THE ACTION 
AND 
CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES, 
IN CONNECTION WITH THE 
ANATOMY OF TEMPERAMENTS. 
By JOHN C. MORGAN, M. I)., 
PROFESSOR OF SURGERY IN HAHNEMANN MEDICAL COLLEGE, PHILADELPHIA, PENN. THE 
ACTION 
AND 
CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES, 
IN CONNECTION WITH THE 
Anatomy of Temperaments. 
By JOHN C. MORGAN, M. D., 
PROFESSOR OF SURGERY IN HAHNEMANN MEDICAL COLLEGE, 
PHILADELPHIA. 
Reprinted from Transactions of State Homoeopathic Medical Society, 1868. 
ALBANY: 
C. VAN BENTHUYSEN SONS’ STEAM PRINTING HOUSE. 
18G8. ACTION AND CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES. 
A living, organic body, vegetable or animal, healthy or diseased, 
presents a totality of attributes, conditions and actions ; the sum 
of these is Life. 
The integrity of life depends upon the integrity of these. 
Vital power is proportioned to the same. Vital power is co-oper- 
ative with normal agencies extraneous to it, viz : hygenic agencies. 
It is antagonistic to abnormal or hostile agencies, (drugs, for 
example ;) the sum of the influence of life being the ordinary con- 
servation of the status quis, in the first place ; over and above 
which is the resistance afforded against the effect of such hos- 
tile agencies, whereby these may even be made subservient to the 
requirements of life, as antagonists to yet other (similarly) hostile 
agencies. And besides, when acting alone, such agencies find the 
living being so fortified in its life-status as to offer essential resist- 
ance to encroachment, without extraordinary excitement, and with 
promptness and certainty ; or, if the ordinary life-status be inade- 
quate, giving rise to the needed conservative effort. 
This conservative life-status may, for convenience in discussing 
the action of drugs, be paraphrased as “ power of reaction 
“conservative power;” the effect being, not necessarily the pro- 
duction of opposed conditions pursuant to their initial effect, (this 
being merely an occasional incident of reaction.) but simply the 
restoration, by a more or less circuitous and complex process, of 
the original life-status, by the correction of such of its elements as 
may have been deranged ; the mutual influence of the life ele- 
ments being the proximate source of such restorative action ; im- 
pairment in any one quarter being directly productive, (as seen in 
Plate I.,) by simple physiological means, of increased power else- 
where, in parts which are sympathetically grouped therewith ; 
these assuming a status per se, pathological, with remotely impaired 
vitality ; but under the circumstances, conservative. 4 
This is the “ similar disease ” which cures, in the form which 
may exist without medication, as in spontaneous recovery; or it 
may be induced by drugs; though the highest similarity operates 
directly in the diseased region itself. 
Plate I exhibits, under the typical form of vascular alterations 
(a usual concomitant of diseases), a series of phenomena illustrat- 
ing the effect of hostile action and conservative resistance, parti- 
cularly in the influence of cell nutrition of any part on vascular con- 
tractility in other parts nervously associated with this, and sug- 
gesting its concomitant influence on the nutrition of the same parts. 
The corrective action of nerve currents, proceeding from well or 
over-nourished parts to others, whose nutrition and vascularity are 
deranged, will presently be considered. 
We next notice that, as just hinted, the maintenance of the life- 
status proximately depends on nutrition of all those material 
parts, by which life finds expression. To this all vital effort 
tends. The operation of all those agencies by which life thus 
exhibits itself, may be summed up in the single technical phrase: 
“Nutritive Erethism;” expressive of the fact that a degree of 
organic excitement characterizes the process of nutrition. Normal 
and equable nutrition is health. Disturbance of the same is 
disease. 
Predominance of “ nutritive erethism,” in some general sphere, 
may be regarded as the basis of Temperament, which may become 
a condition of disease, as it diverges from the health-line of equable 
and normal nutrition; its ordinary influence being, however, con- 
sistent with an average standard of health; perfect equipoise being 
indeed a rarity. 
Nutritive erethism is itself the product of certain proximate 
factors, material, dynamic and spiritual. The first includes two 
elements, the Organism and the Plasma. The second comprises 
two elements, Force and Stimulus. The third consists of that 
Spiritual element which, acknowledged as the essence of Soul in 
man, has been asserted also of other beings, by some, but which 
clearly differs from all others in him. 
Let us review these. The Organism is the material structure of 
cells, tissues and organs, provided for the expression of life phe- 
nomena, and to this end, arranged with exact fitness to the local 
office of each, and also to their perfect co-operation in the vital 
actions. 
The Plasma is the material of which cells, etc., are formed, 5 
becoming thereby an essential factor of nutritive erethism. 
Whilst its perfect assimilation is due to vital action, its origin is 
extraneous to the organism which it is to nourish, so that it holds 
an inferior relation to it as a source of morbid action—the objec- 
tive point of our present study. 
Force or “ dynamism” is an essential requisite and condition of 
material action. Adopting the generally acknowledged doctrine, 
that there is one universal force in nature, the so-called forces 
being but its varied forms, due to the varied media and modes of 
its expression ; it follows, that however complex or disguised it 
may appear in vital phenomena, as germ-force, cell-force, nerve- 
force, etc., its identity is never lost. 
Stimulus is of both material and immaterial sources. It may 
be defined to be anything which, when applied to the organism, 
communicates or evokes the manifestation of force. Adopting, as 
to the former, the new chemical doctrine* that the normal status 
of matter is not strictly atomic but molecular, the molecules being 
composed of pairs of atoms, the possession of molecular polarity 
is a legitimate inference, and molecular affinity or repulsion for 
tissues and cells, already polarized by resident forces, a necessary 
consequence. 
Such measured affinity for certain spheres of the body is a con- 
stant trait of the action of medicines, in addition to their purely 
physical effects, so-called. Hence we have a reason for seeking to 
reduce our drugs as nearly as possible to the active status of mat- 
ter, extinguishing their massive character in molecular attenua- 
tion; which, by liberating dynamic or polarized molecules from 
the control of each other in cohesion, makes their polar forces, 
which, as in silex, were before merged in cohesion, manifest in 
presence of the organism, no longer as cohesive but as molecular 
force. 
The most minute particle yet seen with the microscope is still 
evidently massive, not molecular; for instance, the 9,000,000,000th 
of a grain of mercury. The active molecule is vastly more 
minute.f 
Stimuli are either physiological or pathological. The former, if 
abnormal in degree, become thereby pathological. They include 
all those agencies which maintain the supply of force required for 
the purposes of life, in the form of light, heat, electricity, motion, 
* See Porter’s Chemistry. 
See Wormly on the Micro-Chemistry of Poisons. 6 
etc.; and which, becoming identified with the organism, appear 
again in the new garb of organic forces. Being largely due to 
solar and planetary influences, they necessarily obtain thereby the 
stamp of periodicity of influx and reflux, corresponding with the 
ever changing relations of the earth to other orbs. The practical 
bearing of this observation will presently appear. 
Pathological stimuli pet' se, are those agents, material or imma- 
terial, organic or inorganic, which, being heterogeneous in quality 
to the organism, or hostile to the normal operation of the organic 
forces, and so unsuited to normal nutrition, give rise to disturbed 
nutrition of one or more parts of the organism, with consequent 
functional lesion and even anatomical change; or which, in other 
words, provoke the phenomena of “Irritation,” by virtue of forces 
inherent in, (ft incident to their molecular constitution or condition.* 
Drugs are such irritant agents, that in health they are essentially 
pathogenetic, whereas in disease, their inherent molecular forces, 
directed by our guiding law to the field of vital contest, supply 
the deficit of force, or neutralize morbid polarity of cells and tis- 
sues, or confer normal polarity by induction; aiding the natural 
periodic stimuli, probably, in all these ways, in bringing about 
restoration of normal nutrition, or health. 
Spirit has been referred to as a factor of nutritive erethism. It 
would be manifestly improper here to enter into any lengthy 
metaphysical discussion. Suffice it to say, that matter, in no case, 
can of itself perform that high function of intelligent will—obedi- 
ence to law; a proposition which seems evident. The same may 
be said of force. Both are in themselves inert. From this it fol- 
lows that spirit, meaning some combination of intelligence and 
will, is essential to all material action. 
In all inorganic actions, common consent excludes the idea of 
intrinsic spirituality; therefore its phenomena must be momenta- 
rily controlled and directed by extrinsic spirituality, which, by 
general admission, is the same with that by Avhich it was originally 
created, Deity. 
The same observation may be extended to the lowest organized 
beings without difficulty. Now in this view, vitality is no inde- 
pendent, atheistic essence, but literally every act of circulation, 
respiration, etc., is an act of Divine interposition, and tfie laws of 
nature are simply the self-imposed rule of action of Deity. 
♦See Ilering’s lectures on Hausmann. 7 
Man, made in His image, is doubtless endowed, in a finite mea- 
sure, with similar spiritual control over matter and force, as we 
constantly see illustrated in the phenomena of mesmeric psychol- 
ogy. The mind and will are well known to exert a controlling 
influence, in not a few cases, in producing or limiting morbid as 
well as curative actions of the organism and its forces, though 
constantly reacted upon by these. 
How far the next grades of mammalia are similarly endowed, 
may be a curious inquiry, but the supremacy of man in this re- 
spect is evident. It is at the same time clear that only in a 
limited, a very limited, degree, without direct aid from Deity, can 
even man exhibit this power. With that aid, miracles become as 
the routine of nature. 
But only in the consciousness of waking moments can Will act; 
yet in sleep, natural action, as in inorganic beings and low organ- 
isms, goes on uninterruptedly under the sleepless interposition of 
Divine will. 
We cannot, therefore, either in physical or physiological dis- 
cussions, atheistically ignore the influence of spirit, (as some claim 
we should do,) without violence to the inductive philosophy and 
to the true interests of material science. We cannot but assign it 
a place as one of the factors of nutritive erethism ; and we may 
state of it, practically, that its agency is at various times exhibited 
in the way of control, at others in the way of stimulus. When the 
being parts with the spiritual conditions of its existence, it is dead. 
Disease is the product of disturbance of any one or more of these 
factors. Deficiency of any of themselves as commonly existing, 
excess of any of them, and extraneous stimuli, may be proximate 
causes of disease ; this consisting specifically of deranged nutri- 
tive erethism, commonly called Irritation. 
Irritation, in the limited sense now intended, is peculiar to the 
animal organism, and presents five prominent features, viz : 1. 
Derangement of nervous function, quantitative, and remotely quali- 
tative. 2. Vascular derangement, especially in the way of altered 
calibre, and stasis of the capillary blood-vessels of the irritated 
part. 3. Exosmotic disturbance, consequent on capillary derange- 
ment, and possibly, somewhat on neuro-dynamic influence, as in 
diabetes, from irritation of the pneumogastric nerve. 4. Disturbed 
cell-nutrition or proliferation. 5. Derangement of special func- 
tions. All these are visibly present in nearly all cases, but unfor- 8 
tunately have been often separated and partially ignored. Indeed, 
not all cases present all these in the same degree and proportion. 
Notwithstanding the variety of irritative phenomena, there are 
but three distinct conditions to be noted, viz: 1. Local autemia. 
2. Local hyperajmia. 3. Local inflammation. 
The first is characterized by vascular contraction, diminished 
tissue-proliferation, and diminished exudation, with functional 
debility. The second is marked by increased vascular calibre, 
tissue-proliferation, exudation, and functional power. The third, 
oy excessive vascular calibre, tissue-degeneration, exudation, and 
ioss of functional power corresponding to impairment of nutrition. 
Coupled with each are various sympathetic phenomena, as chill, 
fever and exhaustion. 
Contraction of vascular calibre is the first effect of stimulation 
of any grade, and characterizes the prevailing tendency of mild 
stimulation; hence the value of homcepathic doses. Hypersemia, 
with its concomitants, results from excessive stimulation, debili- 
tating the vessels by over action, the vaso-motor nerves being 
exhausted in part by over stimulation and response ; excessive 
proliferation progressing up to a similar weakened state of the 
adjoining tissue-nerves. Inflammation has the same in greater 
degree, but the nerve force being at minimum, degeneration of 
tissue exceeds proliferation, and removes the excess of tissue 
formed in hypertemia, and also some more than that; reaction,* 
via hyperasmia, causing repair. 
All nerves seem to possess two functions, not often discussed in 
relation to them, viz: vaso-motor and proliferating influence, 
doubtless due to separate, but adjoining filaments, the nervous 
system being the depot, as it were, of organic force; hence the 
great importance of nerve, in the curative efforts of the organism, 
and the imperative obligation of the physician to conserve and 
stimulate it in all proper ways. 
The proliferating influence is believed to be anterior in its occur- 
rence to the vaso-motor, and Plate I must be studied with that 
reservation, each group being physiologically headed by nutritive 
changes. It by no means follows that, as sometimes taught, these 
cause all the rest. They are rather the apparent co-effects of 
nervous disturbance.! 
* Reaction is sim ly defined to be the totality of the processes of restoration, 
t Primary anaemia is marked as having lessened proliferation, but before anaemia be 
developed, excess of nervous currents must have increased proliferation. 9 
Drugs are sitmuli, heterogenous ancl pathogenetic, per se. 
