ON THE THERAPEUTIC 
VALUE OF SPERMINE, 
BY 
DR. (i. KRIEGER. 
READ BEFORE 
THE CHICAGO MEDICAL SOCIETY, 
1894. 
WITH PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR RECENT INVESTIGATIONS OF THE THERAPEUTIC 
VALUE OF INJECTIONS OF ORGANIC FLUIDS, 
ESPECIALLY SPERMINE, IN STERIL- 
IZED SOLUTION. 
By G. E. KRIEGER, M. D , CHICAGO. 
Some five years ago the eminent physiologist and neurologist, 
Brown-Sequard, established the fact that the testicles of young 
animals contain chemical substances of high dynainogenetic prop- 
erties, and since then a great many scientific investigations have 
been made in order to reveal the character of these agents. The 
novelty of this discovery led, at fiist, to very different criticisms, 
and the prevailing incredulity that anything could exist which 
would be of such remarkable power as claimed by the author, ren- 
dered the majority of the profession unquestioning opponents of 
the new doctrine. The announcements of Brown-Sequard regard- 
ing injections of testicular juice on patients suffering from nervous 
and functionary debility, were ridiculed and frequently, without 
examination, Brown-Sequard’s statements were flatly denied. 
The efforts of the inventor of this method could not prevent 
that advantage was taken of the fact that some failures and septic 
accidents occurred, probably due to a lack of asepsis in the prepara- 
tion of the remedy, or during its application, and for quite a while 
his method seemed to be condemned as well by the public as by 
the profession. 
However, reports of other experimenters became more and 
more encouraging, and what first had been looked upon as a worth- 
less idea of an enthusiastic head, is to-day considered a discovery 
of the greatest therapeutic value. In fact, the remarkable results 
obtained in some nervous affections, which previously were irreme- 
diable, have made the subject worthy of the most careful investi- 
gation. 
In 1878 the German chemist, Phil. Schreiner, as described in 
the Annals of Chemistry ami Pharmacology, found by analysis in 
testicular juice a substance called spermine, which, at first, by other 
chemists was declared identical with aethylenimin. Later, how- 
ever, by the ingenious researches of Prof. Alexander Poehl, in St. 
Petersburg, it was proven that spermine is an organic base with 
characteristic properties, and that it can be prepared from 2 
almost any organ, especially the various reproductive glands of 
animals. 
Prof. Poehl’s first publication of these investigations before 
the St. Petersburg Medical Society, in 1890, was received with 
great interest by the Russian and German profession, and was soon 
followed by clinical experiments of noted medical men, who all 
agreed that spermine is the active principle of Brown-Sequard’s 
fluid and, as a stimulant, a therapeutic of unlimited value. 
Such prominent physicians as Dr. Rotchinin and Prof. Tar- 
chanow, in St. Petersburg, have reported a great number of cases 
treated successfully with spermine injections. 
From these and many other experiments,Dr. Rotchinin came to 
the following conclusions: The effect of spermine injections is that 
of a strong stimulant, and corresponds with those obtained by injec- 
tions of Brown-Sequard’s fluid. It has, however, several advan- 
tages over the latter: 1. No danger of local inflammation, as fre- 
quently observed after the use of Brown-Sequard’s fluid. 2. No 
fever or other symptoms caused by septic elements. 3. Equality 
of concentration of the fluid administered. 
According to Prof. Tarchanow’s investigations, a direct effect 
of spermine injections upon the blood’s circulation has been ob- 
served. The action of the heart is greatly retarded, and the height 
of the pulse wave and its strength, as shown by the sphygmograph 
increased five times, and even more. These phenomena are ex- 
plained by the stimulation of the nervous centers, especially the 
heart ganglia and the vasomotor nerves. Doctors Sicharew and 
Hubbenet, in the St. Petersburg Kalinkin Hospital, reported the 
following interesting case: 
A woman twenty-nine years old, who suffered since thirteen 
years with syphilis, was treated with blue ointment for six years. 
She became very anemic; had at the time three ulcers on her fore- 
head, two of which affected the bone; on the right radius periostitis 
gummosa, which made the movement of the hand verypainful; in- 
flammation of the right knee joint, which was greatly swollen; 
periostitis of the right tibia; edema of the lower limb and foot; 
movability of the right knee joint but fifteen degrees; gait very un- 
certain, digestion poor, frequent diarrhea, pulse weak. In this 
condition the patient was put under the treatment of spermine in- 
jections. The pulse, strength in the right hand and general feeling 
improved after the second injection. Pain of the right wrist de- 
creased, edema of the leg disappeared, and even the movability of 
the knee was restored almost to the normal condition after five in- 3 
jections. The pulse, 10(5 before, fell to 8(5. The digestion be- 
came normal, and the muscular strength increased about fifty per 
cent within ten days. 
Another startling effect was obtained by Dr. I’rochorow, on a 
man who suffered from chronic ulcers of the lower leg, and who 
had been treated for several months in a hospital without success. 
