MODIFYING INFLUENCE OF EPIDEMICS 
ON THEDA PEPTICS. 
PART I., By A. W. Woodward, M. I)., Chicago. 
AVith our present imperfect facilities for studying the Ma- 
teria Medica, few practising physicians have time to find the 
similimum for fifty patients per diem. If this be so, then 
some aid is wanting to facilitate the practical use of our 
doctrine. 
The ponderous size of our Materia Medica, if no other 
reason, causes it to be neglected save in some great extremity 
even by men of talent, industry and enthusiasm. They feel 
unequal to the mental effort requisite to read its provings un- 
derstandingly, and from its necessarily encyclopedic character, 
it becomes to many a work of reference rather than a chart 
for daily use. 
To meet this urgent demand for some quick method of 
choosing the remedy, many plans have been tried. The Materia 
Medica has been condensed and epitomized until the provings 
are much distorted ; “ the characteristics ” have been labo- 
riously collected, but are nearly useless. Various Repertories 
and Guides to practice exist, all of which fail to adapt the 
remedy to the entire case. 
If these means fail how is the busy physician to apply the 
law of Similia in the majority of cases at the bedside ? Is the 
difficulty insurmountable, and must we abandon the attempt 
save in few chronic cases ? Surely not! The remarkable results 
we sometimes attain, are a promise of greater and more fre- world’s homceopathic convention. 
quent victories in the future, if we can once discover a ready 
rule of practice ; so that the unabridged Materia Medica may 
be needful only for reference. If we can find a law by which 
an occasional search for a typical remedy will suffice for more 
than one half of our cases, then we shall feel more courage to 
study the Materia Medica; our difficulties will diminish, and 
we shall enter upon a new era of success. 
Now, is it not possible that, by studying more closely the 
prevailing disease forms, their peculiarities and variations from 
season to season, we may be better able to choose the remedy 
than by the endeavor to find the similimum in every individual 
case ? If we should analyze the prevailing diseases in the 
same manner that we make a diagnosis, i. e. by a process of 
exclusion, we should find that, though differing in their symp- 
toms, they would require a very limited number of re- 
medies, and that exceptional treatment would be required in 
exceptional cases only. 
If we all resided under as constant and powerful a toxic 
cause as is malaria in some sections within the tropics, we 
might find the practice of medicine an easier task, because the 
fevers and plilegmasige in those situations show little variation 
from year to year; the treatment, once proved successful, 
needs little variation either on account of subject or season ; 
the remedies called for years ago are still actively in demand ; 
and, in extremely malarial regions, all schools of practice, our 
own included, find themselves obliged, sooner or later to resort 
to Cinchona. In pronouncing this drug to be a specific for 
swamp ague, Hahnemann recognised an overwhelming telluric 
cause. This cause, operating upon and modifying other dis- 
eases in the same locality, produces a condition that may be 
labelled Cinchona, whatever name be given to the disease. 
As we approach Northern latitudes, malaria loses its intensity, 
and we find proportionately greater variations in disease forms. 
Intermittents, remittents and typhoids no longer present 
changeless characteristics ; but vary, from season to season, so 
as to oblige us to make corresponding changes of remedies. 
As we pass outside of malarial influences, if we do not run 
into another poison centre, we may find that the aerial or INFLUENCE OF EPII'EMICS. 
epidemic influences become equally potent in shaping the forms 
of disease. The master-mind which recognised the invariable 
conditions calling for Cinchona also perceived that the cause 
of cholera was equally overpowering and controlling, and that 
the conditions thence arising would as surely demand Ar- 
senicum, Veratrum, Cuprum and Camphor. 
Now if we are correct in assuming that Quinine (Cinchona) 
is specific against marsh malaria, in all seasons and conditions 
of atmosphere ; and that the remedies indicated by Hahne- 
mann are still the nearest specifics for cholera ; two conclu- 
sions would seem inevitable, viz: 1. That telluric influences, 
if controlling, are invariable ; and demand a very limited class 
of remedies grouped around the one remedy which the con- 
trolling influence calls for. 2. That aerial influences, powerful 
enough to produce a world-wide epidemic, also demand a very 
limited class of remedies to meet every form of disease occur- 
ring during their prevalence. In either case there is but one 
cause, variously manifested. 
These conclusions appear to me of wide significance; and 
I even venture to think that they furnish the key note for 
practice, at all times and under all circumstances. I think it is 
provable, that when the mass of people do not live under the 
controlling influence of malaria, they are subject to atmospheric 
(epidemic) influence ; and that these influences or forces, recip 
rocally modify the forms of disease. 
