation.
The same remarks apply to leucorrhoea, or abundant or
excessive white discharge.
General Rules.-As at the commencement of menstrua-
tion or puberty, so at the cessation of this function, it is
02
186
CHANGE OF LIFE-DIET.
necessary to observe more than ordinary caution, to exercise
some considerable self-denial, and to live by rule. There
should be the less reason for strongly enforcing this, see-
ing that mature judgment ought at once to recognise and
discharge the duties. demanded. In proportion as this is
done, will suffering and inconvenience be avoided.
Daily, out-door, walking exercise, whenever practicable;
strictly regular hours. Crowded parties, large assemblies,
and all undue excitement, must be avoided. The diet must
be simple, and easy of digestion; all rich and highly-seasoned
dishes must be abstained from; very little, if any, pastry.
taken; and as to stimulants and strong tea, they are much
better dispensed with. A dose of the selected medicine when
faint feelings come on, will equal in relief, and be much
better in every way, than a glass of wine or a teaspoonful of
brandy. The consequences both to individuals and families,
which have resulted from having had recourse, under what
was conceived to be a necessity, to stimulants, have been most
lamentable.
Oysters taken without bread, pepper, or vinegar, will
sometimes agree, in irritability of the stomach and dyspepsia,
when nothing else will.
187
PART II.
AFFECTIONS OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS.
CHAPTER I.
AFFECTIONS OF THE EXTERNAL ORGANS.
INFLAMMATION, ERYSIPELAS, AND ABSCESS OF THE VULVA; VARICOSE
VEINS OF; PRURITUS, OR TROUBLESOME ITCHING OF; NYMPHOMANIA ;
SKIN DISEASES OF; ULCERS OF; WARTY EXCRESCENCES OF; NEURALGIA
OF; TUMOURS OF; CANCER OF.
THE vulva, or external organs, are liable to injuries from falls,
blows, or violence. In child-birth, the left labia, especially
in first confinements, is often injured, and frequently swells to
a considerable size: the inflammation, bruising, and swelling
resulting from which may be relieved by Aconite every two
hours, and bathing, in the first instance, with warm Arnica
lotion, followed by tepid compresses of the same. Strips of
soft lawn or lint, dipped in the same, must be inserted if
there is any danger of adhesion. Where Arnica is liable to
produce erysipelas, Calendula may be substituted, if the
bruising is not extensive; and when it is, Bellis, or the
common daisy, may be used without any possible incon-
venience, and equal benefit.
Inflammation of the vulva may arise spontaneously, may
be simple in its nature, and soon pass off; it may be followed.
by the formation of matter, and form an abscess; it may
leave a circumscribed hardness, or it may be erysipelatous in
its character from the first. It is usually slight, unless
neglected or aggravated by want of cleanliness. It is met
with as a form of leucorrhoea, or a symptom of disease of
the neck or body of the womb; is most frequently, however,
caused by cold, by sitting on cold or damp seats; it may
be a symptom of debility, of disorder of the digestive
188
INFLAMMATION AND ERYSIPELAS OF VULVA.
functions, or may follow low fevers, or be an accompaniment
of worms in the lower bowel.
Aconite. Inflammation of the vulva, with burning,
stinging, and shooting pains.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Belladonna.-Throbbing, cutting, pressing tearing, and
drawing pain.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Mercurius. The pains intermittent, aggravated by the
warmth of the bed, decreased by a cooler temperature;
general languid, worn-out feeling; terrible itching, increased
after urination; obliged to wash to get relief.
One grain, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Nux Vomica.-Burning, itching, pricking, attended by
derangement of the digestion, and constipation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Sepia.-Inflammatory swelling, with humid itching; erup-
tion on the inner labia; soreness and redness.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Sulphur. Inflammation, with burning pain, sometimes
accompanied by itching; pains in the limbs; weakness and
numbness.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Veratrum Viride.-Heat and redness (erythema); ting-
ling, prickling, and vesication; small blebs or blisters.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Apis.-Erysipelatous swelling; prickling, burning, sting-
ing pain; shining redness and puffy infiltration.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two or three hours.
Rhus.-Darkish erysipelatous inflammation;
vesicles; some constitutional prostration and debility.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
}
small
INFLAMMATION AND ABSCESS OF VULVA.
189
Arsenic. Apt to assume a low type, followed by ulcera-
tion; offensive discharge, or dark patches.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
G
Baptisia.-Discharge of a fetid odour, dirty colour, and
excoriating. Internally, and by lotion or injection, or gly-
cerole.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hydrastis.-Erysipelatous inflammation, followed by
obstinate ulceration or mucous leucorrhoea; considerable
debility; disorder of the digestive functions; and, generally,
some ulceration or abrasion of the mouth of the womb;
aphthous spots on the labia. Internally, and as a lotion,
injection, or glycerole.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Cantharis.-Very frequent desire to pass water; cutting,
burning pain, or passing a few drops; inability to pass
more than a few drops; burning in the vulva. The action
of Cantharides may be greatly aided by hot wet sponges.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Bryonia.-Inflammation of the labia, leaving a swelling,
and a black, hard pustule of some considerable size.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Abscess of the Vulva.-Inflammation, as elsewhere, is fre-
quently followed by the formation and discharge of matter.
The course of the abscess is generally rapid; it may range in
size from that of a nut to that of a hen's egg.
Belladonna.-Throbbing very persistent and trouble-
some; the swelling continuing of a deep red colour.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Arnica.-The swelling assuming a darker hue, but
remarkably sore and tender.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Hepar.-Alone or in alternation with either of the fore-
•
190
INFLAMMATION OF VULVA.
going, to prevent, or, when inevitable, hasten the suppuration
and discharge.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Aid by hot fomentation with a sponge, spongio-piline,
or cloths wrung out of hot water, whilst the abscess is
maturing, and for some little time after, to promote a
thorough discharge.
In children, inflammation of the vulva principally arises
from want of cleanliness, or the presence of worms; it
sometimes causes adhesion of the vulva, which require very
careful separation, lint being introduced after smeared with
Calendula Cerate. It is also followed by Intertrigo, or
Chafing, extending from the vulva, on either side, into the
fold of the thigh, and some little way down. In very fat,
scrofulous children this affection may prove obstinate, and
the inflammation be considerable; the parts become raw,
and there is a bad-smelling discharge. For the leucorrhoea of
children-frequently an occasion of alarm and anxiety to
parents-cleanliness, in the shape of frequent washings with
warm water, is absolutely demanded. It may be white or
yellow it proceeds from the front of the genitals; and may
result from weakness, or the irritation of worms or teething.
Calcarea, of the 6th trituration, night and morning for
a week or fortnight, will be all that is necessary.
:
Two grains for a dose.
For the thread-worms, or ascarides, give Mercurius at
night, and Cina in the morning. For the chafing, Chamo-
milla as an internal medicine, two drops, 3rd dilution, every
three hours, and Causticum Lotion, a teaspoonful, 2nd dilu-
tion, to four ounces of water, will usually be all that is required.
In more obstinate cases, Hydrastis internally, and applied
as a lotion or glycerole; or thin, tepid oatmeal gruel.
Varicose Veins of the Vulva.-The vascular nature of the
substance of the external organs predisposes to enlargement
of the external veins, varices, or varicose veins, which should
be treated in the same way here as they are on the legs or
thighs. Their colour, accompanying and constitutional
VARICOSE VEINS OF VULVA.
191
symptoms, seasons, and causes of aggravation, must all be
taken into consideration. Whenever they occur, and what-
ever the exciting cause-pregnancy for example-a constitu-
tional tendency usually exists, which accounts for the insuffi-
ciency of purely surgical operations for the cure, either for
varicose veins or piles. Varicose veins of the vulva are
sometimes found co-existing with piles; when Collinsonia,
two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours internally, and
a lotion externally, will apply. Should they prove obstinate
under this treatment, administer Nux Vomica and Sulphur.
Nux Vomica, two drops, 2nd dilution, twice in the day;
Sulphur, two grains, 6th trituration, at night.
For varicose veins of the vulva, when existing alone-
Arnica. They are very sore, with a bruised feeling.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Arsenicum. They burn like fire; general debility.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Carbo Vegetabilis.-Attended by painful discharge of
urine; complete suppression.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Causticum.-Much worse when walking.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Ferrum.-In weakly people, with fiery red face.
Two grains, 2nd trituration, every four hours.
Graphites.-They itch, and have little pimples on them;
itching patches on different parts of the body.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Hamamelis. Pricking pains; hard, knotty, swollen, and
painful. Internally, and externally as a lotion.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Fluoric Acid.-Varices of long standing.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every twelve hours.
Lycopodium.-Very serviceable when the urine deposits
192
PRURITUS, OR ITCHING OF THE VULVA.
red sand; constipation; rumbling and croaking in the
bowels.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Intolerable itching, or pruritus of the vulva, more or less
attends some of the cutaneous affections to which the genital
organs are subject. It may be produced by leucorrhoea;
by irregular menstruation; by worms and piles, or varicose
veins; it has been caused by diabetes. It may be felt by the
young, or by women about the change of life. It may
appear to arise spontaneously. There is almost constant,
insupportable, uncontrollable itching, driving the patient
well-nigh distracted, and totally unfitting her for ordinary
society, as the desire to scratch the parts cannot be resisted,
though she tears herself until she bleeds. Sexual excitement
is sometimes superadded. Bad as it is during the day, the
irritation is rather worse at night. In these severe cases,
examination often reveals little to account for so persistent
and troublesome an affliction, beyond slightly elevated
papillæ, and somewhat increased redness and heat, in the
production of which, violent rubbing and scratching have
had much to do. An aphthous or cankerous condition of
the lining membrane may be detected; and sometimes con-
gestion and ulceration, or even cancer, of the mouth or neck
of the womb in fact, almost every affection of the womb
and genital organs has been set down as producing pruritus.
It no doubt, however, exists as a purely nervous affection.
With some it is a frequent accompaniment of pregnancy,
and often of inflammation of the vagina. In this distressing
malady, the first step is, as far as possible, to discover the
cause which is operating to produce it, as, with the relief of
this, the removal of the troublesome itching will be effected.
When all other treatment is unavailing, the administration
of a medicine adapted to meet purely constitutional symptoms
is sometimes speedily efficacious.
:
Aconite. With burning, tingling, prickling, crawling,
stinging, shooting pains; discharge of purulent mucus and
blood from the vagina.
Internally, two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours; and by lotion, in-
jection, or glycerole.
PRURITUS, OR ITCHING OF THE VULVA.
193
Baptisia.-Mucous membrane white, with reddish points
or papillæ here and there; edges red and shining.
Internally, two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours; locally, a tea-
spoonful to four ounces of water.
Borax.-Aphthous state of mucous membrane; white
patches here and there, easily bleeding.
Internally, two grains, 3rd trituration, every four hours; and, topically,
one ounce to half a pint of water.
Caulophyllum.-Aphthous condition, with menstrual
irregularities and leucorrhoea.
Internally and locally, two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Collinsonia.-Painful menstruation; most obstinate
constipation; prolapsus or falling of the womb; inveterate
itching and irritation, especially if there be piles in addi-
tion.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Cornus Circinata.-Pruritus and aphtha, or small ul-
cerations, with heightened sexual feelings, in emaciated, scro-
fulous subjects.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cantharides.-Burning in the vulva; violent itching in
the vagina; pressure on the neck of the bladder; frequent
urging and effort, a few drops only being passed.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every two hours.
Carbo Vegetabilis.-Violent itching, preventing sleep
at night, unattended by eruption.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Conium. Tingling, creeping, smarting, burning, itching
-relieved by scratching, but soon returning. Adapted for
the nervous or sub-acute affection. Specially in weak and
languid persons subject to glandular swellings.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Calcarea. Stinging, burning, tearing, throbbing, itch-
-
194
PRURITUS, OR ITCHING OF THE VULVA.
F
ing, with pimples; irritation worse in an evening and in
bed. For persons with an unhealthy, readily-ulcerated skin;
even trifling wounds fester and do not heal.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Hamamelis.-Acute inflammation or violent contrac-
tions of the vagina; smarting, burning sensation, followed
by intense itching; leucorrhoea scanty; highly-coloured
urine, with scalding; piles are sometimes present.
Internally, two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours; and locally, by
glycerole or lotion.
Hydrastis. When epithelial abrasion and superficial
ulceration of the mouth and neck of the womb or vagina are
present, with an erysipelatous rash; patches of white mem-
brane; itching and chafing; leucorrhoea; considerable de-
bility, and disorder of the digestive functions.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Kali Carb.-Violent prickling, burning, itching; the
parts become easily bruised by scratching; pulsation of all
the arteries down to the ends of the toes, and violent orgasm
of the blood, especially in the evening.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Kreosote.-Itching so violent towards evening, that it
nearly drives her mad; an irresistible desire to scratch, fol-
lowed by burning; uneasiness of the whole body; frequent
yawning; voluptuous itching deep in the vagina, followed
by smarting, swelling, and heat of the external parts, with
soreness of the vagina when passing urine.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Mercurius.-Leucorrhoea, especially in a an evening,
greenish, causing smarting in the fore-part of the genitals,
obliging her to scratch; the scratching brings on a violent.
burning, with pleasurable sensation.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Nitric Acid.-Violent itching; she is almost beside her-
IRRITATION OF THE SEXUAL ORGANS.
195
self; the parts bleed when scratched, followed by pricking,
stinging, shooting, and smarting; palpitation; trembling of
the limbs; fetid, cherry-coloured, or greenish leucorrhoea
immediately after the menses.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Opium.-Violent burning, stinging, itching, with small
round elevations; the labia are of a pale-bluish colour.
Adapted for cases brought on or aggravated by a free use of
spirituous liquors or strong wines.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Platina.-Voluptuous tingling; oppressive anxiety and
palpitation; sexual excitement.
W
Two drops, 30th dilution, every six hours.
Sepia. Swelling, humid itching of the inner labia; sore-
ness and redness between the genitals and rectum, and
between the thighs; prolapsus of vagina and uterus; in-
duration of the neck of the womb; acrid leucorrhoea ; sen-
sation as if the pudenda were much larger than usual.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Staphysagria.-Stinging itching of the pudenda and
vagina; painful sensitiveness and spasmodic pains; vesicles
or minute blisters, with a biting sore pain when touched;
the whole body feels painful as if weak and bruised.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Sulphur.-Itching in the vagina from time to time, with
troublesome itching of the pudenda, with pimples all around;
painless vesicles on the outer parts; burning in the vagina,
so that she is scarcely able to sit still; inflammation of one
of the labia, with burning pain; smarting leucorrhoea.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours,
Thuja.-Itching of the pudenda: they feel sore and
smarting, swell, are painful and burning when walking or
touching them; burning and smarting in the vagina when
walking or sitting; the patient is prevented from falling
196
NYMPHOMANIA.
-
asleep; congestion from piles, with stinging, burning pains
at orifice of rectum.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Veratrum Viride.-Tingling, prickling, with hyper-
sensitiveness and pain; oppression of the chest, and nausea,
may also be present.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Nymphomania.-An intense, almost uncontrollable, sex-
ual excitement, so strong as to tempt, and sometimes to
lead, the patient to set aside all restraints of modesty and
decency. As a concomitant of the affection just treated, it is
sometimes unhappily met with in the single; and in the
married during pregnancy.
In some cases it is to be feared this maddening irritation
is induced and maintained by the habit of self-indulgence,
and stimulation of sexual excitement, which may not only
produce such pitiable exhibitions and behaviour as that
which characterises the nymphomaniac, but lead to con-
firmed epilepsy or idiotcy.
Agaric. Excessive itching, and sexual excitement, ac-
companied by profuse menstruation.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every two hours.
Arsenic.-Irritation and excitement, attended by inflam-
mation of the parts, or profuse menstruation, or chronic ulce-
ration of the womb; general debility and cachexia; thirst;
restlessness; sleep disturbed by dreams.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Belladonna.-Throbbing headache; stitches through the
brain; delirium; furious, ludicrous, or muttering; flushed
face; menstrual irregularity; bearing-down of the womb;
ulceration or induration, especially when manifesting itself
in lying-in women.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Caulophyllum.-The irritation is of a reflex character,
with general tremulousness, especially if an aphthous condi-
NYMPHOMANIA.
197
excitement.
tion of the vagina or pudenda generally be present; men-
strual irregularities, or displacement of the womb.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Cypripedium.-Intense, purely nervous irritation and
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Cannabis Sativa.-Great excitation of the sexual in-
stinct; vehemently angry, so that she spits in people's faces,
or is partly merry and partly serious; restless, anxious
sleep.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Cantharis. In the last stage of the disease, continual
manifestation of sexual frenzy, and utter loss of shame;
frequent urination, with cutting, burning pain may, in some
cases, be present.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Carbo Vegetabilis.-Irritation and voluptuous itching of
both the vagina and the extremity of the rectum; varicose
veins; eructations of flatulence, affording only temporary
relief.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every two hours.
China.-Troublesome itching and irritation, with bloody,
serous leucorrhoea; occasional clots of black blood, or fetid
purulent matter; spasmodic contraction of the inner parts.
In lying-in women, or when attended by painless indurations
of the neck of the womb.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Coffea.-Nymphomania of the lighter sort, with volup-
tuous itching, profuse secretion of mucus, and frequent
discharges of blood.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Cocculus.-In chlorotic females; nausea, with faintness;
menstrual irregularity; anguish; oppression at the chest;
198
NYMPHOMANIA.
spasms at the chest, and jerking of the limbs; shivering
sensation over the breasts.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Conium.-Violent and excessive irritation, coming on
immediately after the menstrual period; pressing downwards
of the womb; dwindling of the breasts; urgent desire to
urinate as often as every half-hour; passing it is accompanied
by pain.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Digitalis. Excited sexual desire; lewd dreams and
tancies; pulse very slow; continual inclination to pass
urine, but a little only every time; diarrhoea, and often small
maw-worms (ascarides) are passed.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Hyoscyamus.-Excited sexual desire, accompanied by
itching of the genitals and the skin of the body generally;
almost convulsive trembling of the hands and feet; im-
moderate loud laughter; loss of modesty and shame; she
tries to uncover herself.
S
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Lachesis.-Tickling, jerking, extended from the thighs to
the sexual organs, which swell up; sexual excitement and
delight, succeeded by a spasmodic contraction in the uterus,
which afterwards passes to the right side of the abdomen
and the chest, accompanied by heat; oppressive anxiety, and
tickling under the skin, from the anus to the region of the
kidneys, and between the shoulders.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every three hours.
Moschus.-Violent sexual desire, with intolerable titil-
lation; palpitation of the heart, and anxiety.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every two hours.
Opium.-Amorous fancies; lasciviousness and mania; very
sleepy, but cannot sleep; constipation.
Three drops, 6th dilution, every two hours.
NYMPHOMANIA.
199
Phosphorus. In pregnant women, weak empty feeling
in abdomen; spasms and cutting pains.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Platina. Excessive sexual desire, particularly in lying-in
females; voluptuous tingling in the pudendum and abdomen;
oppressive anxiety; palpitation; pressure on the genital
organs, with a relaxed feeling; headache; restlessness and
weeping.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every four hours.
Sabina.-Pleasurable sexual excitement; heavy feeling
in the abdomen; profuse menses; swelling of the breasts;
leucorrhoea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Stramonium.-Loss of consciousness; hot head; dark-
red face; dilated pupils; copious running of saliva from the
mouth; grinding of the teeth; trembling and anguish.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Sulphur.-Troublesome excitement of the whole of the
genital organs; menstrual irregularities; smarting leucor-
rhoea.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Veratrum Album.-In lying-in females, and where it
arises from an unreciprocated attachment; mania, with
lewdness and lascivious speeches; great thirst; debility;
vomiting and diarrhoea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Zinc.-Repeated and frequent sexual excitement in the
course of even a single night, not as the result or continua-
tion of dreams; varices of pudendum sometimes appear;
relief on the flow of the menses.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
The diet must be perfectly unstimulating and plain; no
stimulants of any kind, not even tea or coffee; no rich food;
P
200
NYMPHOMANIA-DROPSY OF THE VULVA.
no seasoning of any sort, not even pepper. Regular hours
a life out of doors; something to live for; something to do
worthy the doing. Patient must sleep on a hair or spring
mattress, with light covering. Cold dripping sheet every
morning; and cold sitting baths several times a day, for two
minutes at a time.
1
Edema, or Dropsy of the Vulva.-This affection is almos
invariably an accompaniment of dropsy of some other part o
the body. If quite local, give—
Apis. Shiny red swelling, with intense stinging pain.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Arsenic.-Swelling pale, with burning sensation; patient
debilitated and weak.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Cutaneous or Skin Affections of Vulva.-The skin affec-
tions to which the vulva and parts adjoining are liable, are
Eczema, Herpes, Lichen, and Pustules. They may be re-
garded as local manifestations of constitutional disturbance,
or taint, aggravated by the natural tenderness of the parts,
the unavoidable irritation to which they are exposed, and
the irritating nature of the urine, often increased by leu-
corrhoeal discharge; or they are but the outward sign of
some internal affection.
JUD
Eczema.-An inflammation, followed by a cluster of small
vesicles; the contents of which are either absorbed, or consti-
tute patches of rawness or excoriation, attended by more or
less watery or serous exudation, which may form their flakes
or thicker crusts. It may arise from a chill, as from a
draught, sitting on damp grass, wearing damp clothes, change
of clothing at the change of the seasons, errors in diet, the
use of spirituous liquors, or wine containing a large propor-
tion of spirit; it sometimes accompanies deranged menstrua-
tion, or uterine affection; may be caused by irritant leu-
corrhoea, or follow child-birth, as one of its numerous
attendants: the state of the urine in rheumatic patients, or
those who inherit such tendency, sometimes accounts for it.
Aconite.-Tingling, itching, burning, stinging soreness;
ECZEMA OF THE EXTERNAL ORGANS.
201
vesicles filled with serum or acrid fluid; redness and in-
flammation of the parts; rheumatic pains.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Arsenicum.-Eruption like millet-seeds; watery exu-
dation, or attended by scales like bran, or larger patches;
pains burning, with itching-apt to return at stated intervals.
Specially adapted to the weak and debilitated, subject to
thirst and despondency.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Borax.-White pimples, the size of hemp-seed, sur-
mounted by inflammation; whitish patches of thin mem-
brane here and there, or a generally unhealthy skin.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every four hours.
Clematis.-Vesicular pustules, which itch excessively in
bed after washing or urination; heat, redness, and swelling;
corrosive exudation. Adapted to relieve long-standing inve-
terate eruptions.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Causticum.-Great heat, redness, tenderness, and smart-
ing; considerable corrosive exudation, affecting genitals,
and extending to the folds of the thighs.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every four hours.
Comocladia.-Violent itching, burning, redness, and
swelling; followed by yellow vesicles.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Dulcamara. Small itching pimples, forming a crust, or
drying off like bran. Specially when resulting from cold or
damp.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Iris Versicolor.-Vesicles gradually forming; pustules,
which dry up and leave a crust from the exudation of lymph
underneath the scab; it looks red, and bleeds if the crust is
removed.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every six hours.
P 2
202
ECZEMA OF THE VULVA.
Chamomilla.-Eczema, followed by excoriation or raw-
ness; the nervous system is very sensitive and irritable, and
the digestive organs deranged.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
China. Skin painful and sensitive, with itching; ex-
coriations; fetid ichor, or exudation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Graphites.-Chronic dryness of the skin, cracking; red-
ness, soreness, and irritation; the skin generally unhealthy;
menstruation deficient.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Juglans. Eczema, with heat of skin; crawling sensa-
tions; chilliness; the discharge is thick and offensive; crusts
form, which are hard, and of some extent.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Mercurius. Troublesome itching at intervals; irresisti-
ble desire to scratch until the parts bleed; the scratching
imparts a very pleasurable sensation; peeling of the skin
where the eruption has been, or watery, acrid humour; yellow
complexion.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Petroleum. The affected parts are painful, sensitive
even to the touch of the ordinary clothes; itching, moist,
sore spots; unhealthy skin generally.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every six hours.
Phosphoric Acid.-Red spots or patches, dry or moist;
itching, crawling sensation, or burning, smarting; excoria-
tion in the groins. Specially in patients suffering as well.
from nervous debility.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Pulsatilla. Eczema, with an unusual quantity of exuda-
tion, muco-purulent in its nature, attended by unusual leu-
corrhoea, or menstrual irregularity.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
ERUPTIONS ON THE GENITAL ORGANS.
203
Ranunculus.-Chiefly applies to a persistent, horny scurf,
or dry exudation.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every six hours.
Rhus.—Burning, itching, crawling sensation; vesicles of
small size, with redness, or running one into the other; and
when arising from getting wet, or a chill, as through bathing
in cold water.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Sarsaparilla.-Burning, itching eczema, extending down
the inside of the thighs and on to the abdomen. Useful in a
gouty or rheumatic constitution; frequent desire to urinate;
scanty emission.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Sepia. Scurfy or humid eczema, with soreness or itch-
ing; excoriation; swelling of the glands of the groin.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Sulphur.-Stinging, burning vesicles of small size, with
red margins; sensation of creeping and prickling; thick
yellow scurf; excoriation; swelling of the glands.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
M
Herpes. An inflammation of the vascular rete of the
skin, occurring in irregular patches, on which vesicles appear
of a semi-globular form, filled at first with a clear fluid,
which becomes turbid, and afterwards dries in thin scabs; it
is attended by tingling; sometimes by severe neuralgic pain.
It may terminate in deep painful ulcers. Generally the
result of digestive derangement, cold, or mental perturba-
tion. Familiar examples are afforded by the eruption and
small blisters which form near the lips after a cold, and by
shingles.
Alnus Rubra.-Herpes of an obstinate chronic cha-
racter, showing itself in scrofulous subjects. Internally,
and externally as lotion-a teaspoonful to four ounces of
water.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
204
ERUPTIONS ON THE GENITAL ORGANS.
Calcarea. Great heat, thirst, and little appetite; large
elevated patches of eruption of the size of small peas, or
scurfy places on the thighs, burning at night; the ulcers
which form do not show a disposition to heal; small wounds
have matter in them, and do not heal; itching of the nates
and the back part of the thighs; anxious trembling, with
languor. Or the eruption may appear to get well, then sud-
denly to return, and that repeatedly.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
S
Aralia.-Herpetic eruption, caused by the taking of Mer-
cury in Allopathic doses; or for old, indolent, offensive ulcers.
Internally and externally.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every six hours.
Arsenic. Herpes having a red, unwholesome appearance,
attended by burning, especially at night.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Cistus Canadensis.-Excessively painful tingling or
itching; swelling of the glands of the groins. Adapted for
scrofulous subjects.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Clematis.-Tendency to spread; or when followed by
scales; or when attended by yellowish corrosive discharge; or
chronic, red, moist herpes, with intolerable itching from the
warmth of the bed, or after washing. Specially after Mer-
cury.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Conium.-White transparent pimples, filled with an acrid
humour, which form crusts, accompanied by local, fetid,
smarting perspiration; chronic herpes, humid or crusty, and
burning.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Dulcamara.-Stinging, burning, itching feeling, as of
the rapid crawling of insects, necessitating violent scratch-
ERUPTIONS ON THE GENITAL ORGANS.
205
ing, which at first increases the itching, but ultimately causes
it to disappear. Herpes caused by cold or damp.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Graphites.-Itching of the parts; scratching of the vesi-
cles; evanescent herpes going and returning; the herpes
assumes the form of an inflammatory swelling; a generally
unhealthy skin.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Juglans. Herpes, like that which appears on the lips
after a cold, attended by a crawling sensation and chilliness;
or of an obstinate nature; or followed by ulcers.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Lycopodium.-Insufferable prickling, tingling, itching,
in small patches, or insensible, yellowish-brown, shrivelled
herpes.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Petroleum.-Inveterate ulcers, following herpes; un-
healthy skin.
sleep.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every twelve hours.
Phytolacca.-Herpes, with intense itching, preventing
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Podophyllum.-Minute vesicles, at first filled with a
serous fluid, which rapidly change to a whitish or yellowish
hue, the superficial inflammation being quite severe.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every six hours.
Sepia. Great tendency to spread; brown-red, herpetic
spots; scurfy, humid herpes, with itching and burning.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Rhus. Burning itching, with redness and swelling of
the parts; the vesicles are yellowish, or filled with milky or
watery fluid, and continue moist, or they dry up rapidly, and
scale off in a few days.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
206
ERUPTIONS ON THE GENITAL ORGANS.
Sulphur. Formication, or disagreeable creeping itching;
it itches and burns violently after scratching.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Lichen. An eruption of pimples, attended by some vas-
cular congestion or redness, infiltration, dryness, and itch-
ing. In appearance it is as though an ordinary goose-
fleshed condition of the skin had turned red, and remained
So. It is caused by over-heating and acrid discharge, or by
debility, as from over-suckling, or long-continued, exhaustive
discharge.
Arsenic.-Burning itching, creeping and pricking, and
on the thighs and loins; parchment-like dryness, coldness,
and blueness of the skin.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Chamomilla.-Thick clusters of red pimples on a red
surface; itching, especially at night, and somewhat smart-
ing; extreme irritability and sensitiveness of the nervous
system, occasionally shuddering.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
China.-Lichen, succeeding to itching and scratching;
biting, itching sensation; bleeding after scratching; nervous
sensibility, with a morbid feeling of general weakness, and
painful weariness of the limbs.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Dulcamara.-Small, slight-itching pimples, with dry-
ness, heat, and burning of the skin; heaviness, lassitude, and
desire to rest.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Muriatic Acid.-Caused by thin acrid leucorrhoea,
attended by titillating, prickling, itching, relieved only for
a short time by friction.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Sulphuric Acid.-From the same cause, attended by an
ERUPTIONS ON THE GENITAL ORGANS.
207
:
'irritation, like that of woollen clothes on a sensitive skin;
rheumatic pains; chilliness and languor.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Sulphur.-Disagreeable creeping itching or burning;
obstinate.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Sanguinaria. Also for that of an obstinate nature,
accompanied by heat, dryness, or itching.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.

Pustules or Pimples, or Vesicles filled with matter—
Antim. Tart.—Single vesicles or blotches, not very much
inflamed, gradually increasing in size and number; they
become filled with matter; the pustules may dry up, or some
of them may leave deeply-penetrating ulcers.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Cimicifuga.-White pustules, resulting from rheumatic
irritation of the internal organs, or from menstrual irregu-
larity.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Dulcamara.-Bright, red-pointed pimples, which fill
righ pus in a few days.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Graphites.-Small, red, itching pimples; their tips full
pus; they burn when scratched, and soon disappear.
itable for pustular eruptions of a slight evanescent nature.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Iris.-Vesicles gradually forming into pustules, which
up and leave a crust; the pustules are situated on a
e-coloured, inflamed base, with red streaks running from
e to another.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Mercurius.-Vesicles, filled with yellowish lymph.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
208
APHTHÆ, AND ULCERATIONS OF VULVA.
Podophyllum.-Pustules, with heat of skin and irrita-
tion.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Aphthous Affections of the Vulva.-The mucous lining of
the vulva is subject to an affection precisely analogous to
thrush of the mouth and tongue; it is amenable to the same
treatment. Borax, internally, and dissolved so as to form a
wash. In case this fails, substitute Hydrastis in the same
way, and follow up with a few doses of Arsenicum. This
affection may arise from digestive derangement, or want of
cleanliness; it may also be an attendant on pregnancy.
Ulcerations on the Vulva, of a low type, which may
assume a gangrenous character, are sometimes met with in
young, under-fed, badly-nourished, debilitated children,
called " noma pudendi," of the same nature as cancrum
oris" of the cheek. The strength of the constitution must
be raised by a judicious administration of good beef-tea, and
other nourishment.
66
Cornus Florida, internally, and as a lotion, as soon as
any cankerous spots are noticed.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Baptisia, if they do not yield, and the surface round
them assume a darker shade, with the least fetor; and esp
cially if there be diarrhoea. Internally and externally.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Arsenicum will generally arrest further progress, ev
if dark livid spots appear, or mortification even has set
Ordinary balm, or yeast from fermenting beer, spread
strips of lint or linen, should be applied inside the labia, ar
externally, whilst Arsenicum is administered internally.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Simple ulcerations, or cankerous spots, with inflam
edges, very tender and painful, may be met with at any a
They will yield either to Mercurius Corrosivus or Nitr
Acid, and frequent ablutions with tepid water.
In scrofulous young women they are occasionally met wi
}

ULCERATIONS OF VULVA.
209
as large as a shilling: then, in addition to these two reme-
dies, those mentioned in the previous paragraph may be de-
Inanded.
Specific Ulcers (Chancre), or sores on the vulva, circular
in form, with raised, rimmed edges and a hard base, especially
if difficult to heal, are almost always of a suspicious nature,
the result of the syphilitic virus. Such ulcers must not be
confounded with aphthæ, recently noticed, or with ulcers.
following herpes. Aphthæ are not painful, and do not form.
ulcers. The ulcers of herpes are white; the edges are not so
elevated; are not hard; and, if left to themselves, will ulti-
mately heal. Specific ulcers soon lead to a painful enlarge-
ment of the glands of the groin.
Mercurius Corrosivus.-Ulcers with hard, elevated
edges, and which easily bleed; or ulcers which manifest a
rapid tendency to spread.
Two drops, 5th dilution, night and morning.
Nitric Acid.-Ulcers with red, inflamed edges, discharg-
ing a thick, yellow pus.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every six hours, and a solution of the same dilu-
tion, a teaspoonful to four ounces of water, kept applied by a piece of
lint.
Baptisia.-Ulcers with hard, inverted, callous edges, and
greyish inside.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours, and a lotion of a teaspoonful
of the strong tincture to four ounces of water.

Hydrastis.-Ulcers with hard, red edges, that gradually
spread, or, at all events, show no tendency to heal.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours, and lotion externally.
Sanguinaria.-Ulcers manifesting a rapid tendency both
to spread and deepen.
Three drops, 1st dilution, every three hours, and lotion externally;
bathing the ulcer well every time the lint is changed.
Aurum Muriaticum.-Ulcers of the character to which
210
ULCERS AND WARTY EXCRESCENCES OF VULVA.
Mercurius applies; but which, nevertheless, resist its in-
fluence.
One grain, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Warty Excrescences, or Condylomata of Vulva, otherwise
Sycosis, or Fig-warts, may be regarded as the outgrowth, or
manifestation of a dyscrasia, or inherited or acquired ten-
dency; therefore requiring, for their eradication, consti-
tutional treatment.
Thuja.-Warts on the vulva or anus, or on both, with
stinging, burning pain; they easily bleed if touched.
Three drops, 6th dilution, for a week, night and morning, followed by
three drops, 6th dilution, the next week, night and morning; washing
the parts frequently with a lotion of a teaspoonful of strong tincture
to eight ounces of water, for the third week.
Sulphur.-Two grains of the 6th trituration every night.
Aurum Muriaticum.-Warts of decidedly syphilitic
origin.
Dose and administration as for Sulphur.
Nitric Acid.-Warts with considerable discharge, which
corrodes the parts, and has a foul smell.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every six hours. Well bathe with a lotion of a
teaspoonful of the same dilution to four ounces of water.
Sabina applies to the same kind as Thuja, and is to be
given and applied in the same way, where, after fair trial,
Thuja does not succeed; or it may be used as an intercurrent
remedy with Thuja.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Mercurius Corrosivus.-In mucous tubercles and warts
of vulva and anus; general weakness, paleness, and puffiness.
Two drops, 5th dilution, night and morning; and the parts bathed with
a weak solution of it.

Sulphur should be administered occasionally, two grains
of the 6th trituration, twice a week for some time, to eradi-
cate any remaining constitutional taint.
NEURALGIA AND PARASITES OF VULVA.
211
Vascular Tumour of the Orifice of the Urethra.-Oc-
casionally, at the upper edge or angle of the vulva, close by
the outlet for the urine, a foreign body, vascular and red,
about the size of a horse-bean, is met with; it is exquisitely
tender, and easily bleeds: there is very great pain in passing
water, and on the slightest pressure. It is met with in
young women; in those of middle age; and I have also seen it
in females well advanced in years. Such a tumour may be
successfully removed by surgical operation: it is advisable,
however, to try medicinal means first, internally and locally.
Cypripedium for the extreme nervous sensibility and
pain.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, whenever the pain is severe; the part being
frequently bathed with a lotion of two teaspoonfuls of the strong
tincture to eight ounces of water.
Follow it by-
Thuja. Stinging, burning pain; it easily bleeds.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, night and morning; with a lotion of the same
strength as Cypripedium.
Neuralgia of Vulva.-When great pain and sensitiveness
of the external organs are experienced, they may arise from a
tumour of the kind just described, from inflammation, or
may be purely neuralgic, paroxysmal, and periodic. In this
case it is associated with neuralgia of the vagina, and yields
to the same treatment.
Ascarides of the Vulva.-The vulva may be the seat of
two kinds of parasites-small thread or pin-worms, and lice.
The presence of worms in the lower bowel may sympatheti-
cally affect the external organs; or they may escape and
lodge between the folds of the external organs, where they
excite great irritation.
If worms are present, administer-
Mercurius Vivus, one grain of 6th trituration at night,
and three drops of 2nd dilution of Cina in the morning,
until relieved: following with-

Calcarea, for leuco-phlegmatic temperaments, three grains.
of the 6th trituration every night, and then every other
212
K
VULVA PARASITES- -TUMOURS OF VULVA.
night, for a fortnight; finishing with two 2-grain doses of
the 6th trituration of Sulphur.
Lice usually affect the hair of the vulva, and are the result
of uncleanly habits; they are sometimes caught from such
dirty people by those who are unfortunately brought in
contact with them, as sleeping in the same bed, or use of the
same sponge or towel. Guernsy says they can speedily be
got rid of by an application of Essence of Bergamot, or high-
dried Scotch snuff in glycerine. Should these fail, ointment
of 6th trituration of Mercurius Vivus will suffice to dis-
lodge them. The irritation they cause is incessant; and
they soon infest the armpits as well.
Encysted Tumours of the Vulva.-Serous tumours of the
vulva are painless, and not very common; they may be of
any size, from that of a chesnut or hen's egg, to that of the
fist: unless somewhat deeply seated, they are semi-trans-
parent. They contain fluid, sometimes glairy, colourless, or
thick, yellowish, and puriform; at others, unhealthy and
dark, which occasionally, on bursting of themselves, they dis-
charge, showing, however, very little disposition to heal.
Their cause may be a fall, blow, or other accident long
since received, or they may be a manifestation of internal
and more serious disorder. They occasion, according to their
size, more or less inconvenience and pain in the lower part of
the back, inner side of thigh and labia, and consist essen-
tially of cysts, sacs, or bags filled with fluid, or by growth
from their walls.
Fibroid tumours are also met with, but their occurrence
is very rare.
The surgical treatment is carefully to dissect out the
tumour, and, by after-dressing, to promote healthy and equal
granulation—a plan obviously not adapted to cases where
bursting has taken place; and inasmuch as this may spon-
taneously occur, it is only reasonable to try to hasten such
an event by medicine, and to endeavour to ensure a speedy
evacuation of the contents, and to foster a healing process.

All this can be, as I have found, safely, and in a reasonable
time, effected by Homoeopathicmedies.
Arnica.-If the result of injury. Externallter-
TUMOURS OF VULVA.
213
nally, of varying dilutions, from the 6th up to the 200th a
:
dose every twenty-four hours
Bryonia has a decided effect on tumours of the labia;
there is swelling, hardness, and discolouration, blueness or
darkness of the skin.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every six hours.
Asclepias Incarnata.-Applies also to simple swelling
and circumscribed hardness.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every six hours.
Chelone. When the tumours threaten to break, and are
painful.
S
violent.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Baryta.-Tearing pain in the tumour at intervals, very
Conta
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Calcarea. Constant aching; pressure cannot be borne.
Most suitable for scrofulous leuco-phlegmatic constitutions,
in whom the monthly period is too frequent or too profuse.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Nitric Acid.-A constitutional taint is suspected; itch-
ing and prickling pain; great soreness from walking or from
any irritation.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every six hours.
Sabina. The tumour is swollen; red and painful to the
touch; tearing pain during rest.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Hepar to be given, three drops of 3rd dilution, every
two or three hours, as soon as a tumour bursts.
Silicea. When the discharge continues, with but little
abatement, or the prospect of it.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Sulphur. Tendency to excoriation, from the discharge;
urination causes much pain.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
214
TUMOURS OF VULVA.
Arsenic. The discharge is thin and unhealthy; great
constitutional debility; burning, lancinating pain; pale
cachectic look.
Tumours or swellings of the labia may also arise from an
increase of the vascular portion, sometimes, but not always,
the result of injury or violence, as in labour; at other
times attributable to a psoric taint of constitution.
Hamamelis, if the result of injury, both locally and
internally.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours. Bathed frequently with a
lotion of a teaspoonful of strong tincture to four ounces of water.
Two grains, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Carbo Animalis.-Burning sensation, with threatening
of permanent hardness.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, night and morning for a week; then the like
quantity of the 6th for a week; then the 30th for another week; and
so on, unless symptoms entirely alter: if there is improvement, steadily
continue with an occasional dose of Sulphur, 30th.
the vulva.
Nitric Acid.-Prickling pain; itching greatly increased;
soreness from walking, or any irritation.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every four hours.
Platina.-Painful sensitiveness, with inward coldness of
near.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Silicea. Violent burning and soreness of the part, and
an eruption on inner side of thigh.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Sulphur.-Troublesome itching of the part, with pimples
Dose as for Silicea and Plutina.
Swelling of the vulva may also be due to varicose veins,
treated of at length at page 191.
CANCER OF VULVA.
215
Lastly, a tumour, or swelling of the hinder and lower part
of the labia, may be caused by hernia, or rupture; a loop of
intestine may come down, or a portion of the bladder be
involved. If bowel, on the patient lying down, the pro-
truded portion can be readily pressed back with a gurgling
sound. If bladder, irritation and constant desire to pass
water. In this case the water may have to be drawn by a
catheter before the hernia can be reduced.
Arnica and Nux Vomica. The first immediately after
reduction.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours, and externally as a lotion;
followed by two drops, 3rd dilution, Nux Vomica, every four hours.
The external organs of generation are liable to warty
cancer, and to a corroding or rodent ulcer of malignant
nature. Similar affections are met with in the tongue, and
on the cheeks and lips.
Cancer of the Vulva is met with in females of middle life,
and is not unfrequent. It presents an irregular, jagged,
undermined edge, with a thickened, hardened feel, and an
unwholesome gray surface, with undulated or warty excres-
cences. The glands in the groin become quickly affected by
absorption. Allopathy knows of no remedy but that of
excision, which is confessedly a temporary expedient. We
have several remedies which apply, as—
Galium Aperinum. The swelling dense and painful;
the surface nodulated.
Six drops, 1st dilution, every four hours, and a lotion kept applied, and
frequently syringed on the surface of the sore, of two teaspoonfuls of
strong tincture to half a pint of water.
Hydrastis.—The pain is great, and it does not yield to
Galium. Apply and administer in the same way.
Iodide of Arsenic.-As soon as the glands in the groin,
which must be most carefully watched, become in the least
hard.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, night and morning.
The Rodent or Eating Ulcer produces much the same ap-
Q
216
AFFECTIONS OF VAGINA.
t
pearance; but there are no warty granulations, and the
glands of the groin do not become affected.
Chamomilla.-Raised callous edges, which bleed at the
least touch; a thin ichor, fetid and corrosive; headache;
flashes of heat; loss of appetite; jaundiced look.
Three drops, 1st dilution, every three hours, and lotion of two teaspoon-
fuls of strong tincture to half a pint of water.
Ranunculus in the same way, if Chamomilla does not
relieve.
Arsenic. Thin, ichorous, offensive discharge; bleeding;
distressing burning sensation, constantly increasing destruc-
tion.
A grain, 6th trituration, night and morning; a small quantity being
applied, after careful syringing with tepid water, night and morning.
FOR.
CHAPTER II.
AFFECTIONS OF THE INTERNAL ORGANS.
I. THE VAGINA; THE HYMEN; PROLAPSE OF THE VAGINA, TREATMENT
OF; SPASM OF THE VAGINA; VAGINISMUS; INFLAMMATION OF THE
VAGINA; VAGINAL LEUCORRHŒA; INDURATIONS, TUMOURS, AND
CANCER OF THE VAGINA ; VAGINAL FISTULA.-II. THE UTERUS;
CONGESTION; INFLAMMATION; UTERINE LEUCORRHŒA; INFLAMMA-
TION OF THE NECK OF THE WOMB; ULCERATION; NEURALGIA; IRRIT-
ABLE UTERUS; DISPLACEMENTS; POLYPI AND FLOODING; TUMOURS ;
CANCER; DROPSY; FISSURE OF THE ANUS.-III. THE OVARIES; IN-
FLAMMATION; TUMOURS ; CANCER; OVARIAN DROPSY, OPERATION
OF THE VAGINA.
THE vagina, or canal leading from the labia to the orifice of
the womb (as is seen in the passage of the child's head at
birth), is extremely dilatable. In very rare instances it has
been found wanting; in some few others, divided into two
canals; in some, not communicating with the womb, but
AFFECTIONS OF VAGINA.
217
ending in a cul-de-sac; in some, absent, and now and then
imperforate.
Hymen Imperforate.-The entrance to the vagina is
usually, in young persons and virgins, nearly closed by a thin
but tough membrane, called the "Hymen;" with a small
oval or crescent-shaped opening, for the passage of the
menstrual secretion. Serious consequences ensue when this
opening is absent, from the retained menstrual fluid-an
operation, not unattended with risk, being necessitated in
order to relieve the patient. Such accumulation has been
mistaken for tumour of the vagina.
In some cases, of which I have met but one, the hymen
remains intact until the birth of the first child, when it has
to be broken down. The medical attendant is sometimes
required to perform the same operation on marriage. The
absence of the hymen must not always be construed as an
evidence of transgression; it may have been destroyed by
disease, such as inflammation or ulceration, or by accident;
or it may be congenitally absent; or, in other words, may
never have existed. The rupture of the hymen is attended
by a flow of blood, sometimes slight, at others somewhat con-
siderable.
The vagina, like the womb, is liable to prolapsus, or dis-
placement, which may be partial or complete.
Partial displacement of the anterior part, involving the
bladder, technically called "cystocele," or "hernia of the
bladder," or of the posterior portion, involving the rectum.
or lower bowel (“rectocele”).
Displacement of the anterior part may arise in a lengthened
labour, when the bladder is suffered to remain without water
being passed, or the catheter used to draw it off. In preg-
nancy, from the gravid uterus pressing on the bladder,
causing over-repletion, and difficult and incomplete passing
of urine. From the reprehensible habit of going for length-
ened periods without passing water, either usually or when
travelling, some sudden extra exertion consummating the
accident.
It is attended by somewhat the same sense of weight and
dragging as bearing-down of the womb; there is more un-
Q 2
218
PROLAPSE OF VAGINA.
easiness in walking, and considerably greater inconvenience
in passing water. A swelling is seen at the entrance of the
vagina when the bladder is full and tense, yet yielding to
the touch; shining and bluish-red in colour. When the
bladder is emptied, it is no longer tense, but puckered in
folds as the water again distends the bladder, the tumour
enlarges, and is painful. The tumour causes a good deal of
irritating mucous discharge. The urine is usually high-
coloured, and of very strong odour, with more or less ropy
mucus, from the bladder not being thoroughly emptied. It is
often impossible to pass any water until the parts are in
some measure replaced.
Prolapse of the posterior wall of the vagina (“rectocele”),
in which the rectum is implicated, as the bladder is in that
of the anterior portion. The swelling is not perceived all at
once, but takes place by degrees, and naturally tends to get
worse and worse, until it occasions prolapsus, or bearing-down
of the womb, in addition. Relaxation or weakness of this
portion of the vaginal wall, is the primary origin of this
troublesome affection.
Very rarely, prolapse of both the anterior and posterior
wall have been met with at the same time in the same
individual. Prolapse of the posterior portion, or rectocele,
is usually mistaken by the patient herself for displacement
of the womb.
Rectocele may be caused by habitual and long-continued
constipation, the fæcal accumulation gradually distending
the rectum into a pouch, which projects into the vagina: by
constant pressure of a displaced womb on the rectum, causing
a like result by the relaxation of the parts from violent or
frequent purgation. It may arise from partial rupture of
the perinæum in child-birth. It has been caused by general
dropsy, when the increase of fluid gradually produces an
external protrusion of the posterior wall of the vagina.
Rectocele gives rise to very many of the same symptoms as
prolapse of the anterior portion; the weight dragging, and
difficulty of passing water, with the addition of irritable
bowels; often fruitless straining and great pain. The swell-
ing lessens whenever the bowels are properly relieved.
-
DISPLACEMENTS OF VAGINA.
219
The exposure of the delicate mucous surface, and irritation
from unavoidable friction, sets up more or less inflammation,
and considerable acrid discharge.
The tumour is somewhat compressible, but does not im-
part a fluctuating sensation. On examination, in front of it,
the mouth and neck of the womb, except in very advanced
cases, are found in their natural position.
Treatment. By position, precautionary measures, and
medicine. When the bladder is involved ("cystocele"), the
patient must be confined to bed and the couch, with a pillow,
or cushion of some thickness, under the hips; the bladder
must never be allowed to get distended, nor water to remain
in it in any quantity, or for any length of time, a catheter
being worn.
When the rectum is implicated ("rectocele"), the patient
must recline as advised above, a moderately tight bandage
worn, and the bowels and general health strictly attended to
by medicine.
Inversion or prolapse of the entire vagina, in which some-
times there is actual protrusion, is less common than the
other two forms. This accident may be caused by rupture of
the perinæum; by an over-stretching of the vagina, from a
too rapid descent of the child in labour; by instrumental
delivery or manual interference, such as turning; by lingering
labour: a persistent relaxation of the vagina results, coupled
with, and increased by, a relaxed and weakened condition of
the system generally.
The puckered folds of the mucous coat of the vagina are
very different to the smoother, denser, and narrower mouth
of the womb, which can be reached through the vagina.
There is usually some corresponding displacement, and en-
largement of the neck of the womb, with a considerable
mucous discharge.
Medicinal Treatment of all these varieties.
Aconite.-Inflammation of the parts; burning pain;
more or less feverishness; mental distress as to her con-
dition.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.

220
DISPLACEMENTS OF VAGINA.
Arnica following. Lifting, straining, or violent and sud-
den shaking or shock.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Apis.-Intense twingeing sensation, like bee-stings; ery-
sipelatous inflammation.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Arsenic. The parts look black, and burn like fire;
great debility, restlessness, and thirst.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Belladonna.-Great pressure and forcing; felt most in
morning; heat, dryness; scarlet-red appearance of vagina;
drawing pains, coming on suddenly, and going off suddenly;
back feels as though it would break.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Calcarea. Great laxity of the parts; general muscular
weakness. Suitable for a leuco-phlegmatic temperament.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Lachesis.-Pain in the parts, as if swollen; they have to
be relieved of all pressure; of a deep purple colour; the
patient wakes often at night in great distress.
Three drops, 30th dilution, every six hours.
Cantharis.-Detention of urine, with constant desire,
and great effort to pass a few drops.
One drop, 6th dilution, every half-hour; then every three hours.
Conium.-Much nausea and giddiness, especially when
turning over in bed; breasts sore, enlarged, and painful,
especially at the periods.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.-The prolapsus caused by straining or
lifting, is much worse from any effort. The patient wishes
to pass water, and to relieve the bowels very often; but little,
however, is passed; bad nights.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three or four hours.
DISPLACEMENTS OF VAGINA.
221
Mercurius Vivus.-Pain, itching, and smarting, much
worse at night in bed; general chilliness; sallow com-
plexion.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Opium.-Patient very drowsy; sunken pale face; itching,
burning, and straining; fetid diarrhoea; retention of urine;
dry mouth and thirst; contractile power of bladder greatly
weakened.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every two hours.
Sepia.-Burning, sharp, shooting pain; great sense of
weight; has to cross her thighs, as though to prevent the
inner parts from escaping altogether; pressure on bladder;
constant desire to urinate; sensation as if some drops passed;
burning, tensive, crampy pain at anus, and straining; stitches,
and feeling of great weakness in rectum; very painful bear-
ing down. Patient is worse when sitting quietly.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Sulphur.-Retention of urine; violent desire; burning
in the passage; pressure on bladder and rectum; rush of
blood to the head; prickings; stitches; burning and
strangulated feeling at the rectum; frequent unsuccessful
effort at relief of the bowels; faint feelings.
One grain, 6th trituration, every four or six hours.
Sulphuric Acid.-Violent pressure on neck of bladder,
as though it would be pressed out; equally violent when
walking, standing, or sitting, obliging patient to press the
thighs tightly together; retention of both urine and stool.
Three drops, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Stannum.-Burning at anus immediately after stool;
aching, itching, stabbing pain; desire to urinate, as if
bladder were full; the urine scanty and fetid; after micturi-
tion an intensely painful pressure at neck of bladder, and
along the course of the passage; constant sensation as if
urine would come; if some drops pass the pressure becomes
much worse; great lassitude when walking.
A grain, 6th trituration, every four or six hours.

222
SPASM OF THE VAGINA.
Aletris.-Affection appears to arise from general and
local weakness; pressure, weight, and colic.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Spasm or Cramp of the muscular coat of the Vagina,
may proceed from local irritation in persons of highly
sensitive or hysterical temperament; from displacement or
organic affection of other organs, as of ovaries or uterus; from
riding, walking, mental emotion, or even the menstrual
period.
Artificial dilatation is but a temporary and unphilosophi-
cal expedient: relief by Homœopathic medicine is as speedy,
and far more permanent.
Belladonna.-Sense of heat and dryness of the parts;
nightly yawning; chilly feeling in the back; flushes of heat;
frontal headache; profuse menstruation; spasms come on
suddenly; generally leave in the same way, returning with
equal violence if not checked.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Cocculus.-Spasms, with suppressed or irregular menses;
flatulence; anguish; oppression of breathing; nausea; faint-
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
ness.
Ignatia.-Headache; heaviness; heat in the head;
dread of light; anguish; palpitation; languor; faintness;
spasms at menstrual period; hysterical feelings; lowness of
spirits.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Mercurius.-Inflammatory swelling of vagina; acrid
leucorrhoea; excoriation; general chilliness; sallow com-
plexion.
A grain, 6th trituration, every four or six hours.
Nux Vomica.-Swelling of vagina, resembling a pro-
lapsus; burning pain, rendering contact intolerable; con-
stipation, or frequent urging. Specially adapted for those
who habitually indulge in high living.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three or four hours.
F
VAGINISMUS.
ร่
223
Platina.-Painful sensitiveness; continual pressure; in-
ternal, almost constant, chills; coldness, except the face.
Adapted to highly nervous constitutions.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Pulsatilla. Spasms; chilliness; nausea; pain and op-
pression at pit of stomach; heartburn. Specially for mild
tearful dispositions, subject to leucorrhoea.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Extreme sensibility, or hypersensitiveness of the Vagina,
technically called Vaginismus, is a violent, rigid, spasmodic
closure of the entrance of the vagina, excited by even the
slightest contact, as of a feather or camel-hair brush: the
closure is as complete as it is painful, the patient shrieking
out from intensity of suffering. It has occasioned very con-
siderable distress and annoyance to married ladies who have
been its unfortunate subjects. It may arise from cutaneous
affection of the vulva; from inflammation or fissure of them,
or of the rectum; or it may be a manifestation of a general
hypersensibility, in which not only the vagina, but uterus
may share. If this contraction result from the secondary
causes just referred to, they must be cured before it can have
more than temporary relief. It will only be fair to suppose,
if one or other of the remedies do not greatly modify or
remove the complaint, that, however distressing and urgent,
we must deal with some other affection before we can hope
to be successful with this, though most apparent.
Aconite. The slightest touch produces the spasm;
shiverings; violent agitation; terror, sometimes fainting.
Suitable for the plethoric, subject to rushes of blood; lively,
nervous, irritable, and who lead, whether from choice or
necessity, a sedentary life.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours, and local application of
a weak lotion of twenty drops of strong tincture to four ounces of
water.
Belladonna.-The spasm excited and renewed by the
least contact, followed by insensibility or delirium; jerkings
or immobility of the limbs.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every hour.
224
VAGINISMUS.
Caulophyllum.-Painful cramp from want of tone and
natural contractility; unusual irritability of the vagina;
the spasm intense, continuous, agonising.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Cimicifuga.-Spasm intensely powerful, but intermitting,
attended by cramps in the legs; want of tone in the
nervous and muscular system generally; hysteria; some-
times epilepsy.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Muriatic Acid.-Depends on herpetic eruption on the
parts.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours; frequently bathing with a
lotion of a teaspoonful of this dilution to four ounces of water.
Nitric Acid.-Attended by, or arising from, fissure of the
rectum; the pain attending relief of the bowels often most
distressing.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three hours, with local application of a
lotion of a teaspoonful of 1st dilution to four ounces of water.
Nux Vomica.-Excessive sensitiveness to any impression,
to the slightest touch; the whole nervous system more or
less sympathises; constipation as from contraction and con-
striction of the bowel; rush of blood to the head. Most
useful to those who sit much, or those accustomed to rich
living.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Platina. Most effectual in this affection, and in those of
irritable temperament; general copious menstruation and
sexual excitement; tremulous, nervous thrill of whole body.
One grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
G
Cypripedium.-The affection arises from a cause else-
where, as fissure. As an intercurrent remedy, or even when no
extraneous cause can be detected; there is irascibility and
fretfulness; sleeplessness; pains and hysterical feelings;
INFLAMMATION OF THE VAGINA.
225
agitation at the least contradiction, or exceptionally lively
and talkative. It controls "functional irritation."
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three or four hours.
Inflammation of the Vagina.-The mucous lining of the
vagina is very liable to inflammation, both acute and
chronic, which may arise, and be confined to the vagina;
or an extension of inflammation of the neck or mouth of the
womb, with "leucorrhoea," or "whites," as a usual accompani-
ment.
The acute form attended by heat, a sense of fulness,
redness, swelling, and tenderness; a frequent desire to pass
water; of scalding in passing it. May be caused by cold or
wet, especially by getting wet-footed: it is frequently met
with in married women who have had families. In the
unmarried the chronic variety more prevails. Specific, acute
vaginitis, or gonorrhoea, is always the result of contagion,
though it is not by any means easy indisputably to pro-
nounce on the character either of the inflammation or the
discharge; the microscope even failing to supply a reliable
test.
A sudden invasion of symptoms-considerable swelling of
the labia, discomfort in sitting, aching and weight between
the vulva and the rectum, with tenderness at the bottom of
the bowels, over the bladder-may afford ground for strong
suspicion, especially if accompanied by profuse, yellow, acrid,
purulent discharge, probably streaked with blood, with other
circumstances of a doubtful character, may justify an un-
favourable opinion. The specific form is the most difficult
to cure.
The chronic variety is insidious in its onset, and is the
result of debility, constitutional delicacy, or uterine displace-
ment. It is met by attention to the general health, by
hygienic, hydropathic means, and medicines of a constitutional
or anti-psoric character, and by first removing the prolapsus,
where it exists. It is accompanied by yellow, often corrosive,
leucorrhoea, although of not equal acridity to that attending
the acute.
In acute vaginitis, either simple or specific, if the symp-
226
INFLAMMATION OF THE VAGINA.
toms are at all severe-confinement to bed; low diet
avoidance of all stimulants; bathing with tepid water, and,
as soon as they can be borne, frequent injections of thin
gruel and tepid water, using the water cold as the symptoms
improve; administering one or other of the following
medicines:-
Aconite.-Pain, swelling, heat, and tenderness, with
stinging, shooting pains; muco-purulent discharge, more or
less abundant, streaked with blood.
A quarter of a drop of the strong tincture every two hours.
Cantharis. Very frequent desire to pass water, with
cutting, burning pain on passing a few drops.
One drop, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Veratrum Viride.-Heat and redness of the whole
tract, with small blebs or blisters on the inside of the labia.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Apis.-Prickling, burning, stinging pain, with shining
redness; puffy infiltration of the vulva.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two or three hours.
Rhus. Darkish-red inflammation, with small vesicles on
labia, and some constitutional prostration and debility.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
M
Sepia. Frequent great desire to urinate, with bearing
down; smarting, tearing, cutting pain; discharge yellow,
whitish, like milk, or streaked with blood, with burning
pain, producing soreness between the thighs.
A grain, 6th trituration, every three or four hours.
Chronic Inflammation of the Vagina, with which is
associated Vaginal Leucorrhoea, may be the result of the
acute neglected or mismanaged. The acute stage may be so
slight as to escape notice, or it may be chronic from its very
commencement. The debility in which this latter takes rise,
may be caused by too profuse or too prolonged menstruation,
frequent child-bearing, or miscarriage; by the undue or too
INFLAMMATION OF THE VAGINA-LEUCORRHŒA.
227
long suckling of an infant; it may be associated with
chlorosis, or be the result of a consumptive or scrofulous
constitution; may accompany pregnancy, ovarian, uterine,
or abdominal tumours, piles, derangement of the liver, or
even prolonged dyspepsia and constipation; and, as pre-
viously stated, bearing-down of the womb. Women who live
too well, and take little exercise, also suffer from it.
Leucorrhoea may proceed from the uterus, as well as from
the vagina; but when it does, a considerable quantity of the
vaginal is mixed with it. True uterine leucorrhoea consists
of tenacious alkaline mucus, and may result from mental
emotion, loss of rest, spinal irritation, menstrual irregularity,
or digestive and general debility, as from protracted labour,
or getting about too soon after.
An alteration in the nature of the vaginal or uterine dis-
charge, sometimes, amongst other things, in married ladies,
accounts for their not having a family: it may be whitish
or yellowish, greenish, or both, thick and creamy, and viscid,
or thin and watery.
In addition to the causes above mentioned, vaginitis, and a
consequent discharge from the glands or follicles in the
vagina, or at the neck of the womb, may result from sudden
suppression, either of perspiration, piles, or diarrhoea; of the
milk in nursing-women; from the sudden healing of an
abscess, or of a skin disease; or stoppage of a discharge from
the ear, of spontaneous vomiting, of the expectoration in
bronchitis; from cold damp weather, from living in a damp
house or neighbourhood, or a fenny, marshy district.
Aconite.-Copious, tenacious, yellowish leucorrhoea, in
place of, or after menstruation; more particularly in stout,
plethoric individuals.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Æsculus Hippocastanum.-Depending upon piles or
irritation of the rectum, uterine congestion, prolapsus,
retroversion, or painful menstruation; often connected with
a burning sensation in one or both breasts.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
1
228
INFLAMMATION OF THE VAGINA-LEUCORRHEA.
-
Aletris.-General and local debility, from protracted ill-
ness, loss of fluids, or defective nutrition.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three or four hours.
Aloes. The discharge greenish, and has the peculiar
odour of that from piles, which are usually present.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three or four hours.
Alumina.-Leucorrhoea after the menses; or acrid, with
burning sensation in vagina and rectum; either white and
transparent, or yellow; only or chiefly in the day-time.
A grain, 6th trituration, every four or six hours.
Ambragris.-Bluish-white clots; profuse; at night—
not acrid; preceded by sharp, shooting pains in vagina.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four or six hours.
Ammonia Carb.-Violently acrid, watery discharge;
considerable soreness; the right breast is painful to the
touch.
A grain, 6th trituration, every four or six hours.
Ammonia Mur.-Chronic discharge, like white of an
egg, or brownish, slimy, and painless; comes on after passing
water; distension of abdomen without flatulence; pinching
pains around the navel.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Anacardium.-Attended by both itching and smarting.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Antimonium Crudum.-Acrid, watery leucorrhoea,
causing smarting, or white and transparent, passed with the
A grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
urine.
Antimonium Tartras.-Dark and watery, or thin and
watery, with itching and burning of the vagina, in delicate
females, or in tardy convalescence after confinement.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.

LEUCORRHEA.
229
odour.
Apis.-Profuse, yellow, greenish, acrid, with painful,
burning urination.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Aralia.-Leucorrhoea, of an acrid character, and offensive
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Argentum Nitricum.-Depending on inflammatory
irritation of mucous lining of the vagina; considerable, and
somewhat acrid.
A grain, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Arnica.-Profuse after over-exertion, straining, or lift-
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
ing.
Arsenic.-Thick, yellow, acrid, corrosive, in cachectic, de-
bilitated subjects, dropping sometimes from patient whilst
standing; emission of flatus; burning pain in the vagina,
with swelling and excoriation of the labia.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Baptisia. Virulent or fetid; physical, mental, or
nervous depression.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours, with an injection of a tea-
spoonful of 0 to eight ounces of water.
Borax.-Chronic, acrid, white, like white of egg, or thick
as paste; sensation as of warm water flowing down.
A grain, 3rd trituration, every four or six hours.
Calcarea. With or without menstrual irregularities;
daily, copious, bland, and milk-like; violent itching, or
burning and shooting pain; general lassitude; loss of flesh;
weakness of chest, especially when talking, with oppression
or pressive pains; dry, fatiguing cough; uneasy sleep; irri-
tability; peevishness; vehemence at trifles; anxiety, sad-
ness, and apprehension.
A grain, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
G

230
LEUCORRHEA.
Cantharides.-Acrid and burning during urination; not
occasioned by deep-seated disturbance of the organism.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every three or four hours.
Carbo Animalis.-Burning, acrid, yellow; considerable
distension of the abdomen, with weight as of a lump;
audible rumbling of incarcerated flatulence; excessive fatigues
after walking; great sensitiveness to the open air.
A grain, 3rd trituration, every six hours.
Carbo Vegetabilis.-Coming on especially in the morn-
ing, when rising; disappearing for the remainder of the
day; white and thin, or thick and yellowish; itching, red-
ness, soreness, and burning of the genitals; red and sore
places on the vulva.
A grain, 3rd trituration, every four hours.
China.―Thick; a raging pain in the genitals; melan-
choly feeling about the heart, and desire to take a long
breath; leucorrhoea before the menses, with painful pressing
towards the groin and rectum; or bloody, with occasional
discharge of clots of black blood, or fetid, purulent matter ;
troublesome itching and spasmodic contraction of vagina.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Conium.-Thick, white, milk-coloured, with smarting
and excoriation; pinching pain in the bowels; weakness and
lameness in the small of back, followed by lassitude.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Dulcamara.-Corroding leucorrhoea, brought on by get-
ting wet or by damp.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Erigeron.-Profuse, with spasmodic pains, and irritation
of bladder and rectum; usually scanty menstruation.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Ferrum.-With soreness, and unnatural heat of vagina;
serous, offensive fluid, mixed with flocks of mucus; corrodes
when it first appears, and resembles water and milk.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
LEUCORRHOEA.
231
Gelseminum.-White leucorrhoea; heaviness and fulness.
in uterine region; aching across the bottom of the back.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Graphites.-Profuse vaginal leucorrhoea of white mucus;
weakness in back and small of back when walking or
sitting, especially in the morning when rising from bed; or
thin leucorrhoea, with distended abdomen.
A grain, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Hedeoma.-Yellow vaginal leucorrhoea, causing itching,
burning, or excoriation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Helonias. Uterine leucorrhoea, from atony or con-
gestion; pain in the lower part of the back; great soreness
and tenderness of the breasts and nipples.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hydrastis. Uterine yellow leucorrhoea, of an extremely
tenacious character; long shreds, or pieces in it, sometimes
offensive; often derangement of the liver and stomach.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Hypericum. With uterine weakness; delayed men-
struation; palpitation of the heart; pressure in small of
back, and heaviness in lower part of the bowels.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Ignatia.—Chronic, purulent, yellow, corrosive; preceded
or accompanied by violent crampy pressing in region of
womb, like labour pains; hysterical symptoms and weakness.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Iodine.—Attended by engorgement of the lining mem-
brane of the vagina, which is hot and sore, with occasional
shooting pain, and a sense of fulness; it is yellowish, thick,
and very often fetid, in pale, cachectic, or chlorotic indi-
viduals.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every six hours.
R
Ma
t
232
LEUCORRHEA.
Kali Carb.-Mucous, yellowish, with itching and burn-
ing; general faint feeling; frequent yawning; weakness of
whole body, especially the small of the back.
A grain, 2nd trituration, every four hours.
Kali Hydriodicum.-Thin, watery, or acrid, corrosive;
biting pain in the genitals; languor, weakness, and chilli-
ness; the breasts decrease in size.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Kali Nitricum.-Thin, white leucorrhoea, with pain in
the small of the back, as if bruised; great weariness; heavi-
ness of the head, and drowsiness.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Lachesis. Preceding the usual menstrual period three
or eight days; copious, slimy, causing smarting; it stiffens
the linen, and leaves greenish stains behind.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every six hours.
Leptandria. With chronic ulceration of the mouth of
the womb; it is sometimes fetid, with shreds of mucous
lining in it; irritation of bladder and rectum; frequent pain
at the bottom of the bowels; general languor and pros-
tration; heat and dryness of the skin.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Lycopodium. Profuse milky leucorrhoea at intervals, or
of a blood-red; violent itching of genitals, and swelling;
headache; acidity; coated tongue; faintness, especially in
the mild and lymphatic.
Two drops, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Mercurius.-Acrid, and sometimes corrosive; worse in
an evening; greenish in colour; the smarting obliges the
patient to scratch, and the scratching produces a distressing
burning.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Mezereum.-Chronic leucorrhoea, causing an inflam-
matory itching of the vagina; or albuminous, of long stand-
I
LEUCORRHEA.
233
ing; malignant in character. Peculiarly suited to the
scrofulous, subject to glandular swellings,, or those whose
constitutions have been injured by Mercury.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every six or eight hours.
Muriatic Acid. With dryness, redness, smarting, and
burning of vagina; often fetid; sometimes with shreds of
disorganised membrane, or accompanying fissure of the
rectum.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours, with a weak injection of the
same.
Nitric Acid.- Of an obstinate nature, in the anemic or
scrofulous; generally profuse, acrid, and sometimes fetid;
pinkish, greenish, or yellow; general depression; and often
fissure of the anus.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours, with weak injection.
Nux Vomica.-Yellowish and fetid, in place or in con-
tinuation of the usual monthly period; swelling of vagina,
with burning pain; very troublesome. Especially suited
to those who live well, and do not take much exercise.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Phosphorus. Slimy, smarting, viscid; raising blisters;
frequent urging to urinate; disposition to weep.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Phosphoric Acid.-Leucorrhoea after the menses, thin
and acrid, or profuse and yellow, with itching, in those
weak after diarrhoea, or from any exhausting discharge, as
from an abscess.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Platina.-Leucorrhoea, like white of egg in consistence
and colour, unattended by pain, or any sensation; chiefly
after passing water, or on rising from a sitting posture, or
obstinate leucorrhoea-generally in those subject to profuse
menstruation, of a melancholy or hysteric temperament.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
R 2
234
LEUCORRHOEA.
Podophyllum.-Discharge of thick, transparent mucus,
with constipation; combined with displacement of the womb,
or after child-birth.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Pulsatilla.-Milky or thick yellow leucorrhoea, with
burning, stinging pains in the labia and vagina; chilliness;
nausea; trembling.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Rumex.-Abundant leucorrhoea in the weakly and con-
sumptive.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Sabina. Milky, starch-like, or ichorous and fetid; some-
times with blood; occurring in place of usual menstruation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Sanguinaria.-Corrosive and fetid in the scrofulous,
cachectic, and consumptive; or when attending ulceration of
the mouth of the womb; or at "change of life.”
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Sarsaparilla.-Mucous leucorrhoea, troublesome when
walking; the nipples are flaccid and insensible, with itching
round them.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Secale. From weakness of vagina and uterus; attending
displacement of these organs, especially in the thin and
spare.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Senecio. Following damp cold feet, or with rapid
failure of health; faintings; absolute prostration; chlorosis,
or threatening of dropsical symptoms.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours,
Sepia. In the delicate, with fine white skin, and quiet
disposition; in those subject to sick headache, especially at
papagaling
LEUCORRHOEA.
235
"change of life;" watery or yellow, like milk or pure mucus ;
or corrosive or fetid, or even greenish-red.
A grain, 3rd trituration, every six hours.
Sulphur.-Obstinate, slimy, yellowish, corrosive · It
either arrests it, or changes it into simple mucus.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Sulphuric Acid.—Sanguineous instead of mucous, with
a sensation as if the menses would appear; or milky or
transparent, without that sensation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Trillium. For vaginal and uterine leucorrhœa; fetid,
yellowish, of the consistence of cream; or whenever it is
excessive in quantity, and evidently weakening the patient.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Zinc.-Leucorrhoea before or after the menses, attended
by sharp pains in the bowels; thick, and causing itching;
weakness in the hands and feet; chilliness; weeping mood;
ill-humour; anxiety.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Zizia.-Leucorrhoea, with retarded or suppressed menses;
it may be acrid, or bland and profuse; the menses may set
in for one day, then stop, and be followed by leucorrhoea, at
first acrid, afterwards bland and copious; chronic leucorrhoea,
attended by irritation of the spine or brain.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Regular and systematic exercise must be taken; but walk-
ing too far, or standing long, must be avoided. A quick,
tepid, or cold sponging every morning; the wet sheet wrung
out of tepid water, followed by vigorous rubbing, and a cold
sitz bath for two or three minutes, twice a day, will be of
great service. Great benefit is, in many cases, derivable from
friction down the spine; or in summer, by having a gentle
stream of water poured over it, one hand of an attendant
very quickly and lightly following the other down the course
236
INDURATIONS, TUMOURS, AND CANCER OF VAGINA.
of the spinal column, the patient sitting over warm water,
with a blanket over the legs and abdomen.
Feather beds, for sleeping on, can on no account be in-
dulged in; a mattress, with just sufficient clothing to main-
tain warmth, must be used.
-
Indurations and Contractions of the Vagina.-Inflam-
mation of the vagina may leave permanent hardness, adhesion
of the sides, and contraction of the vaginal space. The best
treatment is the preventive, by due management, of the in-
flammation itself. Hardness may be the result of syphilitic
or cancerous taint, and contraction, sometimes caused by
injury received during labour; when, to effect a cure, con-
siderable time and patience are necessitated-possibly, sur-
gical interference.
Extreme Narrowness of the Vagina, as a matter of con-
formation, and not through disease, is best remedied by the
use of graduated bougies.
Tumours of the Vagina.-Fibroid, polypi, or mucous.
cysts are rarely met with. When they arise, they must be
dealt with on the same principles, medically, as similar
tumours of the uterus.
Cancer of the Vagina, fungoid and epithelial, occurs
most frequently as an extension of that of the womb: it
presents itself, however, sometimes as an independent affec-
tion in the married rather than the single, and those who
have borne children. It is less accompanied by discharge of
blood than cancer of the uterus. Dr. West gives the follow-
ing indications :-" Pain rather more frequent than when the
disease begins in the womb; it is not paroxysmal; wearing
pain in the back, increased when the bowels are moved, or
water passed; the perforation of the bladder or lower bowel,
from extension of the disease, is not very common; micturi-
tion, however, is sometimes nearly impossible. The disease
is liable to extend to the womb; or the uterus may become,
independently but secondarily, affected. The cancerous
cachexia is soon developed, and the progress of the disease
rapid. There is some hope that epithelial cancer of the
vagina may be found more allied to lupus, or rodent ulcer,
than be intimately allied to cancer. The discharge is profuse,
CANCER OF VAGINA.
237
offensive, and blood-stained; the mucous lining soon dis-
appears under the advance of the disease, and the general
health suffers.
""
Allopathic measures, chiefly topical applications of Nitrate
of Mercury, lessen the discharge and the backache, improve
the general health, and prolong the life somewhat.*
Baptisia.—Acrid, very offensive discharge, stained with
blood, or dark-reddish brown; general debility.
Three drops of strong tincture every four hours, and local application of
a lotion of three teaspoonfuls of strong tincture to a quarter of a pint
of water.
Arsenic.-Thin, ichorous, offensive discharge; some
bleeding, and a good deal of burning sensation; constant and
rapid destructive action.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours, a small quantity of the
medicine being applied to the sore night and morning.
Galium Aperinum. The swollen part is dense and
painful, the surface nodulated.
Six drops, 1st dilution, every three hours, and a lotion kept constantly
applied, and syringed on night and morning, of a teaspoonful of the
strong tincture to a quarter of a pint of water.
Chamomilla.-Raised, hard edges, which bleed on the
slightest touch; a thin ichor, fetid and corrosive; headache;
flushes of heat; loss of appetite; jaundiced look.
Dose and application, internally and locally, as for Galium.
Hydrastis unquestionably relieves, more than any
hitherto known medicine, the pain of cancer of all kinds,
and, to a considerable extent, combats the effect of the can-
cerous diathesis. Three drops of the strong tincture every
four hours local application as for Galium. The general
health, the appearance, and the appetite should also improve
under this drug.
Nympha. In the very outset of the disease; inflamma-
tion; circumscribed hardness and redness; severe backache.
Three drops, 1st dilution, every four hours. Local application as before
ordered.
• Diseases of Women, Part II., p. 221.
238
VAGINAL FISTULAS.
Phytolacca.-Cancerous ulceration; sickly look; pale
face; nausea and headache; appetite not much affected;
constipation, or diarrhoea.
Three drops, 1st dilution, every four hours, with the application of a
small quantity of 1st trituration of Phytolaccin night and morning.
Ranunculus.-Intolerable burning, stinging itching
dark-yellow discharge; backache; heaviness, lassitude, and
trembling of the limbs.
Three drops, 1st dilution, every four hours. Local application as for
Galium.
Vaginal Fistulas.-Cancerous ulceration may eat its way
through the urethral canal for the passage of the urine, or as
far as the coats of the bladder, and even through, leaving a
permanent opening or communication, with no disposition of
itself to heal, and constituting a urethro-vaginal or vesico-
vaginal fistula. The urine constantly flows between the lower
vulva; the patient is constantly wet, and is annoyed by a
strong urinous ammoniacal effluvium, and is virtually excluded
from society in consequence. Long-continued pressure of the
child's head in labour may also cause these fistulas, as may
turning, the use of instruments, or pessaries.
Recto-Vaginal Fistula, or an opening similar to the one
described above, between the rectum and the vagina, is also
not uncommon. It is frequently caused by the injudicious
and violent use of instruments in delivery. There is an un-
restrainable escape of semi-liquid fæcal matter and flatus
through the vagina. It may result from abscess, or be con-
nected with rupture of the perinæum.
These very distressing, and by no means uncommon ac-
cidents, have, of late, received very considerable attention,
and surgical operation for their relief has attained a high
degree of excellence and success. Still, it is not unfrequently
found, that the most delicately and skilfully performed
operation is repeatedly unsuccessful; the parts do not heal
kindly, renewed ulceration taking place. This fact, and
the not unreasonable consideration that a constitutional
taint or psora must have existed in most, if not all the
cases, to account for the inflammation from pressure or
violence, resulting in a lesion so serious as these fistulous
8

VAGINAL FISTULAS.
239
openings. We know, without doubt, that such constitutional
taint does exist in cases of cancerous ulceration. Hence we
derive good ground for an expectation of success from
Homœopathic treatment, internally and locally, perseveringly
continued at all events equal to that obtained by operative
surgery.
Absolute rest, freedom from anxiety, change of air and
scene, with scrupulous attention to the general health, are
necessary in nearly every case.
In urethro-vaginal and vesico-vaginal fistulas, the constant
wearing of a silver tube, aided by injections and glyceroles
of the various medicines, are great auxiliaries; in the recto-
vaginal, bougies of medicated wax, and injections.
The medicines applicable are principally constitutional in
the effect; whilst they most materially lessen the discomfort
and suffering of these distressing affections.
Calcarea. Burning sensation; prickings, dartings, and
some inflammation of the part; constitutional irritation ;
the feet feel constantly cold and damp; great sensitiveness.
to chills and cold air; painful tension over the whole body;
the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet burn; the
small of the back feels as if bruised, and the muscles of the
legs are painful to the touch.
Two grains, 6th dilution, night and morning.
Carbo Animalis. Specially adapted to the scrofulous,
venous constitution, for improving the condition of the
blood lancinating, cutting pains of the part, and some little
induration; sickly appearance.
Two grains, 2nd trituration, every six hours, and application of the crude
drug in the form of paste.
Carbo Vegetabilis.-For bilious, melancholy, choleric
temperaments, subject to piles; also to the highly sensitive
and nervous. Burning at the rectum after stool; smarting;
anxiety, with tremulous sensation; aching, gnawing, and
pinching; itching, succeeded by burning, and an uncomfort-
able feeling of dryness at the anus.
Two grains, 2nd trituration, every six hours, with application of a paste
of crude charcoal.