After the second injection the ulcers commenced to heal, and with- 
in three weeks the patient was cured. From these and a great 
many other results, published by competent authors, one is justi- 
fied in concluding that spermine has doubtless some dynamo- 
genetic power, and it remains to be explained what function it has 
as a normal factor of the organism. 
\\ e know that by the chemical change of material some prod- 
ucts originate which are poisonous to the system and are, there- 
fore, by the aid of some glandular organ, discharged from the cir- 
culation. Without doubt such poisonous products must have 
antagonists which render them comparatively harmless during their 
presence in the body, and in this way prevent auto-intoxication. 
Therefore such agents are of substantial importance to the system. 
In an average healthy organism a physiological balance is observed 
between these two chemical opponents. If the noxious products 
increase or the stimulating agents decrease, it means a lack of re- 
sistance and strength; a disposition to disease. If, on the other 
hand, the stimulating agents are predominating, it means vigor and 
health. If such be the case why should it not be possible, by the 
introduction of such stimulating agents into the system, with which 
the organism defends itself, to overcome the lack of resistance 
brought on by any cause detrimental to health. 
The difficulty, of course, will be to prove that the substance 
artificially obtained is identical, or at least similar, to those pre- 
pared in the organism. It is not very long ago that Charcot and 
Leyden made the discovery that in certain diseases on the surface 
of the lungs, spleen and other organs, small crystals appeared, the 
significance of which was not understood until later examinations 
revealed their chemical composition. The crystalsfound especially 
in asthmatic persons, and known as Charcot-Leyden crystals, are 
nothing else but phospate of spermine. These crystals have also 
been found in the discharges of persons with typhoid, consumption, 
cholera, in leucemia and other diseases. By their discharge from 
the circulation, the organism of such patients evidently lost a 
quantity of spermine, and therefore such stimulation to the nerv- 
ous centers as would be necessary to check the power of w’eaken- 4 
ing elements. The evidence of the chemical relation between 
these crystals and spermine led to the treatment of asthmatic per- 
sons with injections of spermine, and as anticipated, generally with 
good, sometimes with excellent success. Lately I treated a case 
which greatly improved after ten injections. There can, therefore, 
be no doubt that spermine has a stimulating effect upon those cen- 
ters to which asthmatic attacks are attributed. 
Not less remarkable results were obtained in cases of neuras- 
thenia and anemia. Prof. Sicharew1 reported several cases of 
severe neurasthenia, with agrophobia and claustrophobia, those 
strange phenomena in persons who become dizzy and nervous 
while being in a wide field, and who feel frightened when inclosed 
in a room, in which cases these symptoms disappeared after injec- 
tions of spermine. In another case of severe anemia, in which the 
person had nine or ten hysteric spells daily, suffered from insom- 
nia and great weakness, perfect cure was obtained. An old gentle- 
man, sixty-three years of age, with general debility, apathetic to his 
surroundings, unable to follow a conversation, or to move about, 
improved so much that he could walk alone and grew stronger 
physically and mentally. 
A special effect seemed to be obtained by spermine upon the 
spinal plexus; quite a number of cases of locomotor ataxia have 
been reported in which either a perfect and lasting cure, or at 
least, a great improvement was the result of spermine injections. 
A patient of Dr. Sicharew2, fifty-three years old, with myelitis 
of the lumbar part of the spinal cord, causing paresis of the lower 
extremities, incontinence of urine, constipation and loss of sex- 
ual energy, recovered after nine injections. 
To quote from the statistics of 182 cases recently published in 
the Berlin, klin. IVoch., an exceedingly good effect was secured in 
fifty-two cases of neurasthenia. Only two did not show an improve- 
ment. From fourteen cases of locomotor ataxia, twelve, from 
twenty-three with other nervous troubles, twenty-one improved; 
also fifty-seven with general debility, nine with scorbutus, fourteen 
with consumption, have shown a favorable effect. 
Very much interested by all these reports, I have made this 
subject a special study for over a year and have investigated the 
therapeutic value of spermine on my patients. To have sufficient 
material without depending on the Russian drug, which is very 
expensive, about two dollars a dose, I have experimented for four- 
'Berl. klin. Woch., No. 40, 1891. 
Petersburg med. Ges. February 26, 1891 5 
teen months in my laboratory, fitted up for the purpose of secur- 
ing an equally effective substance, and finally succeeded in getting 
the specimen I wished to obtain. I also, by the courtesy of Prof. 
Poehl, in St. Petersburg, with whom I communicated, obtained pos- 
session of a quantity of his preparation, which 1 used to compare 
the effects obtained from his spermine and from that prepared by 
myself. The result was equally favorable in cases selected for this 
treatment. I have since been supported in the investigation of 
the therapeutic value of my product by other gentlemen who are 
present to-night, and now take occasion to introduce to your notice 
several patients who have been successfully treated by spermine 
injections. 
Ca>k I. Mrs. H., thirty-nine years old, five feet, three inches 
high, very stout, weighs 190 pounds. Has always menstruated 
regularly, but generally with great pain, was married sixteen years 
ago, has two children. For the last two years she has suffered 
from abdominal and lumbar neuralgia, for which she was repeat- 
edly treated, without success. The abdominal organs are in nor- 
mal condition. Patient had also frequent palpitations and neural- 
gic pain of the heart, was very irritable, nervous and easily fright- 
ened; could not sleep well, and complained of frequent headaches. 