During the past winter (1875-6) I 'was called to attend two 
children in one family, ill with scarlet fever. They were of 
scrofulous habit and bore a remarkable physical resemblance. 
The eldest sickened first; and although the effects of an epi- 
demic remedy (Ammon, carb.) had been quite satisfactory in 
all forms of disease, I decided in this case to give Mercurius. 
After a seeming improvement, there occurred Bright’s disease, 
by which I nearly lost my patient: and as this was the only 
case so endangered that 1 saw during the season, I attribute 
the result to the Mercury. The sister, presenting, apparently, 
the same symptoms, was treated throughout with the “epi- 
demic” remedy, and recovered in five days. 
The idea of an epidemic remedy is not new ; but that of an world's homieop ath rc convention. 
epidemic influence constantly prevailing, was presented, I 
think, for the first time by v. Grauvogl in his Text book of 
Homoeopathy. But even v. Grauvogl does not emphasize the 
fact that an epidemic may modify different diseases, without 
specially showing itself in a distinct form. As illustrating the 
value of the true epidemic remedy (page 296 et seq.) he cites 
an epidemic of pneumonia, treated altogether by venesection 
and Saltpetre. When the physician was summoned within 
the first two days, the cure was effected in from 5 to 7 days; 
when treatment was delayed for a week, the patients took 14 
days to recover. In 58 serious cases, but two deaths occurred. 
In a similar epidemic in 1847-8, every patient being treated 
with Acetate of Iron, two deaths in 37 (all serious) occurred: 
duration of illness, 5 to 7 days. Again, from 1848-1850, out 
of 93 cases of pneumonia, many with typhoid complications, 
treated with Cuprum, but four deaths occurred; duration of 
illness, 3 to 4 in most, 9 days in the worst cases. An epidemic 
of measles is next cited (p. 324 et seq.) in which Aconite 
proved specific, even for dropsical sequelae. At page 288, 
Argent nit.., it is said, ’was for two years the remedy for all 
cases of typhus ; of which v. Granvogl lost but three out of 
thirty-nine severe cases. 
In explaining this singular treatment and its surprising 
results, v. Grauvogl advances views similar to those of Rade- 
macher; maintaining the influence of epidemic conditions in 
so modifying the bodily states of enfeebled subjects that the 
symptoms at one season shall be hydrogenoid, at another 
carbo-nitrogenoid; the normal bodily constitution being res- 
tored after a longer or shorter season. As bearing favorably 
on this doctrine, I may mention that about ten years ago there 
prevailed in some of the Western States an intractable form 
of herpes palmaris and facialis, which demanded the most 
active carbo-nitrogenoid remedies, such as Sulphur and Mer- 
curius. Since that time the same patient’s have exhibited a 
radically changed constitution, and have become strongly hy- 
drogenoid, requiring that class of remedies whatever be their 
ailments. Admitting this radical physiological change, the 
proof of which is in the fact that we no longer see destructive INFLUENCE OF EPIDEMICS. 
effects by ulceration ; it follows that the symptoms, in their 
entirety, must call for entirely different remedies. 
In December, 1874, in an aggravated case of phlegmasia 
alba dolens, that was not improving, my patient asked leave to 
use common Hartshorn liniment. Permission, with due eau 
tion, was given, and, much to my surprise, the pains were re- 
lieved as by magic, and a cure speedily followed. No symp- 
toms of poisoning appeared. On studying the drug anew, I 
found many Ammonia symptoms, not only in the present con- 
dition of the case, but in its history before and after confine- 
ment. About this time I had an unusual number of cases of 
lumbago, with acute wandering pains, or very aggravating ca- 
tarrhal symptoms. Other remedies failing, Ammonia in some 
form was given, with prompt recovery from all complaints. 
Encouraged by this success, either the Carbonate or Muriate 
of ammonia was given in every acute disease that presented 
itself, and in more than half of them prompt cures followed. 
Cases usually requiring from five to seven days’ treatment, 
now occupied but three to five days. 
For more than twelve months past Ammon, mur. has proved 
the noblest of polychrests. By its use, winter colds have 
yielded to twenty-four hours of treatment; and tonsillitis, laryn- 
gitis and pneumonia have been speedily cnred. Delayed erup- 
tions of scarlet fever and measles have promptly appeared, and 
convalescence rapidly followed. 
It has also proved useful in pleurodynia, gastralgia and en- 
teralgia; and catarrhs, not only of the air-passages, but also of 
the stomach and bowels have been subdued. It has served 
me well in controlling sudden venous congestions, however 
severe, whether of the brain, simulating typhus, or of the lungs 
and heart, promising speedy death. One characteristic in 
every case was a disposition to an unusual change of symp- 
toms, somewhat as in wandering rheumatism ; another was a 
moderate fever often alternating wdth slight chills, or perspi- 
ration that relieved the pains. This remedy has worked bet- 
ter than Aconite in relieving fever and producing diaphoresis. 