240
VAGINAL FISTULAS.
Causticum. For those of weakly constitution, for the
consequences of long-continued grief, and for inveterate, long-
continued cases: generally beaten, bruised feeling, with
stiffness and numbness; despondency and whining mood.
Three drops, 30th dilution, every six hours, with local application of
lotion of one drachm to four ounces of water.
Lycopodium. For lymphatic, leuco-phlegmatic consti-
tutions, subject to mucous discharges: deficiency of animal
heat; much rumbling of flatus in the bowels; the fistula
frequently bleeds; red sand deposit in urine.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six or twelve hours.
Nitric Acid.-For the anemic and bloodless, who are, or
have been, subject to menstrual irregularities: general de-
pression of vital force; great sense of lassitude and pros-
tration-specially if there is the least syphilitic taint; the
urine has an intolerably strong smell, like that of horses.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every six or twelve hours, with application of a
lotion of one drachm, 1st dilution, to four ounces of water, to fistula.
Mercurius Corrosivus.-For the feeble, rheumatic, or
gouty, subject to obstinate, dry cough: some little hardness
and swelling of the part.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every twelve hours, with local application of
the 6th.
Silicea. General excitability; disposition to headache;
itching and moisture of the fistula, or tenderness, and of the
parts adjacent to it; itching at the vulva. Suitable for
those who have always menstruated abundantly, or been
subject to leucorrhoea.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours, and application of a paste
of the 6th.
Sepia. For delicate constitutions, with fine white skin,
rosy cheeks, and blond or red hair; very excitable; subject
to cold feet, and cramp at night; tendency to take cold, and
to suffer from catarrh. The urine is so offensive, that it can-
not be allowed to remain in the room; it deposits a reddish,
M

VAGINAL FISTULAS.
241
ay-coloured sediment, adherent to the bottom and sides of
he vessel.
wo grains, 6th trituration, every six hours, and application of 1st
trituration in powder or paste.
Sulphur at the 30th, as an intercurrent remedy, with any
the above.
lendula, in the proportion of one part of strong
re to six of water, or in the form of glycerole, will be
a most valuable application to vaginal fistulas. It is
c for lacerations, with or without loss of substance,
induration, especially in scrofulous subjects.
stis.-Faintness, and a general cachectic and loss.
tite condition of the body.
e drops, 2nd dilution, every four or six hours, and locally, in the
Torm of lotion, ointment (four grains of powdered root to one ounce of
simple cerate), or glycerole.
Myrica.-Constant craving appetite, with a sensation of
fulness; dull, heavy pain in head; pains in the extremities;
restless nights; dull, dragging pain in the small of the back,
not very severe; urine dark-coloured.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four or six hours, with local application
as above.
Dr. Guernsy, in his Obstetrics, page 92, gives the fol-
lowing, "For some of the most distressing concomitant.
symptoms:"
Aurum.-Much pain in the bones day and night; a
sensation of internal emptiness, and weakness of the whole
body.
A grain, 30th trituration, night and morning.
Lachesis. Much pain, of an aching character, in the
shin-bones only; the patient feels unhappy and distressed
after sleeping.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every six hours.
Petroleum.-Diarrhoea occurs very frequently, but only
in the day-time.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every six hours.

242
AFFECTIONS OF THE UTERUS.
Any prominent constitutional symptom that may ari
during the treatment must not be neglected, a remedy bein
administered for it. This will occasion no loss of time, a
the general health requires to be kept as good as possible.
AFFECTIONS OF THE UTERUS.
The uterus, in its normal condition, is a compara
small organ, weighing little more than an ounce; it
ever, during the greater portion of life, in a state of
for a fourth part of the time-seven days, on an a
every month being more or less concerned in meu
It is, moreover, in intimate sympathy with other o
such as the stomach, brain, bladder, and rectum, wit
including the ovaries, which are part of its own system.
With many persons, imperfect, painful, or profuse men-
struation is the rule, evidencing constant delicacy and
hypersensibility; the most trifling derangement, or trivial
circumstance, producing immediate and often long-lasting
effects. The state of the reproductive organism is at once
the index of health; and the weak point of the constitution of
very many ladies, every affection of which they are the sub-
jects, either originates or is felt there.
Again, in the married state, there are comparatively few
on whom, in our artificial mode of living, pregnancy, child-
birth, and suckling do not exert a trying and weakening
influence, as they are carried on at great expense to the
powers of life, especially if miscarriages be superadded.
The womb more than fully sympathises with the general
weakness; it does not recover itself; it does not regain its
tone; it remains in a state of morbid irritability, easily in-
creased to positive disease. We begin our list of affections
with
Congestion of the Womb.-Such a state, for a day or two,
precedes and succeeds menstruation at every period-with
some more, and some less; but perceptibly, in all with whom
menstruation can fairly be said to take place, there is a
determination of blood thither, a certain turgescence of the
AFFECTIONS OF THE UTERUS-CONGESTION.
243
blood-vessels, not ordinarily existing. When this condition,
as the precursor or the after-effect of menstruation, is unduly
prolonged, or is excessive-when, from any cause, such a con-
dition is produced at other times, it demands medicinal
interference. Unusual excitement or watching, late hours,
undue or violent exercise, as of a long walk, prolonged
standing in persons not accustomed to it, or the working of
a sewing machine with the feet, may induce it. There is
weight, discomfort, some uneasiness of the bowels, or con-
stipation, which is not habitual.
Aletris. Congestion, from undue mental strain or exer-
tion; giddiness; stupefaction; sleepiness; nausea; weight
and pressure in the uterine region; leucorrhoea.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Belladonna. Frontal headache, with pressure and ful-
ness; flushed face; sensitiveness to noise and light; feeling of
fulness and weight in uterine region.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Chamomilla.-The congestion follows chagrin or intense
vexation; nausea; uneasiness of stomach and bowels; lan-
guor; chilliness; nervous irritability; feeling of fulness, and
painful pressing towards the genitals, especially when
walking.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Helonias.-Active congestion, causing suppression of the
menses; absence of the usual tone; a lax anemic condition
of body; pulse small and weak; digestion feeble; sallowness
and pallor.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Ignatia.-When grief or disappointment is the cause;
lowness of spirits; hysterical feelings; scanty menstruation;
corroding leucorrhoea; headache; palpitation; heaviness of
the head; dread of strong light; and frequently abdominal
spasms.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.

244
INFLAMMATION OF THE UTERUS.
Nux Vomica.-Originating from long-continued nursing
or watching; want of sufficient exercise; luxurious living;
pressure towards the genital organs early in the morning, or
during a walk; too frequent menstruation, or leucorrhoea,
staining linen yellow; fainting feelings; slow digestion, with
flatulence, perhaps spasms, and constipation and piles;
taciturnity; extreme sensitiveness-the least thing affects
her.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Pulsatilla.-Venous congestion, with chilliness; stretch-
ing and yawning; feeling of heaviness in abdomen, as of a
stone pressing on the rectum, like urging to stool.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Inflammation of the Uterus.-In treating inflammation.
of the womb, the distinction between the various kinds of
which it is susceptible, requires to be borne in mind. There
is not simply the broad division into acute and chronic, into
which inflammation of all kinds is divisible, but also in-
flammation of the body of the womb, of the lining membrane
of the cavity of its neck, or cervix. There is a much greater
thickness of muscular substance at the upper part, or body;
it is not only thick, but of denser structure; that of the
lower part, or neck, being looser, and partly cellular. The
reason for this difference is apparent, when it is considered
that the large increase of the womb in pregnancy, and the
strong and continuous pains of child-birth, have to be pre-
pared for.
Inflammation of the body, or fundus, is almost confined to
the puerperal state, or the time succeeding delivery, and will
be mainly treated of amongst other affections incident
thereto it sometimes arises, in the non-puerperal state, from
chill.
Inflammation of the lining membrane has been partly
described, and treated of, under that of Vaginitis and Leu-
corrhoea.
Inflammation of the cervix, or neck of the uterus, is very
commonly observed, between the ages of twenty and twenty-
INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB.
245
five, both amongst single and married; and its result is
abrasion, or positive loss of substance, or ulceration.
Inflammation of the substance, or body of the womb
(metritis), is of serious import. It may arise from cold
caught during, or just after, a menstrual period; by sitting
on damp, cold ground; from damp underclothing; from cold
injections; from direct injury; violent over-exertion during
the period; or from cold taken after miscarriage or abortion,
especially in those unpardonable, cruel, and wicked instances
in which it has been caused by noxious drugs or violence.
The symptoms are shiverings; chills, followed by heat and
feverishness; stabbing pains in the vagina; sharp pains
darting from the small of the back to the front pelvic bones,
and shooting down the thighs; movement of the body,
especially coughing or sneezing, is extremely painful; more
or less constant desire to pass water, with much straining,
very little being passed at a time, which is very hot and
scalding; the bowels are constipated; tongue furred; pulse
quick and hard; thirst; extreme faintness on sitting up, or
attempting it.
Aconite.-Chills; heat; fever; burning, shooting, sting-
ing pains, sometimes with rheumatism.
Quarter, or a drop of strong tincture every hour; then every two hours.
Belladonna.—Menstrual suppression; burning pains
high up in vagina; the region of the bladder painful and
distended; frequent urging to urinate; difficulty in passing
any; tongue white; nausea and vomiting; depression of
spirits; prostration; drowsiness; wandering; starting; some-
times excessive fetor from uterus, with an exceedingly slight
oozing of foul, blackish, and very fluid blood.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Bryonia. The least movement aggravates the suffering;
the head aches as if it would split open; trying to sit up
causes nausea and fainting; constipation; the fæcal matter
is as hard and dry as if it had been burnt; great thirst;
craving for acid, sour things.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every hour or two hours.
F
246
INFLAMMATION OF UTERUS.
!
Hedeoma. Suppression of the menses; excessive bear-
ing down, with pressure, extending outwards to the vulva,
from the whole lower part of abdomen; almost unendurable
pains in the back, extending to the stomach and the pit of
the stomach, increased by the least movement; headache;
pains and coldness in the limbs; dull, heavy feeling; a sort
of inability to move, almost semi-paralysis; nausea; a rising
up from the stomach; a difficulty of breathing; weakness
and oppression; nervous twitchings; the least food or drink
taken increases the sufferings.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every half-hour or hour.
Iodine.-Intense pain in the region of the uterus;
abdomen very sensitive; continual urging to urinate; heat
and dryness of vagina; sudden suppression; violent pressing
towards the genitals; pains particularly aggravated by move-
ment, by contact, pressure, and warmth.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Lachesis. The patient cannot bear so much as the
slightest pressure of the bed-clothes; the pains appear to be
moving up to the chest; a slight flow of blood from vagina,
when there is some little relief, soon followed by a return of
pain and all the symptoms.
Three drops, 30th dilution, every hour.
!
Mercurius.-Inflammation from a draught of cold air or
chill; the symptoms partially relieved by other remedies
there remains a dull weight and discomfort, with a distinct
and considerable exacerbation setting in every evening, or
in the fore-part of the night, ushered in by a slight chill;
shiverings; chilly creepings, speedily succeeded by fever;
heat and dryness of the skin; dryness of the mouth; thirst;
restlessness; pains, and general uncomfortable feeling.
A grain, 6th trituration, half-an-hour before the time of return, and
every hour whilst it lasts.
Veratrum Viride.-Chilliness, with nausea; coldness of
the whole body, with some perspiration; often cold, especially
on the hands, feet, and face; pale skin; flabby muscles;

INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB.
247
quick pulse. Its first curative effect is to render the pulse
softer and weaker, without much lessening its frequency.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Kreosote. The patient sinks down in bed utterly ex-
hausted, with the knees drawn up; curious, anxious ex-
pression; tightly knitted brow; low fever; acrid, offensive
discharge from the vagina.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every hour or half-hour, with weak injections
of Carbolic Acid.
Baptisia.-Uncomfortable burning heat-it is intense;
the patient is as red as though she had been scalded; the
tongue is red and dry, as if burnt-smarts, and is sore; per-
spiration; vomiting; diarrhoea, with dark stools; great
prostration; thirst; fetid breath; stupor.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every hour.
Arsenic.-Burning, throbbing, lancinating pains; the
burning is like fire; constant restlessness; picking at the
bed-clothes; a fixed persuasion of death, and great dread; un-
quenchable thirst for cold water, the taking of a little even
of which immediately intensifies the pain, preventing more
being taken; pale, earthy look; pinched features.
A grain, 6th trituration, every half-hour, dry on the tongue, or even
oftener, gradually lengthening the interval as the patient improvės.
Fomentations with flannel pads, wrung out of water as hot
as it can be borne, must be applied from the first, and
frequently repeated; a small blanket, doubled wide enough
to reach from the thighs to the waist, and long enough to
wrap loosely quite over the body on both sides, must be
previously drawn gently under the patient; the flannels must.
be well wrung-out so as not to drip. When Aconite is being
taken, two teaspoonfuls of the strong tincture may be added
to the water into which the pad is put.
This disease, after child-birth, is apt to run on to abscess,
to gangrene, or mortification and death, if the inflammation
be at all severe : this, under Allopathy-which enjoins leeches
to the abdomen and thighs, as well as to the womb, cup-
S
248
UTERINE LEUCORRHEA.
ping over the loins, bleeding from the arm, turpentine
stupes, blisters, and linseed poultices--is its usual termina-
tion, though a very rare one under Homœopathy.
Inflammation of the lining membrane of the womb, or
endometritis, is very commonly met with in the young, the
unmarried, in the acute stage in the married, and about the
change of life and after, in the sub-acute and chronic.
It more generally comes under notice in the sub-acute
form: there is general debility, malaise, headache, feverish-
ness, and chilliness; some pain and discomfort "
very low
down" in the pelvis; it may, more or less, involve the vagina;
the external parts may be swollen and tender, a discharge
following the pain, in some cases, almost immediately; in
others, after some interval; "at first thin, or serous and
bloody; soon thick, yellowish, or greenish, ropy fluid, or
purulent; on drying, it leaves yellow or greenish stains on
the linen, which it stiffens as if starched: as the inflamma-
tory condition lessens, the discharge becomes whiter, milky,
and mixed with transparent pieces of thick mucus; it may
then disappear, to show itself again at the menstrual period,
after late hours, or any derangement of the general health.”
Slight itching of vulva, the vagina, and, sometimes, of
the uterus, with a sense of heat; pain in the small of the
back; in the back; frequent desire to pass water-may be
the first symptoms, then the discharge as described above.
Some persons appear to have a predisposition to these
attacks—a slight cause being sufficient to induce them-
whilst, in most persons, no such effect would follow; it may
be but an extension upwards from the vagina, or downwards
from the body of the womb, or ovaries: it accompanies
menstrual irregularities; is caused by displacements of the
womb; by pessaries, if worn; by exposure to cold or damp.
With many, this special inflammation, and its accompany-
ing leucorrhoea, heralds by a month or two the setting-in of
menstruation, as it does its cessation; it comes on a few
days before the monthly period, or succeeds it for a day or
so; or it comes instead of the menstrual flow at the time it
is due, especially in the chlorotic. Not only is it accom-
panied by leucorrhoea, it may lead to profuse menstruation,
}
249
UTERINE LEUCORRHEA.
or to true uterine hæmorrhage. Frequent child-bearing or
abortions also produce it; the discharge being then white
and inodorous: it may continue for months; conception is
usually prevented; or, if it occurs, a miscarriage is the result,
not in consequence of the leucorrhoea, but of the sub-acute
inflammation of the lining membrane, which gives rise to it.
Injections of cold water and other liquids may induce it.
Anything, in fact, mechanical, functional, sympathetic, or
organic, which disturbs the uterus without exciting inflam-
mation of its deeper tissues.
Leucorrhoea thus arising is not to be considered as a
trifling matter, whilst it is an indication of inward mischief
that ought to be remedied; it is excessively weakening; and,
if allowed to continue, will effectually undermine the con-
stitution.
Uterine leucorrhoea is broadly distinguished from vaginal
(though they often co-exist), by its unmistakeable connection
with menstruation, as mentioned above.
The article on Vaginal Leucorrhoea, at page 227, should
be consulted.
Aconite at the commencement, for general irritability
of the system, feverishness, and chills.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Baryta Carb.-Blood-stained, mucous leucorrhoea; palpi-
tation; pain in the back; great debility; faintness; nausea;
giving-way of the knees;-in hysteric or chlorotic patients,
or those who are very liable to take cold; in those who have
passed the "change of life."
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Belladonna.-Leucorrhoea with colic; the pains come on
suddenly, and cease as suddenly; flushed face; throbbing
headache.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cocculus.-Scanty, irregular menstruation, with leucor-
rhoea between the periods, or instead of the menses; the
leucorrhoea is thin like whey, mixed with purulent, ichorous
liquid.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
S 2
250
UTERINE LEUCORRHOEA.
Kreosote.-Feeling of coldness, with distension in abdo-
men; white leucorrhoea, with great debility; disposition to
miscarriage; tightness at pit of stomach, with nausea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Prunus.-Leucorrhoea, excoriating the parts, and staining
the linen yellow; menstruation every fortnight, with pains
in the back; discharge of blood every day for eight or ten
weeks, gradually becoming watery; profuse menstruation as
a general habit.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Silicea.-Pressure over the eyes; constipation; icy cold-
ness of body; cold feet; melancholy; burning and soreness
of pudendum; drawing pains between the shoulders; pain-
ful, smarting leucorrhoea, or discharge of white, watery fluid.
The infant, in nursing, refuses the mother's breast.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Inflammation of the Neck of the Uterus is much more
common than the other two varieties-that of the body or
fundus of the womb, and the lining membrane. It seldom
presents itself for treatment in the acute form, except as an
extension of specific inflammation of the vagina. The in-
flammation is not of an active kind; it may continue for a
long time; and may show itself at an age from twenty to
fifty in the single, as well as in the married.
The neck of the uterus is much more exposed than the
rest of the womb to the influences previously referred to as
tending to cause inflammation of the womb: the effect of
these may spend itself on this the lower portion, which it
more commonly does as the part primarily acted on; since,
as the lowest and most dependent portion of the womb,
though not so plentifully supplied with blood-vessels and
nerves, and consequently not very sensitive, the blood natu-
rally gravitates thither; it may spread, in rare cases, to the
body of the womb. It is sometimes but a manifestation of
scrofula, herpes, or syphilis.
It is often slight and insidious in its onset; and being
attended, as the other two kinds are, by leucorrhoea secreted
1
ULCERATION OF THE WOMB.
251
by the glands of the cervix, its existence is overlooked-in
fact, not suspected. The superficial erosions affect only the
mucous membrane; they may exist for some time without the
patient being conscious of anything more than uterine uneasi-
ness of an indefinite character, and leucorrhoea, which is
sometimes tinged with blood. Before long, the constitutional
results render it tolerably certain that mischief is going on.
Deranged digestion, nausea, and sickness at first at the
monthly period, sometimes every morning on rising, almost
like those of pregnancy; leucorrhoea; scanty, excessive, or
irregular menstruation; often and painful urination; spinal
irritation; pains in the hips, thighs, and under the left
breast; bearing down, with sense of weight; nervous head-
ache; depression of spirits; pressure on the top of the head
and forehead; hysteria; pulse quickened, especially towards
evening, and by even moderate exertion or excitement; a
sickly, sallow look; flabbiness and loss of flesh.
On the womb itself, the effects are increase in size and
length of the cervix, or neck; alterations in colour and sensi-
bility; a pressing forward of the womb itself; the mouth
and cervix coated by discharge, or with abrasions, excoria-
tions, or granulations, aphthous or readily bleeding.
Ulceration, that is, actual loss of substance, very rarely
takes place."Ulceration of the womb," which is largely
written and talked about, in the great majority of cases, is
nothing worse than abrasion or excoriation; being an ex-
aggeration of terms calculated to mislead, as it is certainly
adapted to alarm the patient-untrue, in fact, and mischiev-
ous in its tendency, it should never be employed, except
where appearances fully justify, and that will be very seldom
indeed. A patient naturally concludes, on being told that
she has ulceration, that some terrible local mischief is going
on; to abate, and ultimately cure which, she submits to
speculum examinations without end, and repeated applica-
tions of caustic. Her thoughts are more and more centred
on herself; every morbid tendency and feeling intensified; she
feels that she has a right to be an invalid, and expects full
tribute from everybody in that capacity.
As to the use of caustics, Homœopathy discards them as
252
INFLAMMATION OF THE NECK OF THE WOMB.
unnecessary, as hurtful, and as less efficacious than milder
measures; in support of which, we can appeal to an Allopathic
authority, who says, "I have never seen the necessity for the
introduction of caustics; and no one who reflects on the
delicate structure of the lining membrane at the entrance
of the womb, would ever be induced to destroy a portion of
it by such means."
In the ordinary treatment of so-called "ulceration of the
womb," the frequent employment of the speculum is an
absolute necessity; it is confessedly of use where it is really
required to see the condition of the parts, as it is to apply
caustic or leeches, which are pretty often brought into
requisition by those who know no better method; but laid
aside as useless, hurtful, and barbarous, by those who practise
Homœopathy.
The speculum has been sadly abused, and far too frequently
resorted to; it will never be employed by a physician who
knows and feels the responsibilities of his position, except on
occasions of most imperious necessity, especially as nearly all
the information of any value, in treating a case which it
imparts, can be gathered by other and less objectionable
methods of investigation.
Induration, or hardness of a portion, is another result of
this inflammation. The treatment must be mainly constitu-
tional, though local applications may be advantageously
resorted to, when erosion or induration is known absolutely
to be present. The preferable plan is, to take the most pro-
minent symptoms, as dyspepsia, nausea, giddiness, hysteria,
spinal irritation, bearing-down leucorrhoea, and give the
medicine that most nearly applies to the state presented.
The following medicines apply to the erosions and abrasions
of various kinds, and to the inflammation which produces
them:
Arsenic.-Dyspepsia; morning nausea; retching; vomit-
ing; oppression at the stomach; loss of flesh; depression of
spirits; humid induration; aphthous patches, which easily
bleed; corroding, or fetid, thin leucorrhoea; menstrual
irregularity.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
ULCERATION OF THE WOMB.
253
Baptisia.-Debility; physical and mental depression;
nervous prostration; virulent leucorrhoea, or acrid, fetid dis-
charge; dull, heavy pains in the loins; profuse menstrua-
tion, and too early in its return.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours, and an injection of one part
to eight of water.
Belladonna. Frontal, throbbing, or jerking headache,
with fulness and giddiness; peevish agitation; hysteria;
feeling of fulness and weight in the uterine region; profuse
menstruation; the neck of the womb is swollen and sensi-
tive; increased temperature of the part, or induration, with
sharp pains.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours, and an injection of one part
to eight.
Caulophyllum.-Aphthæ on cervix, and leucorrhoea ;
hysteria; painful menstruation; tremulous weakness of the
whole body; restlessness and nervousness; skin hot and dry
in the morning; heat in the stomach; slight nausea, with
fulness; empty eructations; thirst; distension of the abdo-
men; constipation or diarrhoea, with deficiency of bile.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cornus Circinata.-Nausea; bitter taste; aversion to all
kinds of food; tasteless eructations; fulness of the stomach;
heavy pulsations; faintness; drawing pains from the stomach
to the lower part of the abdomen; slight griping pains.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Helonias. Generally anemic and torpid condition of
all functions; leucorrhoea; absent, profuse, or painful men-
struation; liability to abortion; pain in the back; frequent
palpitation; bearing down.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Hydrastis. Superficial abrasion and erosion of the
mouth of the womb; great tenderness of it; gone, faint
feeling at the stomach, and dull aching; constipation, or
slight relief of light acrid matter; constant distress about
1
254
ULCERATION OF THE WOMB.
the navel; rumbling, soreness of the bowels, or simply
flatulence, distension, and painful digestion; leucorrhoea.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours, with injection of the strong
tincture, one part to eight.
Mercurius Corrosivus.-For the rheumatic, scrofulous,
or syphilitic: the erosion looks whitish or bleeding; itching
or burning sensation; leucorrhoea.
Two drops, 5th dilution, every four hours.
Sanguinaria. Slight nausea; pains in the loins, extend-
ing to the lower part of the bowels and groins, and down the
thighs; pain in right side of head and forehead; suppres-
sion; painful, or too profuse, or unnatural menstruation;
corrosive or fetid leucorrhoea.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours, and injection, one part to
eight.
Sepia. For the delicate, with fine skins: melancholy;
yellow, watery, or milky leucorrhoea; or corrosive, fetid, or
greenish red; bearing down; induration of neck of uterus;
liability to sick headache; suppression, or painful men-
struation.
A grain, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Silicea. Erosion or induration; painful, smarting, white,
watery, or milky leucorrhoea, preceded by cutting pain at
navel; itching of pudendum; coldness of the body; pressure
over the eyes; cold feet; anguish or melancholy; drawing
between the shoulders; constipation; too early, too feeble,
retarded, diminished, or suppressed menstruation.
A grain, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Sulphur.-For the anemic, chlorotic, or scrofulous: ach-
ing pains in the head; flushes of heat and redness of the
face; dizziness; buzzing in the ears; slimy, yellowish, cor-
rosive leucorrhoea; suppression of profuse or unnatural men-
struation.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Thuja. For slow, progressive enlargement, with indura-
ULCERATION OF THE WOMB.
255
tion of the cervix: headache, with sensation as if a button
were pressing on it; constipation, preceded by diarrhoea.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every six hours, with an injection of one part
to eight.
Phytolacca. For induration : frequent urination, especi-
ally at night; constipation; pain in right side; general
weakness, discomfort, and lassitude; rheumatic pains; neu-
ralgia.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four or six hours, and by injection.
Calendula is most useful in abrasion of the mouth of the
womb, especially if resulting from mechanical injury. In
any case it has certainly all the good effects ever claimed for
caustic, without any of its destructive powers.
-
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every six hours; an injection, twice a day, of
one part of the strong tiucture to eight of water.
In order to the due administration of an injection, the
patient must lie on her back, with her legs drawn up, and
the hips elevated by one or two pillows. The injection is
best given by an india-rubber bottle with an elastic pipe:
this must be gently introduced some little distance, and the
medicated fluid retained sufficiently long to exert an in-
fluence. It is advisable to use a little tepid water before the
other liquid, allowing it to return before the medicated
injection is employed.
Contraction, or what is called Stricture of the Mouth of
the Womb, permanent in its nature, and of such an extent as
to render menstruation extremely painful, frequently results.
from the use of caustics: it is usually to be overcome by
gradual, careful dilatation.
Hysteralgia, neuralgia of the womb, or irritable uterus,
is a condition far short of inflammation; but troublesome,
wearing, and often most distressing. It is generally a sign
of a rheumatic constitution, and is accompanied by rheu-
matic pains elsewhere; it is also associated with, and some-
times produces, spinal irritation; it is frequently an attend-
ant of displacement of the womb-so much so, that in every
case of irritable uterus, displacement may be suspected: it
256
NEURALGIA OF THE WOMB.
is not, however, invariably the case, though there may be
inability to stand without discomfort; faintness; general
sense of weakness; pressure and bearing down; pain aggra-
vated by motion, walking, sneezing, and coughing, and by
menstruation in a most decided manner. The state of irrita-
tion may be slow and protracted, with a perceptible influence
on the mouth and neck of the womb, or it may be neuralgic
and intermittent.
In Irritable Uterus, we have general heightened sensi-
bility and irritability; pallor; weakness; flush, and palpi-
tation on slight exertion; chilliness; dry skin; cold feet;
headache; deranged appetite and bowels; urine high-coloured,
or plentiful and pale; the pain in abdomen and back not
always relieved by lying down. Leucorrhoea and extreme
tenderness of the mouth and neck of the womb are present ;
the patient cannot sit down quickly on a hard seat without
considerable pain.
Neuralgia of the Womb is an affection of the nerves of
the body of the uterus, and is the occasion of most intense
suffering; it comes on in paroxysms, and then goes off, or
nearly so, to return again. It may be the result of exposure
or cold, or a local symptom of general debility.
Aconite.-Dry skin; heat; chilliness; pains gnawing,
burning, hard, aching, or screwing; frequent urination.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every half or quarter of an hour.
Belladonna applies to both irritable uterus and neu-
ralgia of the womb; there is swelling, congestion, fulness
and weight, and burning; creeping, cutting, tearing, draw-
ing, stabbing, and stinging pains, coming on and going off
suddenly, with lameness of the back and joints.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every quarter, half-hour, or hour.
Bryonia acts upon the extremities of the nerves and the
capillaries, and is Homœopathic to symptoms intermediate
between inflammation and nervous irritation, and pains of a
rheumatic nature. It also acts specifically on the uterus;
its pains much resemble those of Belladonna: they are,
however, spasmodic, and cause a sickening feeling. There is
IRRITABLE UTERUS.
257
pain in the small of the back, headache, constipation, and
sallow complexion.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every half-hour or hour.
Chamomilla.-Increased heat of the body; flushes and
heat of the face; quickened pulse; increased palpitation;
deranged biliary secretion; anguish, with most violent fits of
nervous pain; violent throbbing headache; great excite-
ment; the patient throws herself violently about, not know-
ing what to do.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every ten minutes or quarter of an hour.
-
Conium. In weakly, scrofulous constitutions; nervous
prostration and spinal tenderness: the symptoms are not
nearly as acute as those calling for the remedies previously
mentioned.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Caulophyllum.-Fulness, heaviness, and tension at the
bottom of the abdomen; drawing in the groins; profuse
secretion of mucus from vagina; the pains are spasmodic and
crampy; rheumatic pains and stiffness, specially of fingers
and toes.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Cimicifuga. Heaviness, weight, and bearing-down in
uterine region; torpor of lower extremities; increased se-
cretion of pale urine; chills and prickling sensations in the
breasts; acute headache on the left side; dizziness; dul-
ness; tired feeling; nervous weakness; sensitiveness to cold
air; restlessness; general illness; rheumatic, dull pains in
the limbs, with a numbing sensation; irritation of the spine.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cypripedium.-Enfeebled, exhausted irritability and
want of power; restlessness; trembling; irascibility; fret-
fulness; agitation at the least contradiction; sleeplessness;
there is pain and distress, not owing to inflammation, con-
gestion, or organic change, but to a peculiar irritability.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
258
PROLAPSUS OF THE WOMB.
Gelseminum.-Pains congestive, acute, sudden, and
darting a shade less in acuteness than where Aconite applies
-followed by prostration; general sensation of heaviness in
the uterine region; increased leucorrhoea.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two or three hours.
Helonias. Pains in the lower part of the back, through
to the womb, piercing and drawing; breasts swollen; nipples
tender, they will not bear the least pressure; anemia; torpor
and atony of the uterine system; leucorrhoea.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
M
Platina.-Painful drawing in both groins; pressure in
the lower part of the abdomen, with qualmishness; internal
chills and coldness; leucorrhoea, like white of egg.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three or six hours.
Sabina.-Oppressive heaviness in the abdomen-more
violent when pressing upon it; painful drawing in the small
of the back, especially when bending backward; severe
stitches deep in the vagina, from before backwards; milky
leucorrhoea, with itching.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Displacements of the Uterus-Prolapsus or Descent-
Retroversion and Anteflexion.-Bearing-down of the womb
may mean an actual descent of the organ itself; or a sensa-
tion of weight, dragging, and pain in the back, or simulative
prolapsus; displacement, with corresponding symptoms; or
the symptoms only, with very little, if any, perceptible dis-
placement.
It will be advisable, at first, to treat the symptoms which
present themselves: if these abate under the exhibition of
the corresponding medicine, it will be amply sufficient for
all practical purposes. If they do not, and the medicine has
been carefully selected, we may be sure we have to do with
an actual alteration in the position of the womb.
A descent of the uterus may result from general debility,
especially if combined with a leuco-phlegmatic temperament
BEARING-DOWN OF THE WOMB.
259
and roomy pelvis; from inflammation and enlargement of
the organ itself; from lifting heavy weight; from over-exer-
tion, or undue walking at a menstrual period; from falls, or
concussions on the back or hips; from a relaxed vagina; from
the use of Ergot of Rye, manual interference, or instrumental
delivery in labour; from injury to the soft parts; from a
violent cough, setting-in soon after confinement; from
putting the feet to the ground, and getting about too soon
after delivery; from the effect of too frequent abortion or
child-bearing. The actual descent may be slight, or the
womb may present at the orifice of the vagina, or even beyond
it (procidentia); or it may be so extensive that the entire
organ, as in the case sometimes of a fibroid tumour, may be
forced altogether beyond the external parts, and lie between
the thighs. In the slighter forms of prolapsus, the extent to
which the womb falls depends greatly upon the time of day,
and the amount of exercise and exertion gone through.
After a night's rest, or after lying down, as may be expected,
it is not nearly so low. The sensations produced by a descent
of the womb vary considerably. They may be scarcely
observed, or may occasion considerable distress and incon-
venience. They are worse when it occurs suddenly, and
generally more complained of by the unmarried than the
married. They are-pain in the back; uneasiness in the
groins and labia; fulness; dragging from the hips, especi-
ally when standing; bearing down; sick, faint feeling at the
stomach; special inability to stand, except for a very short
time, without these pains being brought on or aggravated-
to lift or reach anything, or to raise the arms above the
head; coughing or sneezing often attended by a sharp pain ;
increased leucorrhoea; a desire often to pass water, which is
attended sometimes by straining; pain in the direction of
the vagina when sitting down, especially on a hard seat; the
menses are either profuse, prolonged, or too frequent; the
digestive organs more or less affected; there is constipation,
and the general health suffers. If the prolapsus continue
for a time, the neck of the womb increases in size and
length; the womb itself enlarges, especially when purgatives
are habitually or frequently used. In married persons, there
—
260
DISPLACEMENTS OF THE WOMB.
is generally associated with descent of the womb, a lax,
flabby, or pendulous state of the abdomen.
In some cases, the top of the fundus, or body of the womb,
is tilted completely backwards, so that the uterus may lie.
horizontally, or nearly so, between the bladder and the
rectum it is then called the retroversion of the womb.
Such an accident may be caused by suddenly lifting a heavy
weight, especially when the bladder happens to be nearly
or quite full. The danger of this accident happening is
very frequently and foolishly risked by ladies of all ages;
pre-occupation, carelessness, or false delicacy inducing them,
as a habit, to go for long periods without relieving the
bladder.
In the earlier months of pregnancy, retroversion is not at
all uncommon, from no other cause than a distended bladder.
If retroversion takes place from lifting, there is a sudden
sensation of something falling, severe pain in the loins,
forcing-down, and vomiting, perhaps, of blood, followed by
pain on relieving the bowels, pain from the womb, pressing in
the bladder as it gets full, and great difficulty in emptying
it. When the retroversion takes place more gradually, the
same symptoms are observed, but not so rapidly. Attention
to the state of the bladder, the general health, the bowels,
and lying on the stomach night and day for a time, are often
sufficient to relieve it.
In retroflexion of the womb, the neck of the uterus
remains in its right position, whilst the body of the womb is
bent backwards. In anteflexion, the body of the womb is
bent forward, whilst the neck and mouth of the uterus
remain in their right position. Partial retroflexion is not at
all uncommon in unmarried women.
Anteflexion is very much more rarely met with than re-
troflexion or retroversion, and it does not give rise to nearly
so much inconvenience, except that the irritation of the
urethra, difficulty of passing water, and other disturbances of
the urinary apparatus, are strongly marked.
Every case in which the symptoms of displacement of any
kind are manifested, must be carefully considered, according
to the individual features presented, the probable causes,
DISPLACEMENTS OF THE WOMB.
261
and the circumstances and position of the patient. Scrupu-
lous attention must be paid to the state of the general
health, and of the bladder and bowels, which, when no
mechanical obstruction exists, can, by Homoeopathic medi-
cines and occasional injections, be duly regulated.
Q0)
In cases of long standing, an examination may be neces-
sary, the womb have to be replaced, and the patient kept for
a time to the bed and couch, in the position best calculated
to counteract the direction of the displacement; afterwards
ordinary attention, suitable rest and medicine, will keep the
uterus in position, and prevent a return. Where there is
considerable relaxation of the abdominal walls, as in those
who have had large families, or from debility or disease, as
in dropsy, an elastic bandage, with a small, inflated pad, will
be of great service.
Pessaries, of various sizes, shapes, and material, are still
advised. At the very best they can only relieve a portion of
the discomfort, whilst they generally cause others, equally
great; they must make an enlarged vagina still larger, or, at
all events, counteract its contraction; their constant pressure
cannot possibly benefit the mouth of the womb, but must
injure it, and produce induration or erosion; they cannot
affect relaxed ligaments, except to further weaken them by
relieving them of their office of suspension; nor can they, by
any possibility, strengthen the flabby muscles of the abdomen.
Pessaries are filthy abominations in themselves, a cheat and
a delusion as to any relief they give, and fruitful sources of
further mischief. Ladies should never wear them, even
under medical advice, much less adopt them of their own
accord, or recommend them to one another. A perineal
bandage, or an elastic one for the abdomen, with inflated
pad, properly made and fitted, is often found to be a great
comfort.
From what has already been stated, it may be inferred
that almost all our medicines, in so far as they apply to the
symptoms and the general health, may find a place in the
treatment of displacements of the womb. A few are sub-
joined, bearing more directly on the affections comprehended
under the term.
262
DISPLACEMENTS OF THE WOMB.
Aconite.-Inflammation of the parts, and burning pains,
the result of sudden prolapsus.
Complete rest on the back in bed, and two drops, 1st dilution, every
hour.
Arnica.-When the accident arises from straining, lift-
ing, or concussion.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every hour.
Belladonna.-Great pressure and forcing, felt most in
the morning, with heat and dryness of the vagina; drawing
pains all round, coming on and going off suddenly; the
back feels as though it would break.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Nux Vomica.-Congestion of the uterus, from obstruc-
tion of the abdominal circulation, and varicose condition of
the uterine vessels; nausea; qualmishness; constipation;
restless morning sleep; pressure towards the genital organs
early in bed, or during a walk; abdomen feels contracted;
great inability to stand; pain in small of back, which makes
it very troublesome to turn over in bed; frequent urination,
little and often; is passed with much burning pain. It ap-
plies to the after-treatment of the displacement from strain-
ing, and to recent and long-standing cases, when there is a
dry cough, and a sense of tightening round the lowest part of
the abdomen.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Caulophyllum.-Of great service in allaying the severe
uterine spasms which sometimes set in from sudden retro-
version of the womb, as from lifting, or in miscarriage.
Three drops, 1st dilution, every quarter of an hour.
Cimicifuga.-Congestion, general or cervical; leucor-
rhoea; displacements after abortion, from getting up too
soon after confinement, or from deficient nerve power.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours, aided by injection of one
part to eight.
Calcarea. For pale, leuco-phlegmatic temperaments:
DISPLACEMENTS OF THE WOMB.
263
sense of inward coldness; the least exposure to cold air
chills her through and through; feet and legs feel cold and
damp; giddiness and shortness of breath on going upstairs;
menses too frequent and too profuse, the least excitement
causing their return; heaviness and painful weight in the
limbs; great fatigue on walking; constant aching in the
vagina.
A grain, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Graphites.-Delaying menses; too pale and scanty before
and during the menses; a dry cough, fatiguing the chest, and
tearing pain in the pit of the stomach; bearing down and
weight; constipation; nausea and sickness in the morning.
A grain, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Lachesis. Where displacement occurs in connection
with, or in consequence of," the change of life;" pain in and
over uterus, as if swollen; pressure cannot be borne; the
dress has constantly to be lifted up; violent pain of long
standing in the right groin, extending either towards the
genital organs, or upwards towards the liver or chest; pain-
ful oblong swelling and hardness over the right ovary,
aggravated by exertion or excitement.
Three drops, 30th dilution, every three hours.
Jag
Lycopodium.-Pressure through the vagina on stooping;
sense of dryness there; croaking and rumbling of flatus in
the bowels; great pain in the back previous to any passing
of urine; relief when it is passed; a deposit of red sand.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Podophyllum.-Prolapsus of uterus, or of uterus and
vagina, specially after confinement; bearing-down pain at
the very bottom of the back, increased by motion and stand-
ing; relieved by lying down; rumbling of flatus in abdomen,
with mucous and slimy relief, though infrequent.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Helonias. Distress in the ovarian region, with bearing
T
264
POLYPI AND METRORRHAGIA.
down and leucorrhoea; the complexion is sallow, unhealthy,
pale, and earthy-looking; general debility.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Sabina. Painful congestion of the womb, with weight
and bearing down; leucorrhoea milky, starch-like, or ichor-
ous and fetid; discharge of it comes on every fortnight, in
place of menstruation; delayed, irregular, or unnatural
menstruation; itching of the pudendum.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Sepia.-Displacement of the uterus, with bearing down;
painful stiffness, apparently in the uterus; induration of the
neck of the uterus, with prolapsus; vaginal leucorrhoea,
yellow or greenish; pressing in the womb, interfering with
the breathing; feeling as if everything would come out of
the vagina-the legs have to be crossed to relieve it; weight
at the anus before and after an evacuation; emptiness at
the pit of the stomach; a clay-like sediment in urine.
A grain, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Sulphur.-Weak feeling in the genital organs; burning
in vagina, which prevents her keeping still; difficulty of
walking erect; weak and faint; sleep either heavy or dis-
turbed; heat on the top of the head; cold feet; hot and
frequent flushes; bad sick headaches, which weaken her.
A grain, 6th trituration, every four or six hours.
Polypi and Tumours of the Womb, with Metrorrhagia,
or Flooding.-Prolapsus, or displacement of the uterus, is
sometimes an attendant of more serious mischief than any
indicated in the last section. It may arise from the efforts of
the womb to get rid of some foreign body or growth, as a
polypus or tumour. It does not always, therefore, follow
that if, in a given case of bearing down, relief from Homœo-
pathy is not so speedy as could be wished, it is the medicine
that is at fault.
Polypi, or tumours, may not at first occasion any great
uneasiness: after a time they give rise, not only to bearing-
down and dragging sensations, but sometimes to violent
:
POLYPI AND METRORRHAGIA.
265
efforts of the uterus to expel them, much resembling labour-
pains.
They are also accompanied by a gradual increase of the
menses, until they attain a very considerable amount; then
discharge or flooding, it may be to an alarming extent, shows
itself at uncertain times, especially after any exertion or
excitement: this is technically termed Metrorrhagia, or
Flooding from the Womb-a sign which is never long absent
from the existence of polypi.
;
Polypi are pendulous tumours growing from a mucous
surface, and are either enlargements or alteration of the
natural structure of the interior of the womb and its canal
they grow from a stalk or stem; are of very varying size; and
are often found extended into the vagina, though springing
from, and deriving their support from, the womb.
We have the mucous, gelatinous, or soft polypus, com-
posed of an expansion of mucous membrane, and sometimes,
in addition, a loosely-connected fibro-cellular substance,
covered by the ordinary epithelium of the part. This kind
is not very frequent: it may present itself singly, or in
clusters; is of rapid growth, often attaining a size to fill the
cavity completely. It is attached by a very slender but
short pedicle, and often returns if removed.
Fibrous polypi are of dense, firm structure, connected by
a stem of some thickness with the uterine walls, with which,
in a compressed form, their substance is almost identical:
they are round, but nodulated on their surface, greyish-
white externally, and internally almost destitute of blood-
vessels. They usually grow rapidly, attain a considerable
size, and, by their pressure, occasion much mischief. Their
presence is usually attended by a copious watery discharge,
alternating, it may be, with sanguineous and general pro-
fuse menstruation. I removed one weighing four pounds;
there was no hemorrhage at the time, and no return of the
polypus, which had never occasioned other than a very
plentiful, dirty, watery discharge. This form is the most
-
common.
The follicular polypi consist of vesicles, or cysts, attached
by a stalk to some part of the canal of the cervix of the
T2
266
UTERINE POLYPI.
}
womb, varying from the size of currants to that of a kidney
bean, often not projecting much beyond the surface of the
mucous membrane. They are filled with white albuminous
fluid; may occur singly, or in a cluster, not only in the canal
of the cervix, but also in that of the nose and ear.
allowed to remain, they produce absorption of the surround-
ing tissues. They are easily removable by torsion, but may
If
return.
As the glands of the part are usually much enlarged, there
is considerable leucorrhoea, hæmorrhage, and sometimes
bearing down.
The vascular polypus is found in the nose, ear, rectum, and
cervical canal of uterus. As its name implies, it is bright
red, spongy; bleeds freely if injured; grows slowly; is small
-two or three may co-exist: it soon returns after removal.
It is regarded by some authorities as the precursor of cancer.
Polypi are found any time during the years of the
menstrual activity of the uterus-rather, however, towards its
height or decline. They are the result of perverted activity,
and also of constitutional predisposition. It is an established
fact, that the formation, the nutrition, and consequent
growth of polipi and tumours, may be prevented by consti-
tutional Homœopathic treatment: the tumour is not the
disease, but rather occasioned by disease. Dr. West points
out, that nature, unaided, often sets up efforts of detachment
by the decay of the pedicle, ulceration of the capsule, by
disintegration, and getting rid of the tumours piecemeal.
Fibrous tumour of the uterus is identical, in nature and
structure, with fibrous polypus; it is, however, an out-growth,
not an attachment.
Hæmorrhage, or flooding, coming on suddenly, and without
apparent cause, is the great distinguishing symptom of poly-
pus and tumour of the womb; also profuse watery dis-
charge, bearing-down, dragging, and, very often, expulsive
pains.
Threatened miscarriage bears a resemblance to
these symptoms; but sterility is the usual accompaniment,
and the hæmorrhage is usually more in the case of tumours
or polypi. An examination of the patient sets the matter at
rest.
FLOODING.
267
A sudden stoppage of urine, where no hysterical symptoms
are present, is sometimes the first thing that leads to a
suspicion of uterine tumour.
Tumours of the uterus may be outside it, within its
walls, underneath its lining, in the interior of its body,
in the canal of the cervix. When they attain any size
they produce an enlargement, which may be mistaken for
pregnancy.
Metrorrhagia, or flooding, may be produced, not only
by polypus, tumour, or miscarriage, but also from chronic
congestion, or from atony and general want of power,
and relaxed condition of the womb and uterine vessels.
When proceeding from these latter causes, it is amenable
to the same treatment as profuse menstruation, or menor-
rhagia.
The hæmorrhage of metrorrhagia may be bright arterial
blood, or dark and venous. In addition to the causes
enumerated, it may arise from accident, violence, excessive
exertion, or sudden shock and emotion; from cancer, and
after, or in consequence of, child-birth; at the cessation of
menstruation, or the change of life.
There also exists, in some persons, a marked predisposition
to hæmorrhage, in whom it takes place more readily, and is
far less easily controlled than in other people: this is called
"the hæmorrhagic diathesis."
Nothing, perhaps, more vividly demonstrates the rapid and
surprising effects of Homoeopathy than its power to arrest
and subdue flooding. I have seen extreme and alarming
cases, when moments were precious, and the life-stream gush-
ing away, checked almost immediately by China and Ipe-
cacuanha.
My
Cold, wet cloths may be constantly applied, and fre-
quently changed; the most perfect rest and quiet enjoined ;
everything be taken quite cool; ice sucked; and one or
other of the following medicines administered :—
Aconite. Flooding during pregnancy, in females of
bilious or plethoric habits, or at the menstrual period, or
setting-in after miscarriage, or delivery at full term; the
blood is bright red; dizziness; rush of blood to the head;
268
FLOODING.
palpitation; feeble, nervous pulse; coldness of the extremi-
ties; sickness and bearing down.
Three drops of strong tincture to a wine-glassful of water; a teaspoonful
every five, ten minutes, quarter, or half-hour, according to severity of
symptoms.
Apocynum Cannabinum.-Coming on in the men-
strual period, during earlier months of pregnancy, or after
delivery; great irritability of the stomach, and vomiting;
blood usually expelled in large clots, sometimes fluid, ceas-
ing for a time, and returning when the vital powers rally;
patient may be almost pulseless, and disposed to faint on
raising the head from the pillow.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every hour or half-hour,
Arnica. From vascular polypi, or caused from a fall,
shock to the system, or concussion; blood bright red, or
mixed with clots; nausea at the pit of the stomach; heat
about the head, and cool extremities.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every hour.
Arsenic. Flooding in emaciated, debilitated persons,
with darting, burning pains; disorganisation of the uterus
or ovaries during eruptive fevers, such as small-pox, or when
thrush appears in the mouth.
A grain, 6th trituration, every two hours.
Calcarea. In persons who commonly menstruate too
often, too much, and too long; cold, damp feet; leuco-
phlegmatic constitution; swelling of the pit of the stomach,
like a saucer turned bottom upwards; giddiness on stoop-
ing, on rising again, or on going upstairs.
A grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Caulophyllum.-After abortion or labour; from de-
ficient contractility of the womb.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Chamomilla.-Dark blood, with strong, offensive odour ;
violent pressing pains at the bottom of the bowels; tearing
FLOODING.
269*
pains in the legs; frequent passing of colourless urine; great
irascibility.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every one or two hours.
China. Flooding from atony of uterus, after mis-
carriage or labour, or at any other time, when there is
much loss of blood; or to counteract the effects of violent
hæmorrhage, as ringing in the ears, heaviness of the head,
giddiness, faintness, loss of sight, debility; the patient is
cold and blue, with single jerks and shocks through the
body; discharge of clots of black blood, with spasms of the
uterus; colic; a desire to urinate.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every quarter or half-hour.
-
Crocus. After abortion or delivery, or from violent ex-
ertion, as running, walking, or dancing, or taking stimu-
lants; it is dark and stringy; anxiety; flushes of heat;
pricklings of the skin; small, quick pulse; qualmishness; a
sense of rolling and bounding, of something alive in bowels
or stomach.
C
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every one or two hours.
Erigeron. Profuse, with violent irritation of lower
bowel and bladder; diarrhoea, and difficulty of passing
water.
M
Two drops, 1st dilution, every hour or two hours.
G
Ferrum.-Bright or dark discharge, even in cases when
the womb is organically diseased, with ardent, red face,
hard quick pulse; after labour or abortion; frequent dis-
charges of partly fluid and partly black blood, clotted, with
violent labour-like pains in the abdomen and loins; pulse
full, hard, and frequent; shudderings; headache and giddi-
ness; constipation and hot urine.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every half or quarter of an hour.
Hamamelis.-Caused by a fall; the flow is steady, dark
in colour, and without uterine pains; or bright red, with no
coagula, coming on midway between the menstrual periods.
Two drops, 1st or 2nd dilution, every hour or two hours.
270
FLOODING.
Ipecacuanha.-Constant flow of bright-red blood; cut-
ting pain about the navel; pressure towards the uterus;
nausea; dizziness; headache; patient feels cold, and looks
pale; after confinement, or from retained after-birth;
chronic discharge, alternating with leucorrhoea.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every quarter or half-hour.
Lachesis. Painless hæmorrhage, coming on at "the
change," after the menses have stopped, or generally with
chills at night, and flushes of heat during the day; pain in
right ovarian region, ceasing only when the discharge comes
Two drops, 30th dilution, every three hours.
on.
K
Nux Vomica.-Also useful at critical age, after labour,
or whenever there is a constant drain, and weakening, sicken-
ing attacks of faintness; constipation; frontal or general
headache; bearing-down pain in the small of back; dys-
pepsia. Adapted for those who live well, or who stay at
home and sit much.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Phosphorus. After difficult labour, between the periods,
or during pregnancy; general weakness; cold hands; rush
of blood to the head, and palpitation; excessive sensitiveness;
unusual excitement of feeling. Adapted to tall thin patients,
with sallow complexion, or to those with dry, smooth, trans-
parent, waxy skins.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Phytolacca.-In cases connected with ulceration of the
mouth of the womb.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours, with injection of the same.
Platina.-Dark, thick blood; pain in the small of the
back, in both groins and thighs; bearing-down sensation, as
of a ball moving about in the abdomen, or of the body
growing larger in every direction; thirst, and complete want
of appetite; blood partly fluid, and partly dark, thick
pieces; anguish about the heart; trembling of hands and
FLOODING.
271
feet; small, feeble pulse; flushed face; hysteric depression;
debility, and great sensitiveness of the genital organs. Very
useful for pregnant females.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Pulsatilla.-Profuse at times; at others intermitting, and
mixed with clots; apt to be most at night or in the evening,
particularly at the change of life; cutting, tearing, bearing-
down pains; discharge viscid, clotty, thick and dark, or pale
and watery.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Sabina. Loss of florid, bright-red blood after mis-
carriage, with labour-like pains, extending to the groins and
thighs; or coagulated lumps of black blood with thin,
watery blood; tearing pains in the head, and left half of
face; great languor, or painless loss of dark-red blood, im-
mediately after delivery. Used in pregnancy, next to
Ipecacuanha.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every half-hour, hour, or two hours.
M
Sanguinaria. Flooding from existence of polypi, or
ulcerations of the os uteri, or threatened abortion, in con-
sumptive patients, with discharge of black blood; slight
nausea; pains in back, abdomen, and thighs.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every three hours, with injections in the case of
polypus and ulcerated os.
Secale.-Flow of dark and sometimes fetid blood, or red,
fluid blood, attendant on miscarriage or labour, with strong
spasmodic contraction of the womb; every discharge is pre-
ceded by such contraction, or by distressing bearing-down
pains; hæmorrhage, accompanying expulsion of polypi; from
atony of an exhausted uterus, as from tedious labour; the
patient is prostrate, with cold extremities; paroxysms of
retching and vomiting; pulse low and hurried; discharge
fluid, mingled with dark, badly-smelling coagulæ; may
terminate in putrescence of the womb. Useful for feeble,
cachectic constitutions.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every half-hour, hour, or two hours.,
A
272
FLOODING-POLYPI AND TUMOURS.
Sepia. Chronic loss, excited by the least cause; sense of
weight at the anus; constipation; fits of coldness; icy cold
feet; flushes of general heat; empty feeling at the pit of the
stomach; urine fetid, with sediment as of burnt clay.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Sulphur.-Chronic hæmorrhage; patient gets almost
well, when it begins again-this may continue for weeks;
flushes of heat; heat on the top of the head; attacks of
faintness; light sleep; frequent and urgent desire for food.
A grain, 6th dilution, every twelve hours.
Trillium.-Excessive flooding at irregular times, bring-
ing patient very low; the blood is dark, thick, and clotted,
continuing several days; pain in back; nausea; chills;
fainting; or during pregnancy, or at the commencement of
labour, or in persons whose labours are always followed by
alarming hæmorrhage. It will succeed when other remedies
fail, or only partially relieve.
Three drops, 1st dilution, every ten minutes, quarter, or half-hour.
Medicines suited to Polypi and Tumours.—Several of
those just mentioned as applying to the flooding—Arnica,
Arsenic, Calcarea, Erigeron, Nux Vomica, Phosphorus,
Phytolacca, Sanguinaria, Secale, Trillium; as well as the
following.
Conium. In cases where the glands of the cervical canal
are enlarged; and also where intermission in the flow of
the urine is a symptom; the breasts are sore, and swell
before the menstrual period; giddiness on turning the head,
or on turning the head when lying in bed; frequent sensa-
tions of numbness.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Graphites.-Chronic constipation; menstruation is apt
to delay a few days; pressure and beating at the pit of the
stomach; morning nausea; palpitation; pain in the bowels
after they have been relieved; swelling of the lower abdo-
POLYPI AND TUMOURS.
273
men; profuse watery leucorrhoea; tenesmus of bladder,
followed by a flow of watery urine.
A grain, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Iodine. Internally and by injection, in the case of
follicular polypi: some of its symptoms closely resemble
those of Ipecacuanha; debility; wasting; dryness of the
skin; delayed menses; heartburn; dizziness; beatings in
the head.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every six hours; injections of 1st dilution.
Ignatia.- Expulsive bearing-down; pressure
on the
uterus, as in labour; discharge of black, badly-smelling
blood; pressure on the bladder; frequent unsuccessful urg-
ing to stool; nausea and anxiety, without being able to
vomit; distress at stomach, caused by food; appetite ceases
as soon as patient begins to eat.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Kali Hydriodicum.-Thin, watery, profuse leucorrhoea;
scanty or painful menstruation, with pressure and griping
in lower part of abdomen; the upper part of the thighs feels
as if tightly squeezed; continual shuddering; bruised,
aching pain in small of back and groins; heat in the lower
part of the bowels, which does not bear external warmth ;
frequent yawning, languor, and weakness; chilliness, with
goose-flesh, nausea, and pressure in the stomach; inclination
to vomit increased by movement.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every six hours.
Lycopodium.-As a constitutional remedy where polypi
exist; in those of mild disposition and lymphatic tempera-
ment; very susceptible to cold, to leucorrhoea, and mucous
discharges, or profuse menstruation; faintness; emaciation.
and failure of strength; sallow complexion; cold extremi-
ties; want of appetite; slow and depraved digestion;
rumbling of flatus in the bowels; constipation, and slow
degeneration of the skin.
A grain, 6th dilution, every six hours.
Ÿ
274
POLYPI AND TUMOURS.
Nitric Acid.-Flesh-coloured or green leucorrhoea, or
consisting of tenacious mucus, that can be drawn out in
shreds; pressing in the abdomen, as if everything would
pass out; pain in back, through the hips, and down thighs;
very strong-smelling urine.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Opium.-Under the external and internal use of this drug,
both nasal and uterine polypi have completely disappeared
when they have returned after extirpation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every six hours, and touching the polypus with
a camel's-hair pencil moistened with the strong tincture.
Sepia.-Chronic flooding, excited again by the least
cause; enlargement of the abdomen. Most useful at critical
age.
A grain, 6th trituration, every twelve hours.
Staphysagria. Frequent urging, with scanty discharge
of red-looking urine; cutting in the bowels; urging to
stool; pressure in the stomach, as from a load, early in the
morning; nausea, as if vomiting would come on; repeated
effort after relief of the bowels, without accomplishing any-
thing; depression of spirits; irritability, and refractory, re-
pulsive mood.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Thuja. Internally and locally, for easily-bleeding,
fungous growths, which may possibly have a sycosic
origin.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every six hours; touching, also, with the pure
tincture.
Iodide of Arsenic. In high dilutions for a course of
Iodide of Mercury. medicine, not too frequently re-
S
peated, and not given below the 30th, where there is much
debility and rapid increase, or where the system has been
previously weakened by Allopathic doses of Mercury.
;
TUMOURS AND CANCER OF UTERUS.
275
It is sometimes difficult to demonstrate the existence of a
polypus or tumour. With regard to tumours, the balancing of
constitutional symptoms, the stethoscope to distinguish them
from pregnancy, and the uterine sound to determine their
size and position, will guide to a decision; and with polypi,
examination and the speculum.
The best surgical treatment for fibroid tumours, is freely to
cut through the inner and outer os by Simpson's hystero-
tome, well plugging the vagina after: in the case of fibrous
polypi, to apply a ligature tightly, and at once remove the
polypus, giving constitutional remedies afterwards: the fol-
licular polypus can, if desired, be removed by torsion.
Cauliflower Excrescence is a granular outgrowth from the
lips of the uterus, occurring at all periods of life; by some
not considered malignant, as it may have a syphilitic origin.
By most it is classed as an epithelial cancer.
It gives rise to flooding of an irregular nature, excited by
exertion, as walking, coughing, or sneezing, and usually an
offensive, watery discharge. It is lobulated in form, has a
peculiar granulated feel, and bleeds easily when touched.
Thuja internally, and the tincture applied locally, is
the remedy, with occasional doses of the 30th of Arsenic.
Weak injections of Carbolic Acid may be used to remove
fetor, when present.
Cancer of the Womb usually commences on the cervix, or
neck, resembling, in its outset, the results of prolonged in-
flammation, as enlargement, hardening, or induration and
pain.
-
Besides the cauliflower excrescence, two forms of cancer are
met with the most common of all, fungoid, medullary, or
soft; and the least frequent, scirrhus, or hard cancer.
The fungoid, or soft, and by far the most common, begins
in the lips of the os uteri, which are larger than usual, and
open, feeling hard, tense, and uneven, with a firm, dense,
white, and partly transparent deposit; ulcers soon form on
them, with raised, uneven, hard edges, from which sprout
forth fungous growths, discharging fetid matter; a greenish-
brown fluid, or blood-stained and gruelly, more or less flood-
ing, mark the further progress of this variety. It may (and
276
CANCER OF THE WOMB.
I have seen such) be developed from syphilitic affection.
This, however, is by no means its usual origin.
The scirrhus, or hard cancer, similar to that of the breast,
does occur, but so rarely, that it need scarcely be mentioned.
Many cases of simple induration, and of the fungoid, or
medullary, in its earlier stage, have been mistaken for it. In
120 patients suffering from cancer of the womb, Dr. West did
not meet with a single instance of true scirrhus.
Medullary, or soft cancer, is most frequent in those who
have had large families, and is met with most often between
the ages of forty and sixty, though it may be seen between
thirty and forty.
Important as it might be to make an early distinction
between cancer and other affections of the womb, it is almost
impossible to do so, as pain, discharge, hæmorrhage, indura-
tion, and enlargement, may accompany polypus and chronic
inflammation. The pain gets to be severe and sufficiently
characteristic; but at first it is felt more in the loins, or the
bottom of the abdomen; the discharge becomes grumous
and fetid, so much so as to remain long on the fingers after
examination, or dressing the wound, and constantly scents
the room. The hæmorrhage is the most reliable sign; it is
more prolonged and continuous than abundant, like an
ordinary menstrual flow, except that it continues or comes at
irregular times: it becomes a decided flooding, and strong
expulsive spasm often shows itself for the extrusion of clots.
The peculiar, almost unmistakeable, straw-coloured, or
cancerous complexion is never absent as the disease develops;
hereditary predisposition is well established.
Cancer nowhere more rapidly manifests its destructive
power than in the uterus and neighbouring organs: it soon
passes from the cervix to the body of the uterus, to the
vagina, to the rectum and bladder. Digestion is strongly
affected; there is great wasting and absorption of the red
globules of the blood; diarrhoea, or painful defecation and
urination. The womb is seldom secondarily, but almost
always primarily affected. The usual duration of the disease
is five or six months,
Excision through the cervix uteri by the ecraseur has
CANCER OF THE WOMB.
277
often been performed. Authorities are divided as to its
advisability and success, as there is a want of statistics on
which to base an opinion. This operation has sometimes
proved almost immediately fatal from collapse; and in
other cases relief has been only temporary.
One of the latest Allopathic authorities says-"The prog-
nosis of cancer of the uterus, despite all that can be done by
art to diminish the sufferings, which lead on to the inevitable
result, is most gloomy."* Over against this, for our encourage-
ment, Rokitansky and Ashwell both record cases of spon-
taneous cure; and my friend, Dr. Bradshaw, of Nottingham,
reports a case in the British Journal of Homœopathy,
treated for six months with Hydrastis, internally and locally,
when the disease was apparently arrested. I bave repeatedly
found the efficacy of this same medicine in not only staying
the progress of cancer, but in allaying pain and prolonging
life. Throughout, the greatest possible attention must be
paid to the general health, by medicine, exercise, change of
air, and diet. The locality, if possible, should be dry,
moderately elevated, and healthy; a strictly vegetable diet;
only distilled water for drinking, cooking, and the infusion
of tea; no alcoholic stimulants of any kind.
Arsenic may be of use in two ways-in high dilutions,
and at some interval, with a view of counteracting the pre-
disposition, or the condition on which it depends (half a
grain of 30th, up to 200th, every three or four days); and in
very much lower dilutions, frequently repeated, for the ane-
mia and cancerous cachexia.
Belladonna, from its action upon glandular strictures,
erysipelas, and congestive inflammations, is of considerable
service in the ulcerative and sub-inflammatory stages.
Three drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
Carbo Animalis.-The ulcerative process is indolent;
the vital powers greatly depressed. It also improves the
ichorous discharge, and diminishes the hæmorrhage.
Two grains, 1st trituration, every six hours, with local application.
* Holmes' System of Surgery, iv., p. 508.
278
CANCER OF THE UTERUS.
Churraphila. Urine scanty-voided frequently, with
much pain before passing it. This remedy is also of value
in relieving the cachexia and debility. It is considered, by
Professors Lee and Wood, as ranking next to the prepara-
tions of Iodine and Iron.
Six drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
Cistus Canadensis, for the diarrhoea and debility. It
is a valuable antipsoric, growing most freely on talc or
(Magnesia) rocks, as the Belladonna does on limestone, and
Pulsatilla on iron-stone.
Three drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
Conium is said to have effected a favourable change,
most probably in cases of induration and enlargement of the
cervix, to which it is decidedly Homœopathic.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every six hours.
Galium. Hardness, enlargement, and nodulated os uteri,
with throbbing, beating pain.
Six drops, 1st dilution, every six hours.
Hydrastis applies to erosion and chronic ulceration, up
to loathing of food; constipation; offensive, pus-like dis-
charges from vagina; great tenderness of the os uteri; hectic.
fever; profuse, light-coloured diarrhoea; frequent and press-
ing calls to urinate; urine smelling decomposed.
Six drops, 1st dilution, every three hours, with injections of one part of
strong tincture to eight of water.
Iodine. Nausea; debility; wasting; dryness of skin;
dizziness; beating in the head.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every four hours.
Kreosote.-Cancerous ulceration of the neck of the
womb, with discharge of foul mucus or pus.
Three drops, 1st dilution, every six hours, with injection.
Phytolacca is spoken of, by Dr. Hale, as one of the
most valuable of our antipsorics, and as related to Silicea,
DROPSY OF THE WOMB.
279
Lachesis, Arsenic, Kali Bichrom., and Sulphur. He recom-
mends it as a most efficient alterative in cancer, internally
and locally, to check its destructive progress.
Six drops, 1st dilution, every four hours.
Sepia applies to ulcerations of the os uteri, and to
glandular enlargement and induration; and it has been used,
with considerable success, in cancer of the womb.
Three grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Thuja is Homœopathic to the stage of medullary cancer,
when it is just beginning to destroy the substance of the
womb by ulceration, with widely indurated borders, grayish
bottom, and fetid, ichorous pus.
Six drops, 1st dilution, every four hours, with injections.
Secale, Hamamelis.-The first for flooding, with expul-
sive pain; the second for hæmorrhage, if at all trouble-
Three drops, 1st dilution, every hour.
some.
Dropsy of the Womb (Hydrometra).-An accumulation of
a watery, serous nature, in the cavity of the womb-true
dropsy, or the result of a closure of the mouth, or outlet,
from disease or malposition: false dropsy of the womb.
Both kinds induce a greater or less increase in size; but
especially true dropsy, which may readily be mistaken for
pregnancy. On careful examination, the distinction is not
difficult. Menstruation is absent in both. The accumula-
tion of fluid in the cavity of the womb, from occlusion, re-
sembles that arising from retention of the menses, and is of
too slow an increase to be mistaken for pregnancy. With
some persons the watery accumulation in pregnancy is very
considerable, and cases have occurred in which it has been
so extensive as to render the existence of pregnancy a matter
of doubt. Dropsy of the womb is very seldom met with; it
may result from congestion of the neck of the womb at "the
change," or be an accompaniment of cancer or malignant
disease. As an independent affection, it will be attended by
signs of dropsy elsewhere, and must be treated on general
U
280.
UTERINE TYMPANITIS.
principles, by such remedies as Apis, Apocynum, Arsenic,
China, Digitalis, Hellebore, and Sepia.
Wind in the Womb, Physometra, or Uterine Tympanitis,
may be accidental from gas arising from the decomposition.
of a dead fœtus, shreds of membrane, or clots; or, what is more
usual, an evolution of gas from the membrane lining the
womb, a consequent distension of the cavity, and an emission
of inodorous flatus with some considerable force and noise.
This may take place on rising from a recumbent posture, as
on getting out of bed, or many times a day, or only at rare
intervals of a month, or more. If any decaying matters are
present, warm injections of water and Carbolic Acid must be
used occasionally, or of warm water only if the lining mem-
brane is only slightly disorganised. Dr. Guernsy advises the
following remedies:-
Bromine.-Loud emission of flatus from the vagina;
worse during rest; relieved by movement; worse from even-
ing till midnight; the left side feels most distended.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every four hours.
Phosphoric Acid.-Womb distended by an accumula-
tion of gas; a pain in the liver during menstruation; quan-
tity of colourless urine passed at night; indifference to the
duties and concerns of life.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
Lycopodium.-Discharge of wind from the vagina;
great sense of dryness; worse about 4 or 5 P.M.; much rum-
bling and gurgling of wind in the bowels; red sand in
the urine, and much pain before passing it.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Arsenicum.-Fetid discharge as well as flatus; great
debility and failure of strength.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Kreosote. For fetor arising from decaying matters, with
distension and emission of flatus.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every three hours, with injections of Carbolic
Acid.
FISSURE OF THE ANUS.
281
Fissure of the Anus calls for some notice in connection
with affections of the womb, inasmuch as where it exists it
adds largely to the sufferings and inconvenience of the
patient in other instances it gives rise, through the spinal
nerves, to symptoms simulating uterine disease, at a dis-
tance from, and altogether incommensurate with, the real
affection; all of which, however, disappear on the cure of
the fissure.
Fissure of the anus is so very much more common in
women than men, that it may be classed amongst the affec-
tions incident to the sex, apart from the considerations to
which we have referred. In appearance it is a slight orack,
situated just inside the sphincter or muscle which closes the
aperture of the anus, of differing depth, and varying from
one-eighth to half an inch in length. The pain caused by
relief of the bowels is excessive and acute, so that any
attempt is put off as long as possible; the motions passed.
are streaked with blood and mucus on the side of the
fissure. Examination of the fissure causes not only the
agony which we have referred to, but pain and discomfort in
the rectum, back, abdomen, and right or left side, lasting for
some little time.
Painful menstruation, and, as a more constant trouble,
frequent urging, painful passing and dribbling of urine, are
often associated with fissure. In the deeper kinds I have
often noticed small polypi, which may be removed by touch-
ing them with Tincture of Opium, as recommended in polypi
of the uterus.
Fissure of the anus is perfectly relievable by medicine,
without the use of the knife. I have seen dangerous
hæmorrhage result from the operation of cutting through the
muscle, and deeply into the flesh, as recommended and prac-
tised by some surgeons.
Esculus. Intolerable burning, itching, stinging pain,
with a feeling of fulness at the anus; bowels inclined to be
costive, though they act every day; countenance pale and
haggard. It removes many symptoms which precede and
attend fissure.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
U 2
282
FISSURE OF THE ANUS.
•
Aloes.-Violent cutting and burning in the rectum;
burning and heat in the bowels; rush of blood to the head;
congestion of the uterus and rectum.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Ignatia.-Straining or pressing towards the rectum, or
a contractive sore pain after stool, or a pressure as from a
sharp sticking body. Particularly suitable for hysterical sub-
jects.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.-Sense of constriction: rush of blood to
the head; insufficient relief; sensation as if more to be ex-
pelled; sharp and painful pressure in the rectum after stool,
in the night, or at other times.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three or four hours.
Plumbum.-Deficiency of mucous secretion in rectum;
sense of dryness; spasm of the muscle, closing the orifice-it
is drawn in; constipation.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Nitric Acid.-Pinching in the abdomen previous to
relief of the bowels; pain during, as if something would be
torn in the rectum; burning at the anus; smarting or
stitches and cramp-like contraction after stool; nausea and
complete exhaustion, or excessive irritation, anxiety, and
general uneasiness; discharge of blood.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours, with application of the 1st
dilution occasionally.
Silicea. Frequent desire to relieve the bowels; passing
only mucus; chilliness; qualmishness; blood and mucus.
passed, with burning, smarting, and constriction, or stinging
and jerking at anus or in rectum; sometimes itching and
dampness.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Ratanhia, internally and locally, is advised by Hempel.
INFLAMMATION OF OVARIES.
283
Arsenic, Hydrastis.-As these prove curative in old-
standing and extensive ulceration of the rectum, so they
have been found useful in fissure.
DISEASES OF THE OVARIES.
Inflammation of the ovaries, in the acute form, does
not occur frequently, except in connection with preg-
nancy or child-birth. When it is met with, it arises from
sudden suppression of menstruation; from medicines taken
to force the menses, or to produce abortion; from in-
jections; from foot-baths at "the period;" excitement
or disappointment; sometimes it appears to be rheu-
matic. Occasionally, the pain and discomfort that
might seem to indicate it are simply hysterical. After
delivery, it is complicated with inflammation of the womb
or uterine veins, or inflammation of the membranous cover-
ing of the bowels, or peritoneum.
There is inflammatory fever, acute pain in the ovarian
region, with more or less swelling and tension; nausea,
sickness, and irritation of bladder or rectum, with frequent
efforts at relief. The pain in the ovaries is sharp, lancinat-
ing, and aggravated by movement. It terminates, if un-
checked, in abscess or induration.
-
Chronic inflammation of the ovaries takes the form of
irritation; is often associated with an irritable uterus,
amenorrhoea, suppression, chlorosis, or painful menstrua-
tion; it often intermits, increasing at "the period;” and is
attended then by considerable flow. Hysteria is a common
accompaniment; and sterility is often caused by it.
Aconite. From a chill or fright; general feverishness
and restlessness, and soreness; aching, dragging pain in the
region of the ovary-aggravated by movement.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every hour.
C
Antimonium Crudum.-Nausea; vomiting;
vomiting; white
tongue; tenderness of the ovarian region.
A grain, 6th trituration, every two hours.
VREMENSKIH TARTI
284
INFLAMMATION OF THE OVARIES.
¿
Apis.—Inflammation or congestion of the ovaries, as in
suppressed menstruation; steady pain, with tenderness on
pressure, with occasional bearing down; cutting pains in
the ovary; worse at intervals, and extending down the thigh.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every hour.
Arsenic.-Intense burning or tensive pain in the ovary;
great restlessness; some relief is gained by constantly mov-
ing; thirst-little can be taken at a time, but often.
A grain, 6th trituration, every two hours.
Belladonna. The right ovary especially is enlarged;
great pressure at every "period;" bearing down, obliging
patient to keep her bed.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Bryonia. Sharp, cutting pain in ovaries on taking a
deep inspiration; increased by movement. Adapted for bilious,
rheumatic constitutions.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Cactus. Pulsating pain in the uterus and ovarian region,
like an internal gathering; the pain extends to the thighs,
and becomes insupportable; then it ceases completely, and
occurs the next day at the same time.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Cantharis-Burning pain and swelling in the region of
the ovaries, with distress of the bladder; nausea and vomit-
ing. In alternation with, or after Aconite.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cimicifuga.—Inflammation of the ovaries, with irritable
uterus; hysterical symptoms and rheumatism; also with
suppressed, painful, or profuse menstruation; distress and
dulness in the head; trembling; sinking at the stomach;
frequent calls to urinate.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Colocynth.-Cutting, tearing colic, with intense boring,
INFLAMMATION OF THE OVARIES.
285
stabbing, or tensive pains in the ovary, causing restlessness,
drawing-up of the legs, headache, and nausea.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every hour.
Conium.-Swelling and induration of the ovaries; nausea;
vomiting; raising of flatulence, and expectoration of phlegm;
shooting pains; acrid, white, and slimy leucorrhoea; labour-
like contractions, and pains in the groins.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Gelseminum.-Flushed, crimson face, when the lungs.
sympathise; and specially if there be rheumatic pain or
tendency.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Graphites.-Attacks apt to come on with every cold,
from getting the feet damp; suppression of the menses;
morning sickness; itching blotches, with slight glutinous
oozing.
W
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Hamamelis.-Irritability of bladder; violent ovarian
pains, in paroxysms or diffused, and agonising soreness of
abdomen; aggravation by touch; irregular menses; pains
worse at the period; breasts tender; no appetite. Specially
if inflammation is caused by injury.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hedeoma.-Adapted to hysterical subjects; excessive
tenderness over both ovaries; pains in the back, with press-
ing downwards towards the uterus; disturbance of the
bowels and bladder. It relieves troublesome irritation
of the ovaries.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Hepar. After Belladonna, or other remedies, when it
seems as though an abscess must form.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, every three hours.
Helonias. Ovarian distress, with bearing down and leu-
286
INFLAMMATION OF THE OVARIES.
corrhoea in lax, anemic constitutions, with sallow, unhealthy,
earthy-looking complexion.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hydrastis. Where sympathetic disturbance of the di-
gestive functions; frequent and pressing calls to urinate,
and disturbance of the bowels, with debility and prominent
symptoms.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Ignatia. The malady appears to arise from disap-
pointed affection; involuntary sighing; great despondency;
weak, empty feeling at pit of stomach.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours.
Iris. Constant pain over ovaries, aggravated by motion;
pain in the back; uterine leucorrhoea. Specially if any
syphilitic taint exists.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Lachesis to succeed Hepar, if matter has already formed,
in order to facilitate its escape externally.
Two drops, 30th dilution, every four hours.
Phytolacca.-In irritation, neuralgia, and induration of
the ovaries; there may be uterine leucorrhoea; profuse, fre-
quent, or painful menstruation.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Platina.-Burning pain in ovarian region, in paroxysms;
stitches in the forehead; hysteria, and great excitement.
Dr. Guernsy says it has proved useful after the matter of an
abscess has been discharged under Lachesis.
A grain, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Podophyllum.-In chronic inflammation of the ovaries;
there is irritation of the rectum, pain, and a numb-aching
running down the thighs; pains in the small of the back,
with coldness.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
!
OVARIAN TUMOURS AND DROPSY.
287
Sulphur.-Chronic enlargement of the ovaries, with leu-
corrhoea and menstrual irregularity.
A grain, 6th trituration, every other night.
Thuja.-The left ovary is most affected; sufferings much
increased at any "period," becoming almost intolerable;
pain extends into the groin, sometimes into the leg; excited
by walking or riding, patient has to lie down.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Veratrum Viride.-Congestion of the ovaries, attended
by congestion of the head and lungs, oppressions of the
chest, and headache,
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Zinc.-In chronic cases; boring pain, obliging patient to
press on the part continually; the pain is entirely absent
during the menses; it returns as soon as they cease.
A grain, 6th dilution, every, or every other, night.
Ovarian Tumours and Dropsy.-Ovarian tumours are of
two kinds-fibroid, and malignant or cancerous.
The fibroid tumours are made up of a dense fibrous sub-
stance, sometimes cartilaginous, sometimes somewhat ossi-
fied; they are round in form, grow slowly, and vary con-
siderably in size. The largest on record is mentioned by the
late Sir J. Simpson; it weighed fifty-six pounds. From the
size they attain, they may be mistaken for pregnancy; their
history, time, and rate of increase, concomitant history, and
state of the uterus itself, must be taken into consideration.
It is a difficult matter to distinguish between a fibrous
tumour of the ovary and one growing outside of the womb;
in both cases, however, operative procedure is out of the
question: the medicinal treatment is the same for both.*
Tubercles, in persons predisposed to such affections, may
be formed in enlarged and hardened ovaries; these organs,
however, seldom suffer unless others are simultaneously
affected. Benign or non-malignant tumours of the ovaries
• See Fibroid Tumours of Womb, p. 290.
288
OVARIAN CANCER AND DROPSY.
are sometimes found, by almost imperceptible degrees, to
assume a malignant or cancerous form.
Cancer of the ovary is not rare: it may assume various
forms, as scirrhus, or hard cancer; encephaloid, or soft cancer;
melanoid, or black cancer, of encephaloid structure, with the
addition of black-colouring pigment, alveolar, colloid, or gela-
tinous, and the bleeding or fungous hæmatoides. Ovarian
cancer is rapid in its course; is met with earlier in life than
that of the womb, principally attacking unmarried females
of middle life. Scirrhus, or hard cancer, generally co-exists
with a similar affection of the mammæ, and is amenable
to the same treatment. The encephaloid variety is generally
a concomitant of some other morbid formation, than as the
sole disease, with fibrous, cartilaginous, calcareous, or ossi-
form infiltration of the ovarian walls. The colloid is most
common, and most rapid in its growth. Fungous hæmatoides
of the ovary is usually an accompaniment of a like affection
elsewhere.
*
Wha
Cancer of the ovaries may originate there, and extend to
the adjoining organs, or it may be transmitted from them to
the ovaries. The affection is usually attended by disease of
the bladder, or ovarian dropsy, or dropsy of the abdomen
(ascites).
The reasons against the removal of ovarian cancers by
surgical operation (says Mr. Hutchinson), are manifold and
apparent. Its medicinal treatment is identical with that of
cancer of the womb; to the section treating of which the
reader is referred, p. 275.
In Ovarian Dropsy we have a collection of a greater or
less quantity of fluid, highly albuminous, clear and limpid,
or viscid, glairy, ropy, and somewhat opaque ; or coffee-
coloured, greenish, and oily; or flaky, puriform, and offensive,
in one or more cysts or membranous bags, into which the
substance of the ovary seems changed. There is swelling,
and usually more or less tenderness and pain or weight in
the ovarian region of one or both sides; irregularity or
complete suppression of the menses. The enlargement
gradually extends over the abdomen. The swelling gene-
• Holmes' System of Surgery, vol. iv., p. 519.
OVARIAN DROPSY.
289
rally attracts notice first; sometimes tenderness and pain
may be complained of for some little time before an increase
of size can be detected. Its commencement is sometimes
associated with recurring and copious menstruation; at
others with its sudden suppression, or the patient may be
regular during nearly the whole progress of the disease. The
predisposing causes are scrofula and debility from hæmor-
rhage, profuse menstruation, or any other circumstance.
Causes assigned by patients, are injuries, over-exertion or
excitement, mental emotion, parturition; mismanaged, pro-
longed, or difficult abortion; sudden check of menstruation
or leucorrhoea; inflammation of womb or ovaries. The mere
process of pregnancy and child-bearing appears to develop
it in some.
It is met with most frequently in married women, and
during the time of greatest sexual activity, from about
thirty to forty-five; many of them have had no children.
This, however, is by no means the rule. When one ovary alone
is affected, as most often the case, it is quite possible for the
patient to conceive. Profuse, drainful, or too frequent men-
struation, appears to have been the rule with most subjects
of this disease.
Ovarian dropsy varies considerably as to the rate of its pro-
gress. This depends greatly on the state of the patient's
health; cases of spontaneous arrest and dispersion are re-
corded. The fact of its connection with menstrual irregu-
larity, apart from any other consideration, shows the great
importance of regulating that function by the rules and
medicines given in the earlier part of this work.
The earlier symptoms of the existence of ovarian dropsy,
are much those of inflammation of the womb, or uterine
tumour, pain in the loins, shooting through the abdomen
and down the thighs, with numbness, piles, and difficulty of
passing water. The digestive organs sympathise; there is
nausea and vomiting, as in pregnancy; enlargement of the
breasts, and darkening of the areola round the nipple; bowels
irregular; diarrhoea or constipation, and affection of the
kidneys. When the tumour escapes into the abdomen, there
is a perceptible difference in the two sides; the right is said
290
OVARIAN DROPSY.
to be most commonly affected. There are also incontinence,
partial suppression of urine, varicose veins, and some
dropsical swelling of the legs. An intensification of that
peculiar sharpening of feature, characteristic of pregnancy,
is observable; the complexion is pale; and there is general
emaciation, with a special falling-away about the collar-
bones.
Ovarian dropsy is distinguishable from abdominal ascites
by its origin and the state of the health generally.
Abdominal dropsy may follow in chronic inflammation of the
bowels, or in affections of the liver, heart, or kidney, with
distinctive symptoms, which continue, considerably impairing
the health.
It is scarcely surprising that, from their appearance and
the symptoms, patients suffering from this disease should be
judged to be pregnant. The increase in size is much slower
than that of pregnancy; there is no quickening, no move-
ments of the child, and the state of the womb is altogether
different, it being moveable and light. The usual recur-
rence of menstruation in ovarian dropsy must not be for-
gotten; and when it is suspended, the duration of that sus-
pension will be a sure guide.
In the progress of this affection, at first the general health,
except sympathetically and from some little pressure, is not
much affected; ultimately the accumulation interferes with
the action of the lungs; the stomach is completely disturbed,
the liver deranged, and the constitutional powers rapidly sink,
with attendant hectic.
Even in long-standing cases the fluid may empty itself
into the bowels, vagina, or by the navel, or it may burst into
the peritoneal cavity, and be fatal.
"Cases sometimes are found where life continues for
years in tolerable comfort, the sexual functions duly per-
formed, pregnancy and delivery taking place in spite of
it, and the patient dying from some perfectly different ail-
ment."*
Death may occur in one, two, or three years from the com-
mencement of the disease, or even sooner.
* Dr. West, vol. ii., p. 124.
OVARIAN DROPSY.
291
;
Medicinal and Surgical Treatment.
Apis acts specifically on the ovaries; controls the
urinary disturbance, as well as that of the bowels; also the
nausea and the vomiting.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every three, four, or six hours, according to
the urgency of the case.
Apocynum Cannabinum.-Specially for cases com-
mencing with, or accompanied by, profuse menstruation, or
following excessive depletion, or sudden suppression of men-
struation, and where there are signs of general dropsy in
addition to the original affection and the usual discomforts
of an advanced case.
.:
-
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every six hours.
Arsenic.-A decided cachexia; emaciation and debility
pointing more to the use of this remedy than the size of the
enlargement; there is more or less thirst, and the pains, if
any, are burning.
A grain, 6th dilution, every twelve hours.
Eupatorium Purpureum.-In cases following repeated
miscarriage; there is considerable debility of the uterine
system; also in women who have no families; who have
scanty and painful menstruation. In advanced cases there
is either pain on passing water, or an unintermitting desire.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
Hydrastis. For the sympathetic disturbances of diges-
tive organs; sinking at the stomach; nausea; loss of appe-
tite, or when there is any suspicion of malignant disease.
Two drops, 1st or strong tincture, every three hours.
Sepia is also adapted to the gastric derangements; to
cases attended by scanty, short, and painful menstruation;
nervous symptoms and palpitation; to delicate constitutions,
with fine skin and dark stains on the face-the so-called
hepatic spots.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every four hours.
292
OVARIAN DROPSY.
Consult, also, the medicines for inflammation of the ovaries,
attend diligently to the general health, and apply constant
firm pressure by bandage.
The operative measures are tapping, injecting the tumour,
and extirpation, or ovariotomy. Tapping is but palliative,
requiring to be repeated with increasing frequency. Before
Iodine injection is tried, it is requisite to be perfectly sure
it is ovarian, and not abdominal dropsy; and that, if ovarian,
the fluid is all contained in one cyst.
The practice of ovariotomy has been brought to great per-
fection, and has been attended with great success. Still,
besides the general risk attending all operations of such
extent, there is that of numerous and firm adhesions, and
subsequent fatal inflammation. As Homœopathy improves
the general health, and exerts a beneficial influence on the
dropsy, it is the wiser plan to give it a fair trial. Ovariotomy
can be had recourse to when Homoeopathy has decidedly
failed.
293
PART III.
THE DISORDERS OF MARRIED LIFE.
CHAPTER I.
PREGNANCY.
MARRIAGE; REGULATION OF HEALTH; PREGNANCY; MISCARRIAGE ;
DISORDERS OF PREGNANCY; APPETITE;
; MORNING SICKNESS; CON-
STIPATION; PILES; DIARRHEA; JAUNDICE; COUGH, AND DIFFICULTY
OF BREATHING; ANEMIA; DROPSY; VARICOSE VEINS; HEADACHE ;
SLEEPLESSNESS; CRAMPS; HYSTERIA; FANCIES; WALLS OF THE AB-
DOMEN DURING; MENSTRUATION DURING; FALLING OF THE WOMB;
LEUCORRHŒA; FLOODING; PREPARATION OF THE BREASTS AND
NIPPLES; CHOICE OF NURSE AND DOCTOR.
FOR physiological reasons, girls should not be married before
one-and-twenty, nor young men before the age of five-and-
twenty. The frame and bodily powers should be mature,
and the health vigorous. Relationship, however remote, and
hereditary disease-such as consumption, cancer, and in-
sanity—should be insurmountable barriers. It should never
be a matter of barter or convenience: affection is imperative,
alike for the duties and the trials of married life.
The young woman who contemplates marriage, should
make it a point of conscience to have her general health at
the highest point of excellence, by care, exercise, and, if in
the least necessary, a course of Homoeopathic medicine
adapted to the requirements of her constitution. To marry
in bad health, with a view of having it improved, is cruel to
herself, and wrong to her husband.
The young wife should sedulously attend to exercise and
general habits, diet, rest, and clothing.
Uor M
294
MARRIED LIFE-REGULATION OF HEALTH.
Daily out-door exercise is absolutely required; to move
about in-doors, however briskly, is not sufficient; whilst
lounging, or crouching over the fire the greater part of the
day, is utterly reprehensible. The exercise taken should be
vigorous enough to quicken the circulation, bring the various
muscles of the body into play, expand the chest, and get a
good store of fresh air, or oxygen, into the lungs, for the
purification of the blood, and the due repair of the various
bodily organs. These conditions, for it to be of real service,
must all be fulfilled, and an hour be devoted to it every day.
To keep well in this variable climate, it should be taken
daily sensibly stout boots, a waterproof cloak, and an um-
brella, are ample protection. The best kind of exercise,
fortunately within the reach of most, is walking; next to
this, under needful restrictions, riding on horseback; riding
in a carriage, of any kind, is but a poor substitute for more
vigorous exercise; the walk should be taken in the most
open parts that can be selected. Those who live in the
country, and have opportunities for so doing, can supple-
ment the walk by other kinds of out-door recreation—
gardening, croquet, archery, and the like. Walking before
breakfast suits very few constitutions: a light repast-at
all events, a cup of cocoa or tea, and bread and butter,
should be first taken. Exercise after the longest fast of
the twenty-four hours, on an empty stomach, is apt to pro-
duce faintness, and a tired, jaded feeling for the remainder
of the day.
The hours of retiring to rest, and rising, should be regular
and early, as most conducive to health and the comfort of a
household. Heated and crowded rooms, assemblies and balls,
should in many cases be entirely avoided; in others, only
occasionally allowed, with a moderate share of party-going
and party-giving. Ablution with slightly tepid or cold
water, and vigorous friction after with a coarse Turkish
towel, or flesh-gloves, in order to keep the action of the
skin, as one of the main purifiers of the body, in proper
order, should be daily practised; and the use of a tepid
sitting-bath or bidet occasionally. The bed-rooms especially,
and the house generally, should be thoroughly ventilated,
Maou
PREGNANCY AND MISCARRIAGE.
295
without being draughty; the outer air is better than the
more stagnant atmosphere of a house.
The diet should be plain, nourishing, diversified, and
abundant; taken at regular times; two meals, at least,
thoroughly substantial-breakfast and dinner. Late and
heavy suppers are to be avoided; rich pastry, sweets, and
highly-spiced and seasoned dishes; strong, brandied wines,
like port and sherry, as well as strong ale. Eating between
meals, meals badly cooked, or too quickly succeeding each
other, are fruitful sources of indigestion and bad health.
Milk, vegetables, and ripe fruit, puddings and plain pastry,
meat, as beef and mutton, fowl game, most kind of fish, and
plain soups, offer an abundant choice for the dinner of the
most luxurious. Veal is extremely innutritious; and pork,
except in the shape of bacon or ham, a sickly abomination.
As beverages, Claret, Carlowitz, Offner, Burgundy, Hock, or
pale ale. For breakfast, porridge of oatmeal or entire
flour, with milk or syrup, two or three kinds of bread,
dried toast, butter, fried bacon, eggs, ham, potted meat,
plain fried fish, cold fowl or meat, with black tea, cocoa,
chocolate, coffee, and ripe fruit when in season. For tea, if
dinner is taken in the middle of the day-black tea, two or
three varieties of bread and butter, toast, and porridge, if
liked; ripe fruit, when procurable.
The clothing should be a suitable and sufficient protection,
whatever the weather, and in accord with the exposure of the
wearer: damp clothes, and wet legs and feet, as well as
chills, are enemies to be dreaded; with ordinary care and
attention they may usually be effectually guarded against.
PREGNANCY AND MISCARRIAGE.
It is important to be tolerably certain that pregnancy
exists. It is not enough to depend on any one symptom;
conjoint testimony alone can be relied on. Cessation of
menstruation is one of its signs; but menstrual irregularity
sometimes ensues after marriage, without pregnancy. The
fact that "the period" does not come on is sufficient to
arouse attention; if it is accompanied by nausea and morn-
X
296
PREGNANCY AND MISCARRIAGE.
ing sickness, by altered appetite and taste, by some differ-
ence in the bosom, with darkening of the areola round the
nipple, it may be pretty safely set down as a case of
pregnancy. Over-exertion, violent exercise, riding on horse-
back, jumps, raising the arms far above the head, late hours
and excitement, must be avoided, even before alteration in
the size and appearance of the' breasts, sharpening of the
features, increased size of the abdomen, quickening, and the
motions of the child, put the matter beyond question.
The ordinary duration of pregnancy is 280 days-nine
calendar, or ten lunar months of four weeks. It is usual to,
reckon from the third day after the last menstruation, recti-
fied by the feeling of quickening usually at the half period,
or four and a-half months. If forty weeks and a few days
be counted forward on an almanack, it will not be far out of
the time. Ladies who are not unwell whilst suckling-and
cessation is the rule-becoming pregnant when they are
nursing, have to rely upon the quickening as their guide:
156 days may be considered as the time to elapse before
confinement. This way of reckoning is not so sure as the
other; it is the best under the circumstances: quickening
not taking place invariably at the half-time of its occurrence,
is sometimes so slight as scarcely to be noticed; though at
others it is attended by nausea, faintness, and perceptible
movement.
To their great annoyance, ladies are often sadly out in the
time. I have known it fixed for November, whilst the con-
finement did not take place before February. A little care,
and the use of the calendar at the end of this book, will pre-
vent such mistakes.
As the whole of pregnancy is a perfectly natural process,
there is as little reason for alarm and apprehension as there
is for any revolution in the habits of an ordinary common-
sense woman. The rules already and hereafter to be laid
down in this chapter are to be observed.
Pregnancy does not always run on to the full term; Mis-
carriage, or Abortion, sometimes takes place. After the end
of the sixth month, it is denominated premature labour.
Miscarriage is not to be looked on as a slight accident: from
MISCARRIAGE.
297
BEN DE LEGEA treg deelja vormige Eigen Andy woENDIMAAN PAS PEREZE NES
the drain it often entails on a delicate constitution, and, if
too often repeated, on the strongest, the consequent affec-
tions to which it exposes, and the habit of repetition it is
apt to engender, with last, but not least, the disappointment
it occasions, it is an accident to be avoided by all possible
means. A little more rest and care than usual should be
taken at such times as it is most likely to happen; that is, at
the end of the second, third, fourth, and towards the seventh
month. Pampering, indulgence, luxury and idleness, are
almost sure to occasion it.
Miscarriage may arise from some affection of the womb or
ovary; irritation, inflammation, or displacement, especially
ante-version of the uterus; from excessive leucorrhoea; from
purgation or constipation; from the want of common pru-
dence; from anything from which painful menstruation and
pregnancy may have arisen. In rare cases the infant itself
may have disease transmitted to it, that may produce its
premature separation and expulsion.
In nursing-mothers, too long suckling, together with the
constant irritation of the breast causing a reflex contraction of
the womb, sometimes excites it; as may prolonged or excessive
diarrhoea, dysentery, or constipation. It is sometimes induced
by ague or small-pox, if the patients attacked by them are
pregnant. Medicines which act specifically and strongly on the
womb, whether taken intentionally or not, may also effect it.
Its first indications vary in different constitutions: in the
stout and robust there are chills and shivering, with weight
in the abdomen; in those who are not so strong, lassitude
and faintness; for one or two days, lowness of spirits; a
feeling as though menstruation were coming on; weakness
and uneasiness about the loins, hips, thighs, and lower part
of the abdomen; flaccidity of the breasts; dark circles round
the eyes; or disagreeable sensations thrilling through the
body; hysterical sighing and sobbing; faintings; spinal
irritation; flushes of heat; cold feet; excessive or unusual
leucorrhoea.
—
More positive signs, are pains coming on and going off,
gradually increasing in rapidity and strength; some slight-
coloured "show;" then a flooding, more or less abundant,
X 2
298
MISCARRIAGE.
and continuous, with clots; the pains getting decidedly
grinding, then forcing and expulsive: if not moderated by
medicine and rest, the ovum is detached and forced away,
and miscarriage takes place. Until there is a positive separa-
tion of the ovum in the womb, by perfect rest on a mattress,
a cool room, cool drinks and food, perfect quiet and medicine,
the accident may be tided over.
Everything passed by the patient, when miscarriage is
feared, should be carefully inspected, in order that it may be
decidedly known whether the ovum has passed or not, and
whether the womb is quite free; if it is, the discharge and
pains gradually moderate, and, after a few days, a colourless
discharge only is left. After a miscarriage, a patient re-
quires as much care as to diet, rest, and management, as
after confinement. Numbers of persons have long and
deeply to suffer from neglected abortions.
For the first indications of miscarriage—
Aconite.-Uneasiness; restlessness; chills, and feverish-
ness.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Asarum.-Excessive nervous sensibility, with disagree-
able sensations and thrills.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Ignatia. Hysterical sighing and sobbing; considerable
quantity of pale urine.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Nux Moschata.-Faintness, or actual fainting, with
great dryness of the mouth; the tongue feels as though it •
stuck to the mouth.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every hour.
Nux Vomica.-Excessive sensitiveness to external im-
pressions, noise, talk, strong odours, and bright light, or
moaning; reproachful or quarrelsome; waterbrash; pres-
sure and fulness in the stomach; griping pains; the clothes
feel tight; frequent inclination to relieve the bowels and to
pass water.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every hour.
MISCARRIAGE.
299
Chamomilla.-Tremulousness, with palpitation; rest-
lessness; headache; vehement feelings; hot, red face, often
of one cheek; shuddering; the bowels are disturbed, as after
mental emotion.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Gelseminum.-Heaviness and fulness in the uterine
region; increased leucorrhoea; aching across the bottom of
the back, and just such feelings as when the menses are
coming on.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Pulsatilla. Sad, weeping mood; chilliness; nausea;
pallor; aching in the stomach; rumbling of flatulence;
urging to stool, as if diarrhoea would set in; continual pres-
sure on the bladder.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Silicea.-Irritation of the spine; constipation, with
powerlessness of the lower bowel to act.
A grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
C
Sulphur.-Weak, fainting attacks; heat on the top of
the head; flushes of heat; cold feet; leucorrhoea.
A grain, 6th trituration, every two hours.
As a
Aletris.-There is an habitual tendency to abort.
tonic to the uterine system generally; and when, in such
persons, with more or less debility, there is colic, pressure in
the uterine region, and slight pains.
In the first instance, twice a day, two drops, 3rd dilution; in the second,
every hour.
For the more positive signs—
Asclepias Syriaca.-Copious discharge of urine; severe
labour-like pains from the small of the back to the bottom
of the bowels, and a scanty discharge of pale-red blood.
A drop, 3rd dilution, every half or quarter hour, or hour.
Arnica.-Uneasiness; pains and discharge, following a
300
MISCARRIAGE.
fall, jump, slip, blow, severe shake, or any mechanical in-
jury; or even riding in a carriage. A drop, 3rd dilution,
frequently-as hour or half-hour. It will be advisable, after
any accident, to take a dose or two, and keep perfectly quiet.
Belladonna.-Leucorrhoea; pains in the breasts; colic;
pains in the loins; pressing towards the vulva; throbbing
frontal headache; giddiness; rush of blood to the head or
chest; flushed face.
A drop, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Caulophyllum.-Spasmodic, bearing-down pains; slight
show; cramps; spasms of the bladder, rectum, or bowels.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Cimicifuga.-Chill; uterine pain; tenderness at the
bottom of the bowels; flooding, and even partial detachment
of ovum. Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every half-hour. It will
be found to quiet mental and nervous irritability, sleepless-
ness, restlessness, sensitiveness, and low-spiritedness.
Helonias. Prostration; pulse small and feeble; skin
sallow and pale; indigestion; all kinds of food produce
oppression; emaciation; lowness of spirits; constipation;
constant uterine distress; pain; pressing-down leucorrhoea.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours.
Ipecacuanha.-One continual sense of nausea, without
any remission; pain about the navel, passing into the womb;
continuous flow of bright-red blood in considerable quantity.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every hour; or every half or quarter of an hour.
Sabina. Specially for patients who usually abort at the
third month; pain from the back through to the front; dis-
charge of equal quantities of clotted and fluid blood.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every half or quarter of an hour.
Secale. In feeble, unhealthy women, with wan, fearful
countenance; very feeble pulse; copious flow of black liquid
blood; twitchings.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every half or quarter of an hour.
MISCARRIAGE-PREGNANCY.
301
Calcarea.
Aletris.
Cimicifuga.
Helonias.
After miscarriage, to aid in re-establish-
ing the health. 1st. In leuco-phlegmatic,
or patients with any consumptive tendency,
subject to rush of blood to the head, and
leucorrhoea. 2nd. In those weakened by
trouble or long nursing. 3rd. In hysterical, rheumatic
patients. 4th. In pale and anemic. 5th. In the feeble and
melancholic, with shining, white complexion, who perspire
easily, and are subject to neuralgia or leucorrhoea.
Sepia.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, twice a day; or two grains, 6th trituration, of
the 5th.
Pregnancy continued. If miscarriage be avoided, or
warded off, there are certain affections of pregnancy which it
is only wise to expect and prepare for; not that it follows
that the array here given is, of necessity, to be gone through.
In very many cases, during pregnancy, ladies bring the
troubles they suffer on themselves: much, at least, may be
done to avoid or relieve them. Many persons are never so
well as when they are pregnant: some little care is, however,
necessary, in order to expect anything like this immunity.
The dress must be loose, comfortable, and sufficiently
warm; tight-lacing, always injurious, may, in pregnancy,
amount to a crime. The feet and bowels must be kept
warm, to avoid colic and headache. In diet, only such
food must be taken as is known usually to agree-in ordi-
nary quantities, and at accustomed times; the stomach
should never be overloaded. Everything unwholesome and
manifestly indigestible, however appetising, must be re-
frained from, with everything irritating, and most things
of a stimulating nature. All highly-seasoned soups and
dishes, except they are really craved for, must be foregone.
It is quite a mistake to suppose that an unusual quantity of
food requires to be consumed; if it is, nausea and sickness
are sure to set in; the fact being, that the stomach tolerates
less rather than more. Nor is it wise to endeavour to sup-
plement any fancied short-coming, in the way of taking
and enjoying food by stimulants. The less of these the
better for the mother and her future offspring; the more
302
PREGNANCY-APPETITE.
favourable she may expect her labour and her getting up to
be; the healthier, stronger, and less puny her child. Spirits
of any kind, as also port and sherry, containing, as they do,
a very large quantity of spirit, are specially deleterious.
Claret, Burgundy, Hock, Carlowitz, Offner, and the light
Hungarian wines generally, may be taken at luncheon and
dinner. If ale cannot be done without, only the light India
pale ale in draught, not bottled, can be allowed. The patient
who takes even this, must expect acidity and heartburn in
consequence.
Chalk, charcoal, clay, pepper alkalies, salt, salt food,
things not in season, things never in season, and of
the strangest possible kind, are frequently longed for.
Some things thus eagerly desired, in moderation, cannot
do much harm; others must be injurious, as much so
now as they would at any other time: it is quite a
mistake to suppose that nothing taken can hurt or dis-
agree. The fancies of this condition are largely under the
control of a little self-denial and resolution. The most
common tendency is to prefer fresh vegetables, ripe fruit,
cooling drinks, and to avoid stimuli of every kind; then the
tastes of pregnancy agree with its requirements. Any long-
ing completely mastering the mother, just as frights, shocks,
and terrible surprises, affect the mental and moral condition
of the child.
Want of Appetite, and Disgust at Food—
Cocculus.-Aversion to food and drink, although the
patient is hungry and thirsty.
Two drops, 3rd dilution-repeated if required.
Colchicum.-Repugnance so great that she shudders
even when looking at, much more at the smell of, food.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, when necessary.
Moschus.-The sight of food turns her sick and faint.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, half-an-hour before meals.
Alumina.-Aversion to meat, with constipation.
One grain, 6th trituration; and repeated at night.
PREGNANCY-AVERSION TO FOOD.
303
-----
Mercurius.-Dislike to meat; chilliness; sallowness;
saliva runs on the pillow at night.
A grain, 6th trituration night and morning.
Graphites.-Desire for food; aversion to it sets in as
soon as she begins to eat; marked dislike to fish.
One grain, 6th trituration, night and morning, and half-an-hour before
meals.
water or ice.
Disgust for bread-Conium, Pulsatilla, Sepia.
Aversion to milk-Belladonna, Nux Vomica.
Dislike to fat things and butter-Calcarea, Mercurius,
Sepia.
Nausea at even the thought of food-China, Arsenicum,
Sepia.
.
Voracious, craving appetite may be complied with to a
moderate extent; if a reasonable amount of food do not
relieve, or if the food taken cause nausea, or return at once,
medicine should be taken.
Caulophyllum.-With white tongue.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, two or three times a day.
Collinsonia, Nux Vomica.-With piles.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, night and morning.
Eupatorium.-Combined with a great desire for cold
Two drops, 3rd dilution, three times a day.
Gelseminum.-Yellowish-white tongue; alternate loss
of appetite and hunger.
Desire for Bitter things-Natrum Muriaticum.
Coal or cinders-Cicuta.
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Two drops, 3rd dilution, three times a day.
The cravings of pregnancy may be met as follows:-
Desire for brandy or spirits-Arsenicum, Moschus, Nux
Vomica, Sepia.
56
Cucumbers-Veratrum Album, Antimonium
304
PREGNANCY-MORNING SICKNESS.
Desire for Fat-Nitric Acid, Nux Vomica.
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Fruit-China, Pulsatilla, Alumina, Sulphur.
Herrings-Veratrum Album, Nitric Acid.
Lime or chalk-Nitric Acid, Nux Vomica,
Cicuta.
Wine-Aconite, Calcarea, Nux Vomica, Sul-
phur.
Raw potatoes; raw vegetables generally-Cal-
carea.
Nausea, vomiting, and morning sickness, in the earlier
months, arise from reflex irritation of the stomach, from
sympathy with the womb; in the later months, from irrita-
tion of the diaphragm and stomach, through the displace-
ment caused by the enlarged uterus.
Nausea, with or without vomiting, may come on in the
morning on rising, after breakfast, in the evening, or at any
period of the day or night. The vomiting may be violent
enough to cause the water or other matters brought off the
stomach to be streaked with blood. This need not cause
alarm; everything is best taken rather cool. Half a drop
of 3rd dilution of Ipecacuanha every quarter of an hour.
Nausea or vomiting very frequently returns at one stated
hour, if not removed or relieved by medicine. It is more
generally limited to the earlier months; sometimes it con-
stitutes a very distressing affection during the whole of
pregnancy. Patients should choose those times for eating
at which the stomach is least apt to be disordered; cold
food will sometimes be tolerated when hot is rejected, and
vice versá; acid drinks, or swallowing small pieces of ice,
have helped to arrest some obstinate cases.
Nux Vomica is the most generally useful. Six drops,
3rd dilution, to a wine-glassful of water, kept mixed; a tea-
spoonful taken before rising in a morning, or a little time
before the usual attack, or when the usual symptom is felt;
remaining perfectly quiet for at least a quarter of an hour
after, that the medicine may have time and chance to take
effect.
-
Sepia. Two grains, 6th trituration, in the same way, if
Nux Vomica does not relieve.
PREGNANCY- MORNING SICKNESS.
305
Ipecacuanha.-The nausea comes on after eating; all
the food taken is brought up, or it returns as soon as eaten.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, immediately after food.
Kreosote. In the same way if Ipecacuanha fails.
Arsenicum.-Obstinate cases; much debility and thirst;
water even does not stay.
A grain, 6th trituration, dry on the tongue, twice a day.
Veratrum Album.-Marked chilliness and faintness.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, twice a day.
Acidity and Heartburn.-Sweet things, sugar even in
tea, and malt liquor, are to be avoided; Claret, Hock, Car-
lowitz, or any sub-acid wine with meals.
Carbo Vegetabilis.-1st trituration, two grains, every
quarter of an hour, until relieved.
Calcarea or Sepia.-A grain, 6th trituration, twice or
three times a day, according to the temperament, to eradi-
cate the tendency. 1st. For the leuco-phlegmatic, or those
subject to flushes and rushes of beat. 2nd. To the pale and
debilitated.
Pulsatilla. Two drops, 2nd dilution, twice or three
times a day, for the mild, tearful, and desponding; for acidity
and flatulence; fat things disagree.
Lycopodium.-If pastry produce an acid or bitter taste,
or thirst after a meal, preceded by great desire for food;
rumbling of flatulence; eructations, with yawning; water-
brash; palpitation.
A grain, 6th trituration, after a meal, and repeated in an hour, if re-
quired.
Hydrastis. Eructations of sour fluid; faint, gone feel-
ing at stomach; dull aching or oppression; burning pain at
navel; nausea; great sense of sinking and prostration at the
pit of the stomach, with violent and long-continued palpita-
tion.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Sulphur.-Vegetables are not digested; waterbrash ;
306
CONSTIPATION.
PREGNANCY
appin
heartburn; coppery taste; nausea; vomiting, sometimes of
blood; stomach sensitive to pressure; pain after food; pul-
sation at the pit of the stomach, or spasmodic contraction of
the stomach immediately after eating.
A grain, 6th trituration, three times a day.
Constipation is very common, and often very obstinate-a
trouble to Allopathic treatment, as its effects are dreaded,
and purgatives are nearly equally feared, since the irrita-
tion they set up may excite the womb to action. Bread
made of whole meal, finely ground; stewed fruits; figs; a
glass of cold water on rising; plain food; regular exercise,
aided by medicine adapted to the case, will usually not only
relieve the difficulty, but connteract the tendency.
Alumina.-Great inactivity of the rectum; much effort
has to be made to void even a soft evacuation.
Two grains, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Collinsonia.-A great deal of flatulence and distension;
heat and itching at the seat; piles.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, night and morning.
Ignatia. Difficult evacuation, causing a prolapse of the
bowel; empty feeling at pit of stomach; sighing.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, immediately after relief, and night and
morning.
Hydrastis. In the same way if Ignatia does not re-
lieve, or but partially; especially if there is headache and
severe smarting, burning pains in the rectum during, and
for some hours after, relief.
Bryonia.-Dark, dry, hard evacuation, as if burnt; much
thirst; lips dry and cracked; nevo-bilious constitution.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, night and morning.
Nux Vomica.-Stools large and difficult, or small, hard,
and painful; straining, especially in those who sit much, or
who are accustomed to wine, coffee, and rich living.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, night and morning.
PREGNANCY-PILES.
307
Opium.-Constipation from torpor; small, hard balls
passed with difficulty; nausea; hiccough sometimes, and
generally the head heavy and bewildered.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, night and morning.
Sulphur.-Faintness in the middle of the morning, when
the bowels feel as though they would be relieved; the effort
to do so is so painful, that she has to desist; flushes of heat;
cold feet; heat on the top of the head.
Two grains, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Piles of Hæmorrhoids are caused mainly by the pressure
of the pregnant womb on the large iliac vein, but not
exclusively, or they would occur more commonly than they
do; they are generally amenable to treatment; they are
aggravated by constipation, and relieved by its removal.
Nux Vomica.-Two drops, 3rd dilution, every night.
Sulphur. Two grains, 30th dilution, every morning.
Collinsonia, of marked efficacy; nausea during stool,
with fainting from severe cutting pains; straining; bilious
matter, blood (though not much), and mucus passed; or con-
stipation, with retching and eructations; some weight in
rectum, with intense irritation and itching, feeling as if
sticks, sand, or gravel lodged there.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, three times a day, with lotion of the same
applied.
Aloes. Restlessness; anxiety; face flushed; urgent
straining; evacuations dark-green (bilious) or bloody, with
offensive mucus; pulse frequent; oppression at the chest.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Made
Esculus. Great pressure at the rectum; straining,
with shivering, without relief; or hard and difficult evacua-
tion, or loose motions, followed in either case by constriction,
fulness, aching, dryness, itching, pricking, and pain; the
piles are of a bluish-purple colour, and do not bleed.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours, and lotion or cerate.
Hamamelis.-Great weight and pressure at anus; pro-
S
308
PREGNANCY-DIARRHŒA.
truding piles; frequent and exhausting hæmorrhage; con-
stipation; severe frontal headache; restless nights; mouth
parched and dry.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours; lotion of a teaspoonful of
strong tincture to four ounces of water, or cerate.
Podophyllum.-Descent of the lower bowel from a little
exertion; mucus passed from anus, which feels very sore,
sensitive, and swollen; several large piles round it, some-
times bleeding profusely; diarrhoea, succeeded by consti-
pation, or constipation with headache and flatulence; the
fæces hard and dry, coated with yellow tenacious mucus.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours, and lotion.
When piles are inflamed and painful, sitting on a hot sitz
bath for a quarter of an hour, or fomenting them with a
sponge, dipped in hot water, several times a day, or sitting
over hot steam for fifteen minutes, will be found to relieve.
Sometimes only cold applications are borne. In blind piles,
it is well to use camphorated ointment freely, both before
and after the bowels act. Lotion may be kept constantly
applied.
Diarrhea, during pregnancy, is not so common as con-
stipation; it may, however, occur, and may alternate with.
constipation.
Carbo Vegetabilis.-It results from acidity or weakness.
of digestion, attended by much rumbling and discharge of
flatulence.
Two grains, 1st trituration, every two hours.
Nux Vomica.-A relief very frequent, but small in
quantity; sore feeling at the anus; a sensation after the
bowels have acted, as though more wanted to pass.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Colocynth.-Diarrhoea, with colic, which draws one
double; brought on by either eating or drinking.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
PREGNANCY-JAUNDICE.
309
navel.
Rhubarb.-Sour diarrhoea, with griping pains about the
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Sepia.-Empty sore feeling at the pit of the stomach;
burning at anus, and in the rectum.
Mercurius
passing of mucus.
Two grains, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Arsenic.-Watery diarrhoea, with burning, great thirst,
cold perspiration, and loss of strength.
A grain, 6th trituration, three times a day.
Corrosivus.-Chilliness; straining, and
Half a drop, 5th dilution, every three hours.
Veratrum Album.-Coldness; faintness; pinched fea-
tures, and rapid failure of the bodily powers.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every half-hour, hour, or two hours.
Chamomilla.--Fright, anger, or mental emotion, bring-
ing on bilious diarrhoea.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Gelseminum.-Rumbling and roaring in abdomen; emis-
sion of flatus upwards and downwards; periodical pains in
abdomen; yellow diarrhoea, coming on in the evening.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Podophyllum.-Morning, bilious diarrhoea.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every morning on waking.
China. The food is passed undigested.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Phosphoric Acid.-Painless, or nearly so, producing
great weakness.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
Jaundice, during pregnancy, may be produced by cold,
mental emotion, sympathy of the liver with the uterus, or
congestive enlargement of that organ.
*
310
PREGNANCY-JAUNDICE.
1
Aconite.-Jaundice symptoms, with chills, heat, rest-
lessness, and even when black bile is vomited.
Three drops of strong tincture to a wine-glassful of water-a teaspoonful
every two hours.
Chamomilla.-Jaundice, with ill-humour, and a morbid
irritability of the skin; it is disposed to be inflamed.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Mercurius.-Sharp pains in the liver, arresting the
breathing; or paroxysms of aching pain, with enlargement;
constipation; dark urine; bitter taste in the mouth; great
thirst.
A grain, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Bryonia. Soreness, heat, stinging pains, and swelling
in the region of the liver; creeping chills; thirst; red-look-
ing urine.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hydrastis. Skin and eyes of a dark-greenish yellow;
urine very dark; fæces quite light-coloured; extreme pros-
tration of whole system.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
1
Leptandria.-Dull, aching, burning distress in the lower
part of right side; frequent chilliness along the spine; pro-
fuse, black, undigested stool, followed by great distress in
the liver; itching of the skin.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Podophyllum.-Fulness, with pain and soreness in the
liver; constipation; sense of weight and dragging on left
side. Very useful in retention of bile, from obstruction of
the gall-duct. Two drops of 3rd dilution every three hours.
Sometimes without any actual disease, the whole skin may
take a dingy-yellow hue, or yellowish or brownish patches
may appear on the face or forehead.
PREGNANCY-COUGH AND DIFFICULTY OF BREATHING. 311
Sepia. Two grains of 6th trituration night and morning.
If this fail-
Nitric Acid.-One drop of 3rd dilution night and morn-
ing, with local application of the same strength; or—
Caulophyllum, two drops of 3rd dilution night and
morning.
Cough and Difficulty of Breathing.-Cough as the result
of sympathetic irritation of the nervous centres that supply
the lungs, is spasmodic, and may almost resemble hooping-
cough.
Belladonna.-Especially if worse at night, with red face
and throbbing headache.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Ipecacuanha.-Spasmodic, with a crowing sound, and
dark-red face.
K
One drop, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Moschus.-The cough appears purely nervous and spas-
modic. One drop of 3rd dilution every two hours. If the
cough, and especially difficulty of breathing, occur—
Nux Vomica or Pulsatilla may afford some relief.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Spitting of blood is sometimes met with as a consequence
of pregnancy: it need not excite alarm, as it is almost always
a mere exudation from the mucous lining of the bronchial
tubes, or sympathetic of general congestion.
May be tried in the order in which they
Aconite.
stand. One drop of 3rd dilution every
Ipecacuanha. three hours. Aconite, if there be some
Drosera.
little fever. Ipecacuanha, if there be
Hamamelis. nausea. Drosera, if there be general con-
Trillium. gestion; and the two last, if the affection
be obstinate.
During pregnancy, instead of some decided loss of flesh,
there may be a perceptible and rapid gain of flesh-so much
so as to cause annoyance and discomfort.
Aconite, Pulsatilla, or Fucus Vesiculosus.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every six hours.
At other times there is decided anemia, such as ensues
Y
1
312
after loss of blood. There is not only debility, but also
giddiness, singing in the ears, pallor, shortness of breath,
and palpitation.
China.-Debility; yellowish-white skin; singing in the
ears; dimness of sight.
emaciation.
ANEMIA OF PREGNANCY.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Arsenicum.-Pale, waxy complexion; weakness; thirst;
One grain, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Ferrum. In cachectic, leuco-phlegmatic subjects, with
deficient reaction; want of tone; bloating of the face and
lower extremities; nervousness; hysteria; great muscular
weakness.
Two grains, 2nd trituration, every four or six hours.
Helonias. Unnatural degree of languor and prostration;
skin sallow and pale; dyspepsia ; no desire for any kind of
food; all kinds of food cause distress and oppression; low-
spiritedness; constipation; leucorrhoea.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Kidneys, Affections of.-There may be a marked differ-
ence in the quantity of solid matters voided in the urine;
some urea may be retained in the system, causing devia-
tions of a mental and moral kind; violent headache, quick
pulse, giddiness, dulness, stupor, and drowsiness. Asclepias
Syriaca, two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Dropsy of the Abdomen (ascites), or of the whole body
(anasarca), or of one or more limbs, sometimes sets in, adding
considerably to the discomfort of the patient. As the dropsy
usually subsides at the confinement, it is often put up with
as a temporary inconvenience: where dropsy exists, the vulva
or internal parts generally participate. From the pressure
of the pregnant womb on the veins, there is not as much
chance of remedies acting; but as they benefit, though they
may not cure, it is well to try them.
Apis.-Weariness; dull pain in the region of the kidney;
depression of spirits; lassitude; scanty, high-coloured urine;
infiltration of vulva, with stinging pains and inflammation.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
PREGNANCY-VARICOSE VEINS.
313
China.-General dropsy; excessive sensitiveness of whole
nervous system; debility; exhaustion; intolerance of noise;
singing in the ears; swoons; restless nights; dark-coloured
urine, with brick-dust sediment.
Three drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
Arsenic. Waxy pallor; palpitation; muscular weakness
and tremor; great general debility; thirst; often retention
of urine, with great urging. Useful in any or all the kinds
of dropsy enumerated.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Apocynum Cannabinum.-Irritability of stomach;
pulse small and irregular; skin dry and dusky; urine high-
coloured and diminished. Useful in water at the chest
(hydrothorax), relieving the difficulty of breathing; and in
dropsy of the abdomen and general dropsy.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Albumen may be passed in the urine, when the patient
most rapidly loses strength, as after continued and copious
bleeding. A little of the urine should be tried, when, with-
out apparent cause, a patient's strength quickly fails. A
little heated in a test-tube over a spirit-lamp, or boiled in
an iron spoon, turns milky as soon as it boils; the addition
of a little strong Nitric Acid has the same effect.
Phosphoric Acid and Squills.-Two drops, 1st dilu-
tion, of the first three times a day, and the same dose of the
second night and morning.
Eupatorium Purpureum.-The same dose three times.
a day. This remedy is said to have relieved albuminaria when
others have failed.
Varicose Veins.-The superficial veins of the thigh and
leg, by constant pressure, have their valves weakened, and
become engorged with blood; nearly all of them may be in
this condition, or only a cluster here and there, like a bunch
of grapes; in some instances the veins of the vulva alone
may be affected.
M
Hamamelis. Two drops, 2nd dilution, every four hours,
Y 2
314
PREGNANCY-HEADACHE.
and a lotion to freely bathe them with-a teaspoonful of
strong tincture to four ounces of water. An elastic stocking,
and as much rest as possible.
Fluoric Acid. In the case of those who have borne
many children, and who have generally suffered from varicose
veins, where, consequently, the affection is of an obstinate
character.
Two drops, 6th dilution, night and morning.
The saliva sometimes runs from the mouth both by night
and day, so plentifully, and pretty constantly, as to be
annoying.
Mercurius or Iodine.-Half a grain, 6th trituration,
night and morning. If this does not relieve, two drops, 6th
dilution, night and morning, unless there be some marked
symptom of the digestive apparatus, calling for other reme-
dies.
Retention or Dribbling of Urine, not at all infrequently,
causes much pain and distress; lying down, or the constant
use of a properly-fitting abdominal belt, tends greatly to
relieve; aided by-
Opium or Camphor.-One drop, 3rd dilution, of the
first, will often obviate retention; or if it should not, two
or three drops of the Camphor on sugar.
Cantharides.-Quarter of a drop, 3rd dilution, every
three or four hours.
A troublesome shaking cough may force the water, keep-
ing the patient constantly wet.
Pulsatilla. Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Headache is not at all uncommon from excitement; from
want of sufficient exercise; from errors of diet;-though
manifestly the condition of pregnancy predisposes to it.
Belladonna.-Throbbing headache, with giddiness;
flushed face; intolerance of light and noise.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Asclepias Syriaca.-Pain as from a sharp instrument
thrust through from one temple to the other; feeble pulse;
PREGNANCY-HEADACHE.
315
cold skin; dizziness; persistent nausea; often vomiting;
sometimes diarrhoea; copious, pale urine.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Gelseminum.-Comes on suddenly, beginning at upper
part of the neck, thence over the whole head; or first in the
forehead, and extends to the neck, attended by dimness of
sight, or double vision; difficulty in opening the eyelids, or
in keeping them open; heaviness of the head; stupor; dull,
heavy expression of face; full pulse.
Three drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Ignatia.-Painful pressure; burning and watering of
the eyes; dread of light; swelling of eyelids-may intensify
itself in one eye, often the right; or confine itself to one
side of the head; or an agonising pain, as though a nail
were being driven into the head; qualmishness; want of
appetite; pale, watery urine.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every two hours.
Stramonium.-With dimness of sight, and hardness of
hearing; giddiness; fainting and thirst; constant movement
of the head to and fro; sensation of gauze before the eyes.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Glonoine.--Whirling vertigo; pressing sensation in the
brain, as if it were expanding, or as if it must burst; throbbing
in the arteries at the temples; pulse quick; very violent
headache, confined to a small spot.
Two drops, 6th dilution, every two hours.
Aconite.-Pain behind the eyes, at the root of the nose,
or the whole forehead; often very violent-increased by any
movement, as walking, or even talking; face denotes suffer-
ing-pale, mottled, or bloated; feet cold; pulse small.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every two hours.
Nux Vomica.-Head feels as if it would split; pressing
tightly with both hands relieves it; heat in the cheeks;
chilly feeling over body; soreness and sensitiveness of scalp;
316
PREGNANCY SLEEPLESSNESS.
darting pain; nausea; distension of the stomach; constipa-
tion.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Cimicifuga.—Acute pain, with fulness, heat, and throb-
bing, sometimes over the right, sometimes over the left
eye, or in the eyeballs, or whole forehead; felt every day,
but worse every other day; relieved by walking in the open
air; throbbing much worse on attempting to go upstairs;
it is as though the top of the head would fly off.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Sepia. Every morning, with nausea and anxiety at pit
of stomach; trembling; rush of blood to the head; bleeding
at nose; giddiness; everything seems to go round.
Two grains, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Fidgettiness, Restlessness, and Sleeplessness, originate
frequently from same causes as headache.
Aconite.—Heat and restlessness, with general plethora.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Nux Vomica.-When connected with indigestion, or
the result of indulgence and want of exercise; no sleep after
three or four o'clock.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Scutellaria. Fidgettiness of the limbs, coming on in the
evening, or at night, preventing sleep; or nightly restless-
ness; sudden wakefulness; frightful dreams.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Cypripedium. The strength is really impaired for want
of sleep which impairment, whilst it renders sleep desirable,
makes it the less likely to come.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Gelseminum.--The eyelids are heavy and close, still
there is no sleep; or if it comes, it is unrefreshing, from the
crowding of things in the dreams which attend it.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every hour.
PREGNANCY-TOOTHACHE-NEURALGIA.
317
Toothache and Neuralgia, with some, the earliest and
most reliable sign as to their condition, the most constant
and troublesome, and the last to leave.
Calcarea. Pain aggravated by any change, either of
cold or heat, or excitement.
One grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Alumina. It goes from the teeth down the neck and
shoulders.
M
One grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Belladonna.-Worse after lying down at night, throb-
bing, beating, flushed face, and headache.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every hour or half-hour.
·
Nux Moschata.-Pains in the front teeth on drawing-
in the cold air.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every two hours.
Pulsatilla.-Pain better from cold things, worse from
warm; sad, weeping mood.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Rhus.-Better from anything hot to the face.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Chamomilla.-Violent jerking, that seems unbearable;
red face; or one cheek hot and red, and one pale.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every half or quarter of an hour.
Arsenic.-Pains return at stated times of day or night;
if at night, waking patient out of sleep, particularly before
midnight—intolerable enough to drive one to despair and
frenzy.
Two grains, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Gelseminum.-Sudden darting pain, or decided parox-
ysms, morning and night, with extreme general nervousness.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours; or one drop every five or
ten minutes during a paroxysm.
318
PREGNANCY-CRAMPS-HYSTERIA.
Cramps, Spasms, or irregular pains in different parts of
the lower half of the body, as the stomach, abdomen, back,
and legs. The bending of the body backward (necessary to
maintain equilibrium), over-distension, intensified by indiges-
tion, and often accompanied by heartburn or waterbrash,
pressure of the womb, and sympathetic irritation, fully
account for their prevalence.
Nux Vomica.-Indigestion; heartburn; waterbrash ;
very full, uncomfortable feeling, with gnawing or cramps.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every half-hour or hour.
Cocculus.-Nausea, with tendency to faint; waterbrash;
headache; violent spasms at the stomach, or in the abdomen;
hysteria; spasms often at midnight.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every half or quarter hour, then every two or
three hours.
Veratrum Album.-Very violent cramps in the calves.
of the legs, either preventing or waking out of sleep; icy
coldness of the feet-jerking sensation, as if cold water were
trickling over them, with trembling.
One drop, 3rd dilution, at bed-time, and repeated every half-hour if
necessary.
Arnica.-Pains produced by coughing, sneezing, walk-
ing, or by any extra exertion.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Cimicifuga. Very painful and powerful, but inter-
mitting spasms; cramps in the extremities, and a tendency
to hysterical convulsions.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every quarter of an hour, then every half-hour
or hour.
Hysterical attacks are most common during the early
months of pregnancy: want of sleep, undue fatigue, dis-
ordered digestion, or any irritation of body or mind, may
bring them on.
Ignatia.-General heightened sensibility; sinking feel-
ing at stomach; alternate despondency and cheerfulness;
PREGNANCY-HYSTERIA.
319
constriction of the throat-feeling as of a ball in it; if an
attack comes on, patient goes into it with shrieks, and comes
out with sighing.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every two or three hours.
Moschus.-Fitfulness of temper; during a paroxysm,
crying or uncontrollable laughter; extreme oppression on the
chest; twitchings and tossing about of the limbs; dryness of
mouth and throat; small fluttering pulse; cold skin; drowsi-
ness.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every two hours.
Stramonium.-Attacks preceded by great irritability
and sensitiveness; disposition to weep, or mirthfulness, or
unusual excitement; the spasm of the limbs in an attack
may soon pass off, or cause great tension of the muscles, and
last, sometimes; patient frequently makes hideous faces,
“risus sardonicus;" either suppression of urine, or profuse
passing of it; an attack is usually followed by quiet sleep.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Hyoscyamus. Variable temper; jealous; reproachful;
excessively impatient; fainting and swooning, with spasms
of the limbs, followed by great talking and laughter.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Aconite.-Attacks from fright, with moans and lamenta-
tions; face red and hot, with contortions of its muscles;
general dread; the eyes staring; giddiness or fainting on
rising up from sitting or lying.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Gelseminum.-Attacks, with marked spasm of the
throat; it appears as if patient must be suffocated; apparent
insensibility. Also where the attacks are periodic, leaving a
stupid, intoxicated feeling; the eyelids are very heavy, as
though weighed down.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.*
* See, for other remedies, p. 45.
320
FANCIES OF PREGNANCY.
Various predominating feelings may fix on the mind of
a patient: as, for example—
Anxiety-Kali Hydriodicum, one drop, 6th; occasion-
ally Hellebore, or Veratrum Album, at 3rd dilution.
Sensitiveness as to persons noticing her condition-Baryta
Carbonica, one grain, 6th trituration, occasionally.
Groundless and undefinable dread-Digitalis or Nux
Vomica, one drop, 3rd dilution; or Cuprum Aceticum, of
the 6th.
Unaccountable and strong dislike to certain persons and
things-Conium, Cicuta, one drop, 3rd dilution, now and
then.
Great dissatisfaction; nothing pleases, nothing is right-
Arsenicum or Borax, Veratrum Album, one grain, 6th
trituration, or one drop, 3rd dilution, of Veratrum now and
then.
The patient may do much herself in bravely, determin-
ately, and hopefully striving to subdue, or at all events
moderate, her feelings, in which attempt she will require to be
helped by the kind, yet firm, considerateness of all about her.
State of the Walls or Muscles of the Abdomen.―These
may not give way sufficiently, causing inconvenience and
pressure. Repeated frictions with Olive Oil or Glycerole of
Conium, followed by a well-made flannel bandage. In those
who have had large families the opposite may obtain; the
abdomen may be pendulous; then an abdominal bandage
must be worn; dry friction, or rubbing-in of Ignatia Opo-
deldoc, with two drops, 3rd dilution, of Ignatia occasionally
at night. Zincum or Cuprum, a dose of the 6th tritura-
tion twice a week, if there are no symptoms pointing to any
other remedies. For fissures or cracks on the surface of
the abdomen-frictions with Olive Oil or Calendula Gly-
cerole, with two grains, 6th trituration, of Silicea, three
times a week, at bed-time.
Pruritus, or Itching of the Vulva, is exceedingly annoy-
ing: usually promptly relieved by-
Hamamelis.-Two drops, 1st dilution, night and morn-
ing; frequent bathing with a lotion of a teaspoonful of
strong tincture to a teacupful of water. A strip of linen,
-
MENSTRUATION DURING PREGNANCY.
321
moistened with Glycerole of this drug, may be left between
the vulva.
Collinsonia, in the same way if there is any irritation of
the rectum, or if Hamamelis does not suffice.
Displacements of the Womb, and Leucorrhoea, arising
therefrom, are fully treated of elsewhere.
Menstruation during Pregnancy.—There are sometimes
appearances which favour the notion that menstruation is
possible, and that it really does take place, during pregnancy.
Menstruation is perfectly impossible if a patient be really
pregnant, the mouth of the womb being completely closed;
nevertheless, a coloured periodic discharge may manifest itself,
arising in one of several ways;—from enlargement and con-
gestion of the veins about the neck of the womb; from
chronic inflammation of the same; from ulceration about the
mouth of the womb-just as it is possible to have vicarious
menstruation from an ulcer; the discharge may proceed from
the vagina.
Hamamelis.-Internally, two drops, 2nd dilution, twice
a day during the time of the appearance, with an injection
night and morning; followed by-
Belladonna.-One drop, 3rd dilution, twice a day.
Calcarea. Two grains, 6th trituration, night and morn-
-
ing.
If these remedies do not suffice, a thorough examination
of the case must be made, that the precise condition may
be accurately determined.
Hæmorrhage, or any considerable or continuous flow of
blood during pregnancy, should never be disregarded, since,
let it show itself at any time, and be not soon relieved, it
must be attended by serious consequences; and it is always
weakening at a time when all the strength needs to be
husbanded. If a dribbling or flow set-in before or about the
third or fourth month, unless checked it must end in mis-
carriage; if about the sixth or seventh month, it will induce
premature labour, more difficult to the mother and danger-
ous to the child than labour at full time; if it set-in sud-
denly, ushered in and accompanied by pains, towards the end
of the time, especially if at all abundant, the medical attend-
W
322
FLOODING DURING PREGNANCY.
ant should be at once summoned. In any case, the patient
must go to bed at once; lie quietly on her back on a mat-
tress; keep herself free from excitement; the room cool,
and everything she takes must be cool. If help cannot at
once be obtained, one of the following medicines will be of
use.
Arnica. A show following some exertion or fatigue, as
straining, lifting, walking, violent coughing, sneezing, or
retching.
M
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every half or quarter hour.
Ipecacuanha. At any time, if ushered in by pains
about the navel, and nausea, with varying flow-it may be.
inconsiderable or abundant.
jets.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every five or ten minutes, every half-hour or
hour, according to circumstances.
Sabina.-Bright red, with clots, preceded or followed by
Two drops, 3rd dilution, as above.
Secale. Black and thick, with tremblings, cramps, and
labour pains.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, as above.
Trillium.—If the discharge, apparently subdued, returns
again very copiously.
Two drops, 1st dilution, as above.
China. When, during an attack of hæmorrhage, a patient
turns suddenly faint, her eyes grow dim, with ringing in the
ears, great pallor, and cold perspiration.
Six drops, 1st dilution, every ten minutes, with a teaspoonful of brandy,
and strong beef-tea, or Liebig's extract between, until she rallies.
When such attacks as these are severe, there is no time to
be lost. Nothing acts so quickly as Homœopathic remedies;
they go at once to the seat of danger, and almost invariably
moderate the discharge. They can be relied on with the
utmost confidence.
PREGNANCY-COLD IN THE WOMB.
323
The room must be kept perfectly quiet, and everybody
calm and quiet about the patient; there must be no whisper-
ing, no expressions of astonishment or fear.
Cold in the Womb, from insufficient clothing, or exposure
to draught or damp, is often complained of, as patients will
not be sufficiently careful. The lower part of the bowels is
usually more exposed, and less protected, than any other part
of the body. Flannel or other drawers, according to the
time of the year, coming well over the front of the abdomen,
or a bandage, should be worn, and the feet should always be
kept warm and dry. Ladies should remember that they
are at this time more, and not less, susceptible.
Aconite.-Chills and shiverings, with sharp, cutting
pains in the lower part of the body; feverishness; frequent
passing of water.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
Bryonia. Chilliness only partially relieved; great in-
ternal heat; tenderness of the abdomen; thirst; high-
coloured urine; dry, brown tongue.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Mercurius. After Bryonia, when there are chills, shud-
derings, and extended tenderness.
One grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Belladonna.-Great feeling of weight and uneasiness;
pressing pains in abdomen; very little urine passed; flushed
face.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Cimicifuga. Some weight and uneasiness left, with
great nervous irritability, sinking at the stomach, and
rheumatic pains.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
When the fatal movements are felt a good deal, and
when they produce nervousness and faintness—
324
PREGNANCY-PREPARATION OF THE BREASTS.
Chamomilla or Stramonium.-Two drops of 3rd dilu-
tion occasionally.
The Breasts naturally enlarge as pregnancy progresses,
but in a different ratio in different persons; sometimes
occasioning no inconvenience. They should be uniformly
soft; if hard, they must be well rubbed at night with
Arnica Glycerole, or Olive Oil where Arnica cannot be
borne. If at all flaccid, with Hamamelis Glycerole or
Opodeldoc. Symptoms may set in requiring-
Bryonia. If there be pain or tension; constant prick-
ings, or coming in paroxysms, or periodically; sleeplessness;
restlessness; want of appetite.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Aconite.-Heat, with tingling and pricking, thirst and
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Belladonna.-After a chill; erysipelatous redness, with
throbbing and headache.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
restlessness.
Mercurius. Some hardness left after the other symp-
toms have subsided.
One grain, 6th trituration, night and morning.
The Nipples should not be neglected: they may need some
preparation; should they do so, it is best given now. If
they are tender, and require hardening, they should be
frequently bathed with equal quantities of strong tinc-
ture of Hamamelis and water, with as much Borax as can
be dissolved therein.
Two grains, 6th trituration, of Silicea, night and morning.
When the nipples are quite flat, or absolutely pressed in
by stays or corsets, the pressure must be entirely removed,
and the nipple drawn out by a breast-pump, or the lips of
an adult. If it quickly retracts each time, wind round it,
not too tightly, some worsted thread, and let it remain on.
TUMOURS AND CANCER OF THE BREAST.
325
In the later months of pregnancy, it is not at all uncom-
mon for some moisture, and sometimes a little milk, to ooze
from the nipple. The possibility of such moisture being
drawn from the breast, is set down as one of the signs of
pregnancy.
TUMOURS AND CANCER OF THE BREAST.
The glandular apparatus of the female breast is subject to
various kinds of enlargement and hardness; they are some-
times painful, but not by any means necessarily, cancer.
Respecting these enlargements and hardness, ladies are
prone to be unnecessarily alarmed and anxious. The breast
is so tender a part, that pressure, as of a tight-fitting dress
or stays, the effects of a blow, so slight as to be scarcely
noticed at the time, may occassion a lump or tumour. Con-
stitutional delicacy may lead to permanent swelling of the
glands of the breast, as it does of those of the neck. Or
the tumour may be fatty, or merely sympathetic of menstrual
or uterine disturbance. Cancer is almost invariably an
attendant of a certain age (forty-five and upwards), and of a
peculiar constitution, accompanied by a marked expression.
of face, and a decided straw-coloured complexion. The pain
is sudden and sharp, as of a hot needle plunged into the
bosom; the tumour is very hard to feel, heavy, like stone,
sometimes adherent to the ribs; the nipple is not infre-
quently drawn in, and the skin decidedly puckered. Any
manual examination produces long-lasting pain and aching.
A thin watery fluid is sometimes exuded in small quantities:
this, if placed under the microscope, presents unmistakable
cancer-cells.
The age, glandular swellings elsewhere, except in the arm-
pits; the presence, or otherwise, of menstrual or uterine affec-
tion; the nature of the pain, if any, are all material aids
in arriving at a decision.
An honest physician of experience in these matters, but
not necessarily a cancer-doctor, will be able, if you have
any doubts on the point, to set your mind at rest, by telling
1
326
CANCER OF THE BREAST.
you decidedly and candidly what it is; which he can safely
do, as cancer is neither hopeless nor incurable.
If cancer were a purely local disease, only secondarily
affecting the constitution and organs remote from its original
seat, through absorption of the products of its softening and
decay, the difficulty would be met by one remediable pro-
cedure-early removal by the knife. Whereas cancer being
in so many instances hereditary, being accompanied by un-
mistakable constitutional signs before any absorption can
have taken place, almost always returning after surgical
operation, each time with increased severity and frequence,
the only plan sanctioned by the facts of the case is the care-
ful continuous administration of remedies. The success I
have found attending them has been most marked and
encouraging. The cancerous complexion alters; the glands
in the armpit resume their usual size; the wearing, intense
pain is alleviated; the cancer itself is arrested in its in-
crease, and gradually lessens; all puckering of skin disappears;
the patient regains her usual strength, and resumes her
ordinary engagements.
I had once an opportunity of trying an experiment with
a case of cancer, under the eye of one of the most skilful
operators and experienced surgeons of his day. He had
under his care a young lady whom he pronounced to have
cancer of the breast, and on whom, as it was growing rapidly,
he wanted to operate. Her health was not good enough for
this, yet he was almost afraid to wait. I gave her a course
of Homœopathic remedies; in two months she had gained
flesh, was in excellent health, and, to his great astonishment,
the cancer had considerably decreased. So much for what
it is possible to do in the earlier stages.
In the very advanced, when the skin of the breast has all
ulcerated away, and a large hard mass of bleeding granula-
tion, intersected by bands of fibre, is left, the progress of the
disease can be almost indefinitely checked, the bleeding.
assuaged, the pain alleviated, and life very considerably pro-
longed.
What is termed enucleation of cancerous tumours has
been considerably advocated and practised. I have been
CANCER AND TUMOURS OF THE BREAST.
327
unable to see any advantage in this plan over that in re-
moval by the knife: the cancer most frequently returns after
both; and an operation of a few minutes, under chloroform,
is certainly preferable to the slow and painful scoring of
cancerous breasts by a scalpel, and strips of lint saturated
with Hydrastis and Chloride of Zinc. Internal medica-
tion, aided by local application of the remedies, is far more
pleasant, as well as more permanently efficacious, though the
immediate effects may not be so apparent.
Hydrastis. Tumour hard and heavy, increasing in size;
pain lancinating, like knives thrust in, or hot needles, extend-
ing to the shoulders, down the arms, sometimes to the fingers.
of the affected side; the skin may be discoloured and puckered,
and the tumour adherent or non-adherent; the pain almost
unbearable, at times preventing sleep; worn, jaded look; no
appetite.
Six drops, 1st dilution, every four hours, and a lotion, constantly ap-
plied, of two teaspoonfuls of strong tincture to half a pint of water,
covered by a layer of wadding.
/
Phytolacca has a specific affinity for the mammary
glands; the presence of Kali Causticum has been traced in
it; is a valuable antipsoric, and is related in its action to
Iodide of Potash, Mercury, Arsenic, Silicea, and Sulphur. It
is useful in fatty tumour of the breast; in irritable tumour of
the breast, very sensitive and painful, especially at the
menstrual period, the pain extending down the arm of the
affected side, and at times causing a sympathetic enlarge-
ment of the glands in the armpit; in irritable breasts,
where no swelling, hardness, or tumour can be detected, but
only painfulness at every "period;" for the removal of hard,
painful nodosities, with thin, offensive, sanious discharge;
and, lastly, as an alterative in open cancer.
Six drops, 1st dilution, every four hours, and a lotion as ordered for
Hydrastis; or a cerate of the active principle Phytolaccin, three
grains to the ounce.
Galium Aperinum.-Tumour hard, firm, circumscribed,
nodulated, and uneven; pain throbbing and beating;
sallow, pallid appearance; great debility; a thoroughly
Ꮓ
328
CANCER AND TUMOURS OF THE BREAST.
broken-down condition. Also adapted to the open ulcer-
ating surface of cancers.
Six drops, 1st dilution, every four hours, with lotion as for Hydrastis.
Hamamelis.-When hæmorrhage sets in, as it often does
in the progress of open cancer.
Six drops, 1st dilution, every hour, and a lotion of the strength ordered
above, or one part to five. Cotton wool or wadding is preferable to
any other covering: it is extremely light, and yet effectually excludes
the outer air.
Conium. Indurations of some standing, resulting from
a blow, especially when occurring in old people: though it
is useful for any age, and as an intermittent remedy in
cancer itself; as a chief one in the treatment of suspicious
tumours, most sensitive at every menstrual period.
Four drops, 1st dilution, every four hours, with lotion, one teaspoonful
to eight ounces of water.
Carbo Animalis.-Ichorous, fetid discharge; vital powers
greatly depressed.
Three grains, 1st trituration, every three hours, and a paste of the crude
material, just moistened, applied in the case of open cancer, or freely
sprinkled on when finely powdered.
Rumex, containing traces of Sulphur, and various
salts, among which are Phosphate of Lime, is closely related
to Sulphur, Phosphorus, and Calcarea, and applies to the
general depravation of the system, to enlarged glands, to
slowly enlarging open cancer with foul discharge.
Six drops, 1st dilution, every four hours, with strong lotion.
Chimaphila. Also of value in the cachexia and debility;
Professors Lee and Wood ranking it next to the prepara-
tions of Iodine and Iron.
Six drops, 1st dilution, every four hours.
Cistus Canadensis.-If the debility is further increased
by diarrhœa.
Three drops, 1st dilution, every two hours.
CANCER AND TUMOURS OF THE BREAST.
329
Belladonna, applying as it does to glandular structure,
erysipelas, and congestive inflammation, is of considerable
use in the sub-inflammatory and ulcerative stages.
Three drops, 1st dilution, every three hours.
Arsenic.-In tolerably high dilutions for correcting a
predisposition to cancer; somewhat lower for an existing
hard tumour, with characteristic pain as of hot needles
darting through; and a paste of the 3rd trituration: and for
the marked cancerous cachexia and debility—
One grain, 30th trituration, night and morning; three grains, 3rd tritu-
ration, every six hours.
Arsenicum Iodidi.-In the pre-ulcerative engorgement,
with puckered and dark skin over.
Three grains, 3rd trituration, every six hours.
Calcium Iodidi.—In permanent glandular enlargements,
painless and stationary.
Two grains, 3rd trituration, night and morning.
The strength throughout must be supported by generous
living, supplemented by Cod-liver Oil. The bosom, if it
feel heavy and dragging, must be supported by the split
bandage, as ordered under Gathered Breast.
In addition to its other virtues in cancer, Hydrastis has
unquestionably the power of allaying the pain at any stage,
and assuaging the agony of even hopeless cases, in doses of
from 3 to 10 and 20 in an extremity. A paste of the
powdered root may be applied to open cancers.
The relief is never so great, nor the progress as rapid,
when the medicines are simply given internally. No one who
has not witnessed it can believe the difference observable when
they are also applied locally. In any case the experiment
needs to be tried for only a very short time in proof.
In conclusion, Acetic Acid has been brought before the
notice of the profession by Dr. Broadbent amongst the Allo-
paths; by Drs. Hastings and Franklin amongst the Homeo-
paths.*
The 1st dilution is injected by the hypodermic syringe,
• Franklin's Surgery, p. 603.
>
Z 2
330
CHOICE OF A NURSE.
for the purpose of altering the structure and controlling its
growth by dissolving the cancer-cells. Its use in this way
causes but little suffering; and if hæmorrhage results, it is
easily arrested by Hamamelis, three drops, 1st dilution,
every half-hour, and a lotion of one part of strong tincture to
five of water.
The choice of a nurse is well not deferred too long, as
good nurses are scarce, and rarely disengaged. A nurse
should have some aptitude for her work, and is better to
have been a mother, that she may know something of that
through which her patients have to pass. She should be a
quiet, respectable, cleanly person, neither too young or too
old; not over-garrulous; not given to dram-drinking; not
one prone to meddle with and make servants dissatisfied
and troublesome. She ought to be one the patient takes
kindly to.
It is best to have a distinct understanding with the nurse
as to the exact nature and scope of the duties that she will
be expected to discharge, these varying very much according
to the position of the patient; some households being able to
give considerable help to a nurse-in fact, getting every-
thing ready for her, so that she has only the patient and
infant to attend to; in others, the nurse has to be cook as
well as nurse for the mistress. A lady ought to know ex-
actly what she will require in a nurse; she should, therefore,
inquire for such among her friends, and learn all her excel-
lences and her faults.
One of the best ways of choosing a nurse, when the oppor-
tunity occurs, is for a young wife, if she have any friend
recently confined, to visit her before the nurse leaves, that
the nurse may be seen at her work. A nurse once had, if
she suits, should be retained; it is far easier to get a worse
than a better. Never secure the services of a fine lady, nor
of a woman without kindness and method.
The nurse should be asked to call a few hours before the
confinement: it is not necessary to have her in the house,
unless it is particularly wished, before pains actually come.
on, as the patient usually finds she has quite enough of her
company after.
PREGNANCY-CHOICE OF A DOCTOR.
331
Everything required for the baby, including the berceau-
nette, should be got ready by the end of the sixth month at
latest.
Choice of a Doctor.-The next thing you will have to do,
and about the same time, is to select and engage your
doctor. Speak to one in whom you have fullest confidence;
it is not wise to decide on one that you hope you may get
to like, since thorough confidence, when the time comes,
will help you wonderfully. If at all practicable, secure the
services of a Homœopath for the time, and the after-attend-
ance, of which, by-the-bye, if the rules here given be carried
out, very little will be required. What is wanted, Homœo-
pathy is just fitted to minister, and an attendant who knows
it is therefore vastly preferable to any other, and he will
dare to depend on the powers of nature, and to encourage
you to depend on them, much more than his Allopathic
opponent. If the choice, as is too frequently the case, must
be made from the old school, do not decide hastily; select
a kind and patient man, who is not apt to boast of his
clever quickness in these cases; one, too, who has the cha-
racter of sending but little medicine: if he is chosen, and
sends any, do anything with it rather than take it. If,
during the labour, a draught to help you is suggested or
offered, let it be put off with the pretext of waiting a little,
to see how matters will go on.
You will also require to fix on some friend to be with
you during your confinement; it will be much better not to
be a mother or near relation, as they can scarcely help being
too sympathising. Let it be some judicious, motherly
person, with tact, judgment, and nerve, and of a cheerful
disposition, to be your special companion, and generally to
supervise and regulate the lying-in room and the nurse. It
is better to make this friend acquainted with the where-
abouts of all the little things likely to be wanted, and to
have these all conveniently handy, together with the baby's
basket thoroughly furnished, so that everything can be got
in a few minutes.
Besides these you will need some safety pins, of good size;
a little olive oil, or cold cream; some eau-de-cologne, and
332
TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY.
a binder. A stout pillow-case makes as good a one as need
be; or a stout piece of linen, about the same size and width;
or they can be got in sets, nicely shaped, at a very reasonable
rate. Let there be a good supply of napkins, some of good
size, on a towel-horse before the fire, together with the first
things the baby is likely to want. I have known more
trouble than enough in finding these things, and especially
a binder; and several drawers to be tumbled over in con-
fusion or fruitless search. Neither brandy, whiskey, or any
other spirit, will need to be in the bed-room; but a pair of
scissors that will cut, with blunt points; some pieces of
linen rag, three or four about as large as the palm of the
hand, just scorched at the fire, and round holes cut in the
centre for the divided navel-string, and half-a-dozen lengths
of four inches of stout linen thread, six together, knitted at
the ends.
Then, all you will have to do will be to wait with calm-
ness and patience for the expected event. Do not allow
yourself to be led astray by your own fears, or frightened by
the forebodings of any croakers. There is really little
ground for apprehension of any kind. Labour is a purely
natural process; and when allowed to be so, is very rarely
indeed a dangerous one. I have attended considerably over
600 cases: in all these I have not had one death through
the confinement; not one case of convulsions; not one of
childbed fever, nor one of inflammation of the womb; and
only one cross-birth out of the whole number. Nor do I
cite this as an exceptional experience; that of most careful
accoucheurs fairly bears out what is here stated.
333
CHAPTER II.
PARTURITION, OR LABOUR.
FALSE PAINS; NATURAL LABOUR; PREPARATORY PAINS; FIRST STAGE
OF LABOUR; TREMBLINGS AND CHILLS; RESTLESSNESS; FEEBLE
PAINS; VIOLENT SPASMODIC PAINS; GENERAL DIRECTIONS; SECOND
STAGE OF LABOUR; INDICATIONS AND PROGRESS OF; BURSTINg of
THE WATERS; CHLOROFORM; BIRTH OF THE CHILD; MANAGEMENT
OF THE NAVEL-CORD; WHEN THE CHILD DOES NOT BREATHE; THE
BINDER; AFTER-MEDICAL AND GENERAL TREATMENT OF PATIENT
AND CHILD.
DURING the later months of pregnancy, pains of greater or
less severity and frequency are not uncommon; sometimes
severe and prolonged enough to lead even those who have
had families to suppose that labour is coming on before its
time. These are called False Pains, and may be caused by
over-fatigue, excitement, constipation, flatulence, or acidity.
The pains may be sharp; but they generally lack the regu-
larity of the true preparatory pains.
Real labour-pains often come on suddenly, just as the
patient may have felicitated herself she has a day or two
more of respite.
-
There is usually a sensible sinking and lightness preceding
labour, the waist getting smaller from the actual sinking-
down of the womb. Pulsatilla, two drops, 3rd dilution,
dissipates these false pains, or helps to render labour more.
speedy. If it is beginning, Chamomilla, two drops 3rd, or
Opium, two drops 3rd, may also prove of service.
Natural Labour.—As a rule, first confinements are more
tedious than those which succeed. This is not, however,
invariably the case. The birth of a seventh child may be as
lingering as that of a first. Nor has age entirely to do
with it. I have seen a woman of thirty-four have as quick
a confinement and as good a getting-up as one of two or
three-and-twenty. A labour is deemed perfectly natural as
334
LABOUR-PAINS AND CHILLS.
to its duration when, from its real commencement to its suc-
cessful termination, it is completed in twenty-four hours.
In this period, however, there will generally be some con-
siderable freedom from pain.
Preparatory Pains-First Stage. When labour is setting
in, besides the subsidence to which we have referred, there is
a general restlessness and uneasiness, frequent calls to pass
water, perhaps colicky, griping pains and straining, contrac-
tion of the womb, and mucous discharge in and from the
passage or vagina: it may be thin, or thick and viscid ;
the quantity varies very much in different women: it may
be, as labour advances, slightly coloured. By nurses, this
is called " a show." It very much facilitates the transit of
the child. These first pains are of a grinding or cutting
character, coming with regularity, getting up to a climax,
and then gradually going off altogether for a time, soon to
return. They begin in the lower part of the womb-are
first felt in the back, and extend gradually to the front.
Their office is to dilate the mouth of the womb, and to pro-
trude the "bag of waters." When very much prolonged
they wear and teaze the patient more than the stronger
pains of a later stage, as she does not feel that these " help
her," or "do her good." It is well to bear in mind what
their office really is, and that they cannot be dispensed with.
To moderate their trying character, to get all the possible
good and benefit out of them, Pulsatilla, two drops of 3rd
dilution every quarter of an hour, is of great service, unless
the mouth of the womb is hard or rigid, and difficult or
slow of dilatation. In some instances it is as tough as
gristle, and as unyielding, apparently, as parchment.
Gelseminum.-One drop of 3rd dilution every quarter
of an hour, and a Glycerole of Gelseminum locally.
Tremblings and Chills.-Women of nervous tempera-
ment may at this stage have tremblings and chills, pro-
duced by the rapid dilatation of the os uteri, generally
promising speedy delivery. Aconite, two drops of 3rd dilu-
tion, will be the principal remedy; or Opium, two drops of
3rd dilution, if Aconite is not sufficient: the patient trem-
bling all over.
HINDRANCES TO LABOUR.
335
Gelseminum.-Nervous chills, with shivering and chat-
tering of the teeth.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every quarter of an hour.
If the patient is hot, restless, and thirsty, let her drink
plentifully of cold water; and if, besides, there is but little,
if any, "show," and the parts are hot and dry, give Aconite,
two drops of 3rd dilution, every quarter of an hour: if
there is nausea, Lobelia at the same strength and time.
Actual sickness, unless very violent and distressing to the
patient, does not require much interference, as the spasmodic
movements and general relaxation help the progress of the case.
A drop of the 3rd dilution of Ipecacuanha may be given.
If the pains are feeble after having been regular, and in-
creasing somewhat suddenly, falling off, and almost ceasing—
if from a previous delicate state this arises from exhaustion
and fatigue, nothing rallies the powers better than Arnica,
two drops of the 3rd dilution every ten minutes until the
patient revives: follow it by Caulophyllum in the same
way.
If the pains are very violent and spasmodic, especially if
there should be any twitchings or nervous excitement, give
Cimicifuga in like manner.
It is not necessary for a patient to keep her bed during
the first stage; the room can be thoroughly prepared, the
bed made, and guarded with old sheets or soft counterpane,
and macintosh or oil-skin on the mattress, and she herself
nearly undressed, with a loose dressing-gown on. She should
be encouraged to walk about the room during the intervals
of pain, and to take a pain or two standing up, leaning on
the shoulder of a friend or nurse. The room should be
comfortably warm, and plenty of fresh air admitted: if the
weather is not too cold, the window may be a little way
open. The nurse and one friend, or at the most two, are all
that should be in the room at a time. The conversation
should be cheerful, but not about confinements, and especially
not about bad cases. Before this it will be well to have sum-
moned the doctor, that he may form his opinion of the case.
To this end he must be allowed to examine the patient, who
336
LABOUR-PROGRESS OF SECOND STAGE.
must lie on the bed on her left side. One such examination
will enable the doctor to determine whether or not it is
really labour; and if so, how far it has advanced, and to satisfy
himself, the patient, and all besides, that it is all right, and
that a little time, patience, and care, promise a successful
issue. It is not necessary for the doctor to remain in the
room; in fact, it is better he should not, but be within call,
so as to be summoned at once when wanted. The patient
should lie down now and then, when wearied, on the bed or
on a couch. If she feel inclined, or even if she does not, she
should be prevailed upon now and then to drink a little tea,
or sip some nicely-made strained gruel, not too thick. The
nurse should see that water is passed sufficiently often.
Second stage of labour begins as soon as the pains alter
in character, and are forcing, bearing down, and expulsive.
The cries, too, become totally different: at first they are
those of pain, distress, and discomfort; now, from the breath
being held, they are a groan. All attempts, in the first stage,
of the patient to help herself by holding her breath or bear-
ing down, are just so much trouble lost, and only serve to
waste her strength for nothing. Now, when the pains are
on, she will find she cannot talk, and that, especially as the
labour approaches a termination, holding her breathing and
forcing down will greatly help, as will also Pulsatilla, two
drops of 3rd dilution every quarter of an hour. As soon
as the pains are forcing the lady will be better in bed,
thoroughly undressed, except her night-dress; stockings,
flannel petticoat, stays, drawers, all off. I have known
patients put to bed with all these on. It is well to have
a thin sheet fastened, not too tightly, round the waist, and
brought down over the hips to the knees, and the clean
night-dress rolled up. This sheet can be quietly unfastened
after labour, when the under loose sheets are withdrawn, and
the patient made tidy and clean, a fresh loose sheet being
slipped under without annoyance and fatigue-a matter of
no little importance. As the pains get worse in the back,
it is a great relief to have the back firmly pressed with the
flat hand, not with the knuckles or closed fist, as is some-
times thoughtlessly done; a stout huckaback roller-towel
LABOUR-PROGRESS OF SECOND STAGE.
337
may be put round the bed-post for the patient to pull at.
The last few pains are, as may be expected, by far the worst,
for which the patient will generally be prepared by timely
warning, and will nerve herself up to bear them with the
hope that it will soon be over.
It is a great mistake to suppose that, in ordinary natural
labours (which nearly all are), it is possible, or, if possible, it
would be wise and prudent, for the medical attendant to do
much, or to " help." The less interference the better and
safer, and the sooner it will be over; frequent examinations
irritate and retard. If it be any great satisfaction to you
in the later stage, your doctor will not object to be with
you—to take a seat at your back, you lying on your left side
-to hold your back, as by experience it is found none can do
it so well and thoroughly as the doctor-to give you a word
of encouragement and praise, and to tell you when, and when
not, to bear down. Towards the last he will give the care of
your back to some one else; he will satisfy himself that there
is no obstacle in the rigidity of the external parts to the
passage of the child: if there be, he will apply plentifully of
cold cream, will use gentle but firm support, and be pre-
pared to receive the baby. It is very natural, especially if
the labour seem tedious, to ask when it will be over. This,
depending on so many things-for instance, on the regularity
and strength of the pains, to mention nothing else—is a
question more easily asked than answered. From experience,
your attendant will very often be able to hazard a shrewd
guess in such cases you may depend he will be only too
glad, from the encouragement and stimulus it will afford, to
tell you when he thinks you will be out of your trouble.
:
The Gush of Waters.-Towards the conclusion of labour,
but not by any means at any certain time, "the bag of
waters," which goes before the head of the child as a soft
and yielding wedge (thus very wisely making way for it),
suddenly bursts, when a gush of hot water streams forth
over the person and thighs; the membranes enclosing the
waters being no longer able to bear the pressure made on
them. Not infrequently, but not by any means always,
the head of the child quickly follows. Now and then,
338 CHLOROFORM IN LABOUR-RULES TO BE OBSERVED.
especially if the labour is at all before its time, the mem-
branes are so tough that they do not break of themselves,
but have forcibly to be torn after the birth of the child. If
"the waters" break very early, a tedious labour generally
follows.
Chloroform, during confinement, is thoroughly safe; still,
with due attention to the health during pregnancy, and
Homœopathic medicines at the time, it is scarcely required,
and should never be advised, except for the very nervous and
sensitive, just for the last few pains. In practice it is much
more often had in readiness, than actually desired and used
at the time.
When the child is born before the arrival of the doctor
(as will happen sometimes even when he does not live far off,
and will be especially apt to occur in country districts), the
nurse is generally able to officiate under these circumstances;
though it is well to make the inquiry whether she can act
in such an emergency: if not, it will be as well to know of
some one to whom she can apply for help.
Rules to be observed. If the vulva or external parts are
very firm and unyielding, a plentiful use of olive oil or cold
cream must not be forgotten. The open left hand, with a
napkin over it, must give support just behind the distended
parts, but not with too great pressure; it must be firm but
yielding. A pressure by the hands of another attendant,
over the bowels or abdomen during the pains, affords great
relief to some; others cannot bear it. Gently support the
head of the infant with your right hand as it passes through
the external parts, and hold it until the shoulders, body, and
hips are through also. There is generally a pause after the
birth of the head, which is the largest part of the child:
wait patiently, keeping the mouth quite free from the dis-
charge, so that the infant may have a chance of breathing.
There must be no pulling or twisting of any kind whatever.
If there is any delay, a cold hand placed upon the bowels
will generally produce all the stimulus required to cause
another contraction and pain, which will press the body for-
ward. As soon as you find, by passing your fingers, that
the navel-cord is round the neck, as it is occasionally three
MANAGEMENT OF AFTER-BIRTH.
339
and four times, very often once, get your finger within the
folds, and slip them gently one by one over the head of the
child. When the child is born draw it a little from the
mother; then proceed to tie and separate the navel-cord; get
two of the threads, specially provided for this purpose-tie
one of them fully three fingers' breadth from the belly of the
child, and tie it firmly and securely round; then, two fingers'
breadth from that, tie the other in the same way. Place
the child in the petticoat or flannel receiver, and lay
it near the foot of the bed. Give the patient a teaspoonful
out of a teacupful of cold water, into which three drops of
strong tincture of Arnica have been put and well stirred
up: repeat the dose every five minutes. This will prevent
hæmorrhage, and relieve the feeling of fatigue and faintness.
Do not hurry the after-birth; it will be all in good
time if it come in from fifteen to twenty minutes after the
birth of the child. The severed cord lies very temptingly;
do not, on any account, meddle with it, but continue your
Arnica; send down stairs for some hot water-a pint and
a-half; have it ready in the room, with an empty hand-basin,
and two good-sized and soft napkins. Have the binder also
in readiness. At the end of fifteen minutes, or a little
before, the hand can be placed upon the bowels, especially
if the patient feel a little pain: she cannot expect it at
once; for after the effort required to bring an infant into
the world, there is naturally a lull and a rest. The cool
hand produces a contraction, which forces down the pla-
centa, when the uterus is found firmly contracted, like a
good-sized ball; the after-birth, or placenta, will usually be
found detached, and lying close in the passage or vagina;
two fingers, previously oiled, introduced, will reach it, and
bring it, with a very little force, further down and outwards.
It is the better plan to twist it gently round as it comes, in
order that all may be brought away. The after-birth and
cord vary greatly in size: very frequently the placenta is
tender, and easily broken in pieces; it is, therefore, better
to handle it very gently under all circumstances.
As soon
as the after-birth, with any clots that may have passed, are
put into the utensil prepared for their reception, pour your
340
PUTTING STRAIGHT AFTER DELIVERY.
hot water into the hand-basin; to it add three teaspoonfuls
of Arnica, the strong tincture; put one of the large soft
napkins into it, squeeze it nearly dry, fold it, and then place
it well up, gently but firmly, to the vulva, and between the
thighs, putting a dry one up over it. This affords wonderful
relief, taking away smarting and soreness: it must be
repeated at intervals during the first day. It is never
attended with any bad effects, and is always appreciated.
Do not forget to continue your Arnica internally.
The bandage must be placed very firmly round the body;
roll one end of it up to nearly one-half; put this next and
underneath the patient's naked body, as she lies; get the
roll pulled out and unrolled; have both your ends level; see
that the part underneath is smooth and free from creases,
then pull it tightly over, and fasten with safety pins; if the
bowels are very sore, put on a napkin wrung out of the
Arnica water, not very hot; over that a soft, dry napkin,
and then, over all, the bandage. If the bowels are very flat,
two or three dry napkins over may be required. If the under-
sheet is very wet, draw it out, and put a clean, warmed, soft
sheet in its place underneath, and next the patient, without
disturbing her. Then let the patient be perfectly quiet for
six hours at least, with nothing to disturb her except that
it will be well if you can get her to drink three parts of
a breakfast-cup of thinnish, strained, nicely-made gruel,
directly you have put the bed-clothes straight.
If she can get some sleep so much the better: it is always
best for her to keep her hands in bed, and warm; these and
the face may be sponged frequently with tepid water during
labour, and once more just as you straighten, after the
bandage; but not anything like a washing. An experienced
nurse will be able, without fidgetting the patient, to satisfy
herself that no hæmorrhage or undue discharge is going on;
the hand quietly passed into the bed, with the aspect of the
patient, will be all that will be requisite. There must be no
talking and whispering. It will be as well to have the child
washed in another room, or down-stairs: where that is not
practicable, let it be done very quietly indeed, if done in
the room.
MANAGEMENT OF NEW-BORN INFANT.
341
The husband, during the progress of labour in every stage,
is far better, for himself and for his wife, kept away. He
may just come in after she is straight. The visit will, how-
ever, be better deferred until she has had a rest, and the baby
is dressed fit for presentation.
-
For four-and-twenty hours after delivery do not make a
thorough change of the patient and her bed. If these
instructions have been carried out, she can be made quite
sufficiently comfortable without.
The Infant.-A healthy baby, after a natural labour,
quickly begins to cry lustily, roused to activity by the cool
air felt on its delicate and susceptible skin-music of
delightful harmony to a mother's ear, fully repaying her
for all her suffering. Wrapped up in its warm petticoat
or flannel, it soon feels comfortable, and ceases to cry.
If it does not cry it will require attention: a tedious
labour, some undue pressure in the birth, may cause its
stillness. A few drops of water sprinkled on its chest gene-
rally suffice to rouse it to due activity.
If it present a darkish appearance, do not too hastily
cut the cord. If it does not cry after the application of
the water, lay it on its face on the bed, half turn it round
by one shoulder, and then lay it on its face again, gently
pressing its ribs meanwhile with your hand. Put two
globules of Arnica on its tongue. If this does not suffice,
put it into a bath of hot water, and blow down its mouth
and nostrils. All these methods will sometimes fail: gene-
rally half of them are not required to produce respiration.
The nurse will first satisfy herself, after the baby has breathed,
that it is of right make and shape. A piece of soft flannel,
or the hand itself if it be a soft one, with abundance of
warm soft water and yellow soap, are the best to give it
its first washing, and to free it, especially under the arms
and in the groins, from the lardaceous matter with which
they and its whole body are often plentifully besmeared.
The piece of scorched rag, which we have ordered to be
previously prepared, must be drawn over the cut navel-cord,
wrapped loosely round it, and then laid upwards on the
body, then over it the binder, fastened by a stitch or two.
342
LABOUR-ITS AFTER-MANAGEMENT.
Stitches are far better than pins, even safety pins, as many
a fit of crying owes its origin and persistence to the con-
stant prick of a stray and truant pin.
Give the baby, when dressed, a teaspoonful or two of
sugared water-nothing else at your peril; put its head-
flannel on, and lay it carefully beside its mother in the warm
to sleep. After it has had some sleep, and, at all events, the
mother has had some hours' rest (four at least), put the baby
to the breast: even if it get nothing, it helps early to get
the baby into the way of sucking; and the irritation of the
infant at the bosom, by sympathy, causes the womb to con-
tract and cleanse itself. The sugared water may be con-
tinued in small quantities every two hours if the baby get
nothing, and the milk is some time coming. If you give it
anything else, or much of that, the baby will be too lazy to
draw its own proper nourishment from the breast.
THE
CHAPTER III.
LABOUR-ITS AFTER-MANAGEMENT.
AFTER-PAINS; THE LOCHIA, OR AFTER-DISCHARGE; MANAGEMENT OF
то
PUTTING THE BABY
THE BREAST;
BREAST; SORE AND
CRACKED
DEPRESSED
NIPPLES;
NIPPLES; ESTABLISHMENT
MANAGEMENT OF LACTATION; GETTING RID OF THE MILK; GATHERED
BREASTS.
AND
BREASTS;
AFTER-PAINS, in many instances sharp and lingering, and
coming on, especially after rapid deliveries, very quickly,
are too frequent and distressing to permit of the patient
getting much rest. If there be nothing else suitable in the
house, a cup of moderately strong coffee may cause them to
abate. One or other of the following Homoeopathic reme-
dies will be far better:-Chamomilla, Coffea, or Cimicifuga,
of the 3rd dilution, three drops every half-hour. When the