They appeal, we conclude, by their innate molecular, polaric 
forces, to the nervous poles of the body, evoking their action by 
conversion of their own molecular forces, or by induction, and this, 
without prejudice to their purely physical effects. Large doses 
inflame, unless by evacuant exudation, the excess be eliminated. 
Small doses have the opposite effect, speaking comparatively ; 
hence they cure, in diseases similar to those occasioned by such 
large doses. 
But reference has thus far been made alone to the initial region 
in which excess of stimulus or irritation has been applied. By 
nervous association, both direct and remote, other and distant 
regions—the whole body perhaps—may be sympathetically 
affected, and as the nerve currents of irritation are very complex, 
and the effects on vascular calibre and nutrition very various, we 
may be pardoned if we trace, by study of provings and other 
diseased conditions, the more occult phenomena, by means of a 
diagram. As large and small doses act diversely, they are sepa- 
rately presented. See Plate I. 
From this diagram we may also obtain a conception of the 
shifting of irritation to distant but sympathizing parts, this being 
known by the term “ metastasis.” 
It will be observed, next, that in the production of the changes 
of vascular calibre, from irritation, the low potencies and crude 
drugs present the greatest initial irritation ; whereas the higher 
show but slight changes in the same region ; only causing, in fact, 
just that grade which developes characteristic symptoms of func- 
tional derangement, unmasked by the cruder inflammatory effects 
of large doses, in which every member of a class may equally 
partake if the dose be the inflammatory dose, in each case; so that 
high potency provings, though doing less damage to the organism 
in the way of anatomical lesion, may well give subjective symp- 
toms, at least, of greater purity than those made with massive 
doses. If the most extreme lesions be desired in proving, of 
course, the large doses are necessary ; both have their value. 
Again, it will be noticed that in high potency irritations, initial 
hyperremia is later in occurrence than is seen from the use of 
larger doses ; extending to that range which, being next to the 
period of restored health, we regard as secondary effects. In 
this, two points come to view, viz : the diverse development of 
symptoms from high and low doses, and the superior value of 10 
remote symptoms in the former and of the early symptoms in the 
latter case ; true similarity involving a like initiation, as well as 
a like catalogue of symptoms, at least as to some general regional 
impression. 
Lastly, we find that with high potency irritation, hypenemia 
of distant, sympathizing regions, causing sympathetic and decep- 
tive symptoms, occurs early, subsiding with reaction ; whereas, in 
using low or crude preparations, these are less as a whole, and 
occur with the process of reaction, often becoming chronic. 
Hence, early symptoms from large doses; late symptoms from 
high potencies, are, for a second reason, the purest and most 
characteristic. In diseases, even high potency medication often 
excites characteristic symptoms early. 
Still regarding the initial'irritation as the typical action of a 
drug or other pathogenetic agent, we perceive that the morbid 
effect is pre-eminently engorgement of the irritated vessels, with 
corresponding nutritive changes, causing parallel symptoms, and 
increasing or diminishing with the doses. 
With this variation in the power of different doses to engorge 
the affected region, experience shows that the power of reaction 
in the opposite direction from that of the morbid impulse, varies 
in like proportion, being less as the violence of the initial irrita- 
tion exceeds the endurance of the vital organism,* and its ability 
to maintain the health standard, and being greater as the vital 
ability exceeds the violence of the irritation ; consequently the 
drug action—primary effect—is most conspicuous after large, vital 
resistance and reaction after small doses. 
Vital power differs with every person, so that a dose, small for 
one, may be excessive to another, or the same person at another 
time, and vice versa. Assuming an average, we may say that 
eaeh drug, or other irritant, presents three distinct points in its 
posology, viz : 1. The dose which just balances the vital endur- 
ance. 2. The does which over-balances this. 3. The dose which 
is itself overbalanced by the vital ability. 
Allopathy kndws only the first two; the third it rejects. Homoeo- 
pathy regards the first as neutral and useless, and so does allo- 
pathy. Homoeopathy holds the second to be pathogenetic, not 
curative. Allopathy holds it to be curative, although indirectly 
and without specific quality. Homoeopathy claims the curative 
specific quality of the third dose, provided the remrdy be the 
•This vital energy is easily estimated by the general state of nutrition of the body. 11 
similimum. Allopathy regards this quantity as simply more 
- inert than the first. This, being the merest assumption, and a 
negation at that, may be outweighed by a single fact, if indeed it 
be above contempt. If any one doubt, let him sustain by a syl- 
logism the opposite opinion. 
We may illustrate our position by the admissions of the other 
side. The practice of most allopathic physicians affords instances 
of the use of emetic drugs in small doses, in gastric irritation. 
Let the well known emetic, ipecacuanha, furnish the example, for 
it was long ago used, either alone or as an ingredient in the cele- 
brated “Lady Webster Dinner Pills”* for dyspepsia, so com- 
monly attended with sickness nf stomach. 
Now the doses given are comparatively small, and it is plain 
that the intended effect is just the opposite of that resulting from 
large doses. Instinctively, this similar remedy is employed in 
reduced doses, as Dr. Reith, our allopathic contemporary, boldly 
recommends in the case of aconite, although in the same breath 
refusing the logical sequence of his own argument. 
It follows from the opposite effects of large and small doses, 
thus illustrated and daily observed, that there is a medium dose 
which has neither effect; and this is the first of the three quanti- 
ties before named, to wit: that which just balances the vital endur- 
ance, and is therefore inert or neutral. It further appears that if 
we increase the dose above this point, the irritant effect increases. 
Again, the allopathist, exceptionally taking a single step in the 
opposite direction, secures, sometimes, the anti-irritant effect; if 
not, he inconsistently refuses to proceed, and fails. The homceo- 
pathist, going on in the same direction, reduces the quantity again 
and again, receding farther and farther from the neutral, inert 
starting point, wherein he is simply and logically consistent, thus 
succeeding. Experience at the bedside giving practical proof of 
this, the efficacy of our doses become at once a philosophical 
necessity and an established fact. 
Continuing the ipecacuanha example, we may now, using terms 
of general significance, say that large doses vomit, small doses 
arrest vomiting, medium doses have no effect: ergo, the largest 
doses are the most violently emetic; the smallest doses are most 
strongly anti-emetic. 
A diagram will aid in comprehension of this proposition. See 
Plate II, figure 1. 
* Sometimes, in our day, the ipecacuanha is significantly omitted. 12 
The leading reason for this state of facts seems to be that the 
impression of a drug being heterogeneous or irritant, the vital 
organism sets up a counter action, or series of actions, for the pur- 
pose of resistance and expulsion of the morbid agent.* There is 
no reason to doubt, however, that only by suitable stimuli can 
this resistance be induced, in natural diseases, the irritant cause 
having vanished. Hence the stimulus of solar and planetary forces 
seems essential to spontaneous recovery; medicines being substi- 
tutive or supplementary stimuli or force-bearers. Without such 
forces, constantly and intelligently applied, morbid states must be 
perpetuated under the law of inertia, even if life itself could con- 
tinue without such intervention. (These natural stimuli are, 
therefore, per se, conditions of vitality.) 
We may conclude then, that the primary effect, whatever the 
stimulus or the dose, is the stimulant or irritant action proper; 
most marked after large doses; the secondary is the vital response 
of the organismf in the direction of antagonism, i. e., systemic 
reaction, attempted at the very onset, but best maintained after 
minute doses, which, however, would seem to be not merely, as in 
common dead matter, equal to the original action; but also having 
received vital impulse, must, under the same law, provided no 
obstacle be encountered, go on in the same direction forever, by 
mere continuance of the attitude of the parts concerned in reac- 
tion, so induced. No such obstacle previously presenting, the 
organic equipoise or health-line is, not without fluctuation, finally 
reached, and reaction terminates at that barrier. No dose is too 
small for this effect, if the agent be really present. Anatomical 
lesion, if great, may early prove a bar to reaction, and even to 
impression; demanding repetition of doses, and even crude forms, 
it may be. 
A diagram will aid in the comprehension of this also. See 
Plate II, figure 2. 
Let A be an elastic spring, firmly erected. B, a ball which 
strikes it from the right, moving it to C. The elasticity of the 
spring, representing vital power, returns the ball, on cessation of 
the original impulse, to A, to D, and finally far beyond to E, expel- 
* These are violent in the primary period, more quiet in the secondary, when consequent 
on large doses. 
■fin this statement, Hahnemann’s views are repeated; but, in strictness, primary and 
secondary effect must alike be viewed as the re’sult of both drug dynamism and systemio 
dynamism combined; the former predominant in the primary period, the latter in the 
secondary. 13 
ling it from its position entirely, as happens also with the drug. The 
spring, meanwhile, vibrates to and fro, illustrating periodicity, 
until at last it stands firmly in its normal place. If the original 
impulse were slight, quiescence must ensue the sooner and more 
easily, and although the original medicinal sinister impulse from 
small doses, indeed be slight, the normal status is reached all the 
more quickly and surely (supposing the organism passive before), 
in natural disease. Hence the infinitesimal or catalytic dose is the 
true curative quantity of a similar medicine. 
The curative nature of a similar irritant, i. e., the homoeopathic 
medicine, seems due to the fact that whereas the morbid agent is, 
in natural disease, a thing of the past, its influence accomplished ; 
reaction towards health goes on under stimulus of solar and plane- 
tary dynamism only, and these natural stimuli so fluctuate as to 
permit, if they do not provoke, periodic aggravations, whilst a 
genuinely similar drug, whose whole line of initial and sympathe- 
tic action is a counterpart of the disease, evokes reaction in ad- 
vance of aggravation ; and being a new agent of stimulus, and 
this hastened reaction being repeated over and over in the periods 
of amelioration, the medicine, as it were, steals a march on our 
slow-going solar system.* Thus too it happens that, especially 
with large doses, we are most apt to meet primary aggravation 
from medicines given just before the periods of natural aggrava- 
tion, coeteris paribus. 
It remains to be said that the curative power of very large doses 
of a homoeopathic remedy which is sometimes witnessed, especially 
in the garb of an allopathic recipe, is to be accounted for in one 
of the following ways, or in several combined : 1. Great vital 
endurance. 2. The evacuant effect of some drugs, eliminating the 
excess of quantity, just less than an evacuant dose being most per- 
sistently irritating, therefore. 3. The mutually antidotal effect of 
combined or alternated drugs. 4. The imperfection of the simi- 
larity. The “just less” above named, is the kind of exception 
which proves the rule ; and “the imperfection of similarity” is to 
be considered as possessing the negative advantage that large 
doses act by extension of their effect, by contiguity of tissue, or 
by connection of nerve fibres, from distant parts, and not by the 
direct influence of a similimum, of which small doses only can be 
borne. 
♦ All medicines may therefore be called “antiperiodics.” 14 
We may hence learn that similarity and contrariety are to be 
considered, not as absolute, but as relative terms; similarity 
gradually fading from the point of its highest intensity, to indif- 
ference; and contrariety, or remoteness of action, gradually fading 
also to the same indifferent medium, constituting an unbroken 
series of qualities, all the way down from the most intense homo- 
pathy to the most complete a^opathy.* 
Every physician of whatever school, in all probability ranges 
unconsciously over the whole series, with corresponding good 
or ill success; the homceopathist having the advantage of the guid- 
ing law. 
To resume: Whatever the theory of physiology and pathology, 
cellular or vascular, which may obtain the confidence of the 
medical profession, all are now agreed that the primary condition 
of life is nutrition; disease being only an error of the same. 
Therefore, the questions of cell function and vessel function are 
subordinate, and we may add, are in reality questions of method 
rather than of results; and the dispute is as to the order of events 
rather than the entity of those events, both being included in 
normal, both disturbed in abnormal or diseased nutrition; in varied 
degree and proportion, it is true. 
All existing doctrines, excepting those of homoeopathy and 
chronothermalism, seem to agree in discarding as obsolete, the 
views revived a century ago by Brown, Mesmer, and others, con- 
cerning the agency of the Forces, and particularly the nervous 
force, in producing health and disease; though all admit its impli- 
cation in both normal and abnormal nutrition, to use the modern 
phrase.f 
Indeed, the old, like the new systematists had little clear con- 
ception of this point; hence their transient influence. Science, too, 
is eclectic; the systematists, old and new, somewhat too partisan. 
May we not hope, in aqain calling attention to nerve force, in-this 
connection, to be exempt from their mistake ? 
In the classification of those agents which we call medicines, we 
have to bear in mind that they are such by virtue of their mole- 
cular pathogentic forces, that is to say, their capacity of pro- 
ducing irritation and abnormal nutrition, somewhere in the body, 
* Homo meaning identically like; alio diametrically unlike. 
f Hahnemann, although an opponent of Brown, so far agreed with him as to maintain 
the dynamic nature of diseases in general, which means the same as the “debility” of 
Brown. 15 
in accordance with certain polaric or dynamic affinities; so chang- 
ing the totality of its functions and the polaric or dynamic rela- 
tions of its parts, as to constitute disease, just as occurs from other 
non-medicinal factors of the same morbid dynamism. 