It has removed dangerous congestions, soothed pain and 
brought sleep, better than Bellad. or Opium. It has served world’s homoeopathic convention. 
better in dysmenorrhoea than any other remedy during this 
time, and in parturition it has promoted labor pains and con- 
trolled haemorrhage better than Pulsatilla or Secale. As a 
rule, Ammon, mur. proved itself a function remedy, par ex- 
cellence‘s and, if used in the commencement of morbid pro- 
cesses, it was all controlling; when these had advanced to 
structural changes, some form of Kali or Natrum seemed to 
work better than such remedies as Mercurius or Sulphur. 
Few other remedies have been found needful. Arsenic., 
Apis, Calc., Hyos., Ignat., Lacli., Rhus rad., Podopli., Puls, 
and Yerat. alb., have been sufficient to control nearly every 
morbid condition. 
It is noteworthy that such remedies as Bryon., Canth., 
Cham., Mercur., Nux vom., Rhus tox. and Sulphur, have sig- 
nally failed. Why they should not have worked as well as 
formerly, I can only explain by the theory of* an epidemic 
constitution, to which they are not adapted. 
I should mention, also, that my experience did not embrace 
any low, putrid or septic forms of disease. Such cases did 
arise in certain limited localities throughout the city, but they 
could generally be traced to exceptional filthy surroundings, or 
sewer gases. 
I am persuaded that there was a decided intermittency in 
the remedies required. During the months of December, 
January and February, Ammon, was most frequently the rem- 
edy ; but when the damp atmosphere of spring came, Rhus 
rad. quite superceded it. But Ammon, was again the remedy 
late in the spring, yielding, as summer advanced, to Apis; 
this remedy served well for about a month, when Ammon, 
mur. was again required. Through the autumn, Kali, in some 
form, seemed sufficient, but we had to return to our main rem- 
edy again late in November. 
Since the new year, other drugs seemed to be more called 
for. Stibium is occasionally necessary ; and Hepar sulph. may 
perhaps prove to be the next remedy. We seem to be at pres- 
ent in a transition state, with new conditions establishing them- 
selves; this also has been alluded to by von Grauvogl. 
Finally, while I feel justified in affirming that, during the INFLUENCE OF EPIDEMICS. 
year 1875, no special form of disease in epidemic frequency 
prevailed in Chicago; yet the results of my experience, which 
I have cited, convince me that an epidemic condition existed, 
calling for a limited class of remedies, of which one wras typi- 
cal. Moreover that typical remedy worked as surely in all 
forms of disease as Bellad. once did in scarlet fever. 
PART II., by T. C. Duncan, M. D., Chicago. 
THE INFLUENCE OF THE GREATER EPIDEMICS. 
“ Coming events cast their shadows before.” 
“Epidemics give distinct and unmistakable warnings of 
their approach. These warnings consist of two events: first, 
the sudden outbreak and general spread of some milder epi- 
demic; and secondly, the transformation of ordinary diseases 
into diseases of a new type, more or less resembling the char- 
acter of the extraordinary disease at hand ” (Dr. S. Smith, 
Nature of Epidemics, p. 5). 
Sydenham gives a graphic description of such a transforma- 
tion of the fevers and inflammatory diseases prevailing in 
London, some months before the outbreak of the great plague 
in 1665. Dr. Southwood Smith observed a similar change in 
the general type of the fevers in the London Fever Hospital, 
six months before the first visitation of cholera in 1831 (Ibid, 
p. 6). Dr. G. E. Shipman reports that, eight months before 
the appearance of cholera in Chicago, in 1853, nearly every 
case of disease was complicated by a diarrhoea which called 
for a cholera remedy (Medical Investigator, vol. x., p. 292). 
An interesting question arises : IIow long may the warning 
precede the epidemic proper ? AVe have just seen that it ex- 
tends for a few months, but Dr. Hennen informs us that “for 
four or five years preeeding that (1813) in which the plague 
raged (in Malta) sudden deaths (apoplexies, etc.) were more 
frequent than ordinary, and during the twelve months imme- 
diately preceding and especially for the last month of the pe- world’s homoeopathic convention. 
riod the increase was stiil more, insomuch as to excite public 
observation ” (Cyclopaedia of Practical Medicine, vol. ii., p. 
68). 