•
2
LABOUR-THE LOCHIA.
343
after-pains are not troublesome continue the Arnica, only at
the 3rd dilution, with an occasional dose of Aconite.
Lochia, or After-discharge.-There is always more or
less discharge at the time; it continues for several days,
acquiring, as it is mixed up with the broken-down decidua
of the lining membrane of the uterus, a peculiar odour,
decreasing usually towards the end of a week; increasing,
again, after the patient sits up, and taking a deeper tinge;
for as it begins to decrease it gets pale-at last almost like
discoloured water: it is first reddish, then brown, then
green. The parts should have the hot wet napkin, with
Arnica, kept to them, and also, three or four times a day, be
bathed with warm water, to which Arnica is added in the
proportions of three teaspoonfuls to a pint and a-half of
water. If Arnica does not suit, substitute Calendula. If
the internal parts be very sore, they may be syringed or
bathed with Calendula and water.
If the lochia are too abundant, China, Ipecacuanha,
Belladonna, given according to the indications under
Menorrhagia, will suffice soon to moderate them. The room
and the patient must not be kept too warm.
If the lochia are very offensive, give Arsenicum or Bap-
tisia, internally, and inject three parts of a pint of warm
water, with ten drops of Carbolic Acid added to it.
Management of the Breasts.-It is a mother's bounden.
duty, unless constitutional symptoms emphatically forbid, to
suckle her infant. To this end, especially with a first child,
the breasts will need some preparation.
After a first labour it is not usual to have much milk
before the third day, though there may be some swelling
and uneasiness. Aconite will help to abate this; and if
there is increase of heat and redness, with throbbing, Bella-
donna.
Until the milk comes freely, the child may be applied, at
regular intervals, to both the breasts every two hours. It
is as well, during the first day, to wash the breasts with a
little warm water, and also the nipples, carefully drying
them with a warm, soft napkin. If this is not done, there
may be some mucus about the nipples, or perspiration about
2 A
344
SORE AND DEPRESSED NIPPLES.
the breasts, which will effectually prevent the baby suckling.
When, after the breast has been well washed, there is any
difficulty in getting the infant to take it, put some sugar on
the nipple, or smear it with cream.
Though one breast may be much more plentifully supplied
with milk than the other, it is a great pity to get into the
habit of using only that one, or that one nearly exclusively.
Sore and Cracked Nipples.-The nurse should pay con-
stant attention to the state of the nipples when there is any
tendency to inflammation, as pain, redness, or swelling;
they should be washed immediately the child has done
suckling, with warm water; dried carefully and gently with
a warm, dry napkin, and dusted with unscented violet-
powder: if this is not sufficient to prevent chapping, put
ten drops of strong tincture of Arnica to a wine-glassful
of water. Let a piece of linen, wet with this lotion, lie on
the nipples after washing them, until the baby is nursed
again. A strong solution of green tea, as a lotion, some-
times hardens the nipples when nothing else will. If the
nipple has cracked, a shield, made of soap plaister or mole-
skin, or thin, soft leather, must be put on a circular piece,
about three or four inches across, with a small hole cut
in the centre only, just large enough to let the top
of the nipple through where the ducts are situated, through
which the milk is drawn. This is by far the best kind of
shield.
Chamomilla is the first medicine to be used internally
for the redness or irritation. Graphites every four hours.
on the first appearance of the chapping. Sulphur, if the
fissures deepen, night and morning, leaving off the Gra-
phites.
Depressed Nipples.-The preparation of the nipples
during pregnancy has been previously treated of; and if the
matter has been rightly attended to, there will be little
trouble now. There are cases in which the nipples are so sunk
in, that no means serve to get the nipple out sufficiently to
enable an infant to be suckled. The milk must then be
got rid of. Let the mother take as little to drink as she
can, and the breasts be well and thoroughly rubbed all over,
LACTATION-GATHERED BREASTS.
345
and round under the arm, with olive oil, so as to induce the
milk to run away. If this is not sufficient, a breast-pump
must be used occasionally, or a woman employed, night and
morning, to empty them; and then, in a day or two, only
every morning.
Bryonia, Belladonna, and Rhus, if there be any rheu-
matic pains, are the best medicines to aid in getting rid of
the milk. The due establishment of Lactation, or the
coming and flow of the milk, is always a time of some little
solicitude. It varies somewhat as to the time at which it
makes its appearance, from twenty-four to thirty-six hours.
An increase of pulse, thirst, headache, and perhaps a chill,
usher in the secretion. The breasts considerably increase in
size, sometimes getting very painful, hard, and knotted. A
little Aconite, followed by Belladonna, if the redness and
hardness increase; attention to thorough rubbing with oil;
warm fomentations; putting the child regularly to them; or
an older child will generally, for a time or two, suffice to
subdue all mischief, especially if the milk begins to flow
freely, and some of it to run away. Care must be taken not
to get a chill from exposure to the cold in getting the chest
uncovered: if the weather is at all cold, it is as well to have
a strip of thin flannel to lie across. Sometimes there is
considerable delay; the milk seems as though it would not
come-as if there would not be any at all. Agnus Castus,
three drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours, will some-
times bring a supply. Or there may be, after a time, just
the reverse; the milk may come too rapidly; it may run
away to such a degree as to keep the mother thoroughly
saturated. Let as little liquid as possible be taken; support
the breasts by a silk handkerchief, tied under the breast and
round the neck; apply the baby at regular intervals; only
give China three times a day, three drops; or Helonias, if
China does not seem sufficient, with a dose of Trituration
of Calcarea night and morning. Give the same medicines.
if the milk is too poor, and does not seem to satisfy the
child.
Gathered Breasts.-A dose or two of Mercurius, in place
of the Belladonna, for a few times, when, notwithstanding
2 A 2
346 DIET FOR THE LYING-IN ROOM, AND CONVALESCENCE.
If the
all care, the formation of matter seems imminent.
swollen bosom begin to point, or get prominent, with in-
creased redness in any one place, give Hepar Sulphuris
every hour, with a linseed poultice over the whole breast.
When the breast has broken, continue the Hepar, warm
bathings, and a tepid piece of rag over the part from which
the matter oozes, covered with oiled silk.
If the matter seems as though it would not exhaust itself,
and the abscess shows no disposition to heal, substitute
Silicea for your Hepar, and plaisters of Arnica Cerate for
your water-dressing. If the edges get hard as well as red,
and after having given the Silicea for three days there is
no alteration, give Hydrastis, with a tepid solution of the
remedy-six drops of strong tincture to a wine-glassful of
water, syringed with a glass syringe gently and carefully
into the opening twice a day. When the breast is very
heavy and swollen, supporting it with a large silk handker-
chief spread under it, and tied round the neck, is a great
source of comfort; or by a split bandage.
Diet of the Lying-in Chamber, and Convalescence.—
For the first twenty-four hours nothing more will ordi-
narily be required than weak black tea, and nicely-made
oatmeal gruel. The tea should be made pretty much as
required—not allowed to stand: the gruel neither too warm
nor too thick, just as the patient can comfortably drink it;
and only as much as the patient will be likely to drink at
once in a breakfast-cup; let it be rather more than half
full-not much-scrupulously clean, on a waiter, with a per-
fectly clean cloth on it. Take care never to spill any liquid,
whether gruel, or broth, or tea, into your patient's saucer;
let the bottom of the cup be quite dry and clean, so that, if
preferred, the cup can be lifted out of the saucer without
the dread of spilling on sheets, night-dress, or even
the tray-cloth. Little and often will be the best for the
first day.
on
Gruel-To make.-One tablespoonful of Robinson's groats,
mixed quite smoothly, with two tablespoonfuls of cold water
added slowly; then pour into the basin one pint of boiling
water, stirring all the time; put it into a clean saucepan,
DIET FOR THE LYING-IN ROOM, AND CONVALESCENCE.
347
|
keeping it well stirred; strain through a piece of muslin.
It is best taken simply with salt or sugar.
Some toust-and-water and barley-water can be prepared
ready for the second day. In making toast-and-water never
blacken the bread-toast it only brown. Barley-water is
best made as follows:-One tablespoonful of pearl barley
washed in cold water; when washed put to it two or three
lumps of sugar; pour on these one quart of boiling water;
let it stand on the hob by the fire for seven or eight hours;
strain previous to use. Half an ounce of isinglass may be
dissolved in the quart of water before it is added. The
juice of half a lemon is an agreeable addition. No stronger
food than what is mentioned above must be given, except in
extreme cases; nor will anything else be desired. Gruel is
felt to be soothing, and it is sufficiently nourishing; it is
quickly absorbed and easily digested. The efforts of nature
are busily occupied in restoring the equilibrium, repairing
waste, elaborating the milk, and so on. To call off those
efforts, when they are employed in so salutary a manner, to
digest a mutton chop, is not any way consonant with the
requirements of the case. For the Second Day.-As the first,
with the addition of a little food now and then, instead of the
gruel, made with a dessert-spoonful of Chapman's Entire
Flour, half a pint of water and milk in equal quantities;
smoothly moisten the flour to make a paste, boil the re-
mainder, stir altogether, boil over the fire for three or four
minutes; take with salt or sugar, according to taste.
For the Third Day.-Chapman's Food, or Revalenta,
black tea, barley-water, or toast-water, and light custard
pudding, made as follows (ordinarily so called, light puddings
are more like bullets for hardness, and nearly as digestible):-
Two eggs, yolk and white, well whisked together; half a pint
of warmed milk; mix the milk with the eggs, stirring all the
time. Have ready a small buttered basin that will just hold
it; tie a floured cloth over it, and thrust it into boiling water,
turning it about for a few minutes; boil slowly for half-an-
hour, then turn out and serve immediately, with sugar.
At the close of the third day, or the beginning of the fourth,
the bowels are generally relieved of themselves if the diet
348
DIET FOR THE LYING-IN ROOM, AND CONVALESCENCE.
has been attended to. If the bowels are not relieved in
thirty-six hours after delivery, give two pilules of the 6th
dilution of Opium, repeating them every six hours until
relief; then meat may be taken by the patient. Get a small
lean mutton chop, off the loin or neck; beat it well with a
rolling-pin or chopper; cut off every scrap of fat, then put it
into a stew-pan or shallow tin with a cover, and two teacup-
fuls of boiling water, and a little pepper and vinegar;
simmer very gently for two hours, then serve.
Meat will do
once a day at first, then twice, until the patient gets down-
stairs and about again; but egg-flip may be taken in the
middle of the morning at any time-that is, the yolk of an
egg beaten up with a little hot water, added to half a break-
fast-cupful of milk. Brown bread, or dry toast and butter,
with tea, in the afternoon; with Revalenta or Chapman's Food,
or Panada, for supper. An egg very lightly boiled two
minutes and a-half, may now and then be taken with the
second breakfast. Some plain soups of various kinds (a list
of which is given below) about eleven; different kinds of
light pudding, with mutton or fowl, or white fish, game of
any kind, sweetbread, or stewed oysters, with toast-and-water
or Claret-and-water, or light Hungarian wine-and-water, as a
beverage for dinner. For the early breakfast, about five,
some tea and bread and butter, or dried toast and butter, or
Chapman's Food, or Revalenta, or cocoa. Annexed are some
recipes for the lying-in room and convalescence generally.
Macaroni Soup.-One ounce of macaroni, butter the size
of a nut, salt to taste, boiling water just sufficient to cover
the macaroni, simmer half-an-hour; when tender, drain and
cut into lengths; drop into boiling stock soup as much as may
be required for your patient for once taking; stew gently for
fifteen minutes, then serve.
Stock Soup.-One pound of skin of beef, one pound of
lean mutton, four white pepper-corns, a lump of sugar, one
quart of water; simmer gently for six hours, skim well, and
strain.
Mutton Broth.-Take one or two chops from a neck of
mutton cut into small pieces, put into a saucepan with the
bones, but no skin or fat; one pint of cold water; pepper and
T
1
DIET FOR THE LYING-IN ROOM, AND CONVALESCENCE.
349
salt; cover the saucepan, bring the water quickly to boil,
take off the lid and continue the rapid boiling for twenty
minutes, skimming it well all the time; strain the broth
into a basin, take every particle of fat off, and serve with bread
or toast nicely cut or crumbed into it.
Beef-Tea.-One pound of lean gravy-beef; have the meat
cut without fat or bone; choose a nice fleshy piece, cut it
into small bits about the size of dice, and put it into a clean
saucepan with one quart of cold water; boil, then skim
well; add some salt, then simmer gently for three-quarters
of an hour, removing any scum that may rise; strain, and set
it by in a cool place. When required for use, remove every
particle of fat, and warm up as much as you will be likely to
want. Or one pound of fleshy beef; cut it into small square
pieces after trimming off all the fat; put it into a baking-
jar, with a pint and a-half of cold water and some salt; cover
the jar well, place it in a warm but not hot oven for three or
four hours, or put it in at bed-time and take it out in the
morning. Keep it in a cool place as before.
Beef-Tea with Oatmeal. One tablespoonful of oatmeal
mixed very smoothly with one of cold water; then add half
a pint of strong beef-tea, boiling; boil together five or six
minutes; strain through a sieve, and serve.
Liebig's Extract of Beef may be used occasionally. It can
be bought in very small jars, and made at the rate of one
penny per cup. It is not so nourishing as beef-tea.
Chicken Broth. Take half a fowl, or the inferior joints of
a whole one, one quart of cold water, one blade of mace, a
quarter of an onion, salt to taste, and ten pepper-corns; put
these with the fowl into a saucepan, gently simmer for an
bour and a-half; when done, strain and put by in a cool
place until wanted.
Calf's-foot Broth.-One calf's foot, three pints of water,
a small lump of sugar, and a few pieces of lemon-peel; stew
very gently until the liquid is reduced to one-half, removing
any scum; set it by in a basin until quite cold; take off all
fat. When required for use, warm up half a pint with a very
small quantity of butter and grated nutmeg; take it off the
fire for a minute or two, and add the beaten yolk of an egg;
350
DIET FOR THE LYING-IN ROOM, AND CONVALESCENCE.
keep stirring over the fire until the mixture thickens :
do not allow it to boil after the egg is added, or it will
curdle.
Rabbit Soup.-Cut a rabbit in pieces, put it into a
stew-pan, with a teacupful of stock soup; simmer slowly
until done through, then add one quart of water, and boil
for an hour. Take out the rabbit, pick the meat from the
bones, covering it up to keep it white; put the bones back
into the liquor, then simmer for two hours, skim, strain,
and let it cool; pound up the meat in a mortar, with the
yolks of two hard-boiled eggs, some crumbs of bread pre-
viously soaked; rub it through a sieve or strainer; then
gradually add the strained liquor, and simmer for fifteen
minutes.
Mutton Jelly.-Six shanks of mutton; soak them in
water, and then scrub them well; put them and half a pound
of lean beef, with a crust of bread toasted brown, with
pepper and salt to taste, into a saucepan, with a quart and
a-half of water; let them simmer very gently for five hours;
strain it, and, when cold, take off the fat. Warm up as
much as required when wanted.
Rice Milk. Wash three tablespoonfuls of rice; put it
into a saucepan with one quart of milk, sugar to taste, and
a little grated nutmeg; simmer very gently until the rice
is tender, stirring it occasionally to prevent burning.
Tapioca, Semolina, Vermicelli, and Macaroni, may all be
dressed in the same way.
Rice Pudding.-Two ounces of best Carolina rice, three-
quarters of a pint of milk, half an ounce of butter, flavour-
ing of lemon-peel and sugar to taste; let the rice, with these
ingredients, swell over a slow fire; let the mixture cool a
little; beat well two eggs, and mix with the rice; fill a but-
tered mould three-parts full, and bake; turn out on a white
d'oyley, and serve with plain, sweet sauce.
Light Pudding.-One tablespoonful of ground rice, boiled
very smoothly in three-fourths of a pint of new milk; let it
get quite cold, then add two eggs well beaten up, a lump of
white sugar; line a small tart-dish with short crust, made
with baking-powder and Chapman's whole flour; put in the
Da

DIET FOR THE LYING-IN ROOM, AND CONVALESCENCE.
351
pudding, and bake quickly. Serve the moment it is ready,
for it falls directly.
Baked Light Pudding.-One pint of milk; mix two
ounces of Chapman's Entire Flour with a small portion of it;
boil the remainder of the milk, and pour it over the cold
mixture; then boil altogether for three or four minutes,
stirring with a wooden spoon, sweeten, and flavour to taste;
add three eggs, previously well beaten; bake in a buttered
tart-dish for about half-an-hour.
Rice Cream.-Boil one pint of new milk with a quarter of
a pound of ground rice, a small lump of butter, a little
lemon-peel and sugar, for five minutes; then add half an
ounce of isinglass, previously dissolved in water; then let
the mixture cool; when cool, add half a pint of cream
whisked to a froth; mix altogether, and set it in a very cold
place; when used, turn it out of the basin into a dish. Some
stewed apple or stewed prunes may be served with it.
Milk to keep sweet.-In hot weather, fifteen grains of
bicarbonate of soda to a quart of milk.
Sago Sauce for Puddings.-A dessert-spoonful of sago,
nearly half a pint of water, one teaspoonful of lemon-juice,
and a little lemon rind and sugar. Wash the sago; put it
into a saucepan with the water and lemon-peel; add the
other ingredients; boil and serve.
Fruit Cream.-Apples, gooseberries, or any fresh, ripe
fruit. A pint of milk to every pint of pulp. Prepare the
fruit as for stewing; put it into a jar with two tablespoon-
fuls of water and some moist sugar; set this jar in a
saucepan of boiling water; boil until the fruit is soft enough
to mash; when sufficiently done, beat it into a pulp, and
work the pulp through a colander; stir, to every pint, a
pint of milk; sweeten and serve.
Sweetbread may be either baked, fried, or stewed-first
put into warm water for an hour, then with boiling water,
and simmer for ten minutes; take it up, and drain; and then,
for both baked and fried, brush over with egg, and sprinkle
with bread-crumbs. Put sweetbread into a moderately hot
oven, and bake for three-quarters of an hour; serve on pieces
of toast, with plain gravy poured round. If fried, cut into
352
HYGIENIC TREATMENT AFTER LABOUR.
slices before you add the bread-crumbs; then fry with as
little butter as possible, pepper and salt, and serve with
plain gravy, or white sauce. If stewed, after it has been
boiled for ten minutes, put it into cold water for a few
minutes; lay it in a stew-pan with nearly half a pint of
stock;" simmer gently for half-an-hour; thicken the
gravy with a little flour.
Hygienic and Medicinal Treatment.-Besides the secre-
tion of the milk to which we have referred, the womb has to
contract: in the course of ten or twelve days it will have
reduced to one-half or one-third the size that it was at
delivery. The muscles and walls generally of the abdomen
have to recover themselves as well; so that a good many,
and all of them important, processes are going forward. We
have given ten or twelve days as the time: in the case of
many it is considerably longer; in some, of robust constitu-
tion, who lead stirring, out-door lives, it is much shorter.
Of this kind there are comparatively few: artificial, con-
ventional life has its effect on the constitution, on the
power of the muscles of the abdomen, and of the womb as
well, rendering labour itself more lingering, and the con-
valescence, or 66
'getting up," tedious. So far has this
weakening influence magnified itself to the mind of one
medical practitioner of some eminence, that he has devised a
complicated set of bars, screws, and springs, to fasten on at
the time of confinement; not only to aid in expulsion, but
to do it nearly all.* A cumbersome, teasing, horrifying con-
trivance, that many would faint at the very thought of;
perfectly needless for those who carry out the advice here
laid down.
None, however strong, can afford, without great risk and
the certainty of after-discomfort and suffering, to dispense
with the precautions and observances which common sense
and experience dictate as necessary to be observed for ten or
twelve days after the birth of the child.
Rest is absolutely necessary, and lying down, so as to put
no stress on the relaxed and perhaps strained muscles cover-
ing the bowels, and in the same manner to free the ligaments
* Lancet, July, 1870.
CAUTIONS TO BE OBSERVED.
353
which support the womb from its weight, and to help the
blood-vessels of the uterus itself in their work of reduction,
by diffusing the blood equally through the body, and effectu-
ally checking a determination of blood thither: hence also
the necessity of a bandage being worn. These reasons ought
to be sufficient to show to any one that it is no doctor's whim
or blind routine that orders rest and care for nearly a fort-
night. It is only a wise discretion which nature imposes ;
and these are rules which the doctor, in his care for present
and future well-being, insists on: neglect them, and you will
bitterly regret your self-willed perversity, or your having
listened to the advice of meddlesome, self-opinionated visitors.
The room, it cannot be too often repeated, must be kept
well ventilated; all soiled linen must be taken out of it
immediately; flowers, whether growing or cut, and arranged
in a bouquet, are decidedly objectionable, as they often
produce headache and faintness. Stillness must prevail in
the room and in the house. Ladies will do well to remember
that it is never an act of kindness to pay a visit to a lady who
has been confined before she is able to get into another room
out of her bed-room; and then their visits must be short:
they must neither talk much, nor expect their friend to talk at
all. No such visits, or to any sick persons, ought to be paid
in rustling silks; the noise they make irritates the nerves of
an invalid almost beyond measure. There must not be a
draught across the bed, nor must it be kept too warm-just
a moderate fire, if the weather is cold, to keep it at "Tem-
perate" by a thermometer day and night. Always have a
fire-guard when you have a fire, as a matter of safety, and
that you may not feel, when your nurse is out of the room
for a few minutes, a dread about sparks and cinders.
For the first twelve hours, at all events, and much longer
if it can be managed with comfort, the water ought to be
passed in a lying-down position, by the use of "the ladies'
slipper:" dip it into very hot water, and then dry it quickly
before using, as nothing must be put-to cold. If the water
cannot be passed, it may be owing to the pressure of the
child's head, or to simple exhaustion. Two pilules of Opium
will help the difficulty; or if it is the thought of the slipper
354
REST AFTER CONFINEMENT.
that prevents, let an old sheet, well doubled, be placed
under the patient, and a warm, good-sized, damp sponge
placed up between her thighs; let her try to pass her water
on to that: dry carefully with a soft towel after. If this fail,
the matter should at once be mentioned to the medical
attendant.
A lady after her confinement ought not to be allowed to
put her feet to the ground before the tenth day; nor even to
sit up or half sit up in bed to wash herself or suckle her
infant before the sixth day, and then for only a minute or
two, that the womb and abdomen generally may have the
requisite rest. Let her lie flat, as much as possible, on a
mattress for the first six days, with not too thick a covering;
a down quilt is one of the lightest, and at the same time
warmest of coverings, and not very expensive. On the seventh
she may be lifted, with a properly made "abdominal bandage,"
on to a couch, on which she can lie for two hours, the bed
being thrown open the while; or if this cannot be managed,
let her lie on the outside of the bed, with a loose dressing-
gown on, and wrappers over her feet.
The third day she may, for the day, be gently drawn to
the cool side of the bed, and moved back again for the night;
and in many cases allowed to lie outside the bed, but not
dressed. Decidedly for the first five days she must lie flat,
not sitting up or half lying up even, as a matter of pre-
caution, and as having some respect for the maintenance of a
tolerable figure afterwards. After the first nine days she
may sit up a little, with the abdominal bandage on, for half-
an-hour at a time; then lie down and rest; so that little by
little she may gain strength every day. During the first
fortnight it is absolutely necessary that she lie down a greater
part of the day, specially to guard against bearing-down and
after-falling of the womb. At the end of a fortnight she
may change her room, being carried or wheeled into another;
she may also, in a day or two, begin to walk a little as her
strength increases. At the end of three weeks in summer,
and four in winter, she may ride out in a carriage in the
middle of the day, but not when the wind is north or north-
east: at about the end of the month begin to go down-
MEDICINAL TREATMENT AFTER LABOUR.
355
stairs, to walk out a little, and gradually resume her usual
duties. The adoption of a well-fitting Elastic Spiral Belt,
should there be much back-ache, bearing-down, and fulness
of the abdomen, will be found a great support and assist-
ance.
In the majority of cases, the medicinal treatment, fortu-
nately, is very simple indeed. As soon as the milk has come,
with care little more will require attention.
Neglect of rules, or any imprudence, will be sure to exact
its penalty both on mother and child.
If there is any heat of skin and restlessness, a dose or two
of Aconite will subdue it; or any headache, fulness of the
head, flashes, and giddiness, Belladonna.
Nux Vomica, Opium, Bryonia, or Sulphur, will regulate
the bowels; Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla, Carbo Vegetabilis,
Chamomilla, indigestion or acidity.
It is always necessary to see that the secretion of milk
keeps up, or does not suddenly stop; and that, in the earlier
days especially, the discharge or lochia does not undergo any
unnatural alteration, or that it does not all at once cease to
flow.
No remedy is more Homoeopathic than Aconite to the
febrile disturbance which, more or less severely, attends the
appearance of the milk in the plethoric, even if there should
be violent delirium.
Chills and shiverings require attention; profuse perspira-
tion, intolerable thirst, and spots that may appear on any
part of the body. The cause must at once be discovered, and
remedies administered.
In the cases I have attended, I have never had an attack
of convulsions, of inflammation, of child-bed or puerperal
fever, or white leg, though I have treated many such to
whom I have been called in.
The non-interference which Homoeopathy specially indi-
cates; the simplicity of the diet; the rapidity with which
Aconite and Belladonna cut short what might develop into
unfavourable and dangerous symptoms; and the plainness of
the indications for each-the hot, dry skin and thirst for
Aconite; the flushed face, headache, and giddiness for Bella-
356
MANAGEMENT OF THE INFANT.
donna-greatly account for the immunity and safety of
Homœopathic patients.
The other medicines given previously, under Inflamma-
tion of the Womb, apply just as forcibly after delivery as
before (see p. 244).
A rash sometimes shows itself on the third day, red, small,
and abundant. Aconite, keeping the room cool, and giving
cool drinks, will speedily subdue it.
CHAPTER IV.
THE MANAGEMENT OF THE INFANT.
BRUISES; SUPPRESSION OF URINE; REGULATION OF THE BOWELS ; RE-
GULARITY IN SUCKLING; STOMACH DERANGEMENTS ; RESTLESSNESS;
MOTHER'S MARKS; INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES; RUPTURE; SUCK-
LING AND HAND-FEEDING; WET-NURSE; BRINGING UP BY HAND;
DIET; WEANING; GATHERED BREASTS AFTER.
-
SOME directions on this head have been previously given: it
may be as well to append a few others.
If the infant, from any cause, is bruised about the head or
face, or buttocks, bathe with Arnica lotion, three drops to a
wine-glassful of water, and give two globules of Arnica every
three hours. Arnica will also very often enable the child
to pass water, if, from a lingering labour, the bladder should
have sustained much pressure. If that does not succeed, two
globules of Opium every half-hour, or two of Cantharides-
one dose. Hot, wet flannels to lower part of the bowels.
In infants of either sex, a few days after birth, a swelling
of the breasts often takes place; they must be neither rubbed
nor squeezed. Two globules of Belladonna twice in the day,
with a tepid compress over.
There is not usually much trouble with the bowels; the
first fæcal matter that passes is of a tarry consistence and
appearance, and is called "Meconium." When the milk is
MANAGEMENT OF THE INFANT.
357
early secreted, it acts almost at once in freely cleansing the
bowels, as it is thinner at first, and of a slightly irritating
nature. For constipation, give three globules of Nux
Vomica at night, and three of Sulphur in the morning.
The separated portion of the navel-cord usually comes
away without any trouble: if any sore place is left, apply
some Arnica Cerate on a piece of lint or linen. Give three
globules of Chamomilla every three hours, and three of
Silicea night and morning.
If the baby is kept too warm, it gets restless, cross, and a
red rash shows itself, called "red gown." Two globules of
Aconite every two hours.
The infant must, from its earliest life, be suckled at
stated times, as it is a very bad habit to give it the bosom
every time it cries, be it from over-feeding, griping, wind,
or acidity. For the first month it must be suckled every hour
and a-half; for the second month, every two hours; gradually
lengthening the interval until it gets to every four hours.
This plan will give the delicate organs some rest, and the
mother some as well. It is surprising how soon a child
learns regularity in this matter. The times we have men-
tioned must be observed at night as well as in the day: it
is a most objectionable practice to let an infant lie at the
bosom all night; to do so spoils the child's rest as well as
the mother's; gives her sore nipples, and the child sore
mouth.
For the little derangements of the baby, Antim. Crudum,
three globules occasionally. For wind, when the baby looks
blue round its mouth, and appears to smile in its sleep,
three globules of Carbo Vegetabilis may be put on its tongue
as it lies. If it is hot, restless, and feverish, give it Aco-
nite, three globules, asleep or awake.
For diarrhoea, bitty, and sour Rheum, three globules after
every motion if it is very offensive, and passed with much
wind, Chamomilla; or when in much pain, crying, and
drawing its legs up, where Chamomilla is insufficient, give
Colocynth, two globules every ten minutes.
Mother's marks, whether moles or warts, or a dark-red or
bright-red collection of vessels, are thoroughly susceptible of
358
MANAGEMENT OF THE INFANT.
removal with patience, and giving the medicines at long
intervals.
Belladonna, Calcarea, Lycopodium, Hamamelis, Phos-
phorus, Nitric Acid, Thuja, and Sulphur, have been tried
at various times, with a solution of the medicine applied
externally at the same time as it is given internally.
The separation of the cord at the navel may be looked
for on the fourth or fifth day, and usually occasions little, if
any, trouble; sometimes, however, it is attended by some
inflammation, and occasionally some bleeding.
Calendula lotion must be used if there is any raw-
ness and inflammation, with two globules of Silicea night
and morning. Hamamelis lotion if there should be any
bleeding, with three globules of the same every six hours.
Starting of the Navel.-If this should occur, as it some-
times does in the early months of an infant's life, some little
trouble may arise from the difficulty of keeping a band and
pad securely over it, as ordinary bands soon work up.
Huxley's elastic band is almost the only one that meets all
the requirements.
Inflammation of the Eyelids (Ophthalmia neonatorum).—
Infants are sometimes born with a violent and very trouble-
some inflammation of the eyelids, which, if not cured, may
end in complete blindness.
It appears often to be caused from contact, in the birth,
with leucorrhoeal discharge. Scrupulous cleanliness, gently
bathing with tepid milk-and-water, with a very soft piece of
old lawn handkerchief, burning all that gets soiled with
matter.
If the cause is a chill, give first Aconite, then globules,
every two hours, followed by Chamomilla every two hours
for a day each; then Argentum Nitricum; then globules
night and morning for three mornings. Sanguinaria,
internally and as a wash, is often of service; as is also
Euphrasia.
Hernia. The child may be born ruptured. Nux Vomica,
two globules night and morning, followed by Sulphur, act
speedily for its relief.
Crying has different tones and meanings: it is the
SUCKLING AND FEEDING OF THE INFANT.
359
infant's exercise, serving to expand and develop its chest;
it is its sign of uneasiness, the way by which it makes its
hunger known, the evidence of its petulance and temper,
and the indication of its pain and suffering. Medicine can
and will apply to this last when no strings are too tight, or
pins pricking. If the child is in pain it carries the evidence
of it in its face and wrinkled brow, and drawing up its legs,
and in the piteous, appealing tone. The mother will soon
learn to distinguish the significance and meaning of one cry
as distinguished from another. A fit of crying often results.
from some derangement of the milk, as from some error in
diet on the part of the mother, from over-heating or fatigue,
or from excitement.
Suckling by the Mother, and Feeding.-It is a mother's
bounden duty, from which none but the most paramount
necessity can free her, to suckle her infant for the first seven
months. Such should be its only and sufficient sustenance,
for which its mother's milk is better adapted than any sub-
stitute can be, during the period of the child's life in which it
has to make the most rapid growth and progress. Milk
supplies it with flesh-forming, fatty, and saccharine elements
combined in one fluid; salts of potassium and iron, soda,
calcium, and magnesium for the blood; phosphates of lime
and magnesia for the formation of bone.
2000
Human milk is bluish-white, more transparent than cows'
milk; both contain a large number of milk globules of oily
matter, from oth tooth of an inch in diameter, which,
on standing, coalesce and rise to the top in the form of cream.
The milk at first, after the birth of an infant, differs in com-
position and quality from that which is afterwards secreted;
it contains more sugar and earthy salts, and coagulates on
boiling; it usually relaxes the bowels of the new-born child,
and helps to free them from the meconium, as the greenish,
viscid, tarry matter first voided is termed. As the age of
the infant increases, the proportion of sugar decreases; there
is also a perceptible addition to the caseine or cheesy part of
the milk. The milk is most nutritious and plentiful in
young women from eighteen to twenty-two: the constitution
and general health exercise considerable influence on its
2 B
360
SUCKLING AND FEEDING-WET-NURSE.
character and quality at any age, as do the kind and quan-
tity of food and beverage, warmth, rest, and exercise. Ease
of mind and body favour a natural secretion; anxiety, grief,
fright, passion, and jealousy, always exercise a detrimental
influence, sometimes to a very large extent; violent exer-
cise, such as dancing and over-heating, has proved no less
injurious.
As it requires a good constitution and good health to make
good milk, it must be evident that all mothers are not able
to bear the drain on the constitution which it necessarily
entails, and that in some cases the milk is too poor to be
sufficiently satisfying and nutritious; in others, deficient in
quantity.
The mother's milk may be supplemented, or that of another
person may be altogether substituted; hand-feeding may be
partially or entirely resorted to, or a wet-nurse be procured.
In considering the advisability of a wet-nurse, it may be
observed at the outset, that one is not by any means indis-
pensable except in extreme cases. I attended a family
of nine children: every one of whom was brought up by
hand, without any extraordinary trouble or risk. All of
them were healthy; three of them exceptionally fine for their
age, though their mother was a delicate lady who had a
family very fast, and their father a man of only average con-
stitution. Were the case my own, unless the child were so
far reduced in strength that breast-milk of the same age
would give it a better chance of life than anything else, I
should unhesitatingly prefer, taking everything into account,
hand-feeding. Absolute necessity would outweigh all other
objections; but where that did not exist (and I am con-
vinced such cases would be few), the next question would be,
Can room be found for a young woman in the household or
nursery, who very possibly may be fit for very little else than
just the suckling? Then her age and that of her baby, her
health, family, history, character, and disposition, the quan-
tity and quality of the milk, need all to be very carefully
considered; all must bear the strictest investigation: her
age must be between eighteen and twenty-four, and the age
of her infant, as nearly as possible, the same as that of the
FEEDING COMPOSITION OF MILK.
361
Water
Sugar
Butter
one she has to nurse. With regard to a wet-nurse, nothing
must be taken on trust; everything must be seen and inquired
into. Where for any reason it is decided not to have a wet-
nurse, or where the mother's milk is not sufficient, what is to
be the substitute? Milk of one of three kinds, with some
little addition and preparation, as the following analysis will
show:
Caseine
Earthy Salts
Woman.
889
43
26
39
2
Ass.
890
50
18
35
5
Goat.
844
36
56
55
6
Cow.
864
38
36
55
6
The milk of the ass most nearly resembles human milk,
though it occasionally produces diarrhoea. The milk of the
goat has a characteristic odour, and forms an extremely
compact curd: asses' milk, on the contrary, is distinguished
by the delicacy of its curd, and the great ease with which it
is digested and assimilated. Cows' milk contains less water
and sugar, but more butter, caseine, and earthy salts; it
therefore needs the addition of water and sugar-of-milk-half
an ounce coarsely crushed to seven and a-half ounces of
boiling water when dissolved, add seven and a-half ounces of
fresh cows' milk; and give, through a feeding-bottle, at the
same interval, but not oftener than, if the mother's supply
were ample, she would suckle it herself. The milk must
always be freshly mixed as required. The infant must not
be permitted to lie with the teat in its mouth after it has
taken a sufficient quantity; to allow it to remain is always
injurious, and has proved dangerous by the teat being drawn
to the back part of the mouth, and causing suffocation. Teat-
tube and bottle must be washed out immediately the baby
has finished, and lie in clean cold water until wanted again.
That shaped bottle is the best that can be most readily and
effectually cleaned, like the "Mamma Feeding-bottle," for
instance. The bottle, and all belonging to it, must always be
perfectly sweet, or it is impossible for the milk to agree
with the child.
1
2 B 2
362
BRINGING-UP BY HAND.
The milk of one and the same healthy young milch cow,
fed upon the natural diet of hay or grass, is the milk that
must be used. Sometimes the child's stomach is too deli-
cate to retain this milk, even when prepared as just di-
rected: it will not only vomit it, but also a great quantity of
curds, and sometimes hard cakes of curd. In such case,
administer Antim. Crud., three globules 12th, directly after
feeding, and allow the milk to stand in a basin for three
hours before using it, in a cool place; take off the cream
and the top of the milk; add an equal quantity of dissolved
sugar-of-milk (an ounce to three-quarters of a pint of boiling
water), or two tablespoonfuls of fresh whey, one tablespoon-
ful of fresh cream, and three tablespoonfuls of fresh dissolved
sugar-of-milk. Should these be rejected, to the cow's milk
used put fifteen drops of the saccharated solution of lime to
a breakfast-cupful, then add the sugar-of-milk and hot
water, as required. At three or four months, according as
the child thrives, a teaspoonful of my Infants' Food may be
added to every quantity of milk mixed, gradually increasing
the proportion. If this food does not agree, Savory and
Moore's, or Liebig's, may be substituted for it. Babies, as
a rule, always thrive on a food that suits them. Arrow-
root, corn-flour, and everything else, under whatever name,
purely starchy and farinaceous, are totally unfit for infants'
food; they cannot, by any possibility, be digested by its
stomach, and only yield a modicum of sugar; they neither
make flesh, bone, muscle, or nerve substance, and scarcely
suffice to keep up the ordinary waste of the body. A food
that does not suit, if it is not soon vomited, is sure to pro-
duce diarrhoea, under which an infant soon wastes, and
rapidly loses strength. With unsuitable food, no matter
what medicine is given, unless the food is altered, and given
at due intervals, and right quantities, sufficient to satisfy
without over-loading, you cannot expect to correct either
vomiting or purging.
Some children will do well on cows' milk and sugar-of-
milk, and nothing else, for the first seven months of their
life; others will want and pine without "Infants' Food"
once or twice in the twenty-four hours, at three months, and
CHILDREN'S DIET-WEANING.
363
even earlier. There is as much difference in the constitutions
of babies as in those of older persons, making it impossible
to lay down undeviating rules. Occasionally, at about four
months, some infants do well with a tablespoonful of beef-
tea to their milk in the course of the day; as they get older,
twice or three times. At seven months, "Entire Flour" may
be given, mixed with milk, for breakfast, and about four in
the afternoon; then, gradually, bread-and-milk for break-
fast. Entire flour, custard or sago, tapioca, semolina, made
with milk, for dinner. Bread-and-milk about four, and
entire flour for supper. Potatoes and gravy may, by degrees,
be taken at dinner as well as pudding. Bread-and-milk, or
entire flour, made like oatmeal porridge, and eaten with
milk, should form the staple breakfast of children until they
are fourteen years of age. Coffee, strong tea, and stimu-
lants of all kinds, and at all times, are unnecessary and
injurious.
Weaning. When infants are brought up at the breast,
they should not, as a rule, except under urgent circum-
stances, be weaned before they are quite seven, or suckled
after they are nine, months old. With most, it will be safe
and advisable to begin weaning gradually, in the day, at
seven months; with weakly children it may be deferred
until the eighth month. If the milk does not go as quickly
as could be desired, and the breast gets heavy, painful, and
full, support it by the split bandage; have it well rubbed,
every three hours, with warm olive oil; and take, alter-
nately, three drops, 2nd dilution, of Bryonia and Pulsatilla,
every three hours. Maw's breast-pump may be used once in
six hours. If the baby has been weaned gradually, this dif-
ficulty will scarcely be likely to occur. To suckle too long
is unadvisable both for mother and child; the milk dete-
riorates, and the mother's health begins to suffer; she has
dimness of sight, giddiness, noises in the ears; feels drawn
together, and as though the child drew the milk from the
shoulder-blades: the remedy for which is speedy weaning,
and China, three drops of 1st dilution, three times a day.
The mouth and tongue are sometimes sore, through pro-
longed suckling-Hydrastis, three drops of 2nd dilution,
364
OVER-SUCKLING-GATHERED BREASTS.
three times a day, and a weak solution of strong tincture as
a wash. Suckling, it requires sometimes to be remembered,
does not prevent conception. Stout and other stimulants
are not necessary for suckling mothers; they more or less
affect the character of the milk, so as to make the baby
cross. A breakfast-cupful of good Homœopathic cocoa for
luncheon, and before going to bed, as well as for breakfast,
if it can be taken, makes the richest and the most satisfying
milk.
Gathered Breasts are, unfortunately, not uncommon in the
early days of suckling, and at the time of weaning. They
are not difficult of cure, Homoeopathically: still, they are far
better guarded against. The breasts being allowed to get
too full, engorged, and lumpy, from not nursing the baby at
regular intervals, and neglecting, as soon as any hardness
appears, to have them well rubbed with olive oil and a soft
hand. Too sudden weaning is sometimes productive of the
same result. A draught of cold air, if the mother sits up to
nurse her infant, or if she allows the bosom to be uncovered,
may be another source of this mischief. A square of scarlet
flannel, and a warm but light shawl, used each time will
obviate it.
The following medicines apply :-
Aconite applies, to, and corrects, if taken as soon as any
bad results are felt or feared, all the consequences of a chill;
there is general feverishness, and some local inflammation.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every hour.
Belladonna. The inflammation increases ; there is
throbbing, severe pain, heat, enlargement, and violent head-
ache.
Three drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours, and tepid compresses,
frequently changed, applied. Cover them with three thicknesses
of flannel, supporting the bosom by a split-calico bandage: one end
goes round the body, the other over the shoulder, and fastened
behind.
Mercurius Vivus.-Chilliness and shivering; the in-
}
GATHERED BREASTS.
365
flammation has but little abated; the hardness is increased,
and the formation of an abscess is imminent.
A grain, 6th trituration, alternately with Belladonna, every three hours;
the breast to be gently rubbed with Arnica Cerate, then covered with
cotton wadding.
Arnica. The breast increases rapidly in size, and to a
Hepar. great extent; matter is evidently forming.
Two drops, 1st dilution, of Arnica, and two grains, 3rd trituration, of
Hepar, alternately every two hours, with tepid compresses.
Silicea. After the abscess has emptied itself, to promote
the reparative and healing process.
Two grains, 30th dilution, every four hours.
When the abscess is deep-seated and extensive, it will be
advisable, as soon as it has broken, to facilitate a free exit of
the matter, to apply strips of soap-plaister, changing them
when they get soiled.
Care must be taken to support the strength; than which,
no medicine has stood me in better stead than
Hydrastis, three drops of 1st dilution every four hours,
with the administration of frequent nourishment-cocoa,
beef-tea, eggs beaten up in milk, a cupful of "Entire Flour"
now and then, with, in some cases, stout and port wine.
366
PART IV.
COMPLAINTS INCIDENT TO CHILDREN.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY.
FAMILY ADMINISTRATION OF HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES; ROOM FOR,
AND ADVANTAGES OF; RAPIDITY OF ACTION; SPECIFIC NATURE OF;
DISEASES OFTEN TO
TO BE WARDED OFF BY PROPER MANAGEMENT ;
RULES FOR DIET, BATHS, DRESS, AND FRESH AIR.
CHILDREN'S complaints have, in some measure, so far as
relates to those of infants, been already considered. We pro-
ceed to notice certain other affections and diseases occurring,
with more or less frequency, in every family.
The family administration of Homœopathic remedies,
already very considerable, would be much larger if mothers
gave a little more attention to the subject, so as to be
prepared, in time of need, to do the right thing at the right
time, and in the best way.
Very few mothers and nurses are so in love with magnesia,
rhubarb, senna, castor-oil, jalap, calomel, and grey powder,
as to object to use substitutes when offered them free from
unpleasant odour, agreeable to take, more promptly and
lastingly efficacious, and always at hand, that can be given
whether the child is asleep or awake, without disturbing it.
All these advantages characterise Homœopathic medicines.
Their superiority is incontestible over all soothing syrups,
carminatives, and composing powders, however recommended,
whatever their denomination, and however sweetened and
disguised. Opium, or its equivalents, and many deleterious
HOMEOPATHY IN CHILDREN'S DISEASES.
367
substances in large quantities, enter into their composition;
so that, under the delusion of a perfectly safe and harmless
compound, the mother gives her child that which, however
agreeable for the moment the effect produced, unquestion-
ably weakens and otherwise injures its constitution. No
better medicine can be taken for a commencement than
Aconite, in 3rd tincture, or pilule. The circulation of chil-
dren is soon deranged; they quickly get feverish, thirsty,
and restless-a condition which may speedily run on to
delirium or inflammation. A dose of Aconite, three drops
to a wine-glassful of water-a teaspoonful every hour or half-
hour or a pilule, crushed and gently put between the lips,
will usually quiet the pulse, allay the restlessness, and
sensibly moisten the skin; cause a speedy modification of
all the symptoms, or at least lessen the severity and course
of any after-affection.
Change
It is impossible for families who have adopted Homœo-
pathy adequately to estimate their indebtedness to it for the
many illnesses they have escaped, and the mildness and short
duration of others. There has been no reason to procrasti-
nate, and no excuse for it. The indications for some of the
most common remedies (notably Aconite) are so plain, that
it is almost impossible to make a mistake. Children have
no irrepressible repugnance to Homoeopathic medicines;
there is no scolding, seldom even coaxing required to get
children to take them; on the contrary, they often ask for
them of their own accord.
How comes it that Homœopathic remedies are so speedily
and largely efficient? Their properties and action having
been determined by long and careful experiment, they can be
readily selected for specific work. Light is not more nicely
adjusted to the eye, nor sound to the ear, than Aconite to the
circulation, Belladonna to the brain and congestion gene-
rally, Phosphorus to the lungs, and Pulsatilla to mucous
membranes and the venous and reproductive systems.
-
The rapidity and activity of the nervous system and cir-
culation in children favours their action; whilst they have,
in patients of this age, no obstacles of a mental and moral
nature to contend against, as anxiety, and the like. Their
368
ACTION OF HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES.
action is purely remedial, and in no way revulsive, irritative,
or weakening. The condition of illness gives way to a state
of health; the period of convalescence, often so tedious and
trying after Allopathic dosing, becomes a term merely-it has
scarcely an existence.
There is no interference from irritating or debilitating
measures, as blisters, leeches, or purging. The medicines
have a fair field, and the powers of the child's constitution
uninterrupted sway.
Yet children die under Homoeopathic treatment-un-
questionably. Still it is not uncharitable, nor is it asserting
more than can be amply borne out, that the children of
families who fully adopt Homoeopathy, have, on fairly com-
paring them with others, fewer deaths. Take scarlet fever,
a disease much dreaded, and, during the last year or two,
excessively fatal. Homoeopathy, whilst it enjoins every pre-
caution against its spread, gives Belladonna, a preventive
against the infection, as well as for its treatment of the
fever. Speaking from a fair experience in this and other
children's affections, I maintain that a death from scarlet
fever is quite the exception. We are very surprised if our
patients do not recover, and also if they have the fever at all
severely. Diarrhoea, in summer and winter, not infrequently
carries off those attacked by it, especially infants, as the
registrar-general's weekly returns show. We should think
it a matter for great astonishment to lose a child from
diarrhoea.
-
Inflammation of the lungs, from the early use of Aconite
in Homœopathic families, is not very often met with; and,
usually, is soon subdued.
In the face of all this, we now and then meet with mothers
who keep Homoeopathic medicines, who use them, and, up to a
certain extent, have confidence in them, but who allow a little
thing to induce them to seek the services of an Allopathic
doctor, even when a Homoeopath is within convenient reach,
causing their little ones much unnecessary suffering, pro-
longing the duration of their illness, and lessening the
chances of their recovery. Where Homoeopathic professional
advice is not to be readily obtained, it is better to carry on a
MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN—DIET.
369
case by correspondence, stating fully, but succinctly, the
origin, progress, and symptoms of the affection.
For the sake of her children, and her own comfort, we
recommend every mother to employ Homœopathy. Let all
who have recourse to it be as ready and determined in the
management of their families, and not, by indulgence or
carelessness, weaken the constitutions of their children, and
render them the subjects of illness. A child's health is
very largely in its mother's keeping. The amount of pre-
ventible illness is something astounding.
Management is very simple, and regulated, not by caprice,
but common sense. A child to thrive must be supplied
with elements of growth, and placed in circumstances
favourable to it; and every organ of its body must have a
fair chance for its exercise. It must have fresh air and
sunshine, and abundance of them; a sufficiency, but not
too much, of plain nutritious food, adapted to its age,
and at proper intervals: its dress must be worn more for
protection than ornament; it must never cramp or con-
fine the freedom of its limbs, or the action of its internal
organs.
Children are as dependent as plants on sunshine and
fresh air. This should be borne in mind in the choice of
living-rooms and nurseries: they should have a cheerful,
sunny aspect; damp, gloom, and darkness are determined
foes to children. They must also have plenty of recreation,
without which their limbs and frame generally cannot de-
velop, and they will inevitably be pale, languid, and
dispirited-a ready prey for any illness which happens to be
lurking about. Until they are seven years of age, children
should almost live out of doors.
Their diet requires constant supervision; they cannot live
on trash, nor can they subsist on the same food as adults. All
stimulants, whether wine or malt-liquor, except in very rare
and exceptional cases, are as unnecessary as they are injuri-
ous, the system being sufficiently stimulated without any
artificial supply: the carbonised blood which stimulants
produce is an absolute poison, producing, if nothing worse,
headache, and fretfulness, and irritability. Tea and coffee,
370
CHILDREN'S DIET.
from their direct influence on the nervous system, are nearly
equally bad. Sweets spoil children's appetite, and derange
their stomachs, as do rich cakes and pastry, even at meals,
but especially when allowed to be taken between. Food is
needed to supply the waste which is constantly going on, to
form a storehouse of the materials of growth, and to aid in
maintaining the heat of the body. It can do all this, and
yet be sufficiently varied and appetising. We give below
details of various aliments best adapted for the purposes to
which we have referred.
For breakfast, oatmeal porridge, with syrup and milk, or
whole-flour porridge, with salt and milk-both made thick,
after the Scotch fashion; bread-and-milk, milk-and-water,
with bread and butter, or whole-meal biscuits; sometimes
a lightly-boiled egg as a treat.
For dinner, from a year and a-half to two years, up to
three, mashed potatoes and good gravy, with farinaceous
puddings, such as Rice, Sago, Tapioca, Semolina, Macaroni,
Vermicelli, made with milk; and plain custards, eaten with
jam or boiled ripe fruit. Most fruits, when perfectly ripe,
may be taken in moderation by most children; raw apples
and pears are not very digestible. After three years, meat
may be gradually adopted for dinner: roast is preferable to
boiled, as superior in flavour and more nourishing—and the
choice should lie between mutton and beef, with fish and
fowl now and then ; neither veal nor pork should be touched,
as the first is immature and unnourishing: the second posi-
tively unwholesome, and unfit for human food, from the
garbage on which it has fed; or if ever so carefully tended,
still disqualified by taints of constitution much better not
transmitted to human recipients. Pork can never make
healthy blood, and children cannot afford to have theirs con-
taminated.
1
For tea, the same as at breakfast, only rather less in quan-
tity. If children make a good tea, they will scarcely need
anything more before going to bed: if they do, a little milk,
or milk-and-water, with a plain biscuit.
A word or two as to the apparent capriciousness of chil-
dren's appetites. Some can scarcely eat fat; others prefer it.
MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN-REST.
371
There is often in this a distinct indication of what is best for
them; it is not always mere whim and fancy.
Delicate children may need a teacupful of beef-tea, or
Liebig's extract, with dry toast, in the middle of the morn-
ing.
With a diet consisting largely of milk and flour, con-
taining the whole of its nutriment, and robbed of none of its
phosphates, every child has supplied to it, if it can only take
sufficient, heat-producing, tissue-forming, and bone-making
pabulum, as much as it requires. If it take plenty of exer-
cise and recreation, and have its meals at regular intervals, it
will seldom fail in appetite; and, if it is not pampered by
delicacies, will be in little danger of taking too much.
Let the brain of a child rest from any systematic train-
ing, or attempt at set-teaching, until seven years of age;
then begin very cautiously. Precocious children need always
to be kept back, and encouraged to romp and play. Usually
they will be sure to learn enough.
Young children require a great deal of rest and sleep. In
sleep, the brain, as well as the body and limbs, repose. It is
necessary to health that a child should be a good sleeper.
Encourage them to rest and sleep in the middle of the day,
until sleep at this time interferes with the night's repose.
In very hot weather, all children are better for lying down
about mid-day.
G
Children should be well and carefully bathed all over, for
the first three years of their life, night and morning; and
after that age, every morning. In the morning, a thorough
but rapid washing, as soon as they are out of bed. The best
way of drying them, and getting a reaction, is to wrap them
in a dry calico sheet, give them a vigorous rubbing,
especially over the chest, down the spine and limbs, and
then dress them. At night, an immersion up to the neck in
a tepid bath, taking them out at once, and drying them in
the sheet as in the morning, putting on their bed-gowns, and
then washing their hands and face. Over their bed-gowns,
as they are apt to kick off the bed-clothes, a long, loose
flannel robe should be worn, coming up to the neck, and long
enough to wrap the toes in comfortably. In very warm
372
MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN-DRESS.
weather, in the height of summer, the flannel may be dis-
pensed with.
The day dress should be a sufficient and sensible protection
against the weather. Flannel should be worn next the skin,
thick in winter and thin in summer; it guards against chills
from draughts, and renders the child less sensitive to changes
of temperature, and absorbs the perspiration. A child's legs
and arms, as well as its chest, require protection, or some
mischief from a congested state of the internal organs, lungs,
windpipe, bowels, liver, or brain, consequent on the exposure,
must sooner or later ensue-with delicate, susceptible chil-
dren, pretty often: short petticoats, socks, and dresses and
pinafores without long sleeves, are inadmissible.
M
Young children often take cold in perambulators, es-
pecially if they fall asleep when they are carried, the nurse
imparts some of the heat of her body to them, and neces-
sarily takes more notice of them when in her arms than
when pushed before her in a carriage. When it is con-
venient to procure one, a donkey for the children to ride on,
and then, when they are old enough, a pony, is a great acquisi-
tion and source of health and amusement. At a very early
age they are strong enough to ride in panniers or in a stuffed
seat, before they are promoted to the pad and saddle.
When it can possibly be so arranged, all children should
sleep alone, even babies in a berceaunette beside their mother,
the older ones in iron cribs and bedsteads. It is largely
conducive to health if a night and day nursery can be
secured; if not, let the children be out of the nursery as
much as possible, and take every opportunity of opening the
windows and door, to let in a fresh supply of oxygen.
At night, if there are two nurseries, the door between the
two must be left open, so that the nurse can hear the least
movement of the children, and that there may be a constant
current of fresh air. If there is only one nursery, let the
beds be so placed as that the door can be left a little way
open without exposure to draught. As much fresh air as
possible must be admitted into the house generally.
No children can be expected to be well without the
mother's constant supervision and care. Their baths would
CHILDREN'S DEFORMITIES.
373
be always best given by her; and she should, at all events,
make her children her first care in the morning, and her last
at night. Children are never better attended to than when
the mother is sole, or, at all events, head nurse.
CHAPTER II.
ON CERTAIN DEFORMITIES IN CHILDREN.
CLUB-FOOT; KNOCK-KNEE; BOWED KNEES; LEFT-HANDEDNESS; TWITCH-
INGS AND GRIMACES.
It is not my intention to even mention all the deformities
to which children are liable, only some that are remediable.
The subject of deformities, at the present time, is so well
understood where surgical operation is necessary, it can be
performed so well, so quickly, and without the least pain-
that no parent should allow a child to grow up deformed
without reliable professional opinion as to the impracticability
of its rectification
Club-foot is one of the deformities of which we often see
specimens, chiefly where the foot or feet are turned in and
turned upwards, the patient walking on the side of the foot;
and where the toes are raised, the patient walking on his
heels; where the large tendon at the back of the leg is con-
tracted, and the patient limps on his toes.
Various causes produce these variations. Sometimes a
child is so born, through accident or violence happening to
the mother, or from a shock, producing intra-uterine spasm.
After birth, gradual contraction or wasting of muscles,
through inflammation or rheumatism; irritation of some
nervous centre, as in teething or water on the brain; from
debility, as after fever; from exposure to cold or other hard-
ships; from local paralysis.
Strict attention to the general health, continuous, well-
directed medical rubbing and movements, moderate ex-
374
CHILDREN'S DEFORMITIES.
tension and galvanism, all deserve a trial; and in some cases
pressure from pads, splints, and other contrivances. Very
great care needs to be exercised in the employment of
instruments; they must be done without altogether, if
possible; they must not be tried too long unless they are
really correcting the evil; they must never be the sole
means employed, or they will only serve to confirm what
they were intended to put right. Professional advice and
supervision are absolutely necessary. Attention to the general
health is of paramount importance.
Knock-knee is the result of too rapid growth, or an
accompaniment of rickets, to which if it owe its origin there
will be evidence elsewhere. Treatment of the bodily con-
dition will include that of the local deviation. Children
must be carefully watched in their growth, that any such
tendency as this, or splay feet, may be counteracted by a
course of medicine, medical rubbing, and movements.
Bowed Legs arise from allowing children to stand and
walk too soon, before the bones are at all consolidated.
Children should not be tempted to make too early a trial.
of their strength. They may be encouraged to roll and
tumble about on the floor, or to lie on a hearth-rug away from
the fire as much as possible. When the child does run alone,
it is needful to see that it does not over-fatigue itself: the
power of walking depends on the strength of the bones and
the muscles; and it is well not to tax them too much, lest, by
so doing, some deformity or permanent weakness result. The
heavy, fat child and the delicate one both need equal care.
Children should never be jerked up by the head or arms,
or swung about by them, as dislocation is very apt to take
place from such procedure.
Left-handedness is the product of careless, indulgent
training. No child, if it is duly watched at an early age,
will ever be left-handed; it may gradually become so if not
at once and repeatedly checked. Many children prefer to
use the left hand rather than the right: this must never be
allowed; they must be made to take things with the right;
to use the spoon and the knife, when old enough, in the
right hand, and also to shake hands in that fashion only.
HABITS OF CHILDREN.
375
They must not be suffered to creep on one leg, dragging
the other along; when they creep, it must be on all-fours.
They must also be taught to use all their limbs and joints
equally and constantly.
All ludicrous, ungainly habits-as twitchings, frowning,
grimaces, putting the tongue out, or holding the head on
one side, must be firmly rebuked from the very beginning,
or they will continue and increase.
It
Sucking the thumb or finger is sometimes taught a child
by the nurse putting it into the mouth to keep it quiet.
is injurious to infants, as they suck-in a good deal of wind:
in older children, it produces a tapering, and sometimes con-
siderable soreness of the part so employed. It is quite pos-
sible, by determination, to break any child of it.
Be very careful as to the moral influence exerted by the
nursemaid or attendant on the child, who will not only
copy some of her manners, intonation, and mode of speech,
but take very much the tone of its moral conduct from her.
Nurses tamper in many ways with children, making them,
at a very early age, not only vain, but adepts in the art of
deceiving, both by word and deed.
Nightly terrors, by which children may be continually
haunted, are frequently produced by the frightful tales, pur-
posely or thoughtlessly, told to amuse or keep them quiet.
See that the nurse neither allows or teaches your children
pernicious practices. I have met with instances in which
this has been done at a very early age, to the great detri-
ment of the purity and health of the child.
The oversight which a mother exercises over her children,
can never, consistently with other duties, be too constant
and assiduous: it should occupy a paramount place,
whether they are in-doors or out, in the nursery, out walk-
ing, or at play.
2 C
376
CHAPTER III.
DISEASES OF RESPIRATION.
WE take these first, amongst the diseases of children, as
being the most common, many of them of serious import,
and usually attended by great fatality. The first that pre-
sents itself is--
Coryza, Catarrh, or Cold in the Head, may attack a child
at a very early period. Infants at the breast are liable to it,
through exposure to draughts and colds, so that the nose is
completely stopped up; interfering greatly with their
suckling, almost rendering it impossible; considerably irri-
tating the baby, and causing it, when at the breast or asleep,
to make a peculiar noise, whence this affection gets the
appropriate name of "The Snuffles." With a little medi-
cine, and extra attention as to draughts and immediate
change of wet napkins, it may pass off in a day or two: it
may be obstinate in scrofulous subjects-extremely so, where
any syphilitic taint exists; it is the source of great discom-
fort to the child, especially where the discharge dries in
crusts round the nose. Unless the milk is drawn from the
breast, and the infant fed with a spoon, it is exposed to
the risk of starvation. Cold cream, spermaceti cerate, or
glycerine, must be used to prevent encrustation.
A diphtheritic variety is sometimes met with, where the
affection extends to the throat, and false membrane forms,
both in it and in the nose.
Coryza is a precursor of hooping-cough and measles.
Catarrh, of a malignant nature, now and then accompanies
diphtheria and scarlet fever, when the discharge is not only
fetid, but of so corrosive a nature as to furrow a channel for
itself in the cheeks.
In any prolonged cases, the nostrils can be gently syringed
with a tepid solution of Mason's Carbolic Acid
CORYZA-COLD IN THE HEAD.
377
The remedies are-
Sambucus.*-Suitable to weakly, nervous children, that
perspire readily; very sensitive to currents of air, and liable
to stoppage of the nose, from an accumulation of thick,
tenacious mucus.
Aconite.*-During the period of obstruction, if there is
heat of the skin, feverishness, and restlessness.
Ipecacuanha.*-When the obstruction is not removed
by the Aconite, and does not disappear with the feverishness,
especially if there be constant cough and crowing, rattling
also in the chest, alternation of redness and paleness; bloated,
bluish countenance; green diarrhœa.
Chamomilla.*-Obstruction, with a constant thin, acrid
discharge; the nose is sore; cheeks red and hot, or only one
cheek may be so; the child wants always to be carried about;
green, watery diarrhoea.
Pulsatilla.*—Dry coryza, with ulcerated nostrils; thick,
yellow, opaque mucus, or green and fetid; pale face; sneez-
ing in the evening, when asleep; green, slimy diarrhoea, or
like stirred eggs.
-
Dulcamara.*-The coryza returns every time the child
is exposed to cold air, or at every cold change in the weather;
the nose may appear dry, or there may be a considerable dis-
charge.
Calcarea.*
Profuse discharge from the nose, with con-
tinued and unrelieved obstruction.
Gelseminum.-Coldness; chilliness;
soreness of the
muscles; inflammation of the eyes, and discharge of thin
watery mucus.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Kali Bich. The discharge is tough and stringy; some-
times it seems to extend to the throat and cause choking.
Three globules of 6th, or one pilule, every four hours.
Nux Vomica.-Copious discharge from both nostrils,
Three globules of the 6th for an infant, or a pilule for a child, every
three hours.
2c2
378
DISEASES OF CHILDREN-INFLUENZA.
though both are obstructed; it may be acrid, or fluent only
in the day-time, and dry at night; constipation.
A dose every three hours.
Mercurius Vivus.-Violent dry coryza, with stoppage
of the nose; or profuse and fluent, with watery, corrosive
mucus, smelling like old cheese.
Three globules of the 30th, or one pilule, every six hours.
Aurum.-Chronic obstruction of the nose; puriform,
ichorous, fetid discharge; fetid breath; suffocative fits.
Dose as for Mercurius.
Phytolacca.-Discharge of mucus from one nostril;
sometimes one, then the other—more generally the right; it
is tenacious, and detached with difficulty.
Dose as for Kali.
Sulphur. Burning, fluent coryza; obstruction of both
nostrils, with frequent sneezing; the mucus comes from the
back of the nose into the mouth; or chronic obstruction,
with but little discharge.
Dose as for Mercurius.
Influenza, or epidemic catarrh, prevails amongst children
as well as adults; but is attended by more febrile disturb-
ance, difficulty of breathing, and nervous symptoms; some-
times proving fatal in two days, the little patients dying of
collapse.
Aconite. The skin has a pungent heat, and is quite
dry; the patient restless, thirsty, and flushed; pulse very
quick.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every hour-discontinued as soon as the least
moisture of skin makes its appearance.
Gelseminum.-Acute catarrh of the nasal and bronchial
passages, in its early stage; coldness; chilliness; debility;
soreness of the muscles, and discharge of thin watery mucus;
fever comes on in the evening; flushed, crimson face; rest-
DISEASES OF CHILDREN-HOOPING-COUGH.
379
less sleep; nervous irritation; head heavy, hot, and evi-
dently in pain; wakeful debility or stupor; sometimes
irregular, convulsive jerkings of the limbs; breathing hur-
ried, and seemingly painful, or slow and laboured.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every half-hour, when the fever is on.
Veratrum Viride.-Chilliness, with nausea; coldness of
the whole body, especially the hands, face, and feet; pale
skin; flabby limbs; laboured breathing; quick, weak pulse;
moaning; rolling the head from side to side; putting the
hands to the back of the ears.
Half a drop of 3rd every hour or two hours.
Arsenicum. For the debility left after an attack, when
it is marked and continues, and attended by chilliness and
thirst, or for any sudden sinking and prostration.
Three globules of 12th every six hours, or every hour.
Hydrastis. Lassitude; physical prostration; faintish,
weak feeling; palpitation; loss of appetite.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, three times a day.
The child's strength must be kept up by frequent adminis-
tration of small quantities of beef-tea, Liebig's extract,
broth, jellies, and a teaspoonful, occasionally, of port wine,
and it must be kept in one temperature.
Hooping-Cough (pertussis) commences with catarrh, or
at least watering of the eyes and nose, and sometimes with
bronchitis. It begins with a common cold, and ends as such,
being attended in its course by a nervous cough, in paroxysms
or convulsive fits, with a peculiar catching, crowing
sound. The child is usually very quiet just before a fit of
coughing, and endeavours to suppress it, until it comes on in
spite of his efforts, often nearly suffocating him, making him
purple in the face, and frequently causing the blood to flow
from the nose and mouth. The attack usually terminates by
vomiting of mucus and food, should there be any on the
stomach.
Hooping-cough is, emphatically, a disease of children,
380
DISEASES OF CHILDREN-HOOPING-COUGH.
though not confined to them. I have known a mother take
it from her infant, and an old man of eighty suffer from
it.
It is common in children under three, and rare after
the age of ten. It is both epidemic and contagious, a child
being able to impart it to others as long as it coughs at all,
though only once in the twenty-four hours. An epidemic of
hooping-cough may prevail at the same time as one of
measles in spring or autumn, though it may occur at any
time of the year. The average length of any attack in a
child has been computed at two months; so anything less
than this may be fairly considered as a shortening of its
natural duration. It is quite possible to achieve this by
Homœopathy, and, at the same time, considerably modify
the severity of the symptoms.
Hooping-cough is very wearing when its fits are frequent
and prolonged-very weakening when the attendant vomiting
is excessive; still more so when accompanied by diarrhoea,
and often fatal from inflammation of the lungs and bron-
chitis.
In very young children the attacks sometimes produce
convulsions; the congestion consequent on which may cause
death, as may prolonged spasm of the windpipe. Symptoms
of rapid consumption of the lungs, in children predisposed
to it, I have known now and then prove fatal.
All sorts of nostrums, from balsams and drops to fried
mice, are diligently recommended as unfailingly curative.
Allopathy, when conscientious, knows of no specific, nor any
means of cutting short the disease. I have seen such results
follow Homœopathic remedies in hooping-cough, that I
should not mind resting the claims of our system on its
success in this disease.
Treat the premonitory catarrh as directed for coryza. When
the cough becomes paroxysmal, attended by the charac-
teristic hoop, give-
Corallia. For short barking cough; constant, with fre-
quent hoops; violent paroxysms now and then, especially
towards evening. Give this medicine also if the cough
returns after apparently leaving the patient.
Three globules of 30th, four times a day, or after every fit of coughing.
·
·