Such, indeed, is the similarity of both, that we may assert that 
whether morbid agents be material or immaterial, and whether 
their means of access to the minutiae of the organism be alike or 
not, their modus operandi is essentially the same ; that is, dyna- 
mic, or by and through force ; and may be viewed as a unit. 
We may affirm, besides, that so far as this differs in the animal 
organism from that seen in the vegetable and inorganic creations, 
all such dynamic actions are effected through the intervention of 
the nervous system. The phenomena of inception and progress 
are, in all cases, undeniably characteristic of disturbed forces ; 
whilst in the higher animals, they are no less characteristic of 
nervous disturbance, being commensurate with it, if we consider 
the vaso-motor and nutritive influence of the nerves. 
All changes of the material are, of course, effected through the 
forces which bear upon it, and the most obvious of those forces 
which concern the material components of the body, controlling, 
modifying or perverting their nutrition, as well as their functions, 
are clearly referable to the nervous system. Let us consider them, 
and then inquire for their relation to this great dynamic system. 
Some will deny the accuracy of the term “ forces;” alleging 
that all ordinary forces are held during life in abeyance to a single 
principle peculiar to living beings, to wit : the vital principle or 
life force ; and that the only exhibition of the former is seen in 
the effete matters of nutrition. But without arguing this point, 
the question may be concluded by reference to the aphorism : 
“ There is but one force in nature ; all so-called forces being mere 
correlated forms of this one universal force of nature, differing in 
accordance with the media of their expression.” 
Thus, vital force is, after all, no separate entity, but only a 
mode, or more correctly, a series of modes, of dynamic expression, 
the medium being a living organism. 
With this definition, the phrase is still useful. The central 
source of the forces which control all phenomena of the planetary 
system appears to be the centre of that system, the sun. This is 
so evident on reflection, as to require no argument ; but it is 
important to limit the statement by the admission that the Divine 
Spirit first created, and (as neither force nor unintelligent matter 16 
has in itself any power to obey law), momentarily controls the 
operation of all force, and that Man, as well perhaps as all inferior 
creatures, possesses not only susceptibility to, but also a finite 
measure of power to wield the same force, with and without the 
intervention of the will ; a power conferred by the Creator to 
employ existing force for certain ends ; not a new and oversdow- 
ing force, holding the existing forces in check or in abeyance, by 
supplanting them. 
The sun, therefore, is to be regarded in its relation to us, not 
of course as the originator, but the depot of supply of that entity 
which we term force. The vegetable world receives its emana- 
tions directly, and appropriates the same to the purposes of nutri- 
tion, etc.; also, alternately, mediately, or indirectly through the 
earth which supports it, and probably through other planetary 
bodies more remotely. These evidently increase and decrease 
periodically. 
The animal is influenced in like manner, doubtless by all 
these, but the peculiar nature of high animal organization and life 
forbids the direct access of solar or planetary force to the minute 
structures except in an incomplete manner. Another channel of 
access is necessary, developing and storing up force and convey- 
ing it from point to point as required, under the inducement of 
appropriate stimuli, material and immaterial, physical and psychi- 
cal. This necessity is provided for in the nervous system. 
Force, however originated or supplied to the cell structures of 
a living body, is manifested to us on reaching these by all the 
phenomena of cell life, and we call it “ cell force,” and this varies, 
in respect to the fertility of nutritive action, very nearly in the 
same proportion as the known source and channels of force remain 
intact or not, and in particular those of nerve force. 
Since our present inquiry is one concerning mainly the suscep- 
tibilities of animal organisms of a high order, the nervous system 
thus becomes the main point of interest in connection with this 
subject of force, nutritive force, in both normal and abnormal 
conditions. 
In a word, then, we may regard the nervous system as a com- 
plex source and channel of force in addition to the direct agency 
of planetary and solar force, like to that of the vegetable world.* 
* The solar and planetary forces thus appear to act specifically on the nervous system; 
its several divisions, as hereafter shown, being stimulated periodically, conformably with 
the mutation of those forces, consequent on the ever-varying change of planetary relations. 17 
As a source the grey neurine is to be considered, the white being 
the channel of conduction, and presenting antagonistic centric and 
excentric poles, each end of nearly every nerve tibre being the one 
or the other. Grey neurine is not limited to the brain and spinal 
cord, therefore these are not the sole sources of nerve currents. 
The whole body is more or less supplied with grey neurine, 
therefore nerve currents may originate in all parts of the body. 
Those which arise in the grey neurine of the nerve system may 
be distinguished as centric; those arising at the opposite ends or 
poles of the nerves as excentric. Grey neurine, in both situations, 
constitutes ganglionic tissue, and may be conveniently spoken of 
as consisting of centric ganglia and excentric ganglia. 
The centric and excentric ganglia, however, are both subject to 
another division, according to their connection with the organic, 
the so-called sympathetic, nervous system ; or the animal, the cere- 
bro-spinal nervous system. Thus we have four classes of gangli- 
onic nerve tissue, viz : 1, organic centric ; 2, animal centric ; 3, 
organic excentric ; 4, animal excentric. See Plate III. 
The first of these is made up of the chain of ganglia belonging 
to the great sympathetic nerve, not imbedded in the viscera. The 
second is made up of the grey matter of the spinal cord, and of 
its prolongations into the base of the brain, including the corpora 
striata, thalami optici, tuburcula quadrigemina, and in short all 
the ultimate roots of the nerves of special and general sensation, 
as well as of motion. The third is made up of the grey neurine 
of the viscera/ mainly, though the terminal ends of the organic 
nerves, universally, are included. The fourth is made up of the 
grey matter at the extremities of the nerves of animal life, with 
the nerve filaments themselves and their termini universally ; thus 
including the muscles, organs of general and special sense, the 
cortical part of the cerebrum and cerebellum, and such visceral 
and vascular spheres as receive spinal filaments. 
The arteries and arterial capillaries, as well as the visceral veins 
are largely in the third sphere ; the heart, stomach and the gen- 
eral venous system largely implicate the fourth. Vascular dis- 
turbances are thus partially diagnostic, (as being arterial or ven- 
ous,) of the affected sphere. 
The cortical part of the brain is included with the animal excen- 
tric elements rather than the centric, for the following reasons : 
First, the olfactory surface and retina, as well as other clearly 
♦The heart affords an important illustration of excentric ganglionic tissue; also the retina. 18 
excentric tissue is, in embryonic life, part and parcel with the 
periphery of the brain. Second, this portion of the brain is, 
although within the skull, terminal to the spinal nerves, and is 
analogous with other tissue similarly related. Third, in both 
physiological and pathological states there is a predominance of 
intellectual and emotional symptoms, generally conceded to be 
functional to this region, running parallel with the other signs 
of excentric erethism, whenever the latter prevails ; whereas, in 
centric erethism, whatever the similarity of symptoms, the traits 
of spinal force overshadow or give character to the merely intel- 
lectual and emotional manifestations. 
The meninges, or enveloping membranes of the spinal centre, or 
cord, are, however, strictly excentric, as much so as the viscera or 
the muscular sheaths—a proposition which seems to need no proof 
—yet explains the need of excentric drugs in inflammation of those 
tissues and in basilar hydrocephalus. 
Ganglionic tissue, now seen to be of general diffusion, requires 
to be nourished in like manner with any other; hence we derive 
an inteiesting reason for the intimate nervous connection of each 
of the four elements described, with each one of the others; each 
conferring nutritive force upon the others, and receiving it in 
return from each along the same nerve fibres;* for, as Leidy insists, 
it is absurd to assign to any nerve the power to transmit a nerve 
current but one way, they being passive conductors of currents 
back and forth, to and fro, as generated for the purpose. Thus 
two centres may be peripheric to each other. 
Hence, too, we derive an explanation of the similarity of symp- 
toms in provings, where there is, it. may be, a clear pathological 
distinction associated parts or poles being successively and con- 
versely affected. See Plate I. 
Whatever the symptomatic differences, they largely relate to 
the order of development, (together with corresponding class signs 
in the sphere of periodicity, morals, etc., presently to be explained.) 
And, at the same time, recognizing the converse effects of large and 
small doses used in proving, we can understand why this same 
order of development of symptoms differs according as the initial 
action in one and the same locality shall be crude or refined, gen- 
erally hyperaemic or anti-hyperaemic, erethistic or sedative; com- 
* Thus the gray nutrine of any division indirectly obtains nutrive force during the natural 
intennissjon of its own special periodic solar and planetary stimulus. 19 
plementary and even opposite effects being sympathetically mani- 
fested by all the connected nervous sphere, whatever the initial 
effect. 
This, on general principal that the nutrition of parts exerts a 
mutual influence; moderate hyperaemina at one end of a nerve 
implying consequent tonic contraction, muscular and vascular, or 
even amemia, spasm, chill, at the other end of the same, and vice 
versa; (temporary transmission states witnessing equal engorge- 
ments, etc., at times,) and an extreme hypersemia (inflammation) at 
either pole implying a minor, conservative, sympathetic hypersemia 
at the other; conservative because moderate hypersemia, causing 
hyper-nutrition, develops active currents to contract the opposed 
capiliaries, etc.; of the imflammed part, and to restore nutritian 
whereas, imflammation is attended with incapacity in this respect.* 
See Plate I. The effect of mental emotion and will in the vascular 
system affords an interesting field for study in this connection, 
involving their dynamic influence on life-action. 
Again, an excentric drug, as ipecacuanha, in high potency, 
(ansemic doses,) by indirect promotion of distant hypersemia and 
proliferation at the centric poles of the nerves concerned, will act 
as a tonic. And in like manner we may account for the apparently 
contradictory symptoms of our provings, even in respect to those 
on which we herein propose to base our classification, viz: morale, 
periodicity, etc.; for since these vary with the stages of the prov- 
ing, as well as with the doses, causing both initial and remote 
effects, one of three things may mar the accuracy of the record. 
1. The proper moment for observing such class traits may escape 
us. 2. The quantity of the doses may be such as to exaggerate 
some individuality, standing in the way of development .of class 
signs in their characteristic order. 3. The timing of the doses 
may be unfavorable to the same ; each class of the four acting 
initially in its own class sphere, with periodic exacerbation ; con- 
secutively or sympathetically, everywhere else to the extent of its 
nerve connections. 
We must also keep in mind the fact that not all apparent peri- 
odic aggravations are really such. As for instance, “expectora- 
tion only in the morning,” under pulsatilla, is not an aggravation 
at all, but an amelioration from dry cough in the evening, etc. 
* The subsequent deficit in its nervous influence on associated parts develops the conser- 
vative, sympathetic hyporaemia therein. Here we also observe the dependence of vitality 
on organism. 20 
In pursuance of the same point, we see the impropriety of fixing 
a uniform dose for provings, any more than for treatment of dis- 
ease ; since, as I have noticed, an individual whose temperament is 
of the same class with the drug, has most symptoms from mode- 
rately large doses ; a contrary temperament, most from small and 
infinitesimal doses ; and it is principally in the latter sort of cases 
that aggravations by high potencies, often denied, but real as any 
others, arise in practice. 
Allusion having been made in the preceding paragraph to tem- 
peramental classes, it is enough to add that these are based upon 
the fact, elsewhere hinted at, that within those limits which con- 
sist with a state of average health, there exists, in the majority of 
persons, a preponderant erethism in one or other of the four 
spheres described ; which is the temperamental basis of the indi- 
vidual. 
This is liable to fluctuation in sickness, from hour to hour, or 
day to day; each temperament, as before stated, being peculiarly 
liable to the influence of those agents, material or immaterial, 
solar, planetary * or medicinal, which act specifically in the tem- 
peramental sphere; moderate or small and rare doses of the latter 
being inert, or else acting by primary effect sedatively, anaemically; 
excess causing hyperaemic disease, as in the homoeopathic provings. 
The signs of each in health, with the changes in disease, are 
given hereafter. The ancient classification of temperaments is 
thus superseded, or perhaps it were better to say, reconstructed 
on a new foundation. 
The proposed classification of medicines is made by the symp- 
toms, so far as known, of moderately large doses, the provings 
being continued long enough to confirm their class conditions, 
other drugs being added to the lists, according to analogy of 
chemical and symptomatic traits. In such provings an artificial 
diathesis supplants or else exaggerates the natural temperament; 
the class characteristics being ordinarily clearly marked, changing, 
however, when reaction sets in, into some co-related sphere; 
requiring an antidote, it may be, of this last class; just as the 
remedial use of the same medicine may be followed by a like 
necessity for the same consecutive drug in curing a given case of 
disease. 
* The changes of position of the earth towards the heavenly bodies are marked, in the 
animal organism, sick or well, by changes in the nutritive activity of the several class- 
spheres. 21 
Affinities and comparisons among related drugs, differing in 
class, thus assume great value, and in the use of low potencies, we 
may even predict the consecutive remedy a day or two in advance, 
in acute cases. 
Before stating the characteristics of the classes, either of tem- 
peraments or the casual general states observed in disease, or of 
the corresponding drugs, the grouping and titles of the last named 
may be given and accounted for in a general sort of way. Thus: 
Class first, the Organic Gentries, or Ganglionics, consist, so far 
as ascertained, of but two remedies: aconitum and'veratrum viride. 