Some years before the cholera epidemic of 1848, Boenning- 
hausen reported a malignant whooping-cough prevalent among 
the children in his neighborhood (Munster). “ In its origin 
the indications for the employment of Drosera (the epidemic 
whooping-cough remedy in Hahnemann’s day) were only ex- 
ceptional, and none of those were developed which call for 
other remedies ordinarily employed. However, in all affected, 
swelling and puffiness were remarked above the eyes between 
the eyelids and eyebrows, where it frequently formed a thick 
little bag—a symptom which had never been observed among 
those of any other medicine except Kali carb. (.219), and in 
fact this medicine was the only one that, at the commencement 
of the epidemy, effected a quick and lasting cure. In the last 
stage, this malady took another form, characterized by cold per- 
spiration on the forehead and vomiting during the fit, symp- 
toms which required the use of Veratrum alb.” (Manual of 
Therapeutics, p. 18). The modifying influence, indicated by 
the change in the treatment, was no douht the coming cholera 
epidemic. The greater epidemic influences the lesser. 
“Anterior to 1881, fever in London, for a long series of 
years, had been essentially an acute inflammatory disease. Six 
months before the cholera epidemic, fever ceased to be inflam- 
matory, and became a disease of debility. Up to 1855, this 
character of the fever had never disappeared (.Nature of Epi- 
demics, p. 7). The same is, without doubt, true to-day. 
This explains why Aconite is not so frequently indicated 
now as it was in Hahnemann’s time. 
Buchner says: “Fibrinosis of the blood lias disappeared 
more and more since 1827, and this is the reason why cholera 
has travelled repeatedly so easily all through Europe; as soon 
as fibrinous d'seases regain the ascendency, the albuminous 
cholera will disappear” (North American Journal of Hom- 
oeopathy, February, 1874, p. 291). In the light of the above 
we can understand why such remedies as Gelseminum, Bap 
tisia, Arsenicum, Veratrum, etc., are so frequently indicated 
year after year. INFLUENCE OF EPIDEMICS. 
But cholera is not the only epidemic that is modifying 
therapeutics. The widespread influence of the yellow-fever 
epidemic in 1872-’73, was manifested by the character of the 
cholera epidemic of 1873, by the prevalence of the dengue in 
India and in the South, and by the great demand for “ bilious 
remedies.” Many physicians would not believe that this coun- 
try was visited by cholera in 1873, because the stools were 
chiefly bilious rather thaii of a rice-water character. The re- 
ports from the various cities and towns (chiefly in the southern 
section of this country) published by order of Congress make 
a large octavo volume. The epidemic reached Memphis in 
May, and was followed in July by an epidemic of inflamma- 
matory dysentery. In August yellow fever appeared and 
raged as never before. Throughout the South, this epidemic 
was followed by dengue, which is defined by Dr. W. H. Hol- 
combe, of New Orleans, as “ a compound of yellow fever, rheu- 
matism, scarlet fever and influenza.” In 1872, the dengue 
raged in India. In the winter of the same year an epidemic 
of jaundice prevailed in Paris. In the early summer of 1873 
many cases of jaundice were met in Chicago, and Nux vom. 
was the epidemic remedy. Bryonia alb., another “ bilious 
remedy,” was the one chiefly indicated in the dengue in Gal- 
veston, Texas (.Medical Investigator, vol. x.). 
MODIFYING INFLUENCE OF THE LESSER EPIDEMICS. 
“ It is a very singular fact that both in the middle ages and 
in modern times, the lesser epidemic which has generally pre- 
ceded and preannounced the coming of the greater, is influen- 
za” (Dr. Southwood Smith, Member of the General Board of 
Health, 1848-1854, London). 
In the fall of 1858, Dr. W. Eggert, of Indianapolis, Ind., 
reported an epidemic of scarlet fever prevading, and that Rhus 
tox. and Apis were the chief remedies. “ Belladonna,” says 
Dr. Eggert “lias been of no use whatever.” In March, 1869, 
he reported a change in the character of the epidemic. Bel- 
ladonna, five or six weeks ago, was hardly ever indicated on 
account of the rash being papulous, but now it has to be called World’s irOMCEOPATIIIC CONVENTION. 
on more frequently, for the rash has assumed a smooth form 
(Medical Investigator, vol. vi., pp. 116, 236) 
What had changed the type of this disease ? An epidemic 
of influenza had passed over the country, and the atmosphere, 
surcharged by a large amount of ozone, had become more 
highly inflammatory (Ozone and Antozone, p. 136). 