In this condition she came to me three weeks ago. Taking the 
symptoms (’escribed as caused by general neurasthenia, I advised 
her to be Seated by spermine injections. After one injection of 
a ten grain spermine solution she felt easier and quieted. She re- 
ceived one dose daily for nine days, during which she evidently 
improved. On the fifth day she stated that all her ailments had 
left her, and her husband claimed that she had changed remark- 
ably. It is now twenty days since the first injection was given, 
and for the last two weeks the patient has felt perfectly well. 
Cask II. This gentleman, who is seventy years old and, as 
you see, in apparently very good condition. He was never sick up 
to his sixty-fifth year; in 1889 he had an attack of inflammatory 
rheumatism; in 1890 was treated for gravel in the bladder, which 
disappeared after the use of lithia water; and for the last four years 
has complained of neuralgic pain in the head and lumbar region, 
heaviness in the legs, general weakness and insomnia. I attributed 
these symptoms, naturally, to his advanced age, and thought 
spermine would refresh him. The injections, given as usual in the 
back, affected him in a peculiar way. He claimed to feel them all 
through his chest as a warm, stimulating agent, and soon as- 
sured me of their good effect upon his general health. The neu- 6 
ralgic pain in the back and weakness in the limbs disappeared, his 
sleep and strength improved, the headache became lesfe, and he 
says he feels twenty-five years younger. 
Case III. Of special interest, I think, is another case which 
I would like to present, and about which I would be glad to hear 
the opinion of some gentlemen who make diseases of the nervous 
system a specialty. From the most apparent symptoms, I may 
call it a case of spinal sclerosis, but it seems to me that there are 
also other atrophic processes, possibly of cerebral nature. As far 
as I could learn, the history is as follows: The patient, a man 
fifty-seven years old, five feet ten inches tall, weight 230 pounds, 
was always in good health up till March, 1893. He did not indulge 
in alcoholic drinks, never suffered from syphilis, but was a heavy 
smoker. In March, 1893, he complained of slowly growing weak- 
ness in the right, later in the left, leg. His limbs felt as if bur- 
dened by weights. Then a constant dizziness in the head set in. 
He was treated for apoplexy, with no effect. The weakness in his 
legs progressed until they would not carry him. His dizziness 
also grew worse; he became irritable, nervous, coidd not sleep, but 
had fair appetite and digestion. He was under the treatment of 
several physicians, the last of whom, suspecting the disease was of 
syphilitic origin, put him under inunctions and iodide of potash. 
The patient lost about thirty pounds. His condition, however, 
did not improve, and when I saw him first, on February 6, I found 
the following condition : 
A man, strongly built, sat in an arm chair, his features showed 
signs of despair, his eyes were clear but unsteady, he was unable 
to rise or even to raise his legs, but could move his arms pretty 
freely. His grasp was weak, and the movement of the hand and 
arm somewhat incoordinated; for instance, when he wanted to 
reach for something he failed to strike it. The fingers spread 
apart, trembled; at the tips and under the sole he had a numb and 
prickling sensation. He was free of pain, but complained of a 
heavy and dizzy feeling in his head. Pupil reflex was good. 
When lifted from the chair he could stand, his legs spread apart 
about eighteen inches. With closed legs he tumbled. He also be- 
came very uncertain with his eyes closed. Supported on either 
side, he tried to walk; the legs were moved with difficulty and in- 
coordinately; the feet were swung forward and set down with force; 
brought back to his chair he felt very tired. The sensibility of the 
skin and reflex of the patella was but little disturbed. The func- 
tions of the bladder and rectum have lately become weak, the 7 
patient has frequent inclination to pass urine, the examination of 
which showed nothing abnormal. Examination of the eyes showed 
atrophy of the left optic nerve. For the last two months he has 
been unable to lie down; was obliged to sit up all night, and com- 
pelled to sleep in his chair. He also complained of an almost con- 
stant ringing noise in his ears. 
In this condition I subjected him to a treatment of spermine 
injections, with the following effect: After five injections he could 
easily rise and stand with his heels and toes together. He had fif- 
teen injections altogether, and is now able to walk fairly well,even 
to climb stairs with some effort. He feels a great deal stronger, 
can lie down and sleep sometimes all night. During this treat- 
ment I avoided any other therapeutic aid. The only symptom 
that still annoys him is the dizziness in the head, to which he pays 
the more attention since being relieved from the confinement to 
his chair. 
On these, and quite a number of other cases, I have studied 
the effect of spermine injections, and have had in some of them 
surprisingly good results, while the rest were more or less favora- 
bly affected. One feature I would like to emphasize; spermine 
seems to be a direct antidote against the bad effects of anesthetics, 
probably due to the stimulation of the heart’s action. In 1801 the 
Russian surgeon, Weljaminoff, and recently I also have observed 
that patients who received one spermine injection shortly before an 
operation had a splendid narcosis, and no nausea or any other bad ef- 
fect after they awoke. 