Class second, the Animal Centrics, orSpinants, comprises all the 
narcotics and bitters, so called in allopathy. Nux vomica is a 
type of the class. 
Class third, the Organic Excentrics, or Anti-Ganglionics, com- 
prise the common acrids, alkalies, salines and acids, of which 
pulsatilla is a general type. 
Class fourth, the Animal Excentrics, or Anti-Spinants, includes a 
variety, as alcoholic liquors, ether, all the aromatics, the foetid and 
pungent substances, the oleo-resins and gum-resins, the anti-spas- 
modics and stimulants of the old school), and all the astringents, 
vegetable and mineral. Zincum may answer for a type. The 
third and fourth classes are allied, chemically, by the vegetable 
acids of the former and the tannic acid of the latter. In conse- 
quence, partly, of this alliance, four groups are formed from class 
third. 
Group A, alkalies and alkaline earths ; their carbonates, and 
borax. Group B, simple neutral (?) acrid substances. Group C, 
salines, neutrals, composed of acid and alkaline substances, chemi- 
cally united. Group D, acids, mineral and vegetable. 
It will be yet asked, “ by what scientific rules may such a divi- 
sion be made, and how can any new medicine be assigned with 
diagnostic certainty to its proper place ?” The answer is, by three 
indications : 1. The chemical quality of the substance, and its con- 
sequent natural alliances. 2. The pathognetic record, especially 
as concerning morale, periodicity and order of development, 
together with physiognomy, manner, attitude, etc., all being 
expressive of the condition of the general system and harmonizing 
with the preceding. These symptoms are viewed aside from any 
nosological and pathognomonic traits, as well as from mere sub- 
jective disturbances; giving the first place, in short, to those 22 
which point out the medicinal diathesis ;* and of these, so far as 
classification is concerned, to the generalities which all the co- 
members of each class possess in common. 3. Experience of the 
action of the given medicine in disease, by all schools, and the 
alliances thus ascertained. 
In illustration of the first rule, the chemical, all known oleo- 
resins are members of a therapeutic class, long recognized as 
possessing in common, certain qualities as medicines. All oleo- 
resins are thus seen to belong to this medicinal group. The 
second rule is brought into play when we consider the primitive 
anatomical sphere of action of all these oleo-resinous drugs as well 
as their congeners, the gum-resins, viz : in the excentric element 
of the animal nervous system ; shown by all grades of sentient 
and motor derangement, from paTalysis to spasm and neuralgia ; 
and cerebral disturbance, from stupefaction to craziness ; visceral 
lesion being at minimum, sentient and muscular disturbances maxi- 
mum. The third rule recognizes the experience ex usu in mortis, 
whence all these drugs have been considered from ancient times 
as suited to “nervous diseases,”'and hence termed “anti-spas- 
modics which name, however, falls far short of expressing their 
individual homoeopathic uses. 
By the 2d and 3d rules, the “ mineral astringents ” are classed 
with the oleo-resins and gum-resins; and naturally, the “ vegeta- 
ble astringents,” all containing tannic acid, go with these, though 
bordering on another class, containing other organic acids. 
Nature, indeed, abhors the trammels of any absolute lines of 
classification and distinction. So, it may be as difficult, at times, 
to say absolutely where a drug belongs, as to declare whether a 
very low animal is not, after all, more a vegetable in its qualities. 
Finally, the volatile nature of the oleo-resins, coupled with 
their stimulant quality, associates with them other substances 
similarly endowed, viz: the aromatics, the alcoholic substances, 
and the ethers. All these, then, mainly and primitively affect the 
peripheric or terminal, excentric portion, or the “excentric poles” 
of the animal nerves. 
The fourth class, above described, being composed of appar- 
ently diverse elements, illustrates the rest, but the others may be 
briefly touched upon also. Thus, most of the first and second 
•It is this which is affected by potency provings; i. e., a predisposition is thus pro- 
duced; by which any exciting cause, as cold, or any other, developing an ordinary patho- 
logical state, the latter is stamped all over with characteristic peculiarities of the drug. 
Hence we see the value of “trivial symptoms,” so-called. 23 
classes depend on an alkaloid active principle. But this is a 
decidedly less distinctive point for them than is their pathogene- 
tic record—particularly in seperating these two centric classes 
from each other. Thus, the first class, as aconite, clearly affect 
the organic tissues most; whereas, the second class (instance, nux 
vomica) as clearly bear most on the animal organism, together 
with such viscera as are freely supplied by nerves of animal life, 
as the liver, stomach, etc. Further, none of these cause any local 
change of importance in either viscera, muscles, or organs of sense, 
when applied to their tissues directly—yet how marked is their 
indirect effect! Only through the nerves which supply them, can 
this be brought about! Therefore, the inference by exclusion is, 
that their initial action is in the corresponding nerve-centres. 
Learning, now, from their pathogeneses, what else they have in 
common, especially as to diathetic generalities, we may, in study- 
ing any new remedy, on finding like traits strongly marked in the 
proving, by moderate doses, slowly and long taken—the typical 
posology for purposes of class diagnosis—at once assign it to the 
same class ; as has been done with certain of the “ New Reme- 
dies.” But it must be kept in mind that the primitive action is, 
conformably to Hahnemann, the typical one for classification; and 
besides, that the consecutive effect of an infinitesimal dose resem- 
bles, measurably, the primitive effect of a large one. Therefore, 
undue haste in determining the class of a drug, alone from prov- 
ings, should be cautiously avoided. 
The two grand centres present distinctive distributions; and in 
these, the several sorts of blood and lymphatic vessels take part. 
Thus, the organic affects the arteries, arterial capillaries, and 
largely the valveless visceral veins, portal, cerebral, etc. ; the 
animal centre controlling the venous capillaries and heart, in part; 
all of which become deranged in concert with the corresponding 
nerves. So little is known of the lymphatic system, that we can- 
not say much about those vessels, but may draw inferences from 
provings, etc., hereafter. 
Again, some drugs are compounded of bodies of diverse charac- 
ter, not chemically combined, and belonging to different classes. 
Thus, china, belonging mainly to the second class, contains also 
tannic acid as an active component, allying it to the fourth. Even 
when chemically combined, such distinct powers may co-exist in 
the physiological effect, as in sulphate of quinine, the sulphuric 24 
acid, as well as the alka-loid, quinia, being active. Such drugs are, 
so to say, hybrids. 
Lastly, the third class presents certain peculiarities. Thus, it 
is divided into four sub-classes, or groups; A, alkalies; B, common 
acrids ; C, salines ; and D, acids ; naming them as they approach, 
in dynamic qualities, the succeeding or fourth class, and as the 
class distinctions grow fainter. 
The common acrids are mostly chemically neutral, pulsatilla 
being a good example. A few, as ipecacuanha and veratrum 
album, containing some portion of alkaloid active matter, unlike, 
however, those of the narcotics, resemble, somewhat, in proper- 
ties and indications, the alkaline, group, especially in the watery or 
milky complexion, etc. On the other hand, some, as rheum, con- 
taining tannic acid, are allied to the acids also, and are suggested, 
like them, by the presence of a tough and even swarthy skin. In 
the latter alliance, we also find such combustible bodies as phos- 
phorus and sulphur; whilst in the alkaline alliance, the supporters 
of combustion, or “ halogens,’’ are found; the oxygen of all the alka- 
lies and alkaline earths giving them, apparently, this- characteristic 
affiliation, their metals being less potential in this respect than 
those which retain oxygen with less avidity. These last, indeed, 
belong mainly to a distinct class, the fourth mercurius vivus, 
although a member of the third class, yet is like the fourth; mer- 
curious corrosivus, like the alkalies and halogens, though of simi- 
lar local effects ; mercurius solubilis stands between ; such medi- 
cines as sepia, carbo veg. and carbo animalis, are severally classed 
with those of inorganic source, with which they are allied, viz : 
natrum mur., kali carb. and calc, phos., which are also constituents 
of their media of life, or else of their own structure during life, or 
both. 
I have thought that the distinctive complexions, tough and del- 
icate, of persons respectively suited by the acids and alkalies, 
mmht be attributed without violence to their diverse external or 
O 
internal erethism ; the drugs severally exhibiting their elective 
galvanic affinity for, and effect on external or internal tissues, pre- 
dominantly ; just as the plates of a galvanic battery eliminate 
acid matters from one, and alkalies from the other, side. The 
skin corresponds with the former, and is apparently tough in pro- 
portion to its activity ; the mucous membranes with the latter, as 
to both their natural secretions and their drug affinities. The sue- 25 
cessive intermediate layers of tissue probably hold like relations 
and subdivisions of all, also between themselves.* 
The salines stand midway between acids and alkalies, combining 
their effects in various particulars, and, like the acids, are feebly 
distinguished in some points, as periodicity, from class four. All 
these, with their chemical relatives, are the so-called “ antipso- 
rics,” implying that “psora” is really a galvanic aberration, affect- 
ing opposed surfaces. The combustibles, as phosphorus and sul- 
phur, range with the acids, though in an inferior degree ; being 
allied to class four, also, by this circumstance. 
It cannot be too often repeated, that from the continued use of 
any drug of a given class, especially in high potencies, these gen- 
eralities are subject to be converted from one class to another, 
antagonistic to it ; hence it is that after experience in class symp- 
toms, the physician may often predict the class, and even the 
remedy itself, which he will next have to employ ; always allow- 
ing for the tendencies of the individual constitution. And so 
familiar do class-symptoms become by study and observation, that 
often, even without asking a question, by the eye, taking in the 
objective points which mark the class, one may decide a priori, to 
dismiss from consideration three-fourths of our voluminous Materia 
Medica. 
It is a plan not to be despised by the less expert, first to select 
that remedy in each of the four classes, which in that seems most 
similar, and forthwith, by the signs hereafter given, select that 
one of the four which possesses the class traits. If these were in- 
distinguishable, the “keynotes” or “characteristics” would be 
decisive. Indeed, in some cases, the force of the latter, if known, 
may overbear that of the class-symptoms, though it remains true, 
that in nearly all instances, the class-signs must, sooner or later, in 
the treatment of the case, be respected, and the earlier and better. 
And this is true, regardless of the name of the disease, or the num- 
ber of remedies which may be supposed to act specifically on the 
organ most palpably concerned, all of which is important, yet not 
decisive alone. Even conflicts among“characteristics” may often 
be settled by class-signs, when the latter are strongly pronounced. 
The alternation of remedies a priori, is thus avoidable, though, 
if practiced at all, there exists no scientific reason which can be 
* Aldini and Golding Bird attest that an action similar to that of diverse metals, re- 
sults when a frog’s leg is held in the hand (under suitable conditions,) and the sciatio 
nerve is applied to the mucous membrane of the tongue. The effect is, at once, contra<5-» 
tions, as in the ordinary experiment with qopper and ainc plates. 
A 26 
alleged in its defense, it it be not in the way of a commination of 
the diathetic with the pathological indications; each being repre- 
sented by a particular remedy. Nature has, however, furnished 
so many such combinations, ready to hand, that this method seems, 
to say the least, a superfluity. 
The next question is the following : How may the class-signs be 
recognized in the several cases requiring such diagnosis, viz: first, 
in the temperamental traits of healthy persons; second, in the 
temperamental traits, or casual changes, of deceased persons; and 
third, in the materia medica? The answer is distinct for each of 
the four classes. The initial sphere of action is meant, as concern- 
ing drug-provings; the symptoms of this sphere being charac- 
teristic. 
Before discussing each of the four classes in detail, it is proper 
that the fact should be noted, that both of the centric classes have 
certain points in common, distinguishing them from the two 
excentric classes, which are, in like manner, marked by resem- 
blances to each other, as well as common diversities from the two 
centric classes. These traits are, in the centrics, of an executive, 
and in the excentrics, of a subservient quality; the sense of these 
terms being equivalent to “ impressive ” and “impressible,” as 
hereafter employed. 
Common signs of both Centric Temperaments.—In both, there 
is a keen, clear eye, a decided physiognomy and manner, and an 
amount of vital resistance, and personal potentiality, which does 
not obtain in any excentric type; which is susceptible of increase 
by cultivation in any person; or, on the other hand, decrease by 
neglect and sensual indulgence; thus becoming abundant and 
indomitable, in times of trial, when courageously borne to the 
acme of success; and again, when othei wise conditioned, dwind- 
ling to enervation and dejection, or even to obliteration, more or 
less rapidly and completely accordingto its original predominance 
and intensity. 
The whole physiognomy and bearing of both of these, is possi- 
tive and impressive, however modified by combination with other 
elements, often affording to the expert an instant criterion. Towards 
their own organization, as well as towards their follow-men, they 
maintain a positive magnetism of will. 
General Distinctions.—The Ganglionic temperament, (or diathe- 
sis, as a casual morbid alteration may be termed), has an aspect, 
however, denoting instinctive and incisive impetuosity. The Spinal 27 
(Class II) has rather the character of wary calculation—self-poise— 
carefulness. It may not be out of place to instance General Sher- 
man under the first, Mr. Seward under the second type. 