Hahnemann, in January, 1798, records the prevalence of a 
mild epidemic fever of a remittent type that 'svas promptly 
curable by Ignatia. In March, this fever assumed a different 
form, and now Opium was the indicated remedy in the ma- 
jority of cases. In April, a severe epidemic of influenza ap- 
peared, different from that which had been observed five years 
previously. The attacks of fever were now changed, and Cam- 
phor was indicated, and only failed in about one case in a hun- 
dred. The point of interest in the report is that now the fever 
assumed more of an intermittent and inflammatory type, and 
was promptly relieved by Ledum and finally Aconite (Lesser 
Writings, p. 329). The influenza had modified both disease 
and treatment. 
Influenza and therapeutics are likewise modified by other 
epidemics. “ In 1860, diphtheria reappeared and, since then,” 
says Dr. O. P. Baer, of Richmond, Ind., “all our catarrhal af- 
fections, for several years, have presented more or less diph- 
theroid sympaoms ” (Medical Investigator, vol. ix., p. 530.) 
aIn 1863, meningitis cerebro-spinalis, or more properly 
typhus stupidus, made its appearance, complicating all our dis- 
eases. In the fall months of 1870, typhoid fever prevailed in 
Richmond, Ind., and called for Arsenic. In December, the 
weather changed suddenly from warm to cold and the charac- 
ter of disease changed as suddenly. Catarrhal fever set in, 
complicated by meningitis; and Aconite, Nux vom., or Bella- 
donna were indicated at first, but finally the epidemic remedy, 
Arsen, alb., was again needed” (Dr. Baer, Medical Investiga- 
tor, vol. ix., p. 531). 
In 1872-’73, a severe epidemic of influenza spread all over 
the United States from east to west, affecting botli animals 
and man. “ In New York, Bryonia was first required, and later 
Lycopodium ; while in Philadelphia Nux vonn, and later Phos INFLUENCE OF EPIDEMICS. 
pliorus cured the majority of cases” (Dr. Lippe, Medical Inves- 
tigator, vol. x., p. 169). Dr. Paulson, of Council Bluffs, who 
studied the epidemic very closely, decided Sulphur to be the 
similimum. His success confirmed his selection. 
In February, 1873, a mild epidemic of influenza again pre- 
vailed in the region of Chicago. Now, Arsenic, was the rem- 
edy. Cholera was coming a few months subsequently, and 
we detect its modifying influence (in the Mississippi Valley at 
least). Sulphur is a cholera prophylactic, and Arsenic, is rec- 
ognized as one of its most valuable remedies. As the charac- 
ter of the lesser epidemics is modified by the greater, so also 
is the therapeutics. 
ENDEMIC INFLUENCE. 
The epidemic may be modified to a certain extent by en- 
demic influence. 
“When the plague first broke out in the Indian army in 
Egypt, the cases sent from the crowded hospitals of the 61st 
and 88th Regiments were, from the commencement attended 
with the typhoid or low symptoms. Those which were sent 
from the Bengal battalion, when the army was encamped near 
the marsh El Ilammed, were all of the intermittent or remit- 
tent type. The cases which occurred in the cold, rainy months 
of December and January had much of the inflammatory dia- 
thesis ; and in the end of the season, at Cairo, Rhiza, Boulac 
and in crossing the isthmus of Suez, the disease wore the form 
of a mild continued fever” (Sir J. M’Gregor, Cyclopaedia of 
Practical Medicine, vol. ii., p. 69). 
Dr. Rush tells us that in Philadelphia, when the yellow 
fever appeared in 1793, “the frequent absence of a yellow 
color led to mistakes wliiAi cost the city several hundred lives” 
(Ibid). “We must carefully distinguish what may depend 
upon endemic influence; e. g., Nux vom. was, at a certain 
time, indicated for all toothache cases in Leipzig, while Puls, 
was indicated in the cases in Lausitz and Cocculus in Basle, 
and that in more than ninety per cent, of the patients ” (N. 
A. Journal of Homoeopathy, vol. iv., p. 302). 
Iii 1874, whooping-cough prevailed severely in San Fran- WORLEYS IIOMCEOPATHIC CONVENTION. 
cisco, Cal., and Veratrum was the epidemic remedy; while at 
Chattanooga, Tenn., at the same time, it was promptly arrest- 
ed by Ipecac. (Drs. G. M. Pease and D. G. Curtis, Medical 
Investigator, vol. xi., pp. 516-517). 
In 1873, when Memphis was being visited by Cholera, then 
inflammatory dysentery, then yellow fever and malarial fever, 
Philadelphia’s chief diseases were cholera infantum and morbus 
(severe), then dysentery, and then typhus fever, intermittent. 
New York reported Vcratrum diarrhoeas and Carbo veg. colics, 
closing the season with Baptisia typhoids; while Chicago re- 
ported severe Veratrum cholera morbus and infantum cases, 
then dysentery, and then typhoid (Medical Investigator, vol. 
x.). The type of the remedies indicated was, however, about 
the same. 