In order to ascertain if this condition was really obtained by 
the action of spermine, I have experimented in the Chicago Hos- 
pital on a patient who had to take ether several times. He was a 
man of thirty-nine year«, upon whom I was going to perform 
Lange’s or Whitehead’s operation for hemorrhoids. He received a 
fifteen grain spermine injection shortly before the anesthetic was 
given. He was one hour and a half under the influence of ether; 
had a splendid narcosis, and when he awoke felt perfectly well. 
Eight days later I gave ether to remove the stitches without using 
spermine. He then was only fifteen minutes under the influence 
of the narcotic, but it took him all day to overcome the nausea and 
bad feeling with which he awoke. It is, of course, a question in 
how many cases such a favorable effect will be obtained, and I do 
not doubt that frequently the injections may fail to act as desired, 
but still I think it may be worth trying. 
Before 1 conclude I wish to say a few words about the chemi- 8 
cal and physiological properties of spermine. Spermine, accord- 
ing to the analysis of Phil. Schreiner, Ann. Chem. <5r> Pharm. 
1878, p. 194, is a substance with the chemical formula, C3 H, N. 
Like other bases it forms salts when in contact with acids or 
metals. Some of these salts are long prismatic crystals which, 
though prepared by chemicals, retain the physiological properties 
that spermine possesses. Such crystals I have photographed from 
microscopical specimens; the specimens were obtained from prepar- 
ations from different organs: No. 1, from testicles of a young 
bull; No. 2, from ovaries of a young cow. Numbers 3 and 4, pre- 
pared in a different way, are not as pure as the first ones; No. 3 is 
made from a small quantity of genuine Brown-Sequard fluid; No. 4, 
from an extract of pancreas. Regarding the chemical composi- 
tion, spermine belongs to the group of the imins, and has at first 
by some chemists been taken for aethylenimin, which has the 
formula C2, H4 NH; that is, the same elements, but in another 
group. By the investigations of Prof. Poehl this opinion has been 
proved to be a mistake. He found that spermine is a base per se, 
with certain characteristic properties different from other sub- 
stances, with equal elements. Some of its reactions are: 1. With 
chloride of gold it forms a yellow precipitate, which later changes 
into flat crystals. 2. With chloride of platinum it forms a crystal- 
line precipitate. 3. With tungstate of sodium it gives a cloudy 
precipitate soluble in alkalies, insoluble in acids. The most char- 
acteristic property is a smell like human sperma, if spermine is 
brought in contact with chloride of gold and metallic magnesium. 
I have here a sample of such combinations, and you may con- 
vince yourselves that my preparation really contains spermine. It 
was for these reactions that I worked over a year and made many 
thousands of experiments; after which I learned to understand why 
such a noted firm as Merck & Co., pronounced in the Pharmaceu- 
tical Zeitschrift for Russia, in 1890, that they did not succeed in 
preparing this valuable substance. The same statement has been 
made by other chemical firms; and I think this is the reason why, 
up to date, spermine has not appeared in the list of our modern 
therapeutics. Prof. Poehl himself said, in the Berlin, klin. Woch., 
1891, “The conditions by which spermine crystals may be obtained 
from solutions which contain spermine, are sometimes very difficult 
to determine;” and I also have found that, when I repeated the 
same process on the same preparation, I would at times not obtain 
the same crystallization as previously found. 
Regarding the physiological action of spermine, chemical and 9 
physiological experiments have revealed the fact that the stimula- 
tion and otherwise beneficial effects from spermine injections are 
very natural. Since it is known that spermine is not only an im- 
portant factor of the reproductive glands in the male and in the 
female organism, but also exists in the thyroid gland, the thymus, 
pancreas, spleen and other organs, it has become evident that 
spermine is a normal substance circulating in the blood, which has 
to and does accomplish a certain -task in the economy of life. 
Medical science was greatly mistaken when it was believed that 
some organs, as the spleen, subrenal glands and others, were of no 
use in biological respects, and could just as well be parted with. 
Hy the bad effect obtained from the extirpation of the thyroid 
gland, we have been convinced that in this, as in other glands, a 
substance is produced which is absolutely necessary for our sys- 
tem, and which is probably similar to spermine; and so, 1 believe 
that an important function of those organs is the production of 
spermine. The fact that male animals deprived of their sexual 
glands in their early days, cannot compete in strength with their 
brothers who are still in possession of these vital organs, has led to 
the interesting experiment on dogs to inject spermine as a substi- 
tute. Of four young dogs, all brothers, two treated this way, after 
being castrated, grew twice as large and strong as the other two. 
The incorporation of such substances as are produced in our glands 
into the blood, is therefore a very natural support of a physiological 
process. 
The manner in which spermine acts upon the organism has 
been carefully studied by Tarchanow, Poehl and others, who are of 
the opinion that the stimulative effect of spermine is due to its 
great oxidizing power. This theory is supported by the following 
facts : 
1. Metallic magnesium in solution of the chloride of a metal 
changes into oxide of magnesia, by the influence of spermine 
already in very small quantity. 