DISEASES OF CHILDREN—HOOPING-COUGH.
381
Drosera.—The cough comes on in such fits as to threaten
suffocation; there is often bleeding at the nose and mouth.
A drop of 3rd dilution immediately after every attack.
Ipecacuanha. During the spasmodic stage; blue face,
rattling breathing, danger of suffocation, and convulsions;
the fits are frequent; the cough almost uninterrupted; the
child is in a great hurry to cough; closes its mouth with its
hands, lest it should inspire too much air; the fits end in
vomiting of mucus, and often food; sometimes bleeding at
the nose, or diarrhoea.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Chelidonium.—Violent and slightly spasmodic cough;
dry skin; feverish pulse; restlessness; white tongue; op-
pressed breathing; drowsiness.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every half-hour.
Acid, Hydrocyanic.-Affection of the lungs, accompa-
nied by great prostration; continued oppression at the
chest; violent congestion of the head and face. Also appli-
cable to the inflammatory stage, after Aconite, with fever,
flushed face, glistening eyes, irritated pulse, vomiting,
anxiety, and palpitation.
Half a drop, 30th dilution, every hour.
Belladonna.-The fits are much worse at night; some-
times appear only then; great congestion to the head, eyes,
face, and chest; the eyes may be thoroughly bloodshot,
through the violence of the cough.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every hour, or every three hours.
Arnica. The cough comes on every time the child cries;
it is attended by vomiting, and an expectoration of bright-
red blood.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Dulcamara.-The child is made worse by any change of
weather, as from warm to cold, or from the least exposure to
cold damp air.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
382
CHILDREN'S DISEASES-PNEUMONIA-BRONCHITIS.
Ferrum. Vomiting of all the food on the stomach at
every fit of coughing.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, after every meal, or after every such attack of
vomiting.
Kali Bich.-Choking cough, following by tough, stringy
mucus, which sticks to the throat, mouth, and lips.
Half a drop, 6th dilution, after every fit.
Mercurius. The child perspires very much at night,
and bleeds at the mouth and nose with every attack, either
by day only, or by night only. The paroxysms come on in
pairs, separated by a distinct interval.
Three globules of 6th at bed-time, and immediately after every fit of
coughing.
Pulsatilla. For symptoms of cold in the head; loose
cough, with vomiting of mucus; often diarrhœa; worse at
night.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Sulphur must be administered whenever relapses occur,
or for dry, suppressed, choking cough.
Three globules of 30th, night and morning.
Causticum. For a dry cough remaining after the other
symptoms have disappeared.
Three globules of 30th, three times a day.
Except the weather is very mild indeed, and the wind in
a warm quarter-not east, north, north-east, or south-east-
children must be kept in, and studiously out of all draughts:
they should be exposed to as few variations of temperature
as possible. The food must be very light and nutritious,
and taken in small quantities, and often. When there is any
irritability of the stomach, spinal washing and friction are of
great service.
Pneumonia, Inflammation of the Lungs, and Bron-
chitis.-Inflammation of the lining membrane of the air-
passages is one of the commonest affections to which chil-
}
DISEASES OF CHILDREN-BRONCHITIS.
383
dren, especially when very young, are exposed. It begins
with the symptoms of a common cold, affecting first the
nose and throat; then, if not checked, travelling downwards.
to the air-tubes, or bronchi, and then, through them, extend-
ing to the substance of the lungs. What is, therefore, termed
broncho-pneumonia is most commonly met with in children,
just as pleuro-pneumonia more usually presents itself in
adults, when the pleura, or covering of the lung, is in-
volved as well as the lung.
The way in which inflammation of the lungs ordinarily
begins in children, shows the paramount necessity of never,
If it
especially in an infant, neglecting a cold in the head.
is at all feverish give it Aconite at once, especially if there
be quick breathing, and a tight, dry cough. The child cries
when it is put to the breast, or attempts to swallow; the
breathing becomes wheezing and rattling, and is evidently
oppressed and very tight; the countenance assumes an ex-
pression of languor. The child, through increasing weakness,
is in danger of the mucus becoming too viscid for it to raise
it; or the inflammation may fasten with increased violence
on the smaller ramifications of the bronchi, constituting
capillary bronchitis. In either case, the child, unless
relieved, speedily dies of suffocation.
-
Lamentable results have not infrequently arisen, under
Allopathic treatment, from bronchitis being mistaken for
pneumonia ;-what are termed active, depletory, and anti-
phlogistic remedies having been resorted to, when just the
opposite were demanded.
The indications for Aconite, Ipecacuanha, Pulsatilla,
Hepar, Arsenicum, Chelidonium, Veratrum Viride, Phos-
phorus, and Lycopodium, being fortunately, under our
system, so very plain, no such mistake, nor, ordinarily, a
fatal termination, need be feared.
Sometimes pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs,
comes on as a primary disease: then it is not preceded by a
cold in the head; the cough does not come on in fits, but is
short and frequent; there is very little wheezing and rattling
at the chest. There is often a patch of red on the cheek;
the child prefers, and evidently lies most comfortably on the
384
BRONCHITIS-INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.
affected side. Up to six years of age children usually swallow
the mucus raised, so that little evidence can be gathered from
it. In adults it is a dusky red.
Aconite. The child is hot, feverish, and thirsty; has
often a flushed face, and cries when it coughs; breathes
quickly.
Three globules of 6th, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, according to age,
every half-hour, until relieved.
Chelidonium.-The child is fretful and restless; its head
is hot, and apparently aches; there is cough; hurried breath-
ing; sometimes vomiting; constipation; white tongue; loss
of appetite.
Three globules of 6th, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, every hour.
Veratrum Viride.-Drowsiness; the cough frequently
hurting the child, so that it cries; the skin harsh and dry;
the body hot, and legs and feet cold; the face pale, heavy,
and anxious ; a blueness round the mouth; pulse very
quick.
Three globules of 6th, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, every half-hour.
Lycopodium.-Stuffing and obstruction of the nose, or
it runs a good deal; loose cough and hoarseness, or dry cough
night and day; hurried breathing; considerable oppression
at the chest; fan-like movement of the wings of the nose;
they contract and expand alternately; ordinarily the nostrils.
are said to work a good deal.
Three globules, or half a drop of 6th dilution, every hour.
Ipecacuanha.-Great accumulation at the chest; much
wheezing; a strangling, suffocating cough.
Three globules, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, every hour.
Belladonna.-Face very red; eyes bloodshot; the child
moans with every breath it takes; the skin feels very hot;
wheezing; hoarse cough.
Three globules, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Phosphorus.-Very violent, exhausting cough, which the
11
BRONCHITIS-INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.
385
patient dreads, and keeps off as long as possible; the fever
is often very high, and the pulse rapid-altogether worse to-
wards evening and through the night; the cough may be dry
or loose; the breathing is panting; hoarseness towards even-
ing.
Three globules, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, every hour or two hours.
Gay
Antim. Tart.-Much thirst; desire to drink little and
often; a very large quantity of phlegm in the smaller
bronchial tubes, apparently so loose that when the child
coughs it appears as though some must be brought up; the
cough, however, merely disturbs the mucus; none is raised,
and the difficulty and oppression are as great as ever.
Three globules, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, every half-hour.
Hepar.-Short, hoarse, wheezing breathing, with danger
of suffocation; the head is bent backwards; a croupy-sound-
ing cough in frequent fits; the child cries after them.
Three globules, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, every hour.
Bryonia. The child cannot bear to be moved; the least
movement greatly increases its sufferings; dry, parched, or
cracked lips; mouth dry; constipation; fæces hard and dry,
as if burnt.
Three globules, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, every hour.
Arsenicum.-Great prostration; the countenance is
livid; clammy perspiration; the extremities cold and leaden-
coloured; restless; low moaning.
Three globules, or half a drop of 6th dilution, every half-hour, with
warmth to the feet and legs.
Pulsatilla. Very loose cough; some fever; no thirst;
more cough, and difficulty of breathing towards evening, and
whenever the child is laid on its side; mucous diarrhoea.
Three globules, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, every hour.
P
Calcarea. For stout, lymphatic children, with slow
development of bone: considerable quantity of mucus; the
chest does not get free of it; whenever the child sleeps, the
386
INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS-CROUP.
head perspires a good deal, so that the pillow is quite wet
with it.
Three globules, or half a drop of 6th dilution, every two hours.
A tepid packing of the chest, back and front, when it can
be borne, is a considerable relief.
The child should be kept in one atmosphere night and day,
and the room at a temperate heat, about 65°. When
children are old enough to desire cold water, let them have
it whenever they are thirsty.
Croup. By this we do not mean a hoarse or croupy
cough, but sudden attacks of spasmodic breathing, coming
on usually early in the night, which wakes the child, and is
followed by a peculiar brassy, grating cough, and breathing
with a rough, sawing sound, and altered voice. Many
families, and certain members of families, have a strange
predisposition to this malady whenever they take the least
cold.
Common from the first to the seventh year; very rare after
ten; more prevalent in boys than girls.
Any chill will cause it: a prevalence of cold damp
weather; a change in the direction of the wind; a cold
day following a hot one; a damp floor; getting suddenly
cool when hot; a ride in a cold wind; an alteration in the
dress, may all suffice to account for an attack, which is
preceded by feverishness, more or less, and generally some
cough.
If any heat of skin and restlessness is observed, a dose of
Aconite should be given immediately, and repeated in half-
an-hour if necessary. Should the spasmodic breathing and
croupy cough come on, give a pilule of Spongia at once,
continuing it and Aconite, alternately, every half or quarter
of an hour.
Bryonia, Ipecacuanha, are strongly advised, in al-
ternation, by Teste, as curative of almost every case of
croup.
Three globules, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, every half-hour or hour.
CHILD-CROWING.
387
Arsenic. The pulse weak and thready; face and fore-
head cool; features nipped.
Three globules, or half a drop of 6th dilution, every half or quarter of
an hour.
If the attack is at all severe, keep the patient in bed; the
room at 65°; the atmosphere moist by the vapour from
boiling water, using a kettle with a long tin or paper spout.
Ice may be sucked; cold water, whey, milk-and-water,
Liebig's extract, thin gruel, corn-flour, or good mutton broth
taken, a small quantity at a time. Tepid sponging; hot
foot-baths, with mustard. In extreme cases, a sponge, wrung
out of very warm water, to the throat.
Under Allopathic treatment, the fully-formed attack is
one of the most fatal of children's diseases-averaging one in
ten.
Millar's Asthma, or Child-crowing.-A sudden attack of
breathlessness, arising from a partial or total obstruction to
the admission of air into the windpipe, through spasm of the
glottis, attended by a crowing, clucking sound. The breath-
ing is often quite suspended, from a few seconds to a minute,
or rather more; the child gets blue in the face, and struggles
violently, ending with a cough, or crying. It is most
common in very young children, especially in those disposed
to be rickety, in those who live in towns, and in those who
have been brought up by band, or prematurely weaned.
There is general morbid excitability of the nervous system,
and often irritation of the spinal marrow. Intestinal worms
are also said to produce it.
Every mother whose child is subject to croup should keep
these two medicines-Aconite and Spongia-in the watch-
pocket of her bed, so as to have them in readiness for im-
mediate use.
She should be excessively careful not to expose a child so
susceptible to anything at all likely to cause an attack; for
though the disease is very amenable to Homoeopathic treat-
ment-so much so that I have only seen one death from
croup-it is not a disease to be trifled with. It is an inflam-
mation of the windpipe, inducing increased and altered
388
CHILD-CROWING.
mucous secretion, and sometimes a deposit of false mem-
brane.
Aconite.-Dry, hot skin; fever; restlessness and dis-
tress if there is a cough and loud breathing, it comes, not on
drawing-in the breath, but on expiration, and is hoarse
and hacking.
Three globules, or one pilule, of 3rd dilution, every half or quarter of an
hour.
Spongia. The cough is dry and whistling; of a distinct,
peculiar sawing sound.
Bromine. The attack does not pass off; there is decided
spasm of the windpipe; increased suffocative cough; constant
hoarse, whistling, croupy sound; rattling wheezing; gasp-
ing; difficult breathing; heat of the face, especially in
weak debilitated children, who live in, or are surrounded by, a
vitiated atmosphere.
A
A quarter, or half a drop, of 6th dilution, every quarter or half-hour.
few drops of strong solution may be put to a saucerful of hot water,
and this held under the mouth and nose.
Kali Bich.-Croupy cough in paroxysms; raising of
tough, stringy mucus.
Three globules, or half a drop of 6th dilution, every hour.
Hepar. When a rattling, choking cough is left; worse
towards morning.
Three globules, or half a drop of 6th dilution, every two hours.
Gelseminum.-Sudden and severe spasm of breathing;
profuse perspiration; livid face.
Three globules, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, every quarter of an hour.
Sambucus.-The child wakes suddenly, nearly suffocated;
sits up in bed, turns blue, and gasps urgently for breath; the
attack passes off, when it lies down again, soon to be aroused
by another attack.
Three globules, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, every hour.
Stramonium.-If the attacks are attended by delirium;
PULMONARY CONSUMPTION.
389
the child does not know what it says; asks repeatedly for
papa and mamma, though both are there.
Calcarea.
Three globules, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, every quarter of an hour.
Considerable anguish and difficulty of inspira-
tion, almost amounting to choking; a considerable amount
of perspiration about the head; the pillow-case is quite
saturated.
Six globules, or one drop of 6th dilution, every three hours.
Cina. When any irritation of worms appears to cause it.
Three globules, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, at bed-time.
Tubercular Consumption, or Phthisis.—Children, as well
as grown-up people, are liable to pulmonary consumption.
There can be little doubt but that many cases of death in
children, put down to simple atrophy, are really the result of
consumption. It presents many, though not all, of the
physical signs present in the adult: there is less cough,
which is short and dry; no expectoration; very little night.
perspiration, but continuous increase of listlessness, and loss
of flesh, quickened breathing, flushed cheeks, a constantly
hot, dry, harsh skin, fickle appetite, and diarrhoea in the
later stage of the disease; there is often hereditary predis-
position; the course is often rapid. It may follow bron-
chitis, inflammation of the lungs, hooping-cough, or pro-
longed diarrhoea. Death often takes place from an attack of
bronchitis, or inflammation of the lungs; sometimes from
sudden and severe bleeding from the chest.
The mention of hereditary tendency shows the necessity
for great care being exercised in the marriage of persons of
consumptive tendency, and for the extreme solicitude and
watchfulness with which the children of any such should be
constantly regarded.
Diet, clothing, exercise, ventilation of bed-rooms, and
general management, should be regulated with a special
regard to the establishment and maintenance of health, and
the eradication of constitutional weakness.
390
CONSUMPTION OF THE LUNGS.
A mother who has the least consumptive tendency should
never suckle her infant; it should have a wet-nurse, or be
brought up by hand: any rapid or progressive loss of flesh,
or pining, should have immediate attention, especially if
accompanied by a dry skin and short cough.
In older children, the same signs, combined with languid
listlessness, lowness of spirits, and increasing debility, ought
to be sufficient to awaken anxiety, and ensure continuous
treatment.
The symptoms are much more insidious than in the adult:
their course is often rapid.
The first impression is to be made on the nervous and
digestive systems of the patient, in order to arrest, as soon
as possible, the deposit of crude matter, in the shape of
tubercle, in the lung; to prevent any addition being made;
to assist, by specific medicines, in the absorption of whatever
may remain; to place no possible obstacle in the way of the
patient's recovery; and to avoid anything that could, by any
possible means, excite inflammatory action in the lungs or
bronchi, such as chill or damp.
Nourishment must be supplied, not only by suitable food,
but in forms capable of affording carbonaceous matter in
still larger proportions, such as cream, cod-liver oil, glyce-
rine, and pancreatic emulsion: sometimes the one can be
Some children cannot
taken best, sometimes the other.
be induced to take cod-liver oil; with others it always dis-
orders the bowels. When given, it is best administered
directly after food. Glycerine may be taken in water—
a teaspoonful night and morning. The chief objection to
the pancreatic emulsion is its strong nutmeg flavour. I
have found it best to be given after meals, like cod-liver
oil, and in the same doses, where, for some reason or other,
cod-liver oil or glycerine cannot be taken. Frictions over
the chest and down the spine, of cod-liver oil cerate, by a
strong healthy person, are often of use after a tepid sponging
night and morning. The child should always sleep on a
mattress; it should be taken out-of-doors whenever the
weather permits; and when in-doors, never kept in cold,
cheerless, sunless rooms.
CONSUMPTION OF THE LUNGS.
391
Veratrum Viride.-Pale cold face; nose looks pinched;
paleness very perceptible round the lips and the side of the
nose; dull, heavy pain in the forehead, with giddiness;
ringing in the ears; oppression at the chest; or general
uneasiness at the stomach; nausea; aching pains at the back
of the neck and shoulders.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Chamomilla.-Complete loss of appetite; bitter taste,
and inclination to vomit; distension of bowels; yellowish
complexion; irritability; or, on the contrary, unnatural
appetite.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Pulsatilla. Pale face; puffy swelling of feet and legs,
with weakness and chilliness; difficulty of breathing, and
loss of breath after even slight exertion; weeping, or laugh-
ing and crying moods; melancholy; indifferent; peevish;
nausea; headache; palpitation; swelling of the abdomen,
with oppressive weight; tendency to diarrhoea; loss of appe-
tite.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Arsenicum.-White waxy complexion, with dark mar-
gins round the eyes, or sickly, greenish, pinched look; puffi-
ness of the upper part of the face; great prostration and
over-sensitiveness; the least exertion fatigues; faintness;
sleep disturbed by dreams; chilliness; pains in the back,
shoulders, and abdomen, or in the stomach.
One drop, 30th dilution, every six hours.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
-
Calcarea.-General exhaustion; anxious trembling;
depression; pale face; coldness of the hands and feet, or
burning in the palms and soles, with congestion of blood to
head and chest; palpitation; faintness; drops of perspira-
tion on the face; weariness of the limbs; weakness of the
knees; easily tired after the least exertion; sensitiveness to
cold air; easily takes cold.
2 D
Į
392
CONSUMPTION.
China. In addition to symptoms mentioned just now,
there are indifference, apathy, want of disposition for any
pursuit, or nervous irritability; pale sunken face, sickly
grey-yellow, or clay-coloured.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Helonias. Complete loss of appetite; great emaciation
and debility; unable to walk far at a time; pain at the back
of the head; pale skin; tongue red at the tip and edges,
white in the centre; desires to be left alone; dull and
gloomy; cannot endure the least contradiction.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every six hours.
Nux Vomica.-Uncomfortable distension of stomach; the
clothes have to be loosened to give relief; vomiting of water;
hiccough; constipation; restless nights; aversion to usual
food, and hunger, which changes to a feeling of repletion on
taking ever so little; great sensitiveness to noise, talking,
strong scents and odours, or bright light; unable to bear
the least pain without moaning and lamentation; trifling
ailments affect almost beyond measure; earthy, yellowish
complexion, especially round the nose and mouth; blue
margins round the eyes; nose looks sharper and more pointed
than usual; the face sunken.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Iodium.—-Pale face, or pale face alternating with redness;
excessive shortness of breath on going upstairs, or on ascend-
ing an eminence; frequent palpitation of the heart; great
nervousness; debility, and weakness of the legs.
One drop, 6th dilution, every four hours.
Aletris. Very much debilitated and emaciated; nausea,
but no vomiting; disgust for all kinds of food; the least
food evidently causes distress at the stomach; very consti-
pated; frequent attacks of giddiness; drowsiness.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Zinc.-Scarcely any desire or inclination even to walk;
frequent headache and dizziness; oppression at the stomach,
CONSUMPTION-DISEASES OF DIGESTION.
393
with nausea after food; constipation; sleepiness in the
morning-very loth to get up; talking and calling out in
the sleep; generally disturbing dreams; tendency to per-
spire.
Half a grain, 6th dilution, night and morning.
Drosera.—This drug undoubtedly possesses the power of
arresting the deposit and growth of tubercle, especially
where children are very subject to colds in the head, and
hoarse coughs at night.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, night and morning.
It will be thus seen that the consumptive need not, by
any means, be given over as irremediably lost. Much can be
done by management, by fit clothing, suitable food, regu-
larity and simplicity of living, with plenty of fresh air, sun-
light, and cheerfulness: in proof of which, attention need
only be drawn to the great improvement, and surprisingly
lessened mortality, amongst the orphans at the Bristol
asylums, many of whose parents were both consumptive.
CHAPTER IV.
DISEASES OF DIGESTION AND ASSIMILATION.
-
THE digestive organs of a child, the stomach, and bowels,
are very easily deranged: a variation in diet, food of a wrong
kind, or a mental impression, will act in this way.
Very young children give intimation of something being
wrong by uneasiness and crying; by an alteration in the
nature of the usual evacuations; by a pained expression of
countenance; by a difference in the look of the eyes; by a
listless fretfulness. Still, as every mother soon learns to
know, a child is not always ill when it cries. Crying, though
never pleasant to listen to, stands to the infant, in part, in
2 D 2
394
DISEASES OF DIGESTION AND ASSIMILATION.
place of exercise, and is nearly the only means it has of
making known its wants: a moderate amount of it need
cause no anxiety, but be borne as one of the crosses of life.
The cry of pain has a peculiarity of its own, which a mother
soon gets to recognise. Habitual crossness and crying are
totally foreign to good health, and are invariably indications
of something wrong. Healthy children seldom have bad
characters in this respect with either mother or nurse. A
child's crying may be the result of carelessness or accident.
A pin incautiously put in pricks it-its strings are fastened
too tightly-it is altogether uncomfortable. The child may
be suffering from some indiscretion or indulgence in meat
or drink of its mother; it may want food, or its food may
have been improperly and hastily prepared; or it may have
had too much of what, in other respects, was perfectly fitted
for it; or it may have had it too often, and be simply
suffering from the effects of repletion. Give yourself time
to inquire what may have caused the crying which annoys
you; remove the cause, if possible, at once; or, if it cannot be
removed, but still is perfectly obvious, determine that there
shall be no repetition. If ordinary attentions and soothing
do not produce quiet, or only for a very short time, have the
baby undressed, lay it across the lap in a moderately warm
room, gently rub it with the warm hand down the spine
and over the stomach and bowels for some little time, putting
on, afterwards, a soft warm flannel. Give the infant three
globules of Chamomilla on its tongue every ten minutes
until relieved. Should the pain return, the medicine must
be resumed; and a thin napkin, well wrung out of tepid
water, put on the whole front of the body, then covered over
by four thicknesses of warmed dry flannel, overlapping the
napkin on all sides; let the flannel be well tucked in, so as
to exclude the air. The child, if possible, should be placed
in its cot, and remain thus covered for half-an-hour; on
removing the napkin and flannel, quickly sponge with tepid
water, dry at once, and apply a thin, soft, dry flannel. This
application, supplemented by Chamomilla, as thus directed,
or by three globules of Aconite whenever there is heat of
skin, flushed face, and restlessness, will almost invariably

AFFECTIONS OF DIGESTION-VOMITING.
395
afford relief, often procure sleep, and may always be resorted
to with safety. Remember these as a resource of which you
may avail yourself in times of doubt and difficulty: you will
save your child an immensity of suffering; you may ward off
serious illness, and often secure for yourself and those about
you a comfortable night, instead of one of restlessness and
nursing.
Vomiting.-A load at the stomach, of whatever nature,
is often summarily got rid of by vomiting, which, under such
circumstances, is to be welcomed and not checked. Should
the vomiting be persistent and troublesome, or show itself
often after a moderate amount of suitable food, given at a
right interval, administer three globules of Ipecacuanha
every two hours. If, after six doses, the vomiting is not
checked, give Antimonium Crudum, three globules every
three hours. If the vomiting be attended by any other
symptoms which disquiet you, get the advice of a Homœo-
pathic doctor, if by any means practicable, where one can be
procured, or his advice by letter.
The vomiting of children may be owing to the mother's
milk disagreeing through illness, through fright or mental
emotion, through over-heating or over-exertion she may
have undergone, or through sheer debility. If the infant is
brought up by hand, the milk may vary much in quality; or
the food, if any is used, may be altogether unsuitable. It is
often found that, in the same family, one child will do well
on a kind of food on which the next will dwindle and pine;
or the same child may, for a time, get plump, and be quite
healthy on a certain food; but in a short period, from no
ascertainable cause, it shall altogether disagree. If much
more is brought up than has been taken if the vomiting
returns after the stomach is quite emptied of food-if it is
accompanied by moaning and uneasiness, by much heat of
skin or of the head-specially if it is little more than water—
above all, if greenish-if there be any difficulty of breathing,
then the child will need careful watching and continued
treatment.
If the sickness is comparatively unimportant, the medi-
cines mentioned above, with requisite care in other respects,
396
AFFECTIONS OF DIGESTION-VOMITING.
soon relieve it. If they do not, something more serious may
be pending. The child may have hooping-cough; it may
be going to have measles, scarlatina, or inflammation of the
brain. These points are to be borne in mind :--Are there
any other unusual symptoms? Is the vomiting very per-
sistent, almost constant, and brought on by the taking of
even the least quantity of liquid?
In cases of vomiting, the medicines are best administered
dry on the tongue.
Æthusa. -The child throws up its milk soon after
nursing, suddenly and with great force; it then falls asleep
as from exhaustion, to awake wanting a fresh supply.
Three globules, 6th dilution, immediately after the child has had the
breast or food.
Ipecacuanha. The stomach is irritated by the least
food or drink; vomiting of white or green mucus and food;
evident pain and distension at the stomach; scanty urine,
paleness, and restlessness.
Three globules, 6th dilution, after every attack, or every two hours.
Antim. Crud.-Vomiting from an overloaded stomach;
white-coated tongue; nausea, retching, or violent vomiting,
which nothing seems to check.
Dose as for Ipecacuanha.
Arsenicum. The child is very weak; the slightest effort,
such as vomiting, seems to exhaust it; intense thirst, with
vomiting, directly anything is taken; diarrhoea at the same
time; coldness of the feet and legs; pale, pinched face.
Two globules, 6th dilution, every two hours.
Chamomilla.-Vomiting from repletion, and afterwards
from nausea; sour, slimy, or bilious vomiting; one cheek
red, the other pale; the child wants constantly to be carried
about; it is very cross.
Three globules, 6th dilution, every two hours.
Veratrum Viride.-Great irritability of the stomach;
the smallest quantity of food or drink is immediately rejected;
DISEASES OF CHILDREN-DIARRHOEA.
397
great uneasiness and pain at the stomach; powerful and
expulsive vomiting; sickness not preceded by nausea.
Three globules of 6th every two hours.
Veratrum Album.-Vomiting of what has been taken,
of a watery liquid, with spasmodic choking, which is excited
by taking ever so little, or by the least movement.
Two globules of 6th every two hours.
Iris.-Nausea, and vomiting of a watery and extremely
sour fluid; severe and profuse vomiting, with much pain in
the stomach; vomiting, with bilious diarrhoea, attended by
great prostration, and colic in the bowels; violent efforts to
vomit; little more than a considerable discharge of flatu-
lence is dislodged from the stomach with great force.
Three globules of 6th every hour.
Diarrhoea. Frequent or profuse relaxation of the bowels
may prevail, epidemically, towards the close of summer,
and in the early autumn: it may not only be very
common but very fatal, especially in certain districts. The
fatality, as a matter of fact, and as an encouragement to
those who are disposed to try Homœopathy for their families,
is most marked under the ordinary or Allopathic plan of
treatment.
:
Irritation of the bowels is the immediate cause of diar-
rhoea it may be from some miasm in the atmosphere, in-
appreciable to the senses; some impregnation of it from.
decaying vegetable or other refuse; some mental emotion,
such as fright, or a chill, improper food, or an inability,
through constitutional delicacy, properly to digest the best
and simplest nourishment. How likely, then, must all
nauseous drugs, however sweetened and disguised, be to
cause the very thing they are intended to cure. Infant
mortality, largely in excess of what it ought to be, shows,
amongst other things, how lamentably deficient we are in
our sanitary arrangements, even where some advance has
been made.
The young organism is most susceptible, and most
398
DISEASES OF CHILDREN-DIARRHEA.
easily succumbs to the evils arising from bad air and bad
drainage. Municipal and other authorities should be armed
with greater powers, in order to make our towns, cities, and
villages what they might fairly be expected to become.
That they are, at present, very far from this, the following
table of Dr. Buchanan, the government inspector, proves.
Table showing Infantile Deaths under one year, per 10,000 of
population.
Period of calcu-
lation.
22 years
20
""
21
""
21
20
20
20
21
23
20
15
1922
23
20
""
""
☺
""
در
""
""
""
""
""
""
•
Bristol
Leicester
Merthyr-Tydvil.
Cheltenham .
Croydon (under 2 yrs.)
Carlisle
Macclesfield.
Newport
Dover
Warwick
Salisbury
Chelmsford
Rugby.
•
•
•
Annual average rate
per 10,000.
56.25
78.5
71.8
40
56
68
69
60.8
45.3
46.4
41.5
43.3
43.6
Any movement to obviate this lamentable state of things
must be looked for, from the growing conviction of the
thinking and intelligent of all classes, that it is a sin to
allow prejudice, ignorance, and vested interests to curse the
land with such a plague. In the meantime we must make
the best of our opportunities in spreading a knowledge of
the laws of life; in endeavouring to inculcate common
sense; in rousing in the minds of all parents proper parental
feeling; and in diffusing the practice of simple and effective
medical treatment. This treatment, with Iris, China, Cha-
momilla, Veratrum, Mercurius, Arsenicum, Sulphur, or
Rhubarb, according to symptoms, will seldom or ever fail to
commend itself by its speedy and lasting results.
It is by no means necessary at once to step in with your
chest and medicine as soon as any deviation from the natural
course of things, be it constipation or its opposite, prevails:
as soon as either begins injuriously to affect the child, begin,
but not before.

DISEASES OF CHILDREN-DIARRHEA.
399
For bilious diarrhoea with sickness, there is no better
remedy than Iris-one pilule, or half a one, according to the
age of the child, after every movement of the bowels. If
the food passes with very little alteration, pretty much as
taken, give three globules of the 6th dilution of China. If
there is much pain, peevishness, and greenish evacuations;
the skin looks sallow, the whites of the eyes of a yellowish
tint, give Chamomilla. If that which passes the bowels is
whitish, with much straining, or if mucus be mixed with
it, let three globules of Mercurius Vivus, of 12th dilution,
be given. If there be blood, as well as mucus and sickness,
administer Mercurius Corrosivus and Ipecacuanha, alter-
nately, three globules of the 30th, and three of the 3rd.
When the foregoing remedies fail, the child gets worse, is
pale, has paroxysms of pain, is sick, and almost constant
diarrhoea, let it have three globules of Veratrum Album
every hour or half-hour. Arsenicum applies to neglected
cases, or to those where the child is not much better for all
you have done for it; it appears to get worse, is rapidly
emaciated, has a pinched cadaverous look-give three globules
of the 30th dilution every hour, keeping the child as warm
as you can.
An occasional dose of Sulphur, two globules of the 12th
dilution, may be administered occasionally, when a change
of remedy is called for; do not, however, give it too closely
either after the last or before a fresh medicine. Do not
change your medicines too frequently. Take sufficient time
to make your choice; and having made it, give a fair trial.
Three doses are scarcely sufficient for any remedy. Sago,
arrowroot, arrowroot stirred in cold water without boiling,
cold water, rice-water made like barley-water, and taken
cold and quite thin, are all admissible, and will, one or other
of them, be found useful, especially the rice-water. In
some advanced cases, broth or beef-tea, with rice added, may
be given in small quantities: if they appear to increase the
diarrhoea, discontinue them. The tepid compress and gentle
friction over the bowels and down the spine, are of service.
On no account whatever, and however great the tempta-
tion, give Daffy's carminative soothing syrups or powders,
-----
1

400
DISEASES OF CHILDREN-DIARRHEA.
diarrhoea mixtures, opium, Godfrey's anodyne or chloro-
dyne. Aconite and Chamomilla, in the Homoeopathic form,
are worth the host of them: they relieve at once, and leave
no after-effects for the child to suffer, and the parent to
sorrow over.
Chamomilla.-Yellowish or greenish diarrhoea, with
very violent pains in the bowels; bloated abdomen; a con-
siderable amount of flatulence, nausea, and often bilious
vomiting.
Three globules of 6th after every relief, dry on the tongue.
Aconite.-Green, bilious diarrhoea, through a chill, as in
summer or autumn, from the sudden alternation of hot days.
and cool nights; thirst, fever, and restlessness; constant
irritability of the bowels.
Three globules of 6th, every two hours, on the tongue.
Iris.-Brown, very offensive diarrhoea, or bilious purging,
unrelieved by Chamomilla, which causes an outward sore-
ness at the seat; sharp, sudden pains at the bottom of the
bowels, which cause the child to cry out, and, if lying, to
draw its legs up; rumbling in the bowels; lassitude; emis-
sion of fetid flatulence.
Three globules of 6th after every relief, or every two hours.
Rhubarb.-Copious, sour-smelling dejections, which look
as though they were fermenting; frequent urging and
straining.
Three globules of 6th every two hours.
Ipecacuanha. When the vomiting is even a more
prominent symptom than the diarrhoea, and grass-green
matters are brought up; or where there is considerable
straining, nausea, and some blood passed.
Three globules of 6th every hour or two hours.
Mercurius Solubilis.-Straining; voiding of mucus;
of mucus streaked with blood; or slimy, frothy, bilious
3
DISORDERS OF CHILDREN-DIARRHEA.
401
diarrhoea, like stirred eggs; chills; burning and soreness at
the anus; colicky pains about the navel.
Three globules of 6th every two hours.
China.-Copious evacuations after food, which passes
pretty much as it is taken; complete prostration; often
very little, if any, pain.
Three globules of 6th every two or three hours.
Nux Vomica.-Morning diarrhoea, or after food; fre-
quent but scanty evacuations of dark colour; mucus or slime
passed, with urging, straining, and pain.
Three globules of 6th every three hours.
Podophyllum.-Morning diarrhoea, or immediately after
food or drinking; copious, bilious, and very offensive, re-
sembling pea-soup, and often smelling life putrid flesh;
severe pain in the bowels-worse during and after an evacua-
tion, with death-like nausea. In the diarrhoea to which this
remedy and Nux Vomica apply, there is often protrusion
of the lower bowel.
Three globules of 6th at night, or every three hours, if necessary.
Pulsatilla.-Watery, greenish diarrhoea, with coldness
after; cutting pains in bowels both before and after; frequent
urging, with distension of the abdomen; sometimes there
may be a discharge of mucus only, especially at night..
Three globules of 6th every two hours.
Arsenicum.-Watery diarrhoea, principally at night, with
nausea; evident thirst; considerable pain; prostration, with
cold limbs, and pale, sunken face.
Two globules of 6th every two or three hours.
Veratrum Album.-Frequent diarrhoea, with sharp
pains before and after; cold sweat on the forehead; great
prostration; the abdomen feels cold to the touch; sudden
spasmodic drawing-up of the legs, with crying; violent
402
}
DISORDERS OF CHILDREN
Batte
-CONSTIPATION.
evacuations upwards and downwards, with a good deal of
rumbling.
Three globules of 6th every two or three hours.
Sulphur.-As an intercurrent remedy in all long-stand-
ing cases, or before fresh remedies.
Three globules of 30th every four hours, or night and morning.
Constipation is not at all uncommon in children, and in
infants under a year old: it may be from hereditary influ-
ence, from errors in diet on the part of the mother, from a
deficiency in bile, or from simple inactivity of the bowels.
It is not by any means an easy affection to get rid of. Wait
a reasonable time, six or eight hours and longer, if the child
be habitually costive. Do not interfere without waiting,
unless the child is very uneasy; then give four globules of
Bryonia, repeating them at intervals of three hours if
requisite. For producing an action of the bowels in your
children, your choice will lie between four medicines-
Bryonia, Opium, Nux Vomica, and Mercurius. Give
Bryonia the first trial, administering three globules at night
and morning; if this fail, try Opium. One of these
medicines you may find suit some of your children, and one
the other. When the skin is sallow, and the motions
deficient in bile, two globules of Mercurius, night and
morning, will be best adapted for your purpose. Sulphur
and Alumina will be found the most useful medicines for
obviating a tendency to constipation. Two globules of
Sulphur every third night at bed-time, one week; and
Alumina the next week, and so on.
Injections of half a pint of warm water with a teaspoonful
of olive oil are admissible, and, in rare cases, may be re-
quired. With young infants, small tapering pieces of
ordinary yellow soap may be introduced, when there is
evidently an accumulation, with great desire, but no relief.
On no account, and under no pretence, ought castor-oil, senna,
salts, magnesia, grey powder, or aperient of any kind,
whether nauseous or palatable, to be given to a child, much
less to an infant. All that aperients can do can be done by
DISORDERS OF CHILDREN- 403
A
CONSTIPATION.
more gentle and simple means, and therefore they are
positively injurious, very often laying, early in life, the
foundation of after-weakness and suffering.
Avoid the use of bread containing alum; have it made of
coarsely-ground wheat, or "Entire Flour," as in Huntley and
Palmer's wheaten biscuits, which ought to be kept in every
house. Let your children have a good deal of milk in their
diet, and as much fresh air and exercise as possible.
Elder children should be encouraged to get their bowels
relieved every morning, immediately after breakfast; a good
rule for after-life will thus be established, and much trouble
avoided. With young children use friction over the bowels,
down the spine, and the tepid compress. In the case of
children old enough to take it, as with adults, the tepid
sitz bath, every day or every other day, in conjunction with
a compress, is a great help.
Bryonia.*-Constipation in those of bilious temperament,
the vehement, and the taciturn; some hard matter may be
passed with considerable difficulty and protrusion of the
rectum. Suitable for cases in which there is alternate con-
stipation and diarrhœa.
Opium,* where constipation is habitual, or where it is
prolonged. The loss of power seems to be in the lower
bowel, or rectum; there is no very great urging; the
orifice appears as if closed; there is loss of appetite; heat
of face, and headache; heating, and heavy feeling in the
bowels.
Collinsonia.*-Constipation as the result of previous
Allopathic purgation.
Hydrastis.-Chronic and obstinate constipation, where
the bowels act but once or twice in a week; and then with
severe smarting, and a good deal of pain, lasting for some
time after, and often producing faintness.
Mercurius Vivus.*-Constipation, with constant desire.
for relief; low-spiritedness; loss of appetite; bad taste in
mouth; if there is any relief, it is with considerable effort,
and is attended by chills and shivering.
Alumina.*-Inclination, and effort at relief, with strain-
• Three globules of 6th dilution, night and morning.
404
CONSUMPTION OF THE BOWELS.
ing; when anything is passed it is hard, knotty, and scanty,
and occasions pricking and excoriation.
Nux Vomica.*-Constipation, with frequent ineffectual
urging; loss of appetite; distension of abdomen; headache;
vexed mood; disinclination for the usual employment;
constipation as the result of indigestion, or from inactivity
or torpidity of the bowels.
Plumbum.*-When relief is attempted, the anus is
drawn up by spasmodic action; if there is any evacuation,
it is hard and knotty. The constipation to which it is
applicable appears to result from a deficiency of mucous
secretion in the intestines.
Sulphur.*-Habitual costiveness. Adapted for the cases
to which Nux Vomica applies, when that remedy does not
relieve.
Consumption of the Bowels is another affection connected
with digestion, which presents itself in a twofold form one,
mesenteric disease, a tuberculous affection of the lymphatic
glands of the bowels. These glands become studded with
small granular foreign bodies, called tubercles, which undergo
changes similar to those observed in the lungs when affected
in the same way. Due nourishment of the body is impossi-
ble; the food is undigested, the blood becomes impoverished,
irritative fever sets in, and the child rapidly sinks.
The presence of undigested food generates a considerable
quantity of gas, adding to the pre-existing enlargement of
the abdomen. The evacuations which pass the bowels are
clay-coloured, and extremely offensive. The skin of the abdo-
men is tense and shining; the superficial veins are large and
very apparent. Arsenicum, Baryta, Belladonna, Calcarea,
Chamomilla, China, Nitric Acid, Nux Vomica, Phytolacca,
and Sulphur, have all indications applying to this affection.
It is generally curable under Homoeopathic treatment.
Frictions, with cod-liver oil or olive oil, are soothing and
serviceable. Let the child have a nutritious diet, plenty of
meat, milk, and eggs; no potatoes or other vegetables; no
pastry or puddings of any kind. On no account be per-
suaded to take a child suffering from this complaint to the
* Three globules of 6th dilution, night and morning.
DISORDERS OF CHILDREN—THRUSH.
405
sea-side; if you do, and the complaint is at all far advanced,
you will never bring it home alive.
The other form of consumption of the bowels is a tuber-
cular inflammation of the serous covering of the bowels-
tubercular peritonitis, as it is technically called. It is very
common for it to follow measles; so that whenever a delicate
child is a long while in rallying after an attack of measles,
and there is tenderness of the abdomen, pain, and diarrhoea,
this is to be feared: at other times there is colic and consti-
pation; at last the diarrhoea becomes habitual; the abdomen,
however, still continues swollen, the child loses flesh, the
strength fails, and the little one dies, worn out and weary,
but quietly and without pain.
In mesenteric disease I have found Chamomilla and Sul-
phur of most essential use.
Belladonna and Bryonia at the outset, then Conium and
Iodide of Mercury, Elaps, and Arsenicum, with a tepid
compress worn night and day. The diet light and farina-
ceous. Phosphate of lime in glycerine may also be given as
food night and morning, in milk or other bland fluid.
Thrush. Specks white, or curd-like, on the tongue and
on the sides of the cheek, preceded by a red granular ap-
pearance from enlarged papillæ of the tongue. Most common
in infants of a few weeks or months old, in whom it is
associated with derangement of the digestive organs.
In adults it is the attendant of prolonged and extreme
debility.
Several things may account for it-weakness; the impure
air of the room or locality; insufficient, unwholesome, or
inappropriate diet; sour food; acidity of the stomach and
bowels; inadequate or irregular bathing of the child, or keep-
ing it too warm.
Thrush usually traverses the whole length of the digestive
tract, developing redness and excoriation at the anus, corres-
ponding to that originally appearing at the mouth. With
attention to the food, the management of the infant, and a
little medicine, it usually soon subsides; but not always, as
it may be the precursor of severe disorder of the stomach
and bowels. In itself it is a parasitic growth, fostered by
406
DISORDERS OF CHILDREN-STOMATITIS.
mal-nutrition; showing the importance of removing, very
carefully, with a piece of fine, soft muslin, or camel's-hair
brush, every speck visible, as frequently as any are seen.
The soreness attendant on it makes it difficult for the
child to take the breast: the tenderness often communicates
itself to the nipple, so that it is well to bathe it each time
after nursing.
Borax is one of the best applications, both for the
nipples and the child's mouth; as much crushed as can be
heaped upon a fourpenny-piece to two tablespoonfuls of
water. Internally, the mouth is slimy; white specks on the
tongue or cheek, which, on being touched or rubbed, bleed
easily; the infant frequently lets go the nipple when at the
breast, from evident pain and discomfort.
A grain of 3rd trituration on the tongue, after washing it, every three
hours.
Sulphite of Soda. -As a wash for the mouth; as much
as can be heaped upon a sixpence to two tablespoonfuls of
water.
Chamomilla.-The child is restless and cross; face red,
then turning pale; feverishness; greenish diarrhoea.
Three globules of 6th every two or three hours.
Arsenicum.-When the affection extends, the diarrhoea
continues, and the weakness increases.
Two globules of 30th every three hours.
Inflammation of the Mouth (Stomatitis).-Heat; red-
ness; dryness; slight swelling and pain of the tongue,
cheeks, gums, or palate.
Wash with cold water, or plain, thin gruel, by means of a
camel's-hair brush; and give Aconite, three globules of 6th,
every three hours; attend scrupulously to diet.
Ulcerative Inflammation of the Mouth (Cankers).—Simple
inflammation, succeeded by vesicles, which may burst and
form ulcers, that are very sore, and dirty-white or yellowish :
these ulcers may be on the tongue, the inside of the lips or
cheeks. The saliva is increased; the glands under the jaw
are somewhat swollen and tender; there is difficulty in
DISORDERS OF CHILDREN-CANKERS.
407
swallowing, and frequently very offensive diarrhoea. The
gums may become swollen, deep red, almost violet, and
covered by a layer of greyish matter.
It may follow or attend fever or measles, and occasionally
be diphtheritic.
Wash the mouth with a solution of Chlorate of Potash,
as much as can be taken upon a sixpence to a tablespoonful
of water, and give one or other of the following medi-
cines:
Mercurius Corrosivus.-Tongue swollen, as also the
lips, gums, and glands; slimy diarrhoea; increase of saliva.
Two globules of 6th every three hours.
Muriatic Acid.-Copious saliva; mouth and tongue
sore and bluish; deep ulcers on the tongue, or the inside
of lips or cheek, which look dark; inflammation and swell-
ing of the gums; excoriation of the anus; thin, watery
diarrhoea.
Three globules of 6th every three hours.
Hydrastis. Tongue dry, red, and sore; looks dark-red,
from raised papillæ; gums dark-red and swollen, as are also
the inside of the cheeks; ulcers on tongue and upper and
lower lip; tenacious mucus in the mouth, or fetid saliva.
Three globules of 3rd every three hours.
Add
Phosphorus.-Painful vesicles in the mouth; a number
of small, red, easily-bleeding tips on the front part of the
tongue; ulcers on the gums, which are swollen and spongy ;
profuse flow of saliva.
Three globules of 6th every three hours.
Baptisia.-Dry, red tongue, fetid breath and saliva;
some stupor and straining, with passing of scanty, bloody
mucus, especially appearing during or after scarlet fever or
measles.
Three globules of 6th, or a drop of 3rd dilution (according to age),
every two or three hours.
Cancrum Oris (Mortification of the Cheek) may ensue;
2 E
408
DISORDERS OF CHILDREN- CANCRUM ORIS.
and, if it does-though, fortunately, it is not common-let
the strength of the Baptisia be increased, and a solution of
one part of strong tincture to eight of water be applied,
externally and internally. I have seen but two cases-both
in boys of five years of age-after measles, and both fatal:
it may occur after typhus fever or small-pox.
The first indications are-fetor of the breath, and profuse
fetid saliva, with debility and listlessness, followed by a
swelling and hardness outside of one cheek, accompanied by
an ulcer on the inside, of an ashen-grey colour, soon becom-
ing deep, unhealthy, and excavated, with uneven edges,
giving forth a very offensive, dirty-coloured discharge: a
greater part of the cheek on that side may slough away, and
expose the cavity of the mouth, if the rapid absorption of
the poisonous matter, and increasing debility, do not carry
the child off before.
Muriatic Acid.-Aversion to food; hiccough; frequent
putrid eructations; brown tongue; efforts to vomit; vomit-
ing of a yellowish fluid; increased flow of fetid saliva; and
foul, dirty discharge. Apply a small quantity of the strong
acid to the affected part of the inside of the cheek, as there,
it must be remembered, is not only the beginning, but the
progress of the disease; afterwards syringe the cheek with a
solution of three drachms of the dilute acid to eight ounces
of water, and give-
Two or three drops of the dilute acid, in a dessert-spoonful of sweetened
barley-water, every two hours.
Arsenic. Coldness of the extremities; rapid failing of
strength; very quick pulse; agonising distress and piteous
look; livid colour of the face; ichorous, blood-stained dis-
charge, and cadaverous odour from the mouth.
Three drops of 3rd dilution every half-hour, and application, by syringe,
of one teaspoonful of 1st dilution to six of water, every three hours.
Another affliction to which children are liable is-
Jaundice (Icterus).-About the third day after birth,
the red colour of the surface of an infant's body sometimes
changes to a jaundiced yellow-jaundiced, however, in ap-
AFFECTIONS OF CHILDREN-JAUNDICE-WORMS.
409
pearance only; the whites of the eyes are unaffected, and
there is no illness: it is simply the congestive redness
fading through yellow into ordinary flesh-colour.*
Give medicines for the bowels, if at all disordered; keep
the child free from draughts and chills; let its bath, night
and morning, be a little warmer than usual, and let it be
washed, after the bath, all over with weak, warm Arnica-
water, half a teaspoonful to a pint and a-half.
True Jaundice, where not only the skin and the whites
of the eyes are yellow, but the fæces are clay-coloured and
very offensive, from the absence of bile, and the urine a
deep orange-Mercurius, three globules of 6th, at night,
and Chamomilla, three globules of 3rd, every morning, with
ordinary care and attention to food, will usually, for a few
days, be all that will be necessary.
Worms. Of the different kinds of worms (entozoa) in-
festing the intestinal canal, three only demand notice:
the maw, or thread-worms (ascarides); the large round-
worms (lumbricoides); and the tape-worm (tania solium).
Small Thread-worms, very minute, and often very nume-
rous, are confined to the rectum, or lower bowel; occasion not
only a great deal of local irritation, especially at night, but
also give rise to various other symptoms, by which, almost as
surely as their presence in the evacuations, they prove their
existence.
These symptoms are sudden and frequent changes in
colour; dark rings under the eyes, which are more brilliant
or more dull than usual; itching of the nostrils; insipid or
acid odour of the breath; variable, fanciful appetite;
voracious hunger, or want of desire and relish for food ;
enlargement of the abdomen; pains in the bowels; some-
times slimy diarrhea; troublesome itching at the seat;
short, dry, hacking cough, or violent fits of coughing; some-
times fainting; agitated sleep, talking in it; grinding the
teeth; nightmare, and sometimes convulsions, and attacks
resembling epilepsy.
In girls, they sometimes creep up the vulva, when they
* Dr. West on Diseases of Children, p. 566.
2 E 2
410
AFFECTIONS OF CHILDREN-WORMS.
cause
as great irritation as they do at the seat; also a
troublesome leucorrhoea, or "whites."
It is not enough to get rid of the worms, as by an injection
of salt-and-water, half an ounce to half a pint the symptoms
and tendency must be combated.
Fair children are said to be the most subject to them.
All raw fruit, imperfectly cooked meat and pork must be
scrupulously kept from children subject to them; as should
all kinds of pastry, sweet cakes, and confectionery.
For the ascarides, or thread-worms, I have rarely found
Mercurius and Cina, as mentioned at page 190, fail to
allay the symptoms; though it has sometimes been necessary
to use a salt-water injection, to dislodge the parasites from
the lower bowel. Several other medicines are recommended.
Cina. Continuous picking of the nose; fretfulness and
ill-temper; short, hacking cough; frequent swallowing, as
though there were something to be gulped down; the urine
passed turns milky; constant tossing and uneasiness during
sleep. If an infant, it is almost always cross and troublesome
when awake; it will not sleep unless it is kept in constant
motion; it is seldom quiet, whether asleep or awake.
Two or four globules of the 6th every four hours, or every morning.
Mercurius Vivus.-Often pain in the bowels; slimy
evacuations; the abdomen is frequently hard and distended;
a good deal of flatulence; the sleep is restless; the chil-
dren wake frequently and cry.
Two or four globules of the 6th every night.
Asarum.-The child passes shaggy masses of mucus, full
of ascarides.
-
Four globules of the 6th every six hours.
Calcarea. To counteract the tendency to the production
of the parasites. It has special adaptation for fair children;
suitable for older people, when there is burning dryness in
the rectum; sense of excoriation in the rectum, or actual
soreness, and between the thighs; prickling in the rectum.
For the ascarides, or violent itching.
Four globules, or a grain, of the 6th trituration, night and morning.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
AFFECTIONS OF CHILDREN-ROUND-WORMS.
411
Ignatia.-Violent itching in the rectum at night, or in
the evening when in bed; creeping sensation, as from thread-
worms in the lower bowel; great desire for relief of the
bowels, with urging and protrusion of the rectum; consti-
pation, or soft, large stool.
Four globules of 6th, or three drops of 3rd dilution, every six hours,
according to age.
Apocynum And.-Itching and irritation of the nos-
trils; everything smells and tastes like honey; rheumatic
pains; cramps in the sides and bottom of the feet. May be
used when Cina fails, if any of these symptoms are present.
Four globules of 6th, or three drops of 3rd dilution, every six hours.
Teucrium.-Feeling of swelling; itching and creeping
in the region of the anus; restlessness at night, and tossing
about this continues for several days-returns at regular
times and stated intervals of four, six, and eight weeks.
Four globules of 3rd, or one grain of 1st trituration, every night.
Sulphur.-Troublesome, persistent itching; redness and
rawness about the anus, or constitutional irritation and
fever.
Three globules of 30th every night.
Silicea. Worm fever, of a slow, chronic form; in
scrofulous children with large abdomen, and considerable
perspiration about the head; aggravation of symptoms at the
change of the moon.
Three globules of 30th, night and morning.
For round-worms (lumbrici)—
Baryta Mur.-Emaciation, but no fever; considerable.
pain round the navel, especially early in the morning; dry
cough; craving for food; tongue covered with mucus.
Six globules of 6th, or two grains of 3rd trituration (according to age),
night and morning.
Colocynth.-Periodical attacks of nausea; headache and
throbbing from the presence of these worms.
Six globules of the 6th, or two drops of 3rd dilution, every half-hour
whilst the attack is on.
1
412
AFFECTIONS OF CHILDREN-TAPE-WORMS.
Ruta. Giddiness; cold skin; debility; vomiting, with
colic; feverish thirst; increased flow of saliva: and where
delirium shows itself from these parasites.
Six globules of 6th, or three drops of 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Some practitioners have found Cina, and the 1st tritura-
tion of Santonine, most efficacious for removing the round,
as they have the thread or maw-worms. Teste recommends
Stannum and Viola Odorata.
Tape-worms are exceedingly troublesome thoroughly to
dislodge; occasionally they produce serious convulsive at-
tacks, which cease on the expulsion of the worms.
Felix Mas, in drop dôses of the strong tincture, night
and morning, or the same dose of 3rd dilution of Mercurius
Corrosivus, and scrupulously refraining from pork in any
form, and sausages, will always prove efficacious. I have
seldom found the Mercurius fail: if it should, and the
patient suffer much, and continued annoyance-
Kousso, though devoid of all medicinal property and
action on the patient, will invariably cause the speedy ejec-
tion of the tape-worm.
Six grains of 1st trituration, night and morning.
Sabadilla. For shuddering, spasms, convulsions, loss
of speech, and twisting and turning of the arms about, as the
result of tape-worm.
Two drops of 3rd dilution every half-hour, until relieved; then every
four hours, for a few doses.
Protrusion or Prolapsus of the Lower Bowel, may take
place from the relaxation of sheer debility; from dysenteric
diarrhoea; from straining at stool; from forcible spasmodic
action of the muscles of the abdomen and rectum; from
worms; from stone in the bladder-the two latter especially.
In adults, a sedentary life, constipation, piles, the frequent
use of enemata, and straining, from affection of some organ
contiguous to the rectum, may also account for it. Great
distress results; frequent passing of water, or complete
stoppage; pains in the loins and thighs; flatulence; loss
of appetite, and depression of spirits.
PROTRUSION OF THE LOWER BOWEL.
413
In old people, the prolapsus frequently attains a large size;
the mucous membrane is very much thickened, and the
muscle which closes the orifice possessed of scarcely any
power. In a very distressing case of this kind in an old
lady, I ensured immediate relief from a simple, but very
efficacious, contrivance I had made for her by Bailey and
Son, of Oxford Street.
Descent of the bowel in children is not at all uncommon :
it is the source of much discomfort and distress, both to them
and those about them: usually it is fairly amenable to
Homœopathic treatment.
If the child is old enough, let it be taught to make pres-
sure, on either side of the anus, with the first two fingers of
the right hand, at the time of defæcation; or let it be taught.
to relieve the bowels in a kneeling posture. In the case of
an infant, as first recommended by Dr. MacCormac, of
Dublin, let the nurse draw the skin near the anus to one
side, so as to tighten the orifice.
When the bowel is actually protruded, let it be well
washed, and returned immediately by passing the fore-finger,
well oiled, gently up the rectum; or if the extruded portion
is at all large, let it be grasped by the whole hand oiled, .
making careful pressure so as to relieve the engorged
vessels.
In children there is usually an unhealthy, dry skin, coated
tongue, and swollen abdomen. In adults, weak pulse, flabby
tongue, and weak digestion: they should eat rather spar-
ingly; take very few vegetables; bathe well with cold water
after relief of the bowels; carefully return it every time it
comes down they should also regulate the bowels by diet,
wearing a compress, and regular exercise.
Aconite. Sudden and violent eversion; the prolapsed
part is engorged with blood. Let the child lie on its belly,
and give it-
Three globules, or one drop of the 3rd, every hour, until relieved.
Ignatia. From straining or weakness of the rectum,
with usually pain in the head, and derangement of the stomach.
Three globules, or one drop of 3rd, at once, and repeated every hour,
if necessary.
414
AFFECTIONS OF CHILDREN-THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Acid. Nitric.-Constipation, with great desire for relief;
great pressing in order to effect it; general depression of
vital force; lassitude; prostration.
Three globules of 6th, or two drops of 3rd dilution, night and morning,
according to age.
Nux Vomica.-Protrusion from loss of power, or from
spasmodic action; constipation.
Three globules of 6th, or two drops of 3rd dilution, night and morning.
Podophyllum.-Slimy diarrhoea; straining, and prolap-
sus; the mucous membrane of the extruded portion inflamed,
red, and exquisitely sensitive.
Three globules of 6th, or one drop of 3rd dilution, every six hours.
CHAPTER V.
AFFECTIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.
CONVULSIONS, HOW
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM LIABLE TO DERANGEMENT;
PRODUCED, AND TREATMENT OF; INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN ;
HYDROCEPHALUS, OR WATER ON THE BRAIN; INFANTILE PARALYSIS;
CHOREA; EPILEPSY; STAMMERING.
THE nervous system of a child is quite as liable to derange-
ment as the digestive, and even more so a liability, as Dr.
West* shows, accounted for by the rapid development of the
brain, which doubles its weight in the first two years of life :
diseased process, if once set up, goes on with proportionate
activity; so that a young child's brain is liable to disease from
causes which would produce little or no effect on the brain of
an adult-as, for example, fright or excitement. Again, if
the child's circulation be disturbed by spasm, by choking,
by a violent fit of coughing, or a quickened circulation
attend a cold, feverishness, or inflammation, convulsions may
very soon set in; or when the system is drained, as by con-
* Diseases of Children, 4th edition, p. 28.
AFFECTIONS OF CHILDREN-CONVULSIONS.
415
tinued diarrhoea, the brain intimately suffers, and is the
first to give evidence of a state of depletion.
Convulsions. Few things are more alarming to mothers
than the convulsive fits with which children are sometimes
most unexpectedly seized, without any apparent warning of
an approaching attack. Nothing requires to be treated in a
more prompt and collected manner; what is wanted must be
done at once. At the time of the fit, it is utterly useless to
wonder what could have caused it; the violence of the seizure
must be combated and subdued.
The child must be placed in a hot bath up to the neck,
and kept there for some time, until the severe and distress-
ing symptoms have considerably diminished; hot water,
from time to time, must be cautiously added down the side
of the bath, to keep the heat of the water up to the right
temperature. If it gets too cool, it utterly defeats the pur-
pose for which it is intended; instead of encouraging a return
of the circulation through the ordinary channels, and thus
relieving the engorged vessels which are pressing like a
nightmare on the brain, and with which it is unequally
struggling, it only serves to drive the blood still more forcibly
to the head, and add to the mischief and danger.
Get a vessel or bath sufficiently large for your purpose-
large enough to completely cover the child, without incon-
venience, and without overflowing. If the child is not
covered up to the neck, the cold atmosphere acts still more
forcibly than a cooled bath would; and, therefore, is still
more to be avoided. Unless the child is very young, add
two tablespoonfuls of mustard to your bath; and be sure
to test its heat before you place the child in it, to see that it
is hot enough, and not too hot. It must be hotter than the
body of the child, but of course not hot enough to scald.
The hand is no guide as to the heat; the bared elbow is
nearly as convenient, and far more reliable. Better than
all, because not likely to deceive, is the thermometer: place
it in the bath, get your water up to 98°, and keep it to that
as nearly as you possible can. Let the bath be given before
a fire, and a warmed blanket be in readiness to wrap the
child in, immediately it is removed. The convulsion may
W
416
AFFECTIONS OF CHILDREN-CONVULSIONS.
return; and, therefore, for some time it is unwise even to
put a night-dress on the blanket at once and completely
shuts out the cool air, and, by keeping up the reaction, deter-
mines the blood to the surface of the body.
If the convulsions only slightly abate when the child has
been in the bath five or ten minutes, or if they return with
greater severity, pour cold water over the head, keeping up
the heat of the water below, and not removing the child
from the bath.
As soon as the child is in the bath, put between its lips
four globules or one or two pilules, according to age, of the
6th dilution of Belladonna, if the face is flushed and the
pupils of the eyes are dilated: repeat the dose every ten
minutes; then every half-hour. If the face is pale and
dusky, with the pupil of the eye not larger than a pin's
head, give Opium instead of Belladonna, as previously di-
rected. Should the convulsion have arisen from irritation,
dependent on teething, continue the Belladonna every
three hours for several days. Lancing the gums is fre-
quently beneficial; but it can only be of use when the tooth
is forcing its way, by relieving the pressure. If done too
soon, it only inflicts needless suffering and annoyance.
If
the presence of worms in the intestinal canal account for
the seizure, let the child be treated for them by the appro-
priate remedies, as soon as the violence of the symptoms
has subsided. Undue excitement of any kind, whether of
play, surprise, or fright, or even undigested food, when the
causes before referred to do not exist, may be the reason of
an attack. In the case of delicate children, and in families
where there is a tendency to the occurrence of such fits, all
these should be avoided.
The treatment we have advised may appear very simple
for such terrible things as convulsions: a trial of it will
prove it to be as efficacious as simple-far more so than
leeching, blisters, and purging.
Whilst writing on the subject of convulsions, we may
remark, that no family, where there are children, should be,
night or day, without a good supply of hot water from a self-
feeding boiler, connected with the kitchen range.
INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN.
417
Inflammation of the Brain-Hydrocephalus (Water in
the Head).—Inflammation of the brain is one of the most
insidious, and, at the same time, one of the most fatal, of all
the illnesses to which children are liable. In children of deli-
cate constitution, the slightest possible irritation of the
system so slight sometimes as to escape notice-will serve to
induce it. In other instances, a fall, undue excitement, the
heat of the sun, or one of the eruptive fevers, such as scarla-
tina or measles, may cause it. The writer has lately had several
cases following measles. One of the worst features of this
disease is, that it creeps on unperceived. No doubt, at its
very commencement, it occasions pain in the head of pretty
severe character. The child affected may be too young to
give any sign of it, or it may only be able to carry its little
hand to its head so frequently as to cause it to be noticed.
If with this the expression of the eyes alters, as to brightness
or dimness, as to the dilatation or otherwise of the pupil,
especially if the child sleeps a good deal, and generally with
the eyelids partially closed, and if there be a boring of the
head back into the pillow, the head appearing to be an
almost unsupportable weight, there is cause for serious
apprehension. There is almost always vomiting, which soon
gets persistent and troublesome. The child, if old enough
to take food, wants none, and has a disinclination even for
water. It lies away from the light, with its forehead
wrinkled in a very peculiar fashion. Convulsions, squinting,
stupor, come on in course, and the scene closes, after,
perhaps, one or more most tantalising promises of amend-
ment. Constipation is an almost invariable attendant of this
affection.
-
-
Dr. West, one of the highest authorities, distinctly states,
that, "under almost every variety of condition, of symptoms,
and of treatment, the patients die ;" and yet he advises
calomel and salts, leeches, jalap, scammony, and blisters. In
the verdict of Dr. West all Allopathic writers agree, whilst
most endorse his treatment.
As to the extreme severity of the disease, and its great
fatality, all who have seen much of children's diseases will
be prepared to assent. A child cannot, however, by the
418
INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN.
Allopaths' own showing, by any possibility be worse under
our treatment: any way it can but die; whilst we can
undertake that our medicines shall have the greater chance
of being taken, and that we will not cause the child one
atom of useless suffering. We can add to that, in the
majority of instances, if taken in time, by Homœopathic
remedies and suitable regimen, it is possible to arrest the
disease. Two of the new remedies-Veratrum Viride and
Aletris Farinosa-play a most important part; as do Bella-
donna, Hyoscyamus, Hellebore, Opium, Stramonium, Nux
Vomica, and Zinc; Gelseminum and Podophyllum may
also find room for employment.
Belladonna applies to engorgement and excitement: it
has, as its outward signs, a flushed face and dilated glistening
pupil; Opium, to dusky face and stupor. Nature is well-
nigh resigning all its powers of resistance. Veratrum
Viride comes in just where pure inflammation, with its
attendant excitement, ends, and excessive irritability sets in.
Hyoscyamus applies to restless excitement, with squinting
and twitching of the face; Hellebore, to the incipient stupor,
less profound than that of Opium; Nux Vomica, to allay
muscular spasm, often most violent and distressing; Stra-
monium, to convulsions, trembling, and restlessness; Gelse-
minum, to a state following that to which Belladonna
applies, when, instead of the irritability of Veratrum Viride,
there is prostration, loss of muscular power and speech,
languid pulse, respiration laboured and feeble, with nausea
and vomiting. Zinc is said, in some rare cases, to have
warded off effusion, when otherwise it must have set in. It
may therefore be worth a trial when everything else has
failed. Aletris Farinosa, as we have repeatedly tried, is
invaluable as a prophylactic in warding off an attack, or in
forcibly cutting it short at the very commencement: it is
of little or no use at any other stage.
The remedies to which we have referred all commend
themselves. It will need some considerable experience to
select the one just appropriate to each alternating phase;
and there may be more than one failure before it is attained.
Throughout, the feet must be kept warm, and the head cool,
PARALYSIS IN CHILDREN.
419
when required, by the frequent applications of cloths wrung
out of water as cold as it can be procured. The medicines
will be best given, except in the very early stage, in the
form of small powders, tincture rubbed up with sugar-of-
milk, or three or four globules, if procurable, every two
hours. Belladonna and Aletris, Belladonna and Nux
Vomica, Opium and Zinc, may be given in alternation.
Chronic Hydrocephalus, or water in the head, where there
is a considerable quantity of fluid effused, and the size of the
head sensibly increased, gives way, in the great majority of
cases, as pointed out long ago by Teste, to Belladonna and
Staphysagria, three globules alternately every three hours.
The diet to be light and nourishing. A tepid bath night
and morning. Warm clothing night and day. In a great
number of cases I have only known these remedies fail in
two. They are far better than the flannel cap, occasional
leeching, mercurial inunction, and puncture of the cranium:
these may not relieve; Belladonna and Staphysagria are
almost sure in their effect.
Inflammation of the brain in children is very frequently,
though not quite universally, associated with a tuberculous
or scrofulous constitution; so that, in families with any
tendency to consumption, children's illnesses need especial
care.
Paralysis in Children is of two distinct kinds: one the
result of some affection of the brain or spinal cord, accom-
panied by occasional tremors, or rare convulsive move-
ments; the other variety from some interruption in the
nervous supply of a muscle, or sets of muscles, as to a leg
or arm.
In children, paralysis is not only attended by impairment,
or loss of motion, wasting from want of use; but also by
stunted proportions: the affected part does not grow, whilst
the rest of the body does.
The first kind is treated by the same remedies, and
managed on the same principles as that of adults, aided by
galvanism, carefully and scientifically applied.
Belladonna.*-Trembling of the limb; chilliness; sharp
* Three globules of 6th, every four or six hours.
420
-EPILEPSY-STAMMERING.
CHOREA
pains in it; it may feel cold, and the pulse be weak and
hurried.
Cocculus.*-Excessive irritability; giddiness; coldness
and paralytic stiffness of the limbs; desire to sleep; draw-
ing pains in the limbs; weakness and great soreness after the
pains; weak pulse.
W
Esculus.*-Weakness; prostration; tottering walk; in-
ability to raise the arm or the leg, though they have jerkings
and twitchings in them.
Aconite.*-In paralysis following an attack of con-
vulsions, as soon as it is perceived; the leg is heavy, and
drags; the pulse is heavy and irregular, or small, quick, and
irregular; there is numbness; "pins and needles" in it.
Nux Vomica.*-Not only loss of power, but a sensible
diminution in the heat of the affected part, as felt on touch-
ing it; constipation.
Plumbum.*-Coldness, rigidity, trembling, and awkward
movements; weariness; dragging of the lower limbs, or the
child drops everything; the skin is pale; the patient
emaciated; the limb wastes; constipation.
In the second variety, medical rubbing, if properly and
perseveringly carried out, will restore the lost or impaired
use, even when the affection has existed for some time.
Chorea and Epilepsy, having been fully described, and
the remedies detailed in the first part of this book, will
not need to be again treated of here.
Of all our medicines, I have found Belladonna and Opium
most generally useful in epilepsy; Cuprum and Stramonium
in St. Vitus's Dance, or Chorea.
Stammering. This involuntary interruption of utterance
proceeds from a difficulty, and sometimes a total inability,
through spasm or malformation, to pronounce certain sylla-
bles. For example, a vowel followed by a consonant, as
in egg; a consonant followed by another consonant, as in
plait; a consonant following by a vowel, as in deed.
Stammering is most likely to show itself "when articula-
tion is being formed; when it is in the course of develop-
ment, or only recently perfected, especially in children in
* Three globules of 6th, every four or six hours.
AFFECTIONS OF CHILDREN-STAMMERING.
421
whom the faculty of speech manifests itself slowly, or
appears later than usual."*
When arising from physical defect, it is incurable; when
it is accounted for by the force of imitation-from want of
proper management, as from endeavouring to speak with the
chest only imperfectly supplied with air-or when the spasm
is of the nature of chorea, stammering is curable by the
exercise of some care and perseverance. The slightest
disturbance of the feelings-the fear that stammering will
occur-will almost invariably produce it.
It is said to be more common in boys than girls; but few
of either sex stammer from their infancy: children com-
monly speak freely until about the fifth year.
When stammering resembles chorea, or St. Vitus's Dance,
it may affect other muscles besides those of speech; and the
spasm may lead to an involuntary repetition of the first part
of the syllable of a word beginning with a consonant―Tee-
Tee-Tone. The jaws may remain firmly closed; or the
mouth be for a time open beyond the power to close it.
Instead of a repetition of the first consonant, it may be
simply long drawn out, as in r-un.
In recent cases, the relaxation and prevention of the
spasm may be aided by the use of medicines adapted to
chorea, especially Cuprum and Stramonium; and the
cure may be completed by attention to a few plain rules.
The stammerer must be taught never to attempt to speak
without having first expanded his chest with a full inspira-
tion. The teacher must make herself thoroughly acquainted,
by repeated trials, of the way in which every letter of the
alphabet is pronounced; what part of the lips, teeth, and
tongue take in its production; whether the breath passes,
as it is uttered, through the nostrils or through the mouth;
and the child must be practised at each of them.
Sentences must be constructed for the child, composed,
as far as possible, of letters which he can say with ease; and
these he must say over repeatedly. He must be taught to
declaim aloud, after his instructor; which he will soon be
able to do with comfort, and thus gain confidence. He must
* Dr. Copland, sub loco.
422
AFFECTIONS OF CHILDREN-FEVERISHNESS.
never be made fun of, or imitated; and always checked if he
stutters, that his attention may be directed to what he is
doing; as, in some cases, stammering may be relieved at once.
by avoiding carefully the usual hurried repetition of the
same syllable, or by opening the mouth and allowing simple
sound to pass.
The patient must be taught to divest his mind of all
thoughts of stammering both when speaking and reading,
and at other times; to avoid speaking, if possible, unless he
feels that he can do so without hindrance: for a time he
may be allowed to avail himself of any trifling habit, as
pinching a portion of his dress, if it will help him at all to
avoid stuttering.
The imitation of stammering must never be allowed, or,
at all events, encouraged.
CHAPTER VI.
FEBRILE AFFECTIONS.
SIMPLE FEVERISHNESS; INFANTILE REMITTENT FEVER; CEREBRO-SPINAL,
SPOTTED, OR MALIGNANT PURPLE FEVER; SCARLATINA; MEASLES;
CHICKEN-POX; COW-POX AND SMALL-POX; MUMPS; SORE THROAT;
DIPHTHERIA.
EVEN a moderate experience of children, and their disorders,
will suffice to show how readily, from trivial causes, and
sometimes from none that are apparent, a state of
Simple Feverishness will be excited--a condition, it must
be remembered, that may be feverishness and nothing more,
or the precursor of catarrhal fever, of an inflammation or of
some epidemic fever, eruptive or otherwise.
Any way, the present condition of hot, dry skin, restless-
ness, thirst, and quick pulse, independently of after-results,
FEVERS-HOW MODIFIED BY HOMEOPATHY.
423
must be promptly met by one remedy-Aconite, three glob-
ules, or half a drop of 3rd dilution, every hour or half-hour.
If the face is flushed, the head hot, heavy, and painful,
and light and noise evidently distressing to the child, sub-
stitute Belladonna, every hour or two hours.
If cold water is asked for, let it be taken; it cannot do
harm, and is most grateful.
If the skin is intensely hot, a compress of two thicknesses
of calico, wrung out of tepid water, sufficient to cover the
body from the neck to the thighs, thoroughly well covered
in by a small blanket twice doubled, and twice, so doubled,
brought over the patient, and tucked in; it will be a con-
siderable aid in reducing the fever.
In specific fevers-that is, fevers which have a prescribed
course, and a certain defined order of symptoms-where the
child has succumbed to an epidemic influence prevalent at
the time, or has, by contagion, caught measles or scarlatina,
we have no power of stifling the disease, or forcibly nipping
it in the bud; but we can most decidedly limit the area of
its operations, and considerably lessen the time of its dura-
tion. The child who has contracted measles or scarlatina,
will have them in spite of all we can do, and in a palpable,
unmistakeable fashion; but, as a rule, much more mildly
under Homœopathic medicine than without, especially if the
earliest symptoms of fever have been combated by Aconite.
But in the case of measles, the catarrhal fever which attends
the affection, and in scarlatina the sore throat, unless it be
the malignant kind, will be very considerably modified, and
the course and continuance of both diseases will be most
materially shortened.
So, in small-pox, the initiatory fever and attendant symp-
toms, the feeling of general illness, the amount of the erup-
tion, the deepening of its influence on the skin, and the
amount of pitting and disfiguration, will be much less.
The poisons, though not altogether antidoted, are ap-
preciably modified as to the extent and permanence of their
effects; which is the case, amongst others, with that pro-
ducing-
Infantile Remittent, or the Typhoid Fever of Children.
2 F
424
INFANTILE REMITTENT, OR TYPHOID FEVER.
This is not to be confounded with the irritative fever
arising from teething, or the presence of worms: it is a
specific variety, not uncommon in children after two or three,
most frequent after five, years of age; and Dr. West states,
met with much more often in boys; prevalent usually in the
autumn; running a course, if not checked, of three, four, or
five weeks, and marked by more or less of a periodical abate-
ment or remission, and return of its prominent symptoms;
and accompanied, in some cases, by the characteristic spots.
of typhoid fever, on the back, chest, or bowels, and es-
sentially the same as the enteric or typhoid fever of adults,
and as decidedly the result of contagion. "Children are
particularly liable to it, and are often attacked when other
members of the same family escape. Affording another
example of what cannot be too frequently insisted on-
that children are much more susceptible of deleterious
influences than adults; that therefore all such originating
causes of disease, capable of prevention or removal, should
be kept far from our dwellings; and that where children
are habitually cross and languid, there is something
utterly wrong that must be righted-a something which,
if not attended to, may probably affect the whole house-
hold;—becoming a focus of disease, from which it may
spread far and wide.
It is therefore of the highest importance to inquire, what
are the originating causes of enteric or typhoid fever? es-
pecially as its attacks, unlike those of typhus, are by no
means confined to over-crowded neighbourhoods, and the
abodes of squallor and wretchedness. All kinds of houses
and all ranks of people are exposed to its influence; though
it unquestionably originates from definite preventible causes,
as foul gases from sewers and drains, especially when con-
taining fæcal or decaying animal matter; offensive smells
from drains, through imperfect trapping, or badly-cemented
drain-pipes; from the soakage of the soil with sewage; from
open ditches; from the emptying of cesspools and the cleans-
ing of old drains; from gases forced into houses from
blocked-up drains; from drinking water contaminated by
• Dr. Murchison on Fevers, p. 521.
""*
INFANTILE REMITTENT, OR TYPHOID FEVER.
425
the filtering of cesspools or drains; from the effluvia from
water-closets and open closets. As any one of these may
induce an outbreak of fever in a house or neighbourhood, if
their existence is known or suspected, an alteration, at any
trouble or expense, should at once be made.
This fever, whether it affects children in the mild or in
the severe form, is characterised by more or less affection of
the bowels, tumefaction, tenderness on pressure, and diarrhoea,
or obstinate constipation.
In the least severe kind, the child gradually flags in
appetite, spirits, and strength: it is thirsty, peevish, and, on
the approach of evening, drowsy-though, when in bed, it is
restless, and does not sleep at all well; the breath becomes
offensive; the bowels deranged-commonly a very badly-
smelling diarrhoea setting in; the flesh of the child is dry
and harsh, or bathed in perspiration; the tongue is red at
the tip and edges, and whitish towards the back of it, with
deep red points showing through it; the pulse is quick, but
not so much so as the heat of skin would lead you to expect;
sometimes there is a slight cough. At first the symptoms
do not vary much from day to day; the child may now and
then even, for a short time, allow itself to be amused;
towards evening, it invariably shows that it feels ill.
In the second week, the abdomen sometimes becomes a
little tender if pressed at the sides; the small spots like
flea-bites appear, and the nights become worse; the skin is
very dry and hot; the child is very thirsty-frequently wakes
and asks for water; when asleep the eyes are partly open; it
talks in its sleep, or moans, grates its teeth, and is some-
times slightly delirious; vomiting may also be present.
When the symptoms begin to abate, they do so very
gradually, the child presenting all the appearance of having
been ill for a longer time, and much more severely, than he
actually has. Change of air is often absolutely necessary
before the child regains its usual health and spirits. The
tepid compress at night, all through the attack, is a great
relief and comfort to the child, both in the slight and in
the severer form of the fever, which has a more sudden and
decided character from the outset it usually begins with
2 F 2
426
INFANTILE REMITTENT, OR TYPHOID FEVER.
vomiting; great drowsiness; some dizziness and heaviness of
the head; sometimes slight shivering; at night he is very
restless he wakes often, talks in his sleep, or is delirious,
though, in the day, he is unwilling to keep his bed. The
countenance assumes the dull, dusky appearance of a fever
patient; the skin is not only dry, but as hot almost as in an
attack of scarlet fever. From the sixth to the tenth day a
variable rash of rose-coloured spots appears chiefly on the
bowels-a few on the back and chest. The child sinks into
a stupor; and, in some cases, abundant perspirations set in ;
the tongue is thickly coated, then becomes dry, brown, and
glazed; the bowels are disordered; the breathing quick; a
dry, short, hacking cough; the abdomen somewhat swollen,
tender, and gurgling on pressure; looseness of the bowels;
water high-coloured and scanty; the child lies in a stupor,
almost totally unconscious of what is passing around it; the
evacuations are passed without its knowledge. At the end
of a fortnight, the patient is brought to a most weak and
helpless state; is as thin almost as he well can be, and
apparently past all expectation of recovery. This, how-
ever, as a rule, does take place, but very gradually out of
the stupor and unconsciousness there is gradually a look of
recognition; speech comes very slowly; the child bores at its
nose until it bleeds; picks its lips and the tips of its fingers
until they bleed; it is some time before the complete use of
its faculties and the enjoyment of health return.
The real dangers lie from increased brain mischief, or
lung affection.
The prominent symptoms, in every case, must be dealt
with as they arise, by some of the following remedies :—
Chamomilla.-Weariness and weakness; the child usu-
ally wants to sit or lie; extreme irritability and sensitive-
ness; drowsiness in the day-time, even during a meal;
nightly sleeplessness; vivid visions evidently hovering before
the fancy; or stupor, with feverishness, restlessness, short
breathing, and thirst; constipation; dryness of the mouth;
or green, watery diarrhoea.
Three globules, or one drop of 3rd dilution, every three hours.
INFANTILE REMITTENT, OR TYPHOID FEVER.
427
Pulsatilla.-Weakness and relaxation of the limbs; ex-
cessive weariness after a little exertion; languor, obliging
patient to lie down; drowsiness in the day-time; peevish,
whining mood; crying at trifles; chilliness; restlessness;
tossing about at night, with crying out, and dreaming
in fright at some object, as a cat, a dog, a bee, which
are to be driven away. Capricious appetite; desires food,
but does not know what. Slimy, mucous diarrhœa, or ob-
stinate constipation. Adapted for fair children of mild
disposition.
Three globules, or one drop of 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Veratrum Viride.-After drooping some days; violent
pain in the back; drowsiness; nausea, but not so as to pro-
duce vomiting; pulse very quick; fever intense, with rest-
lessness; considerable perspiration from depressed function;
oppression at the chest. Sometimes great irritability of
stomach; the smallest quantity of food or drink is imme-
diately rejected; powerful expulsive vomiting.
Three globules, or one drop of 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Gelseminum.-Heat and congestion of the head; de-
lirium; stupor; sunken eyes; purple, flushed face; high
fever; symptoms always worse in an afternoon, or towards
night, and not relieved by perspiration; or when the child
sinks rapidly into a low typhoid state, with great prostration
of all the vital forces; nervous movements every night;
rolling of the eyeballs, and twitchings of the limbs. Patient
altogether so bad, seems as though he must die.
Three globules, or one drop of 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Muriatic Acid.-Feverish shuddering; moaning and
groaning during sleep, or tossing about, and frequent wak-
ing; dry tongue; abdomen tender on pressure--somewhat
swollen; diarrhoea, with rumbling in the bowels-thin and
watery-passing during micturition, without patient being
aware of it.
Three globules, or one drop of 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Bryonia.-Burning, dry heat; redness of the cheeks;
!
428
CEREBRO-SPINAL, OR SPOTTED FEVER.
head hot; the heat is followed by profuse perspiration, par-
ticularly in the morning or at night; sleeplessness; tremor
of the hands; torpor; foul and sore tongue; red-looking
urine, scanty, and strong-smelling; constipation; sometimes
oppression at the chest, with dry cough, and pain in the
side.
Three globules, or one drop of 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Phosphorus.-Small, hard, quick pulse; profuse night
perspirations; sleep interrupted by shrieks; constant fan-
cies; moaning, and tossing about; oppression at the chest,
with rattling; dry mouth, with thirst; painfulness of every
part of the body; sensitiveness and rumbling at the side of
the bowels when pressing on them; hardness of hearing; on
blowing or picking the nose, it often bleeds; patient lies in
a state of stupor; urine plentiful, with sometimes a reddish,
at others a white, sediment.
Three globules, or one drop of 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cerebro-Spinal, Spotted, or Malignant Purple Fever,
is a true epidemic, the causes of which have not been
accurately determined. It fixes primarily on the spinal cord
and membranes of the brain. We have sudden and intense
vomiting; violent neuralgic pains in the stomach; great
sensitiveness of the skin; severe pains in the head; stupor
or delirium, in which pains are still felt, sometimes acutely,
or symptoms like delirium tremens; violent contractions of
the muscles of the neck and back; the head drawn back-
wards; the countenance pale, except when flushed by pain;
the breathing, the state of the bowels, and urine, affected
only to a limited extent; a crop of small blisters not unfre-
quently show themselves round the lips, and rose-coloured
spots on various parts of the body; the spasm of the muscles
may be severe enough to cause death, or the strength of the
patient may be exhausted. In some outbreaks, this epi-
demic has been almost entirely confined to children.
On some occasions its outbreak has been as sudden, and its
course as terrible, as that of cholera; the prostration and
collapse as great; purple spots covering the body, and every-
thing betokening a complete contamination of the blood.
CEREBRO-SPINAL, OR SPOTTED FEVER.
429
Dr. Hirsch has suggested, as it generally prevails during
the cold months, that an amount of over-crowding in dwell-
ings-productive of no bad results when a certain amount of
ventilation is secured-has a deleterious effect as soon as the
cold prevents the usual opening of doors and windows.
Dr. Richardson has directed attention to adulteration of
flour, and other farinaceous foods, as having, in some cases,
accounted for an outbreak of this fever.
Veratrum Viride.-Uneasy constriction of the stomach,
soon followed by very violent vomiting and great pain at the
pit of the stomach; dimness of vision; heaviness of the head;
severe frontal headache; vesicles, and rash.
Three globules, or one drop of 3rd dilution, every hour or half-hour.
Cimicifuga. Nausea; vomiting; faintness at the stomach;
the brain is as though it were being overpowered by some
potent drug; there is pain in every part of the head,
especially at the top and back of it; delirium, resembling
madness arising from stimulants (mania a potu); the pain
is often paroxysmal, pressive, throbbing, aching, with illu-
sions of sight. Prostration and irritation of cerebro-spinal
nerves; intense pulsative pain up and down the spine at
every beat of the heart; eyes dull, aching, sore, and blood-
shot; pupils dilated; great flow of tears; tongue dark and
swollen; breath offensive; roughness of voice, hoarseness,
and thirst; severe pains in the abdomen, unattended by any
derangement of the bowels; urine often profuse and pale;
stiffness, tensive, drawing pain in the muscles of the back;
weakness, trembling, and spasms of the muscles generally.
It is also useful in the disorganisation of the eye, frequently
following the fever.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every three hours.
Bryonia. Nausea, with empty retchings or bitter vomit-
ing, or a bringing-up of water and mucus, with coldness of
the whole body; aching of the whole head-it feels as though
pressed together through the temples; pulsating pain, with
heaviness and sharp stitches; the eyes cannot be moved
without bringing them on; weakness, stiffness, and drawing
430
CEREBRO-SPINAL, OR SPOTTED FEVER.
at the nape of the neck; obstinate constipation or diarrhea;
frequent violent desire to pass water.
Six globules, or two drops of 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Cocculus applies both to the ordinary and the more
sudden attacks of this fever. Nausea and vomiting; burning
pain in the gullet and stomach-unrelieved by vomiting-
extending over the whole abdomen; delirium; excessive
irritability; sensation as if the brain were forcibly bound by
a ligature—increased by warmth or talking; or as if the eyes
would be torn out; desire to sleep; starting up again con-
tinually from hideous dreams; spasmodic shaking of the
head; small pulse; coldness and rigidity of the muscles of
the arms and legs; small red spots on the face, back, chest,
and neck, and tetanic convulsions of these; creeping, shiver-
ing, and stiffness of the back; or a sudden seizure, with
dreadful apprehensiveness, which increases every moment, as
do the anxiety, stupefaction, senseless stupidity, and immo-
bility; the patient is at once cold all over, with ice-cold
sweat on the forehead and hands; fixed sullen look; great
repugnance to all food and drink; an expectation of speedy
dissolution; the eyes protrude, and look glassy.
Six globules of 3rd, or six drops of 1st dilution, every hour or half-hour.
Nux Vomica.-Violent distress in the stomach; vomit-
ing; intense throbbing, and aching pain, as though the head
would split; loss of strength-the patient sometimes falls
suddenly, as if struck; eyes fixed and glistening, or staring,
with contracted pupils, and rolling upwards; hands cold;
pulse hard, small, and quick, or collapsed; frightful expres-
sion of face; the mouth open; head drawn backwards; rapid
moaning, and sometimes interrupted breathing; anxiety;
violent palpitation; involuntary, loud screams; no delirium;
a rash over the body, or the whole or one side a blue-red
colour; the abdomen distended; the hands convulsively
closed; the face pale and collapsed; the mouth tightly
closed, with blue lips; constipation; frequent diarrhoeic
CEREBRO-SPINAL, OR SPOTTED FEVER.
431
stools, or ineffectual urging; sudden shocks, like those of
electricity, passing through the body.
Six globules of 3rd, or four drops of 1st dilution, every hour or half-
hour.
Conium.-Coldness of the lower extremities; pale face;
cold nose; dimness of sight; acute sensitiveness of the pit of
the stomach, and violent pains there, with frequent efforts to
vomit, and painful constriction; faintness; restlessness;
sleeplessness; moaning; small and frequent pulse; tightness
across the chest; difficulty of breathing; dulness of all the
senses; delirium; vertigo; pain in the head as if too full,
as though it would burst; urine as clear as water, with
frequent urging, and constant endeavours to relieve the
bowels; trembling, spasms, and then loss of feeling in the
muscles; eruption of small blisters in various parts, and
purple or blackish spots, of one or two inches in circumfer-
ence, in all parts of the body (petechia).
Six globules of 3rd, or four drops of 1st dilution, every two hours.
Hydrocyanic Acid. The patient falls suddenly, as if
struck by lightning; loss of consciousness and sensibility;
increasing difficulty of breathing; gasping for breath; cold-
ness of the limbs; small pulse, scarcely perceptible at the
wrist; wild-looking, bloated, almost purple countenance,
violently convulsed and distorted; the limbs spasmodically
extended; the head drawn down upon the shoulder; low
moaning; the heart beats with a feeble flutter; general
paleness of the body, with a blue tinge; retention of urine;
involuntary relief of the bowels.
Six globules of 3rd, or six drops of 1st dilution, every ten minutes.
S
It is almost superfluous to add, that the nature of this
fever is such, that no one would be warranted in treating it
without the advice of a Homoeopathic physician, if procur-
able. The above directions are given to meet the wants of
those cases in which such aid is unavoidably absent.
Strong beef-tea must be administered frequently, a tea-
spoonfu or two at a time.
432
SCARLATINA AND MEASLES.
We now pass on to the Eruptive Fevers; taking, as first in
importance and frequency in children-
Scarlatina and Measles.-Scarlatina is only a convenient
name, apparently more innocent, than Scarlet Fever the
affections are really one. Scarlatina can generally be dis-
tinguished by the sore throat, which ushers it in, as well
as by the colour and character of the eruption, which is of
lobster-coloured redness, generally smooth, leaving a per-
ceptible white mark if the skin is pressed by the finger,
though it begins with small red points on the chest, arms,
and elbows. The tongue is unnaturally red, with small
elevations on it, often very numerous.
Somewhat similar elevations sometimes appear on the
arms and other parts of the body during an attack of
scarlatina: then the attack is to be considered as partaking
very much of the nature of both measles and scarlatina, and
is termed Rubeola. In some cases it appears to be most like
measles; in others it more resembles scarlatina.
In the majority of cases, the two maladies will be easily
decided on. Measles begins like a catarrh, or cold in the
head, with redness of the eyes, tears, and sncezing, attended
by a brassy ringing cough.
The rash, too, is pink rather than red; distinct patches of
it are observable; it generally shows itself on the fourth
day of the illness: scarlatina on the second. The tongue is
moist and creamy-looking, and the heat of the skin is not
quite so intense as that of scarlet fever. The rash of measles,
on its first appearance, has the look of flea-bites. Measles
very commonly visits us with the cold winds of spring. The
heat of the skin is much the more intense in scarlatina.
If any doubt remain on the mind of the mother, as to
whether her child has measles or scarlatina, the fact of the
one or other affection being prevalent at the time may serve
to decide her, though the points of difference are pretty clearly
defined, as we have endeavoured to show. Measles, it may
be well to bear in mind, manifests itself in three crops: the
first, on the face, neck, and chest; the next day, on the
body; the following day, on the legs: each crop, in an
ordinary case, remaining out three days.
t
}
SCARLATINA.
433
If you have any acquaintance with Homoeopathic medicine.
at all, you will know that Belladonna is the chief remedy in
scarlet fever, and Pulsatilla in measles.
It does not,
however, by any means follow that you therefore know the
Homœopathic treatment of these diseases. In both affections,
administer Aconite for the primary feverishness; then in
scarlatina, follow it by Belladonna if the eruption is smooth;
but if accompanied by red pimples, give Rhus Toxicoden-
dron instead of Belladonna-half a drop of either of the
tinctures for a dose, every two or three hours.
1
In Scarlet Fever, put the tepid bandage round the throat;
use tepid spongings of the whole body night and morning-a
part at a time, with clean and warmed body-linen put on
after. A tepid Hydropathic packing of the whole body for
half-an-hour, twice a day, will greatly facilitate the progress
of the little patient.
If, notwithstanding the use of Belladonna, the throat gets
worse, give Mercurius Corrosivus in alternation, quarter of
a drop of 5th dilution, every two hours. If white patches.
show themselves on the tonsils, give Kali Bich., a quarter of
a grain of the 3rd trituration dry on the tongue, in alterna-
tion with Nitric Acid, half a drop of the 3rd dilution every
two hours, with Sulphurous Acid Spray applied to the
throat. Moderate swelling of the glands of the neck will
be relieved by Mercurius: if they are of considerable size,
give Baryta Muriatica and Kali Hydriod. alternately
every three hours-same dose and strength as ordered for the
Kali Bich. If the child is delirious, and passes but little
water, give it, alternately, Belladonna and Apocynum, three
drops of the 3rd dilution every two hours. If these do not
relieve after six doses of each, give Digitalis, two drops of
the 3rd dilution every two hours: which medicine, in
alternation with Apis Mellifica, three drops of the 2nd
dilution every two hours, will generally relieve dropsical
symptoms should they occur. Arsenicum, Muriatic Acid,
or Phosphorus, when diarrhoea supervenes.
The malignant form of scarlatina is an affection as much
to be dreaded, and perhaps more, than any other disease to
which children are subject; and whilst Homoeopathic medi-
434
SCARLATINA-MEASLES.
cines can do more for it than any other, yet, to our sorrow,
they sometimes fail to wrestle successfully with the fell
poison, under the power of which the little sufferer
succumbs-Baptisia and Ailanthus, two drops alternately,
every two hours, 2nd dilution, in addition to medicines.
mentioned on the previous page.
Scarlatina is the most contagious of all the eruptive
fevers; the bed-furniture, clothes, and carpets, the paper on
the walls of the rooms, all readily communicate it, and for a
length of time; so that after this fever breaks out in a
house, as soon as it disappears, the room or rooms in which
the infected have been, should be whitewashed and re-
papered, every vestige of the old paper being carefully
scraped off. Condy's Fluid should be liberally used as a
disinfectant in the room and throughout the house: patients
kept quite apart. Cold water, or toast-and-water and weak
tea, for a few days, will be all that will be required; to be
followed by arrowroot, corn-flour, sago, cocoa, mutton and
fowl broth, and beef-tea. If any mother is frightened at a
tepid washing, let the body be rubbed all over, night and
morning, with olive oil; this will obviate the harsh, dry
state of the skin, and effectually prevent dropsy setting in:
it is equally useful in measles.
Measles. In the treatment of measles, Aconite is to be
relied on for the introductory fever: in mild cases, Pulsa-
tilla for the eruption, three drops of the 3rd dilution
every two hours. If chest symptoms predominate, give
Veratrum Viride, two drops of 3rd dilution, and Phos-
phorus, one drop of 3rd dilution, alternately, every two
hours. Pulsatilla and Ipecacuanha control the vomiting
and diarrhoea; whilst Conium applies to the cough, often
very distressing-two drops of 3rd dilution every two hours.
Euphrasia, same strength and dilution, for the catarrhal
and eye symptoms, if persistent.
Ipecac. and Arsenicum, alternately, will remove trouble-
some diarrhoea, attended by cough, considerable difficulty of
breathing, and motions with blood-three drops of the 3rd
dilution of Ipecac., and two drops of the 5th dilution of Ars.,
every two or three hours in alternation.
SMALL-POX.
435
Bryonia, two drops of 3rd dilution, and Phosphorus, two
drops of 5th dilution, alternately every three hours, may be
needed to remove any remaining chest symptoms after the
measles have disappeared. Flannel should invariably be
worn next the skin when the measles have subsided. Years
ago, measles was termed the "little plague," so fatal was it:
under Homœopathic treatment it is anything but that.
Diet of much the same kind as ordered for scarlatina: in
measles more nourishment will usually be asked for, and may
be taken; broth and beef-tea may be given much earlier.
One attack of measles by no means purchases freedom from
an after-attack. I have known the same child have it two
or three times.
Small-pox.-Small-pox, or Variola, as it is technically
termed, exhibits various modifications, according to the
prevalent type in any given visitation of the disease, the
surroundings of the patients, and their constitutions: those
with any tendency to scrofula invariably suffer the most.
The poison of small-pox may lie in the system for twelve
days before it shows itself, or it may manifest itself the
next day. The primary fever which ushers it in, lasts, as a
rule, two days: it is to be met by Aconite, three drops of
the 1st dilution every two hours. There is great lassitude,
and a peculiar pain, almost like rheumatism, in the loins;
there is also more or less nausea: if troublesome, give, in
alternation with the Aconite, Antim. Tart., half a grain
of 5th dilution every two hours. In any case, the Antim.
Tart. may be given on commencement of the second day.
As soon as the pimples are fully out, administer Mercurius
Vivus, two drops of 6th dilution every two hours, in alter-
nation with Antim. Tart., to help the formation of the
vesicles; then, as these begin to alter their character, give
Thuja and Sulphur, half a drop of the strong tincture of
the former, and two drops of the 5th dilution of the latter
medicine, every two hours.
During the introductory fever, the patient must live low:
when that has subsided the ordinary diet may be taken, and
it should be rather generous than otherwise. Hydrastis,
Veratrum Viride, and Sarracenia have been very highly
436
SMALL-POX.
recommended in small-pox, and might be tried, should the
other remedies fail. The writer has had no experience in
their use. In 1865, he treated eighty cases.* The medicines
here recommended were so beneficial that no others were
required. The patient need not be confined to bed for many
days, except in a severe attack; nor to the house, when the
weather admits of his going out; and he can take exercise, in
such a way as not to expose others to the infection, as in a
large garden or orchard, in country places. A drink acidu-
lated with cream of tartar forms the nicest and most agree-
able beverage during the primary fever.
We meet with the mild or modified form (varioloid);
the discreet, where the eruption is not very abundant, and
not near together; and the confluent, where the pustules
run one into the other, and when the scab on the face forms
one complete mask.
Small-pox has a peculiar distinctive odour, which, once
recognised, will never be forgotten. Exclusion of the air
from the face, head, and neck, by Thuja Cerate, will prevent
pitting and disfigurement.
Vaccination, though it does not purchase perfect im-
munity, if thoroughly performed once in a lifetime, insures
a modified, and consequently the less dangerous, type of the
disease.
Such modified attacks are occasionally met with in un-
vaccinated persons: they are, however, the exception, and
not the rule. The practice of vaccination has got into dis-
repute through the culpable carelessness of public vaccina-
tors; any child, no matter what its parentage, so that it
had a fine arm, as it is termed, did to vaccinate from; and if
the matter was a little stale, it did too.
By all means have your children vaccinated, but have
them vaccinated from the cow. This, with a very little.
extra trouble, can generally be accomplished. Every medi-
cal man meets with undoubted cases of troublesome affec-
tions of various kinds arising from vaccination, which bad
matter, in some instances, may have occasioned; in others,
it has only developed or matured an inherited tendency in
• For detail of cases, see British Journal for that year.
-
1
常
​I
COW-POX-CHICKEN-POX-SORE THROAT.
437
the child vaccinated.
Small-pox has been much more pre-
valent of late years; for which, facilities of locomotion, and
the extent to which they are used, may very easily account.
Cow-pox, the result of vaccination, needs very little
treatment besides Aconite at the outset, and a few doses of
Sulphur to finish off with.
Chicken-pox, confined principally to childhood and young
persons, slightly resembles small-pox, and is thought, by
some authorities, to be identical with it. It requires for its
treatment little beyond Aconite and Mercurius. The erup-
tion may take the form of vesicles, or small blisters, pimples,
or pustules; hence sometimes called stone-pock and swine-
pock. The constitutional symptoms are very seldom worse
than those attending a mild attack of measles. The charac-
teristic odour of small-pox is altogether wanting. It is but
very slightly epidemic.
Sore Throat.-Inflammation of the throat, similar to that
met with in cases of scarlatina, frequently attacks nurses
and attendants of patients who have this fever: other
persons living in an infected house are also sometimes
troubled with it. A tepid compress, worn night and day,
and-
Aconite, for the chilliness, feverishness, and pricking
pain.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Belladonna. For difficulty of swallowing; hoarseness;
glazed-red appearance of the throat; red points on the
tongue, and headache.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Mercurius Vivus.-If there is any stiffness under the
jaws; any swelling or tenderness of the glands there, or
difficulty of swallowing the saliva.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, night and morning.
Mercurius Iod.-At the same dose and interval, if the
swelling of the glands continues to increase.
Mercurius Corrosivus.-If ulcers form at the back and
sides of the throat; there is great difficulty in swallowing
438
QUINSY-MUMPS.
the saliva; the breath is fetid; the tongue a dirty-white;
coppery taste.
One drop, 3rd dilution, alternately with Belladonna, every three hours.
Baptisia. The fetor increases; scraping, burning, raw
sensation; throat feels as if growing up, causing constant
efforts to swallow; considerable amount of viscid, stringy
phlegm; the nervous system is depressed; there is a good
deal of prostration.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every two hours, with gargle of the same.
Inflamed and ulcerated sore throat often prevails as an
epidemic.
Quinsy. Sometimes, in such an epidemic, or as the result
of a cold, the inflammation principally concentrates itself on
the tonsils, which are considerably swollen; the saliva is
swallowed with considerable effort; and pain is felt from the
throat to the ear. The inflammation may subside, leaving
the tonsils somewhat enlarged for a time; or an abscess may
form. For the primary inflammation, give Belladonna and
Mercurius Vivus, alternately; but as soon as the tonsils
begin to enlarge, substitute Hepar for the Mercurius, Apis
for Belladonna. The indications for Apis are-dry, swollen
tongue; the throat looks fiery red, and glazed; burning
heat; ropy, tenacious mucus; stinging pain when swallow-
ing; the tonsils are also red, glazed, and swollen. Two
drops of 2nd dilution every two hours. Use the tepid com-
press from the first; and if an abscess seem imminent, let
the mouth and throat be frequently steamed with boiling
water, holding the mouth over a jug containing it, a folded
towel being so placed as to confine the steam.
Mumps. A febrile disturbance, accompanied by a swell-
ing of the glands under the ear and jaw; but especially those
under the ears—the parotid occasionally is met with as an
epidemic amongst young people; or such an enlargement
may remain or set in after scarlatina.
The epidemic affection requires very little treatment.
Aconite as soon as any feverishness is noticed: continue it
unless the swelling considerably increases; then, especially if
1
¦
ENLARGED GLANDS AND TONSILS.
439
it pits on pressure, give Mercurius Vivus, quarter of a grain,
6th trituration, every four hours; followed by Belladonna if
the enlargement remains with very little alteration. Should
the mumps suddenly disappear, and attack the testicles-
where there is inflammation, enlargement, and great tender-
ness, give Aconite and Clematis alternately, two drops of 3rd
dilution every four hours.
Chronic enlargement of the glands of the ear, jaw, and
neck, may be the result of scarlatina, or of a weakly
scrofulous constitution. If there is chronic induration, and
they are as hard as a stone, give Rhus, one drop of 3rd
dilution, night and morning. Baryta Carb.-Mental and
physical weakness; great disposition to take cold. One
grain, 6th trituration, night and morning. Pulsatilla.--
Chronic cough, with enlarged glands; mild disposition;
subject to diarrhoea. One drop, 3rd dilution, every night and
morning; followed by Calcarea. Merc. Iod.-Swelling and
induration of the glands as a sequela of scarlatina, and when
scrofula and syphilis, conjoined, deprave the constitution.
Half a grain of the 6th trituration every other night.
Carbo An.-Weakness and want of energy; soon exhausted by
any little exertion, and perspires very easily. One grain, 3rd
dilution, night and morning. Conium when such glandular
swellings threaten to gather, and after they have broken.
One drop, 3rd dilution, three times a day; and Silicea, one
grain, 6th trituration, night and morning. Sanguinaria, to
heal any fistulous openings from which ichor may run. Two
drops, 2nd dilution, night and morning. Arsenic to remove
the colour of any bluish scars remaining after such openings
have closed. Half a grain, 6th trituration, every other night
for a fortnight.
Chronic enlargement of the Tonsils is to be treated in the
same way as ordinary glandular induration, chiefly by Baryta
and Calcarea, and very occasional and small doses of Merc.
Iod. This enlargement is a fruitful source of deafness in
children they have great difficulty in keeping the mouth
and lips closed; they snore much during sleep.
:
Diphtheria is quite distinct from inflamed throat, from
sore-throat fever, as the epidemic is popularly called; from
ž
2 G
440
DIPHTHERIA.
scarlatina, sore throat, and even the worse kinds of ulcerated
sore throat. It is an old disease, however, with a new name.
Diphtheria is characterised by marked and rapid depression of
the vital powers, by unmistakeable signs of the poisoning of
the system by some foul miasm, and the formation of patches
of whitish exudation, or wash-leather deposits, about the
soft palate, back of the throat, and tonsils. It is both
epidemic and contagious: it occurs in distinct outbreaks.
It most commonly attacks those from two to thirteen years
of age; invades all classes influenced by district or locality;
afflicts families of the better class, in healthy neighbour-
hoods, and residing in comfortable dwellings; though its
malignancy is unquestionably heightened by defective drain-
age, impure air, bad water, and over-crowding.
As the last time when it was very prevalent and fatal
happened to be an unusually dry summer, it was conjectured
that long-continued drought had some influence in pro-
ducing it. The summer of 1870 was equally dry, but,
fortunately, not attended equally by diphtheria.
When
it is epidemic, strumous constitutional tendencies seem
most to foster its propagation and shape its course.
When diphtheria, however slight, is known to be in a
neighbourhood, every child and young person who has the
slightest sore throat, difficulty of swallowing, or glandular
enlargement under the jaw; or any fever, shiverings and
vomiting, treatment accordingly should be commenced at
once.
Aconite. High fever; an unusual degree of prostration;
pains in the limbs, and headache.
Three drops, 1st dilution, every hour.
Baptisia. Hot skin; quick pulse; pain in the head;
breath very offensive; considerable quantity of saliva run-
ning out of the mouth; great and rapid prostration; the
eyes look heavy; face puffed, flushed, and shining; enlarge-
ment of the glands under the jaw; lips dry and cracked
tongue trembling, and covered with thick, slimy mucus;
tonsils enlarged, and bright-red; back of the throat, palate,
;
DIPHTHERIA.
441
and uvula inflamed, and dotted over as with a crop of small-
pox pustules; spots of diphtheritic deposits.
Two drops, 1st dilution, every hour: locally, by camel's-hair brush-the
strong tincture-twenty drops to half a teacupful of water; inhala-
tion of it, or spray.
Apis. Sudden inflammation of the parts; they look
shining red, covered by glassy mucus; rapid. puffy swelling
of the palate and throat; intense stinging pain; very great
difficulty in swallowing; secretion of ropy tenacious phlegm.
Two drops, 2nd dilution, every hour, and inhalation of the same.
Phytolacca.-Considerable headache; back and limbs.
ache; loss of appetite; great prostration after delirium;
swallowing almost impossible; white or greyish false mem-
brane on tonsils and palate, which are swollen and violently
inflamed; pulse very rapid and small; albuminous urine.
Two drops of strong tincture every hour, with a gargle or local applica-
tion of Calvert's Medicinal Carbolic Acid, 1 part of acid to 200 of water.
Mercurius (Proto-Iodidi).—When the swelling of the
glands under the jaw and neck, and fetor of breath, are
early or continuously observable.
One grain, 3rd trituration, every four hours.
Muriatic Acid.-When the grey colour of the exudation
increases, notwithstanding the Phytolacca and Carbolic
Acid: the breath is excessively foul; the lips are dry,
blackish, and cracked; the tongue dry and dark-red, or
covered with viscid phlegm; moaning; hoarseness; the
disease is beginning to invade the windpipe and the nose,
from which there is a darkish fetid discharge; the ex-
tremities are cold; the pulse very compressible.
Two drops of 1st dilution every hour, with a gargle of forty drops of
1st dilution to half a pint of water.
Hydrastis. Increasing debility; great sinking and pros-
tration at the pit of the stomach; continual palpitation of
the heart; gurgling of the bowels; eructations; nose stuffed
up; excessive secretion of thick mucus from the nose, with
2 G 2
442
CROUPAL DIPHTHERIA.
long tenacious shreds or pieces; hoarseness; the nose towards
the throat is especially stuffed up.
One drop of strong tincture every two hours, with an injection of forty
drops of strong tincture to half a teacupful of water, syringed up the
nose, every two hours.
In Croupal Diphtheria, when the disease begins to invade
the windpipe, give Bromine, which causes inflammation of
the throat, with an exudation like that of diphtheria, and
is adapted to remove such a condition, attended by febrile
disturbance and heat of skin.
One drop of 2nd dilution every hour, with inhalation of the vapour of
Bromine, as ordered for Baptisia.
Kali Bich.-Croupy cough, preceded by wheezing and
panting; circumscribed aching pain in the chest; uneasiness
in the stomach; nausea; restlessness; heat of the hands and
feet followed by perspiration. Adapted, also, for cases where
the Hydrastis is not sufficient; discharge from the nostrils
of yellow corrosive mucus streaked with blood.
One grain, 6th trituration, every hour.
Ammonia Caust.-Great redness of the whole mucous
tract, back of the throat, and windpipe, with patches of
false membrane here and there; the prostration and ex-
haustion are very great.
One grain, 2nd trituration, every hour, and local internal application.
Arsenicum Iodidi. Great puffy swelling of the throat
and neck; the odour of the breath is putrid; rapid and
extreme prostration.
One grain, 1st trituration, every quarter of an hour, with vapour of the
same.
Gelseminum.-Loss of power in the throat, remaining
after an attack of diphtheria.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
A case of diphtheria is too serious a matter to be managed
without the advice and supervision of a Homœopathic
physician, if the services of one can possibly be secured.
GENERAL OR CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES.
443
Inasmuch as this cannot always be managed, the treatment
has been fully given.
As an early and very serviceable application, glycerine
may be brushed gently over the false palate and back of the
throat. Ice to suck is most agreeable in any stage of the
malady. A child has a better chance of recovery if removed
from the house in which it was taken ill.
The strength must be sedulously watched; and as soon as
it begins the least to fail, nourishment and stimulants must
be freely administered: the child must be made to take
them; beef-tea and chicken-broth, made according to direc-
tions (page 349); egg and milk beaten up together, with a
little pale brandy, glycerine, and milk.
In very extreme cases, beef-tea and brandy, a teaspoonful
of each one quarter of an hour, and the medicine the next
quarter of an hour.
Frequent tepid spongings of the whole body; a tepid pack
for half-an-hour twice a day; friction; frequent change of
linen; the floors washed daily with Condy's fluid; abundance
of fresh air, and free ventilation in the chamber and through-
out the house.
CHAPTER VII.
GENERAL OR CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES.
SCROFULA;
THE DISEASES TO WHICH IT GIVES RISE; SPECIALLY-
RICKETS; GENERAL WASTING, AND WHITE-SWELLING; HIP-DISEASE ;
RHEUMATISM, AND DISEASE OF THE HEART CONNECTED THEREWITH.
ANY notice of the diseases of children would be incomplete
without a reference to such affections of constitutional origin
as are not included in any to which we have hitherto directed
attention.
Foremost amongst these, as comprehending a considerable
number which are constantly recurring, is scrofula.
444
GENERAL DISEASES OF CHILDREN-SCROFULA.
Scrofula is a term often used, in a far too restricted sense,
to torpid swelling of the glands of the neck, and to chronic
abscesses of the same; to old open sores on various parts of
the body. It is vastly more than all this: it is the source
whence these, with many other affections, spring ;-tubercular
inflammation, and consumption of the bowels; tubercular in-
flammation of the brain; some forms of ophthalmia, or in-
flammation of the eyes; white-swelling of the joints; rickets,
and some other diseases of the bones. Many of the results
of scarlatina and measles-the worst forms of those diseases
themselves, as well as diphtheria, are largely in some cases,
and in others altogether, accounted for by a scrofulous or
strumous constitution: not to mention a liability to take
cold in the head; a tardiness of the flesh to heal after cuts
or other injuries; a proneness to festers and sores here and
there, and the frequency and obstinacy of chilblains.
No parent likes to have it considered that her children
possess such a constitution; and yet, whilst the results are
so extensive and important, the tendency or diathesis itself
is largely susceptible of counteraction and eradication by
fresh air, plain regular diet, and exercise. By injudicious-
ness and neglect, you may foster it indefinitely; by continu-
ous common-sense management, you may as largely sub-
due it.
Scrofulous children are broadly divisible into two classes—
those of dark, dusky, coarse feature, heavy and sluggish in
their movements, intellectually dull; and those of bright
rosy complexion, fair, with fine skin and hair, highly ner-
vous, susceptible, sharp, and precocious. Both are easily
fatigued by exertion or excitement; soon take cold; the
stomach and bowels are easily deranged; the appetite is fit-
ful and capricious; they rapidly lose flesh; soon get pasty
and flabby; and they do not soon shake off any ailment of
which they are the subjects.
Rickets, white-swelling of the joints, and disease of the
bones, are all that will need examination in this chapter, as
several of the scrofulous affections have been already noticed,
and others will be referred to hereafter.
Rickets most commonly manifests itself in the second year
GENERAL DISEASES OF CHILDREN-RICKETS.
445
of life, in a tardy formation of bone; the wrists and the
ankles are cartilaginous, and manifestly large and dispropor-
tionate; the long bones of the legs are weak, and soon get
bowed, give way, or are altogether useless as supports.
The child is altogether backward; pale and fretful; very
often perspires considerably about the head whenever it
sleeps; its appetite is queer; its powers of assimilation weak;
its bowels are large and disordered, and it frequently makes
a strange clucking, catching noise, succeeded by spasm of the
throat, and stoppage of the breath. It commonly has a
strange habit of kicking off the bed-clothes at night: if too
young to walk, it always sits very heavily in the nurse's arms;
if older, it either makes no attempt to walk, or is soon
"taken off its feet." As the disease advances, the spine,
breast-bone, ribs, and pelvis become distorted; a slow fever
sets in, with cough, quick breathing, and general wasting.
Rickets is unquestionably of constitutional origin, called
forth or aggravated by improper diet, impure air, and damp,
cold, ill-ventilated dwellings. The cause is at other times
the health of one or both parents, their unhealthy occu-
pation, hereditary disease, or want of nervous and vital
force.
Chamomilla. Great fretfulness; large abdomen; very
offensive relief from the bowels; sometimes diarrhoea.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Pulsatilla.-Mild, tearful disposition, and fair com-
plexion; slimy diarrhoea, or constipation.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Nux Vomica. For passionate, high-spirited, dark,
bilious children; discomfort after food; restless nights;
constipation.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Gelseminum.-For the irritative fever; flushed face;
loss of strength; spasm of the throat, and crowing noise.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Calcarea. Enlarged abdomen; great perspiration about
446 GENERAL DISEASES OF CHILDREN-GENERAL WASTING.
the head when sleeping-the pillow is quite damp with it;
the child is backward in its development; the front part of
the head is often imperfectly closed.
One grain, 3rd trituration, every night.
Phosphoric Acid.-Irritable weakness; general de-
bility; easy perspiration; yellow, painless diarrhoea; milky
urine.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Aletris.-Very much debilitated; disgust for all food,
the least quantity of which causes distress, sometimes nausea,
but no vomiting; constipation; emaciation; great inclina-
tion for sleep.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Sulphur, a dose-one grain of 6th trituration at night,
occasionally, as an intercurrent remedy.
Podophyllum, Iris, Silicea, and Arsenic may also be called
for by the constitutional symptoms.
Great care must be exercised as to the diet-to have it
plain and nourishing, adapted to the digestive powers of the
child: its life must, as much as possible, be out of doors.
Tepid bathing every day, medical friction and exercises for
the limbs, with cod-liver oil once or twice a day, where there
is no diarrhoea. Cod-liver oil jelly is a most admirable and
palatable preparation. Pancreatic emulsion, or glycerine
and milk, may suit other cases.
General Wasting (Atrophy or Marasmus) is sometimes
caused by the inappropriateness of the diet to which the
child is confined: the digestive organs become so atrophied
and weakened, that they are unable ultimately to assimilate
the plainest food; or they may, from the very first of its
existence, be in this debilitated condition; or again, some
inherited taint of constitution may produce a similar result,
until the little sufferer shall be a living skeleton.
Now and then adults are met with in this condition ;
infants and young children frequently come under notice.
Baths twice a day of tepid oatmeal gruel; broth baths;
cod-liver oil, both for anointing the body and to be
WHITE-SWELLING SYNOVITIS-HOUSEMAID'S KNEE. 447
taken internally; cod-liver oil jelly; pancreatic revalenta;
entire wheat flour and milk; glycerine and milk; very
warm clothing; a mild, dry climate, and plenty of fresh
air.
Arsenic, Hydrastis, Baptisia, Chamomilla, and Sulphur
in small doses, and at intervals not too frequently repeated,
according to the symptoms.
White-swelling of the joints is so called from the colour
of the skin being unaltered; it is a chronic inflammation of
the cartilages, membranes, or bones of which the joints are
composed. Such inflammation may arise from scrofula,
rheumatism, or syphilis-may be unaccompanied by pain, or
pain may be the earliest and the most constant symptom,
greatly aggravated by movement.
The points to be determined are-the cause of the mischief,
and the real seat of the affection, as guides to the local treat-
ment; and the state of the constitution. The progress is
usually slow and tedious; and such cases not unfrequently
tax all the resources of professional skill, and should, if in
any way attainable, be never undertaken without medical
supervision. Absolute rest is sometimes requisite; in other
cases, friction and passive movements
Bryonia, Pulsatilla, Conium, Kali Hydriod., Mercurius,
and Calcarea, are all variously indicated. Belladonna, if
any throbbing or indications of gathering take place; with
Silicea after. When the bones are affected, Nitric Acid and
Sanguinaria.
Sometimes the synovial membrane, as of the knee, is
the seat of the derangement: there is great pain on move-
ment; the cap is pushed forward by an elastic cushion.
Bryonia, Mercurius, and Kali Hydriod., are the chief
remedies, with complete rest.
In House-maid's Knee, the swelling is in front, and not
behind the cap-Pulsatilla, Conium, and Calcarea.
Hip-disease is not simply the inflammation of the
structures in and around the joint, but a thickening, and, if
not checked, ultimate decay, of the cushion of cartilage on
which the joint works. There is great pain; deformity of
the limb from a thrusting outwards of the head of the
$
448 GENERAL DISEASES OF CHILDREN-RHEUMATISM.
thigh bone; and sometimes the formation and discharge of
matter, when the patient is not only worn by suffering, but
weakened by the drain of the system.
This affection may be mistaken for rheumatism; and
scrofulous abscess in the neighbourhood of the joint may be
taken for hip-disease. There is not simply pain on move-
ment, but it is greatly intensified if the affected limb is
pressed somewhat forcibly and quickly upwards. I have
always found Chamomilla relieve the pain, however great;
Bryonia, Conium, Pulsatilla, and Calcarea of very great.
service; so that constitutional delicacy may be entirely
overcome, all morbid processes checked, all danger of abscess
obviated, and further deformity prevented. It is not possible
to get the thickened, hardened cartilage absorbed and re-
placed, nor the limb back to its original position.
Rheumatism, both acute, as rheumatic fever, and chronic,
is met with in children as well as in adults; not in the very
young, but still in the growing youth of both sexes.
The acute form, with fever, pains in the muscles, pains and
swelling of the joints, may arise from a chill, from damp
clothes, from getting wet, from lying on damp grass,
especially when heated; or any similar causes, especially in
those who inherit any tendency to rheumatism.
In young people under eighteen or twenty years of age,
even a slight attack of rheumatism may affect the heart, and
leave behind permanent mischief; so that any feverish
attack, with pains in the back or neck, in the limbs or joints,
must not be considered of slight importance.
It must be remembered that there is not usually excessive
pain and great swelling in the case of the young; and
that, though both may be met with, many so called "growing
pains" are twinges of rheumatism, and should be treated
accordingly.
For Acute Rheumatism, or Rheumatic Fever, let the
patient be put to bed between the blankets, and kept there
until the attack quite subsides. The limbs and joints that
are painful must be wrapped in wadding. Barley-water,
toast-and-water, gruel, arrowroot, broth and tea, must be the
diet; lemon can be taken, except when Aconite is used as a
RHEUMATIC FEVER.
449
medicine. The heart is far less likely to be affected under
Homœopathic than any other treatment.
Aconite.-General feverishness; hot and dry skin; flushed
face; pain in the head; trembling of the limbs; the pains
in the limbs are tingling, pricking, and numbing; high-
coloured urine; brick-dust sediment.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every two hours, and at night, if extremely
restless and feverish.
Bryonia.-Bilious symptoms; tearing, drawing, throb-
bing pains-much worse by any movement; weariness;
creeping chills; brown tongue; nausea; constipation; sallow
complexion; sometimes copious perspiration, without relief.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Mercurius Vivus. Tired, weary feeling; soreness of the
flesh; chilliness; coated, dirty-white tongue; thirst; sour-
smelling perspiration; headache; turbid urine, with strong
smell and reddish sediment; the patient has a great inclina-
tion to stretch.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Chamomilla.-Heat in the face; unquenchable thirst;
bilious taste in the mouth; nausea; restlessness; drawing,
tearing pains, with numbness; soreness, and excessive weari-
ness in the joints, ligaments, or bones;-worse every night;
great irritability.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every two or three hours.
Gelseminum.-Pain, specially in the arms and calves of
the legs; it is deep-seated; is of a drawing, sharp, shooting
character, with restlessness and chilliness.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Belladonna.-Stiffness and pain of the joints or muscles
of the back, or of the side of the neck; the affected parts are
puffy, and look shining; evening aggravation; the pains are
drawing, tearing, or creeping; sudden shocks darting through
the joints, or through the head.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
450
RHEUMATIC FEVER-DERBYSHIRE NECK.
Cimicifuga.-Weakness, trembling, drowsiness; creep-
ing chills; great restlessness, with disposition to throw the
clothes off; pulse quick, weak, and sometimes irregular;
great nervous irritation, with sleeplessness; pain may come
on in paroxysms, or return periodically.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Nux Vomica.—Strong-smelling perspiration, with chilli-
ness, heat, and flushed face; tongue yellowish, or greyish,
with disagreeable taste; nausea; pain in the head; oppres-
sion at the chest; palpitation; constipation; dark-yellow
urine, with whitish or brown sediment; irritable pulse.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
If any difficulty of breathing, oppression at the chest, pain
and uneasiness in the left side, are observed-
Aconite, a dose every hour, will generally subdue it.
Bryonia, Mercurius, and Gelseminum also apply to, and
usually prevent, any secondary heart affection.
Cactus must be given if there are sharp pains in various
parts of the chest; difficulty of breathing, sometimes periodi-
cally; feeling of suffocation; cold perspiration on the face.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Derbyshire Neck, Goitre, or Bronchocele.-Enlargement
of one or both lobes of the thyroid gland in the front of
the neck, is very common in certain parts of the country, as
the name implies: water impregnated with lime is specially
answerable for its production. It is, however, met with in
other localities, is always an eyesore, and may become a
serious inconvenience. Water for drinking purposes must
be rain-water filtered; such only must be used.
Young girls should wear a necklace day and night, made
of Derbyshire spar, or large coral, and take Spongia-a
grain of 6th trituration every other night, and a dose of
Sulphur occasionally. Should these, after a fair trial of a
month or two, fail, let Iodine, one drop of 3rd dilution every
third night, be substituted for the Spongia.
451
CHAPTER VIII.
DISEASES OF THE EYE.
INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES, OR OPHTHALMIA; INFLAMMATION OF THE
EYELIDS; STYES.
AFFECTIONS of the eye, from accident, cold, or strumous con-
stitution, are very common in children. The action of
Homœopathic remedies will be found rapid: and there is
this advantage-that the improvement, from the nature of
the organs implicated, can be watched in its progress.
Inflammation of the Eye, or Ophthalmia, is by far the
most common of all the diseases to which it is liable.
The inflammation may result from dust or any irritating
substance having got into the eye. Increased lachrymation
being insufficient to dislodge, remove the offender as soon as
possible. This can easily be effected by a little coolness and
à steady hand. Pull down the lower lid, or evert the upper
the grit or dust will be usually found closely adherent to the
upper lid; it can be taken off carefully by the point of a needle
or small knife. Give Aconite, half a drop, 3rd dilution, every
half-hour, and bathe the eye freely with tepid milk-and-water.
The use of the Eye Douche, or Irrigator, is also very agree-
able and beneficial in this and all kinds of ophthalmia;
during the continuance of which, tight bandages, and poul-
tices of all kinds, should be sedulously avoided. A tepid
bandage, covered lightly with a bit of flannel, is often of
great service: a green shade is frequently required in tedious
cases.
Aconite.-Inflammation from a cold or draught; if the
pain is severe.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Belladonna, if the pain subsides, but the redness and
intolerance of light is about the same.
Half a drop every two or three hours.
452
OPHTHALMIA-INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES.
Euphrasia, if the flow of tears is considerable and scald-
ing from the eyes, and rolls down th e nose, with sneezing.
Half a drop every two hours.
-
Mercurius.-Tearing, boring in and around the eyes;
evening and night exacerbation; tears; indistinct sight, and
mucus, which dries on the lashes during sleep.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every three or four hours.
Pulsatilla.-Inflammation of the eyes, with stiffness or
redness of the lids; profuse lachrymation, and mucous secre-
tion; agglutination of the eyelids; dread of light, and some-
times gastric-bilious symptoms.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Nitric Acid.-Inflammation, leaving specks, flat ulcers,
or dark spots; there is smarting, burning pain, or itching,
especially after the abuse of Mercury.
Half a drop, 6th dilution, every six hours.
Calcarea. Useful in delicate constitutions, when the in-
flammation threatens to return; aching, with itching or
burning; sharp pains, aggravated by reading or artificial light;
redness and lachrymation; specks and ulcers, with dread of
light, or mistiness of the sight.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Sulphur.-Pressure as from sand, or itching and burning
in the eyes and eyelids, with redness; inflammation of the
deeper structures of the eye, with distorted pupils; specks or
ulcers on the cornea, with dimness of sight; watering of the
eyes in the open air; dryness in a room.
A grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Hepar.-Redness of the eyes and lids-sore when touched;
sight at times dim, at others clear; pressure in the eyeball, as
if it would start out of the head; specks and ulcers on the
cornea, and pimples round the eyes; lachrymation; nightly
agglutination.
A drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
f
OPHTHALMIA -INFLAMMATION OF THE EYELIDS.
453
Hydrastis. Obstinate inflammation; the eyelids much
swollen; abundant mucous secretion; threatening ulceration,
especially after exposure to harsh, dry winds.
A drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours, with lotion.
Inflammation of the Eyelids.
Aconitum.-Swollen; hard and red, with heat, burning,
and dryness; or pale, shining, and swollen, with burning
pains, and stiffness.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Belladonna.-Swelling and redness of the lids, with
burning and itching; constant agglutination; bleeding on
opening the eyes; there may be a turning-out of the lids, or
great paralytic weakness of the lids.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.