Comparative General Resume.—Both are marked characters in 
social life. Both alike move on persistently towards the goal of 
desire, with a single eye and fixedness of purpose, concentrating 
their powers to the attainment, unrelentingly. The Ganglionic 
reaches the end by sheer force, with such wisdom as may be at 
hand to aid; the Spinal, by systematic and wary pursuit of pre- 
conceived plans. Both are rulers of mankind. In sickness, both 
have great tenacity of life, and powers of reaction. Wonders heal 
readily; and remarkably, the first do best in case of compound 
fracture, as from gunshot, whilst the second better endure injuries 
of the viscera. 
Thus, in one of class first, gunshot wound of the lung was well 
nigh fatal, whereas in an identical case in the same military 
hospital, occurring in class second, the man was able, within a 
few days, to sit up and wash his own wound. And among a 
variety of cases of gunshot fracture of the femur in the same 
establishment, not amputated, a favorable progress was observed 
exceptionally in the only individual of them all, belonging to class 
first, (all the fractures in the ward being amongst Confederate 
soldiers); the one referred to giving constant evidence of his phy- 
siological class by imperious anxiety, restless self-attention and 
overbearing will. 
In some cases, however, of persons of disciplined character, 
especially if aided by the influence of the third sphere, as shown 
by a tendency to fatness, these manifestations of class first give 
place to stoicism, which is an alternative trait, as illustrated in a 
German officer from Illinois, after amputation for gunshot fracture, 
and who was well, besides, almost immediately. 
Whilst anxious concern, or else stoicism, marks the first class, 
the second shows repulsive ill humor, or else self-retirement, in 
sickness. No real “vacillation” is seen in either. That which 
indicates nux vomica of the second class, is rather a result of con- 
flict between a wilful determination, and the superior claims 
which demand a contrary course; whereas a real vacillation is an 
excentric sign, and is the fruit of insufficiency of will ; a distinc- 
tion which ought to be more generally made. 
In both centric types, the predominant periodic erethism occurs 
between midnight and noon, although the admixture of exccntric 28 
elements in the constitution, sometimes masks the fact by minor 
erethism in other parts of the twenty-four hours, as in the after- 
noon symptoms of aconite, of the lirst, and belladonna, of the 
second class. 
Again we note a distinction between classes one and two; the 
erethism of the former, the Ganglionic, being mainly between 12 
and 3 o’clock at night, and from 9 to 12 in the daytime; whereas 
that of class two, the spinal, occurs mainly between 3 and 9 a. m. 
In disease like periodicities obtain. 
Finally, if two men, respectively of classes one and two, enter 
into any business together, the former becomes at once the leader 
of enterprises; the latter, the manager of them. Both may still 
be used by others; the first by seconding, or appearing to second 
his blows; the last, by furthering, or appearing to further his 
schemes. Both, however, victimize persons of the other two 
classes, -with facility, when unrestrained by principle or otherwise. 
General Likeness of Excentric Types.—Both class three and 
class four are in common characterized by a strong line of dis- 
tinction from the two centric classes—i. e., whereas the centrics 
are characteristically impressive, the excentrics are decidedly 
impressible. 
General Distinctions between Classes III and IV.—They differ 
from one another, however, markedly, in that, whilst the Organic 
Excentric, Anti-Ganglionic, or third class, have the quality of 
inertia,* the Animal Extentric, Anti-Spinal, or fourth class, ex- 
hibit sympathy and sensibility as a prevalent condition. Mingled, 
as they usually are, proportionally, these elements modify each 
other. 
The four classes may here be briefly compared, thus: the first, 
with the Northern mountaineer, who pursues the agile game from 
crag to crag, with a singleness and fixity of purpose which insure 
success, and overcome all obstacles; the second, with the careful 
merchant who plans the purchase and sale of the product of the 
chase, and of the merchandize required in return by the hunter; 
the third, with the sluggish peasant who serves the merchant con- 
tentedly for the sake of food and raiment and shelter, growing fat 
in his vegetable servitude ; the fourth, with the children of the 
same merchant, taught in the schools, charmed by the attractions 
of society, or by those of learning or art; and despising alike, the 
* This may be quito compatible with bad temper in sickness, and with a sort of gaiety 
in health. 29 
hardy life of the hunter, the mean selfishness of trade, and the 
stolid vegetation of the servitor ; a source of anxiety and appre- 
hension, yet of pride, to their careful and shrewd parent; drain- 
ing his purse and enlivening his house. 
Or, again, the first class rules the North ; the second rules the 
South ; the third is the phlegmatic white drudge ; the fourth the 
gay black one. Or, to use the very incorrect Galenic phrases, the 
first is the sanguine ; the second, the bilious ; the third, the 
lymphatic ; the fourth, the nervous temperament. These, com- 
pounded, form secondary types, as the bilious and lymphatic, 
forming the melancholic, so-called, etc. 
Special localizations occurring, constitute “habits;” usually 
concerning most the excentric elements. Thus, the cortical part 
of the brain being habitually erethistic, in undue proportion to 
other parts of the same class-sphere, the “encephalic habit” 
results. If the liver, the “ hepatic habit;” better called the 
“ bilious,” only for the danger of confusion. If the muscular sys- 
tem, the “ muscular habit.” If the genital system, the “ hysterical 
habit.” If the lungs, the “ pulmonary habit.” 
Localized erethism, or even a tendency to actual local inflamma- 
mations, it may be, will characterize these conditions, all being 
discernible by application of the ordinary laws of diagnosis. 
Finally, the symptoms of morbid erethism, in the sphere of 
class one, is comparable with a blow-pipe flame; class two, with 
that of a kerosene lamp ; class three, with the smouldering of 
“ punk ;” class four, with the flashing and sputter of nitre-paper. 
It should be here remarked, that the above statement of the 
supremacy of the laws of diagnosis, is the proper answer to the 
query, as to why we assign to certain anatomical (nervous) spheres, 
the generation of typical temperamental peculiarities, reducible 
to four distinct classes, together with the like assignment of all 
medicinal actions to the same spheres, under the same classes. 
This has already been discussed, yet, here again, and once for all, 
it may be said that as the functions of nearly every minute part of 
the human organism are now well ascertained; normal or abnormal 
erethism, however caused, in any or all, is thereby easily mapped 
out and located, and its precise character diagnosticated. There- 
fore, the diagnostic study of Man, healthy, or from idiopathic or 
medicinal causes, unhealthy, affords, as we think, a satisfactory 
solution to the problem ; and so far as concerns the action of 
drugs, the chemical and pathogenetic records of our materia 30 
medica become the woof of the fabric, whose web is anatomy and 
physiology. 
Whilst undue prolixity in such a discussion is to be deprecated, 
still, the practical utility of the proposed classification depends so 
intimately upon a clear view of the diagnostic points by which the 
classes may be promptly known, that the mere allusion to this 
it is hoped, justify a still greater minuteness of description. To 
this end, each class will now be reconsidered seriatim. 
Class I. Ganglionics ; Organic Gentries.—The signs of erethism 
predominating in this sphere, are the following. Morale : positive, 
unswerving, uncompromising, direct and persistent—or, in pro- 
found organic irritation, we see apathetic or stoical fortitude; or 
else imperiousness, anxiety, and concern ; irascible, even sarcastic 
in manner, or else very cold; independent, unsympathetic, (except 
in compound with class four), harsh, self-confident, impetuous, 
cheerful, energetic and untiring, impatient, prompt of action, and 
Rarely and exceptionally insipid, and shrinkingly 
repulsive, self-saving, and indifferent to the feelings of others, 
except from policy—a sort of noli me tangere. They are, in atti- 
tude, stiff or politic ; in gait, determined and positive, or apathetic- 
ally deliberate and cool. Physiognomy : choleric, occasionally 
“ magnetic,” or else unimpassioned and even cynical; if perverted, 
insensible and cruel. Complexion : florid,* or else Very pale, 
rarely brunette, and depending on the associated excentric ele- 
ments. Gestures : rigid in men, prim in women. Tone of voice: 
authoritative, or “cheery,” or else very reserved. Muscular 
movements : quick, or else automatically deliberate. Under pain: 
frantic, concerned, anxious, or else stoical. Appetite and func- 
tions : regular, tonic, automatic, instinctive; organic functions most 
marked. Periodicity of erethism : between the hours of nine and 
twelve, possibly extending to three o’clock in the daytime ; also 
at night, during the same hours ; especially twelve to three o’clock. 
W hen sick, visceral diseases predominate, and are either sthenic, 
or intensely “ pernicious,” i. e., “ congestive”. The impatience 
becomes very marked, or it is suppressed by discipline into 
stoicism; or by the “ pernicious” tendency, into apathy. Usually, 
he chafes, is headstrong, and greatly distressed, anxious, hot, and 
delirious, it may be, after midnight. Occasionally, instead, the 
alternative condition, reptile-like indifference and colliquative, con- 
gestive depression, or even coma. 
* This redness differs from that of class four, in being more circumscribed, and lighter. 31 
No one can fail to recognize aconite as a type of the class of 
medicines showing their primitive effects in this sphere, and bear- 
ing the same names, viz : Organic Centrics, Ganglionics—Class I. 
Class II.—Spinants—Animal Centrics.—The signs of erethism 
in the spinal centres are frequently, yet not always found in the 
so-called “ bilious temperament.” The prevailing point is self- 
poise ! Keen, calm, conscious of reserved power—such an one is 
steady and persistent in pursuit of any aim, though quite equal to 
patient waiting on occasion ; essentially a manager and controller; 
prudent, judicious, self-reliant; a strong believer in “common' 
sense not easily diverted from the beaten track of experience 
and of self-interest. If perverted, monstrously selfish and unscru- 
pulous, using for base purposes the power and ascendency which 
he readily gains over the sympathetic, the aspiring, the unwary ; 
and unrelenting, but cool in revenge. Manner, positive, yet, self- 
poised and quiet; not stiff. In undisciplined persons, sometimes, 
a dull, almost stolid gravity prevails. Attitude, attentive and 
wary. Features, under steady control. Complexion, variably 
tinted with the associated excentric elements, and not characteris- 
tic, being pallid, florid, or swarthy. Gestures, decided. Tone of 
voice, resolute, steady. Muscular movements, firm, deliberate and 
rhythmic. Under pain, steadiness and fortitude, sometimes dog- 
gedness. Periodicity of erethism, 3 to 9 o’clock, a. m.—usually 
not sleeping much towards daylight. ‘ Appetite and functions, 
regular and tonic. 
When sick, obstinate and surly, rather than headstrong. Mo- 
tions resolute, whether hasty or deliberate. Suffering, if pro- 
longed, makes him angry or dogged, or the self-poised mood (f 
health may remain little changed. The aggravation of the patho- 
logical processes is mainly early in the morning. 
Class III.—Anti-Ganglionics—Organic Excentrics.—Physical- 
ly, extremely susceptible; mentally impressible, but not re- 
sponsive ; inert and yielding ; often indifferent to danger and 
difficulty, but readily succumbing ; tender, but not sympathetic, 
(except by admixture of class IV) content to vegetate in any easy 
lot. Prone to embonpoint; not very firm of fibre. Very prone 
to organic lesions, which have here their principal domain. It is 
pre-eminently subject to chronic taints, and to insidious, rather 
than open disease; and has feeble vital reaction.* Physiognomy 
* Medication must therefore be the more persistently pushed particularly as to repetition 
of doses. 32 
and manners, insipid, but somewhat gay. Muscular motion, slug- 
gish, deficient in force. Attitude, indolent. Gait, gestures and 
tone of voice, indolent and easy. Complexion, translucent or 
muddy, according to galvanic (?) predominance, internal or exter- 
nal; (the former suggesting the alkalies; the latter, the acids; 
the medium skin, the salines.) Periodicity of eretheism most 
marked and typical, from l.oon to midnight; (less accurately in 
cases for salines and acids), especially the first part of the night, 
as shown by imperfect sleep, etc., etc. In sickness, organic func- 
tions deranged, and organic lesions prominent; temper peevish or 
desponding; tending to exhaustion and collapse. Such are the 
typical traits of class III. But rarely, indeed, can these be found 
so predominant in a healthy human subject, as to quite overshadow 
other and higher qualities, especially if there have been oppor- 
tunity of culture. Truth to say, mixture of all four of the quali- 
ties, to some extent, is the rule; the contrary, very exceptional, 
in fact, a sign of disease. The perfection of such combination, 
often too little valued, is happily illustrated in the person of 
George Washington and U. S. Grant. The commingling is, how- 
ever, usually observed in infinite diversities of proportion and 
intensity. 
Class IV.—Anti-Spinants—Animal Excentrics.—Anatomically 
the tissues of this class are somewhat mixed with those of class 
III, in the organs, but nervously connected with the spinal cen- 
tres. This sphere may, therefore be said to stand anatonically, as 
it does symptomaticalty, between class II and class III; both, yet 
diverse from both. Its whole quality is such that with justice, it 
might be called the “ Sympathetic Temperament.” 