2. The blood, if influenced by chemical agents which dimin- 
ish its oxidizing power, as chloroform, oxide of nitrogen, strychnia, 
urea, can be brought to its normal condition by the support of sper- 
mine. This explains the favorable effects of spermine injections 
during and after narcosis. 
3. A direct test for the oxidizing power of spermine was ob- 
tained by quantitative examination of the urine before and after 
spermine injections, which showed a stronger oxidation of the 
albuminoids after the injections. 10 
From these facts it does not seem strange that in diseases 
which diminish the oxidizing energy of the blood and nervous sys- 
tem, as in neurasthenic, anemic, cachectic persons, spermine injec- 
tions have a very favorable effect. The same observation has been 
made in auto intoxications; that is, in diseases where the products 
of the regressive albumen metamorphosis accumulate in the organs. 
A very important factor for the effect of spermine is the alka- 
linity of the blood. As a ride in all the diseases named, as well as 
in acute fevers, as typhoid, scarlet, pneumonia, erysipelas, the 
blood possesses a high degree of acidity, in which spermine be- 
comes insoluble and therefore inactive. If the acidity is neutral- 
ized, as for instance in diabetes, by the use of Carlsbad salts, the 
spermine regains its activity and the improved oxidation causes 
the disappearance of sugar in the urine. The same result has been 
obtained without alkalizing the blood by artificial introduction of 
spermine. As the latter is a normal substance of the organism, its 
application is an imitation and support of nature, and therefore 
entirely harmless if used under certain precautions. 
It is different from Brown-Sequard's fluid, inasmuch as the 
latter contains a number of substances, as kreatin, kreatinin, hypo- 
xanthin, lecithin, guanin, nuclein, and so on, which do not benefit 
and may hurt. Furthermore, as it is known that the organs from 
which the emulsion known as Brown-Sequard’s fluid is obtained, 
often contain the germs of disease, and as other products, the toxines, 
cannot be eliminated in the way the fluid is prepared, the injection 
of this fluid is in a strict sense of asepsis, not a safe method. The 
injections are sometimes followed by an abscess, an accident that 
has recently occurred in this city, even in the hands of a physician 
of very high standing, a complication I have never observed nor 
seen reported after spermine injections. 
The isolation of the active principle is therefore of vital im- 
portance, and has besides the advantage that the dose can be 
regulated, which is impossible in Brown Sequard’s fluid, because 
no one can tell how much spermine it contains. The solution I 
use is equal to 2 per cent, and is always bacteriologically tested be- 
fore being put in flasks, so I am sure it is aseptic; and although I 
do not claim that it will have the desired effect in every case, 
on the contrary am fully prepared to see occasionally a failure, 
I think the subject is worth study. 
As far as the technique is concerned, I have found it advisa- 
ble to use a series of from ten to fifteen injections, one a day; 
commencing with small doses, about 5 to 10 minims, and gradu- 11 
ally increasing the dose to 20 minims. The number of doses re- 
quired is, however, a matter of personal judgment, and sometimes 
two or three injections are sufficient to secure a remarkable ef- 
fect. 
In order to keep this solution perfectly aseptic 1 have put 
up single doses in separate flasks, like the one shown. They 
are opened by striking the neck, which will break at the 
mark. The fluid is then taken out by a hypodermic needle, which 
should always be thoroughly cleansed before and after using. 
The most aseptic instrument for the purpose is a syringe with a 
piston of asbestos. It seems practical to inject very slowly after 
the skin has been thoroughly sterilized. With these precautions 
I have never had any trouble, except slight local irritation. 
In conclusion, I wish to recount the different effects obtained 
by spermine injections in various diseases treated by other phy- 
sicians and myself. 
1. The action of the heart is stimulated. 
2. The respiration becomes easier, more regular and less fre- 
quent. 
3. The general feeling improves. 
4. The muscular strength increases. 
5. Sleep and appetite improve. 
6. Edema, due to lack of power in the arterial system, dis- 
appears. 
7. Sugar in the urine decreases. 
H. Ataxy of muscles, especially caused by spinal troubles, de- 
creases. 
0. Neuralgia, especially of lumbar origin, disappears. 
10. rile sexual functions are stimulated. This may be taken 
as a result of general improvement, but in my estimation, should 
not be considered a specific effect. 
11. The functions of the bladder, kidneys and intestinal tract 
improve. 
12. Local reactions are either of a slight and harmless nature, 
or do not happen at all. 
Although such favorable results have been recorded in hun- 
dreds of cases, I do not wish to say that they will always be ob- 
tained, and we have to be prepared in some cases to miss the de- 
sired effect. The exceptions, however, do not speak against the 
method as a whole, but rather, as the Latin phase says: “ Excep- 
tio firmat regulam.” 
Columhus Memorial li mlding. 12 
PRESENTATION OK PATIENT. 
Dr. G. E. Krieger : In addition to the paper I read before 
this society a month ago on the effect of spermine injections, I 
wish to exhibit this patient who used to suffer from chorea. 