;
Euphrasia. Ulceration of the margins of the lids
itching in the day-time, and agglutination at night; redness;
swelling; dread of light; constant winking; symptoms of
cold in the head; headache, or heat in the head.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Argentum Nit. The lids are as red as blood; increased
secretion of tears and gum; in the morning the eye is closed
with crusts of dry gum, that have to be soaked before they
can be removed and the eye opened; weakness of the sight.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Pulsatilla, Hepar, Sulphur, and Calcarea, also apply to
inflammation of the lids.
Styes.-Pustules, or small boils, frequently form on the lids
of scrofulous children: as they are slow in maturing, some
little trouble may arise from them. Bathe frequently with
warm water, and give Pulsatilla, half a drop, 3rd dilution,
twice a day; and Hepar, half a drop, 3rd dilution, or one
pilule night and morning. Administer Silicea and Calcarea
occasionally, to eradicate the disposition to them.
Warts on the Eyelids.-Touch occasionally with Kreosote:
454
SQUINTING-AFFECTIONS OF THE EAR.
if obstinate, pencil Thuja on, and give it internally; followed
by a dose or two of Sulphur.
Pediculi on the Eyelashes.-Careless and dirty nurses may
permit these loathsome and irritating insects; they have the
appearance, at a little distance, of dried gum on the lash.
Carbolic Acid, dried snuff, and spermaceti ointment, with
Mercurius, half a grain, 6th trituration, night and morning,
for a few times.
Dropping of the Eyelid, chiefly of the upper, from
paralysis of the muscle, or an affection of the nerves: it
sometimes follows exposure to the sun, sudden exertion, great
excitement, blows on the head, or concussion. Gelseminum,
half a drop of 3rd dilution every six hours; followed by
Conium, if necessary.
Squinting (Strabismus) may be produced by imitation ;
by some defect in one or other of the eyes; and it may
be a symptom of disease, as water on the brain. If it have
a nervous or muscular origin, and be tolerably recent, Bella-
donna, Stramonium, and Gelseminum; with Hydrastis
if it is accompanied with opacity of any part of the cornea.
Administer a dose every other night, and give each medicine.
a fair trial. If medicine is insufficient, a division of the
affected muscles, under chloroform, must be had recourse to.

CHAPTER IX.
WAX FROM
DEAF-DUMBNESS.
AFFECTIONS OF THE EAR.
EARACHE; NEURALGIA" OF THE EAR; INFLAMMATION AND ABSCESS;
DISCHARGES FROM THE EAR; DEAFNESS FROM ACCUMULATION OF
OF
DISEASE
THE EAR; FROM THROAT
AFFECTION ;
CHILDREN Sometimes put peas, beans, beads, grains of corn,
bits of pencil, and other small articles, into their ears.
Syringing with tepid water will sometimes dislodge them; if
AFFECTIONS OF THE EAR-EARACHE.
455
not, they must be very carefully taken out by small tweezers,
or a proper-shaped scoop. The sensation of something in
the ear may be produced by hardened brown wax, which
must be softened by glycerine, dropped in at night, and then
syringed out in the morning.
Great care must be used in taking anything from the ear,
so as not to injure it. For the same reason, children should
never be allowed to poke pins or other things into their
ears.
Earache-Acute Pain in the Ear-may be occasioned
by inflammation; by foreign substances or insects in the
ear; by some affection of the head; or it may be rheumatic,
purely neuralgic, or arise from decayed teeth. In children
it is often very severe, and may cause delirium or con-
vulsions.
Aconite.-Earache, from exposure to a cold wind; from
sudden checking of perspiration; from the driving-in or
retrocession of an eruption, especially behind the ears; the
pain is beating, throbbing, or tearing; any noise is almost
intolerable.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every half-hour.
Belladonna.-Sharp, stabbing, boring, digging pains, ex-
tending to the throat; sensitiveness to noise and light;
ringing, buzzing, and roaring in the ears; red-hot face;
headache.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every half-hour.
Gelseminum.-Neuralgic earache, or from cold; pain
coming on in frequent paroxysms-relieved somewhat by
pressing the hand to the ear and head; great fear; pains of
a shooting character, extending to the eyes and jaws, with
stiffness.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Chamomilla.-Sharp, shooting, intolerable pains-draw-
ing, and as though they stretched the ear; the pain extends
to the lobe of the ear; ear dry, as if stopped up; great sen-
sitiveness to noise and music; ill-humour.
Half a drop, 2nd dilution, every half-hour.
-
4
2 H

456
DISCHARGES FROM THE EARS.
༄་
Spigelia.-Aching, and pains as if a large nail were
sticking in the ear; the pains extend to the bones of the
face.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every hour.
Pulsatilla.-Darting, tearing pains, affecting the whole
side of the head, and almost depriving the patient of his
reason; a feeling as if something would force its way through
the ears; the outer ear is red-hot, and swollen.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every half-hour.
Mercurius.-The ear, and the entrance to it, is painful
and inflamed; boring and tearing pains-worse at night;
the bones of the head are tender.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every two hours.
Discharges from the Ears (Otorrhea) should never be
neglected as of no consequence, or left to get well of them-
selves: serious consequences and permanent deafness may
ensue.
Such discharges may vary in character; they may be
simply matter (pus), which may be fetid or mixed with blood;
the discharge may be of a dirty-brown colour, and extremely
offensive; they may arise simply from inflammation, as a
sequel of scarlatina, measles, or small-pox, or from the pre-
sence of growths in the ear; they may be associated with
disease of the bones of the internal ear, or they may be
nothing but increased and altered wax (cerumen).
Pulsatilla.-Discharge of yellow matter, of matter and
blood, or of fetid, yellowish pus, especially after measles, or
in scrofulous children; or with hard aching pain at every
change of matter, as though the ear would be pulled out.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every two hours.
Mercurius Vivus.-Discharge of pus from the ear, or
pus and blood, with noises, as buzzing or fluttering.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every three hours.
Nitric Acid.-Painful tension in the inside of the head;

}
WAX OF THE EAR-DEAFNESS.
457

the head feels as if surrounded by a tight bandage; purulent
discharge, especially if of a syphilito-scrofulous character.
Half a drop, 6th dilution, every three hours.
Calcarea. Green, yellowish mucus; or with swelling,
redness, and painfulness of the ear; deafness, from scrofu-
lous constitution, or after fever.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every four hours.
Hydrastis.-Thick discharge, resulting from growths in
the ear; or of an obstinate nature, from debility; usually
roaring or drumming in the ears.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.

Baptisia. Fetid, corrosive discharge, with dulness of
hearing, and roaring in the ears; debility.
Half a drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Aurum M.-Fetid, purulent, discoloured discharge, from
disease of the bones of the ear.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every two hours.
Wax of the Ear, Alterations in.-If it get hardened,
which it frequently does so as to cause deafness, let a little
glycerine be dropped in at bed-time, and the ear well
syringed, so as to force the stream quite in, the next night.
Considerably increased wax may be lessened by Conium, half
a drop of 3rd dilution at bed-time; or Mercurius Vivus, half
a grain for a dose. Calcarea, Ammon. Mur., and Silicea,
also help to restore it to a natural character, when there is
any deviation.
Deafness may arise from inflammation of the ear-passage;
from chronic thickening; from an accumulation of, or hardened
wax; from debility, as after a fever; from a cold; from
some throat affection; from enlarged tonsils; from a
thickening of the membrane of the drum, or its partial or
entire destruction; from disease of the bones of the ear;
from an affection of the nerves of hearing; from malforma-
tion. A consideration of these causes will suggest a cure for
most of them. Pulsatilla and Hydrastis for recent and
1
2 H 2


458
AFFECTIONS OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
J
chronic cases; followed by Sulphur, Belladonna, and Mer-
curius; and Mercurius Proto-iod. for throat deafness: Bap-
tisia, when caused by debility after fever. Sanguinaria
singing, beating, humming, with giddiness and determina-
tion of blood to the head; deafness, with sometimes a pain-
ful sensitiveness to sudden sounds. Gelseminum, China, or
Arsenicum for nervous deafness.
Deaf-dumbness is the inevitable result in the case of
children born deaf, and is the dread of persons who have
been nearly deaf for years. Special education may do much
to lighten the burden of the former, and determined practice
to avert so sad a termination in the case of the latter.
CHAPTER X.
AFFECTIONS OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS.
INFLAMMATION; RETENTION OF URINE; EXCESSIVE URINATION; WETTING
THE BED; STONE IN THE BLADDer.
INFLAMMATION of the generative organs, either in boys or
girls, may be relieved by bathing with hot water and a few
doses of Aconite, followed by Chamomilla.
If there is retention of urine, with pain and ineffectual
effort to pass it, a dose of Aconite, followed by one or two of
Cantharis. Should these fail, Opium. Bathing with hot
water will be as useful here as in inflammation.
Passing an unusual quantity of water may be occasioned
by a cold or excitement: if it continue, and be attended by
debility, loss of spirits and flesh, give Squill., half a drop,
3rd dilution, twice a day, and Phosphoric Acid night and
morning. If not soon relieved, consult a Homœopathic
physician.
Wetting the bed is often a most troublesome and obstinate
affection, not only in children, but in young people of both
sexes, up to eighteen years of age. It is not infrequently
¦


caused by thread-worms, when Cina and Mercurius will
relieve. I have more often found Belladonna at night, in
other cases, all I required. Triturations of Calcarea and
Iron occasionally; Sulphur now and then; with Benzoic
Acid if the water passed have a very strong odour.
Gravel, or red sand deposit, may be relieved by Sarsa-
parilla twice a day, and Lycopodium night and morning.
Stone in the bladder is sometimes met with in children of
three or four years of age and upwards. Its presence is
attended by great irritation of the foreskin, or end of the
penis; so that children get the habit of constantly pulling
it. Where this is the case, particular notice should be taken
if the child has any difficulty in passing water; if the stream
suddenly stops; if he complains of his back hurting him.
A tendency to stone is often inherited.
When a child passes gravel, it should drink no water but
soft, which has been previously filtered; have its diet strictly
regulated, and the surface of the body kept warm by flannels
near the skin.
CHAPTER XI.
SKIN AFFECTIONS.
INFLAMMATION OF THE SKIN (ERYTHEMA); ERYSIPELAS;
ROSE-RASH;
NETTLE-RASH; HERPES; SUDAMINA; ECZEMA AND ITS VARIETIES.
SKIN diseases have previously been considered at some
length in the first part of this work; and attentive study of
all that is there stated is essential to anything like an under-
standing of the skin affections of children, and their treat-
ment, which is neither so very complex nor difficult.
Inflammation of the skin (erythema) may follow exposure
to cold harsh winds, or the heat of the sun, the friction of
clothes, or of the folds of the skin, as of the thighs in fat
children; or it may arise from digestive derangement.

00
ERYSIP
Bathing with thin oatmeal gruel, dusting with unscented
violet powder, or an application of Calendula Glycerole,
with Aconite, Veratrum Viride, or Chamomilla, every three
hours.
Erysipelas.-There is not only redness, but swelling, heat,
and tingling, followed by thickening of the skin, or blisters;
with constitutional symptoms, chills, fever, weakness, back-
ache, headache, nausea, white-coated tongue; sometimes
delirium and great debility. Aconite, Apis, Veratrum
Viride, Rhus, and Arsenic, will be found to apply, envelop-
ing the part in cotton-wool, well dusted with powdered
starch.
-
Rose-rash occurs in patches of the colour its name
implies; it may be mistaken for scarlatina, and is some-
times called bastard measles; the constitutional symptoms,
and those of the throat, of catarrh, or of the chest, are
wanting the disturbance attending it is very slight, and it
usually comes in summer. The tongue is not like a straw-
berry, as in scarlet fever; nor do the nose and eyes run, as in
measles; nor is there the cough. Aconite, followed by
Chamomilla and Sulphur, control it.
Nettle-rash-so termed from its appearance, and the
irritation it causes-may follow a chill, or the changes of the
seasons; or be produced by some article of diet, as shell-fish
or mackerel: strawberries cause it in some people.
Aconite. When attended by fever, it frequently dis-
appears under this remedy alone.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Veratrum Viride. When the pain and tingling is more
troublesome than the inflammation, and there is sickness and
a faint feeling.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Antimonium Crudum.-When produced by shell-fish,
blotches, wheals, and fever.
Two grains, 6th dilution, every four hours.
Rhus.-Small vesicular tubercles, resembling bites of
HERPES-RINGWORM SHINGLES.
461
insects, particularly on the joints of the hands and feet, with
purplish redness and swelling; intense irritation, made con-
siderably worse by scratching.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Herpes is an inflammation of the skin, followed by small
blebs or blisters—a familiar example of which is often seen at
the corners and round the lips after a cold.
Shingles is one of its varieties, which is seen under the
arms and round the waist, and is attended by considerable
pain of the cutaneous nerves of the part affected.
Herpes only appears in round patches on various parts of
the body, especially on the cheek and neck.
Herpes on the Head, or Ringworm, deserves special notice,
as it constitutes ringworm. It is seldom noticed in its stage
of inflammation and vesicles; it produces but a slight
tingling; the vesicles are followed by very little discharge,
which soon dries up and forms small scales, rapidly renewed
on being removed; the centre of the ring is elevated, and the
patch may increase to the size of a five-shilling piece, rarely
larger; there may be only one, or three or four such patches.
The hair of the part becomes affected; it is bent on itself,
and will not lie smooth soon it loses its natural appearance,
resembles tow, and looks as though it had been cut or broken
off to within a short distance of the head, so that the patch
is never perfectly bald. It is the result of debility, under-
feeding, and want of proper care. A generous diet, change of
air, trituration of Sepia, or Tellurium, 6th, internally and
externally, followed by Sulphur, will usually soon remove
it. If it is obstinate, Sulphurous Acid may be used locally;
frequent brushing and combing, and washing the head with
juniper-tar soap.
Ringworm develops no constitutional symptoms; it may
prevail in a family or in a school from the causes specified,
but it is not contagious.
Shingles.—Inflamed herpetic patches, with the character-
istic blebs, as though water had been sprinkled on; or like
beads of perspiration, near the hip, round the side of the
waist, on the abdomen, under one arm, on the shoulder, or
462
SKIN DISEASES-ECZEMA.
on the neck, accompanied by a good deal of tingling and
itching in old people; and sometimes, in others, by trouble-
some and obstinate neuralgic pain. It is caused by a chill,
as in cold winds, draughts, or damp, or digestive derange-
ment.
Cistus Canadensis.-Inflammation on various parts of
the body, with little blisters, itching and tingling, and oozing
after scratching them, and some hot swelling and pain.
A drop of 3rd dilution every three hours, with Glycerole of the strong
tincture.
Aconite, if resulting from a chill; there is feverishness,
restlessness, and burning itching, very troublesome and per-
sistent.
A drop of 3rd dilution every two hours; and a piece of linen, saturated
with Aconite Liniment, laid over the part, or powdered starch, medi-
cated with the medicine.
Rhus. Burning, itching eruption of yellowish vesicles on
red patches of the skin, in various parts of the body, with
some swelling and painful uneasiness.
Dose and application as for Aconite.
Gelseminum.-Intense but transient itching of vesico-
pustules; they are sore to the touch.
Dose and application as for Aconite.
Eczema.--Inflammation of the skin, followed or attended
by oozing moisture, so that chafing of the thighs or neck, as
soon as it begins to be moist and raw, ceases to be erythema-
it becomes eczema. Eczema is by far the most common of
all the skin affections to which children are liable; though
sometimes, from a lengthened continuance, from irritation,
picking, or scratching, its original characteristics may be
difficult to recognise. It is a disease of debility, and is seen
on the face, the head, behind the ears, on the bends of the
joints, and around the pudenda, the eyebrows, the mouth and
lips, the armpits, the breasts, the hands and feet, the palms
of the hands, and the soles of the feet, and the fingers.
!
SKIN DISEASES-ECZEMA-SCALD-HEAD.
463
It is sometimes accompanied by pustules and scales on the
hands, the ends and joints of the fingers, the palms of the
hands, and the corners of the mouth; by deep fissures on a
reddened, thickened, coarse cuticle.
When Eczema is attended by bran-like scales, it is tech-
nically called Pityriasis; with violent itching, Psoriasis.
When the discharge, instead of being thin, is thick and yellow
-in fact, pus-it is termed Impetigo.
The Milk-crust of infants and children is at first an
Eczema, and then becomes Impetigo, with a thick yellow
crust, though it is sometimes grey or brown, or blackish, from
some oozing of blood. It is often caused by the state of the
mother's milk, or errors in diet.
Red-gown-Red-gum, or Strophulus.-Common on babies
from being kept too warm, or seen as a tooth-rash. Is
considered by Wilson as a variety of eczema. On the faces of
delicate young women, it develops rather more of an ery-
sipelatous character, as gutta rosacea.
In Scald-head the hair gets matted together; crusts form
on the scalp; which, on removal, leave the skin raw and oozing.
Keep the hair well brushed and combed, the eruption bathed
with thin oatmeal gruel, and solidified petroleum after-
wards applied.

Aconite.-Tingling, itching, burning, stinging, sore-
ness; vesicles filled with serum or acrid fluid; redness, and
inflammation of the parts.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Rhus.-Burning, itching vesicles, with redness; they run
one into the other.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Mercurius.-Small, itching vesicles, that ulcerate, dry
up, and desquamate; swollen spots, on which a flat, grey
scurf forms; or a discharge of acrid humour; yellow skin.
Two grains, 30th trituration, every six hours.
Dulcamara.-Small itching pimples, forming a crust, or
dry off like bran; specially if the result of being over-heated,