The fact that has impressed careful observers more than any 
other is the varying character of all the epidemic diseases. 
Sydenham, who lived during the frequent epidemics of plague, 
says : “ I am convinced that epidemic diseases differ from one 
another like the North and South and that the remedy which 
would cure a patient at the beginning of a year, will kill him, 
perhaps, at the close. Again, that when, onoe, by good for- 
tune, I have hit upon the true and proper line of practice 
that this or that fever requires, I can (with the assistance of 
the Almighty) by taking aim in the same direction, generally 
succeed in my results. This lasts until the form of the fever 
epidemic becomes extinct and until afresh one sets in. Then 
I am again in a quandary and am puzzled to think how I can 
give relief.” (Sharp’s Essays on Medicine, p. 23.) 
THE CHANGING NATURE OF EPIDEMICS. 
The same changing character has been observed in the dif- 
ferent epidemics of cholera. In one epidemic, one class of 
symptoms have been prominent while, in another, they have 
been less prominent. 
Hahnemann, who lived during the vacillating period 
between the plague and cholera epidemic, noticed this chang- 
ing nature in the lesser epidemics of remittent, intermittent, 
typhus fevers, etc. But he soon found he had remedies by INFLUENCE OF EPIDEMICS. 
which to name and to cure them. “ When bEgidi visited 
Hahnemann in March 1813 in Kdthen, Hahnemann remarked 
to him: ‘ You will have to treat a number of cases of inter- 
mittent fever on the Ehine; please observe whether there, also, 
as it does here, Natrum mur. corresponds to the epidemic 
constitution, and let me know it. If we regard the genius 
epidemicus we accomplish more quickly and with less trouble 
the desired end even in acute diseases, which usually are only 
efflorentia of the three chronic ailments.’ MCgidi found it so. 
In one case, however, the paroxysms came back again, although 
Natrum had relieved for a while. Hahnemann, being con- 
sulted, advised Carbo veg.’°, because this remedy had corres- 
ponded to the last year’s epidemic constitution, and the relapse 
in the case might be considered merely as a continuation of 
the same. It cured at once. In another case, where the in- 
termittent paroxysms, one every eight days, had continued 
for two and a half years, with swelling of the spleen and liver 
and oedema of the lower extremities, Hahnemann advised 
Cantharis30, because, two and half years ago, this remedy had 
been very efficient against the epidemic constitution which 
prevailed then, and also because Cantharis has the eight day 
type of the paroxysms. Cantharis broke the paroxysms ; the 
remaining difficulties were cured by other remedies. Dr. 
Stuler, in Berlin, collected likewise observations on the effects 
of Sepia and Spigelia as epidemic remedies, and all this was 
done ten years before Bademacber’s ‘ Erfahrungs Ileillehre’ 
was published.” (Internationale Horn. Presse, vol. ii., p. 195.) 
Ilering says: “ Intermittents appear nearly every year in a 
somewhat different form. One year Arsenicum, another Bel- 
ladonna, or Antimonium crud., or Spigelia, Aeon, in alternation 
with Ipecac., Nux vom., Ammon, mur., Natrummur., Opium, 
Cina alone or in alteration with Capsicum, or Capsicum alone, 
Menyanthes, Calcarea, Pulsatilla, Carbo animalis or veg. 
Arnica alone or in alternation with Ipecacuanha, etc., curing 
the fever in a few days.” (North American Journal of Horn., 
vol. hi., p. 308.) In 1870 Mr. G. Hawkes, in Delaware, found 
Natrum mur. indicated in three fourth of the cases, while 
next year it was called for only a very few times. In Jan. 1871, world’s homoeopathic convention. 
Dr. C. Lippe of New York, writes : “ The epidemic (intermit- 
tent fever) was cured this year in the most of the cases by 
Arnica.” (North American Journal of Horn., Feb., 1872.) 
In no disease perhaps is this change in the genius epidemi- 
cus more apparent, from year to year, than in whooping- 
cough. Hartmann truly says : “ Every epidemic of whooping- 
cough is more or less distinguished from those which preceded 
it and has, therefore, to be treated in accordance with its own 
characteristic symptoms. This is, probably, the reason why 
Hahnemann’s specific Drosera has not produced equally fine 
effects in all cases” (Diseases of Children, p. 357.) In 1859 
Corallium rub. was the whooping-cough remedy in Detroit, 
Indianapolis, etc., (Drs, T. F. Pomeroy, W. Eggert, etc. in Me- 
dical Invest.) In 1874 Drosera was the epidemic remedy in 
Lewiston, 111. (Dr. Stillman Med. Ivest., vol. xi., p. 59) and in 
Oregon (Dr. W. E. Jones, U. S. Med. Invest., New series, 
vol. ii., p. 102.) In April 1875, Kali carb., in powder, was 
the whooping-cough remedy in Hackensack, N. J. ( Dr. A. P. 