The patient is a girl ten years of age, resident of South Chi- 
cago. Since the middle of last August, she has suffered from 
chorea which became so severe that she could not walk. She 
entirely lost control of her limbs, legs as well as arms ; she could 
not feed herself, could not carry anything in her hands, and was a 
perfect invalid. » 
She came under the care of Dr. Ed. Bert, who advised the 
parents to submit her to the treatment of spermine injections. The 
result was that after five injections all the irritability, which was so 
pronounced, was gone, and she became a normal child, as you see 
her to-night, and has ever since been entirely well. Before the 
treatment she could not sleep, but was very restless, but now she 
sleeps as soundly as any one, eats normally, and is in every other 
way perfectly developed. 
I have received reports from physicians as to different dis- 
eases that have been treated by spermine injections ; one was a 
case of locomotor ataxia that improved after ten spermine injec- 
tions so much that the patient could walk fairly well alone for 
about half a mile without fatigue. 
Another patient suffering from severe neurasthenia was greatly 
improved after six spermine injections. A special feature I would 
mention is the effect of spermine in narcosis ; it removes the bad 
effect of anesthetics, chloroform as well as ether. Spermine injec- 
tions have been used quite extensively in the Chicago Hospital 
with uniformly good results, the patients awake after narcosis 
without nausea or vomiting. 
In about forty-five cases spermine injections were used under my 
supervision, and in about ninety per cent of these cases the effect 
was perfect; in ten per cent it was very difficult to decide whether 
a mistake was made regarding the time in which the spermine 
injections were given, they being administered during the narcosis, 
instead of ten minutes before, or something else was to blame for 
lack of result. Spermine injections have had, so far, in a great 
many cases a very good stimulating effect, and I would repeat my 
offer to the profession that if any one wishes to make an experi- 
ment I will be glad to furnish the material. 13 
Published in the .V/. Petersburger Med. IVoch, 1890-1894, Berlin Klin. IVoch, 1S91, 
Dent Si he Med. IVoch, 1H92, Chicago Medical Recorder, 
|N94, with some new cases 
added. 
RECORD OF CASES, TREATED WITH SPERMINE. 
1. DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
Dr. Schafranoff : Neurasthenia, neuralgia of the heart. Re- 
covery after twenty-four injections. 
Dr. Tuluscheff: Neurasthenia and paresis of the limbs. 
Improvement. 
Dr. BOthlingk : Three cases. General debility and dizzi- 
ness. Recovery after a few injections. 
Dr. Rotschinin : Neurasthenia, gastro-enteritis, acne. Im- 
potenz. Recovery from all these symptoms. 
Dr. Sichakew : Thirty-two cases of neurasthenia with vari- 
ous complications, such as dyspepsia, anemia, debility, headache, 
asthma, etc. Recovery or improvement in thirty-one cases. 
Dr. Finkelstkin : Three cases. Patient of twenty-eight with 
constant headache, insomnia, constipation, lack of appetite, 
anemia, palpitation of the heart, etc. Greatly improved after a 
few injections. A girl of nineteen, with similar symptoms showed 
likewise improvment. A woman of thirty-three, with general neu- 
rasthenia, dyspepsia, insomnia, increased irritability. When 
treated by injections of spermine rapidly improved. 
Dr. Ostromnoff : Neurasthenia with psychic alteration, in- 
somnia, neuralgia of neck and back. No effect from iron, phos- 
phate, bromides, electricity, etc. After nineteen spermine injec- 
tions, lasting improvement of all symptoms. 
Dr. A. F. Ramowitsch : Patient of thirty-five suffering from 
asthmatic spells, great irritability, stenocardia, palpitations of the 
heart, constipation, rheumatic pains, lack of appetite, etc. Re- 
covered to perfect health after twelve injections. 
Dr. Nagubnoff : Neurasthenia and dyspesia of fifteen years’ 
standing. No remedies had an)- effect. After twelve injections 
perfect recovery. 
2. LOCOMOTOR ATAXIA. 
Prof. Eulenburg : Enclyclop. Jahrb., p. 650. A severe case 
of locomotor ataxia showed considerable improvement after the 
injections. 
Prof. Joffray : Salpetriere, Paris. Three cases. The ataxia 
and general condition of these cases rapidly improved after five, 
eleven and thirteen injections respectively. 
Dr. Sawitsch : Patient of sixty-five with ataxia, paresis cf 
sphincter ani and bladder. Recovered and gained strength after 
the injections. 
Dr. Sicharew : Patient of thirty-three. Since six years 
ataxia and debility, weakness of bladder and rectum. Good im- 
provement. Cf. Journal of Med. Chem. and Pharm., No. 3. 
Dr. Wiktorow : Patient of fifty-one. Shooting pains in 
both legs, paraplegia, incontinentia urinae. Improvement after 
three injections. 
Dr. Ostroumow: Patient of fifty-two Same symptoms as 
above, both patients showed marked improvement of the gait. 14 
Dr. Orlii'zky: Patient of thirty years. Ataxia since over five 
years. Baths and suspension of no effect. Complications, reten- 
tion of urine, neuralgia of legs, no reaction of pupils, singing in 
ears, sexual weakness, etc. Improvement commenced after eight 
injections, and continued until retention of urine, neuralgia, and 
even atactic gait had disappeared. 