464
SKIN DISEASES.
or exposure to damp, cold air; the glands are enlarged near
the eruption.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Iris Versicolor.-Vesicles gradually forming pustules,
which dry up, and leave a crust from exudation of lymph;
underneath the scab it looks red, and bleeds if crust is
removed.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Juglans.-Eczema and red-gum, with heat of the skin;
crawling sensations, and chilliness; the discharge purulent
and ichorous; the crusts hard and of some extent.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Clematis.-Vesicular itch, like pustules; itch excessively
in bed, or after washing; heat; redness; swelling; corrosive
exudation. Adapted to inveterate eruptions (psoriasis).
One drop, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Ol. Crotonis.-Eczema, with violent irritation of stomach
and bowels; rash-like eruption, with vesicles, which soon
enlarge and run together, ooze, and form a greyish-brown
crust.
One drop, 6th dilution, every four hours.
Chamomilla.-Excoriated sore places in the groins or
the folds of the neck; the nervous system is very sensitive
and irritable; great sensitiveness to pain.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every three hours.
Arsenicum.-Eruption, like millet-seeds, with watery
exudation; eruptions that scale off like bran, or in large
patches (psoriasis and pityriasis); pain, burning, with itch-
ing.
•
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Sulphur.-Creeping, prickling, stinging, burning itch-
VI-
465
ing; small vesicles with red margins; thick yellow scurf;
swelling of glands; pityriasis; excoriations of the skin.*
Two grains, 6th trituration, every six hours.
For Milk-crust and Scald-head, in addition to the preced-
ing remedies-
MILK-CRUST-SMALL BOILS.
Oleander.-Eruptions on the hairy scalp; at times
humid, at others scaly, with burning itching; humid, fetid
spots behind the ears, with red rough spots in front.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every six hours.
Viola Tricolor.-In chronic and obstinate cutaneous
affections; milk-crust in children at the breast, or recently
weaned; milk-crust, with cough and oppression at the chest;
scald-head, with swelling and hardness of the cervical glands.
One drop, 3rd dilution, every six hours.
Pustules, or Small Boils, will be found to yield to-
Hepar.-Pimples the size of a pea in different parts of
the body; the slightest scratch or injury inclines to ulcera-
tion or gathering; styes on the eyelids.
Two drops, 3rd dilution, every four hours.
Mercurius. Small, itching pimples, that ulcerate, dry
up, and desquamate.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Antim. Tart.-Pustules here and there over the body, or
in blotches; painful and itching; from size of a pin's head to
that of a pea; or round, large, full, burning, painful pustules.
Half a grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
Croton. Redness of the skin; warmth; stinging here
and there; intense itching; pustules of the size of a millet-
seed, afterwards growing larger.
One drop, 6th dilution, every four hours.
Sulphur.-Creeping sensation on the skin; burning
itching; small suppurating abscesses, or large pustules.
One grain, 6th trituration, every six hours.
* For other remedies, see Eczema, p. 108.
466
ITCH-CHILBLAINS.
Itch (Scabies).-The remedies on the preceding page, with
the application of Sulphur Ointment, or Sulphurous Acid,
equally apply to this troublesome affection, which results from
the presence of a parasite (the acarus) burrowing in the skin,
and the irritation thereby set up. It is highly communicable,
and is often given to children by nurse-maids not over cleanly
in their persons. It chiefly affects the hand, and sympatheti-
cally the bends of the joints, abdomen, fore-part and inside of
the thighs and the feet, where there may be redness and
heat, with vesicles, papules, and shallow pustules of con-
siderable size, especially on the feet.
The insect (the acarus) can be seen by an ordinary mag-
nifying-glass, as a small, white, lustrous globe: its presence
is the proof of itch, the irritation of which is most intense
in the warmth of the bed.
A roughness, with pimples between the fingers and about
the wrists, with persistent itching, is suspicious.
Use the Sulphur Ointment to the hands, and wash the
rest of the body with Sulphur Soap, or Juniper-tar Soap, if
it irritates, as recommended by Erasmus Wilson.
:
Chilblains are examples of erythema in their first stage.
From checked vitality through cold, there is local inflam-
mation and congestion; redness, swelling, tingling, and
itching. Equal parts of strong Arnica Tincture and Glyce-
rine, frequently and vigorously rubbed in, is one of the best
applications but if this cannot be borne, let some Tamus
Communis, or Black Bryony, be painted on. When the
local congestion relieves itself by an exudation of watery
fluid, and a blister results, Cantharides Lotion (twenty drops
to a teaspoonful), covered by oiled silk, must be kept on to
prevent the blister being rubbed off, and a broken chilblain
ensuing. Arnica, or Calendula Cerate, on lint, must be put
on if it should.
In lymphatic constitutions, in those of scrofulous tendency
and slow vitality, broken chilblains are often very trouble-
some. Silicea, Hydrastis, Sanguinaria, Arsenicum, and
Sulphur, alternately and locally, by ointment or lotion,
will be of service, with attendance to the general health and
diet. A dose of the selected medicine, night and morning.
ACCIDENTS-ABRASIONS-BRUISES.
467
They may be taken, usually, in the order in which they stand,
though each must have a fair trial.
Gathered fingers are treated as abscesses, by Arnica and
Hepar alternately, and tepid water compresses: no poul-
ticing, but frequent bathing in hot Arnica-water.
CHAPTER XII.
ACCIDENTS.
ABRASIONS OF THE SKIN; BRUISES; CUTS AND WOUNDS; BLEEDING, OR
HÆMORRHAGE; NOSE-BLEEDING; DISLOCATIONS AND FRACTURES;
BURNS AND SCALDS; SUN-STROKE; POISONS; ACCIDENTS FROM CHLO-
ROFORM; STINGS OF INSECTS; BITES FROM SNAKES AND DOGS;
HYDROPHOBIA; SUSPENDED ANIMATION.
A WORK of this kind would not be complete without some
directions for the management of those accidents to which
all families are exposed, and on the occurrence of which it is
advisable to know what to do.
Abrasions of the Skin, if the extent is small, and the skin
merely rubbed off, Calendula Plaister, or the painting-on
of prepared Collodion will suffice. When occasioned by falls,
and there is any dirt or grit in the wound, it must be first
carefully bathed with warm water and a perfectly clean
sponge, that every particle of offending substance may be
got rid of. When accompanied by a bruise, especially on
the forehead, bathe with hot water into which some
Bellis has been put a teaspoonful to half a pint-and
keep a lotion applied.
Bruises from blows or falls, when the skin is not broken,
are met by Arnica Lotion; if the skin is broken, by Bellis;
if the face, near or under the eye, by Tamus Communis, or
Arnica. After a severe fall or blow, it is better to let the
child lie down, and to give it a drop of 3rd dilution of
Arnica at once, followed by Aconite in half-an-hour, if
"
468
there is any fever or restlessness. The nervous system, for a
time, in some children, is considerably affected; and there
is often sickness from the concussion of the shock.
ACCIDENTS-CUTS AND WOUNDS-HÆMORRHAGE.
Cuts and Wounds.-The same rule applies to these as to
abrasions. If there are any bits of glass left in, or anything
likely to cause irritation, it must first be washed out by cold
water, and then the wound, if slight, closed by a piece or
strips of Calendula Plaister: if deep, by a bit of linen or
lint dipped in Calendula Lotion, and tied somewhat tightly
by cotton or thread wound round.
Haemorrhage, or Bleeding, may be often checked by Hama-
melis Lotion, two teaspoonfuls of tincture to a teacupful of
cold water; aided by pressure, as from thread if the wound is
on the finger; by that of the band, succeeded by a roll or
two of calico bandage of three fingers' breadth, which can
easily be torn off as wanted, if it is on the hand, arm, or
leg. If a finger, hand, or arm is deeply or badly cut, it must
be kept in a sling, that the flow of blood may be moderated.
If a leg, the patient must lie with the limb flat, or slightly
elevated.
Whenever blood simply oozes, runs, or drops from a wound,
you may be sure it is only venous hæmorrhage, that pressure
and rest, as advised above, will control; but if there be any
spurting, an artery, though it may be but a small one, has
been cut or injured: a finger or thumb must be firmly
pressed down on it at once, and kept there until the bleeding
stops.
It is useful to remember that the main artery in the
thigh and the arm runs straight down on the inner side, and
that pressure on its course nearer the body than the wound
speedily checks arterial hæmorrhage. The readiest plan is
grasping with one hand or both, with the thumbs and
fingers on the middle of the inside of the limb. But as
hands are apt to get tired, and as doctors are not always at
hand, a substitute offers itself in a twisted handkerchief long
enough to go round and a little to spare, the knot made
over the inner side and middle of the thigh or arm—
-the key
of the room, short ruler, a stout penholder, or even a wooden
tobacco-pipe, put into the knot before it is tied: then tied,
ACCIDENTS-NOSE-BLEEDING.
469
and the key made to twist the handkerchief up so as to
tighten it as far as possible, and increase the pressure from
the knot.
In wounds of the inside of the palm of the hand, if deep,
put on several small pieces of lint, one on the top of the
other, the size gradually increasing to the outer one; press
each one down firmly over all, place a piece of pasteboard
or thin board, as a small box-lid, and make two or three
turns of a roller-bandage over all, and round the hand,
fastening the end with stitches instead of pins.
Roller-bandages are frequently useful; and may be easily
and cheaply made by tearing strips off one, two, or three-
yard-lengths of tolerably stout calico; the width should be
that of three fingers.
Nose-bleeding, either from a blow or fall, or when coming
on spontaneously, may soon subside, and require nothing
more than bathing with cold water; or it may be so profuse
to induce faintness, or take place so frequently as to weaken
the constitution.
For the arrest of a profuse or long-continued flow.-Rest,
cold to the nose, forehead, neck, or back, so as to foster
coagulation, and the constriction of the blood-vessels of the
lining membrane of the nose, is usually sufficient. Give a
drop of 3rd dilution, Arnica, every half-hour, especially after
a blow or fall. If it continue oozing, and run into the throat
as well, substitute Hamamelis, every half-hour. Should this
be insufficient, Trillium, a drop of 3rd dilution of either
every hour, and injection of the same.
Aconite may be required if there is restlessness and
feverishness; Belladonna if the bleeding has been preceded
by frontal fulness and throbbing headache.
Bleeding after the extraction of a tooth, in some consti-
tutions, or exceptionally in any, may set in to an alarming,
or, at all events, a debilitating extent. Plug the hollow
firmly with cotton-wool soaked with strong Hamamelis,
and give a drop of 3rd dilution every hour. If obstinate,
substitute Matico on the cotton-wool, and give Trillium
internally.
Dislocations and Fractures.-It is often important to
470
?
建
​ACCIDENTS-FRACTURES.
know, after an accident, whether either of these have been
sustained, and which; and to know how to move a patient to
a house or bed with safety and expedition.
As a general rule, it must be remembered, that when a
joint is put out or dislocated, there is distortion observable
if the one joint is compared or felt, in contrast with its
fellow; inability of the patient to use it; and great agony if
any movement of it is attempted. If the patient has to be
lifted, should the hip or ankle be the seat of injury, let it be
done as gently as possible, on a shutter, stiff mattress, or
board-the injured limb being pillowed up in the easiest
possible position: on that let him lie until a doctor arrives ;
give a drop of 3rd dilution of Arnica every half-hour, and
keep cloths constantly wet with Arnica lotion on the
injured joint. If it is the shoulder, elbow, or wrist, let the
arm be put into a sling, made of a pillow-case or large
handkerchief; the same medicine given, and lotion applied:
a dose or two of Aconite, if there is fever and thirst, until a
doctor gets there, and even afterwards, if you cannot have
the advantage of Homœopathic attendance.
Fractures, or broken bones, are not always easy to dis-
tinguish if a principal bone is broken, it is more easy; or
if both the bones of the leg, or of the arm below the elbow,
are fractured, there is great tenderness; increased ease of
moving the limb about below and at the seat of injury;
frequently the flesh is also considerably injured; there is
bruising and bleeding, perhaps protrusion of the bone. It is
a simple fracture when the bone alone is broken; compound
when the skin is broken and the flesh injured.
Great care
should be exercised in the examination and movement of a
patient after an injury or accident, lest the end of a broken
bone should be forced through the skin or the flesh, blood-
vessels or nerves be injured. A broken limb can always be
readily but carefully tied, by a bandage or handkerchief, to
the sound limb; a broken arm to the side of the body, or
across the chest, another handkerchief being wound round
the immediate seat of injury. A long bag filled with sand
forms a support after the patient is moved to bed, until a
surgeon arrives. An ordinary hat-box, with the bottom
ACCIDENTS-BURNS AND SCALDS.
471
knocked out, and the side cut through, makes an extem-
porised guard, to keep the bed-clothes off.
Trousers, coats, and other articles of clothing, are better
cut away, and not dragged off.
Two drops of strong Arnica, in water, is the best possible
stimulant immediately after an accident, until reaction and
fever set in—then Aconite. If the wound causes much irri-
tation, Gelseminum. If the nerves of the part have been
torn or injured, Hypericum.
For Sprains and Strains-Rhus Lotion and Rhus inter-
nally; or Bellis, if any discoloration ensue.
Burns and Scalds.-The treatment of these is identical,
as the effects are the same. They are serious in proportion
to their situation, depth, extent, and the amount of shock
and nervous prostration attendant thereon: so that we
have local symptoms and constitutional disturbance to treat.
If a third part of the body of a child be burnt or scalded,
even superficially, recovery is very rare. For this reason,
and the amount of disfiguration sometimes resulting, too
much care cannot be exercised in preventing children play-
ing with lucifer-matches, lighted candles, or fire, in any
shape. In nurseries, large and stout fire-guards should
always be used.
Children should never be allowed to drink from teapot-
spouts or jugs, as many severe accidents have arisen from
their attempting to do so from kettles, from teapots, or jugs
filled with scalding liquid. It is best not to allow them to
help themselves to drink of any kind, except what is
specially provided or set for their use, as corrosive acids,
apparently as harmless, and resembling water, tea, or coffee
in appearance, may occasionally be unavoidably about.
Burns and scalds may produce simple inflammation, in-
flammation and blisters, or inflammation, blisters, and
destruction of flesh or tissue.
For inflammation, simply dust the part immediately with
flour, cover it over with cotton-wool, and give two drops of
3rd dilution of Aconite, every quarter, half-hour, or hour.
For inflammation and blisters, Aconite internally, and
Cantharides lotion externally, covered by cotton-wool.
2 I
472
SUN-STROKE-POISONS.
For inflammation and loss of substance, bits of linen
smeared with equal parts of linseed oil and lime-water, or
Causticum Lotion. The linen must not be removed, but
kept moistened from the outside, for twelve or twenty-four
hours, a layer of cotton-wool being over all. Aconite in-
ternally at first. Opium, a drop of 3rd dilution, if the
patient gets drowsy. When discharge sets in, give Hepar;
followed by Silicea. Hydrastis, internally and locally,
proves serviceable in obstinate cases.
In the drinking of boiling fluid, or corrosive acids, such as
oil of vitriol, the injury is confined to the mouth and the
upper part of the throat and windpipe. The parts, as far
as they can be easily reached, must be kept moistened by a
feather dipped in milk or milk-and-water, and Aconite and
Cantharis given alternately every hour. Injuries from
gunpowder to be treated as ordinary burns. For the shock
to the nervous system, Gelseminum may be substituted;
Aconite only partially relieves. Death may ensue from
inflammation of the lungs, on ulceration of the bowels:
attention must therefore be paid to difficult or hurried
breathing, and Phosphorus given alternately with Aconite.
Sun-stroke.-Loss of consciousness, and an apoplectic
condition, following exposure to extreme heat in summer.
This condition is quite as likely to occur on a dull hot day,
or under a bright sun. Aconite if the face is pale-a drop
of 3rd dilution every ten minutes, with heat to the feet and
hands, if cold. Belladonna if the face is flushed; and
Glonoine for the headache and after-effects, every two or
three hours.
For Stings of Bees and Wasps-a lotion of Ledum, a tea-
spoonful to three parts of a teacupful of water, with Aconite
and Ledum alternately every half-hour or hour. Apis for
puffy, shining swelling.
Poisons may be taken by children, from their similarity
to substances with which they are familiar, and of which
they may be fond. I have known arsenic taken by a child
for powdered sugar; in adulterated and highly-coloured
sweets and comfits; from these having accidentally become
mixed up with articles of food, as arsenic for flour in pud-
POISONING.
473
dings and bread; from soups and other things being allowed
to stand in brass saucepans, and thereby becoming contami-
nated with verdigris, or acetate of copper; or as poisonous.
fruits, berries, or leaves. Care should, therefore, be exer-
cised in all families in reference to these matters.
Poisonous matters may act locally, as destructive or as
violent irritants to the stomach and bowels; or by absorp-
tion entering into the circulation; on the nervous system or
circulation, so as to produce serious derangement or death.
According to their nature, if likely to corrode and prove
locally destructive, as Oil of Vitriol, Spirits of Salts, and
such acids generally, dilution and neutralisation must be
aimed at, by giving chalk, or the plaster of the ceiling or
walls of a room rubbed into powder, and mixed pretty
thickly with water, or soap-and-water; afterwards milk and
milk-and-water, or flour-and-water, as much as can be taken,
followed by Aconite.
To prevent absorption by rapid ejection from the stomach
by vomiting, which is to be excited by putting the finger
down the throat, tickling the throat with a feather, or
draughts of mustard and warm water; followed by ten grains
of Sulphate of Zinc, or the same quantity of Ipecacuanha
in powder, or one grain of Tartar Emetic, procured from the
nearest chemist's;-use these in the case of Arsenic, White-
lead, or Sugar of Lead, Opium, Laudanum, or Strych-
nine, or poisonous fruits, flowers, or leaves.
The action of the emetic should be kept up by repeated
draughts of warm water, or milk-and-water.
Strong Alkalies, such as Soda and Potash.-Give vinegar-
and-water; almond or oil.
Oxalic Acid.-Chalk or plaster in water; afterwards
milk and other mild fluids.
Corrosive Sublimate, and other preparations of Mercury.—
White of eggs, beaten up with water; strong tea.
Blue Vitriol, or Verdigris.-White of eggs with water;
sugar-and-water.
Antimony. Large quantities of warm water or milk;
followed by strong tea.
Lunar Caustic (Nitrate of Silver).—Warm salt-and-water.
is
212
474
POISONINGSNAKE AND DOG-BITES.
White Vitriol, or Sulphate of Zinc, in poisonous quantities.
Milk, and carbonate of soda in water.
Lead, whether White-lead or Sugar of Lead.-Emetics;
carbonate of soda in water; milk, and milk-and-water.
Laudanum, Opium, and other narcotics.-Emetics; dash-
ing cold water on the face; strong coffee; forced exercise by
constant walking. By persistence in a course of exercise, I
have seen patients come round after all hope had apparently
expired, and long after they were able to be done anything
to, but dragged rapidly, supported by two persons, backwards
and forwards across a room.
Prussic Acid.-Hartshorn, or powdered ammonia, from
a smelling-bottle to be smelled, or taken very often in small
quantities; dashing with cold water; galvanism.
Strychnine.-Emetics; warm water; decoction of gall-
nuts; strong tea.
Chloroform, or other anesthetic.-Loosen everything
about the patient's neck; lay him flat on his back, and
apply galvanism.
Poisoning by mistake has not unfrequently happened by
strong lotions being taken instead of medicines; by mistakes
in compounding Allopathic medicines; by over-doses, as of
strychnine, prussic acid, laudanum, or morphia. Such
accidents are extremely unlikely to take place under Homœo-
pathy-in fact, are almost impossible.
Poisoning from Paperhangings.-Children are often
slowly poisoned by bright-green arsenical paperhangings;
their bowels are deranged; they complain of their eyes or
throats; or they may have skin affections from this cause
only. Have the walls stripped, then treat the constitutional
symptoms.
Snake-bites. Apply and give hartshorn or ammonia.
In some cases of poisoning by laurel-leaves, and acrid and
irritating seeds, I have found Arsenic, in frequent doses, of
immense service.
Bites from Dogs, in ordinary cases, to be treated by
Ledum, internally and externally. If there is the least sus-
picion, either suck or cauterise the wound, and keep the
patient under Belladonna. If the dog is really rabid, and
SUSPENDED ANIMATION-DROWNING.
475
hydrophobia is dreaded, burn the bitten part with a red-
hot knitting-needle, or iron skewer, and give six drops of 1st.
dilution of Gelseminum every hour or half-hour. Stra-
monium and Scutellaria have also proved of service.
Suspended Animation, as from hanging or drowning.-
In cases of hanging or strangling, cut or unfasten im-
mediately any cord, handkerchief, or whatever else may be
confining the neck, and then try to restore breathing and
circulation by Marshall Hall's method, as after drowning.
.
Drowning.-As soon as the child is taken from the
water, lay it flat on its side, take hold of the arm on one
side, and move it half round, pressing the arm to the
chest; then move it back again, the limbs being mean-
while, as much as possible, rubbed by a bystander. In
winter this should be done on a mattress, or in a warm
room, if possible.
¡
}
APPENDIX
TO THE CHAPTER ON PREGNANCY.
DESBERGER'S
:
LADIES' PERPETUAL CALENDAR:
WITH ALTERATIONS FROM
PETERS "DISEASES OF MARRIED FEMALES."
The use of the following Calendar will enable a tolerably
correct reckoning to be kept. It is a Calendar for nine
months. From the commencement, the middle of the
term, or time of quickening, the end or delivery may be
determined; or a lady may know when to expect her
confinement from the middle term or quickening.
$
:
478
LADIES' CALENDAR.
BEGINNING.
JANUARY.
1 Harold
2 Abel
3 Enoch
4 Titus
5 Simeon
6 Laura
7 Percy
8 Lucian
9 Caspar
10 Paul
11 Amy
12 Reynolds
13 Hilarius
14 Felix
15 Albert
16 Marcellus
17 Anthony
18 Priscilla
19 Ferdinand
20 Fabian
21 Agnes
22 Vincent
•
23 Herbert
24 Timothy
25 Bertrand
26 Polycarp
27 Florence
28 Charles
29 Samuel
30 Maude Mary
31 Mary Eleanor
JANUARY.
MIDDLE.
MAY.
20 Frances
21 Prudence
22 Helena
23 Alfred
24 Esther
25 Urban
26 Augustine
27 Bede
28 William
29 Maximilian
30 Edward
31 Ellen
JUNE.
1 Lilian
2 Florence
3 Erasmus
4 Rosa
5 Richard
6 Lilly
7 Lucretia
8 Mark
9 Benjamin
10 Thomas
11 BARNABAS
12 Jemima
13 Richard
14 Samuel
15 Frederick
16 Justina
17 Alban
18 Paulina
19 Gervase
END.
OCTOBER.
8 Ephraim
9 Denyson
10 Amelia
11 Dennis
12 Fritz
13 Edward
14 William
15 Edwin
16 Alphonso
17 Etheldred
18 LUKE
19 Ptolemy
20 Wilkie
21 Ursula
22 Martha
23 Severus
24 Solomon
25 Louis
26 Clara
27 Sabina
28 SIMON
29 Kate
30 Sarah
31 Joseph
NOVEMBER.
1 Mary
2 Thomas
3 Augustus
4 Charlotte
5 Eric
6 Leonard
7 Alexander
LADIES' CALENDAR.
479
BEGINNING.
FEBRUARY.
1 Bridget
2 Julius
3 Joseph
4 Veronica
5 Agatha
6 Dorothea
7 Richard
8 Solomon
9 Apollonia
10 Lucy
11 Euphrosyne
12 Helen
13 Benigna
14 Valentine
15 Formosus
16 Julia
17 Constantia
18 Concordia
19 Susanna
20 Jane
21 Eleanor
22 Peter
23 Reynard
24 MATTHIAS
25 Victor
26 Nestor
27 Hector
28 Justus
FEBRUARY.
MIDDLE.
JUNE.
20 Edward
21 Jacobina
22 Ellen
23 Basilius
24 JOHN BAPTIST
25 Duncan
26 Jeremiah
27 Frank
28 Leo
29 PETER
30 Paul
JULY.
1 Theobald
2 Ernest
3 Cornelius
4 Martin
5 Anselm
6 Isaiah
7 Fred
8 Kilian
9 Cyril
10 Felicity
11 Pius
12 Henry
13 Margaret
14 Bonaventura
15 Swithin
16 Eustace
17 Alexis
END.
NOVEMBER.
8 Claude
9 Theodore
10 Jonas
11 Martin
12 Walter
13 Julian
14 Lewin
15 Machutus
16 Ottoman
17 Hugh
18 Godfrey
19 Elizabeth
20 Edmund
21 Alex
22 Cecilia
23 Clement
24 Macbeth
25 Catharine
26 Conrad
27 Launcelot
28 Gunter
29 Noah
30 ANDREW
DECEMBER.
1 Arnold
2 Candida
3 Cassian
4 Barbara
5 Abigail
480
LADIES' CALENDAR.
BEGINNING.
MARCH.
1 Alban
2 Louisa
3 Bertram
4 Adrian
5 Frederick
6 Everard
7 Perpetua
8 Philemon
9 Prudentius
10 Henrietta
11 Rosina
12 Gregory
13 Ernest
14 Zacchary
15 Isabella
16 Matthias
17 Patrick
18 Edward
19 Joseph
20 Rupert
21 Benedict
22 Casimer
23 Everard
24 Gabriel
25 Matthew
26 Emanuel
27 Hubert
28 Gideon
29 Eustace
30 Guido
31 Philip
MARCH.
MIDDLE.
JULY.
18 Caroline
19 Ruth
20 Elias
21 Daniel
22 Magdalen
23 Albertina
24 Christina
25 JAMES
26 Anne
27 Berthold
28 Innocent
29 Martha
30 Beatrice
31 Germain
AUGUST.
1 Peter
2 Gustavus
3 Augustus
4 Perpetua
5 Dominick
6 Frank
7 Donatus
8 Samuel
9 Romanus
10 Lawrence
11 Titus
12 Clara
13 Hildebrand
14 Eusebius
15 Charles
16 Isaac
17' Bertram
END.
DECEMBER.
6 Nicholas
7 Antonia
8 Jabez
9 John
10 Judith
11 Waldemar
12 Charles Frederick
13 Lucy
14 Israel
15 Johanna
16 Laura
17 Lazarus
18 Christopher
19 Nora
20 Abraham
21 THOMAS
22 Beata
23 Ignatius
24 Adam
25 Eliza
26 STEPHEN
27 JOHN
28 Adaliga
29 Jonathan
30 David
31 Sylvester
JANUARY.
1 Dora
2 Abel
3 Enoch
4 Titus
5 Simeon
LADIES' CALENDAR.
481
BEGINNING.
APRIL.
1 Theodore
2 Theodosia
3 Christian
4 Ambrose
5 Maximus
6 Sixtus
7 Celestine
8 Adelaide
9 Victoria
10 Ezekiel
11 Herman
12 Julius
13 Justin
14 Tiburtius
15 Obadiah
16 Leopold
17 Rodolph
18 Florence
19 Werner
20 Sulpitius
21 Adolphus
22 Lothario
23 GEORGE
24 Albert
25 MARK
26 Raymar
27 Anastasius
28 Theresa
29 Sibylla
30 Joshua
APRIL.
MIDDLE.
AUGUST.
18 Emilia
19 Sebald
20 Bernard
21 Athanasius
22 Oswald
23 Zaccheus
24 BARTHOLOMEW
25 Lewis
26 Irenæus
27 Gebard
28 Augustine
29 John
30 Benjamin
31 Rebecca
SEPTEMBER.
1 Giles
2 Rachel
3 Wilkie
4 Moses
5 Nathaniel
6 Magnus
7 Enurchus
8 Mary
9 Bruno
10 Sosthenes
11 Gerard
12 Otilia
13 Alfred John
14 Eustace
15 Constantia
16 Euphemia
END.
JANUARY.
6 Reginald
7 Harry
8 Lucian
9 Caspar
10 George Henry
11 Erhard
12 Raynard
13 Hilarius
14 Felix
15 Bayard
16 Marcellus
17 Anthony
18 Prisca
19 Ferdinand
20 Fabian
21 Agnes
22 Vincent
23 Frank
24 Timothy
25 PAUL
26 Polycarp
27 Hale
28 Charles
29 Samuel
30 James
31 Valerius
FEBRUARY.
1 Bridget
2 Harriet
3 Phobe
4 Veronica
482
LADIES' CALENDAR.
BEGINNING.
MAY.
1 PHILIP
2 Sigismund
3 Elbert
4 Florian
5 Gothard
6 Matilda
7 Godfrey
8 John
9 Job
10 Gordian
11 Mamertus
12 Pancratius
13 Servatius
14 Christiana
15 Sophia
16 Betsy
17 Pascal
18 James
19 Dunstan
20 Frances
21 Prudens
22 Helena
23 Nina
24 Esther
25 Urban
26 Augustine
27 Bede
28 William
29 Maximilian
30 Wigan
31 Petronella
MAY.
MIDDLE.
SEPTEMBER.
17 Lambert
18 Bessie
19 Iona
20 Frederica
21 MATTHEW
22 Maurice
23 Joel
24 John
25 Cleophas
26 Cyprian
27 Cosmo
28 Wenzel
29 MICHAEL
30 Jerome
OCTOBER.
1 Remigius
2 Argyle
3 Ewald
4 Francis
5 Charity
6 Faith
7 Hope
8 Ephraim
9 Denys
10 Amelia
11 Burkard
12 Ruth
13 Edward
14 William
15 Campbell
16 Gallus
17 Etheldreda
END.
FEBRUARY.
5 Agatha
6 Dorothea
7 Cicely
8 Solomon
9 Apollonia
10 Renata
11 Euphrosya
12 Severinus
13 Benigna
14 Valentine
15 Formosus
16 Juliana
17 Constantia
18 Concordia
19 Susanna
20 Narcissa
21 Eleanor
22 Peter
23 Reynard
24 MATTHIAS
25 Victor
26 Nestor
27 Hector
28 Justus
MARCH.
1 Albin
2 Louisa
3 Julia
4 Adrian
5 Frederick
6 Everard
7 Perpetua
LADIES' CALENDAR.
483
BEGINNING.
JUNE.
1 Herbert
2 George
3 Erasmus
4 Ulrica
5 Boniface
6 Benignus
7 Lucretia
8 Medard
9 Lepaius
10 Rudolph
11 BARNABAS
12 Blandina
13 Arthur
14 Modestus
15 Vitus
16 Justina
17 Alban
18 Paulina
19 Gervase
20 Edward
21 Jacobina
22 Davie
23 Basilius
24 JOHN BAPTIST
25 Elogius
26 Jeremias
27 Royland
28 Leo
29 Anthony
30 Lovell
JUNE.
MIDDLE.
OCTOBER.
18 LUKE
19 Ptolemy
20 Cumberland
21 Ursula
22 Corduca
23 Severus
24 Solomon
25 Isabella
26 Amandus
27 Sabina
28 SIMON
29 Sussex
30 Hartman
31 Norfolk
NOVEMBER.
1 Ethelberth
2 Ajax
3 Rowland
4 Charlotte
5 Eric
6 Leonard
7 Erdman
8 Claude
9 Theodore
10 Jonas
11 Martin
12 Cuthbert
13 Jenny
14 Lewin
15 Hector
16 Etheldred
END.
MARCH.
8 Philemon
9 Prudentius
10 Henrietta
11 Rosina
12 Gregory
13 Ernest
14 Zacchary
15 Isabella
16 Stella
17 Patrick
18 Edward
19 Joseph
20 Rupert
21 Benedict
22 Casimer
23 Everard
24 Gabriel
25 Paris
26 Emanuel
27 Hubert
28 Gideon
29 Eustace
30 Guido
31 Philip
APRIL.
1 Theodore
2 Theodosia
3 Christian
4 Ambrose
5 Maximus
6 Sixtus
484
LADIES' CALENDAR.
BEGINNING.
JULY.
1 Theobald
2 Warwick
3 Cornelius
4 Martin
5 Anselm
6 Isaiah
7 Irene
8 Nattalia
9 Cyril
10 Felicity
11 Pius
12 Henry
13 Margaret
14 Bonaventure
15 Swithin
16 Eustace
17 Alexis
18 Caroline
19 Ruth
20 Elias
21 Daniel
22 Magdalen
23 Albertina
24 Christina
25 JAMES
26 Anne
27 Neville
28 Innocent
29 Martha
30 Beatrice
31 Germain
JULY.
MIDDLE.
NOVEMBER.
17 Hugh
18 Wilton
19 Elizabeth
20 Edmund
21 Roderick
22 Cecilia
23 Clement
24 Harold
25 Catharine
26 Conrad
27 Hotspur
28 Ronald
29 Alice
30 ANDREW
DECEMBER.
1 Arnold
2 Candida
3 Cassian
4 Barbara
5 Abigail
6 Nicholas
7 Antonia
8 Bertram
9 James
10 Judith
11 Waldemar
12 Charles
13 Lucy
14 Israel
15 Johanna
16 Llewellyn
17 Lazarus
END.
APRIL.
7 Celestine
8 Donald
9 Tristam
10 Ezekiel
11 Herman
12 Julius
13 Justin
14 Tiburtius
15 Obadiah
16 Blane
17 Rodolph
18 Florence
19 Werner
20 Blanche
21 Adolphus
22 Lothario
23 GEORGE
24 Albert
25 MARK
26 Ivanhoe
27 Halbert
28 Theresa
29 Sibylla
30 Joshua
MAY.
1 PHILIP
2 Sigismund
3 Claude
4 Florian
5 Gothard.
6 John
7 Godfrey
LADIES' CALENDAR.
485
BEGINNING.
AUGUST.
1 Peter
2 Gustavus
3 Augustus
4 Perpetua
5 Norman
6 Eterick
7 Donatus
8 Blondin
9 Romanus
10 Lawrence
11 Titus
12 Clara
13 Hildebrand
14 Eusebius
15 Norma
16 Isaac
17 Bertram
18 Emily
19 Sebald
20 Bernard
21 Athanasius
22 Oswald
23 Zaccheus
24 BARTHOLOMEW
25 Lewis
26 Irenæus
27 Walter
28 Augustine
29 John
30 Benjamin
31 Rebecca
AUGUST.
MIDDLE.
DECEMBER.
18 Christopher
19 Margarette
20 Abraham
21 THOMAS
22 Beata
23 Ignatius
24 Eve
25 Eva
26 STEPHEN
27 JOHN
28 Joan
29 Jonathan
30 David
31 Sylvester
JANUARY.
1 Aleck
2 Abel
3 Enoch
4 Titus
5 Simeon
6 Priscilla
7 Lilly
8 Lucian
9 Caspar
10 Paul Hermit
11 Helen
12 Diomed
13 Nina
14 Felix
15 Fortunatus
16 Marcellus
17 Anthony
END.
MAY.
8 Pearl
9 Job
10 Gordian
11 Mamertus
12 Norton
13 Servitius
14 Christiania
15 Sophia
16 Honoratus
17 Pascal
18 Livorius
19 Dunstan
20 Frances
21 Prudens
22 Helena
23 St. John
24 Esther
25 Urban
26 Augustine
27 Bede
28 William
29 Maximilian
30 Wigan
31 Mortimer
JUNE.
1 Nicomede
2 Harper
3 Erasmus
4 Ulrica
5 Douglas
6 Benignus
7 Lucretia
486
LADIES' CALENDAR.
BEGINNING.
SEPTEMBER.
1 Giles
2 Rachel
3 Ada Ann
4 Moses
5 Nathaniel
6 Magnus
7 Howard
8 Mary
9 Bruno
10 Essex
11 Gerard
12 Otilia
13 Flory
14 Clare
15 Constantia
16 Euphemia
17 Lambert
18 Clara
19 Januarius
20 Frederica
21 MATTHEW
22 Maurice
23 Joel
24 John
25 Palmer
26 Cyprian
27 Cosmo
28 Selby
29 MICHAEL
30 Jerome
SEPTEMBER.
MIDDLE.
JANUARY.
18 Priscilla
19 Ferdinand
20 Fabian
21 Agnes
22 Vincent
23 Hilda
24 Timothy
25 PAUL
26 Polycarp
27 Ernest
28 Charles
29 Samuel
30 Herbert
31 Adelaide
FEBRUARY.
1 Bridget
2 Hugo
3 Blaise
4 Veronica
5 Agatha
6 Dorothea
7 Richard
8 Solomon
9 Apollonia
10 Eustace
11 Euphrosyne
12 Severinus
13 Benigna
14 Valentine
15 Formosus
16 Juliana
END.
JUNE.
8 Melrose
9 Barnimus
10 Bruce
11 BARNABAS
12 Blandina
13 Helen
14 Modestus
15 Vitus
16 Justina
17 Alban
18 Paulina
19 Gervase
20 Edward
21 Jemima
22 Acharius
23 Basilius
24 Harry
25 Elogius
26 Jeremias
27 Mildred
28 Leo
29 PETER
30 Paul
JULY.
1 Theobald
2 Elfric
3 Cornelius
4 Martin
5 Anselm
6 Isaiah
7 Ann Jane
LADIES' CALENDAR.
487
BEGINNING.
OCTOBER.
1 Remigius
2 Volrade
3 Ewald
4 Francis
5 Charity
6 Faith
7 Hope
8 Ephraim
9 Denys
10 Amelia
11 Burkard
12 Erenfried
13 Edward
14 William
15 Marian
16 Gallus
17 Etheldreda
18 LUKE
19 Ptolemy
20 Percy
21 Ursula
22 Corduca
23 Severus
24 Solomon
25 Crispin
26 Amandus
27 Sabina
28 SIMON and JUDE
29 Russell
30 Hartman
31 Wolfgang
OCTOBER.
MIDDLE.
FEBRUARY.
17 Constantia
18 Concordia
19 Susanna
20 Eucharius
21 Eleanor
22 Peter
23 Clara
24 MATTHIAS
25 Victor
26 Nestor
27 Hector
28 Heber
MARCH.
1 Albin
2 Louisa
3 Chenill
4 Adrian
5 Frederick
6 Everhard
7 Perpetua
8 Philemon
9 Prudentius
10 Henrietta
11 Rosina
12 Gregory
13 Ernest
14 Zachary
15 Isabella
16 Ewart
17 Patrick
18 Edward
19 Joseph
END.
JULY.
8 Kilian
9 Cyril
10 Felicity
11 Pius
12 Henry
13 Margaret
14 Marmaduke
15 Swithin
16 Eustace
17 Alexis
18 Caroline
19 Ruth
20 Elias
21 Daniel
22 Magdalen
23 Albertine
24 Christine
25 JAMES
26 Anne
27 Berthold
28 Innocent
29 Martha
30 Beatrice
31 Germain
AUGUST.
1 Peter
2 Gustavus
3 Augustus
4 Perpetua
5 Wilton
6 Martin
7 Donatus
2 K
488
LADIES' CALENDAR.
BEGINNING.
NOVEMBER.
1 Vaughan
2 Layard
3 Guthrie
4 Charlotte
5 Eric
6 Leonard
7 Erdmann
8 Claude
9 Theodore
10 Jonas
11 Martin
12 Cuthbert
13 Brutus
14 Lewin
15 Anselm
16 Austin
17 Hugh
18 Wilkie
19 Elizabeth
20 Edmund
21 Presentation
22 Cecilia
23 Clement
24 Lebrecht
25 Catharine
26 Conrad
27 Beatrice
28 Anna Maria
29 Lewis
30 ANDREW
NOVEMBER.
MIDDLE.
MARCH.
20 Rupert
21 Benedict
22 Casimer
23 Everard
24 Gabriel
25 Robertson
26 Emanuel
27 Hubert
28 Gideon
29 Eustace
30 Guido
31 Philip
APRIL.
1 Theodore
2 Theodosia
3 Christian
4 Ambrose
5 Maximus
6 Murat
7 Celestine
8 Martyn
9 Blaize
10 Ezekiel
11 Herman
12 Julius
13 Justin
14 Katrino
15 Bernard
16 Charles
17 Rodolph
18 Florence
END.
AUGUST.
8 Mabalon
9 Romanus
10 Lawrence
11 Titus
12 Clara
13 Hildebrand
14 Eusebius
15 Brunow
16 Isaac
17 Bertram
18 Emilia
19 Sebald
20 Bernard
21 Barrow
22 Oswald
23 Zaccheus
24 BARTHOLOMEW
25 Lewis
26 Irenæus
27 Gebard
28 Augustine
29 John
30 Benjamin
31 Rebecca
SEPTEMBER.
1 Giles
2 Rachel
3 Spencer
4 Moses
5 Nathaniel
6 Brian
LADIES' CALENDAR.
489
BEGINNING.
DECEMBER.
1 Arnold
2 Candida
3 Cassian
4 Barbara
5 Abigail
6 Nicholas
7 Antonia
8 Andrew
9 Wallace
10 Judith
11 Waldemar
12 Elsie
13 Lucy
14 Israel
15 Johanna
16 Clare
17 Lazarus
18 Christopher
19 Rowland
20 Abraham
21 THOMAS
22 Beata
23 Ignatius
24 Clara
25 Blount
26 Bertha
27 Blanche
28 Bowley
29 Jonathan
30 David
31 Sylvester
DECEMBER.
MIDDLE.
APRIL.
19 Werner
20 Evangeline
21 Adolphus
22 Lothario
23 GEORGE
24 Albert
25 MARK
26 Raymar
27 Anastasius
28 Theresa
29 Sibyll
30 Joshua
MAY.
1 PHILIP
2 Sigismund
3 Pierre
4 Florian
5 Gothard
6 John
7 Godfrey
8 Austin
9 Job
10 Gordian
11 Oswald
12 Anthony
13 Servatius
14 Christiana
15 Sophia
16 Honoratus
17 Pascal
18 Sibyl
19 Dunstan
END.
SEPTEMBER.
7 Tyler
8 Mary
9 Bruno
10 Sosthenes
11 Gerard
12 Bowyer
13 Clifford
14 Exaltation
15 Constantia
16 Euphemia
17 Lambert
18 Sigfried
19 Isham
20 Frederica
21 MATTHEW
22 Maurice
23 Joel
24 John
25 Cleophas
26 Cyprian
27 Cosmo
28 Wenzel
29 MICHAEL
30 Jerome
OCTOBER.
1 Bruce
2 Ernest
3 Ewald
4 Francis
5 Charity
6 Eustace
7 Watkyn
2 K 2
INDEX.
ABDOMEN (the cavity of the body con-
taining the bowels and other
organs).
Bloated, with diarrhoea, Cham., 33.
Coldness of, in diarrhoea, Verat. A.,
33.
Dropsy of (Ascites), in pregnancy,
312.
Fissures of, 320.
Hardness of, pregnancy during,
320.
Pendulous, 260; after delivery, 320.
Tenderness of, in hysteria, 47.
Abdominal belts, 320.
Pregnancy, in, 320.
Womb, bearing-down of, in, 261.
Pads for prolapsus of the womb,
261.
Ablution, daily, 13, 294.
Abrasions of skin, 467.
Abortion (Miscarriage), 297, 321.
Causes of, 296, 297.
Consequences of, 297.
Effects of, 296.
Habit of indications of, 297.
Management of, 298.
Medicinal treatment of, 298-301.
Prevention of, 296, 297.
Suckling, effect of, 297.
Threatenings of, 297.
Accidents, treatment of, 467.
Acetic acid, in cancer, 329.
Acidity, 305; pregnancy during, 305.
Acid, Benzoic.
Amenorrhoea, 84.
Menses, profuse, 149; suppression
of, 84.
Acid, Fluoric.
Menses, profuse, 153.
Pregnancy, in, 313.
Varicose veins, 191, 313; vulva, of,
191.
Acid, Hydrocyanic (Prussic Acid).
Catalepsy, 56.
Cerebro-spinal fever, 431.
Epilepsy, 66.
Hooping-cough, 381.
Acid, Muriatic.
Diphtheria, 441.
Leucorrhoea, 233.
Lichen, 111.
Menses, profuse, 158.
Mouth, inflammation of, 407.
Piles, change of life, at, 183.
Skin affections, 111, 206.
Typhoid fever of children, 427.
Vagina, hypersensitiveness of, 224.
Acid, Nitric.
Acne, 114.
Anus, fissure of, 282.
Appetite, disorders of, 29.
Condylomata, 210.
Consumption, bowels, of, 404.
Eyes, inflammation of, 452.
Fissure of anus, 282.
Fistula, vaginal, 240.
Jaundice, pregnancy, of, 311.
Leucorrhoea, 233.
Menstruation, suppression of, 93;
delayed, 29.
Menstruation, profuse, 158.
Piles, change of life, at, 184.
Pruritus, 194.
Rectum, protrusion of, 414.
Scarlatina, 433.
Skin, disease of, 114.
Urine, albuminous, test for, 313.
Vagina, hypersensitiveness of, 224.
Vulva, itching of, 194; tumour of,
213, 214.
Vulva, ulceration of, 208, 209;
warts on, 210.
"White-swelling," 447.
Womb, polypi of-tumour of, 274.
492
INDEX.
Acid, Oxalic, poisoning by, 473.
Acid, Phosphoric.
ľ
Albuminous urine, 313.
Amenorrhoea, in, 84, 94.
Change of life, 178.
Diarrhoea, 309.
Eczema, 110, 202.
Fainting fits, 73, 178.
Leucorrhoea, 253.
Menstruation, delayed, 25.
94.
Rickets, 446.
Skin affections, 110, 202.
Want of appetite, 25.
Womb, wind in, 280.
Acid, Sulphuric.
suppression of, 84,
Amenorrhoea, 85.
Displacements of vagina, 221.
Leucorrhoea, 235.
Menstruation, profuse, 163.
suppression of, 85.
Skin disease, 206.
Acute diseases, homoeopathic medicine
in, ix.
Acne (a pustular disease of the face
and elsewhere), 100, 106, 113-
115.
hood).
Abortion, 298.
Action of, 367.
Application for, 115.
Causes of, 115.
Diet for, 115.
Localities of, 113.
Varieties of, 114.
Aconite (Aconitum Napellus-Monks-
Amenorrhoea, 40, 43, 54, 58, 74,
79, 80.
Blood, spitting of, 311.
Breasts, gathered, 345, 364.
inflamed, 324, 345.
Breathing, difficult, 311.
Burns, 471.
Catarrh, in, 377.
Change of life-chills, of, 185; ex-
haustion, of, 176; faintings, of,
176; flushes, of, 165; head-
symptoms, of, 166; headaches, of,
166; heats, of, 165, 185; nervous
symptoms, of, 174; piles during,
179.
Child-crowing, 388.
Chorea, 58.
Circulation, derangements of, 24.
Cough, 311.
Cow-pox, 58.
Croup, 386.
Delivery, chills after, 355.
Diarrhoea, children, in, 400.
Diphtheria, 440.
Dysmenorrhoea,
Earache, 455.
Eczema, 108, 200.
Erythema, 107.
External organs, inflammation of,
187, 188.
124.
Eyes, inflammation of, 451.
Eyelids, inflammation of, 453.
Fainting fits, 71, 176.
Fidgettiness, pregnancy, in, 316.
Flooding, 267.
Gathered breasts, 324, 345, 364.
Headache, 43, 166, 315.
change of life, at, 166.
menstruation, suppres-
sion of, with, 43.
Headache, pregnancy, in, 315.
Hysteria, 54; pregnancy, in, 319.
Inflammation, lungs, of, 383, 381.
mouth, of, 406.
ovaries, of, 283.
womb, of, 245.
Influenza, 378.
Jaundice during pregnancy, 310.
Labour, heat and restlessness during,
335.
Leucorrhoea, 227; uterine, 249.
Measles, 434.
Menstruation, delayed, 74; pain-
ful, 124; profuse, 145; sup-
pression, 79, 80.
Millar's asthma, 388.
Mumps, 438.
Nettle-rash, 111.
Neuralgia, 40.
Paralysis of children, 420.
Piles, 179.
Pregnancy, breathing difficult in,
311; cough, 311; fidgettiness,
316; flooding, 322; headache,
314; hysteria, 319; restlessness,
376; sleeplessness, 316; spitting
of blood, 311.
INDEX.
493
Aconite-continued.
Pruritus, 192.
Puberty-circulation, derangements
of, during, 24; headache, 43.
Rectum, protrusion of, 413.
Restlessness, 316.
Rheumatic fever, 448, 449, 450.
Scarlet fever, 433.
Skin disease, 107, 108, 111.
Sleeplessness, 316.
Small-pox, 435.
Sore throat, 437.
Vagina, hypersensitiveness of, 223.
inflammation of, 226.
leucorrhoea from, 227.
Vitus', St., Dance, 58.
Vulva, inflammation of, 187, 188.
itching of, 192.
"whites," discharge of, from,
227.
Womb, cold in, 323.
displacement of, 262.
inflammation of, 245.
neuralgia of, 256.
Actæa Racemosa (Cimicifuga).
Esculus Glabra (Buckeye).
Amenorrhoea, 85.
Anus, fissure of, 28.
Change of life, 180.
Epilepsy, 64.
Leucorrhoea, 227.
Menstruation, suppression of, 85.
Paralysis of children, 420.
Piles, 180; pregnancy, of, 307.
Ethusa (Garden Hemlock).
Children, vomiting of, 396.
Epilepsy, 64.
After-birth, management of, 339.
After-discharge (lochia), 343.
After-pains, excessive or prolonged,
342.
Agaric (Fungus).
Amenorrhoea, 57; chorea, 57.
Menstruation, delayed, 57; profuse,
145.
Nymphomania, 196.
Vitus', St., Dance, 57.
Agnus Castus (the Plane-tree).
Milk, delay of, after delivery,
345.
Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven).
Scarlatina, malignant, 434.
Albuminous urine, 313.
Aletris Farinosa (Star-grass).
Abortion, 229, 301.
Amenorrhoea, 83; appetite, dis-
orders of, 30.
Change of life, 176; consumption,
392.
Debility, 22.
Displacements of vagina, 22.
Exhaustion and faintness, 176.
Fainting fits, 72, 176.
Leucorrhoea, 228.
Menstruation, delayed, 30; preco-
cious, 22.
Menstruation, profuse, 145; sup-
pressed, 83.
Rickets, 446.
Womb, congestion of, 273.
Allopathy, absence of menstruation, in,
23.
Chorea, 60.
Diarrhoea, 397.
Menstruation, painful, 123.
profuse, 143, 144.
Pneumonia, 383.
Womb, inflammation of, 247.
Alnus Rubra (Tag Alder).
Skin disease, in, 203.
Aloes.
Amenorrhoea, 75.
Anus, fissure of, 282.
Change of life, 180.
Chlorosis, 39.
Leucorrhoea, 228.
Menstruation, delayed, 75.
profuse, 145.
suppressed, 85.
vicarious, 116.
Piles, 180; pregnancy, of, 307.
Alumina.
Leucorrhoea, 228.
Menstruation, profuse, 145.
t
Anus, excoriation at, 32.
Constipation, 32, 306, 402, 403.
Leucorrhoea, 228.
Menstruation, delayed, 32; painful,
124.
Menstruation, suppressed, 85.
Palpitation, 85.
Pregnancy, appetite deranged dur-
ing, 308; neuralgia, 317.
Ambragrisea.
494
INDEX.
►
Amenorrhoea (Non-appearance of the
Menses). 49, 23-117, 77.
Anemia, with, 34.
Appetite, craving, 27; deranged, 27;
disordered, 27-30; loss of, 25.
Catalepsy, with, 56.
Causes of, 79, 80, 83.
Chlorosis, with, 36.
Chorea, with, 57.
Constipation, 31.
Consumptive, in the, 87.
Cramps, with, 40, 45.
Debility, from, 34, 87.
Diarrhoea, with, 33, 34.
Digestion, derangements of, with,
24, 25, 27, 31, 33.
Epilepsy, with, 61.
Fainting, with, 79.
Headache, with, 43.
Hysteria, with, 45-56.
Neuralgia, with, 40.
Ovaries, inflammation of, from,
82.
Palpitation, with, 34, 35.
Skin affections, with, 99-115.
Toothache, with, 85.
Trembling, with, 35.
Ammonia Carbonas.
Ammonia Murias.
Change of life, 173.
Leucorrhoea, 228.
Menstruation, profuse, 146.
Anacardium (Malacca Bean).
Epilepsy, 64.
Leucorrhoea, 228.
Leucorrhoea, 228.
Menstruation, painful, 124; profuse,
146; suppressed, 85.
Ammonia Caustica.
Diphtheria, 442.
Anasarca (General Dropsy), 312.
Anemia (Bloodlessness), 54; preg-
nancy, in, 312.
Anguish (Ars.), 35.
Animation, suspended, treatment of,
475.
Anteflexion, womb, of the, 251, 260.
Antimonium Crudum.
Leucorrhoea, 228.
Menstruation, profuse, 146.
Nettle-rash, 112.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 283.
Stomach derangements of children,
396.
Vomiting of infants, 396.
Antimonium Tartaricum.
Inflammation of lungs, 385.
Leucorrhoea, 228.
Small-pox, 435.
Vulva, pustules on, 207.
Antimony, poisoning by, 473.
Anus (the extremity of the lower bowel,
or rectum).
Bearing-down, 34, 412.
Burning at (Ars., Merc.), 33.
Excoriation (Alumina), 32.
Fissure, 281.
Prolapsus of, 34, 412.
Soreness at (Merc. V.), 33.
Anxiety, 35; pregnancy during, 320.
Apathy (China), 35.
Aphonia (Loss of Voice), hysteria in,
46.
Aphthæ (Thrush), infants, of, 406;
vulva, on, 208.
Apis Mellifica (a preparation from the
honey-bee).
Diphtheria, 441.
Displacements of vagina, 220.
Dropsy, 191, 312.
Erysipelas, external organs, of, 188.
Leucorrhoea, 229.
Menstruation, painful, 125; profuse,
146; suppressed, 86.
Ovaries, dropsy of, 291; inflamma-
tion of, 284.
Quinsy, 438.
Scarlatina, 433.
Stings, insects, of, after, 472.
Vagina, inflammation of, 226.
Vulva, oedema, or dropsy of, 200;
inflammation of, 188.
Apocynum Andros. (Dogsbane).
Menstruation, profuse, 147; sup-
pressed, 78, 79, 84; thread-
worms, 411.
Apocynum Cannab. (Indian Hemp).
Dropsy, 291, 313.
at the chest, 313; ovarian,
291; scarlatina after, 433.
Flooding, 268.
Leucorrhoea, 229.
Menstruation, profuse, 147.
Appetite, capricious, in children, 370.
INDEX.
495
Appetite, craving, 27, 303.
deranged, 27.
depraved, 27, 303, 304.
loss of, 25, 302.
pregnancy, in, 303, 304.
Aralia (Spikenard).
Skin disease, in, 204.
Argentum.
Appetite, disorders of, 30.
Bowels, croaking in, 30.
Menstruation, delayed, 30.
Argentum Nitricum (Nitrate of Sil-
ver).
Appetite, disordered, 28.
Eyelids, inflammation of, 455.
Leucorrhoea, 229.
Menstruation, delayed, 28.
Arnica.
profuse, 147.
suppressed, 28.
Abortion, 299.
Bleeding at the nose, 117.
Breast, gathered, 346, 365.
Chafing of children, 108.
Cramps in pregnancy, 318.
Displacement of vagina, 220.
Epilepsy, 64.
Erythema, 107.
External organs, injury of, 187.
Fainting fits, 72.
Flooding, 268.
pregnancy, in, 322.
Hæmorrhage, 268; pregnancy dur-
ing, 322.
Hernia, 214.
Hooping-cough, 381.
Labour, in, 335, 339, 340, 343.
Leucorrhoea, 229.
Menstruation, profuse, 147; vi-
carious, 117.
Rupture, in, 214.
Spasms, pregnancy, of, 318.
St. Vitus's Dance, 38.
Vulva, abscess of, 189; inflamma-
tion of, 189; tumour of, 212;
varicose veins of, 191.
Womb, displacement of, 262.
Arsenicum Album.
Anemia, 35, 212.
Anus, fissure of, 283.
Atrophy of children, 447.
Blotches on the skin, 116.
Cancer, womb, of, 277; vagina,
237.
Cervix, womb, of-inflammation of,
252.
Change of life, 176, 180.
Chlorosis, 39.
Consumption, 391.
S
bowels, of, 404, 405,
406.
Croup, 387.
Diarrhoea, children, of, 398, 399,
401.
Diarrhoea, pregnancy, of, 309.
Dyspepsia, 26.
Eczema, 108, 201.
Epilepsy, 63.
Erysipelas, external organs, of, 189.
Fainting fits, 72, 73, 176.
delivery, after, 74.
Fissure, anus, of, 283.
Flooding, 268.
Glandular swellings, 439.
Herpes, 204.
Inflammation of lungs, 385.
Influenza, 379.
Leucorrhoea, 229.
Lichen, 111, 206.
Measles, 434.
Menstruation, delayed, 35; painful,
124.
Menstruation, profuse, 148; sup-
pressed, 84.
Menstruation, vicarious, 116.
Morning sickness, 305.
Nausea, pregnancy, in, 303.
Nettle-rash, 113.
Neuralgia, 41; pregnancy, in, 317.
Nymphomania, 196.
Ovaries, dropsy of, 291.
inflammation of, 284.
Piles, change of life, at, 180.
Rickets, 446.
Scarlatina, 443.
Skin affections, 107, 108, 111, 113,
204, 206.
Swooning, 73.
Ulcer, rodent, of vulva, 216.
Vomiting of children, 396.
Vulva, abscess of, 189.
inflammation of, 189.
œdema, or dropsy of, 200.
tumour of, 213.
496
INDEX.
Arsenicum Album-continued.
Vulva, varicose veins of, 191.
Wasting of children, 447.
Womb, inflammation of, 247.
Arsen. Iod.
Cancer, 215.
Diphtheria, 442.
Womb, cancer of, 275.
tumour of, 274.
wind in, 280.
Artemisia (Mugwort).
Epilepsy, 64.
Arteries, wounds of, 468.
Asafoetida.
Hysteria, 53.
Menstruation, delayed, 53; sup-
pressed, 86.
Asarum (Coltsfoot).
Menstruation, profuse, 148.
Miscarriage, 298.
Thread-worms, 410.
Ascarides (Thread-worms), 190, 494;
vulva, of, 211.
Ascites (Dropsy of the Abdomen),
prgnancy, in, 312.
Asclepias Incarnata (Swamp Milk-
weed).
Vulva, encysted tumour of, 213.
Asclepias Syriaca (Silk-weed).
Abortion, 299.
Headache, 43; change of life, at,
169.
Headache, menstrual, 43.
pregnancy, during, 314.
Menstruation, painful, 125.
suppressed, 86.
Atrophy, or wasting of children, 446,
447.
Aurum.
Catarrh, children, in, 378.
Fistula, vaginal, 241.
Menses, suppressed, 86.
Aurum Muriaticum (Muriate of Gold).
Chancre, 209.
Vulva, ulceration of, 209.
warts (condylomata) on, 210.
B.
Bandage, abdominal.
Delivery, after, 331, 332, 340.
Spiral elastic, 261.
Baptisia (Wild Indigo).
Atrophy, children, of, 447.
Cancer, vagina, of, 237.
Chancre, 209.
Diphtheria, 438, 440.
External organs, ulceration of, 208.
Leucorrhoea, 229.
Menstruation, suppressed, 86.
profuse, 148.
Mouth, inflammation of, 407.
Pruritus, 193.
Scarlatina, malignant, 434.
Sore throat, 438.
Vulva, erysipelas of, 189.
itching of, 193.
nlceration of, 208, 209.
Womb, inflammation of, 247.
ulceration of, 253.
Barley-water, to make, 347.
Baryta.
Consumption of the bowels, 404.
Glandular swellings, 439.
Leucorrhoea, uterine, 249.
Menstruation, painful, 126; sup-
pressed, 86.
Scarlatina, 433.
Tonsils, enlarged, 439.
Vulva, encysted tumour of, 213.
Worms, round, in, 411.
Barrenness, 121. (See Sterility.)
Baths, action of, 103, 104; heat of,
103; hot, 103; sea, 105; sitz,
103; temperature of, 103; tepid,
103; vapour, 105; warm, 103.
Baths for children, 371.
broth, of, and oatmeal gruel, of,
in wasting, 446.
Beds, objectionable, 12, 236.
Bed-rooms, 12, 13, 14.
air, impure, of, 12, 13.
cold, effects of, 14.
fires in, 14.
ventilation of, 12, 14, 294.
windows, 13.
Bed-sores, 108.
Bearing-down, pregnancy, in, 321.
rectum, of, 34, 412;
children, in, 412.
Bearing-down, womb, of, 258–262.
Beef-tea, to make, 349; oatmeal
with, 349.
INDEX.
497
Beer, aversion to, 25; children, un-
necessary for, 369.
Belladonna (Nightshade).
Abortion, 300.
Action of, 2, 367.
Breasts, gathered, 345, 365-367.
inflamed, 365.
Cancer, womb, of, 277.
Change of life, 167.
Consumption of the bowels, 404,
405.
Convulsions, 416.
Cough, pregnancy, in, 311.
Displacement of vagina, 220.
Earache, 455.
Epilepsy, 64, 69, 420.
External organs, inflammation of,
188.
Eyelids, inflammation of, 453.
Eyes, inflammation of, 451.
Feverishness of children, 423.
Headache, 43; pregnancy, in, 314.
Hooping-cough, 381.
Hydrocephalus (Water on the Brain),
419.
Inflammation, brain, 417.
lungs, 384.
ovaries, 284.
Leucorrhoea, uterine, 249.
Menstruation, delayed, 40, 43, 74.
irregular, 118.
painful, 121, 124.
pregnancy, in, 321.
profuse, 148.
suppressed, 81.
Mumps, 439.
Neuralgia, 40; pregnancy, in, 317.
Nymphomania, 196,
Paralysis of children, 419.
Quinsy, 438.
Rheumatic fever, 449.
Scarlatina, 433.
Sore throat, 437.
Toothache, 40; pregnancy, in, 317.
Vagina, hypersensitiveness of, 223.
spasms of, 222.
Vulva, abscess of, 189.
inflammation of, 188.
White-swelling, 447.
Womb, cold in, 323.
congestion of, 273.
displacement of, 262.
Womb, inflammation of, 245.
neuralgia of, 256.
ulceration of, 253.
Bellis (Common Daisy).
External organs, injuries of, 187.
Sprains, in, 471.
Vulva, adhesion of, 187.
Belly-ache of infants, 394.
Bilious headache, 44; vomiting, 33,
44.
Binder, delivery, for, 331, 339, 340.
Birth, child, of, 337.
Bites, dogs, from, 474.
snakes, from, 478.
Black-eye, 467.
Blebs, 100,
Bleeding, arrest of, 468.
character of, 468.
nose, from, 469.
Blood, losses of, 468.
menstrual fluid not, 9.
nose, from, 116.
oxygenated, effects of, 19.
poisoning, chlorosis, in, 37.
diphtheria, in, 440.
infantile remittent
fever, in, 424.
Blood, spitting of, 133, 134, 311.
vomiting of, 304.
Bloodlessness, 34.
Blotches on the skin, 116.
Boils, 100, 106.
Borax.
Acne, 114.
Aphthæ, infants, of-vulva, of, 208.
Eczema, 109, 201.
Leucorrhoea, 229.
Menstruation, painful, 125.
profuse 149.
suppressed, 87.
Nipples, preparation of, 324.
Pruritus, 193.
Skin affections, 109, 114.
Thrush, 406.
Vulva, itching of, 193.
Borborygmus (Croaking in the Bowels),
30 (Argentum, Chamomilla, He-
deoma, Lycopodium, Nux Vo-
mica).
Bottles for medicines, ix.
Bowed legs, 374.
Bowels, chills following relief of, 32, 33.
498
INDEX.
Bowels, constipation of, 31.
consumption of, 404.
croaking in, 30, 131.
distension of, 25.
faintness after relief of, 31.
inflammation of, 405.
mucous secretion, deficient
(Plumbum), 32.
Bowels, mucous secretion, abundant
(Mercurius), 33.
Bowels, relief of, after delivery, 347.
regularity in, 31, 403.
rumbling in (Iris), 34.
Bowel, protrusion of, 412.
Boys, hysteria in, 46.
physical powers of, 18.
training of, 18.
Brain, inflammation of, 417; tubercu-
lar, 419; water on the, 417.
Bread containing alum injurious, 31.
Breakfast, 11, 295; children, for,
370.
Breakfast, walking before, objection-
able, 12.
Breakfast, young girls, for, 11.
Breasts, both to be used, 344.
cancer of, 325.
gathered, 324, 345, 364.
infant, to make take, 343,
344.
Breasts, inflammation of, 324, 345,
364.
Breasts, management of, after delivery,
343.
Breasts, management of, pregnancy,
during, 324.
311.
Bromine.
Breasts, management of, suckling,
during, 357, 363, 364.
Breasts, management of, weaning at,
363.
Breasts, tumours of, 325.
Breast-pump, 324.
Breath, short, 34, 35; pregnancy, in,
Child-crowing, 388.
Croup, 442.
Croupal diphtheria, 442.
Menstruation, painful, 125; pro-
fuse, 149.
Menstruation, suppressed, 87.
Millar's asthma, 388.
Womb, wind in, 280.
Bronchitis, 382, 383.
Bronchocele,
Derbyshire-neck,
Goitre, 450.
Broth, calf's-foot, 349; chicken, 349.
mutton, to make, 348.
Bruises, 467.
Bryonia (White Bryony-Wild Hops).
Bleeding at the nose, 116.
Breasts, inflamed, 345.
Cerebro-spinal fever, 429.
Change of life, 167.
Constipation, 32, 189.
alternating with diar-
rhoea, 32.
Croup, 386.
Hip-disease, 448.
Inflammation, external organs, of,
189.
Inflammation, lungs, of, 385.
Jaundice, pregnancy, in, 310.
Measles, 434.
Menstruation, delayed, 31, 32, 74;
painful, 126.
Menstruation, profuse, 149; vicari-
ous, 116.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 284.
Pregnancy, constipation in, 189.
Rheumatic fever, 449.
Vulva, hard pustule on, 189. ·
tumour, encysted, of, 213.
White-swelling, 447.
Womb, cold in, 323.
inflammation of, 245.
neuralgia of, 256.
Bullæ, 100.
Bunions, 106.
Burns and scalds, 471.
or
C.
Cactus Grandiflora.
Change of life, at, 167, 177, 180.
Fainting fits, 73.
Menstruation, delayed, 75; rofuse,
150.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 284.
Rheumatism, heart affection in,
450.
Swooning, 73.
+
INDEX.
499
Calcarea Carbonica (Carbonate of
Lime).
Abortion, 301.
Acidity, 305.
Anemia, 35.
Bleeding at the nose, 116.
Bronchitis, 385.
Catarrh, children, of, 377.
Change of life, 181.
Child-crowing, 387, 445.
Consumption, 391; bowels, of, 404.
Displacement of vagina, 220.
Epilepsy, 66.
Eyelids, inflamed, 453.
Fistula, vaginal, 239.
Flooding, 268.
Glandular swellings, 439.
Heartburn, 305.
Herpes, 204.
Hip-disease, 445.
Menstruation, delayed, 35.
irregular, 118; pain-
ful, 126; precocious, 22.
Menstruation, pregnancy, during,
321; profuse, 149.
Menstruation, vicarious, 116.
Neuralgia, pregnancy, during, 317.
Ophthalmia, 452.
Piles, change of life, at, 181.
Skin disease, 204.
Tonsils, enlarged, 439.
Toothache, pregnancy, in, 317.
Vulva, inflammation of, 190.
itching of, 193.
parasites of, 211.
tumour, encysted, of, 213.
Worms, 210, 411.
Calendula (Marigold).
Chafing of children, 190.
External organs, injuries of, 187.
Fistula, vaginal, 241.
Labour, in, 343.
Vulva, adhesion of, 187.
displacement of, 262.
ulceration of, 255.
Camphor.
Fainting, 71; hysteria, 55.
Urine, retention of, 314.
Cancer, 215, 325-330.
age at which it appears, 325.
bleeding from, 267.
Cancer, breast, of, 325-330.
complexion in, 327.
epithelial, 236.
fungoid, 236.
hard (scirrhus), 325.
vagina, of, 236.
vulva, of, 215.
womb, of, 275, 276, 277.
Cancer, medicines for-Ars., 237, 277,
329; Ars. Iod., 215, 328; Bapt.,
237; Bell., 277, 329; Calc. Iod.,
329;
Carb. An., 277, 328;
Cham., 237; Chimaph., 278, 328;
Cistus, 278, 328; Con., 278,
328; Galium., 278, 327; Ham.,
279, 328; Hydrastis, 215, 237,
327; Iod., 278; Kreos., 278;
Nymph., 237; Phytol., 238, 278,
327;
Rumex, 328; Rannuc.,
238; Sep., 279; Sec., 278;
Thuja, 279.
Cancrum Oris (Mortification of the
Cheek), 208, 407, 408.
Cankers, 208, 406.
Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp).
Catalepsy, 56.
Menstruation, delayed, 56.
Nymphomania, 197.
Cantharides.
Burns, 471.
Displacements of vagina, 220.
External organs, inflammation of,
189.
Leucorrhoea, 230.
Menstruation, profuse, 150.
Nymphomania, 197.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 284.
Pruritus, 193.
Urine, retention of, 314.
Vagina, inflammation of, 226.
Vulva, inflammation of, 189.
- itching of, 193.
Carbo Animalis
Charcoal).
Cancer, womb, of, 277.
Fistula, vaginal, 239.
Glandular swellings, 439.
Leucorrhoea, 230.
Menstruation, profuse, 150.
suppressed, 87.
Vulva, tumour of, 214.
(prepared Animal
500
INDEX
Carbo Vegetabilis (Pure Charcoal).
Acidity, 305.
Appetite, want of, 26.
Change of life, in, 167, 177, 181.
Diarrhoea, pregnancy, of, 308.
Digestion, derangements of, 26.
Fainting fits, 72.
Fistula, vaginal, 239.
Heartburn, 305.
Leucorrhoea, 230.
Menstruation, delayed, 26; pro-
fuse, 150; suppressed, 88.
Nymphomania, 197.
Pruritus, 193.
Vulva, itching of, 193; varicose
veins of, 191.
Carbonic acid gas, injuriousness of,
12, 14; production of, 12, 14.
Carbolic acid in offensive discharge,
280, 343.
Carbuncle, 100, 106.
Carpets in bed-rooms, 12.
Carriage exercise, 23; spinal com-
plaints, in, 18.
Catalepsy, 49; treatment of, 56.
Catarrh (Cold in the Head), children,
of, 376.
Cauliflower excrescence of the womb,
275.
Caulophyllum (Blue Cohosh).
Abortion, 300.
Appetite, pregnancy, in, 303.
Change of life, 171.
Chorea, 58.
Flooding, 268.
Headache, in, 44.
Hysteria, 51.
Jaundice, pregnancy, of, 311.
Labour, in, 335.
Menstruation, delayed, 44, 51, 58,
75.
Menstruation, irregular, 118.
profuse, 151.
Nymphomania, 196.
Pruritus, 193.
Vagina, hypersensitiveness of, 224.
Vitus', St., Dance, in, 58.
Vulva, itching of, 193.
Womb, displacement of, 262.
neuralgia of, 257.
ulceration of, 253.
Causticum.
Burns, in, 472.
Chafing of children, in, 108, 190.
Change of life, at, 181.
Fistula, vaginal, 240.
Hooping-cough, 382.
Menstruation, painful, 126.
profuse, 151.
suppression, 88.
Piles, 181.
Skin affections, in, 108, 201.
Varicose veins of vulva, 191.
Caustics, use of, condemned, 252.
Cerebro-spinal, or spotted fever, 428—
431.
Cessation of menstruation, 164—186.
(See "Critical Age.")
Chafing, adults, of-children, of, 107,
108, 188, 190.
Chamomilla.
Abortion, 299.
After-pains, troublesome, in, 342.
Appetite, loss of, 25.
Atrophy of children, 447.
Cancer, vagina, of, 237.
Catarrh, 377.
Change of life, at, 170, 174, 177,
181.
Chafing of children, in, 190.
Children, for, 357, 358, 377, 391,
396.
Cold in the head, 377.
Consumption, 391; bowels, of, 404,
405.
Coryza, 377.
Cramp, in, 45.
Diarrhoea, 53; children, of, 398,
400; pregnancy, of, 309.
Earache, 455.
Eczema, in, 109, 202.
Fainting fits, 72.
Faintness, 177.
Flooding, 268.
Headache, 44.
Hip-disease, 448.
Infantile remittent fever, 426.
Jaundice, 409; pregnancy, of, 310.
Lichen, in, 206.
Menstruation, delayed, 25, 33, 40,
44.
Menstruation, painful, 126.
INDEX.
501
Chamomilla-continued.
Menstruation, profuse, 151.
suppressed, 79.
Neuralgia, 40, 317; in pregnancy,
316.
Nipples, inflamed and sore, 344.
Red- -gum, or Red-gown, in, 111,
Rheumatic fever, 449.
Rickets, 445.
Skin diseases, 109, 111, 202, 206.
Thrush, 406.
Toothache, 40, 317.
Typhoid fever of children, 426.
Ulcer, eating, in, 216.
Vomiting, children, of, 396.
Wasting of children, 447.
Womb, congestion of, 243 ;
ralgia of, 257.
Chancre (Specific Ulcer).
Vulva, of, 209.
Change of life, 164-168. (See "Cri-
tical Age.")
Fainting and exhaustion, 176.
Flushes and heats, 165, 185.
Headache, 166.
Gastric symptoms, 173.
Nervous symptoms, 174.
Piles, 179.
Chapman's Entire Flour, 347, 348,
371.
Chelidonium (Great Celandine).
Hooping-cough, 381.
Inflammation of the lungs, 384.
Menstruation, profuse, 151.
neu-
pneumonia, in, 384.
suppression of, 88.
Chelone (Snake-head).
Vulva, encysted tumour of, 213.
Chest, the, capacity, importance of, 19.
congestion of, anemia in,
35; menstruation, delayed, in, 35.
Chicken-broth, to make, 349.
Chicken-pox, 437.
Chilblains, 108, 466; broken, 466.
Child, birth of, 333-356.
before arrival of atten-
dant, 338.
Child, birth of, fainting after, 74.
flooding after, 267.
inflammation
247.
Child, feeding of, 359, 369.
after,
Child, movements of, excessive, during
pregnancy, 323.
Child, still-born, 341.
Child-bearing, frequent, injury result-
ing from, 141.
Child-bed fever, 355.
Children, accidents of, 467.
Aconite for, 367, 368.
appetite, capricious, 370.
atrophy of, 446.
bathing of, 371.
bed-gowns for, 371.
bowed legs in, 374.
brain, inflammation of, 417.
rest of, 371.
burns and scalds, 471.
catarrh of, 377.
chest affections of, 376.
chorea of, 421.
club-foot, 373.
constipation of, 402.
consumption of, 389–393.
bowels of,
the, 404.
Children, convulsions, 415.
creeping of, 375.
crowing of, 387, 445.
crying of, 393.
deformities of, 373.
diarrhoea of, 357, 368, 397
-402.
Children, diet of, 369.
digestion, diseases of, 393.
diphtheria, 438-442.
diseases of, 366-465.
dress of, 371, 372.
epilepsy in, 420.
fancies of, 370.
fears of, 422.
feverishness in, 423.
fits of, 415, 420.
general diseases of, 443.
grimaces of, 375.
habits of, 375.
homœopathy, advantages of,
for, 366, 367.
Children, rapidity of action, on, 367.
Children, hooping-cough, 379-382.
hydrocephalus, 417.
influenza, 378.
jaundice of, 100, 399, 408.
knock-kneed, 374.
¿
502
INDEX.
Children, leucorrhoea in, 190.
left-handedness, 374.
living rooms for, 369.
management of, 369.
marasmus, or wasting of,
July
446.
Children, mesenteric disease in, 404.
nervous affections of, 414.
nightly terrors of, 375.
nursemaids' influence on,
375.
Children, nurseries for, 13, 369, 372.
respiration, diseases of, 376.
rickets, 444;
Millar's
asthma, or child-crowing, con-
nected with, 445.
Children, scarlatina in, 368.
scrofula in, 444.
sleep of, 371, 372.
stammering of, 420.
stimulants for, 369.
sucking the thumb, 875.
sunshine, importance of,
for, 369.
Children, sweets, influence of, in, 370.
vomiting of, causes
treatment, 395.
and
Children, vulva, ulceration of, 208.
wasting of, 446.
water on the brain, 417.
white-swelling, 447.
"whites, the," in, 190.
Chills, change of life, at, 185.
effects of, 102.
Chimneys, bed-rooms, in, 13.
smoky, 14.
ventilation by, 13.
Chimaphila (the Pipsissewa).
Cancer of the womb, in, 278.
China (Cinchona-Peruvian Bark).
Anemia, 35, 312.
Appetite, loss of, 26.
Blood, loss of, after, 72.
Change of life, 173.
Consumption, bowels, of, 404.
lungs, of, 392.
Debility, 22.
Delivery, after, 343.
Diarrhoea, 33; children, of, 398,
399, 401.
Diarrhoea, pregnancy, of, 309.
Digestion, disordered, 26.
Dropsy, of, pregnancy, 313.
Eczema, 110, 202.
Fainting, 72; delivery, after, 74.
Flooding, 267; delivery, after, 343;
pregnancy, during, 322.
Hæmorrhage, 72, 322, 343.
Leucorrhoea, 230.
Menstruation, delayed, 26, 33, 35;
irregular, 119; painful, 127;
precocious, 22; profuse, 151;
suppressed, 35.
Nausea, pregnancy, in, 303.
Nymphomania, 197.
Skin diseases, 110, 111, 202, 206.
Chloroform, in labour, 322, 338.
Chlorosis (Green-sickness), 34-39,
106.
Chlorosis, clothing for, 38.
medicines for, 36-39.
nature of, 37.
Chorea (St. Vitus's Dance), 37, 57,
420.
Chorea, anemia, with, 57.
children, in, 421.
chlorosis, with, 57.
rheumatism, with, 60.
worms, from, 59.
Chronic diseases, medicines in, ix., 3.
Cicuta (Water-hemlock).
Appetite, disorders of, 27.
Epilepsy, 65.
Menstruation, delayed,
painful, 127; suppressed, 88.
Neuralgia, 43.
Cimicifuga (Actæa Racemosa, Mac-
rotys., Rattle-weed).
27, 43;
Abortion, 300, 301.
After-pains, 342.
Cerebro-spinal fever, 429.
Change of life, 168, 173, 174.
Chorea, 60.
Cold in the womb, 323.
Cramps of pregnancy, 318.
Epilepsy, 65.
Headache, 44; pregnancy, in, 316.
Hysteria, 50.
Labour, in, 335.
Menstruation, delayed, 41, 44, 50;
irregular, 118; painful, 127; pro-
fuse, 152; suppressed, 82, 88.
Nettle-rash, 112.
Neuralgia, 41
INDEX.
503
Cimicifuga-continued.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 284.
Rheumatic fever, 450.
Vagina, hypersensitiveness of, 224.
Vitus', St., Dance, of, 60.
Vulva, pustules on, 207.
Womb, displacement of, 262.
neuralgia of, 257.
Cina (Worm-seed).
Child-crowing, 389.
Chorea, 59.
Millar's asthma, 389.
Vitus', St., Dance, 59.
Worms, thread, 59, 190.
Circulation, derangements of, 24.
Cistus Canadensis (Rock Rose).
Cancer, womb, of, 278.
Skin disease, 204.
Class-rooms, ventilation of, 14.
Clematis.
Mumps, 439.
Skin diseases, 109, 201, 204.
Clothing, children, of, 372.
girls, of, 15, 38.
under, 15.
Clots, expulsion of, 143.
Club-foot, 373.
Cocculus.
Cerebro-spinal fever, 430.
Change of life, 176; headache at,
168.
Cramps, pregnancy, of, 318.
Faintness, 176.
Headache, 168.
Hysteria, 51.
Leucorrhoea (uterine), 249.
Menstruation, delayed, 51; painful,
127; profuse, 152.
Menstruation, suppressed, 88.
Nymphomania, 197.
Paralysis of children, 420.
Pregnancy, appetite in, 302.
Spasms, pregnancy, of, 318..
Cod-liver Oil.
Cancer, 329.
Consumption, 390.
Rickets, 446.
Wasting of children, for, 447.
Cod-liver Oil Jelly, 406, 447.
Coffea.
After-pains, 342.
Change of life, 174, 176.
Fainting fits, 72.
Menstruation, painful, 128; sup-
pressed, 79.
Nymphomania, 197.
Coffee, 25.
Colchicum (Meadow Saffron).
Menstruation, painful, 128.
Pregnancy, appetite in, 302.
Cold in the head (Catarrh), children,
of, 376.
Cold in the womb, 323.
Cold, sensitiveness to (Calcarea), 35.
Cold winds, effects of, 109.
Colic of children and infants, 394.
Collinsonia (Rock-weed).
Change of life, 181.
Conception, hysteria at, 49.
Constipation, 31; pregnancy, of,
306; children, of, 403.
Menstruation, delayed, 31; painful,
128; profuse, 152; suppressed,
88.
Piles, change of life, at, 181.
pregnancy, during, 303, 306,
307.
Varicose veins, vulva, of, 191.
Vulva, itching of, 193, 321.
Colocynth.
Change of life, 176.
Diarrhoea, pregnancy, of, 308.
Menstruation, painful, 128; pro-
fuse, 152; suppressed, 81, 89.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 284.
Worms, round, 411.
Comocladia (the Guao).
Nettle-rash, 112; skin affections, in,
109, 112, 201.
Complexion of skin, 100.
Compresses, menstruation, painful in,
140.
C
Scarlatina, 433.
Sore throat, 437.
Condylomata (warts on the external
organs), 210.
Condy's fluid in scarlatina, 434.
Confinement (see Labour), 340.
Congestion, chest, of, 116; head, of,
116.
Conium (Spotted Hemlock).
Cancer, breast, of, 328; womb, of,
278.
Cerebro-spinal fever, 431.
2 L
504
INDEX.
Conium-continued.
Change of life, 176.
Consumption, bowels, of, 405.
Epilepsy, 65.
Faintness, 176.
Glandular swellings, 439.
Hip-disease, 448.
Leucorrhoea, 230.
Menstruation, delayed, 75; painful,
128; suppressed, 89.
Nymphomania, 198.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 285.
Polypi of womb, 272.
Skin diseases, 204.
Tumours of the womb, 272.
Vagina, displacements of, 220.
Vulva, itching of, 193.
White-swelling, 447.
Womb, neuralgia of, 257; tumours
of, 272.
Constipation, 31.
aperients in, 31.
bread, baker's, caused
by, 31.
Constipation, bread, entire flour, made
of, for, 31.
Constipation, causes of, 31.
children, in, 402-404.
cold water for, 31.
compress, tepid, for,
38.
Constipation, delivery, after, 355.
diet for, 31.
habitual, 31, 32.
infants, in, 357.
pregnancy, in, 306.
treatmant of, 31.
Consumption, bowels, of, 404; diet
for, 404.
Consumption, lungs, of, 12, 13, 389;
causes, 12, 143, 389; children, in,
389; chorea, with tendency to,
57.
Consumption, lungs, of-cure of, 12,
390.
Consumption, lungs, of eradication
of, 13, 389.
Consumption, prevention of, 12.
Convulsions of children, 376.
Copaiba.
Nettle-rash, 112.
Corallia (Carbonate of Lime, as de-
posited by the coral zoophyte).
Hooping-cough, 380.
Corns, 106.
Cornus Circinnatus (Round-leaved
Dog-wood).
Vulva, itching of, 193; womb, ul-
ceration of, 253.
Cornus Florida (Dog-wood).
Vulva, ulceration of, in children,
208.
Coryza (Catarrh, Cold in the Head),
children, in, 376.
Cough, pregnancy, during, 311, 314.
Cow-pox, 437.
Cramps, 34, 45; pregnancy, in, 318;
vagina, of, 222.
Cream, consumption, in, 390.
Critical age, "change of life," 164.
Affections of, 164; time of, 164.
Chills, 185.
Faintings, 176.
Headache, 165; heats, 165.
Leucorrhoea, 185; nervous symp-
toms.
Piles, 179; rules for, 185.
Crocus (Meadow Saffron).
Change of life, headache at, 168.
Flooding, 269.
Menstruation, profuse, 152.
Crotonis Oleum.
Skin disease, in, 109.
Croup, 386.
Croupal diphtheria, 442.
Crying, children and infants, of, 358,
393, 394.
Cuprum Aceticum (Acetate of Copper).
Menstruation, painful, 129; sup-
pressed, 81, 89.
Stammering, 421.
Vitus', St., Dance, of, 57, 420.
Curtains to beds, 12.
Custard puddings, to make, 347.
Cutaneous (skin) affections, 98-115;
children, of, 359.
Cuts and wounds, bleeding from,
treatment of, 468.
Cypripedium (Yellow Ladies' Slipper).
Change of life, 174.
Fidgettiness, 316.
Hysteria, 50.
Menstruation, delayed, 41, 50.
INDEX.
505
Cypripedium-continued.
Menstruation, painful, 129.
suppressed, 89.
Neuralgia, 41.
Nymphomania, 197.
Pregnancy, fidgettiness, restlessness,
and sleeplessness in, 316.
Tumour, vascular, of, urethra, 211.
Vagina, hypersensitiveness of, 224.
Womb, neuralgia of, 257.
Cystocele (displacement of anterior
part of vagina), 217.
D.
Deafness, 458; throat, 439.
Deaf-dumbness, 458.
Death, apparent, of, new-born child,
341.
Death, drowning, from, 475.
homoeopathic treatment, under,
27; Digitalis in, 27; efforts at
menstruation, with, 74; epilepsy,
with, 60-70; fainting, with, 35,
70-74; fancies attending, 25;
Ferrum in, 35; food, various
kinds, desire for, 25; forcing
measures inadmissible in, 23, 24;
Graphites in, 27; headache, with,
43; Helonias in, 27, 35; Hepar,
27; Hydrastis, 30; hysteria in,
45-56; hydropathy in, 76;
Ignatia in, 25; Iris in, 26; Ly-
copodium in, 28; Mercurius in,
28; Moschus in, 28; Natrum
Muriaticum in, 28; neuralgia,
with, 40; Nux Vomica in, 26,
36; pain before and after food,
with, 25; physical defects, from,
23; Plumbum in, 29; Pulsatilla
in, 25, 39, 75; Senecio in, 76;
Sepia in, 29, 39; Silicea in, 29;
Sulphur in, 30; Veratrum Album
in, 29; Veratrum Viride in, 24;
Vitus', St., Dance, with, 57; Xan-
thoxyllum in, 30.
Delivery (Child-birth), see Labour, 333
-341.
Delivery, diet after, 346.
Fainting after, 74.
Putting straight after, 340.
Rest after, requisite, 142, 341.
Depression, 35.
Derangements of circulation, medi-
cines for, 24.
Derbyshire-neck (Goitre), 450.
Diarrhoea, 33; in children, 397.
back pains, in, with, Nux
V., 33; Puls., 34.
Diarrhoea, bilious, Cham., Merc. V.,
33; Iris, Podoph., 34.
Diarrhoea, blood, streaked with, Merc.,
33.
368.
Debility, 22, 34.
menstruation, delayed, from,
34; precocious, from, 22.
Deformities of children, 373.
Delayed menstruation, 23-76.—Acid,
Nitric, in, 24; Acid, Phosphoric,
25; Aconite, 24, 74; Aletris, 30;
Aloes, 39, 75; anemia, with, 34;
appetite, disorders of, with, 27;
appetite, want of, with, 25;
causes of, 24; Argentum in, 30;
Argentum Nitricum in, 28; Ar-
senicum in, 26, 35, 39; baths,
hot, mustard, in, 76; Belladonna
in, 43, 74; Bryonia, 74; Cactus
in. 75; Calcarea in, 35; Carbo
Vegetabilis in, 26; catalepsy, with,
56; Caulophyllum in, 75; causes
of, 23; Chamomilla in, 25, 44;
China in, 26, 35; chlorosis, with,
35, 36; chorea, with, 57; Cicuta
in, 27; Cimicifuga, 45, 75; cir-
culation, derangements of, with,
24; Conium in, 75; constipation,
with, 31; constitutional delicacy,
from, 23; cramps, with, 45;
cravings, with, 25, 27; diarrhoea,
with, 25; (Pulsatilla), 33; diges-
tion, derangements of, with, 24,
Diarrhoea, children, of, 397.
causes, epidemic, fatality,
treatment of, 397, 400.
Diarrhoea, chills with, Merc. V., 33.
chronic, Sulph., 34.
coldness with, Ars., Verat.
Alb., 34.
Diarrhoea, copious, 34.
cramps, with, Cup., Verat.
Alb., 34.
2 L 2
506
INDEX.
Diarrhoea, delayed menstruation, with,
33.
Diarrhoea, dinner, after, Nux Vom.,
33.
Diarrhoea, diet for, 34.
eggs, stirred, like, Merc. V.,
33.
Diarrhoea, face, pale, with, 83; sunken,
33.
Diarrhoea, fermenting, as though,
Rheum, 33.
Diarrhoea, frequent, Nux Vom.,
Verat. All., 33.
Diarrhoea, meals, after, China, Nux
Vom., 33.
Diarrhoea, morning, Podoph., 34;
Nux Vom., 33.
Diarrhoea, mucus, with, Merc. V.,
Nux Vom., 34; Puls., 34.
Diarrhoea, night, at, Ars., 33; Puls.,
34.
Diarrhoea, pains, tearing, with, Ars.,
Cham., Verat. Alb., 33.
Diarrhoea, perspiration, cold, with,
Ars., Verat. Alb., 33.
Diarrhoea, perspiration, forehead, on,
with, Verat. Alb., 33.
Diarrhoea, pea-soup, like, Podoph., 34.
pregnancy, in, 308.
prostration,
Verat. Alb., 33.
Diarrhoea, putrid-smelling, Podoph.,
with, Ars.,
34.
Diarrhoea, scanty, Nux Vom., 33.
straining, with, 33.
vomiting, with, Ars., 33.
watery, Ars., 33; Puls., 34.
Diet, children, for, 369.
chlorosis, 38.
consumption, in, 389, 390.
convalescence, for, 346.
epilepsy, in, 69.
lying-in chamber, for, 347.
married life, for, 295.
pregnancy, for, 301.
young girls, for, 11.
Digestion, derangements of, 24, 25,
29; causes of, 24.
Digestion, derangements of, children,
in, 393-414.
Digestion, derangements of, pregnancy,
in, 303, 304.
Digitalis (Fox-glove), action of, 2.
Appetite, disorders of, 27.
Change of life, faintness at, 177.
Fainting fits, 73.
Heart-disease, 73.
Menstruation, delayed, 27; painful,
129; suppressed, 90.
Nymphomania, 198.
Scarlatina, 433.
Dilutions, high, viii.; low, ix.
medicines, of, viii., ix.
Dinner, 295; children, for, 370.
Dioscorea (Wild Yam-root).
Piles, change of life, at, 182.
Diphtheria, 438-442.
Dislocations, 469.
Doctor, choice of, for the confinement,
331.
Dog-bites, treatment of, 474.
Dose, question of, viii., ix.
Doses, medicines, of, viii., ix.
Draught, ill-effects of, 13, 102.
Dress, children, of, 369, 372.
girls, of, 15, 76.
married ladies, for, 295.
pregnancy, during, 301.
Dropsy, abdominal, 312, 313.
chest, of, 313.
general, 312, 313.
ovarian, 285, 288-292.
pregnancy, of, 313.
vulva, of, 200.
womb, of, 279.
Drosera (Sundew).
Blood, spitting of, in pregnancy,
311.
Consumption of the lungs, 393.
Hooping-cough, 381.
Drowning, death from, treatment of,
475.
Drugs, crude, action of, 2.
Dulcamara (Woody Nightshade).
Cold in the head, 377.
Hooping-cough, 381.
Leucorrhoea, 230.
Menstruation, painful, 129; sup-
pressed, 81.
Nettle-rash, 113.
-
Skin affections, 109, 111, 201, 204,
206, 207.
Vulva, pustules on, 207.
Dumbness, 450.
INDEX.
507
Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstrua-
tion), 119-140.
E.
Ears, affections of, 454.
Deafness, 457.
Discharges from, 456, 457.
Substances in, 454.
Wax, alterations in, 457.
Earache, 455, 456.
Eating between meals, 295.
Eau-de-Cologne in fainting, 71.
Erythema, 106.
Eczema, 105, 108, 109, 110, 200,
462.
Education, children, of, 371.
Girls, of, 10, 11.
Physical, 371.
Egg-flip, 348.
Elaps, consumption of bowels, in, 405.
Elephantiasis, 106.
Epidermis (the outer skin), 99.
Epilepsy, 60-69, 420.
Aura, of, 61.
Brain, altered, in, 63.
Causes of, 61.
Children, in, 420.
Fits of, 62.
Nature of, 61.
Results of, 62.
Treatment of, 63, 420.
Erigeron (Fleabane).
Flooding, 269.
Leucorrhoea, 230.
Menstruation, profuse, 153.
Erysipelas, children, of, 460.
Erythema, 105-108; children, of,
459.
Eupatorium (Crosswort).
Albuminous urine, 313.
Dropsy, ovarian, 291.
Pregnancy, longings of, 303.
Euphrasia (Eyebright).
Eyes, inflammation of, 452.
Eyelids, inflammation of, 453.
External organs of generation.
Abscess of, 189.
Affections of, 187-216.
Aphthæ, 200.
Ascarides, 211.
Cancer of, 215.
Chancre on, 209.
Condylomata on, 210.
Dropsy of, 200.
Erysipelas, 188.
Inflammation, 187.
Injuries of, 187.
Neuralgia of, 211.
Nymphomania of, 196—199.
Edema of, 201.
Pruritus, or troublesome itching of,
192.
Pustules on, 207.
Skin diseases of, 200.
Tumours of, 212-214.
Ulcerations of, 208, 209.
Varicose veins of, 190.
Warts on, 210.
Worms (thread) on, 211.
Exercise, daily out-door, for children,
372.
Married ladies, for, 294.
Eyes, disease of, 451.
Inflammation of, 451.
Infants, in, 358.
Eyelids, inflammation of, 358, 453.
Dropping of, 454.
F.
Face, anemia in, 35.
Greenish, Ars., 35.
Pinched, Ars., 35.
Pregnancy, pinched, in, 296.
Sunken, Nux Vom., 35.
Swelling of, Ars., 35.
Fainting, 70, 74, 176.
Blood, loss of, from, 71.
Causes, 70, 71.
"Change of life," at, 176.
Delivery, after, 74.
Description of, 70, 74.
Fits, management of, 71.
Falling of the womb, 258-262, 264.
Fallopian tubes, 7.
False pains, 333.
Families, indebtedness of, to Homœo-
pathy, 367.
Female diseases, prevalence, 5.
Importance of treating, 2.
Fevers of children, 422-443.
508
INDEX.
Feverishness of children, 423.
Feeding, infants, of, 361, 362.
Feet and legs, swelling of, Ars. Puls.,39.
Ferrum.
Anemia, in, 34, 312.
Chlorosis, change of life, 182.
Flooding, 269.
Hooping-cough, 382.
Leucorrhoea, 230.
Menstruation, irregular, suppressed,
35, 90.
Menstruation, painful, 130.
profuse, 153.
Piles, change of life, at, 182.
Varicose veins, vulva, of, 191.
Fidgets, the, in pregnancy, 316.
Fig-warts, vulva, the, on, 210.
Filix Mas (Male Fern).
Chorea, 59.
Vitus', St., Dance, 59.
Worms, intestinal, 59.
Fire-places, open, disadvantages of,
13, 14.
Flesh, gain of, pregnancy, in, 311.
Flooding, 267, 272, 321, 322.
Delivery, after, 74, 271, 322, 343.
Polypi from, 265, 266.
Pregnancy, during, 267, 268, 322.
Fluoric Acid.
Piles, long-standing of, in, 191.
Flushes, change of life," at, 165.
Follicles, hair-sweat, 100.
Fomentation, painful menstruation, in,
139.
66
Fomentation, pads, to make, 130; use
of, 140, 247.
Food, infants', 362.
Fractures, to distinguish and treat,
468, 469, 470.
Freckles, 100.
Fright, effects of, Acon., Opium, 79.
Fruit-cream, 351.
G.
Galium (Cleavers).
Cancer in womb, of, 215, 278.
vagina, of, 237.
Galvanism, chloroform after, 474.
Hysteria, in, 54.
Gathered breasts, 345, 346.
Gathered fingers, 467.
Gelseminum (Yellow Jessamine, or
Woodbine).
Abortion, 299.
Brain, inflammation of, 418.
Catalepsy, in, 56.
Catarrh, children, 377.
Change of life, 168, 173.
Child-crowing, 388, 445.
Chills, labour, in, 335.
Diarrhoea, 309; pregnancy, of, 309.
Diphtheria, 442.
Earache, 455.
Fidgettiness in pregnancy, 316.
Headache, in, 43; pregnancy, in,
315.
Hysteria, 50; pregnancy, of, 319.
Influenza, 378.
Infantile remittent fever, 427.
Labour, in, 334, 335..
Leucorrhoea, 231.
Menstrual headache, 43.
Menstruation, delayed, 41, 43, 50;
painful, 130; profuse, 153; sup-
pressed, 78, 79, 81, 91.
Neuralgia, 41, 317.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 285.
Pregnancy, hysteria in, 319; neu-
ralgia in, 317.
Pregnancy, appetite in, 303; rest-
lessness and sleeplessness in, 316;
neuralgia of, 317.
Rheumatic fever, 449.
Rickets, 445.
Toothache, 317.
Typhoid fever of children, 427.
General or constitutional diseases of
children, 443–450.
Generative organs of children, affec-
tions of, 458.
Girls.
C
Beds for, 12.
Bed-rooms of, 12, 13.
Class-rooms, 14.
Clothing of, 15.
Consolidation of, 18.
Dress of, 15.
Games for, 15.
Gymnastics for, 15, 18.
Muscles of, 18.
Parties, effects on, 21.
Physical powers of, 18.
Physical training of, 15, 8.
INDEX.
509
Girls-continued.
Play for, 15.
Posture of, 18, 19.
Puberty, at, 4, 5.
Sleep, quantity of, 12.
Stays, effects of, 19.
Study, regulation of, 10, 11.
Walking-exercise for, 15.
Waywardness of, 11.
Glandular enlargements, chronic, 439.
Globus hystericus," 46.
Glonoine.
Change of life, in, 169.
Headache, pregnancy, in, 315.
Menstruation, delayed, in, 41.
Neuralgia, in, 41.
Glycerine.
Bed-sores, 108.
Chafing in children, 108.
Chilblains, 108.
Consumption, 390.
Erythema, 108.
Glycerine and milk, 446, 447.
Rickets, in, 446.
Wasting, in, 447.
Glycerole.
Calendula, 320.
Gelseminum, of, 334.
Hamamelis, of, 321.
Hydrastis, of, 108.
Goitre (Derbyshire-neck), 450.
Goose-fleshed, 101.
Graphites (Plumbago).
Acne, in, 114.
Appetite, disorder of, 27.
Eczema, in, 110, 202.
Herpes, 205.
Leucorrhoea, in, 231.
Menstruation, delayed, 27.
Nipples, sore, 344.
Ovaries, inflammation
painful, 130; suppressed, 90.
Piles, 182.
Change of life, at; polypi of womb,
272.
of, 285;
Pregnancy, appetite in, 303.
Pustules on vulva, 207.
Skin diseases, in, 110, 202, 205,
207.
Varicose veins of vulva, in, 191.
Womb, displacements of, 263;
polypi of, 272; tumours of, 272.
Gravel, children, in, 459.
Gruel, oatmeal, advantage of, 347.
Make, how to, 346.
Skin diseases, in, 114.
Green-sickness (Chlorosis), 36.
Grief, effects of, 78.
Growing, fast, medicine for, 22.
Growing-pains, children, nature of,
448.
Grubs of the face, 106.
Gulping bitter fluid up, of, 25.
Gymnastics, 16, 20.
Young girls, for, 15, 20.
H.
Habits of children, 375.
Hair, falling-off of, Calc. C., Acid,
Phos.-follicles of, 100.
Hanging, death from, 475.
Hamamelis (Witch-hazel).
Blood-spitting in pregnancy, 311.
Bleeding at nose, the, in, 116.
Cancer-bleeding, 279.
Change of life, 182.
Flooding, 269.
Menstruation, delayed, in, 116;
painful, 130; pregnancy, in, 321;
profuse, 153; vicarious, 116.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 285.
Pruritus, 194, 320.
Varicose veins, in, 191.
Piles, 182, 307.
Vulva, itching of,
of, 194, 320;
tumour of, 214.
Vulva, varicose veins of, 191.
Head, congestion of blood to, 35.
Heart-affection in rheumatism, 448.
Heart-sounds in chlorosis, 37.
Hæmorrhage, 267, 321; polypi from,
194,
265, 266; pregnancy, during,
321, 322.
Hæmorrhoids, change of life, at, 179.
Herpes, 108, 203, 461.
Hedeoma (American Pennyroyal).
Hysteria, 51.
Leucorrhoea, 231.
Menstruation, painful, 130; pro-
fuse, 154; suppressed, 91.
Womb, inflammation of, 246.
Headache, 35, 43.
510
INDEX.
Headache-continued.
Change of life," at, 165.
Pregnancy, during, 314.
Heartburn, pregnancy, in, 305.
Heats, "change of life," at, 165.
Hellebore.
Brain, inflammation of, 418.
Epilepsy, 67.
66
Hepar Sulphuris (Liver of Sulphur).
Acne, 115.
Abscess, in, 189.
Change of life, 182.
Child-crowing, 388.
Breasts, gathered, 346, 365.
Menstruation, delayed, 27; profuse,
154.
Appetite, disorders of, 27.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 285.
Bronchitis, 385.
Eyes, inflammation of, 452.
Eyelids, inflammation of, 453.
Piles, 182.
Quinsy, 438.
Skin diseases, 115.
Styes, 453.
Vulva, abscess of, 189.
tumour, encysted, of, 213.
Helonias (Starwort).
Abortion, 300, 301.
Anemia, 35; pregnancy, of, 312.
Chlorosis, 35.
Consumption, 392.
Digestion, derangements of, 27.
Leucorrhoea, 231.
Menstruation, delayed, 27, 35;
irregular, 119; painful, 131;
precocious, 22; profuse, 154;
suppressed, 35.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 285.
Womb, congestion of, 243; dis-
placement of, 263; neuralgia of,
258; ulceration of, 253.
Hernia (Rupture), infants, of, 358.
"Vulva," of, 214 (Arnica, Nux
Vomica).
Hordeolum (Stye on the Eyelid), 453.
Hiccough (Nux Vom.), 26.
High dilutions, ix.
Hip-disease, 16, 447, 448.
Hooping-cough, 379–382.
Houses, heating of, 13.
Ventilation of, 13.
Housemaid's knee, 447.
Humpback, 16.
Hydrastis (Golden Seal).
Acidity, 305.
Anus, fissure of, 283.
Appetite, disorders of, 30.
Aphthæ, infants, in, 407.
Breast, gathered, 346, 365; vulva,
of, 208.
Cancer, in, 215, 237, 278.
Diphtheria, 441.
Chafing of children, in, 108, 190.
Chancre, 209.
Change of life, 182; constipation
in, 31, 306.
Dropsy, ovarian, 291.
Eyes, inflammation of, 453.
Eczema, 110.
External organs, inflammation of,
189.
Fistula, vaginal, 241.
Influenza, 379.
Leucorrhoea, in, 231.
Heartburn, 305.
Jaundice, pregnancy, of, 310.
Menstruation, delayed, 30. 31.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 286.
Mouth, inflammation of, 407.
Piles, 182.
Pruritus, 194.
Skin affections, 108.
Vulva, erysipelas of, 189; inflam-
mation of, 189; itching of, 194.
Small-pox, 435; ulceration of, 209.
Womb, ulceration of, 253.
Hydrometra (Dropsy of the Womb),
279.
Hypochondriasis, 48.
Hypersensitiveness of vagina, 223.
Hydrothorax (Dropsy at the Chest),
313.
Hydrocephalus (Water on the Brain),
417, 419.
Hydrophobia, 474.
Hydropathy.
Amenorrhea, in, 23.
Chorea, in, 60.
Delayed menstruation, in, 31, 76.
Epilepsy, in, 69.
Diphtheria, in, 443.
Hysteria, in, 54.
Leucorrhoea, in, 235.
INDEX.
511
Hydropathy-continued.
Menstruation, early, too, in, 22;
irregular, 76; painful, in, 139;
precocious, 23; profuse, 164.
Nymphomania, for, 200.
Scarlatina, in, 434.
Hymen, imperforate, 23, 217.
Hyoscyamus (Henbane).
Brain, inflammation of, 417.
Change of life, 177.
Epilepsy, 66.
Faintness, 177.
Hysteria, 54; pregnancy, of, 319.
Menstruation, delayed, 41, 42, 54;
painful, 131; profuse, 154; sup-
pressed, in, 79.
Neuralgia, 42.
Nymphomania, 198.
Pregnancy, hysteria in, 319.
Hypericum (St. John's Wort).
Accidents, in, 471.
Leucorrhoea, 231.
Menstruation, painful, 131; pro-
fuse, 155.
Nerves, injuries to, 471.
Hysteria, 45-56.
!
66
Catalepsy, relation to,49; boys, in, 46.
Causes of, 55.
Change of life," at, 174.
Chorea, with, 38.
Epilepsy, relation to, 48.
Fit of, 45, 49, 55; causes of, 47.
"Globus hystericus," 46.
·
Mild cases, 46.
Nature of, 45, 46.
Ovarian disease, with, 49, 283;
joints, in, 48.
Pains, nature of, 46, 47.
Patients in, duties of, 55.
Paralysis, in, 46.
Pregnancy, in, 49, 318, 319.
Treatment of, 49, 54, 55.
Vitus', St., Dance, of, with, 38.
Womb affection, simulating, 48.
Hysteralgia (neuralgia, or irritable
womb), 255.
I.
Ice-bag in epilepsy, 62.
Ices, derangements of digestion caused
by, 26.
Icterus (Jaundice), 408.
Ignatia (St. Ignatius' Bean).
Anus, fissure of, 282.
Abortion, 298.
Appetite, want of, 25.
Change of life, in, 169, 173, 174,
177, 183.
Chorea, 58.
Constipation, 306; pregnancy, in,
306.
Derangements of digestion, in, 25.
Epilepsy, 67.
Fainting fits, 73, 177.
Faintness, 177.
Grief, effects of, 78.
Headache, 43; pregnancy, in, 315.
Hæmorrhoids, in, 183.
Hysteria, 50; pregnancy, in, 315.
Leucorrhoea, 231.
Menstruation, delayed, 25, 50, 58.
painful, in, 131.
profuse, 155.
suppressed, 78, 80.
Miscarriage, in, 298.
Ovaries, inflammation, 286.
Piles, in, 183.
Polypi of womb, 273.
Rectum, protrusion of, 414.
Vagina, spasms of, 222.
Vitus', St., Dance, in, 58.
Worms, thread, 41.
Womb, congestion of, 243; polypi
of, 273; tumours of, 273.
Ill-health, causes of, 20.
Impetigo, 105.
Indigestion, 24, 25, 27, 173.
Change of life, at, 173; pregnancy,
in, 302-306.
Infants, medicines for, 356, 357, 358.
Indifference, feelings of (China), 35.
Infant, birth of, 377, 338, 339, 341;
before the doctor's arrival, of, 338.
Breast, putting to, 343.
swelling of, 356.
Breathing, first, 338.
Bruised in birth, 356.
Constipation, 357.
Colic, 357.
Cord, navel, round neck of, 339.
management of, 541.
Cry, first, of, 341.
Crying of, 358.
512
INDEX.
Infant-continued.
Dark appearance of, at birth, 341.
Diarrhoea of, 357.
Eruptions of skin on, 35.
Eyes, inflammation of, 358.
Feeding of, 361.
Feverishness of, 357.
First food of, 342, 361, 362, 363.
First reception of, at birth, 339.
Fresh air, importance of, for, 372.
Hand-feeding, 361, 362.
Healthy, 341.
Hernia (rupture of), 358.
Jaundice of, 100, 408.
Mother's marks on, 357.
Navel-cord, separation of, 357, 358.
Starting of, 358.
Ophthalmia of, 358.
Red-gown of, 357.
Restlessness of, 357.
Ruptured, 358.
Snuffles of, 377.
Still-born, 341.
Suckling of, 357, 359.
Treatment of, at birth, 338, 341.
Urine, retention of, 356.
Washing of newly-born, the, 341.
Water does not pass, 356.
Weaning of, 363.
Vomiting of, 357.
Wet-nurse for, 360, 361.
Wind, suffering from, 357.
Infantile remittent fever, 423—428.
Instruments, delivery, in, 238, 259;
deformities for, 374.
Spinal, 20.
Inflammation.
Bowels, of, 405.
Brain, of, 417.
Bronchi, of, 382.
Tubercular, 419.
Eyes, of, 451.
Newly-born children, in, 358.
Purulent, 358.
Lungs, of, 368, 382.
Treatment of, 383, 384.
Ovaries, of, 82, 283.
Uterus, of, 244–250.
neck of, 250.
Vagina, of, 225; acute, 225, 226;
chronic, 225, 226, 227-255;
simple, 225; specific, 225.
•«?i^ykšŸ»peres. It on though ANTONIOONAN 29 a dost noni, montaj
Vulva, of, 187.
Womb, of, 244–250.
Influenza, 378.
Injection, vaginal, proper administra-
tion of, 255.
Iodine.
{
Anemia, 34.
Cancer, womb, of, 278.
Consumption, 392.
Goitre, 450.
Leucorrhoea, 231.
Menstruation, delayed, 34; profuse,
155; suppressed, 34, 91, 155.
Polypi of womb, 273.
Tumours of womb, 273.
Whites, discharge of, 231.
Womb, inflammation of, 246.
Ipecacuanha.
Abortion, 300.
Blood, loss of, 183.
Breathing, difficult, in pregnancy,
411.
Bronchitis, 384.
Catarrh, in, 377.
Cold in the head, in, 377.
Change of life, 183.
Delivery, after, 343.
Dysentery, 399.
Cough during pregnancy, 311.
Diarrhoea, 33; vomiting, with, 400;
children in, 400.
Flooding, 267, 270, 322; pregnancy,
in, 322.
Hæmorrhage, in, 322; pregnancy,
duriug, 322.
Hooping-cough, in, 381.
Labour, in, 335; sickness, in-
lochia too abundant, 343.
Measles, 434.
Menstruation, delayed, 33; painful,
132; profuse, 155; piles, in, 183.
Miscarriage, in, 300.
Morning sickness, 304, 305.
Spitting of blood in pregnancy, 311.
Vomiting, 33, 304, 305, 396, 400.
children, in, 396.
Nausea, of, pregnancy, 304, 305.
Iris (Blue Flag).
Appetite, want of, 26.
Change of life, 169, 173.
Diarrhoea, 34, 69, 397; bilious, 397,
400; children, of, 398, 399, 400.
I