It is essentially receptive of, and responsive to all impressions, 
physical and psychological. It includes, besides all the organs of 
sense, the muscles of animal life and the intervertebal ganglia; 
also, the so-called phrenological organs of intellect, imagination 
and emotion; is therefore eminently related to the spiritual nature 
of Man. To these may be added, partially, the venous system, 
the heart, stomach, etc. It is illustrated in the walks of literature 
and art; but like the third class, finds no congeniality in fields of 
conflict, either material or spiritual. But withal, under the spur 
of provocation, is spiteful and passionate; and for the vindication 
of a sentiment or idea, is capable of being led to great deeds; but 
unless combined with a strong centric element, unfitted to lead; 
being wanting, not perhaps in self-conceit, but in self-sufficiency; 33 
in steady continuance in a given line of action, and in self-depend- 
ence; losing sight, it may be, of the end, in preoccupation with 
the means of its attainment. If in a military man, grand reviews 
will be preferred to battles, and pomp to the dusty march. 
It is specially liable to enthusiasm, even to error; yet is the 
antagonist of the purely selfish and monopolistic centric forces in 
Man. It is that which binds together the social elements; poetic 
and true, if the cause be right, and the principle sound, but drivel- 
ling and rash when in the wrong. Pain appeals not in vain to it, 
and is exquisitely felt. Danger is fully appreciated, and greatly 
feared, unless curiosity, anger, pride, duty or affection hold a 
stronger influence—when enthusiasm overcomes the fear, and 
inspires, even to daring. 
Interest, so powerful a motive with the first two (centric) tem- 
peraments, is here of a power altogether inferior to feeling and 
thought, which supersede dollars, houses and lands; though fame, 
power and place, with the appendages of wealth, are highly prized. 
It is tender and susceptible, readily yielding to the demands of 
taste, passion, friendship or affection; is subject to deception; 
liable to vacillation, to rashness and impatience; may be selfish, 
but is usually generous, somewhat prodigal; varies between gaiety 
and irascibility or melancholy; is, in short, when unbalanced by 
centric influence, sensuous, sensational, erratic and infirm, or 
fanatical and visionary. 
The manners may be cheerful, kind and courteous, or if the 
feelings be ruffled, sad and dispairing, or morose, spiteful and 
rude. Moodiness may rule the temper, and inspire the pen. The 
poets, Cowper and Byron, may serve as extreme illustrations; 
also, the many persons whom one meets, usually called “nervous.” 
This temperament, indeed, is very nearly that which goes by that 
name. 
It is, as it were, the basis of human qualities; having the other 
elements developed about it by circumstances, external as well as 
internal. Like all the rest, it may be either stimulated or held in 
check by will and education. 
The attitudes, the gait, the gestures, the physiognomy, the tone 
of voice—all plainly declare the traits here stated. The facial 
complexion is, normally, finely and universally crimsoned ; but 
certain localizations (“ habits,” aforesaid) and certain climates (as 
the tropics), and also certain modes of life, greatly affect and 
modify this. The organs and tissues of the sphere are of course 34 
active ; the senses are quick ; the eye is bright, meaning, restless ; 
the features mobile and expressive ; blushing readily occurs (in 
youth); the manners are sprightly. In sickness, languor and 
indolence, or great excitability and restlessness, change or exag- 
gerate all these signs. Illustrated by gelseminum, coffea and zincum. 
Partly for the sake of contrast, the two eccentric temperaments 
may here be considered together more at length, as has already 
been done with the two centrics. Both excentrie types of erethism 
and temperament being characterized in common by impressi- 
bility, as already shown, we repeat that they yet differ essentially 
in the fact that the organic type tends to inertia, whilst the animal 
is marked by sympathy and sensitiveness. The former bears 
repeated doses of medicine with ease; the latter is easily wrought 
up, even by high potencies, to violent aggravations, with febrile 
or nervous symptoms; especially if the medicine be foreign to 
this class. In the organic, the skin is comparatively flabby— 
varying in color with the “ galvanic ” relation of inner and outer 
parts; darker and tougher when the skin is predominantly active; 
delicate, if the mucous membranes. In the anti-spinal, however, 
it is either fine and crimson, or more dense and brunette, or even 
leaden. The eye may in both be alike in softness; but in the 
anti-ganglionic, rather immobile; whereas, in the anti-spinal, it is 
inclined to flash. The former is captivated by “ creature-com- 
fort;” the latter, by sentiment, feeling, thought. In both, the 
morale corresponds with these external and social characteristics. 
Thus the anti-ganglionic tends to apathy, sadness, hopelessness, 
inertia—or else to the cool boldness of non-appreciation. The 
whole vital voice is organic. Disease here takes close hold of tis- 
sue; vital resistance is slight; anatomical lesion is set up (this 
being, indeed, its great sphere) very soon, close upon the heels, as 
it were, of functional derangement, or rather, coincidently with it. 
On the other hand, the anti-spinal, whilst easily receiving im- 
pressions, is speedily roused to active response, and develops a 
keen appreciation of all influences, agreeable or otherwise; and is 
of changeable morale. Violent diseases may occur, in which, 
sometimes, the keenest pains are suffered; but withal, they no not 
equal, in shock to the vitality, and gravity of symptoms, similar 
conditions in the other sphere, with which, however, it is, we may 
again say, anatomically combined by contiguity ; yet only a few 
of the worst cases in the anti-ganglionic sphere, equal the anti- 
spinal in external demonstrativeness, under pain and disease, 35 
Extreme erethism in the anti-ganglionic sphere is commonly 
marked by utter prostration; in the anti-spinal, by spasm, paraly- 
sis or coma. In meningitis,* with effusion, the same may obtain 
in th q former, also, combined with the proper class-signs; but in 
the latter, languor occurs, in lieu of real prostration. 
The periodicity of the anti-ganglonic sphere has already been 
stated. That of the anti-spinal, or animal excentric, is most varied 
and composite, as though made up of the periodicities of the other 
spheres; the most typical being compounded of morning and 
evening erethism, or any other two daily periods. Thus, the 
increase of erethism, marked by disturbed sleep, or uneasiness of 
some kind, may occur in the afternoon and evening, or, evening 
and midnight, or midnight and morning, or morning and forenoon, 
or forenoon and afternoon, or morning and evening, or all dayf 
only, or all nightf only ; and yet other combinations. 
In grave anatomical lesions, which involve all the four spheres 
more or less prominently, these periods, which seem to show the 
vital resistance, are in great measure suppressed, until restoration 
and convalescence be&in. 
© 
Sometimes, even when clearly marked, it is impossible, owing 
to the influence of conventionality, obstinacy or stupidity, to elicit 
from an individual, any evidence of the real periodicity, morale, 
etc., except after the most rigid cross-questioning and explanation. 
Even then it is not always possible. In this, and all similar emer- 
gencies, we have to rely on other class-signs, as physiognomy, 
manners and complexion, as well as the “ keynotes,” or “charac- 
teristics,” “ totalities ;” using any and all the means at hand for 
the proper selection of the remedy. 
In sickness, as already stated, persons belonging to this fourth 
class, will usually present a restless eye, nervous mobility, exquisite 
sensibility to pain, solicitude about their surroundings ; or general 
feverish languor, with flushed face, suffused eyes, drowsiness and 
quiescence, or else irregular muscular motions. For such a state, 
attending a febrile or inflammatory affection, aconite could not but 
do mischief. Gelseminum would be probably curative. 
In selecting medicines of the fourth class for persons of delicate 
skin, it is important to remember that the mineral drugs are very 
prone to act unpleasantly, the organic substances being milder in 
effect. 
* The cerebro-spinal meninges largely invelve class III. 
f These are sometimes simulated by the third class. 36 
Certain symptoms, as before remarked, may prove deceptive as 
indices of aggravation. Besides the illustrations heretofore given 
of this, the paroxysm of ague is a decided instance. Thus, the 
real exacerbation of the total derangement of the organism may 
correspond with class III, yet the paroxysm may begin early in 
the morning, the general state being more marked by vital activity 
than in its absence at evening. Then, the paroxysm being only a 
part of the totality of symptoms, ranks lower than the so-called 
collateral, and especially the apyrexial symptoms. In other cases, 
a real fever may be an amelioration, from a prior deficient reaction 
of congestive fever, as it is called. But, when the paroxysm and 
all other symptoms have coincident aggravation, the-duty of pre- 
scribing becomes much simpler. Still, let it be borne in mind, 
that a really conservative action of the system may be mistaken 
for a genuine aggravation, and so mislead in the choice of a 
remedy. 
Again, real indications may seem to conflict. Here, as in all 
things, we have to balance and decide between conflicting claims. 
Lastly, early in acute diseases, class-signs may be undeveloped. 
Here, the cause and the usual temperament will be guides. 
The exccntric spheres afford ocular illustration of the anatomi- 
cal basis of this classification. 
Thus, a nail lodged amongst the termini of the spinal nerves in 
the foot, has caused neuralgia or tetanus, or paralysis ; amenable, 
early at least, to hy peri cum, of the fourth class ; here acting in its 
own class sphere. Or, the papillaay stiaicture of the skin (anti- 
spinal tissue) is inflamed, as shown by a lens ; forming an itching 
papular eruption. Denuded by scratching, it oozes a plastic, 
sticky fluid. Graphites, of the fourth class, is the remedy acting 
primitively on this same anti-spinal tissue, or papillary structure. 
Again, an eruption, viewed by a lens, is seen to be located in 
inflamed sebaceous follicles, secreting tissues of organic life ; and 
probably, sulphur cures. Later, however, the nerve-centres 
becoming metastatically involved, or the other exccntric sphere, 
with which it is contiguous, being attacked, other remedies of the 
like new class may be required. The same may supplement the 
first remedy, when, under it, the cure remains incomplete. 
The contiguity of the two excentric elements, just alluded to 
and heretofore stated, is a most interesting and significant fact for 
the reflection of the physician. Whilst some may contend that it 
affords a scientific reason for alternation of medicines of two separ- 37 
ate classes, and whilst all will see the occasional need of supple- 
menting the one with the other, it affords the strongest of reasons 
for the renunciation of a purely nosological or even histological 
choice of remedies, regardless of individual peculiarities of clas3 
and group, etc.; however useful these indices undoubtedly are in 
their proper place. 
The presence of both excentric elements in any tissue, is to be 
understood as major and minor, by the anatomical prodominances 
of each, known to every physician, and varying in the organs of 
animal and vegetative life, respectively. 
Classification of Medicines. 
“Ganglionics,” “Organic centrics,” “Aconitum type,” com- 
prises the so-called “benumbing neurotics” of allopathy, viz: 
Class I. 
Aconitum napellus. 
Yeratrum viride. 
Class II. 
“ Spinants,” “Animal centrics,” “Nux vomica type,” comprises 
the so-called “narcotics” and “bitters” of allopathy, viz : 
Aethusa cynapium. 
Agaricus. 
Aletris. 
Arnica. 
Belladonna. 
Berberis vulgaris.f 
Canabis sativa. 
Cedron.(?) 
Chamomilla* 
China.* 
Cicuta virosa. 
Cocculus. 
Conium. 
Cornus florida.* 
Crotalus. 
Digitalis. 
Drosera. 
Dulcamara. 
Eupatorium perfoliatum.* 
Helonias. 
Hydrastis canadensis, f 
Hydrocyanic acid. 
Hyoscyamus. 
Ignatia. 
Kalmia. 
Lachesis. 
Laurocerasus. 
Lobelia inflata. 
Nux vomica. 
Opium. 
Quassia. 
Rhus tox; and rad. 
Secale. 
Spigelia. 
Stramonium. 
Tabacum. 
* Allied to class IV, by the presence of volatile oil or tannic acid, in large amount, 
f Allied to class IV. 38 
Class III. 
“ Anti-Ganglionics,” “ Organic Excentrics,” “Pulsatilla type,” 
comprises the drugs known as “ Acrids,” or “ General Irritants,” 
by many, and divided thus: Group A.—The halogen elements, 
the alkalies and alkaline earths, with their carbonates, and borax. 
Group B.—The common acrids, some of which, by chemical 
constitution, are allied with the other groups, in inferior degree, 
yet so as to give occasion for preference in individual instances. 
Group C.—The salines. Group D.—The acids, in general. These 
groups, in the order named, approach in properties, class IV. 
Such medicines as apis, bryonia, causticum, hellebore, etc., which 
simulate cerebral action, appear rather to influence the meningeal 
tissues, in fact; these being decidedly of the organic periphery, 
notwithstanding the consequences to the animal functions; there- 
fore they properly belong to this class. 
Ammonium carbonicum. 
Ammonium causticum. 
Baryta carbonica. 
Borax. 
Brominum. 
Calcarea carbonica. 
Calcarea caustica. 
Carbo vegetabilis—(kali carb.) 
Causticum. 
GROUP A. ALKALIES, ALKALINE EARTHS, HALOGENS, ETC. 
Corallium. 
Iodium. 
Kali carbonicum. 
Lithia carbonica. 
Magnesia carbonica. 
Natrum carbonicum. 
Spongia. 
Strontiana. 
GROUP B. COMMON ACRIDS. 
Many are allied with other groug or classes; a, like group A; 
c, like group C; d, like group D; e, like class IV. 
Aloes. 
Antimonium crudum (e). 
Apis raellifica (c). 
Apocynum cannabinum. 
Arum triphyllum (e). 
Bryonia (e). 
Caladium. 
Calcarea phosphorica (c). 
Cantharis. 
Carbo animalis (c) Calc. phos. 
Chelidonium. 
Cinnabaris. 
Clemaais. 