OTHER DISEASES OF THE SPINAL CORD AND BRAIN. 
Dr. Maximowitsch. Two cases of myelitis transversa. 
Marked improvement; Seven cases of hysteria. Recovery. 
Dr. Sicharew: Hysteria with insomnia, chlorosis. Recovery 
after two injections. Lasting effect. 
Dr. Neusberg: Lumbago. Pain decreased after a few 
injections. 
Dr. Tuluscheff. Spinal irritation with anesthesia and neu- 
ralgia. Good improvement after twelve injections. 
Dr. Rotschinin: Three cases. No. 1. Apoplexia with pa- 
resis. Hemiplegia of left side, contraction of hand, catarrh of 
bladder, good improvements. No. 2. Chronic myelitis, paralysis 
of legs, six years’ standing, greatly improved after twelve injec- 
tions. No. 3. Patient of seventy. Probably thrombosis of art. 
fossae. Sylvii. Paralysis of facial nerves, arm and leg of right 
side. Marked improvement after two injections. 
Dr. Krieger: Patient of fourty-seven. Syphilitic myelitis. 
Paresis of both legs, contraction and ankylosis of left elbow, su- 
purative catarrh of bladder, neuralgia. Good improvement. 
Dr. Wiktorow: Four cases. No. 1. Patient of fifty. Hemi- 
plegia dextra, constipation. After thirteen injections mobility of 
arm and leg restored. No. 2. Patient of forty-eight. Peri- 
encephalitis, spastic gait. Great muscular weakness, constipation. 
Marked improvement after eight injections. No. 3. Patient of 
forty-eight. Myelo-meningitis. Lumbar neuralgia. No loco- 
motion even with crutches. Improved after four injections. No. 
4. Patient of forty-five. Hemiparesis following apoplexia, con- 
stipation, impotentia. Marked improvement. 
Dr. Ostromnow: Patient of fifty-six. Hemiplegia and chronic 
catarrh of the lungs following apoplexia. Complete paralysis of 
both legs, paresis of arms, night sweats, loss of memory, insomnia. 
All symptoms greatly decreased after three injections. No sweats, 
no fever, normal defaecation, good improvement of general 
condition. 
Dr. Ulrich: Case of sciatica completely cured by the 
injections. 
Dr. C. Beck, Chicago Med. Recorder, April, 1894 : Patient of 
forty-seven. Syphilis when twenty-six years old. General neu- 
rasthenia, lumbar neuralgia, insomnia. Recovery after fifteen in- 
jections. 
Dr. Hubbenet: Four cases. 1. Patient of twenty-four. Brain 
syphilis, hemiplegia dextra, muscular weakness. Pulse, 106. Af- 
ter two injections, pulse 80. Mobility of leg and arm greatly im- 
proved. 2. Patient of twenty-nine. Since thirteen years, lues 
gummosa. Ulcers on forehead, ankylosis of the right knee, perios- 
titis of legs. Recovery after the injections. 
Dr. Sichareff : Patient of fifty-three. Syphilitic myelitis, in- 
continence of urine, constipation. Recovery after nine injections. 
Dr. Injasewsky: Patient of twenty-eight. Brain syphilis, 
aphasia, ptosis, rigid expression of face, weakness of muscles. 
Pulse, 48-52. General improvement after eight injections. 
3, SYPHILIS AND SKIN DISEASES. 15 
Dr. Osi romnoi r: Patient of fifty-three. Chronic ulcers of 
foot and leg, chronic inflammatory rheumatism, irritability, insom- 
nia, etc. Quick recovery from all symptoms after three injections. 
•J. DIABETES. 
Dr. Rotschinin : Four cases. 1. Patient of sixty-five. After 
ten injections, percentage of sugar in urine reduced from 4.7 per 
cent to 2 per cent. 2. Patient with 5.5 per cent sugar completely 
cured. Cases 3 and 4 also greatly improved. St. Petersburg Med. 
IVoch., 1890, No. 31. 
Dr. Rotschinin : 1. Phthisis pulmonum (with bacilli), haem- 
optysis, palpitations. Good improvement and increase of weight 
after ten injections. 2. Patient of fifty-three. Vitium cordis, 
asthma,dyspnoea. Rapid improvement. 3. Patient of sixty. An- 
gina pectorus. Recovery. 4. Patient of eighty-four. Pneumonia 
duplex. In dying condition regained consciousness after one in- 
jection and lived another forty-eight hours. 
Dr. Bukocmsky : Chronic tuberculosis, induration of lungs, 
sputum contained bacilli, night sweats. All symptoms disappeared 
after fifteen injections. 
I)r. Nastjukoff. Patient of fifty-eight. Haemoptysis since 
three years, induration of lungs on both sides, dyspnoea. Great 
improvement and increase of weight. 
Dr. Philipps: Tuberculosis, oedema of face and legs, dysp- 
noea. Improved considerable. 
Dr. Rossi: Two cases of pleurisy with fever. Recovered af- 
ter twelve injections. 