INDEX.
513
Iris-continued.
Digestion, derangements of, 26, 173.
Genital organs, skin affections of,
201, 207.
Headache, 169.
Eczema, in, 109, 201.
Menstruation, delayed, 26; sup-
pressed, 34.
Pustules on vulva, 207.
Ovaries, inflammation, 286.
Rickets, 446.
Skin diseases, in, 109.
Genital organs, of, 201, 207.
Vomiting, children, of, 397.
Vulva, eczema of, 201; lichen of,
207.
Worms, intestinal, 59.
Irritability, 25; nervous, 35.
Irritable womb, 255, 256, 257, 258.
Irregular menstruation, 76, 117, 118,
119.
Itch, the (Scabies), 106, 466; bakers',
cooks', grocers', grooms', washer-
women, of, 111.
Itching, vulva, of, intolerable, 192;
pregnancy, in, 320.
J.
Jaundice, children, of, 399 (Cham.,
Merc. V.)
Jaundice, infants, of, 100, 408; preg-
nancy, of, 309.
Jaundice, infants, of-false, 100, 408.
true, 409.
Jelly, mutton, 350.
Joints, affections of, hysterical, 48.
pains in, hysterical, 48.
Joy, effects of, 79; suppression of
menstruation from, 79.
Juglans (Butter-nut), eczema, in, 109,
202.
Herpes, 205.
Skin affections, in, 109, 202, 205.
K.
Kali Bichrom. (Bichromate of Potass).
Catarrh, children, of, 377.
Cold in the head, of, 377.
Scarlatina, 433.
Hooping-cough, 382.
Child-crowing, 388.
Diphtheria, 442.
Kali Carbonas (Carbonate of Potass).
Amenorrhoea, 91.
Leucorrhoea, 232.
Menstruation, profuse, 156.
suppression of, 91.
Pruritus, 194.
Vulva, itching of, 194.
Kali Hydriodicum.
Leucorrhoea, in, 232.
Polypi of womb-tumour, of, 273.
Scarlatina, 433.
White-swelling, 447.
Kali Nitricum.
Leucorrhoea, 232.
Kidneys, affection of, 312; pregnancy,
in, 312.
Knees, weakness of, 35 (Calcarea).
Knock-knee, 374.
Kousso (Tape-worm), 59.
Kreosote.
Cancer, womb, of, 278.
Leucorrhoea, uterine, 250.
Menstruation, painful, 132.
profuse, 156.
Pregnancy, morning sickness, 305.
Pruritus, 194.
Vulva, itching of, 194.
Womb, inflammation of, 247.
wind in, 280.
L.
Labour, 531, 333, 337, 339, 340.
Aconite in, 334, 335.
Abdominal belt after, 355,
After-management of, 342.
After-pains, 342.
Arnica in, 339, 340, 341.
Caulophyllum in, 334.
Bowels, regulation of, 355.
Chills after, 355.
• Cimicifuga in, 334.
Convulsions after, 355.
Diet after, 346.
Duration of, 333.
Exercise after, 354.
514
INDEX.
Labour-continued.
False pains, 322.
First stage of, 334, 335.
Flooding, 267, 322, 343.
Feverishness after, 355.
Forcing-pains, 336.
Gelseminum in, 334, 335.
Indigestion after, 355.
Ipecacuanha in, 335.
Lobelia in, 335.
Management of, 333, 356.
Natural, 332, 333, 337.
Preparations for, 331.
Preparatory pains of, 334.
Pulsatilla in, 334.
Real pains of, 333.
Rest after, 352.
Safety of, 332.
'Show, the," during, 334.
Sleep after, 340.
Tedious, 337.
(C
Termination of, 337.
Treatment after, 352.
Tremblings in, 334.
"Waters," gush of, 337.
Ladies' Calendar, 478-489.
Ledum (Wild Rosemary).
Menstruation, profuse, 157.
Lavender-water in fainting, 71.
Lachesis.
Amenorrhoea, 92.
Change of life, 166, 178.
Displacement of vagina, 220.
Epilepsy, 67.
Fistula, vaginal, 241.
Flooding, 270.
Leucorrhoea, 232.
Menstruation, painful, 132; profuse,
156; suppressed, 92.
Nymphomania, 198.
Ovaries, inflammation, 286.
Womb, displacement of, 263.
inflammation of, 246.
Laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel).
Menstruation, profuse, 157.
Left-handedness, 374.
Legs, cramps in, 34.
weakness of, 34, 378.
Lepra, 106.
Leptandria (Tall Speedwell).
Change of life, 183.
Jaundice, pregnancy, of, 310.
Leucorrhoea, 232.
Piles, 183.
Longings, chlorosis in, of pregnancy,
302, 303.
Leucocythemia (white-cell blood), 36.
case of, 36.
Leucorrhoea (whites, discharge of-
fluor albus), 77, 121, 132, 134,
143, 190.
Change of life, at, 185.
Children, of, 190.
Menses, between the, 77.
Menstruation, painful, with, 121;
profuse, 143.
Uterine, 121, 248-250.
Vaginal, 226, 227-236.
Womb, from, 121, 248-250.
Yellowish, 35.
Lice, infesting external organs, 212.
Lichen (aggravated Eczema), 105, 111,
206.
Bakers', cooks', grocers', grooms',
washerwomen, of, 111.
Debility from, 111.
Varieties-simple, agrius, red-gown,
111.
Lips, herpes on, 203.
Lobelia (Indian Tobacco).
Change of life, 183.
Labour, in, 335.
Piles, 183.
Lochia (the discharge after delivery),
141, 343.
Abundant, too, 141, 343 (China,
Ipec.)
Offensive, 343 (Ars., Bapt.)
Lungs, consumption of, 12, 13, 389;
diseases of, 376-393.
Free play of, 19.
Inflammation of, 368, 382.
Lycopodium (Club Moss).
Amenorrhoea, 92.
Acidity, 305.
Appetite, disorders of, 28.
Change of life, 183.
Chorea, 59.
Fistula, vaginal, 240.
Gravel, 459.
Heartburn, 305.
Herpes, 205.
Inflammation of lungs, 384.
Leucorrhoea, 232.
INDEX.
515
Lycopodium-continued.
Menstruation, delayed, 28; painful,
132; profuse, 157; suppressed, 92.
Nettle-rash, 113.
Piles, 183.
Skin disease, 205.
Varicose veins of vulva, 191.
Vitus', St., Dance, of, 59.
Womb, polypi of-tumours of, 273 ;
wind, in, 280.
Worms, intestinal, 59.
Lying-in room, diet for, 346.
Management of, 332—340, 346.
Temperature of room, 353.
M.
Mad dogs, bites from, 474.
Magnesia Carb.
Amenorrhoea, 92.
Menstruation, painful, 133; profuse,
157; suppression, 92.
Magnesia Mur.
Amenorrhoea, 92.
Menstruation, painful, 133; profuse,
157; suppression, 92.
Marks, face, on, 99; mother's, 99;
skin, on, 99.
Malignant purple fever, 428-431.
Marasmus (Wasting of Children), 446.
Married life, disorders of, 293.
Marriage, age for, 293.
Considerations affecting, 293.
Management of health after, 293,
294, 295.
Meals, rest after, 11; study after, 12.
Measles, 432; treatment, 433, 434;
bastard kind, 432 (Rubeola).
Meat, rules for taking, 11.
Meconium, 356, 359.
Medical rubbing, 17.
Consumption, in, 390.
Epilepsy, in, 74.
Leucorrhoea, in, 235.
Menstruation, painful, in, 139.
Paralysis of children, in, 420.
Hysteria, in, 54.
Spinal affections, 17.
Medicines, vii.—ix.
Preparation of, 367.
Rules for administering, ix., 32.
Membrane, womb, interior of—exuda-
tion from, 122, 144.
Bromine, 125.
Lachesis, 132.
Inflammation of, 248.
Membranes, rupture of, in labour, 337.
Mental work, limit of, 11.
Menstruation, 1, 2, 6, 9.
Absence of, 23; approach of, 4.
Bathing during, 10.
Care before and during, 10.
Cessation of, or change of life, 164,
186.
Changes in the system during, 9.
Commencement of, 4.
Delay of first, 23; causes of, 23.
Derangements attending, 23, 24, 25.
Definition of, 6.
Design of, 2, 9.
Deviations in, 4.
Early, 22; treatment of, 22.
Establishment of, 6.
Effects of, 9.
Essentials to, 9.
Excessive, 140.
First, the, delay of, 23.
Forcing of, 2, 10, 23; management
of, 23.
Fluid of, the nature of, 9.
Importance of, 1.
Intention of, 9.
Irregular, 76-78, 117.
Management of, 23.
Meaning of, 6.
Neuralgia during, 122.
Organs of, 6, 9.
Ova, discharge of, 7.
Ovaries, changes in, during, 7, 8.
Painful, 77, 119-140; causes of,
121;
;
120; congestion, from,
mechanical causes, from, 123
membrane, shreds of, with, 122
neuralgia, with, 122; rheumatism,
from, 122; relief of, 120; va-
rieties of, 121.
Precocious, 22; from debility, 22;
treatment of, 22.
Pregnancy, during, 90, 321.
Process, 9.
Profuse, 77, 140-164; caused by
fevers of various kinds, 141; im-
portance of attention to, 141.
Quantity of, at one period, 9, 140.
Scanty, 119.
;
516
INDEX.
Menstruation-continued.
Suppression of, 23-98; acute, 78;
causes of, 78; chill, from, 80;
fright, from, 79; grief, from, 79;
joy, from, 79; medicines for, 78-
82, 83; passion, from, 79;
chronic, 83.
Warnings of approach of, 10.
Womb during, 9.
Vicarious, 116.
Varieties of, 77.
Menorrhagia (Profuse Menstruation),
142.
Mercurius Iodidi.
Consumption, bowels, of, 405.
Diphtheria, 441.
Glandular swellings, 439.
Polypi and tumours of womb, 274.
Sore throat, 437.
Tonsils, enlarged, 439.
Metrorrhagia (Flooding), 267; causes
of, and treatment-polypi, from,
265.
Mesenteric disease-consumption of
the bowels, 404.
Millar's asthma-child-crowing, 387;
rickets with, 445.
Mothers, duties of, 4, 11, 76, 369,
372, 375, 389.
Mother's marks (nævi), 99, 357.
Mouth, inflammation of, 406.
Mortification of, 407.
Mouth of the womb, stricture of, 455.
Mercurius Corrosivus (Chloride of
Mercury).
Chorea, in, 59.
Condylomata, 210.
Diarrhoea, frequency of, 309.
Dysentery, 599.
External organs, affections of, 208,
209, 210.
Mouth, inflammation of, 407.
Scarlatina, 433.
Sore throat, 437.
Vitus', St., Dance, 59.
Vulva, ulceration of, 208.
specific, 209.
Warts, on, 210.
Womb, ulceration of, 254.
Worms in, 59.
Mercurius Vivus (Metallic Mercury).
Acne, 113.
Amenorrhoea, 28, 33, 41, 92.
Appetite, disorders of, 28.
Ascarides, 59, 211, 410.
Breasts, gathered, 345, 364.
Catarrh, 377.
Chorea, 59.
Cold in the head, 377.
Constipation, 32, 402, 403.
Cow-pox, 437.
Diarrhoea, 33; children, of, 398,
399, 400.
Displacements of vagina, 221.
Earache, 455.
Eczema, 110, 202.
Eyes, inflammation of, 452.
External organs, inflammation of,
188.
Fistula, vaginal, 240.
Hooping-cough, 382.
Jaundice, pregnancy, of, 310; true,
409.
Leucorrhoea, 232.
Menstruation, delayed, 28, 33, 41.
profuse, 158.
Mumps, 439.
Neuralgia, 42.
Pregnancy, appetite in, 303.
Pruritus, 194.
Quinsy, 438.
Rheumatic fever, 449.
Skin diseases,
207.
Small-pox, 435.
Sore throat, 437.
White-swelling, 447.
Womb, cold in, 323.
110, 115, 202,
inflammation of, 246.
Worms, 410.
Vagina, spasms of, 222.
ascarides of, 211.
Vulva, itching of, 194.
pustule of, 207.
parasites of, 211.
Milk, asses', 361.
Coming of, after delivery, 343.
Composition of, 361.
Cows', 361.
Crust, of infants, 463.
Delay of, 345.
Fever, 343.
Goats', 361.
Mother's, 359, 360.
.
INDEX.
517
Milk-continued.
Poor, 345, 360.
Plentiful, too, 345 (China, Calc.,
Helonias).
Scanty, 345.
Sweet, to keep, 351.
To get rid of, 344
Miscarriage, 297, 301. (See under
Abortion.)
Mitchella (Partridge-berry).
Amenorrhoea, 93.
Bleeding at nose, 116.
Menstruation, painful, 133.
suppressed, 93.
vicarious, 116.
Morning sickness, 2.
Pregnancy, of, 295, 304.
Moschus (Musk).
Amenorrhoea, 28, 51, 93.
Appetite, disorders of, 28, 302.
Change of life, 178.
Cough during pregnancy, 311.
Fainting fits, 73.
Faintness, 178.
Hysteria, 51; pregnancy, in, 319.
Menstruation, delayed, 28, 51.
profuse, 158.
suppressed, 93.
Nymphomania, 198.
Pregnancy, appetite in, 302.
Mezereum (Common Mezereon).
Lucorrhoea, 232.
Mumps, 438.
Myrica (Bay-berry)
Fistula, vaginal, 241.
N.
Natrum Muriaticum.
Amenorrhoea, 93.
Appetite, disorders of, 93.
Chorea, 38.
Menstruation, delayed, 28.
painful, 133.
profuse, 158.
suppressed, 93.
Vitus', St., Dance, 38.
Nausea, 33, 295.
diarrhoea, with
Ipecac., Podoph.), 33, 34.
Pregnancy, in, 303, 304.
(Cham.,
Navel-cord, management of, 339.
Separation of, 341, 358.
Navel, pains at (Merc. V.), 33.
Starting in infants, 358.
Necklace, spar, of, in Derbyshire-
neck, use of, 450.
Nervousness, 34.
Delayed menstruation, with, 34.
Change of life," at, 174.
Nettle-rash, 111-113.
Nervous affections, children, in, 414—
422.
Young people, 39-74.
Neuralgia, treatment of, 40.
Vulva, of, 211.
Womb, of, 256.
"Noma Pudendi," mortification of
vulva, 208.
Nose-bleeding, 469.
Nursery, the, children, of, 369, 372.
Nurse-maids, influence of, 375.
Nurse, monthly, choice of, 330.
Duties of, 330, 344.
Qualities of, 330.
Nux Moschata (Nutmeg).
Amenorrhoea, 53, 93.
Hysteria, 53.
66
Menstruation, delayed, 53.
painful, 134.
suppressed, 93.
Neuralgia of pregnancy, 317.
Nipples, 100, 460; areola of, 100.
Cracked, 344.
Depressed, 324, 344.
Hardening of, 324.
Management of, in pregnancy, 324,
325.
Moisture from, 325.
Sore, 344.
Suckling, during, 343.
Tender, 324.
Nightly terrors of children, 375.
Nipple-shield, 344.
Nitric Acid. (See "Acid, Nit.")
Nux Vomica.
Abortion, 298.
Acne, 114.
Appetite, disorders of, 26.
Amenorrhoea, 26, 32, 33, 36, 42,
44, 45, 53, 57.
Anemia, 36.
Anus, fissure of, 282.
518
INDEX.
Nux Vomica-continued.
Anxiety, 36.
Brain, inflammation of, 418.
Catalepsy, 56.
Catarrh, 377.
Chorea, 47.
Cerebro-spinal fever, 430.
Cold in the head, 377.
Constipation, 32, 33, 57.
Consumption, 392, 302, 306, 402,
404; bowels, of, 404.
Cough during pregnancy, 311.
Cramps, 45; pregnancy, in, 318.
Diarrhoea, 33; pregnancy, of, 308;
children, of, 401.
Fissure of anus, 282.
Flooding, 270.
Headache, pregnancy, of, 315.
Morning sickness, 304.
Paralysis of children, 420.
Pregnancy, appetite, voracious, dur-
ing, 303.
Pregnancy, constipation, 306.
fidgettiness, of, 316.
cramps, 318.
nausea, of, 304.
piles, of, 303, 307.
restlessness and sleep-
lessness, of, 316.
Pregnancy, spasms, 318.
Rectum, protrusion of, 414.
Rheumatic fever, 450,
Rickets, 445.
Womb, displacement of, 262.
Nymphaea (White Pond Lily).
Cancer, in, 237.
Nymphomania, 196, 199.
Definition of, 196.
Diet for, 199.
Treatment of, 196, 200.
0.
Oddities, consideration for, in young
girls, 11.
Edema, or Dropsy, vulva, of, 200.
Oleander.
Chafing of children, 107.
Olive Oil.
Application of, to abdomen, in preg-
nancy, 320.
Anointing the body with, in scarla-
tina, 434.
Onanism, 61, 375.
Ophthalmia, children, of, 451, 452,
453.
Neonatorum, 358; newly-born in-
fants, of, 358.
Opium.
Amenorrhoea, 31, 58, 79, 94.
Brain, inflammation of, 418.
Change of life, 170.
Chorea, 58.
-
Constipation, 31; pregnancy, of,
307.
Convulsions, 416.
Epilepsy, 420.
Labour, in, 334.
Menstruation,
suppressed, 79, 94.
Nymphomania, 198.
Polypi, nasal, 274.
Pruritus, 195.
Urine, retention of, 314.
Vagina, displacements of, 221.
Vulva, inflammation of, 195; itch-
delayed, 31, 58;
ing of, 195.
Womb, polypi of, 274.
Opodeldoc, Arnica, Calendula, 38.
Organs, generation of-affections of,
187-216.
Otorrhoea (Discharge from the Ears),
456.
Ovarian disease, 456.
Ovaries, 7.
Cancer of, 288.
Change of life, at, 8.
Connection of, 7.
Disease of, 23, 95, 141.
Dropsy of, 287, 288.
Hysteria, in, 285, 49.
Inflammation of, 82, 283.
Irritation of, 95.
Menstruation, at, 89.
Puberty, at, 7.
Shape and size of, 7.
Structure of, 8.
Tumours of, 287.
Ovariotomy, 292.
Ovum, 7, 8.
Menstruation, period of, at, 7,
8.
Oxygen, necessity for, 12, 14, 19.
INDEX.
519
P.
Pain before and after food, 25.
Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhoea),
119, 120-140.
Causes of, 120.
Congestive, 121.
Fissure of the anus, with, 281.
Mechanical, 123.
Membranous, 122.
Neuralgic, 122.
Rheumatic, 122.
Treatment of, 124.
Varieties of, 121.
Palms of the hands, burning in, 35.
Palpitation, 34, 35.
Pancreatic emulsion in consumption,
390.
Paperhangings, poisoning from, 474.
Parties, injurious effects of, on young
girls, 20.
Injurious effects of, on married
ladies, 294.
Paralysis, children, of, 419.
Hysterical, 46.
Pediculi (lice), to destroy, 454.
Perambulators, dangers of, 272.
Pessaries, unnecessary and injurious,
261.
Perspiration, composition, 102; folli-
cles, 100, 101; importance of,
101; insensible, 101; object of,
101; production of, 101; quan-
tity of, 101; sensible, 101.
Pertussis (Hooping-cough), 379.
Petroleum.
Eczema, 110, 202.
Fistula, vaginal, 241.
Herpes, 205.
Skin affections, 110, 202, 205.
Phosphoric Acid.
phoric).
Phosphorus.
(See Acid, Phos-
Action of, 102.
Amenorrhoea, 94.
Change of life, 178.
Flooding, 270.
Inflammation of the lungs, 394.
mouth, of, 407.
Infantile remittent fever, 428.
Leucorrhoea, 233.
Measles, 434.
Menstruation, painful, 134; pro-
fuse, 159; suppressed, 94.
Nymphomania, 199.
Pneumonia, 384.
Typhoid fever of children, 428.
Physometra (Wind in the Womb), 280.
Physiology, the importance of a know-
ledge of, 2, 21.
Physical training, boys, of, 18; girls,
of, 15, 18.
Phthisis (Pulmonary Consumption),
12, 13, 389.
Phytolacca (Poke-weed).
Amenorrhoea, 95.
Cancer, 238, 278.
Catarrh, 378.
Consumption of bowels, 404.
Diphtheria, 441.
Flooding, 270.
Herpes, 205.
Menstruation, painful, 135;
fuse, 160; suppressed, 95.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 286.
Skin disease, 205.
Womb, ulceration of, 255.
Pigeon-breast, causes of, 20.
Piles (Hæmorrhoids), 116, 125, 128,
179, 191.
Change of life, at, 179.
Pregnancy, in, 307.
Platina.
Pimples, 100; vulva, on, 207.
Pityriasis, 105.
Placenta (After-birth), management of,
339.
pro-
Amenorrhoea, 51, 96.
Change of life, 171.
Flooding, 270.
Hysteria, 51.
Leucorrhoea, 233.
Menstruation, delayed, 51; painful,
135; profuse, 160; suppressed,
96.
Nymphomania, 199.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 286.
Pruritus, 195.
Vagina, hypersensitiveness of, 224;
spasms of, 223.
Vulva, itching of, 195; tumours of,
214.
Womb, neuralgia of, 258.
-
2 M
520
INDEX.
Plumbum (pure metallic lead, obtained
by precipitation).
Anus, fissure of, 282.
Appetite, disorders of, 29.
Constipation, 32, 404.
Epilepsy, 68.
Menstruation, delayed, 29; profuse,
160.
Paralysis of children, 420.
Pneumonia (Inflammation of the
Lungs), 141, 382.
Treatment of, 383, 384.
Podophyllum (May-apple).
Amenorrhoea, 34, 95.
Change of life, 170.
Jaundice, pregnancy, in, 310.
Menstruation, delayed, 34; painful,
135; suppressed, 95.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 286.
Piles, 308.
Poisons, treatment of, 472.
Poisoning from paperhangings, 474.
Polypi, fissure of anus, with, 281.
Small local application to (Opium),
281.
Symptoms of, 264.
Treatment, 272.
Varieties, 265.
Womb, of the, 264, 265, 266.
Posture, girls, of, 19.
Potassium, Bromide of.
Epilepsy, 69.
Potass, Chlorate of, 407.
Procidentia of the womb, 259.
Psoriasis, 106.
Profuse menstruation (Menorrhagia),
140-164.
Causes, 141, 142.
Character, 142.
Child-bearing, frequent, from, 143.
Course of, 142.
Inflammation of the womb, from,
141.
Over-suckling, caused by, 143.
Sewing machines, resulting from use
of, 141.
Treatment of, 145–163.
Varieties, 142, 143.
Prostration, 22, 35.
Prolapse, vagina, of, 217; womb, of,
258-262; treatment, 260, 264.
Prunus Spinosa (Blackthorn).
Leucorrhoea, uterine, 250.
Menstruation, profuse, 160.
Pregnancy, 9, 82, 295–332.
Abdomen, fissures of, 320; unyield-
ing, 320; walls of, during, 320.
Acidity, 305.
Albumen, passing of, 313.
Anemia, 312.
Appetite during, 301; loss of, 302.
Bearing-down during, 321.
Bosom, alteration of, 296.
Breathing, difficult, 311.
Constipation, 306.
Cough, 311, 314.
Cramps of, 318.
Cravings during, 302.
Diarrhoea, 308.
Diet for, 301.
Dress during, 301.
Dropsy of, 312.
Duration of, 296.
Fancies, 302, 303, 320.
Feet to be kept warm, 301.
Fidgettiness of, 316.
Floodings, 321.
Fæœtus, excessive movements of, 323.
Headache, 314.
Heartburn, 304.
Hæmorrhoids, 309.
Hæmorrhage, 321.
Hysteria, 318.
Itching of pudenda in, 320.
Kidneys, affections of, 312.
Leucorrhoea during, 321.
Longings of, 302, 303.
Menstruation during, 90, 321.
Miscarriage in, 296.
Morning sickness, 295.
Natural, 296.
Nausea in, 295.
Neuralgia, 317.
Nipples, darkening of, 296 ;
pressed, 324.
Piles, 307.
Precautions to be observed, 296.
Predominating feelings in, 320.
Pruritus, 320.
Reckoning of, 296.
Restlessness, 316.
Sickness of, 295.
Signs of, 295, 296, 325.
Sleeplessness, 316.
de-
INDEX.
521
1
Pregnancy-continued.
Spasms of, 318.
Spitting of blood, 311.
Troubles of, 301.
Term of, 201.
Varicose veins, 313.
Vomiting of, 304; blood during,
304.
"Whites," the, during, 321.
Womb, displacements of, 321,
Pruritus (troublesome itching), 106.
Vulva, of, 192, 320.
Puerperal fever, 355.
Puberty, 4, 5, 10.
Approach of, 5, 10.
Changes at, 4, 10.
Constitution, effects on, 5, 10.
Delicate, in the, 5.
Diet during, 11.
Healthy, in the, 5.
Nature of, 5.
Scrofulous, in the, 6.
Studies during, 10, 11.
Time of occurrence of, 4, 5, 10.
Pulsatilla (Wood Anemone).
Abortion, 299.
Acidity, 305.
Action of, 367.
Amenorrhoea, 25, 39, 43, 52, 75.
Appetite, disorders of, 25.
Bronchitis, 385.
Catarrh, children, in, 377.
Change of life, 166, 170, 175.
Chlorosis, 39.
Cold in the head, 377.
Consumption, 391.
Cough during pregnancy, 311, 314.
Diarrhoea, 34; children, of, 401.
Earache, 456.
Eczema, 110, 202.
Erythema, 107.
Eyes, inflammation of, 452.
Eyelids, inflamed, 453.
Flooding, 271.
Headache, 43.
Heartburn, 305.
Hip-disease, 448.
Hooping-cough, 382.
Hysteria, 52.
Infantile remittent fever, 427.
Labour, 334.
Leucorrhoea, 234.
Measles, 433, 434.
Menstruation, delayed, 25, 34, 39,
43, 52, 75.
Menstruation, irregular, 117.
painful, 135.
profuse, 160.
suppressed, 95.
Nettle-rash, 112.
Neuralgia, 317.
Rickets, 445.
Skin disease, in, 110, 202.
Styes, 453.
Toothache, pregnancy, in, 317.
Typhoid fever of children, 427.
Vagina, spasms of, 223.
White-swelling, 447.
Womb, congestion of, 244.
Pudding, baked, 350.
Custard, 347.
Light, 350.
Rice, 350.
Sago-sauce for, 351.
Purpura, 106.
Pustules, 100.
Vulva, of, 267.
Q.
Quarrelsomeness in children, 35.
Chamomilla, Helonias, 35.
Quinsy, 438.
R.
Ranunculus (Crowfoot).
Cancer, 238.
Eczema, 110, 203.
Skin affections, 110, 203.
Rash after delivery, 356.
Ratanhia (Rhatany).
Anus, fissure of, 282.
Recreation, children, for, 369.
Walking one of the best, 15.
Walks for young girls not sufficient,
15.
Young girls, for, 15.
Rectum.
Descent of, 412.
Old people, in, 413, 414.
Pregnancy, in, 308 (Podoph.)
Fissure of, 282.
522
INDEX.
Rectum-continued.
Irritation of, 409, 410.
Protrusion of, 34, 412; in adults and
children, 412, 413.
Diarrhoea, with, 34.
Rectocele (prolapse of the posterior
portion of vagina), 217, 218, 219
-222.
Recto-vaginal fistula, 238.
Red-gown, or Red-gum, delivery, after,
356.
Infants, in, 111, 463.
"Regular," being, 6.
Relief of bowels, regular, the, advised, 31.
Respiration, diseases of, in children,
376, 393.
Importance of, interfered with by
dress, 15 by stays, 15.
Restlessness, pregnancy, in, 316.
Rete-mucosum, 100.
Retroflexion, womb, of, 260.
Retroversion, womb, of, 258, 260.
Revalenta, use of, 347.
Rheumatic fever, 448; heart affected
in, 448, 449, 450.
Children, of (acute), 448, 449, 450.
Rheumatism, 448.
Chorea, with, 69.
Heart-disease, in, 448, 449, 450.
Rheum (Rhubarb).
Diarrhoea, 33.
Children, of, 398, 400.
Menstruation, delayed, 33.
Rhus (Poisonous Sumach).
Acne, 115.
Amenorrhoea, 82.
Breasts, gathered and inflamed, 345.
Eczema, 203.
Erysipelas, 188.
Glandular enlargements, 439.
Herpes, 205.
Menstruation, painful, 136; pro-
fuse, 160; suppressed, 82.
Nettle-rash, 112.
Neuralgia, 317; pregnancy, in, 317.
Scarlatina, 433.
Scrofula, 439.
Skin diseases, 110, 115, 203, 205.
Toothache, 317; pregnancy, in, 317.
Vagina, inflammation of, 226.
Vulva, inflammation, erysipelatous,
of, 188.
Rice-cream, 351.
Rice-milk, 350.
Rice-pudding, 350.
Rice-water in diarrhoea, 34.
Rickets, 444, 445, 446.
Ringworm, 461.
Riding exercise advised, 15, 294.
Rose-rash, 105, 460.
Rubeola (Bastard Measles), 432.
Rumex (Yellow-dock).
Leucorrhoea, 234.
Rupture (Hernia), children, of, 358.
Vulva, of, 215.
Ruta (Rue).
Menstruation, profuse, 161.
Worms, round, 412.
S.
Sabina (Savin).
Abortion, 300.
Amenorrhoea, 96.
Condylomata, 210.
External organs, warts on, 210.
Flooding, 271; pregnancy, during,
322.
Hæmorrhage, 271.
Leucorrhoea, 334.
Menstruation, painful, 136; pro-
fuse, 161; suppressed, 96.
Nymphomania, 199.
Vulva, tumours of, 213; warts on,
210.
Womb, displacement of, 264; irri-
tability of, 258.
Saliva, profuse flow of, 313; running
of, in pregnancy, 313.
Sanguinaria (Blood-root).
Amenorrhoea, 96.
Chancre, 209.
Change of life, 166, 170.
Flooding, 271.
Glandular enlargements, 439.
Leucorrhoea, 234.
Menstruation, painful, 136; pro-
fuse, 161; suppressed, 96.
Scrofula, 439.
Skin diseases, 207.
Vulva, ulceration of, 209.
INDEX.
523
Sanguinaria-continued.
White-swelling, 447.
Womb, ulceration of, 254.
Sambucus (Elder).
!
Asthma of Millar, 388.
Catarrh, cold
in
coryza, 377.
Child-crowing, 388.
the head, or
Snuffles in children, 377.
Santonin (the active principle of Ar-
temisia, or Worm-seed).
Chorea, 59.
Tapeworm, 59.
Vitus', St., Dance, 59.
Worms, intestinal, 59, 411.
Sarracena (Huntsman's Cup).
Small-pox, 435.
Sarsaparilla.
Scabies (the itch), 466.
Eczema, 110, 203.
Gravel, 459.
Leucorrhoea, 234.
Skin affections, 110, 203.
Scald-head, 463.
Scalds, treatment of, 471.
Scanty menstruation, 119.
Scarlatina, 432, 434.
Contagion of, 434.
Prevention of, by administration,
night and morning, of Belladonna,
431.
Treatment of, 433.
School-rooms, ventilation of, 14.
Scilla (Squills).
Albuminous urine, in, 313.
Scrofula, nature of, 444.
Scrofulous enlargement of glands,
439.
Scutellaria (Skull-cap).
Change of life, 175.
Fidgettiness, sleeplessness, and rest-
lessness, 316.
Scurvy, 106.
Sea-bathing, rules for, 106.
Secale (Ergot of Rye).
Abortion 300.
Amenorrhoea, 96.
Cancer, womb, of the, 279.
Epilepsy, 68.
Flooding, 271; pregnancy, during,
322.
Leucorrhoea, 234.
Menstruation, painful, 136; profuse,
162; suppressed, 96; miscarriage,
300.
Self-delection, 61; epilepsy caused
by, 61.
Senecio (Raywort).
Amenorrhoea, 51, 76, 97.
Change of life, 171, 175.
Leucorrhoea, 234.
Hysteria, 51.
Menstruation, delayed, 61, 76; ir-
regular, 117; profuse, 161; sup-
pressed, 97.
Sepia (prepared Sepia).
Abortion, 301.
Acidity, 305.
Acne, 115.
Brown stains on the face, 97.
Amenorrhoea, 29, 31, 44, 52.
Appetite, disorders of, 29.
Cancer, womb, of, 279.
Change of life, 166, 171.
Chlorosis, 39.
Diarrhoea, 309.
Eczema, 111.
External organs, inflammation of,
188.
Fistula, vaginal, 240.
Flooding, 274.
Headache, 32, 44, 316.
Herpes, 205.
Hysteria, 52.
Leucorrhoea, 234.
Menstruation, delayed, 29, 39, 44,
52; painful, 137; profuse, 162;
suppressed, 39, 80, 97.
Nettle-rash, 113.
Ovarian dropsy, 291.
Polypi, 274.
Pregnancy, headache of, 315; sleep-
lessness of, 316; jaundice, 311;
nausea, 303, 304.
Pruritus, 195.
Skin diseases, 111, 113, 115, 203,
205.
Vagina, displacement of, 221; in-
flammation of, 226.
Vulva, inflammation of, 188; itch-
ing of, 195.
Womb, displacement of, 264; ulce-
ration of, 254.
Sensation, seat of, 101.
524
INDEX.
Sensitiveness, contradiction, to, 35, 36;
light, 35; noise, 35; scents, 35.
Sewing machines, ill effects of, 141.
Shell-fish, derangements caused by,
111, 112.
Shingles, 106, 461.
Shoes, thick, or clump-soled, advantage
of, 15, 294.
Shortness of breath, 22.
Shoulders, round, or stooping, treat-
ment of, 19, 20.
"Show, a," delivery, before, 334;
pregnancy, during, 321, 322.
Silicea (Silex, Pure Flint).
Abortion, 299.
Amenorrhoea, 29, 97.
Appetite, disorders of, 29.
Breast, gathered, 346.
Fissure of anus, 282.
Fistula, vaginal, 240.
Glandular swellings, 439.
Leucorrhoea, womb, from, 250.
Menstruation, delayed, 29; painful,
137; profuse, 162; suppressed,
97.
Rickets, 446.
Styes, 453.
Vulva, tumour of, 213, 214.
White-swelling, 447.
Womb, ulceration of, 254.
Worms, thread, 411.
Sitting-rooms, ventilation of, 14.
Sitz-baths, 103, 139.
Skin, abrasion of, 467.
Absorption through, 193.
Affections of, explained, 100.
Anemia, in, 37.
Chlorosis, in, 37.
Diseases of, 99-115; children, in,
459.
Diseases of, menstrual irregularities,
with, 98.
Scrofula, in, 444.
Structure of, 99, 100.
Sensitiveness of, 101, 102; import-
ance of, 102.
Sleep, confinement, after, 340.
Girls, for, 12.
Infants, 367, 372.
Married ladies, of, 294.
Sleeplessness, 316.
Small-pox, 435, 436; varieties of, 436.
Snuffles, children, in, 377.
Snake-bites, treatment of, 474.
Sore throat, 437.
Soup, macaroni, to make, 341; rabbit,
350; stock, 340.
Spasms, legs, of (Verat. Alb.), 33;
pregnancy, in, 318; uterine, 123;
vaginal, 222.
Speculum, use and abuse of, 252.
Spigelia (Pinkroot).
Amenorrhoea, 42.
Change of life, 172.
Chorea, 60.
Earache, 456.
Menstruation, delayed, 42.
Neuralgia, 42.
Vitus', St., Dance, in, 60.
Spinal couches, 18.
Spinal instruments, 20.
Spinal irritation, 38.
Spine, affections of, 16, 17, 18—20.
Angular curvature, 16; age of oc-
currence, 16; causes of, 16; pre-
vention of, 17; treatment of, 17.
Lateral curvature, 16; indications.
of, 17; instruments for, 20; pre-
vention of, 17; progress of, 16.
Stays, caused by, 19.
Treatment of, 17, 18, 20.
Spitting of blood, pregnancy, in, 311.
Varieties of, 16.
Spongia (Burnt Sponge).
Child-crowing, 368.
Croup, 386.
Goitre, 450.
Menstruation, profuse, 162.
Sponging, daily, children, for, 371;
girls, for, 23; scarlatina, in, 433,
434; tepid, 103; married ladies,
294.
Spotted, or cerebro-spinal fever, 428,
431.
Sprains, treatment of, 471.
Stains or marks on the face, 99, 100.
Stammering, causes of, and treatment,
420, 421, 422
Stannum (Pure prepared Tin).
Displacement of vagina, 221.
Worms, round, for, 411.
Staphysagria (Palmated Larkspur).
Amenorrhoea, 53.
Hydrocephalus, chronic, 419.
INDEX.
525
Staphysagria-continued.
Hysteria, 53.
Menstruation, delayed, 53.
Pruritus, 195.
Vulva, itching of, 195; warts on,
419.
Water on the brain, 419.
Womb, polypi and tumours of, 274.
Stays.
Breathing, effect on, 15.
Ill-effects of, 19.
Spinal distortion caused by, 20.
Sterility, causes of, 121, 122, 227, 249,
255, 283.
Stockings, warm, importance of, 15.
Stimulants, effect of, 369.
Unnecessary, children, for, 369.
confinement, the, for,
332.
Unnecessary, pregnancy, in, 301,
302.
Unnecessary, suckling, for, 364.
Stings of bees and wasps, 472.
Stomach, derangement of, 25—31;
children, in, 395, 396.
Stone in the bladder in children,
459.
Strains, treatment of, 471.
Stooping, 19.
Studies, regulation of, children, in,
371; girls, for, 10, 11, 23.
Strabismus (Squinting), 454.
Stramonium (Thorn-apple).
Amenorrhoea, 52, 57, 68.
Brain, inflammation of, 418.
Change of life, 179.
Child-crowing, 388.
Chorea, 57, 420.
Epilepsy, 68.
Fainting fits, 73.
Faintness, 179.
Headache, 315.
Hysteria, 319.
Menstruation, delayed, 52, 57; pro-
fuse, 164.
Millar's asthma, 388.
Nymphomania, 199.
Stammering, 421.
Vitus', St., Dance, 57, 420.
Straining, diarrhoea, with (Merc.,
Rheum), 33.
Strophulus (Red-gown), 111, 356.
Suckling, excessive, 363.
Prolonged, 363.
Rules for, 343, 357, 359, 389.
Sunlight, effect on children, 369.
Sun-stroke, treatment of, 472.
Surgical treatment.
Deformities of children, in, 373.
Ovarian disease, in, 292.
Painful menstruation, in, 123.
Tumours of vulva, in, 212.
Tumours and polypi of the womb,
in, 275.
Sulphur (prepared Sulphur).
Abortion, 299.
Acidity, 305.
Acne, 115.
Amenorrhoea, 31, 32, 34, 45.
Appetite, disorders of, 30.
Atrophy, or wasting-children, of,
447 .
Catarrh, 378.
Change of life, 175.
Chorea, 59.
Cold in the head, 378.
Constipation, 32, 307, 402, 404.
Consumption of the bowels, 494.
Cramps, 45.
Diarrhoea, 34, 398, 399, 402.
Displacements of vagina, 221.
Eyes, inflammation of, 452.
Eyelids, inflammation of, 453.
Fistula, vaginal, 241.
Flooding, 272.
Goitre, or Derbyshire-neck, 450.
Herpes, 206.
Heartburn, 305.
Hooping-cough, 382.
Leucorrhoea, 235.
Menstruation, delayed, 30, 32, 34,
45; painful, 137; suppressed,
97.
Nettle-rash, 115.
Nymphomania, 199.
Piles, 184, 307.
Change of life, at, 184.
Pruritus, 195.
Rickets, 446.
Skin diseases, 111, 113, 115.
Small-pox, 435.
Sun-burnt, 100.
Vaginal fistula, 241.
Vulva, inflammation of, 188.
526
INDEX.
Sulphur-continued.
Vulva, itching of, 195.
tumours of, 213, 214.
warts on, 210.
Warts, for, 454.
Womb, displacement of, 264; ul-
ceration of, 254.
Worms, intestinal, 411.
Sulphite of Soda-thrush, in, 406.
Sulphuric Acid. (See Acid, Sulphuric).
Sun-burnt or tanned, 100.
Susceptibility, heightened, hysteria in,
47.
Sweat-follicles,
100,
and quantity of, 101.
Sweets, children, effect on, 370.
Sweet-bread, 351.
Swooning, 70, 73.
Syncope (fainting), 70.
Synovial membrane of knee, in-
flammation of, 447.
Syphilis, 101, 106.
System, general, state of, at
menstrual period, 9.
T.
Tepid baths, 103.
Bathing, 103.
Packing, 104.
•
101; object
Tamus Communis (Black Bryony).
Black-eye, 467.
Bruises, 467.
Chilblains, 466.
Tea, 295, 368, 370.
Temperaments, various effects on dis-
ease, 101.
Tepid bandage, scarlatina, in, 433;
sore throat, for, 437.
Sponging, advantages of, 103.
Scarlatina, in, 433.
Thread-worms, or ascarides, 190.
Vulva, of, 211.
Teucrium (Cat-thyme).
Ascarides, in, 59, 411.
Chorea, 59.
Vitus', St., Dance, 59.
Worms, intestinal, 59, 411.
Thrush (Aphthæ), 405, 406.
Thuja (Arbor-vitæ).
Thumb, sucking of, 375.
the
Cancer, womb, of, 279.
Condylomata, 210.
External organs, warts on, 210.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 287.
Polypi, 274.
Pruritus, 195.
Tumour, vascular, of urethra, 211.
Vulva, inflammation of, 195.
Warts on, 210.
Warts, for, 454.
Womb, polypi and tumours of, 274 ;·
ulceration of, 254.
Tight-lacing, effects of, 19; preg-
nancy, in, 301.
Tinctures, viii., 2; to drop, x.
Toast-and-water, to make, 347.
Tonsils, deafness from, 439.
Chronic enlargement of, 439.
Inflammation of, 438.
Toothache, pregnancy, in, 317.
Tooth-bleeding, troublesome, after ex-
traction, 469.
Trillium (Ground Lily).
Flooding, in, 272; pregnancy, in,
322.
Hæmorrhage, in, 272, 469.
Leucorrhoea, in, 235.
Nose-bleeding, profuse, in, 469.
Menstruation, profuse, 164.
Triturations, viii.
Tumours.
Cancerous, breasts, of, 325.
Encysted, of external organs, 212.
Fatty, 325.
Fibroid, 266.
Ovarian, 287.
Uterine, 264, 275.
Vaginal, 236.
Vascular, 211.
Vulva (encysted), 212,
Womb, of, 264, 275.
Tympanitis, uterine, 280.,
Typhoid fever of children, or infantile
remittent, 424-428.
U.
Ulceration of the womb, 251.
Effects of, 251.
Results of, 252.
Treatment, 252-255.
INDEX.
527
Ulcers.
Specific (chancre), 209.
Rodent, or eating, 215.
Vulva, of, 209.
Urethra, vascular tumour of, 211.
Urine.
Albuminous, 313.
Dribbling of, 314.
Forcing of, 314.
Pregnancy, in, 312, 313, 314; pro-
fuse, 458.
Retention of, hysterical, 47, 52;
pregnancy, in, 314.
Scarlatina, after, 313, 433.
Urticaria (Nettle-rash), 111-113.
Children, in, 460.
Uterus. (See Womb.)
V.
Vaccination, 436.
Vagina (the canal leading to the
uterus), 216.
Affections of causes and treat-
ment, 217-242.
Bearing-down of, 217.
Cancer of, 236.
Congestion of, 226.
Contraction of, 236.
Displacement of, 217-219.
Fistulas of, 238.
Indurations of, 236.
Inflammation of, 225.
Leucorrhoea of, 227, 235.
Narrowness of, 236.
Prolapse of, 217.
Spasm of, 222.
Tumours of, 236.
Whites, discharge of, from, 227-
235.
Vaginal fistulas, 238.
Vaginismus (Spasm of the Vagina),
222, 224.
Vaginal leucorrhoea, 226.
Valerian.
Amenorrhoea, 98.
Hysteria, 53.
Menstruation, suppressed, 98.
Variola (Small-pox), 435.
Varioloid (modified Small-pox), 436.
Varicose veins, 190, 214, 313.
Pregnancy, in, 313.
Vulva, of, 190, 214.
Ventilation, 12, 13, 14.
Bed-rooms, 12, 13.
Churches, of, 14.
Class-rooms, 14.
Factories, of, 14.
Houses, of, 13.
Importance of, 12, 13.
Method of, 13.
Sitting-rooms and school-rooms, of,
14.
Ventilators, 14.
Veratrum Album (White Hellebore).
Amenorrhoea, 29, 33, 45, 98.
Appetite, disorders of, 29.
Change of life, 172, 179.
Cramps, 45; pregnancy, in, 318.
Diarrhea, 33; children, of, 398,
399, 491.
Fainting fits, 73.
Menstruation, delayed, 29; painful,
137; profuse, 163; suppressed,
98.
Nymphomania, 199.
Pregnancy, morning sickness of,
305.
Nausea, 305.
Spasms, 318.
Vomiting, children, in, 397.
Worms, intestinal, 59.
Veratrum Viride (Green Hellebore).
Amenorrhoea, 58, 98.
Brain, inflammation of, 418.
Cerebro-spinal fever, 429.
Change of life, 172.
Chorea, 58.
Consumption, 391.
Infantile remittent fever, 428.
Influenza, 379.
Measles, 434.
Menstruation, delayed, 24, 58;
painful, 138.
Nettle-rash, 111.
Ovaries, inflammation of, 287.
Piles, change of life, at, 185.
Pruritus, 196.
Skin disease, 111.
Typhoid fever of children, 427.
Vagina, inflammation of, 226.
Vesicles, 100.
Vitus', St., Dance, in, 58.
2 M 2
528
INDEX.
Veratrum Viride-continued.
Vulva, inflammation of, 188; itch-
ing of, 196; womb, inflammation
of, 246.
Vesico-vaginal fistula, treatment of,
238.
Vesicles, vulva, on, 207.
Vicarious menstruation, 116.
Bleeding at the nose in, 116.
Blood-spitting, of, in,116; vomiting,
116.
Blotches on skin in, 116.
Congestion of blood to head and
chest in, 116.
Despondency, with, 116.
Viola Odorata (Sweet Violet).
Scald-head, in, 465.
Worms, in, 412.
Viscus Album (Mistletoe).
Epilepsy, 69.
Vitus', St., Dance (Chorea).
Amenorrhoea, with, 57.
Anemia, with, 57.
Chlorosis, with, 37, 57.
Consumption, tendency to, with, 57.
Nature of, 57.
Treatment of, 57, 420.
Voice, loss of, hysterical, 46.
Vomiting.
Bilious, 33.
Children, of, 395, 396.
Diarrhoea, with frequent, 33; in-
fants, of, 395.
Grass-green, 33 (Ipec.); inclination
to, 33; pregnancy, of, 304.
Vulva (external organs of generation,
the), 187.
Adhesion of, 187.
Cancer of, 215.
Closure of, 23, 217.
Aphthæ of, 208.
Dropsy of, 200.
Inflammation of (Vaginitis), 87;
children, in, 190.
Injuries of, 187.
Irritation of, 190, 320.
Itching of, 192, 320, pregnancy, in,
320.
Neuralgia of, 211.
Parasites on, 212.
Skin affections of, 200.
Varicose veins of, 190.
Pustules and pimples on, 207.
Ulcerations of, 208.
Warts on, 210.
Worms on, 210,
W.
Walking, best exercise, 15; breakfast,
before, injurious, 12.
Warts, eyelids, on, 453.
Vulva, or external organs, on, 210.
Wasps and bees, stings of, 472.
Wasting of children, 446, 447.
Water on the brain, 417, 418.
Water on the chest, 313.
Water, a glass of, on rising, for con-
stipation, 31.
Water, passing of, after confinement,
353.
Waywardness, consideration for, in
young girls, 11.
Weaning, time for, and management,
363.
Weariness (Calc. C.), 35.
Wet feet, effects of, 295.
Wetting the bed, 458.
Whites," the (see Leucorrhoea), 77,
121, 132, 134, 143, 190; children,
in, 190.
White-leg, after confinement (Acon.,
Puls.), 355.
White-swelling, 447.
Wind in the womb, 280.
Windows, importance of opening, 13;
ventilation by, 13.
Wine-glasses, size of, for medicines, ix.
Womb (Uterus), 6, 7.
Affections of, 6, 242-280.
Anteflexion, 258.
Causes of, 242.
Hysterical, 48.
Results of, 6.
Cancer of, 275, 276.
Change of life, at, 6.
Cold in, 323.
Cauliflower excrescence of, 275.
Clots, expulsion of, from, 144.
Congestion of, 242.
Displacement of, 142, 321, 462.
Dropsy of, 279.
Flooding from, 264-267, 321, 322.
Hæmorrhage from, 321, 322.
INDEX.
529
Womb-continued.
Inflammation of, 244, 264-267.
Cervix, or neck of, 244.
Irritability of, 257.
Leucorrhoea from, 121, 248.
Ligaments of, 7.
Lining of, 7.
Membrane, shreds of, from, 122,
142, 144.
Menstruation, cessation of, at, 6;
during, 6, 7, 9.
Neuralgia of, 122, 256.
Neck of, affections of, 253.
Polypus of, 264, 272.
Pregnancy, during, 9.
Prolapsus of, 258-262, 264.
Retroflexion, 260.
Retroversion, 258.
Rheumatism of, 122.
Scirrhus of, 275.
Shape of, 6.
Situation of, 6.
Size, 6.
Stains on the face attending disease
of (Sep., Caul.), 100.
Tumours of, 264-272; fibroid, 265;
vascular, 266.
Ulceration of, 253.
Virgin, 6.
Wind in, and from (Physometra),
280.
Worms, 59, 190, 409–412.
Chorea caused by, 59.
Medicines for-Baryta, Cina, Colo-
cynth, Filix Mas, Ipec., Lyco-
pod., Merc., Ruta, Santonin,
Stannum, Sulph., Teucrium,
Verat., Viola.
Varieties-long, round, 59; pin,
59; tape, 59; thread, 59.
Wounds, 468.
Arteries, of, 468.
1
Bleeding from, 468, 411.
Palm of the hand, of, 469.
Treatment of, 468.
Veins, of, 468.
X.
Xanthoxyllur (Prickly Ash).
Appetite, disordered, 30.
Menstruation, delayed, 30.
Painful, 138.
Stomach, fluttering in, 31.
Zinc.
Young girls, acne of, 114; erythema,
107.
Training of, 4, 5, 10, 11, 16, 76, 77.
Y.
Amenorrhoea, 58, 98.
Brain, inflammation of, 418.
Chorea, 58.
Z.
Consumption, 392.
Menstruation, delayed, 58:
painful, 138.
profuse, 163.
suppressed, 98.
Nymphomania, 199.
C
66
Ovaries, inflammation of, 287.
Vitus', St., Dance, 58.
Whites," the, discharge of, 235.
Zizia Aurea (Yellow Alexander).
Amenorrhoea, 98.
Epilepsy, 69.
Leucorrhoea, 235.
Menstruation, profuse, 163.
suppressed, 98.
Whites," the, discharge of, 235.
ILLUSTRATIONS OF
LEATH AND ROSS'S
HOMEOPATHIC
FAMILY MEDICINE CHESTS.
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NY & OILED STA
CH
NICIADES
No.16. Price £5 5s.
5
养
​20
你
​4
!
DESCRIPTION OF
FAMILY MEDICINE CHESTS,
AS ILLUSTRATED ON PREVIOUS PAGE.
No. 12-Is a Handsome Vertical Mahogany Case, con-
taining Laurie's "Epitome of Domestic Medicine," New
Edition, edited by Dr. Gutteridge, handsomely bound, and
the sixty-eight chief remedies prescribed in that work for
internal use; also the ten most useful Tinctures for external
use, with plaister and drop conductor for measuring off the
drops when fitted with Tinctures. This is a very suitable
Case for domestic use; for the use of clergymen and those
who have a numerous household. The internal remedies
can be supplied in Tinctures or Pilules at the option of the
purchaser, the price being the same in either case. Price
complete, 84s.
No. 16-Is a Handsome Mahogany
Handsome Mahogany Case, containing
Laurie's "Epitome of Domestic Medicine," New Edition,
edited by Dr. Gutteridge, handsomely bound, and the
ninety-six remedies prescribed in that work; also ten Tinc-
tures for external use, with every necessary for administering
and dispensing Homeopathic remedies. This is a very suit-
able Chest for persons going abroad, for the missionary, for
clergymen in large parishes, and for household practice. In
Tinctures or Pilules. Price £5 5s.
er
5
CATALOGUE OF
HOMEOPATHIC WORKS
PUBLISHED AND SOLD BY
LEATH & ROSS, Homeopathic Chemists,
JEWRY HOUSE, OLD JEWRY, E.C.,
And 9, VERE STREET, OXFORD STREET, W.
LONDON.
Messrs. LEATH & ROSS beg to state that they will
supply promptly, Post Free, any of the following
Works, the price of which is, or exceeds, One
Shilling.
Arnica, Calendula, Cantharides, Causticum, Rhus,
and Urtica, as External Remedies. This little volume affords
plain directions for the use of the Medicines in casualties of
common occurrence, and also during attacks of Gout, Rheu-
matism, &c. 18mo, Cloth, price is.
Barnes (W.)-A few Suggestions as to the Cause
and Cure of Typhoid Engorgement of the Lungs in Cattle;
commonly known as Pleuro-Pneumonia, or Lung-Complaint;
with Preventive Measures, and an Appendix for the successful
Treatment of Laminitis and Stomaceæ. Price 3d.
Berjeau (J. Ph.)- Homœopathic Treatment of
Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Spermatorrhoea, and Urinary Diseases;
with full directions for the treatment of these complaints in their
various stages. Revised by R. S. Gutteridge, `M.D.
Edition. 18mo, Cloth, price 5s.
Third
1
;
6
This
Berjeau (J. Ph.)-The Homœopathic Chart.
convenient and useful arrangement shows, at one view, the com-
parative Remedial Properties, Doses, and Antidotes of Twenty-
four principal Homœopathic Medicines. Compiled from the
works of Hahnemann, Laurie, and others. In a case, and
mounted on canvas, 3s.
Black (Dr.)-Principles and Practice of Homœo-
pathy. (Soiled.) Price Is.
Buck (Dr. H.)-Outlines of Materia Medica, Regional
Symptomatology, &c., with a Clinical Dictionary. By Henry
Buck, M.R.C.S., Member of the British Homœopathic Society.
This Work gives extended Outlines of Homoeopathic Materia
Medica. It points out the characteristic uses of the Remedies,
and the mode of finding them, in an eminently practical and
succinct manner; comprehending, in fact, a complete system of
Therapeutics and Materia Medica. The second portion of the
Work is devoted to Regional Symptomatology; and an extended
Clinical Dictionary forms the conclusion of the volume. Bound
in Cloth extra, 8vo, price 21s.
Extract from the Monthly Homeopathic Review.
"Mr. Buck has helped us out of our dilemma by supplying us with
the best treatise hitherto published, to place in the hands of the student
and inquiring practitioner. It is what it professes to be-an 'outline,'
not a finished picture; but this is just what was wanted; and when the
student has mastered the 'Outlines,' and practically applied the Outlines
of Materia Medica to, if we may so term them, the 'Outlines of
Disease,' we doubt not but that he will have seen sufficient reason, and
obtained sufficient success, to tempt him to look yet further into the
science, in all its lights and shades. The book not only reflects credit
upon the author, but the printer and publisher deserve their meed of
praise for the way in which it has been brought out. It is a hand-
some volume, well bound, type bold and legible; such as the busy
practitioner may take with him in his carriage, and read without
straining his eyes or inducing headache."
Buck (Dr. H.)-Infant Life, and How to Preserve it.
A valuable book of Advice to the Mother, on the care of the
Infant, and its treatment during diseases, &c. Sixth Edition.
Price IS.
Burnett (Dr. J. Compton)-Valvular Diseases of
the Heart. Price Is.
Constipation and Piles: their Homoeopathic Treatment by
Eight Remedies. Price 6d.
Curie (Dr. P. F.)-The Practice of Homoeopathy.
8vo, Cloth (Soiled), price 3s. 6d.
1
7
Curtis and Lillie (Drs.)—Epitome of Homœopathic
Practice. Compiled from the Works of Jahr, Rückert, Beauvais,
Bonninghausen, and others. By J. T. Curtis, M.D., and
J. Lillie, M.D. 18mo, price 2s.
Dudgeon (Dr. R. E.)-Lectures on the Theory and
Practice of Homœopathy. Price 7s. 6d.
Fischer (Carl) — Biographical Monument to the
Memory of Samuel Hahnemann. Translated from the German,
with additions from various sources. Price Is. 6d.
Gooday (Harry)- The Text-Book of Veterinary
Homœopathic Practice. Revised by H. J. Surmon. This Work
presents a résumé of the application of Homœopathy to the
Horse, Ox, Cow, Dog, Sheep, &c. It affords explicit directions
in respect to Diseases, Remedies, Doses, and general treatment;
and hence will be of much value to all who keep those animals.
Fourth Edition. Price 3s. 6d.
Granier (Dr. Michel)-Conferences on Homœopathy.
This Work is an Exposition of the Nature, Proofs, and Applica-
tion of the Homœopathic System, and will be found one of the
most interesting and readable books on the Homœopathic System
of Medicine. Price Is.
Granier (Dr. Michel)-The Rights of Man in the
Domain of Medicine; or, the Right of Private Judgment advo-
cated in respect to Medicine. Price 6d.
Guernsey and Thomas (Drs.)-Domestic Practice;
containing a Plain Description of Diseases (including those of
tropical climates), and Instructions for their Cure, with Express
Instructions for the use of the Remedies. Sixteenth English
Edition. Price 5s.
Gutteridge (Dr.)-The Woman's Guide; showing the
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of the Diseases of Females
and Children. By R. S. Gutteridge, M.D., Licentiate of the
Faculty of Physicians; Licentiate of Midwifery; late Physician
to the Metropolitan Provident Dispensary, and of the Home for
the Diseases of Women. Price 6s.
Hamilton (Dr. E.) - The Flora Homoeopathica ;
or, Illustrations and Descriptions of the Medicinal Plants used
as Homœopathic Remedies. The Work is illustrated by Mr.
Henry Sowerby, from drawings made expressly for the author.
The Homœopathic practice of medicine having become firmly
established, and its converts, both amongst the professional as
well as the non-professional public, daily increasing, a Work con-
taining the history, description, and general application of those
plants used as remedies under this system, may be considered at
8.
this time wanting to its literature. With this view the author
undertook the present publication. The Work contains a coloured
illustration and complete history of every plant generally em-
ployed in Homœopathic Pharmacy, arranged in alphabetical
order. The drawings are chiefly made from natural specimens;
and, to ensure correctness, the author has secured the services of
Mr. Henry Sowerby, the Assistant Curator of the Linnæan
Society. N.B.-Only a few copies remaining. Two vols., royal
8vo, Cloth, gilt tops. Price £3 3s.
Hempel (Dr. C. J.)-A Comprehensive System of
Materia Medica, &c., for the use of Practitioners and Students
in Medicine. This Work forms an admirable compendium of
Homœopathic Materia Medica and Therapeutics; and is alike
valuable to the Physician and Student. It is enriched by a
Repertory, by W. H. Watts, M.R.C.S., England; and also
possesses a complete Glossary of Medical Terms; a Clinical
Index, &c. Complete in One Volume, Cloth, price 20s.
Hempel (Dr. C. J.)-System of Materia Medica.
With many additional Medicines; a Repertory, expressly written
for this edition, by W. H. Watts, M.R.C.S., England; a Clinical
Index; Glossary of Medical Terms, &c., &c. It affords a com-
plete system of Homœopathic Materia Medica and Therapeutics;
and hence becomes most valuable as a work for reference and
study. The Repertory, Index, and other additions, are only found
in this Edition. Complete in 2 vols., price 30s.
Henderson (Dr. W.)-Homoeopathy Fairly Repre-
sented; in reply to Dr. Simpson's Homœopathy Misrepre-
sented." We have here the second edition of a book pregnant
with information, honestly expressed, and conclusive in argu-
ment; in every sense worthy of its author, Dr. Henderson,
Professor of General Pathology in the University of Edinburgh.
Price Is. 6d.
16
V
Henderson (Dr. W.)-An Inquiry into the Homœo-
pathic Practice of Physic. By William Henderson, M.D.,
Professor of General Pathology in the University of Edinburgh.
With Records of 122 cases, and Observations thereon, treated
in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. Price 2s.
Henriques (Dr.)-Art versus Nature in Diseases.
The author of "Art versus Nature" labours to show that Nature
has no power to cure diseases, and offers many important argu-
ments directly refuting the so-called naturalism, deducing them
from physiological, nosological, and therapeutical positions;
drawing practical conclusions in support of the Homœopathic
system. The author's logic and reasoning are sound, plain, and
effective. Price Is. 6d.
9
Hughes' (Dr. Richard) Manual of Pharmacodyna-
mics. Fifth Edition, Revised and Enlarged. 8vo, Cloth, 20s.;
half-bound, 23s.
:
"The present edition is by far more elaborate and scholarly than
either of the preceding ones; indeed, so much is this the case that it
is practically a new work altogether, and thus those who possess the
earlier editions will find themselves compelled to get this on account
of the many and important additions that are here to be found.".
Homeopathic World.
Hughes' (Dr. Richard) Manual of Therapeutics.
This Manual is according to the method of Hahnemann, a Survey
of the entire Field of Disease, with a Statement of what Homœo-
pathy can and does do for each definite form thereof. Second
Edition. Part I., Cloth, price 6s. Part II., Cloth, price 7s. 6d.;
or the two parts in one Volume, Cloth, 12s. 6d.; half-bound,
14s. 6d.
Hughes (Dr. Richard)—The Sources of the Homœo-
pathic Materia Medica. Three Lectures delivered at the
Homœopathic Hospital. Demy 8vo, Cloth, price 2s.
Indigestion. Its Homoeopathic Treatment by Eight Remedies.
Price 6d.
Joslin (Dr. B. F.)-Principles of Homoeopathy; in a
Series of Lectures. This Work gives an exposition of the prin-
ciples and practice of Homœopathy, in the form of a Series of
Lectures. The Work is free from technicalities, and affords a
full exposition of the Homœopathic system. Price 6d.
Kennedy (Dr. A. S.)-Notes on Count Mattei's
Electro-Homœopathic Remedies. Illustrated by cases.
and Enlarged Edition. Price Is.
New
Laurie (Dr. J.)-Homoeopathic Domestic Medicine.
Completely re-arranged and revised by R. S. Gutteridge,
M.D. The most comprehensive Guide published for the use of
Families, Emigrants, and Missionaries, being free of all techni-
calities. The present edition contains, in addition to the symp-
toms and treatment of all general Diseases, including those of
Females and Children, many important new chapters, comprising
among others the specific Characteristic Effects of all the New
American Remedies, plain Directions for the treatment of
Accidents, and Illustrations delineating the minor operations in
surgery. Hydropathic appliances, Affections of the Eyes (with
a description of the eyes and their appendages, and illustrations
showing the various parts of the eye). Full Directions are also
given for the treatment of Diseases prevalent in tropical climates.
A new and concise Dictionary of Medical Terms and Treatment,
IO
with leading indications of treatment prefixed to the various
chapters and divisions. Twenty-seventh Edition. Cloth, 16s.;
half-bound, 20s. Cases of Medicines adapted to the work in
Pilules or Tinctures from £4 4s. to £9.
Laurie (Dr. J.)-Epitome of Domestic Medicine.
Thirty-fourth Edition. This Work, like the above, is completely
re-arranged, revised, re-written, annotated, and brought down to
the present time, with a copious Introduction by R. S. Gutteridge,
M.D. The present edition containing many important new
chapters and sections, with new features and matter pertaining
thereto, is intended as a guide to all who are desirous of com-
mencing Homœopathic treatment in their Families. It affords
ample instructions in respect to Symptoms, the Remedies indi-
cated, and Medicines appropriate for the treatment of Disease,
Accidents, &c. Being free from technical phraseology, it can
safely be placed in the hands of the non-professional person.
Cloth, price 5s.; half-bound, 7s. 6d. Cases of Medicines
adapted to the work, in Pilules or Tinctures, £4 4s. and £5 5s.
Laurie (Dr. J.)-Parent's Guide; an Elementary Instructor
in the Homœopathic Treatment of the Diseases of Childhood.
Second Edition. This Work, like the two preceding, and by the
same author, is intended for use in Families. It affords simple
directions as to the general treatment of diseases common to early
life. Commencing with practical advice in respect to Nursing,
Feeding, Clothing, &c., it indicates the Homoeopathic Treatment
of Disorders, Diseases, and Accidents, of frequent occurrence in
childhood. Bound in Cloth, 18mo, price 5s.
Laurie (Dr. J.)-Homœopathic Guide, for Family Use.
Ninety-sixth Edition. Revised, enlarged, and brought down to
the present time by R. S. Gutteridge, M.D. This little Work
consists of 240 pages, and contains everything that a beginner
in Homœopathy needs to know to enable him successfully to
treat all Common Complaints. Price Is. Cases of Medicines
adapted to the Guide in Tinctures or Pilules, from 20s. to 42s.
Laurie (Dr. J.)-General Complaints; their Treatment
with Twelve Remedies. Cloth, price 6d.
Laurie (Dr. J.)-" Cholera and Cholerine;" a few plain
directions for the Homœopathic Treatment and Prevention of
these Diseases. 8vo, price id.
Malan (Dr.)- Homœopathist's Vade-Mecum.
This
Work, intended for the use of the Practitioner, contains the
Symptoms and Principal Remedies for each Disease, arranged
alphabetically, and preceded by Clinical Remarks, and other
matters of importance in prescribing. It is intended, in fact, as
a complete Prescribing Manual. 18mo, Cloth, price 2s. 6d.
II
Mattei (Count) - Electro-Homoeopathic Specifics.
Translated from the French of M. Bérard. A new Science of
Medicine, containing the plainest directions for the use of these
truly marvellous Medicines. With Notes on Syphilis and
Cancer. New Edition. Price 3s. Chests of the Medicines, 45s.
and 60s. Small Pocket Cases, from 12s. to 30s.
Moore (James, M.R.C.V.S.)—Outlines of Veterinary
Homœopathy. Tenth Edition. Revised, corrected, and brought
down to the present time by Thomas Moore, M.R.C.V.S. Giving
the Treatment of the Horse and other Animals, in a concise
and simple way. All who prize animals, and wish to keep them
in health, should possess it. Price 5s.
Morgan (Dr. W.) Homœopathic Treatment of
Indigestion, Constipation, Piles, &c., with Special Directions for
Diet, Hygiene, &c. This Work exclusively treats on Homœo-
pathy as applied in Indigestion, and the concomitant disorders of
Constipation and Hæmorrhoids, or Piles. Detailing the Symp-
toms, Nature, and Conditions of these Diseases, it affords full
instructions for their treatment, and the appropriate Medicines,
with their Doses. Special directions are also given in respect to
Diet, and other Hygienic considerations, which, in these diseases,
are subjects of the highest importance, both as preventive and
curative measures. 8vo, Cloth. Sixth Edition. Price 2s. 6d.
Pocket Glossary of Medical Terms. A valuable and
constantly useful Companion to Homœopathic works. Price Is.
Popular Guide to Homœopathy, for Families and Private
Use. A simple and easy book of directions for the Treatment of
all Common Complaints, and the uses of the Common Remedies.
New Edition. Cloth, Is.; Leather gilt, 1s. 6d. In Dutch or
Spanish. Cloth, Is. 6d.; Morocco gilt, 2s. 6d.
Rheumatism. Its Homœopathic Treatment by Eight Remedies.
Price 6d.
Russell (Dr. Rutherford)-The Treatment of Rheu-
matism, Epilepsy, Asthma, and Fever. Being Clinical Lectures
delivered at the London Homeopathic Hospital. With a com-
parative view of the fallacies of the old school, and the improved
treatment generally by Homœopathy. Dr. Russell introduces
the subjects of Acute Rheumatism, Affections of the Heart, in
connection with that disease; Rheumatism affecting the Brain,
Rheumatic Gout, Chronic Rheumatism, Doses and Attenuation
of Medicines, Epilepsy, Asthma, Fever, &c.; affording a com-
plete epitome of the diagnosis, treatment, and peculiarities of
each. The whole is illustrated by numerous cases, and presents
an admirable compendium for the use of the student and practi-
tioner. Cloth, Post 8vo, price 5s.
12
Russell (Dr.)-A Contribution to Medical Litera-
ture: relating to the Theory and Practice of Homœopathy.
This Work gives a popular digest of valuable matter on most
subjects pertaining to the art of Medicine; and is written in a
style which will be found highly attractive to the general reader.
Whilst advocating and explaining the theory and practice of the
Homœopathic system, general information is given on many
interesting subjects of daily experience. The latest results and
generalisations of the art are also recorded; so that the volume
affords an admirable epitome of the literature of Homœopathy.
8vo, Cloth, price 10s. 6d.
Russell (Dr.)-Hints on Diet, with Special Refer-
ence to Homœopathy. The question of Diet naturally interests
every one, and hence it has formed a frequent subject on which
books innumerable have been written. Generally speaking,
however, a certain amount of self-denial or asceticism is recom-
mended, which few patients can follow. Dr. Russell consults
previous habits, and deals with the patient as he is, rather than as
he should have been. The whole Work is therefore eminently
practical; and although primarily intended for those who follow
the Homœopathic system, it is of equal value to all classes.
Third Edition. Svo, sewed, price Is.
.
Russell (Dr.)-Heart (Treatise on the): its Func-
tional and Organic Diseases. Second Edition. Price is.
Russell (Dr.)-Digestion; and Structure and the
Uses of the Liver. Second Edition. Price Is.
Russell (Dr.) Pneumonia, under Prompt and
Effectual Treatment (Homœopathic Treatise on). Second Edition.
Price IS.
Russell (Dr.)-Nervous System, including Epilepsy
(Treatise on Affections of the). Second Edition. Price Is.
Russell (Dr.)—Skin and its Diseases (Homœopathic
Treatment of). Second Edition. Price 2s. 6d.
Sharp (Dr. William)-Essays on Medicine.
These
interesting Essays have had the largest circulation ever yet
accorded to any work explanatory of the Principles of Homœo-
pathy. Every inquirer should read them. Well printed, hand-
somely bound, and a suitable present. Price 4s.
Sea-Sickness.
How to prevent, and treat it Homœopathically
by Eight Remedies. Price 6d.
13
Teething. Derangements incidental to, and their Homoeopathic
Treatment by Eight Remedies. Price 6d.
Tic-Douloureux.
Remedies. Price 6d.
Its Homœopathic Treatment by Eight
:
Wyld (Dr. George)-Diseases of the Heart and
Lungs their Physical Diagnosis, and Homœopathic and
Hygienic Treatment. By George Wyld, M.D., formerly Physi-
cian to the Hahnemann Hospital, and the London Homœopathic
Hospital. When it is remembered that, in Europe and America,
about one-third of the mortality is caused by diseases of the
heart and lungs, the importance of the subject cannot be over-
rated. The present Work embraces a disquisition on the nature,
functions, &c., of the heart and lungs; with a full exposition and
diagnosis of the diseases to which they are subject; whilst their
Homœopathic Treatment is pointed out. In the Appendix, valu-
able advice is given in respect to the Hygienic Treatment of
patients, especially in regard to Ventilation, Climate, Bathing,
and other accessory measures. Cloth, price 3s.
Wyld (Dr. George)-The Turkish or Hot-air Bath
a Brief Account of the method of applying heat to the body in
health and in disease. Price 2d.
Yeldham (Dr. S.)-Homoeopathy in Acute Diseases.
A valuable Guide in the Homeopathic Treatment of such
disorders. Fourth Edition. Price 2s. 6d.
All other British and Foreign Publications on Homœopathy
supplied on the best terms.
}
14
t
PAMPHLETS EXPLANATORY AND IN DEFENCE
!
OF HOMEOPATHY.
Batchelour (Dr. W.)-Homœopathy Compared with
Allopathy: its Superiority Vindicated. Price 3d.
!
Brown (Dr. Dyce)-Homœopathy in the Light of
Common Sense: an exposition of the real nature of Homœo-
pathy. Fourth Edition. Price 6d.
Brown (Dr. Dyce)—The Reign of Law in Medicine:
a Work every one interested in Homœopathy should read. Price Is.
Drury (Dr. W. V.)-Homœopathy and its Opponents;
being a Reply to Sir B. Brodie and others. Price 3d.
Eadon (Dr. S.)-Dialogue between a Lady Homœo-
path and an Allopathic Physician. Price 3d.
Eadon (Dr. S.)-A Lecture on Homœopathy, the
disease-curing science of nature. Price Id.
Eadon (Dr. S.)-The Reviewer Reviewed: a Critique.
on the Review of Granier's Conferences. Price Id.
Fair Play; an Examination of the Rival Claims
of Homœopathy and the Chartered Schools of Medicine and
Surgery. By a Barrister. Price 6d.
Hall (Dr. Spencer)-Homœopathy and Hydropathy;
their Harmony and Efficiency in Practice.
Price 2d.
Hughes (Dr. Richard) - The Inaugural Address
delivered at the International Homœopathic Convention held in
London, July, 1881. Price 3d.
Homœopathy Vindicated; being a Reply to Objec-
tions made against its Doctrines. By an Amateur.
sewed, price 6d.
18mo,
15
Homœopathy, what is It? and is It True? By a
Convert of Seven Years' standing. 8vo, sewed, price 3d.
Neatby (Dr. T.)—A Lecture, entitled "The Social
Importance of Homœopathy." Price 3d.
Popular View of Homœopathy. By a Student. A brief
exposition of its Origin, Principles, and Advantages as a prompt
and effectual mode of Cure. Third Edition. Price 3d.
Sugden (Samuel)-Homœopathy Disclosed; or, a
Word to the Allopathists. With Cases successfully treated; and
Objections answered. Third Edition. Price 6d.
Theobald (Dr. R.)-Homœopathy, Allopathy, and
Expectancy. A Criticism of Sir John Forbes' "Nature and Art
in the Cure of Disease," and an Exposition of Homœopathy.
8vo (soiled), price 6d.
Tuckey (Dr. Charles)-A Dialogue on Homœo-
pathy. Price 2d.
Wilkin (Dr. G.)-Short Sketch of Homœopathy;
its Principles and Practice.
Price 3d.
Lecture on Homœopathy.
Yeldham (Dr. S.)-A
Price 3d.
This neat
Pocket-Case
is suitable for
those who
travel, and
want in a
small space a
few useful
remedies.
Morocco Pocket-Case.

同期
​Price 30s.
We
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SHK
ARRANG
There are
twenty-four
Medicines for
Internal, and
three for
External use,
with Plaister
and Oil Silk.
It is strong,
neat, and
portable.
16
PAPUANLONOLLE
KEREMTO
No. 6A

ARNET
NEBESE
ATEN
""
No. 6A-Is a handsome Mahogany Case, expressly designed for
the New Edition of Laurie's "Domestic Medicine, edited
by Dr. Gutteridge, and contains all the Medicines that
Work prescribes, including the Medicines in the Appendix.
The illustration above gives a good idea of the proportions
and arrangements of this truly noble Case. In the top are
the ninety-nine most useful Remedies, in two-drachm bottles,
and the Work bound in calf. The drawer contains, in a
movable tray, the eighty-five remedies prescribed in the
Appendix, underneath which are placed Medicine Spoon,
Lint, Oil Silk, and other useful appliances. At the back of
the drawer are the External Tinctures most used, in suitable
large-sized bottles; the other four Externals, which are only
rarely used, will be found at each end of the Book in the
upper compartment. In the cushion of the lid are placed
drop-conductor and instruments. Price of the Case, com-
plete, £9. Without the tray containing the medicines in the
Appendix, £7.
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Filmed by Preservation
Bound by
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