Macomber. U. S., Med. Invest., vol. i., p. 375.) 
The same changing character is also noticed in epidemics of 
influenza. But as these are forerunners of the lesser and 
greater epidemics they must necessarily be varied. In no dis- 
ease perhaps has this changing nature been more confusing 
than in scarlet fever epidemics. Repeated failures have de- 
monstrated that Belladonna is not always the specific. Dr. 
Lippe says : “ The older practitioners will well remember what 
an important remedy Ammon, carb. was in the scarlet fever 
epidemic of 1840. Later, the same disease often yielded to 
Capsicum and in turn to Nitric acid or Lycopodium, and in 
later years to Arum tri. or Apis mel., etc.” (Med. Invest, vol. 
x., p. 171.) 
In the winter of 1874 and 1875 Belladonna was the epidemic 
remedy in Tidioute Pa., and especially in an epidemic of 
influenza in March. In April, a severe epidemic of scarlet fever 
broke out in which Belladonna proved a valuable prophylactic, 
but not so satisfactory as a remedy, as dropsical sequelas fol- 
lowed some of the cases. (U. S. Med. Invest., vol. i, p. 374.) 
About the same time, this disease prevailed at Utica, N. Y INFLUENCE OF EPIDEMICS. 
complicated wflth cerebrospinal meningitis and diphtheria. 
Dr. L. B. Wells, who proved Apis in 1850, detected its appli- 
cation to certain of the cases attended with a sense of suffocation 
“ as if they could never breath again,” and he adds: “ Apis 
has been a better remedy in scarlet fever than Belladonna.” 
From the reports from various places, where the disease has 
been prevalent, it is noteworthy that, when Belladonna has 
been given, Rhus, Mercurius or Apis had also been needed to 
complete the cure. In September, Dr C. C. Smith of Phil, 
reported great success with Apis, having no sequelae and no 
deaths. In Hew Albany, and in the fall months, intermittents 
wyere complicated with the angina and subsequently Dr. 
McNiel reported Apis to be the chief remedy. The fall and 
winter of 1875 and 1876 being a hydrogenoid wet one, Apis 
was also found to be the chief remedy in the scarlet fever 
epidemic in Louisville, Ky. The physicians then avoided cold 
water and did not loose a case. (U. S. Med. Invest, vols. i., ii. 
and iii.) 
A CONSTANT GENIUS EPIDEMICUS. 
The changing character of all the epidemics has led many 
physicians to doubt the possibility of there being a constant 
epidemic influence. The very fact of constant change has led 
others to inquire : why the changes ? There must be a more 
potent influence back of the most severe epidemics to thus 
change their type. And if it influences them it must also in- 
fluence all the disease expressions met in a given year. Hahne- 
mann, we have seen, recognized it and styled it the “genius 
epidemicus.” Rademacher called it the “ stationary epidemic 
constitution;” while Dr. Lawson, of London, named it “a 
pandemic wave ” (Aiken’s Practice of Medicine). All close 
observers, however, have come to recognize its presence as con- 
stant and all pervading. Rademacher found that at certain 
times the most different diseases were cured by one and the 
same medicine in the shortest time without any crises what- 
ever. He thus practically solved the problem why, in the Ma- 
teria Medica, nearly all forms of disease are mentioned, and 
why for one form of disease nearly all remedies are recorded. world’s homoeopathic convention. 
Prof. Rapp says: After studying the provings, I learned 
that similia gives the key for the selection of the stationary 
epidemic remedy.” The stationary constitution (genius epi- 
demicus) occupies at certain times large portions of a country. 
Meningitis cerebro-spinalis, which appeared in 1865 all over 
Europe, may serve as a proof that the stationary disease char- 
acter is always a very extensive one (N. A. Journal of Homoe- 
opathy, vol. iii., p. 313). 
AVe have seen that a study of the meningeal cases by Dr. 
Wells led him to select Apis as the remedy for the genius 
epideinieus or stationary constitution. 
Dr. A. AY. AVoodward, of Chicago, believes that the rem- 
edy for the genius epideinieus of the past year, 1875, was Am- 
mon. mur. (U. S. Medical Investigator, vol. iii., p. 278). In 
April, 1869, Dr. Lilienthal, of New York, reported that dis- 
eases take on an intermittent form, and that even in whooping- 
cough the epidemic remedy, Arsenic., was indicated. The 
weather was wet and very changeable (Medical Investigator, 
vol. vi., p. 174). 