Prof. Kostjuvin : Angina pectoris since eight years. No 
attacks after eleven injections. 
Dr. Cholodkowsky: Patient of sixty-six; since thirty years, 
catarrh of the lungs; otitis media, profuse expectoration, stenocar- 
dia. Treated several times a year by injections, each time with 
great benefit. 
Dr. Kkieger: Three cases. 1. Patient of sixty-three; Asth- 
ma, bronchiale, dyspnoea, insomnia, greatly improved after ten 
injections. 2. Patient forty-eight; asthma, stenocardia, lack of 
appetite, recovered. 3. Child, five years old; pneumonia,crisis on 
fifth day, oedema of lungs, cyanosis, severe dyspnoea. After one 
injection of lf> minims revival and recovery. 
5. DISEASES OF THE LUNGS AND HEART. 
Dr. Klimontowitsch: Patient of nineteen; severe typhoid, 
paresis of legs, incontinentia urinae et alvi. Collapse. Tempera- 
ture subnormal. After one injection revival, normal temperature. 
Dr. Sirharew: Four cases. 1. Patient of thirty-eight; scor- 
butus, oedema of legs, pain and partial ankylosis of knee. After 
nine injections disappearance of symptoms. 2. Patient of fifty- 
five; same as above. Recovery after five injections. 3. Patient of 
fifty; scorbutus with large infiltrations on limbs and feet, great 
weakness. After the injections rapid improvement. 4. Patient of 
thirty-five; inflammatory oedema of left leg; sclerosis of knee. 
Recovery after twelve injections. 
Dr. Rotschinin: Case of typhoid with pneumonia; weak 
action of the heart. Improved quickly after a few injections. 
Dr. Rossi: Five cases of scorbutus with haemorrhages, oedema, 
inflammation of knee joint, etc. Recovered after twelve to twenty 
injections, respectively. 
TYPHOID AN'I) OTHER ACUTE FEVERS. 16 
Dr. Gretschaninoff reports at length twelve cases of scorbutus 
with painful infiltrations of the legs, swelling and inflammation of 
joints, and periosteum and disorder of the digestive tract. Prompt 
improvement after the injections. 
Dr. Schapiro: Patient of thirty-seven; arthritis deformans of 
thirteen years standing. Syphilis for ten years. Neuralgia of back 
and shoulders, limited mobility of left elbow, irritability, weakness 
of memory, swelling and partial ankylosis of finger joints, etc. Im- 
provement of general condition after the injections. 
Dr. Procharoff: Patient of fifty-one; arthritis since six years 
of age. Painful swelling of joints on hands, knees and feet. Small 
cystic tumors on both ears, containing xanthin and urid acid. Im- 
provement after use of spermine. 
GENERAL DEBILITY AND MARASMUS. 
Dr. Cholodkowsky: Marasmus senilis, chronic bronchitis. 
Good improvement. 
Dr. Wiktorow: Patient of sixty-nine with general debility, 
tired feeling in legs, great irritability. Gained strength after two 
injections. 
Dr. Bukoemsky: Two cases. 1. Patient of ninety-five; long 
standing lumbar neuralgia, lack of appetite, partial deafness. Marked 
improvement after eight injections. 2. Patient of forty-three; 
endometritis and oophoritis; abdominal neuralgia; painful mens- 
truation, muscular atropia, etc. Complete recovery after twelve 
injections. 
Dr. Fretin. Patient of sixty-three; arthritis deformans, 
chronic rheumatism and ankylosis of joints; insomnia, lack of 
appetite, great weakness. Considerable improvement after the 
injections. 
Dr. Krieger. Patient of seventy; lumbar neuralgia, constant 
headache, lack of appetite. Recovery after nine injections. 
Dr. Chorwath (Paris Med. Acad.): Observations in sixty-one 
patients operated by Dr. W. 1. Cachectic persons and drunkards 
stand the anesthetic better after one previous injection of sper- 
mine. 2. Complications as asphyxia, vomiting, nausea are very 
rare. 3. No shock after the operations. 
Dr. Weljaminoff. Four cases of prolonged operations. 1. 
Fibromyoma uteri; hysterectomy after four injections ; duration of 
operation two and one-half hours ; no shock, vomiting or nausea. 
2. Cancer of rectum; extirpation; in spite of great weakness, 
splendid narcosis. 3. Ovariotomy duplex. 4. Large struma; 
extirpation; in all cases no bad effects from the anesthetics. 
Dr. Krieger: Forty-five cases. In ninety per cent ideal nar- 
cosis; no vomiting, nausea or shock. Some of these patients had 
violent vomiting spells after previous operations without spermine. 
NARCOSIS. 
MORPHINISM. 
Dr. Ritter: Patient of twenty-six; chronic oophoritis ; mor- 
phine habit since six years; daily dose 16 grains. After five sper- 
mine injections reduced to 3 grains ; after another five injections 
no desire for the drug. 
Dr. Krieger: Patient of forty-seven; cystitis, myelitis syph- 
ilica, lumbar neuralgia; daily dose three to four grains. After ten 
injections reduced to y? grain.