Colchicum (a). 
Creosotum. 
Croton tiglium. 
Daphne indica (e). 
Dioscorea. 
Dolichos. 
Euphorbiura. 
Gambogia. 
Guaiacum. 39 
Helleborus niger. (e) ] 
Hepar sulphuris calcarea. (c) i 
Ipecacuanha. (a) 1 
Iris versicolor. ! 
Jatropha curcas. i 
Leptandra virginica. (e) I 
Lycopodium. (e) 
Mercurius sol c (viv e and corra). 
Mezereum (e). I 
Petroleum. I 
Phosphorus (e). 
Phytolacca. 
Podophyllum (e). 
Pulsatilla. 1 
Ranunculus—bulb, and seel., etc.' 
Rheum (e). 
Rhododendron. 
Sabadilla (a). 
Sanguinaria (e). 
Sarsaparilla. 
Scilla. 
Selenium (e). 
Senega. 
Senna. 
Staphysagria (a). 
Sulphur (e). 
Taraxacum (e). 
Tartarus emetitus. 
Tellurium (e). 
Urtica urens (e). 
Yeratrum album. 
Viola tricolor. 
GROUP C.—SALINES. 
Ammonium bromatum. 
Ammonium muriaticum. 
Kali bichromicum. 
Kali bromatum. - 
Kali hydriodicum. 
Kali nitricum. 
Magnesia muriatica. 
Natrum muriaticum. 
Natrum sulphuricum. 
Sepia. 
GRONP D. ACIDS. 
Acidum aceticum. 
Acidum citricum. 
Acidum fluoricum. 
Acidum muriaticum. 
Acidum nitricum. 
Acidum phosphoricum. 
Acidum tartaricum. 
Arsenicum album. 
Silicea. 
Class IV. 
“ Anti-Spinants,” “ Animal Excentrics,” “Zincum type,” com- 
prises the (1) alcoholic, (2) etherial, (3) foetid, and (4) aroma- 
tic substances containing volatile oil (“stimulants” and “ anti- 
spasmodics,” of allopathy) ; (5) oleo-resins, (6) gum-resins, and 
(7) metals readily deoxydized, with their compounds (“ auti-spas- 
modics ” and “ mineral tonics,” of allopathy) ; (8) substances 
largely composed of tannic acid, and their mineral counterparts 
(“astringents,” of allopathy), some having repute as “narcotics” 
(?) (9) includes oxalic acid, glonoine, etc., symptomatically. 40 
iEsculus. 
Agnus castus. 
Alcohol. 
Allium cepa. 
Allium sativa. 
Alumina. 
Ambra. 
Anacardium. 
Argentum. 
Argentum nitricum. 
Asarum europaeum. 
Assafcetida. 
Aurum. 
Aurum muricatum. 
Baptisia tinctoria (3d class ?). 
Bismuthum. 
Bovista. 
Cactus grandiflorus. 
Calendula. 
Camphora. 
Capsicum (like class 3). 
Caulophyllum. 
Chimaphila. 
Cimicifuga. 
Cina. 
Cistus canadensis. 
Coccus cacti. 
Coffea cruda. 
Collinsonia canadensis. 
Copaiva. 
Crocus. 
Cubeba. 
Cuprum. 
Cuprum aceticum. 
Erigeron canadense. 
Ether. 
Euphrasia. 
Ferrum. 
Ferrum muriaticum. 
Gelseminum. 
Glonoine. 
Graphites. 
Hamamelis. 
Hypericum. 
Kino. 
Ledum. 
Lupulus. 
Lycopus virginicus. 
Manganum. 
Mephitis. 
Moschus. 
Myrica cerifera. 
Nux moschata. 
Oxalic acid. 
Paris quadrifolia. 
Platina. 
Plumbum. 
Plumbum aceticum. 
Pothos fcetidus. 
Prunus spinosa (class 2 ?). 
Eatanhia. 
Eumex crisp us. 
Kuta. 
Sabina. 
Sambucus. 
Senecio aurea. 
Stannum. 
Symphitum. 
Tanacetum. 
Terebinthinae oleum. 
Teucrium marum verum. 
Thuja. 
Trillium. 
Valeriana. 
Xanthoxylum fraxineum. 
Zincum. 
Zingiber. 
This paper would be quite deficient, in the absence of any clin- 
ical record confirming and illustrating its positions. The following 41 
cases are therefore added. I need make no apology as to the 
potencies used ; since I have no predilections to defend, although, 
from successful habit, I ordinarily employ Lehrmann’s 200ths, or 
grafts from the same. Another, accustomed to succeed with other 
preparations, might manage such better than these ; and whatever 
a physician be thus accustomed to, it is certain he will commonly 
do the best with that of which he knows the most, whether the 
potency be high or low. All admit, however, that to succeed with 
the high, the remedy must be accurately chosen, whilst with the 
low, inaccuracy is, although a great disadvantage, a less palpable 
evil than in the former case. Hence, any method of selection 
which secures success in the use of the high, particularly in acute 
cases, must command the interest of all. 
As will be observed, the cases are adduced in the order of the 
classes. 
Class I. 
Case 1.—A healthy, fair babe, exposed to dry, cold air, took 
cold, with violent sneezing, accompanying cough, aggravated after 
nine o’clock, forenoon. 
Aconitum, °-c-, three doses, at intervals of three hours, followed 
by sac. lac.; cured at once. 
Case 2.—An old lady, had typhoid fever some weeks ago; cured 
by homoeopathic remedies; now suffering from diabetes insipidus. 
Rather urgent in her desire to be waited on, in good season. Has 
to rise to pass water, often, at night, especially between twelve and 
three o’clock. 
Aconitum, m, Jenichen, one dose ; well, in a few days after. 
Two weeks later, symptoms of incipient cataract were reported. 
This will be noted under Class II. 
Case 3.—A “ sanguine ” woman, suffering for a week from gas- 
tric irritation, yet indulged in crude food. At midnight, taken 
with horrid pains in the stomach, for which she got stimulants, 
which aggravated the mischief. Found her greatly agitated, hot 
skin; tense, frequent pulse; things all look dark to her; severe 
tenderness of epigastrium. 
Aconitum, 2m-, Jenichen, in water, at intervals of twenty min- 
utes to two hours; four doses relieved. Twenty-four hours after, 
found the case in class II, that is to say, with inability to sleep 
well towards morning. Self-poised manner. Constipation and 
flatulence, with some tenderness of epigastrium. Nux vom. c-c-, 
one dose. Cured. 42 
Class II. 
Case 4.—An old gentleman, who but rarely can sleep after 
3 a. m., got dysenteric diarrhoea, the periodicity being in the 
morning, the manner self-poised; complexion rather swarthy. 
Nux vom., three doses, at intervals of three hours. A few days 
later, reported prompt relief of the straining; but now, copious 
thin stools, preceded by colic; worse early in the morning. 
China, c-c-, dry; three doses. Cured at once. 
In the army, the same experience was many times repeated, 
often in cases of lientery, but with low potencies, usually. 
Case 5.—Same as case two. Dimness of vision, with an incipient 
cataract, easily seen in the left eye. Bad sleep towards morning. 
Self-poised manner. Conium, c-°-, one dose. Cured in about ten 
days. 
Case 6.—A young soldier, wounded and suffering from copious 
thin stools. Complexion, milky white; manner, self-poised, ear- 
nest; morning aggravation. Got china 6, repeated doses, no 
relief. Cured at once by dulcamara 6. 
Case 7.—A lad in Illinois ran a splinter beneath his finger-nail. 
Next day, got the ague, at 6 a. m. Self-poised, steady manner. 
Paroxysms averted by arnica 30, one dose at bed-time. 
Case 8.—A pregnant lady, usually of happy and lively temper, 
got severe cramps in the back part of the thighs, when lying on 
her back; worse, by far, after 3 o’clock in the morning. For the 
first time seemed to regret her pregnancy; felt surly about it, 
almost weeping from impatience. Cured in a few hours by igna- 
tia, °-0-, three doses. 
Case 9.—A fine child of ten months, a girl, brunette, teething. 
Became very violent in manner; screaming angrily, jealous if her 
little brother received any notice, trying to take off her night- 
gown, and kicking away the bed covers at night. Bad sleep 
towards morning. Resolute, steady manner, in general. Cured 
promptly by hyoscyamus, °-0*, three doses. 
Class III. Group A. 
Case 10.—A lady, of very white and tender skin, had neuralgia 
of the right side of the face ; worse, evening; bad sleep before 
midnight. Feet damp and cold. Passive manner. Cured by 
calcarea c-c-> three doses. 
Case 11.—A young lad, of very fine skin, blonde; had all his 
life, nocturnal enuresis. Worst before midnight, After slight 43 
effect of other remedies, cured by a few doses of causticum 30, 
taken at intervals of forty-eight hours. 
Case 12.—Group B.—An elderly lady, of medium complexion, 
got dysentery—mucous stools, blood-streaked ; worse, evening ; 
bad sleep in the first part of the night—easy manner. Cured by 
mercurius sol. c-°-> three doses. 
Case 13—A very young child, of delicate skin, had, on waking 
from sleep towards evening, fever, vomiting ; then, convulsions 
with general stiffness and blueness ; then, falling asleep. Relieved 
> after ipecacuanha c-°-> (a) one dose. 
Case 14.—An elderly lady, of tough skin, had diarrhoea, watery 
and painful, veratrum did no good ; got worse towards night; se- 
vere cutting pain before each stool, only. Afraid to cause trouble; 
quiet manner. Rheum m-, (e.) three doses. Cured. 
Case 15.—A new-born babe, after its mother had taken medi- 
cine got paroxysms of crying, lasting all day ; quiet all night. On 
examination a red streak was found on the diaper, where the 
urine flowed. Swarthy complexion; passive but sensitive manner. 
Relieved after lycopodium c-c-> (e.) Lycopodium is usually marked 
by evening aggravations. 
Case 16.—Group C.—A lady, of medium complexion, preg- 
nant, complained of a bad taste, as if she had taken Epsom salts. 
Periodicity not decided ; manner despondent. Relieved by re- 
peated doses of natrum sulph. m* 
Case 17.—A lady of medium complexion had symptoms of pro- 
lapsus uteri, with goneness in the pit of the stomach, weak feeling 
and dragging in the back and hips ; depressed manner. Relieved 
by repeated doses of sepia c-c- * 
Case 18.—Group D.—A middle-aged lady, brunette, was seized, 
at 10 p. m., with agonizing pain in the right iliac region, (typh- 
litis ;) got worse speedily ; twisted and rolled and constantly 
changed her position ; could not bear a breath of cool air; 
better by hot applications; not thirsty. Cured by six doses of 
arsenicum °-°* 
Case 19.—A gentleman of swarthy complexion had yellow 
fever; treated allopathically. Afterwards complained, impatiently, 
but in a jocose manner, that his “spleen filled half his abdomen.” 
He was himself a physician. Relieved after one dose of nitro- 
muriatic acid, strength of U. S. Pharmacopoeia; ten drops, in 
water, two ounces. 
* Sepia, a marine animal, of course represents the saline constitution of sea-water. 44 
Class IY. 
Case 20.—A swarthy lad, got cold feet and hands, and general 
chilliness towards night, followed by heat all night, with sleep; 
throat sore and full; sensitive manner. Cured by three doses of 
gelsemum m 
Case 21.—A babe, brunette, recovered from whooping cough; 
took cold; coughed and retched; worse afternoon; sleepless to- 
wards morning (“composite periodicity”); excitable manner. 
Cured by three doses of cuprum c-0-. 
Case 22.—A rosy, excitable lady got measles, which did not 
come out well, until after pulsatilla. Then, had fever every day, 
after 12 o’clock, noon, with much excitement, until night. After 
aconite, became wild and restless, vomiting and purging; early 
in the morning, watery, smelling and tasting of faecas. Relieved 
immediately one dose of cofl’ea c-c-. The excitable morale, the 
composite periodicity, and the natural high color, are proper to 
class IY. But some “ nervous ” cases have only a sickly color; 
and the same occurs in organic disease. 
Case 23.—A pregnant lady, of sensitive temperament, got col- 
icky diarrhoea; cutting pain only with the stools, doubling hemp; 
sickly appearance; worse evening and morning. Relieved by 
repeated doses of colocynth 6. 
Case 24.—A little girl, whose sensitive cutaneous surface had 
been exposed to the heat of the weather, and to cold, also got diar- 
rhoea, large, thin, painful stools; sitting on the vessel, screaming. 
At other times drowsy, sleeping much. Skin cool. When awake, 
sensitive and peevish. “ Composite periodicity.” Cured by nux 
moschata c-°-, in repeated doses. 
The foregoing are illustrative cases, nearly all from recent prac- 
tice, of the use of this classification. A few may now be added, 
showing the proper procedure in cases of conflicting indications. 