Rademacher found, by careful observation, that even the so- 
called stationary epidemic constitution changed so that now 
Cuprum, then Iron, and Natrum nit. were the universal reme- 
dies, as he termed them. The question arises how is the gen- 
ius epideinieus modified t It will be seen that Hahnemann 
attributed the acute disease to the action of the epidemic con- 
stitution upon the three chronic ailments. Grauvogl found 
that Rademacher’s three remedies correspond very closely to 
Hahnemann’s three chronic diseases or bodily constitutions. 
These Grauvogl renamed the oxygenoid, hydrogenoid and 
carbo-nitrogenoid constitutions, and found that now those of 
one class were most affected during one epidemic condition, and 
another during another, etc. 
Hering, Gross, Rapp and others have applied Grauvogl’s con- 
stitutions to the genius epideinieus, giving us a hydrogenoid 
epidemic constitution, carbo-nitrogenoid epidemic constitution, 
and an oxygenoid epidemic constitution. As the bodily consti- 
tutions change, from infancy to old age, and from year to year, 
so it must have been with the atmospheric constitutions. Now applying these to the weather recorded before and during a 
severe epidemic we may get at the order of the changes in the 
genius epidemicus and the causes thereof. Preceding severe 
epidemics have been recorded “ long-continued drought (oxy- 
genoid weather), succeeded by torrents of rain forming exces- 
sive dampness (hydrogenoid weather), under the influence of 
which spring up inordinate growths, producing mouldiness 
and the blood spots and other colored vegetation that adhere 
to houses, furniture, clothing, person, etc., fostered by a steady 
elevated temperature, etc.—carbo-nitrogenoid condition—(Na- 
ture of Epidemics, p. 16.) 
The carbo-nitrogenoid constitution seems to be the severe 
epidemic year, although Lord Bacon’s aphorism has been con- 
firmed that the “lesser infections of small pox, puerperal fever, 
agues, etc., in the preceding summer, and hovering all winter 
(hydrogenoid), do portend a great pestilence the following 
summer, for the putrefaction rises not to its height at once ” 
(Cyclopaedia of Practical Medicine, vol. ii., p. 68). 
From Hahnemann’s experience and that of others, we infer 
that the epidemic constitution changes every year, perhaps 
giving us the carbo-nitrogenoid epidemic constitution about 
every fourth year. Starting with 1860, the diphtheritic year, 
it will be seen that we had in 1863 the epidemic of meningitis 
cerebro-spinalis; in the fall of 1866 cholera; in the winter of 
1869’-70 relapsing fever; and in 1873 cholera and yellow fever. 
This year, 1876, according to this calculation, is a carbo-nitro- 
genoid epidemic year. Just when the epidemic year begins 
we do not know, but from June, 1875, at least, it has been hy- 
drogenoid. Whether this rule of three extends to days, weeks 
and months, as well as to years, decades and centuries, is an 
interesting and very appropriate question for centennial inves- 
tigation by the whole homoeopathic profession. 
In conclusion, I think these inferences may be drawn: 
1. That the greater epidemics exert a profound and long- 
lasting influence upon disease and therapeutics. 
2. That the lesser epidemics are modified so as to exert a 
modifying influence. 
3. That influenza is an erratic epidemic, modifying the pre- 
INFLUENCE OF EPIDEMICS. world’s homceopathic convention. 
vailing diseases, and pre-announcing the type of the coining 
epidemic. 
4. That all the foregoing may be called “ intercurrent epi- 
demics,” while, behind all, there is a genius epidemicus or sta- 
tionary epidemic influence. 
5. That although this may not change decidedly for a long 
sweep of years, still it is modified from year to year as the 
change in the indicated remedy for the genius epidemicus 
proves. 
6. That the changes from year to year correspond to those 
of the bodily constitution. 
7. That the lesser epidemics prevail during an hydrogenoid 
year, while the greater epidemics occur during an excessively 
carbo-nitrogenoid one. 
8. That the upper and northern air being oxygenoid, this 
epidemic constitution is due to the projection of this air tow- 
ard the tropical surface ; the hydrogenoid is the reverse, while 
the carbo-nitrogenoid epidemic constitution is due to the rapid 
oscillation of both. 
9. The epidemic years are ushered in gradually and succes- 
sively like “waves” over the earth. 
10. The onljr name we have for the genius epidemicus from 
year to year, is that of the indicated remedy. 
Many other inferences might be drawn, but the limits of 
this paper will not allow.