Case 25.—The same child last mentioned, afterwards got a 
paroxysm at night, early ; waking and calling “ mamma !” “ mam- 
ma !” hardly to be pacified, and on recognizing the mother em- 
bracing her, pushing her away again, going to sleep and again 
waking and crying for help, in the same way. Loose stool in the 
afternoon. Repulsive mood, dogged, in the daytime. Cured by 
stramonium c c-, three doses ; but developing sore throat, with a 
herpes-like eruption on the fauces, and inability to swudlow water, 
or soup containing pepper. Stramonium of class II, cured, de- 
spite evening periodicity, the morale being suitable ; but drug- LOW POT E N C Y I R RI TAT I 0 N 
also lli.il of Poisoning byCmdi* Drugs 
Plate I 
, Stages 
Region of Initial Irritation. 
Region of Direct Nervous Connection 
Region of Reflex Nervous Connection. 
PR! MARY 
SECONDARY 
HIGH POTENCY IRRITATION. 
|| Stages 
Region of Initial Irritation . 
Region of Direct Nervous Connection 
Region of Reflex Nervous Connection 
PRIMARY 
SECONDARY 
~ ■ --i Plate Z 
Figl. 
30 grains 
15 grains 
] grain 
15‘^aUenuation 
30*>aUenualioiL 
Emetic 
Neutral 
-Anti Emetic 
The Three Grades of Doses ; Example - Ipecac. 
Fig-* 
Primary Drug Action. 
Secondary Vital Reaction 
Double and Opposite Effects of Drugs . etc. 
or 
Action and Reaction. 
Lith ■ C Vain Benthuysen & Sons ,-Albany N Y Each Sphere is represented 
in that part of the dial which 
marks its usual range of 
periodicity-; the names of the 
Classes being appended. 
Complement of Animal Periphery. 
See opposite side of Diagram. 
Anatomical Sphere of 
CLASS IVfDuplicateJ 
V ) 
CLASS IV. ' 
Anti-Spinants; or 
Animal Exc entries 
ZincumType 
Anatomical Sphere of 
CLASS III. 
• Periphery of the ) 
Organic Nervous System.! 
Viscera ; Arteries, and ’j 
ValvelessVisceral Veins &c J 
Serous Membranes,(partially! 
CLASS III. 
Anti*Ganglionics. or 
Organic Excentrics; 
Pulsatilla Type \ 
LITH. c VAN BENTHUYSCN 6, SONS ALBANY. N Y. 
Plate’3. 
CLASS I 
Ganglionics’; or 
Centrics,- 
AconitumType. 
Anat1 Sphere of 
CLASS I . 
Ganglionic, or 
Organic Centre,. 
Ganglia of the 
GreatSympathetic 
CLASS II. 
Sp inants ; or 
Animal Centrics; 
Mux vomica Type. 
Spinal, or' 
Animal Centre,. 
SpinalCord;with its’ 
Cranial Prolongations. 
Roots of Cranial and , 
Spinal Nerves . 
Anatl Sphere of 
CLASS II. 
Anatomical Sphere of 
CLASS IV. 
( Duplicate.] 
Periphery of Animal Nervous System.' 
Cortical portion of the Cerebrum,’ 
and. Cerebellum ; Cranial & Spinal 
Nerves, exclusive of their roots ; and. ( 
Intervertebral Ganglia,-with Organs 
of Sense and Voluntary Motion, and j 
General Venous System . 
/ CLASS IV. 
/Anti-Spinants; or 
' Animal Excentrics, 
ZincumType. 45 
symptoms intervened. The more perfect the class correspond- 
ence, the greater immunity I find, from drug-symptoms and aggra- 
vations prior to cure ; the more opposed, the more of these I see. 
Case 26.—Colic, in a young man, occurring at 2 a. m., and grow- 
ing worse. The least motion increases it. Relieved by lying on 
the abdomen. Gave several doses of bryonia c-c*, of class III, 
regarding these characteristic symptoms as superior to the class 
indications of periodicity. Cured promptly. 
Explanations of tiie Diagrams. 
Plate I, represents the stages of irritation, partly as observed 
under the microscope, and still more as diagnostically inferred 
from the symptomatic development, progress and termination of 
diseases; not only the idiopathic, but especially the artificial, as 
observed in the provings of drugs. The upper portion concerns 
large doses ; the lower, the high potencies. 
Engorgement of the dilated capillaries, following contraction, 
being the most patent characteristic of irritation, as this is of 
diseases, in general at least, the appearances of the blood-vessels 
are adopted as the type of the whole mobid process. Mutations 
of calibre and color are therefore figured in the plate, and lettered 
from A to D ; repeated as often as necessary, in the several series. 
Each grade of doses is represented as affecting three main re- 
gions, viz : 
1. Region of Initial Irritation. 
2. Region of Direct Nervous Connection. 
3. Region of Reflex Nervous Connection. 
The first, as receiving the first impression of the drug or other 
irritant. 
The second, as lying at the other end or pole of the same nerves 
with the first. 
The third, as being indirectly associated with the first, through 
a nerve-centre common to both. 
Extensive vascular fullness in either region, we call “ fever.” 
For each region are figured six stages of alteration of calibre, 
etc., under irritation, beginning and ending with the normal 
condition. The first four, placed above the heavy dividing line, 
and designated “ Primary,” according to Hahnemann, signify the 
advance of irritation in its main phenomena. The last two stages 
are placed below, and are designated “ Secondary,” according to 
Hahnemann’s doctrine of drug-effects, signifying the subsidence of 46 
morbid processes, so far as they have not become chronic; being 
the effect of vital resistance of the total organism, the so-called 
“ reaction.” 
The mutation of calibre, etc., resulting from large doses, are 
taken as typical; and of these, the region of initial irritation pre- 
sents the most regular succession of stages. These are lettered, 
from the normal state, A, to anaemia, B; hyperaemia, C; and 
inflammation, D, successively; and in the secondary division sub- 
siding to C, and again to A. The same letters represent the same 
conditions throughout all the series. Should the attention of 
others be so directed to the subject as to either confirm or correct 
the diagram with respect to the less known series, its object will 
be equally attained. The first presents essentially the phenomena 
which have long been accepted, and may be at any time witnessed 
in the experiment with the web of a frog’s foot. The remainder 
are the result of diagnostic inference, on the basis of the preceding. 
All careful provers, having both the opportunity and the 
capacity for observation, will, it is believed, recognize the import- 
ance of assimilating the irritation, mainly functional, and therefore 
characteristic and subtle, which results from experiments with the 
higher potencies, with the cruder changes proceeding from large 
doses. No other reason need be named for the presentation of the 
latter half of the diagram. 
Accompanying the vascular changes, as is well known, other 
phenomena are found in irritation. What the natural order of 
events may be, is a fair subject of question, but need not be here 
argued. The events themselves, however, are essential, in vary- 
ing proportion, to the irritative process which forms so large a 
part of the many conditions which we call disease. A resume of 
these events is consequently here needed, a single feature being 
presented in the diagram. 
The first series of low potency irritation furnishing the type, 
the stages may be stated thus : 
PRIMARY. 
1. Health. A. 
Normal vascular calibre, engorgement, exudation, tissue-pro- 
liferation and fuctional power; general comfort; equable vigor. 47 
2. Anaemia. B. 
Diminished vascular calibre, engorgement, exudation, tissue- 
proliferation and functional power ; chill; shock ; venous stasis. 
3. Hypervemia. C. 
Increased vascular calibre, engorgement, exudation, tissue-pro- 
liferation and functional power; fever ; arterial fulness ; cardiac 
excitement. 
4. Inflammation. D. 
Excessive vascular calibre, engorgement, exudation, tissue- 
degeneration and loss of functional power ; general depression ; 
exhaustion. 
SECONDARY. 
5. Hyperemia. C. 
6. Health. A. 
Lastly, the precise localization of any irritation is very much 
determined by the temperamental susceptibilities of each individual 
for himself, within the range of nervous connection. 
Plate II, Figure 1, represents the double and opposite effects of 
each drug or other irritant, ipecacuanha being the example. 
Large and small doses are alike in being capable, with varying 
constitutional susceptibilities, of developing both kinds of effect; 
one* of which is the specific drug action, “primary;” the other 
being the complementary vital reaction, “secondary in the case 
of ipecacuanha, emetic and anti-emetic, to speak crudely. But the 
doses differ vastly in the degree to which each effect is produced 
by each. The primary drug action is the cardinal effect of large 
doses ; the secondary vital reaction, that of the high potencies. 
Thus, the large doses are mainly emetic; the infinitesimal, anti- 
emetic. At an indefinite point between these, each individual 
finds a dose which for the time is absolutely inert, being neither 
emetic nor anti-emetic. This inert or neutral dose is in the 
diagram stated at one grain. The crossing of two diverging 
lines at this point produces an increasing space, illustrating 
* All effects are, as before remarked, compounded of the drug-impression and the vital 
response; but the latter become more marked, late in the process. The emetic action of 
ipecacuanha is thus a compound of both; but the expulsion of the drug from the stomach 
is not so much a mark of conservative systemic reaction, as of irritant dynamism in the 
drug. The true vital effort opposes the emetic irritations—increasing various secretions, 
and so expelling suoh portions of the drug as may have been absorbed,-, in the secondary 
period. 48 
increasing effect, in each direction; the left, marked successively 
“ 15 grains,” and “ 30 grains” signifying increasing emetic, and 
the right, marked “ 15th attenuation” and “ 30th attenuation,” 
increasing anti-emetic action. 
Figure 2 represents, by an elastic spring, firmly erected the vital 
forces and functions, in their totality—the so-called vital princi- 
ples, which yields to an irritant impression in the direction of 
inflammation, a ball striking it from the right, giving it a sinister 
impulse. Secondarily, by its elasticity, it returns, representing 
vital reaction, with sundry vibrations, illustrating periodicity, to 
its normal state; and expelling the abnormal agent. The morbid 
condition and action of the forces, both here and in life, consists 
in a disturbed equipoise; the reaction, with whatever fluctuation, 
effects the restoration of the same. 
This plate therefore applies solely to dynamic, as does the first 
to material, derangements; both coinciding. 
Plate III.—Temperaments and drug effects present alike anato- 
mical relations. 
The temperaments are defined to consist of predominant 
erethism of a nervous origin, dependent on unequally active nutri- 
tion, (in most persons), of some one of the cardinal nervous spheres 
or elements. These spheres, four in number, are here figured; 
the fourth, twice. They are classed accordingly; but variations 
occur in disease and'from culture. 
The medicines, having general anatomical affinities, (in entire 
harmony with their distinct individualities), are classed accordingly 
as they, by virtue of those affinities, possess the of creating 
artificially, a similar predominant erethism, and unequally active 
nutrition, in either of these four anatomical spheres, as here figured. 
This is, in each case, the general sphere of their initial action, as 
shown by provings, etc.; the effect being propagated thence to all 
other parts by “sympathy,” i. e., by nervous association. 
The four classes (of both temperaments and drugs) are named 
from the corresponding four cardinal nervous spheres, or elements, 
as here represented. The class-spheres of medicines being recog- 
nized by provings, by use in disease, and by chemical alliances as 
already stated. 
The nervous system is regarded as consisting of two grand 
divisions, organic and animal; respectiively concerned mainly with 
the tissues, organs and functions of “ organic” or vegetative,” 
fljid those of “animal life,” the former being the “great sympa- 49 
thetic,” the latter, the “ cerebrospinal. Each of these has a cen- 
tric element, and also a peripheral or excentric portion. 
The organic nerve-centre is admitted to be formed of the ganglia 
of the so-called great sympathetic nerve. The fibres going thence, 
locate themselves, mainly, in the tissues of organic life, the vis- 
cera, arteries, and valveless visceral veins, and serous membranes 
partially, etc. This latter sphere is the organic nervous periphery. 
The animal nerve-centre is the spinal cord, with its gangliar 
prolongations at the base of the brain; consisting essentially of 
the ultimate roots of all the cranial and spinal nerves, inclusive 
of the roots of those which radiate thence to the cortical portions 
of the cerebrum and cerebellum. All the remainder of the 
cerebro-spinal system is excentric, constituting the animal nervous 
periphery. Included in this, the animal excentric element, are 
the tissues of animal life, i. e., the cortical portion of the cere- 
brum and cerebellum; the cranial and spinal nerves, to their 
termini, exclusive of their roots; the intervertebral ganglia, with 
the organs of sense and voluntary motion, etc., and the general 
venous system. 
These are the “ four cardinal nervous spheres or elements.” 
The centric elements are for convenience first numbered; after- 
wards, the excentric, the organic in precedence; the correspond- 
ing classes of temperaments and of drugs receiving the same 
numbers as well as names. 
The circles of the diagram are divided to represent a dial, with 
each three-hourly period of the day noted thereon. The anatomi- 
cal figures, which are intended to show at a glance, the grand 
divisions and cardinal elements of the nervous system, are made 
to occupy those spaces in the dial which set forth, of their general 
characteristics, one which is of the first rank, viz: their usual 
range of periodicity; class 1st, 12 to 3 o’clock, a. m., and 9 to 12 
a. m.; class 2d, 3 to 9 a. m.; class 3d, 12 m. to 12 v. m.; class 4th, 
composite, and typically, evening and morning. 
The appropriate numbers and names are appended, including, 
under each heading, the name of a typical drug of such familiar 
character as to suggest its affinities, in a very general way, how- 
ever. 
The list of the medicines, under these class headings, subdivided 
to some extent, as explained in the text and in the list itself, is 
added in the proper place.